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The Fallen Chronicles #1
Angel Blood
Junkie. Prostitute. Revolutionary. At some point, the pursuit of pleasure is no longer enough. Jayne Daux thought she had her life under control. The drugs were easy to find, and work at the Solis Entertainment Red Light District was tolerable enough. She had at least one solid friend, and was never hard up for a good time. But when one simulation gets rough, pushing the boundaries of consent, something happened which would change her life forever. Enter the Blood Angel. A psychic link. A savior. A dangerous path forward, weaving a trail of danger and violence. What happens when the evidence stacks up, and you find yourself at the mercy of the most powerful corporate interest in the New World? What happens when your friends are taken from you, and you are villainized for standing firm in the face of injustice? Join Jayne as she confronts both the dystopian corporate state, and the darkness of her own mind.
Unknown Binding
Published January 1, 2016
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November 7, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Jayne Daux (just Daux to those who new her) is a virtual whore at one of the most successful sex theatres of the red light district owned by Solis Ent. She has absolutely no doubts or compunction about what she does for a bit of bread, or her value to society. Having electrically stimulated suction cups, sensors and paraphernalia attached to every erogenous zone and orifice, shames her about as much as her technical assistants comments about the little "spider bites" on the inside of her arms. Testament to her nightly chase of the red dragon her employers not only condone, but also promote as discoveries of the "paths of heroin".
Chastise is lost to her need to keep earning enough grub to pay for her next fix. Playing prescripted roles in a virtual world as an avatar known as 'The Angel', limited only by the imaginary choices her paying audiences chose. VR is fast becoming one of the newest fads in erotic entertainment, and society at large. The skill (or curse, depending on your perspective) of dissociation self-taught to allow her to get through her role at work carries significantly over into her real life; just as she'd actually had her name changed in keeping with her on-screen job. Living and working in a world run by VR has made differentiating reality from perception more difficult than people know.
As per her habit Daux arrived late for work that day, with barely enough time to allow proper connection. Had she known that on that same fateful day, following a particularly harrowing sim, that Daux would awaken in a secure psych ward I'm sure she'd have been more than late. Following days lost in withdrawals and 'unreality' Daux finally awakens one morning to find a doctor and his two nurse assistants accusing her of tampering with the respective sim. For the one which nearly killed her allegedlyillegal someone else. Dismay at the accusations however quickly change to disbelief as she is made to watch the recording of what everybody involved at the theatre saw.
If not for this event Daux would've never come to realise the extent of what is available to the highest paying customers or audience. It seems technology in Angel Blood is a double-edged sword. Whilst it might allow the separation of her body from the co-actor(s) on the screen, such that the thespians are no more directly involved as they would be in porn, that same separation prevents her from detecting what is actually happening to her body. Given she's now been through withdrawal and learnt the missed 'Terms and Conditions of intellectual property' of Solis the question becomes, will she go back to one or both. Just as the industry Daux works in is run by the Solis Corporation, so too are the micro-societies they're living in.
The world within the story is a dystopia where the government bodies and services operate with the interests of corporation at heart. Solis rules for its ownership of production. It's sister corporation Gratis rules because it has ownership of the means to pick up the pieces left over from production. For those fallen sick from indulgence and consumption or the complications of technology and physical interface, Gratis runs the doctor's, the hospitals, the allied health services and even much of the 'outreach' programs. All put in place to keep the body running adequately until death so the spirit can go back to consumption. Offered of course under the auspices of helping whilst continuing to make millions and ensuring people are fit enough to make money for Solis. A merry-go-round of misery offset by excess and indulgence, Solis chews them up so Gratis can fix them up so Solis can chew them up, and so on and so forth: or ouroboros.
The manufacturing of the surveillance State is normalised through the integration of holographic advertising and retinal scanners. The discomfort that most people would have towards cameras in their faces are passed off as advertising and security, but they're built with nothing more than control in mind. With the turn of events that have occurred, Daux' ability to hide in plain sight is limited by the way Solis monitors everything. Only in outer areas and in the slums are your actions unmonitored because here there is the user's they no longer can afford. Most would assume that the best idea for someone in Daux' shoes would be to lay low and avoid places where the cameras are. But the call of the drugs given her week long abstinence only takes a mere suggestion from her friend and any common sense jumps straight out the windows. It has connotations of the old adage, let's go out with a bang
An expose of excess and the undeniable need of escapism is evident in the mindless woolgathering Daux narrates throughout the early parts of the story. Whether the chicken or the egg came first is not easily delineated. The undercurrents of damaged people in damaging industry is unavoidable. Is the excess and escapism because of some underlying predilection that follows into the industrious belittling of the sex industry and virtual reality? Or is the belittling of the sex industry what follows into the excess and escapism. Without historical context it's impossible to delineate whether the egg pre-dates the chicken, or the chicken pre-dates the egg. The spiralling of the spirit is the subconscious outcome regardless of where the flow goes. In hallucinated moments of clarity the woolgathering clears to insight but is quickly scooped away by the chronic excess.
Whether it be overdose, sickness or STDs the social experiment of completely legalising the sex and drug industry is the capital wealth that motivates the corporate model of production through a virtual connection. The livelihoods of those wrapped up in the experiment are offset by the voyeuristic needs of those who aren't. Reality TV and sensational news headings have converted the human spirit into the numbers of the statistics which they represent; selling the production of suffering as percentages and margins. Sex and drugs and technology are the biggest of big business, and once Solis successfully petitioned legalisation, they controlled either the lives of those partaking or the rest via their voyeurism. Daux identifies the mechanisms at play and the deterioration of her spirit, but unreservedly washes them away no sooner than, or before, they take root; until she comes to realise enough is enough.
As exampled by her occupation of choice the full gaming of society is 'chipped' into the network by the technological advancements in Virtual Reality (VR). Those partaking in the actual production are chipped by their sensors and connections. Those who aren't are chipped through their access to the entertainment. The VR medium has allowed industry to have access to the pockets of those who watch and enjoy it vicariously, and the shallow or non-existent pockets of those who produce the behaviours for it. Everyone's encapsulated: the watchers go to mindless jobs to earn enough to pay to watch; whilst the VR workers earn enough by doing it to wipe away their memories of it.
Either way they're all involved, or chipped in, to the exclusion of human spirit, save perhaps the ones who own it. Excluding the latter the rest of society is involved full time in converting their bodies into physical avatars so their consciousness of their spirit can escape it. Culmination within is the technological advancements of actual brain chips and even retina modifications. That way, whilst the body is going about the means of production, the spirit is in escapism, so the toll of excesses on the physical can be forgotten: and Solis and Gratis owns them all.
Just as you grasp the extent of the social slide into depravity, consumption and indulgence, the duality of the metaphorical events at the opening of the story take literal form. As the final slide into Fallen takes place for Daux the clarity of the social slide is revealed in all its forms. Too late the angel within is realised and communion finally takes place, but in order to escape the Fallen must take control of Daux's body. If not for the events Daux witnessed on screen after awakening in the psych ward it would be hard to tell if it is just symbolic; or literal as it now seems. What is clear is that the dissociative withdrawal from her body throughout that night has allowed Daux to communicate with her angelic self Luna. Symbolism is rampant, even her name can seem so: Jane Daux - Jane Doe? Just another meaningless body until irrespective of the way she may have fealt toward her employer, Dauxbis awakened with a purpose: Solis and Gratis must go.
A blend of plots that could be partially likened to Matrix meets The Lawnmower Man meets Bladerunner. A dystopian view of a world where capitalism controls indulgence and consumption unhindered by government control. Where sex, drugs and technology are used to numb the spiritual senses so that the physical avatars of human bodies can continue to mindlessly fill the coffers of the two greatest corporations in existence. A convoluted and disenfranchised society of one's and zeros working to maintain the status quo. Where money funnels it's way through consumption until only the owners of the means have any real or satisfied existence. But also where the enlightened can make a difference if they're prepared to let everything go, and recognise the sim for what it is.
An entertaining and startling expose into technology, the plot is the kind you need to read deeply to understand where it goes. Symbolic hints aplenty the reader is connected thoroughly via Daux. Complicated but rewarding, the story's not for the feint of heart. A large step away from the typical fantasy you'do expect if you're planning on comparing it to Faerie Rift Chronicles. A meaty storyline with depth and real meaning but satisfaction in spades if you're prepared to give it a proper go.
Jayne Daux (just Daux to those who new her) is a virtual whore at one of the most successful sex theatres of the red light district owned by Solis Ent. She has absolutely no doubts or compunction about what she does for a bit of bread, or her value to society. Having electrically stimulated suction cups, sensors and paraphernalia attached to every erogenous zone and orifice, shames her about as much as her technical assistants comments about the little "spider bites" on the inside of her arms. Testament to her nightly chase of the red dragon her employers not only condone, but also promote as discoveries of the "paths of heroin".
Chastise is lost to her need to keep earning enough grub to pay for her next fix. Playing prescripted roles in a virtual world as an avatar known as 'The Angel', limited only by the imaginary choices her paying audiences chose. VR is fast becoming one of the newest fads in erotic entertainment, and society at large. The skill (or curse, depending on your perspective) of dissociation self-taught to allow her to get through her role at work carries significantly over into her real life; just as she'd actually had her name changed in keeping with her on-screen job. Living and working in a world run by VR has made differentiating reality from perception more difficult than people know.
As per her habit Daux arrived late for work that day, with barely enough time to allow proper connection. Had she known that on that same fateful day, following a particularly harrowing sim, that Daux would awaken in a secure psych ward I'm sure she'd have been more than late. Following days lost in withdrawals and 'unreality' Daux finally awakens one morning to find a doctor and his two nurse assistants accusing her of tampering with the respective sim. For the one which nearly killed her allegedlyillegal someone else. Dismay at the accusations however quickly change to disbelief as she is made to watch the recording of what everybody involved at the theatre saw.
If not for this event Daux would've never come to realise the extent of what is available to the highest paying customers or audience. It seems technology in Angel Blood is a double-edged sword. Whilst it might allow the separation of her body from the co-actor(s) on the screen, such that the thespians are no more directly involved as they would be in porn, that same separation prevents her from detecting what is actually happening to her body. Given she's now been through withdrawal and learnt the missed 'Terms and Conditions of intellectual property' of Solis the question becomes, will she go back to one or both. Just as the industry Daux works in is run by the Solis Corporation, so too are the micro-societies they're living in.
The world within the story is a dystopia where the government bodies and services operate with the interests of corporation at heart. Solis rules for its ownership of production. It's sister corporation Gratis rules because it has ownership of the means to pick up the pieces left over from production. For those fallen sick from indulgence and consumption or the complications of technology and physical interface, Gratis runs the doctor's, the hospitals, the allied health services and even much of the 'outreach' programs. All put in place to keep the body running adequately until death so the spirit can go back to consumption. Offered of course under the auspices of helping whilst continuing to make millions and ensuring people are fit enough to make money for Solis. A merry-go-round of misery offset by excess and indulgence, Solis chews them up so Gratis can fix them up so Solis can chew them up, and so on and so forth: or ouroboros.
The manufacturing of the surveillance State is normalised through the integration of holographic advertising and retinal scanners. The discomfort that most people would have towards cameras in their faces are passed off as advertising and security, but they're built with nothing more than control in mind. With the turn of events that have occurred, Daux' ability to hide in plain sight is limited by the way Solis monitors everything. Only in outer areas and in the slums are your actions unmonitored because here there is the user's they no longer can afford. Most would assume that the best idea for someone in Daux' shoes would be to lay low and avoid places where the cameras are. But the call of the drugs given her week long abstinence only takes a mere suggestion from her friend and any common sense jumps straight out the windows. It has connotations of the old adage, let's go out with a bang
An expose of excess and the undeniable need of escapism is evident in the mindless woolgathering Daux narrates throughout the early parts of the story. Whether the chicken or the egg came first is not easily delineated. The undercurrents of damaged people in damaging industry is unavoidable. Is the excess and escapism because of some underlying predilection that follows into the industrious belittling of the sex industry and virtual reality? Or is the belittling of the sex industry what follows into the excess and escapism. Without historical context it's impossible to delineate whether the egg pre-dates the chicken, or the chicken pre-dates the egg. The spiralling of the spirit is the subconscious outcome regardless of where the flow goes. In hallucinated moments of clarity the woolgathering clears to insight but is quickly scooped away by the chronic excess.
Whether it be overdose, sickness or STDs the social experiment of completely legalising the sex and drug industry is the capital wealth that motivates the corporate model of production through a virtual connection. The livelihoods of those wrapped up in the experiment are offset by the voyeuristic needs of those who aren't. Reality TV and sensational news headings have converted the human spirit into the numbers of the statistics which they represent; selling the production of suffering as percentages and margins. Sex and drugs and technology are the biggest of big business, and once Solis successfully petitioned legalisation, they controlled either the lives of those partaking or the rest via their voyeurism. Daux identifies the mechanisms at play and the deterioration of her spirit, but unreservedly washes them away no sooner than, or before, they take root; until she comes to realise enough is enough.
As exampled by her occupation of choice the full gaming of society is 'chipped' into the network by the technological advancements in Virtual Reality (VR). Those partaking in the actual production are chipped by their sensors and connections. Those who aren't are chipped through their access to the entertainment. The VR medium has allowed industry to have access to the pockets of those who watch and enjoy it vicariously, and the shallow or non-existent pockets of those who produce the behaviours for it. Everyone's encapsulated: the watchers go to mindless jobs to earn enough to pay to watch; whilst the VR workers earn enough by doing it to wipe away their memories of it.
Either way they're all involved, or chipped in, to the exclusion of human spirit, save perhaps the ones who own it. Excluding the latter the rest of society is involved full time in converting their bodies into physical avatars so their consciousness of their spirit can escape it. Culmination within is the technological advancements of actual brain chips and even retina modifications. That way, whilst the body is going about the means of production, the spirit is in escapism, so the toll of excesses on the physical can be forgotten: and Solis and Gratis owns them all.
Just as you grasp the extent of the social slide into depravity, consumption and indulgence, the duality of the metaphorical events at the opening of the story take literal form. As the final slide into Fallen takes place for Daux the clarity of the social slide is revealed in all its forms. Too late the angel within is realised and communion finally takes place, but in order to escape the Fallen must take control of Daux's body. If not for the events Daux witnessed on screen after awakening in the psych ward it would be hard to tell if it is just symbolic; or literal as it now seems. What is clear is that the dissociative withdrawal from her body throughout that night has allowed Daux to communicate with her angelic self Luna. Symbolism is rampant, even her name can seem so: Jane Daux - Jane Doe? Just another meaningless body until irrespective of the way she may have fealt toward her employer, Dauxbis awakened with a purpose: Solis and Gratis must go.
A blend of plots that could be partially likened to Matrix meets The Lawnmower Man meets Bladerunner. A dystopian view of a world where capitalism controls indulgence and consumption unhindered by government control. Where sex, drugs and technology are used to numb the spiritual senses so that the physical avatars of human bodies can continue to mindlessly fill the coffers of the two greatest corporations in existence. A convoluted and disenfranchised society of one's and zeros working to maintain the status quo. Where money funnels it's way through consumption until only the owners of the means have any real or satisfied existence. But also where the enlightened can make a difference if they're prepared to let everything go, and recognise the sim for what it is.
An entertaining and startling expose into technology, the plot is the kind you need to read deeply to understand where it goes. Symbolic hints aplenty the reader is connected thoroughly via Daux. Complicated but rewarding, the story's not for the feint of heart. A large step away from the typical fantasy you'do expect if you're planning on comparing it to Faerie Rift Chronicles. A meaty storyline with depth and real meaning but satisfaction in spades if you're prepared to give it a proper go.
January 5, 2025
Overall I enjoyed the story and I felt it improved and got easier to read the further into the book I got. Whilst it didn't end on a 'cliff-hanger' as such, the story was most definitely NOT over and I will probably read the next instalment to find out what happens to Jayne next.
Be aware that there are graphic sex scenes (as part of the heroines job) at the start of the book. If you don't like them (they don't bother me) I WOULD recommend skipping through and sticking with the story. I would also say that the heroine grows on you as you progress through the story, she isn't all that likeable at first. I believe this may have been a deliberate action on the part of the author to enable us to see Jayne maturing and growing as a person as the plot progresses.
I liked the dialogue (there is swearing but again I'm not offended by this) and how characters interacted with each other. I also thought the characters were interesting and had been fairly well thought through. The plot is very inventive and is new take on a dystopian tale of good v evil.
I did struggle with the authors writing style at times but this may just be because of MY tastes. I'm not sure if they were trying to make the book have deep meaning, with complex and profound statements, but I like my fantasy straight forward and fairly light. There were also some overcomplicated sentences which I had to re-read several times in order to get the gist and, for me, this interrupted the flow of the story. Thankfully this didn't happen too often and did not prevent me from enjoying the book.
I voluntarily read a copy of this book but this is my honest opinion - I hate reading reviews saying how amazing a book is, and then being really disappointed in it.
Be aware that there are graphic sex scenes (as part of the heroines job) at the start of the book. If you don't like them (they don't bother me) I WOULD recommend skipping through and sticking with the story. I would also say that the heroine grows on you as you progress through the story, she isn't all that likeable at first. I believe this may have been a deliberate action on the part of the author to enable us to see Jayne maturing and growing as a person as the plot progresses.
I liked the dialogue (there is swearing but again I'm not offended by this) and how characters interacted with each other. I also thought the characters were interesting and had been fairly well thought through. The plot is very inventive and is new take on a dystopian tale of good v evil.
I did struggle with the authors writing style at times but this may just be because of MY tastes. I'm not sure if they were trying to make the book have deep meaning, with complex and profound statements, but I like my fantasy straight forward and fairly light. There were also some overcomplicated sentences which I had to re-read several times in order to get the gist and, for me, this interrupted the flow of the story. Thankfully this didn't happen too often and did not prevent me from enjoying the book.
I voluntarily read a copy of this book but this is my honest opinion - I hate reading reviews saying how amazing a book is, and then being really disappointed in it.
November 9, 2016
I am a little disappointed with this book.
The concept and main idea is great and has amazing potential, but I found the execution rather poor and unappealing. The connection I search in the book, the ability to identify myself with one of the characters, with situations or the world itself, was completely missing and it left me empty.
Jayne lives in a world where virtual reality is an ordinary thing. The mankind is driven by primal instincts - survival and sex - that leads to various addictions. Jayne is no better as a drug addict selling her body as virtual whore. After one sim goes wrong, she feels new entity in her soul - an angelic symbiant called Luna, who wakes up the virtues in Jayne´s soul and leads her on the path to fight injustice.
The book is full of violence and sex scenes, written plainly, with raw and brutal reality. The characters are quite okay, though Jayne is the only one showing some development, and it is pitiful we get to know the villain only at the end of the book. Certainly the most interesting character was the bold 12-year girl whose family including Jayne´s friend Hep was abducted. I also suffered from the amount of typos in the ARC. But mostly I was simply lacking the emotional experience.
I think the outline has some potential that may lead to an excellent book series, but if I´d read the next book it would be out of curiosity, not eagerness. I voluntarily read an ARC and offered my honest review.
The concept and main idea is great and has amazing potential, but I found the execution rather poor and unappealing. The connection I search in the book, the ability to identify myself with one of the characters, with situations or the world itself, was completely missing and it left me empty.
Jayne lives in a world where virtual reality is an ordinary thing. The mankind is driven by primal instincts - survival and sex - that leads to various addictions. Jayne is no better as a drug addict selling her body as virtual whore. After one sim goes wrong, she feels new entity in her soul - an angelic symbiant called Luna, who wakes up the virtues in Jayne´s soul and leads her on the path to fight injustice.
The book is full of violence and sex scenes, written plainly, with raw and brutal reality. The characters are quite okay, though Jayne is the only one showing some development, and it is pitiful we get to know the villain only at the end of the book. Certainly the most interesting character was the bold 12-year girl whose family including Jayne´s friend Hep was abducted. I also suffered from the amount of typos in the ARC. But mostly I was simply lacking the emotional experience.
I think the outline has some potential that may lead to an excellent book series, but if I´d read the next book it would be out of curiosity, not eagerness. I voluntarily read an ARC and offered my honest review.
November 13, 2016
Alice falling down the rabbit hole into a gritty, dark dystopian world filled consumed with excess and escapism.
The world building in this story was complex and detailed. The author painted an intriguing picture of a future or alternate world where corporations ran the world and Virtual Reality ruled.
We meet the lead MC - Jane/Angel as she starts her day as a VR/Sex worker. She is hooked up for a performance at her job for Solis Corp in the Virtual Theatre Entertainment and something goes terribly wrong...
I had a hard time connecting with Jane. For me she came across as a very troubled young woman who fed her addictions to escape from reality. I did like that the entity that seemed to possess her at times seemed to make her grow and lend her strength to be the heroine she needed to be to begin to break the control of the system around her.
What saved the book for me was the world. I saw it as a cross between blade runner, Alice in Wonderland & Big Brother. A World run and controlled by two corporations - chips, VR, Drugs, Sex, Gated Communities and ghettos - Black & White - no grey seen her.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy and was not compensated in any way.
The world building in this story was complex and detailed. The author painted an intriguing picture of a future or alternate world where corporations ran the world and Virtual Reality ruled.
We meet the lead MC - Jane/Angel as she starts her day as a VR/Sex worker. She is hooked up for a performance at her job for Solis Corp in the Virtual Theatre Entertainment and something goes terribly wrong...
I had a hard time connecting with Jane. For me she came across as a very troubled young woman who fed her addictions to escape from reality. I did like that the entity that seemed to possess her at times seemed to make her grow and lend her strength to be the heroine she needed to be to begin to break the control of the system around her.
What saved the book for me was the world. I saw it as a cross between blade runner, Alice in Wonderland & Big Brother. A World run and controlled by two corporations - chips, VR, Drugs, Sex, Gated Communities and ghettos - Black & White - no grey seen her.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy and was not compensated in any way.
October 30, 2016
This sci- fi thriller is mind boggling! In this world of infinite possibilities, a future where the virtual reality melds with the physical reality is so extraordinary but also frightening because of the possibility that it actual could come to be. This book will dare to challenge your ability to understand a deeper reality as well as a deeper intellectual evil. For me this storyline was very deep and dark. I reached the end and honestly I am still at a loss as to how I really feel about it. What I know for certain, the writing is pristine. The challenge it presents to your emotions is real, it's hard, and it's definitely not kind, nor do I think it was meant to be. The challenge intellectually is fierce and unrelenting. There is no warm and fuzzy and I am not even sure if I should even be pro main character or not. This book is pure genius but not in the HEA way. This is truly a read if you dare type of book. This voluntary review was based against an advance copy.
November 3, 2016
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn't finish this book. I got half way through and gave up. Sorry Jae but I didn't get it. I wasn't drawn in like I was with A New Dawn. Not for me. :(
I couldn't finish this book. I got half way through and gave up. Sorry Jae but I didn't get it. I wasn't drawn in like I was with A New Dawn. Not for me. :(
October 27, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book and it was great. Totally unexpected there was a little divergent matrix type feel to it. Loved it
November 7, 2016
I had struggled with a few areas of this book (They made me uncomfortable). It is not my usual fare, but overall it is a good book. I voluntarily read a free ARC copy and this is my honest review.
November 15, 2016
Jayne Daux was a junkie working in a sex theater for Solis Entertainment. She arrived late to work, which made Priscilla angry at her. Jayne’s job was to serve as a virtual “whore” with sensor equipment attached everywhere to aid in the experience. Her character was known as the Angel and she responded in that role through each scenario. At least the job was financing her heroin habit.
The “show” started, the scenario being played out. But something went terribly wrong and the male was “killed”. Daux was confused as she woke up. Priscilla angrily told her she was fired. But before she could leave, admin called Priscilla and wanted to talk to Daux. When Jayne passed out again, she woke in a psych ward!
This was a different kind of book for me. It took some getting used to just to get through reading it. It’s not a world I would want to live in. There are life lessons to be learned if you can let yourself not be distracted by the environment the author lays out for us. It’s a brilliant job, very well written, but still very uncomfortable. If you’re curious, why not give it a read and see what you think? I voluntarily reviewed this book and my comments reflect my honest opinion.
The “show” started, the scenario being played out. But something went terribly wrong and the male was “killed”. Daux was confused as she woke up. Priscilla angrily told her she was fired. But before she could leave, admin called Priscilla and wanted to talk to Daux. When Jayne passed out again, she woke in a psych ward!
This was a different kind of book for me. It took some getting used to just to get through reading it. It’s not a world I would want to live in. There are life lessons to be learned if you can let yourself not be distracted by the environment the author lays out for us. It’s a brilliant job, very well written, but still very uncomfortable. If you’re curious, why not give it a read and see what you think? I voluntarily reviewed this book and my comments reflect my honest opinion.
July 23, 2018
This is something a little bit different. An okay read but it tends to waffle on a bit too much.
November 7, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Every opinion is my own - everyone can have different!
I was struggling during reading this book. I found there spelling mistakes for example were instead of aware. There were also " without beginning or end to it.
I ususally don't have problems in following events in plot but here sometimes i was asking myself how she get it?
In this book even a 12 year old girl has more sense than heroine and she even say so!
And whats the most important to me - there was no warning about adult context in this book (and for me it was counted in very bad as i was looking for fantasy without moments in it!), but now in description it was added and thats the reason i change my stars from 2 to 3 stars!
And whats more i couldn't begin to like main character.
I hope to try more books from this author to change my opinion.
I was struggling during reading this book. I found there spelling mistakes for example were instead of aware. There were also " without beginning or end to it.
I ususally don't have problems in following events in plot but here sometimes i was asking myself how she get it?
In this book even a 12 year old girl has more sense than heroine and she even say so!
And whats the most important to me - there was no warning about adult context in this book (and for me it was counted in very bad as i was looking for fantasy without moments in it!), but now in description it was added and thats the reason i change my stars from 2 to 3 stars!
And whats more i couldn't begin to like main character.
I hope to try more books from this author to change my opinion.
March 14, 2017
I'm so over addiction tales to add ~depth~ to a character
October 26, 2016
This is the first book I have read by this author, and it seemed like an urban fantasy I would like. After reading it, I’m not sure I would classify it as urban fantasy, but more like science fiction, which threw me off at first. And, up front, the readers need to know that there are some very graphic sexual-type scenes at the very beginning. If those two things aren’t your style, you might want to take a pass. Now, with those two things out of the way, the book had a very interesting concept. It will be hard to discuss without giving away spoilers, and I try very hard not to give away spoilers, but Jayne is a special person and becomes even more of special person at the end. At first, I didn’t find her to be very sympathetic at all, and I didn’t really like her. By the end of the book, however, I really hoped things would work out, and was intrigued enough to not be able to put the book down. As an aside, Jayne really reminds me of the lead Chess Putnam in the Stacia Kane series Downside Ghosts. The side characters in this book were interesting, as well. I think this book has lots of potential, but seriously needs an editor. Overall, it was well-written and an interesting plot, but incorrect words, abrupt shifts in scenes, and wrong punctuation can really throw the reader out of the story. I didn’t ding the book because of this, but it would shine so much more with a little help. The book is worth a read even with the problems it has so I do recommend it. 3 ½ stars.
Thanks to the author for the e-copy. This same review will be posted on both Goodreads and Amazon.
Thanks to the author for the e-copy. This same review will be posted on both Goodreads and Amazon.
November 10, 2016
This book really got my interest from the very beginning. I wasn't sure what to expect. I feel that it is a unique plot and the author has a great imagination. Technology is very advanced in that the heroine works at a job where she performs as some character in a "sex show". I hope I'm explaining this correctly, sometimes a story paints a picture in my mind that's a little different than what is being told. Lol. The heroine is one of many who are hooked up to some kind of electronic mechanisms then are submerged in some kind of virtual reality show they perform for people. When she is submerged, I couldn't help but be reminded of that Sci-fi show Fringe where Olivia was submerged in that tank. I felt bad for this character because you could tell she hated her job and used drugs to numb everything. It was so thrilling what happens while performing. Thrilling as in scary, not sexually. Well, that too if you like your books steamy. Almost half way through it slowed a fraction but not bad. I love where all this is headed. Very dramatic and can't wait for the next.
November 7, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I'm on the fence with this one. This is the second story I've read by Jae Vogel and while the story was entertaining, I had a few issues with the heroine of the story. She made some questionable decisions... but at the same time, without those decision... you wouldn't have a story. There were a few issues with spelling and punctuation (such as open quotes, but no end quotes). For me the spelling was minor, but the open quotes made it a little difficult to follow who is saying what. The sex scenes were explicit enough to be categorized as erotica... more explicit than one would expect in an urban fantasy genre. I did find the virtual reality aspect of the story to be interesting. It added to the story. For me, the ending left a little to be desired. I enjoyed the story for what it was... entertainment.
I'm on the fence with this one. This is the second story I've read by Jae Vogel and while the story was entertaining, I had a few issues with the heroine of the story. She made some questionable decisions... but at the same time, without those decision... you wouldn't have a story. There were a few issues with spelling and punctuation (such as open quotes, but no end quotes). For me the spelling was minor, but the open quotes made it a little difficult to follow who is saying what. The sex scenes were explicit enough to be categorized as erotica... more explicit than one would expect in an urban fantasy genre. I did find the virtual reality aspect of the story to be interesting. It added to the story. For me, the ending left a little to be desired. I enjoyed the story for what it was... entertainment.
November 15, 2016
I have always wanted to read a Jae Vogel book so when i was given an opportunity to voluntarily review an advanced reader copy of this book i jumped at the chance. So as i have always liked the sound of her books so i was hoping that i would enjoy this one and i had no idea what to expect and i really wanted to love it but i have to be honest i did struggle with this book. I can't really pinpoint why i struggled with it… think there times when i got confused with the storyline and there was something about Daux that i just couldn't relate to.
I didn't hate the story and i could see how much of a talented writer Jae Vogel is and how much she puts into her writing, i think i just couldn't connect with the characters. I will definitely be trying more of her work though due to the writing talent i can see in this book
I didn't hate the story and i could see how much of a talented writer Jae Vogel is and how much she puts into her writing, i think i just couldn't connect with the characters. I will definitely be trying more of her work though due to the writing talent i can see in this book
November 9, 2016
This is a different story then I expected. It has some very interesting ideas about the future and VR.
You have the character of Jayne Daux who narrates the story. She changed her name to this form of Jane Doe and leads a life filled with drugs and sex. She works for a company as a virtual sex operator where storylines are developed and she basically loses her consciousness as she acts our the roles. The problem is she does develop some awareness during these roles and it brings unwanted attention. It is a raw kind of story with very brutal and violent situations. I didn't get the connection I was hoping with the character and story. I felt a distance but I was definitely intrigued by the storyline.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received,
You have the character of Jayne Daux who narrates the story. She changed her name to this form of Jane Doe and leads a life filled with drugs and sex. She works for a company as a virtual sex operator where storylines are developed and she basically loses her consciousness as she acts our the roles. The problem is she does develop some awareness during these roles and it brings unwanted attention. It is a raw kind of story with very brutal and violent situations. I didn't get the connection I was hoping with the character and story. I felt a distance but I was definitely intrigued by the storyline.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received,
November 12, 2016
Enter into the world of eroticism through virtual reality. You can not be prudish where this book is concerned. It deals with self respect, drugs and the reason for their use, and the grab for power. The difference between the haves and the have not seen, is highlighted, but also the relinquishing of rights for personal pleasure.
It also deals with the ability to be possessed by something more, the angel, which is described as "The Genius. The very spirit of Guidance which thrives symbiotically within your consciousness." We all are possessed in some regards, it's whether we harness the strength from the connection is the difference.
Thought provoking topics in a somewhat erotic background.
It also deals with the ability to be possessed by something more, the angel, which is described as "The Genius. The very spirit of Guidance which thrives symbiotically within your consciousness." We all are possessed in some regards, it's whether we harness the strength from the connection is the difference.
Thought provoking topics in a somewhat erotic background.
November 17, 2016
I'll start by saying i didn't have a clue what i was reading before I started the book. I personally found it a worthwhile read although challenging to keep up with. The overall "growth" of the heroin in the dystopian set up was impressive and interesting to follow. The sexual take of the story can be disturbing at times for a particular set of readers but it is nicely incorporated and overall a different perspective.
It was an different experience that I don't regret enjoying.
I voluntarily reviewed for the Arc team.
It was an different experience that I don't regret enjoying.
I voluntarily reviewed for the Arc team.
November 6, 2016
I voluntarily agreed to review an advanced reader copy of this book.I'm sorry I tried but had to give up a third of the way through.It started as an erotic novel then turned into a dystopian thriller but just got a little too confusing to me.When Jayne started to refer to herself in the third person I got lost!Sorry but not for me.
November 7, 2016
This book was extremely difficult for me to get into, I'm not a "techie" and VR or Virtual Reality has no interest for me. Add into it the editing and spelling problems and it just became a so-so book for me. If your into VR I'm betting Daux and her heroin problems would be of interest, but I prefer my Urban Fantasy with more Fantasy and less tech. 2☆'s.
November 8, 2016
I had a hard time following this story.
A voluntary system of excess: drugs, VR, chip implants.... walking dead. lost faith in physical realty.. psychic possession. This is not my normal kind of read and I didn't like this story. I am giving it 3 stars however because I don't feel that I am a good judge of what is good in this genre. I received this book free and voluntarily reviewed it.
A voluntary system of excess: drugs, VR, chip implants.... walking dead. lost faith in physical realty.. psychic possession. This is not my normal kind of read and I didn't like this story. I am giving it 3 stars however because I don't feel that I am a good judge of what is good in this genre. I received this book free and voluntarily reviewed it.
November 15, 2016
Jayne Daux works for the Solis Corp as a Virtual Reality Sex Worker. This sci-fi fiction is set in a dark distopian world. The world building descriptions are very well detailed. A complex novel that is well developed with no plot holes. The character's are intriguing.
An entertaining read.I voluntarly reviewed an advanced reading copy.
An entertaining read.I voluntarly reviewed an advanced reading copy.
November 18, 2016
*I voluntarily read an ARC of this book*
It is not that I disliked the book, it is ok. I really couldn't connect with the MC and she wasn't really all that likeable of a character. The idea was interesting with all the virtual reality being such a big part of a dystopian society. There was a lot of potential but it kind of fell short for me.
It is not that I disliked the book, it is ok. I really couldn't connect with the MC and she wasn't really all that likeable of a character. The idea was interesting with all the virtual reality being such a big part of a dystopian society. There was a lot of potential but it kind of fell short for me.
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