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Rogues
What does a truck driver, a dead rock star, and a Chihuahua have in common? For one, they're on the run from a race of demons called Rogues. Earl DePapa never expected to come across a girl walking down the middle of the road during his last run. He certainly never expected to nearly hit one covered in blood but he finds himself willingly beginning to weave himself into her life and begins to help her escape from the demons, both literally and figuratively, that haunt her.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 13, 2017
I'm so in awe by this woman's talent!! Her stories seem to come so easily to her and every word has a home and flows together like a masterpiece! She is the kind of writer I crave when I pick up an over hyped book and finally give into reading it. She is the type of writer that I could only wish to be and I cannot wait to see what she does next!
March 20, 2018
'Rogues' by Christy Aldridge focuses on the path of two people aided by a delightful Chihuahua. Lucy, a dead rock star found covered in blood on the road, and Earl; the truck driver who nearly hit her. From there, the two learn about the Rogues who have plagued Lucy. Then, as the setting and atmospheres become increasingly more malevolent, they hatch a few schemes to rid Lucy, and the world, of the Rogues (demons, in essence) once and for all. A very simple and familiar story, though that’s not a fault. Very few plots in horror are entirely original anymore. So the execution becomes key. And in that regard, Christy Aldridge’s work meets the standard and, in places, exceeds it.
This is a very delightful beginning. An odd situation that unravels nice and slow in many different manner of ways. The best beginnings, in my opinion, are always ordinary situations with a simple but effective twist. We’ve all driven at night as Earl does in the opening, but very few of us come across a beautiful young woman covered in blood. Great start. And from there the book’s greatest strength, and perhaps Aldridge’s, becomes very clear. This is a story, not a plot.
Soapbox alert: Stick with me on this one. I feel there’s a very important distinction to be made here. Story and plot are not synonymous or interchangeable. Plot is a shifty thing. Adding new elements which were previously unknown to purposely advance said plot. Like a chain, each rung and ring leads to the next. Detective mysteries and ‘who dunnit’ stories are fraught with plot. Each event must have significant placement to effectively lead to the next. Story, by comparison, is a winding and wandering trek. A journey rather than a direct destination. Something in which the reader can become happily lost rather than directly engaged in logic and reasoning. I feel that story is superior because you get the best part of any entertainment and make believe. Character development. A reason to CARE about the fates of the characters as they drift through the story the same as the reader turns the pages. And this is important because it accomplishes the most important piece of storytelling. Emotional connection. Regardless the emotion, if I feel nothing, I feel the story has failed. And the ‘logic’ of plot is in stark contrast with the ‘emotion’ of story. It’s difficult to make an audience feel for characters so flat and one-dimensional as the logical demands of plot demand.
I said all that to say this. Christy Aldridge lives in story. And in that dwelling, she reaches further than the term ‘writer’ and becomes a ‘storyteller.’ And in places, aspires even further than ‘storyteller’ and attempts to become the ultimate in story delivery. An entertainer. And her bravery to be this type of writer invokes many, MANY elements of Stephen King. And while I have my beefs with King, I admit there is no better example to follow. Some others being just as good, though not better. And Aldridge’s resemblance to King in places is striking and well done. Particularly the romance, the passion and the unwillingness wrap a story before she’s good and ready. A trait I admire greatly and demand out of the authors I read. Earl and Lucy’s interplay with their blooming romance refuses to fully blossom until our journey is complete, until Aldridge has had her say. Every last word of it.
And while I admire this trait, I must admit that is where I had a quibble or two. The romantic interchanges, the struggles to better themselves, the fight to ‘give in’ to one another unfold for page upon page. And in some places, drags a noticeable amount. Not because Earl and Lucy’s love story isn’t entertaining. Far from it. Their scenes are fantastic and the characters have great chemistry with one another. But in some places, there is repetition of particular issues or feelings or struggles that we have already covered between the two of them. Now. If I quibbled about the pace in places between Lucy and Earl because they continued to rehash familiar topics, rest assured that that’s all they are. Quibbles. As an author that prefers to beat home certain points and relational elements in my own books, I can hardly pick at another author for employing the same technique. I will admit that it was my want for the two of them to finally connect that drove my impatience in places. I wanted to see them happy. So, I won’t knock the pacing because I entirely understand it. And since I was that enthralled in their chemistry, it’s further proof of Aldridge’s ability to draw, hook and interest readers.
Where the book does lose one star is the places in which Aldridge reaches even further toward the ‘entertainer’ moniker. She introduces and works several explosive scenes. Perfect to enthrall and really showcase some brute force muscle by slinging some well deserved blood. But, unfortunately, there’s not much blood to be had. Or violence. There is fire, lots of it throughout the book. But the blood and the other wet bits are a bit lacking, which comes as a bit of a surprise. And while that’s certainly not a requirement of any story, this is horror after all. And while there is blood and violence, the amount is strikingly very little. Normally, this wouldn’t bother me so much. However. I can tell through the writing and the scenes and the general atmosphere that Aldridge could sling some serious dread and terror and massacre if she wished. I’d like to see that. And I feel there were a few missed opportunities throughout 'Rogues' which were perfect to showcase some pure devilry and rapacious bloody delight. There are spots where she reaches into darkness. I’d like to see her reach even further and make some of these scenes haunting and visceral. Because the nature of her writing style is very, VERY capable of it. And in spots, it’s also bluntly clear that’s where her words want to go. Particularly an explosive interlude where an entire gas station explodes, taking a Rogue with it. I say, COMMIT, woman. COMMIT. And I say that with love, because the section is still very well written. There just could have been so much more blood. And if those fingers want to throw blood, I say let them go where they want. :D
But, at the end of it, completing the comparison with Stephen King, perhaps, because King also has been reluctant to create horror with much, or any, blood throughout his career.
That criticism aside, rest assured that there is plenty to love about this book. Not just like, love. It’s very well written, it’s clean work. It’s full of emotion and gripping romance. You will root for this book, mark me. You will root for it. I know I did. Earl’s development is particularly well done. Which is a pleasant surprise because it’s always phenomenal to see an author write the opposite gender so completely and accurately. Solid work. This is a great buy and will resonate with any reader who enjoys the many works of Stephen King. Yes, I did just compare Aldridge’s work to Stephen King. And yes, she is as talented. Particularly in the categorization of ‘dark fantasy.’ A genre in which both King and Aldridge seem very, very content.
This book is free on Kindle. You literally have nothing to lose. Or, if you've got the stones, give the fifteen bucks. Go buy the book. Trust me.
This is a very delightful beginning. An odd situation that unravels nice and slow in many different manner of ways. The best beginnings, in my opinion, are always ordinary situations with a simple but effective twist. We’ve all driven at night as Earl does in the opening, but very few of us come across a beautiful young woman covered in blood. Great start. And from there the book’s greatest strength, and perhaps Aldridge’s, becomes very clear. This is a story, not a plot.
Soapbox alert: Stick with me on this one. I feel there’s a very important distinction to be made here. Story and plot are not synonymous or interchangeable. Plot is a shifty thing. Adding new elements which were previously unknown to purposely advance said plot. Like a chain, each rung and ring leads to the next. Detective mysteries and ‘who dunnit’ stories are fraught with plot. Each event must have significant placement to effectively lead to the next. Story, by comparison, is a winding and wandering trek. A journey rather than a direct destination. Something in which the reader can become happily lost rather than directly engaged in logic and reasoning. I feel that story is superior because you get the best part of any entertainment and make believe. Character development. A reason to CARE about the fates of the characters as they drift through the story the same as the reader turns the pages. And this is important because it accomplishes the most important piece of storytelling. Emotional connection. Regardless the emotion, if I feel nothing, I feel the story has failed. And the ‘logic’ of plot is in stark contrast with the ‘emotion’ of story. It’s difficult to make an audience feel for characters so flat and one-dimensional as the logical demands of plot demand.
I said all that to say this. Christy Aldridge lives in story. And in that dwelling, she reaches further than the term ‘writer’ and becomes a ‘storyteller.’ And in places, aspires even further than ‘storyteller’ and attempts to become the ultimate in story delivery. An entertainer. And her bravery to be this type of writer invokes many, MANY elements of Stephen King. And while I have my beefs with King, I admit there is no better example to follow. Some others being just as good, though not better. And Aldridge’s resemblance to King in places is striking and well done. Particularly the romance, the passion and the unwillingness wrap a story before she’s good and ready. A trait I admire greatly and demand out of the authors I read. Earl and Lucy’s interplay with their blooming romance refuses to fully blossom until our journey is complete, until Aldridge has had her say. Every last word of it.
And while I admire this trait, I must admit that is where I had a quibble or two. The romantic interchanges, the struggles to better themselves, the fight to ‘give in’ to one another unfold for page upon page. And in some places, drags a noticeable amount. Not because Earl and Lucy’s love story isn’t entertaining. Far from it. Their scenes are fantastic and the characters have great chemistry with one another. But in some places, there is repetition of particular issues or feelings or struggles that we have already covered between the two of them. Now. If I quibbled about the pace in places between Lucy and Earl because they continued to rehash familiar topics, rest assured that that’s all they are. Quibbles. As an author that prefers to beat home certain points and relational elements in my own books, I can hardly pick at another author for employing the same technique. I will admit that it was my want for the two of them to finally connect that drove my impatience in places. I wanted to see them happy. So, I won’t knock the pacing because I entirely understand it. And since I was that enthralled in their chemistry, it’s further proof of Aldridge’s ability to draw, hook and interest readers.
Where the book does lose one star is the places in which Aldridge reaches even further toward the ‘entertainer’ moniker. She introduces and works several explosive scenes. Perfect to enthrall and really showcase some brute force muscle by slinging some well deserved blood. But, unfortunately, there’s not much blood to be had. Or violence. There is fire, lots of it throughout the book. But the blood and the other wet bits are a bit lacking, which comes as a bit of a surprise. And while that’s certainly not a requirement of any story, this is horror after all. And while there is blood and violence, the amount is strikingly very little. Normally, this wouldn’t bother me so much. However. I can tell through the writing and the scenes and the general atmosphere that Aldridge could sling some serious dread and terror and massacre if she wished. I’d like to see that. And I feel there were a few missed opportunities throughout 'Rogues' which were perfect to showcase some pure devilry and rapacious bloody delight. There are spots where she reaches into darkness. I’d like to see her reach even further and make some of these scenes haunting and visceral. Because the nature of her writing style is very, VERY capable of it. And in spots, it’s also bluntly clear that’s where her words want to go. Particularly an explosive interlude where an entire gas station explodes, taking a Rogue with it. I say, COMMIT, woman. COMMIT. And I say that with love, because the section is still very well written. There just could have been so much more blood. And if those fingers want to throw blood, I say let them go where they want. :D
But, at the end of it, completing the comparison with Stephen King, perhaps, because King also has been reluctant to create horror with much, or any, blood throughout his career.
That criticism aside, rest assured that there is plenty to love about this book. Not just like, love. It’s very well written, it’s clean work. It’s full of emotion and gripping romance. You will root for this book, mark me. You will root for it. I know I did. Earl’s development is particularly well done. Which is a pleasant surprise because it’s always phenomenal to see an author write the opposite gender so completely and accurately. Solid work. This is a great buy and will resonate with any reader who enjoys the many works of Stephen King. Yes, I did just compare Aldridge’s work to Stephen King. And yes, she is as talented. Particularly in the categorization of ‘dark fantasy.’ A genre in which both King and Aldridge seem very, very content.
This book is free on Kindle. You literally have nothing to lose. Or, if you've got the stones, give the fifteen bucks. Go buy the book. Trust me.
January 29, 2017
Lucy looked at him. Her eyes were just as envious as they had been the first time he had ever seen her, staring back at him through a television screen. "I love you " she said. Earl never wanted her to stop saying it. "What do we do now ?" she asked him. Earl gave her the only answer he could think of. "Live"
I rarely pick up a book that I can't put down but Rogues is one of those rare books that completely captured my total attention and imagination written by Christy Aldridge. The story is about Lucy a young woman who's troubled by a gang of demons "Rogues" with many twists and turns in between until she meets Earl a man who turns out to be her knight in shining armor and lover. The characters in this story are gripping and the connection of their feelings compelling. All in all a fantastic read from start to finish.
I rarely pick up a book that I can't put down but Rogues is one of those rare books that completely captured my total attention and imagination written by Christy Aldridge. The story is about Lucy a young woman who's troubled by a gang of demons "Rogues" with many twists and turns in between until she meets Earl a man who turns out to be her knight in shining armor and lover. The characters in this story are gripping and the connection of their feelings compelling. All in all a fantastic read from start to finish.
February 12, 2017
I was not entirely sure what to expect when I started reading rogues. At its core, it tells a rather simple story. But, weaved in that deceivingly simple plot is something much more meaningful. It's a story loss and finding your way out of a dark place. I found it refreshing to read a book written in this modern age that has something to say.
Christy Aldridge is a talented writer who writes poetically with beautiful descriptions and well thought out characters. I was very impressed with the way in which she developed her characters through the progression of the story. It felt very organic and did not feel forced or unnatural.
I don't like giving away plot details when it comes to recommending a book. If you enjoy strong characters, a powerful female lead, and a story with something to say. Then I think you would enjoy reading rogues.
Christy Aldridge is a talented writer who writes poetically with beautiful descriptions and well thought out characters. I was very impressed with the way in which she developed her characters through the progression of the story. It felt very organic and did not feel forced or unnatural.
I don't like giving away plot details when it comes to recommending a book. If you enjoy strong characters, a powerful female lead, and a story with something to say. Then I think you would enjoy reading rogues.
May 26, 2022
Rogues is my introduction to this author, and from the outset I could sense I was reading the work of a gifted storyteller. The characters (both good and bad) had a depth that I thrive on when diving into a book. I felt for the main characters' predicaments, having to battle not only actual demons, but their own personal demons as well. As a reader of more violent works of horror, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this tale, because (for me at least) there wasn't much blood to speak of in this story. Readers of horror that appreciate a more romantic slant will like this one.
February 3, 2017
If you like paranormal thrillers, you will certainly enjoy Rogues. Leading off with an unlikely meeting the action starts within just a few pages. The characters faced real problems, as well as some paranormal ones, and the way that Aldridge built the story allowed for the audience to really pull for them along the way.
February 15, 2017
Rogues kept my attention from beginning to end. The story was amazing, but I was obsessed with the characters. I love how they developed in the book. Their rising and falling was an emotional ride for me as a reader. I enjoyed it very much. Definitely a must have for horror lovers.
February 22, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Great writing. New perspective, really great book. Definitely a must read and a new favorite author of mine.
October 1, 2020
3 1/2 months ago I discovered the very talented @christy_aldridge via her novel Six Months. After too long a delay, I just finished my second Aldridge story, Rogues. When Earl, a lonely truck driver, comes across a bloody female walking down the road, he becomes involved with Rogues, demons whose goal it is to roam the earth.
.
With this spine-tingling tale, Aldridge has confirmed her title as the "Southern Belle of Horror". Her characters are always believable (if you believe in demons), and the reader can easily love her protagonists and hate the antagonists. The storyline is finely crafted, and has a flow the keeps the reader engrossed. This is one of those novels that demand to be read in one sitting; at no point can you find a place to stop reading. The suspense continues to build as Earl and Lucy try to save Lucy's soul, and their very lives. Christy Aldridge is one of those authors whose books I buy strictly due to the author's name on the cover, among such names as King, Ahlborn and Burke (KPB).
.
With this spine-tingling tale, Aldridge has confirmed her title as the "Southern Belle of Horror". Her characters are always believable (if you believe in demons), and the reader can easily love her protagonists and hate the antagonists. The storyline is finely crafted, and has a flow the keeps the reader engrossed. This is one of those novels that demand to be read in one sitting; at no point can you find a place to stop reading. The suspense continues to build as Earl and Lucy try to save Lucy's soul, and their very lives. Christy Aldridge is one of those authors whose books I buy strictly due to the author's name on the cover, among such names as King, Ahlborn and Burke (KPB).
April 22, 2018
With 'Rogues' Aldridge takes you to America's deep south, with brilliantly evocative writing. The trucks are big, the highways are endless, country music rules the airwaves, and a little demonic possession...
But thankfully Aldridge avoids the usual clichés and stamps her own unique voice on the subject. And it's a voice that sometimes whispers in your ear and other times screams in your face, but constantly demands you keep reading.
I cannot recommend this book (or any of her others) highly enough. If you enjoy original, well written horror then buy this book.
You won't be disappointed.
But thankfully Aldridge avoids the usual clichés and stamps her own unique voice on the subject. And it's a voice that sometimes whispers in your ear and other times screams in your face, but constantly demands you keep reading.
I cannot recommend this book (or any of her others) highly enough. If you enjoy original, well written horror then buy this book.
You won't be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews