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Heads Will Roll
What if, in the near future, we could choose the body we wanted? We could visit a store front, much like a neighborhood mom-and-pop shop, and we’d see all the available bodies lined up in a glass-enclosed case. We’d be able to choose the body we wanted, purchase it, have an operation, and wham bam! wake up with our new body.
Dr. Farkis begins his head transplant operations in secret in Oakland, California and Tokyo, Japan. When news filters out about his revolutionary surgery, individuals from all walks of life come forward, desperate for a new body and an improved life that only Dr. Farkis can offer. We meet: Barry, so frantic for a new body, he stalks the doctor and bargains with a menacing ultimatum; Aiko, father of 19-year-old Kaneko, who demands that she undergo the operation to become more attractive to snag a husband; and finally, Baby, who finds out the hard way that demanding a new body may end up being fatal.
Choosing the perfect physique from a smorgasbord of available bodies seems like a dream . . . or is it a nightmare?
Dr. Farkis begins his head transplant operations in secret in Oakland, California and Tokyo, Japan. When news filters out about his revolutionary surgery, individuals from all walks of life come forward, desperate for a new body and an improved life that only Dr. Farkis can offer. We meet: Barry, so frantic for a new body, he stalks the doctor and bargains with a menacing ultimatum; Aiko, father of 19-year-old Kaneko, who demands that she undergo the operation to become more attractive to snag a husband; and finally, Baby, who finds out the hard way that demanding a new body may end up being fatal.
Choosing the perfect physique from a smorgasbord of available bodies seems like a dream . . . or is it a nightmare?
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2017
229 people are currently reading
672 people want to read
About the author
Joanie Chevalier
14 books120 followersHi! I love to write thrillers, romance-suspense, crime, humor, nonfiction, short stories and anything else that pops into my head. I am the mother of weird children and cute Chihuahuas. I love new readers because I'm a new author, so we can be great friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 19, 2018
When I looked ta the reviews for this before reading they were really polarised; people seemed to love it or hate it. I think I'll fall somewhere on the enjoyment side of the scale.
It's a bonkers B-movie shock schlok of a book.It's pretty mental although there is a blog on the authors page about how there really is a doctor who wants to perform head transplants.
None of the characters are very deep or greatly described, the plot is quite light and half of it doesn't really make a lot of sense however the whole thing is over the top fun. Suspend belief for a few hours and just indulge in some fantasy.
Free arc from netgalley
It's a bonkers B-movie shock schlok of a book.It's pretty mental although there is a blog on the authors page about how there really is a doctor who wants to perform head transplants.
None of the characters are very deep or greatly described, the plot is quite light and half of it doesn't really make a lot of sense however the whole thing is over the top fun. Suspend belief for a few hours and just indulge in some fantasy.
Free arc from netgalley
June 16, 2017
3.5/5 Stars
Solid thriller built on an interesting concept! Each of the characters had their own reasons for wanting a new body, not to mention how far each were willing to go to achieve their goal. I loved the suspense wrapped around every moment of this book as the separate elements slowly became intertwined into one heart-pounding tale. The plot went a little out there at some points and blended with secrets, greed, and blackmail, it’s definitely an attention grabber.
I recommend it to fans of medical thrillers!
Solid thriller built on an interesting concept! Each of the characters had their own reasons for wanting a new body, not to mention how far each were willing to go to achieve their goal. I loved the suspense wrapped around every moment of this book as the separate elements slowly became intertwined into one heart-pounding tale. The plot went a little out there at some points and blended with secrets, greed, and blackmail, it’s definitely an attention grabber.
I recommend it to fans of medical thrillers!
May 20, 2017
I’m a fan of the strange and, after hearing about the intent to attempt head transplants on humans some time ago, I decided to give Heads Will Roll by Joanie Chevalier a read. I must admit that I am disappointed as my expectations for this novel were extremely high.
Before I go into detail on what I didn’t like about Heads Will Roll, I feel it is necessary to say that Chevalier excels at creating realistic characters. While I may feel there are far too many roles to keep up with, the characters in Heads Will Roll behave much like most of us might in similar situations. There is a time or two where aspects of their interactions feel superfluous, but for the most part Chevalier’s cast encompasses several different personalities. On occasion, their behavior is entirely irrelevant to the story. Most importantly, none of Chevalier’s characters are perfect in any form or fashion.
While the plot in Heads Will Roll is fairly straightforward, it does not flow well. This is perhaps my biggest issue with this book. There is far too much going on, far too many strings, and not enough pages. This can be remedied by adding additional chapters or cutting out unnecessary ones. For instance, it feels like Aiko and his daughter are forgotten about for nearly half the book, only to conclude with them. So much time is spent on them at the beginning that it is easy for a reader to become attached only for them to disappear. I feel this may be because of the unusually large cast, which prevents any true connection to a single character.
There are some who absolutely love it, and while it is not painful to read, it simply misses the mark for me. I didn’t include editing mistakes in my review. The copy that I received is not a final draft. I would like to thank Joanie Chevalier for providing me with an advanced copy of her book for an unbiased review.
Before I go into detail on what I didn’t like about Heads Will Roll, I feel it is necessary to say that Chevalier excels at creating realistic characters. While I may feel there are far too many roles to keep up with, the characters in Heads Will Roll behave much like most of us might in similar situations. There is a time or two where aspects of their interactions feel superfluous, but for the most part Chevalier’s cast encompasses several different personalities. On occasion, their behavior is entirely irrelevant to the story. Most importantly, none of Chevalier’s characters are perfect in any form or fashion.
While the plot in Heads Will Roll is fairly straightforward, it does not flow well. This is perhaps my biggest issue with this book. There is far too much going on, far too many strings, and not enough pages. This can be remedied by adding additional chapters or cutting out unnecessary ones. For instance, it feels like Aiko and his daughter are forgotten about for nearly half the book, only to conclude with them. So much time is spent on them at the beginning that it is easy for a reader to become attached only for them to disappear. I feel this may be because of the unusually large cast, which prevents any true connection to a single character.
There are some who absolutely love it, and while it is not painful to read, it simply misses the mark for me. I didn’t include editing mistakes in my review. The copy that I received is not a final draft. I would like to thank Joanie Chevalier for providing me with an advanced copy of her book for an unbiased review.
April 12, 2018
Disappointing.
Have a promising storyline and plot. BUT, UHMMM... I never gave up because I think there will be more to it. At the end, I wasted my time. Sorry not sorry. :( Bah!!! Wth.
Have a promising storyline and plot. BUT, UHMMM... I never gave up because I think there will be more to it. At the end, I wasted my time. Sorry not sorry. :( Bah!!! Wth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2017
My review of Heads Will Roll by Joanie Chevalier
This is the first book I’ve read by Joanie Chevalier, so I was unsure what to expect. I found her style easy to digest and the story grabbed me from the start. The unusual subject matter was intriguing and pleasingly dark. Head transplant surgery is an interesting, novel hypothesis. It could make some readers queasy to even consider, but mankind enjoys a challenge, so I wouldn’t be surprised if a surgeon transplants a head onto a body one day as medicine advances. I enjoyed the stories of the diverse characters who wanted to have their heads transplanted onto superior bodies to their own for health or cosmetic reasons. I particularly enjoyed terminally ill Barry’s story. The sinister aura of crazy Dr. Stefan Farkis permeated the book, making the hairs stick up on the back of the reader’s neck at times. Heads Will Roll is well written and certainly worth reading. It’s a book that entertains while making the reader think.
This is the first book I’ve read by Joanie Chevalier, so I was unsure what to expect. I found her style easy to digest and the story grabbed me from the start. The unusual subject matter was intriguing and pleasingly dark. Head transplant surgery is an interesting, novel hypothesis. It could make some readers queasy to even consider, but mankind enjoys a challenge, so I wouldn’t be surprised if a surgeon transplants a head onto a body one day as medicine advances. I enjoyed the stories of the diverse characters who wanted to have their heads transplanted onto superior bodies to their own for health or cosmetic reasons. I particularly enjoyed terminally ill Barry’s story. The sinister aura of crazy Dr. Stefan Farkis permeated the book, making the hairs stick up on the back of the reader’s neck at times. Heads Will Roll is well written and certainly worth reading. It’s a book that entertains while making the reader think.
June 20, 2017
I love the story line. The premise of head/body transplants are usually related to robots and cyborgs. No science fiction in this book! There was so much going on. Never a dull moment!
Throughout the book you learn the characters connection to each other. It’s as if each personal connection coordinates with the connection of each vein and spinal cord from the body to the head. The connections can be severed. Relocating and then reattaching may be accomplished, but it may not be completely successful.
The three brothers are trying to pick up the pieces of their faltering legacy. Their family was in no way perfect. Skeletons were being dealt with years after their parents had passed. The job wasn’t easy, but the brothers had each other. The boys were raised in a loving home. It was because of that love that each brother took it upon themselves to unknowingly sacrifice for the other.
Dr. Farkis was raised amongst wealth. He was an extremely intelligent boy. He had the love of his parents, but he didn’t realize it. He believed their love was directed towards a younger foster brother. Farkis yearned to feel, to know, his mother’s love. He directed that sense of loss into his work. He knew from a young age what he wanted to achieve in life and he didn’t falter from that course.
And then there was Barry. All he wanted was a new lease on life. According to his doctors, he was already past his expiration date. What else could Barry do but try to convince Dr. Farkis he would be the perfect candidate to bring them fame and fortune. Barry was positive he would be the first success, but would he have been?
Throughout the book you learn the characters connection to each other. It’s as if each personal connection coordinates with the connection of each vein and spinal cord from the body to the head. The connections can be severed. Relocating and then reattaching may be accomplished, but it may not be completely successful.
The three brothers are trying to pick up the pieces of their faltering legacy. Their family was in no way perfect. Skeletons were being dealt with years after their parents had passed. The job wasn’t easy, but the brothers had each other. The boys were raised in a loving home. It was because of that love that each brother took it upon themselves to unknowingly sacrifice for the other.
Dr. Farkis was raised amongst wealth. He was an extremely intelligent boy. He had the love of his parents, but he didn’t realize it. He believed their love was directed towards a younger foster brother. Farkis yearned to feel, to know, his mother’s love. He directed that sense of loss into his work. He knew from a young age what he wanted to achieve in life and he didn’t falter from that course.
And then there was Barry. All he wanted was a new lease on life. According to his doctors, he was already past his expiration date. What else could Barry do but try to convince Dr. Farkis he would be the perfect candidate to bring them fame and fortune. Barry was positive he would be the first success, but would he have been?
October 13, 2017
This was a fun mash of bizarre medical thriller and mob/political intrigue. It is told from varying perspectives that wind together. I enjoyed the Frankenstein aspects best, the doctor was a real hoot. There were several patients who for their own personal reasons were not only willing, but some very desperate to be guinea pigs in a head transplant operation that our mad doctor was trying to perfect. While this is going on there are other more grounded threads in the story with a mobster, some thugs, and senator.
It had a steady pace, and a gripping story. The blend of real and bizarre was a lot of fun. I did have a tough time making a solid connection with any of the characters, other than really enjoying how far out Farkis was, but that did not impact my ability to enjoy the story. Toward the end there were several places that gave me a chuckle, though I’m pretty bent in my sense of humor.
I think fans of thrillers and camp will really enjoy this.
It had a steady pace, and a gripping story. The blend of real and bizarre was a lot of fun. I did have a tough time making a solid connection with any of the characters, other than really enjoying how far out Farkis was, but that did not impact my ability to enjoy the story. Toward the end there were several places that gave me a chuckle, though I’m pretty bent in my sense of humor.
I think fans of thrillers and camp will really enjoy this.
May 30, 2017
A Creepy Tale With A Sinister Twist
I enjoyed reading this story. What an edge on your seat terrifying thriller, which focuses on people who will do just about anything to have the ideal body, and the doctor who will cross the line, to make their dreams a reality. The well-written plot moves between Japan and California, with some multifaceted characters that you will either despise or sympathize with. The interweaving of the two countries makes for a intriguing and gripping tale filled with unbelievable twists and turns, betrayal, blackmail, greed, narcissism, political corruption, secrets, lies, and revelations, building up to an ending that will leave you reeling with a significant message: Be careful what you wish for; you may not like the end results.
I enjoyed reading this story. What an edge on your seat terrifying thriller, which focuses on people who will do just about anything to have the ideal body, and the doctor who will cross the line, to make their dreams a reality. The well-written plot moves between Japan and California, with some multifaceted characters that you will either despise or sympathize with. The interweaving of the two countries makes for a intriguing and gripping tale filled with unbelievable twists and turns, betrayal, blackmail, greed, narcissism, political corruption, secrets, lies, and revelations, building up to an ending that will leave you reeling with a significant message: Be careful what you wish for; you may not like the end results.
May 1, 2017
Joanie has written a book that will keep you thinking well after you finish it. There were times that this book reminded me of the late-night B movies, which isn't a bad thing at all.
The main thrust of the book, which is really ripped from the headlines, is handled quite well, I think. I thought at first that there should have been more science in the book, but once I finished I realized that would have spoiled the almost campy atmosphere that permeated the story.
Joanie did a great job writing this one -- I enjoyed it quite a lot.
The main thrust of the book, which is really ripped from the headlines, is handled quite well, I think. I thought at first that there should have been more science in the book, but once I finished I realized that would have spoiled the almost campy atmosphere that permeated the story.
Joanie did a great job writing this one -- I enjoyed it quite a lot.
June 8, 2017
The book is well-written. It has a very unique plot. The story is about head transplant surgery. A little creepy for me. But I enjoyed reading it. It is very interesting to read about the ability to transplant your head onto a different body. I would recommend this book to those who love medical thriller.
June 24, 2017
I loved the idea of this book, that a crazy scientist/doctor would experiment with cutting people's heads off and giving them a new body. And I believe that there are people would who be mad enough to want to try it - not people who are crippled, like Barry in the story, but those who are just not satisfied with their bodies or want a certain image.
The story goes along at a nice pace, with the right amount of suspense and back story, keeping you wondering whether the operation will be a success right to the end. And I liked the ending, that hint of continuation along this crazy route. The author's easy style of writing is perfect for carrying the reader along on this journey into madness.
The story goes along at a nice pace, with the right amount of suspense and back story, keeping you wondering whether the operation will be a success right to the end. And I liked the ending, that hint of continuation along this crazy route. The author's easy style of writing is perfect for carrying the reader along on this journey into madness.
June 4, 2017
What a thrilling, twisted experience! Dealing with some pretty out there subject matter, the author is still able to suspend reality. Good pace, nice character development. Dealing with characters so desperate for a new body they will risk the unthinkable—a head transplant! Visit this unique story to find out the menacing developments that wait in the shadows.
November 28, 2017
I could not put this book down! I was fascinated by the concept and drawn in anticipation to see what the characters were going to do. A great read!
August 10, 2017
This is quite a macabre story. I couldn't wait to find out what happened after a transplant. It was frightening the way especially Barry, desired a new body at any cost. Dr Farkis reminded me of Dr Frankestein. It's an easy to read book. Thank you Joanie x
March 9, 2018
I just can't resist a bad horror movie. This was the book equivalent. You know going in it's a potential stinker, but you just can't help yourself. Sure the book is poorly written and there are holes in the plot so big you could jump through them, but it's like a car wreck that you can't take your eyes off of. The premise, a doctor who has been working on perfecting head transplants had the perfect grindhouse feel to it. So yes, this was an awful book and i'm ashamed to say i kinda enjoyed it.
June 13, 2017
An original concept with pace to match that will keep the reader engaged and intrigued; I enjoyed it. I'm docking a star due to the climax. It had a nice build that ended with a pop, instead of a bang, in my opinion. I hope Ms. Chevalier decides to rewrite her "explosive" ending. All in all, a really good read.
June 5, 2018
Tokyo, Japan. Aiko like most fathers in the world wanted the best for his daughter/sister Kaneko (19).
Aiko went to see Dr. Stefan Farkis.
Oakland, CA. Brett (middle brother), & Jim (oldest brother, boss), ran the family business Andersen & Sons Funeral Home & Crematorium.
Joey (24, youngest brother) had taken a buyout. But now he left Silicon Valley & wanted back in the business.
Spotlights were shining in the front windshield & they were surrounded by 4 weilding men with AK-47 Rifles.
Shots were fired but no one was killed.
They must have just been messing with the brothers.
Dr. Stefan Farkis began his head transplant operations in secret.
Nikko, Nurse Phillips, & Nurse Stacy assisted him.
Dr. Farkis began stalking Barry Thompson hopes he would another prime patient experiment.
Tanaka was explaining things to Aiko & Kaneko.
If the Human Rights Campaign, the Society for Human Rights, ACLU, &/or the Farm Animal Rights Movement caught wind of Dr. Farkis they would shut him down in a heartbeat.
Ms. Betty (psychiatrist) performed 6 hrs. of psychological/physical testing on Kaneko.
She was good to go for Dr. Farkis.
After the surgery & 12-weeks of drug-induced coma, motivational & hypnotic tapes would be needed.
Oakland, CA. Denny was trying to comfort his wife Baby (32).
Dr. Farkis was going to consult with her next.
Barry ended up in a wheel chair.
Joey & his GF Jenny looked after him.
At Ferryland amusement park what were the Ferris wheel cars made of?
What type of information did Jenny, Joey & Barry have in their possession?
What about Senator Terry Evans?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an
honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written futuristic medical thriller book. It wasn’t very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. It was pretty cheesy so I will only rate it at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Aiko went to see Dr. Stefan Farkis.
Oakland, CA. Brett (middle brother), & Jim (oldest brother, boss), ran the family business Andersen & Sons Funeral Home & Crematorium.
Joey (24, youngest brother) had taken a buyout. But now he left Silicon Valley & wanted back in the business.
Spotlights were shining in the front windshield & they were surrounded by 4 weilding men with AK-47 Rifles.
Shots were fired but no one was killed.
They must have just been messing with the brothers.
Dr. Stefan Farkis began his head transplant operations in secret.
Nikko, Nurse Phillips, & Nurse Stacy assisted him.
Dr. Farkis began stalking Barry Thompson hopes he would another prime patient experiment.
Tanaka was explaining things to Aiko & Kaneko.
If the Human Rights Campaign, the Society for Human Rights, ACLU, &/or the Farm Animal Rights Movement caught wind of Dr. Farkis they would shut him down in a heartbeat.
Ms. Betty (psychiatrist) performed 6 hrs. of psychological/physical testing on Kaneko.
She was good to go for Dr. Farkis.
After the surgery & 12-weeks of drug-induced coma, motivational & hypnotic tapes would be needed.
Oakland, CA. Denny was trying to comfort his wife Baby (32).
Dr. Farkis was going to consult with her next.
Barry ended up in a wheel chair.
Joey & his GF Jenny looked after him.
At Ferryland amusement park what were the Ferris wheel cars made of?
What type of information did Jenny, Joey & Barry have in their possession?
What about Senator Terry Evans?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an
honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written futuristic medical thriller book. It wasn’t very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. It was pretty cheesy so I will only rate it at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
January 28, 2020
Too fat? Have your head grafted onto a new body. Have a terminal illness? No problem! Simply pay your money and there’s a brand new body waiting for you at your local surgeon’s illicit operating warehouse.
Just one minor problem. No one has yet survived the surgery. Who will be the first? Will it be Barry? Barry is a wheelchair ridden victim of a fatal disease who is desperate for a new disease-free body and who wouldn’t mind the ego-boost of being the first survivor.
Or, will it be Baby, a blonde thirty-something woman fearing her rich, married boyfriend is about to leave her and who believes a new body will give her a new future?
And, did I mention the bodies have to come from somewhere? It’s not an accident the illicit clinic is in an area with many homeless closeby. You can have a supply of bodies quicker than you can say “Headknocker”.
The dream, of course, is driven by Dr. Farkis, an egotistical medical maniac with an obsession for recognition and a way of discarding the victims of his failed experiments.
There are a variety of characters in Heads Will Roll each of which has a stake of some kind in Farkis’ experiments. They are developed sufficiently to serve their roles in the story. I developed sympathy for only two characters; Kaneko, a Japanese teenager driven into Farkis’ hands by her father’s unrealistic expectations, and Joey, a man caught in his brothers’ illicit body-procurement web. I was sorry for Barry and Baby although I quickly abandoned them to the pursuit of their own obsessions.
I found the premise of this book to be a bit of a stretch, but in the current atmosphere of medical technology and markets aimed at fulfilling every human whim, why couldn’t this happen? In any event, it was fast-paced and entertaining and despite some skepticism on my part, it held my attention. It should be an enjoyable read for anyone who likes action novels with a sci-fi flavor.
Just one minor problem. No one has yet survived the surgery. Who will be the first? Will it be Barry? Barry is a wheelchair ridden victim of a fatal disease who is desperate for a new disease-free body and who wouldn’t mind the ego-boost of being the first survivor.
Or, will it be Baby, a blonde thirty-something woman fearing her rich, married boyfriend is about to leave her and who believes a new body will give her a new future?
And, did I mention the bodies have to come from somewhere? It’s not an accident the illicit clinic is in an area with many homeless closeby. You can have a supply of bodies quicker than you can say “Headknocker”.
The dream, of course, is driven by Dr. Farkis, an egotistical medical maniac with an obsession for recognition and a way of discarding the victims of his failed experiments.
There are a variety of characters in Heads Will Roll each of which has a stake of some kind in Farkis’ experiments. They are developed sufficiently to serve their roles in the story. I developed sympathy for only two characters; Kaneko, a Japanese teenager driven into Farkis’ hands by her father’s unrealistic expectations, and Joey, a man caught in his brothers’ illicit body-procurement web. I was sorry for Barry and Baby although I quickly abandoned them to the pursuit of their own obsessions.
I found the premise of this book to be a bit of a stretch, but in the current atmosphere of medical technology and markets aimed at fulfilling every human whim, why couldn’t this happen? In any event, it was fast-paced and entertaining and despite some skepticism on my part, it held my attention. It should be an enjoyable read for anyone who likes action novels with a sci-fi flavor.
August 22, 2017
This book is odd…but in a creepy good way. At first, the premise seemed far-fetched and futuristic in concept. It would be a while before we had the science nailed down for such things as body transplants, right?
Then, I Googled it and WOW! There’s a doctor out there who says such a surgery is not only possible but something he’s ready to do within the year. The thought is strangely unnerving and yet exciting. Imagine being able to give someone with a degenerative muscular disease a chance at a normal life by doing a body transplant. That’d be great…er…wouldn’t it?
This story tackles the science behind the concept along with the morality issues that undoubtedly would follow in real life. It would be about more than just those with needs, it would include those with wants. Looking beyond a desire for a healthy body, there would be people vying for such a risky and painful operation just to appease their vanity. And, some of those people would be desperate.
It comes down to one question: What would someone do for a more beautiful body?
Look at our current society. We’re all about cool sculpting, laser treatments, hair plugs, fat-sucking, boob-building, butt implants, and whatever else we can do to reach perfection. It’s not a big leap to body transplants for cash.
Add in mobsters, corrupt politicians, demented surgeons, and naïve youngsters trying to solve a mystery and you’ve got quite the story—a true tale of horror.
Then, I Googled it and WOW! There’s a doctor out there who says such a surgery is not only possible but something he’s ready to do within the year. The thought is strangely unnerving and yet exciting. Imagine being able to give someone with a degenerative muscular disease a chance at a normal life by doing a body transplant. That’d be great…er…wouldn’t it?
This story tackles the science behind the concept along with the morality issues that undoubtedly would follow in real life. It would be about more than just those with needs, it would include those with wants. Looking beyond a desire for a healthy body, there would be people vying for such a risky and painful operation just to appease their vanity. And, some of those people would be desperate.
It comes down to one question: What would someone do for a more beautiful body?
Look at our current society. We’re all about cool sculpting, laser treatments, hair plugs, fat-sucking, boob-building, butt implants, and whatever else we can do to reach perfection. It’s not a big leap to body transplants for cash.
Add in mobsters, corrupt politicians, demented surgeons, and naïve youngsters trying to solve a mystery and you’ve got quite the story—a true tale of horror.
November 13, 2017
"Heads Will Roll" by Joanie Chevalier is a very unexpected book that crosses many different genres including medical thrillers, horror and crime. Based on the presumption that it has become medically possibility to change people's heads to new bodies. The story is anything but normal with twists and turns that readers will never expect.
When some very unethical medical specialists begin to experiment changing heads on human's to new bodies in an underground operation, things go from bad to worse. The story focuses on two main aspects of the operation, being where the specialists get bodies and heads from, and who is eligible for the surgery. The horror of the victims they test the surgery on and the gruesome procedure they follow makes the story very different and thrilling to read. Overall the creativity and the originality of "Heads Will Roll" makes this a story that is one not to miss.
I recommend this novelette to all readers who enjoy stories that step outside the norm, and question out there medical procedures. It is scary to imagine if any medical procedures like these become real and tested in the future. I look forward to reading any further stories by this author, if this story is anything to go by.
I reviewed this book voluntarily.
When some very unethical medical specialists begin to experiment changing heads on human's to new bodies in an underground operation, things go from bad to worse. The story focuses on two main aspects of the operation, being where the specialists get bodies and heads from, and who is eligible for the surgery. The horror of the victims they test the surgery on and the gruesome procedure they follow makes the story very different and thrilling to read. Overall the creativity and the originality of "Heads Will Roll" makes this a story that is one not to miss.
I recommend this novelette to all readers who enjoy stories that step outside the norm, and question out there medical procedures. It is scary to imagine if any medical procedures like these become real and tested in the future. I look forward to reading any further stories by this author, if this story is anything to go by.
I reviewed this book voluntarily.
April 15, 2018
Dr. Stefan Farkis is attempting to launch himself into science history by perfecting head transplant operations. The problem is, his work has not yet been approved for use on humans. And the operation requires both bodies and the heads. Finding volunteers for the heads would be easy - lots of people would love to trade bodies due to illness, age, or obesity. But where to find the body donors...?
The story flips back and forth from Kaneko and Aiko in Japan to Dr. Farkis and Barry in San Francisco, to Oakland and the secret lab with Joey and Jenny. We are shown the whole process in pieces: Aiko buying a body for his fat and unmarry-able daughter (yes, I see how offensive that is, but chose to ignore it); Barry with Muscular Dystrophy stalking Dr. Farkis for a chance at a new body as his shuts down; Joey and his brother Brett unknowingly delivering bodies for the transplants; and Dr. Farkis attempting an illegal transplant.
I think this was a very interesting concept. I feel like this was an extended Twilight Zone episode. The only problem I had was that it felt that the ending was a bit abrupt. I think she could have added anywhere from 50-100 more pages, and I would've been okay with it. Because of the ending, I'm dropping it from 4 to 3.5 stars. Definitely fun though!
The story flips back and forth from Kaneko and Aiko in Japan to Dr. Farkis and Barry in San Francisco, to Oakland and the secret lab with Joey and Jenny. We are shown the whole process in pieces: Aiko buying a body for his fat and unmarry-able daughter (yes, I see how offensive that is, but chose to ignore it); Barry with Muscular Dystrophy stalking Dr. Farkis for a chance at a new body as his shuts down; Joey and his brother Brett unknowingly delivering bodies for the transplants; and Dr. Farkis attempting an illegal transplant.
I think this was a very interesting concept. I feel like this was an extended Twilight Zone episode. The only problem I had was that it felt that the ending was a bit abrupt. I think she could have added anywhere from 50-100 more pages, and I would've been okay with it. Because of the ending, I'm dropping it from 4 to 3.5 stars. Definitely fun though!
March 30, 2018
Dr Farkis is a genius and pioneer in medicine. He can give you a new body, but it comes at a price. A Tokyo father is disappointed that his daughter is unmarried because of her size; it is a matter of honour that this is remedied and he is willing to put his daughter through this procedure to fulfill his wish. Barry a cripple with a failing body, is desperate for. a new one and on hearing about this procedure, tracks thr doctor down and begs to be a guinea pig in this procedure.
I enjoyed this story, it is well written in its descriptions of the procedures and the way they patients can select their bodies is rather creepy. It started off in Tokyo with the daughter and father, and then did not revisit them until the very end again., so it felt like they were forgotten. The majority of the book was based in a small area in America with what felt like too many characters to keep up with. The end came suddenly, and whilst not disappointing it seemed to fizzle out and just ran away when Barry was meeting with Dr Farkis.
I enjoyed this story, it is well written in its descriptions of the procedures and the way they patients can select their bodies is rather creepy. It started off in Tokyo with the daughter and father, and then did not revisit them until the very end again., so it felt like they were forgotten. The majority of the book was based in a small area in America with what felt like too many characters to keep up with. The end came suddenly, and whilst not disappointing it seemed to fizzle out and just ran away when Barry was meeting with Dr Farkis.
August 5, 2017
Takes Dr Frankenstein's experiments to a whole new level.
This story paints a picture in the near future when cosmetic surgery has expanded to include designer bodies, and it's possible to choose the body we always wanted? Dream or nightmare? This is a memorable medical thriller featuring Dr Farkis who takes Dr Frankenstein's experiments to a whole new level. Characterisation and scene setting are interesting, very well constructed and believable. The pace of the book is good and kept me turning the pages while the author weaves well-researched medical ethics, corrupt officials, family relationships, adoption, and romance into the package so there is a lot that spins out from the central theme. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to fans of medical thrillers.
This story paints a picture in the near future when cosmetic surgery has expanded to include designer bodies, and it's possible to choose the body we always wanted? Dream or nightmare? This is a memorable medical thriller featuring Dr Farkis who takes Dr Frankenstein's experiments to a whole new level. Characterisation and scene setting are interesting, very well constructed and believable. The pace of the book is good and kept me turning the pages while the author weaves well-researched medical ethics, corrupt officials, family relationships, adoption, and romance into the package so there is a lot that spins out from the central theme. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to fans of medical thrillers.
January 18, 2018
I give Joanie Chevalier a bravo for the imaginative, bizarre and disturbing scenario she developed with characters who didn’t understand what they were getting themselves into. This kind of story is not my cup of tea. However I did read to the end, curious how the scenario played out.
The search to improve one’s physical appearance leads some of the book’s characters to an extreme and dangerous solution, a solution offered by a crazy doctor who will risk it all to realize his dream – head transplants. The doctor allies himself with scrupulous men, willing to do anything for money. Thankfully there are a couple of voices of reason who attempt to deliver the doctor’s “patients” from a fate almost worse than death.
The search to improve one’s physical appearance leads some of the book’s characters to an extreme and dangerous solution, a solution offered by a crazy doctor who will risk it all to realize his dream – head transplants. The doctor allies himself with scrupulous men, willing to do anything for money. Thankfully there are a couple of voices of reason who attempt to deliver the doctor’s “patients” from a fate almost worse than death.
March 11, 2018
Ummmm.......
When I first started to read this, I thought it had a very interesting premiss. But, the more I read, I thought it was ridiculous, until it dawned on me that it was actually a strange comedy??? The characters were either melodramatic or stereotype weird characterizations of unreal cartoon characters. I did read the whole thing, and I read it quite fast, so it did hold my attention. But, I did not know whether to laugh or what. Had the humor been more obvious I would have known for sure this was tongue in cheek, and I would have given a higher star rating. But if this was meant to be a heart pounding serious thriller, I am sorry but it did not do it for me. I truly hate giving bad reviews.
When I first started to read this, I thought it had a very interesting premiss. But, the more I read, I thought it was ridiculous, until it dawned on me that it was actually a strange comedy??? The characters were either melodramatic or stereotype weird characterizations of unreal cartoon characters. I did read the whole thing, and I read it quite fast, so it did hold my attention. But, I did not know whether to laugh or what. Had the humor been more obvious I would have known for sure this was tongue in cheek, and I would have given a higher star rating. But if this was meant to be a heart pounding serious thriller, I am sorry but it did not do it for me. I truly hate giving bad reviews.
March 24, 2018
Here's an interesting book I came across on BookBub. Part Robin Cook medical thriller, part Stephen King horror, with a healthy dash of Frankenstein thrown in for good measure, Heads Will Roll is the story of a doctor trying to perfect the first successful head transplant. Barry is a young man with Multiple Sclerosis who wants a healthy body. This is a very unique story, but the author Joanie Chevalier based the premise on the true story of Dr Canavero and his team.
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Chevalier had created a good story, with just the right amount of creep factor. The characters are fun to get to know, and some of them are actually very sympathetic figures. Kudos to the author for something original.
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My Rating: 3.75/5 stars
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Chevalier had created a good story, with just the right amount of creep factor. The characters are fun to get to know, and some of them are actually very sympathetic figures. Kudos to the author for something original.
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My Rating: 3.75/5 stars
July 8, 2017
The plot is thick from the very first chapter and thickens which each parallel story weaved throughout. Starting with a desperate young girl, eager to please her family - especially her beloved father, and do what was right for everyone. When her father invites her to the local fish market it's not so unusual but the escape through a hidden door starts a life-changing journey she'll want to forget.
Follow Kaneko as she explores a new scientific method in hopes of living up to her "full" potential while Chevalier weaves a tale based on the very controversial and emerging idea of head transplants.
Follow Kaneko as she explores a new scientific method in hopes of living up to her "full" potential while Chevalier weaves a tale based on the very controversial and emerging idea of head transplants.
May 31, 2019
This book was very creepy and sinister. For all the gore and madness there was sentimental moments with the characters that gave the storyline an emotional point of view. The only thing that I don't like is the way the people of color from Oakland are represented. I was born and raised in Compton, I love the Raiders and know for a fact as a California native that the men don't speak that way or listen to Kanye West. Not all people of color listen to hip hop. There were many stereotypes in the story that made me look sideways at the author. I liked the fast paced and thrilling moments, but please don't write about characters of color that way.
June 3, 2017
Captivating medical thriller
I absolutely devoured this thriller, eating up the fabulous story and wonderful writing. It was captivating and fictional novel based around the idea of the ability to transplant your head onto a different body. In many way’s this is all the scarier as this scientific advancement is hitting headlines in real life and may soon become scientific fact. The Author’s style is easy to read, the characters well-formed and likeable, there’s a nice bit of romance and suspense included too. I highly recommend!
I absolutely devoured this thriller, eating up the fabulous story and wonderful writing. It was captivating and fictional novel based around the idea of the ability to transplant your head onto a different body. In many way’s this is all the scarier as this scientific advancement is hitting headlines in real life and may soon become scientific fact. The Author’s style is easy to read, the characters well-formed and likeable, there’s a nice bit of romance and suspense included too. I highly recommend!
June 25, 2018
Am I a 10? Tell me I'm beautiful.
The only problem I had was it just wasn't long enough! 50 years ago, the premise would have been completely sci-fi, laughable, even. But transplanting a head onto a new body isn't a topic that is so strange anymore. You have a crazy as shit doctor just experimenting away on all these characters. There are different character storyline that mesh well with the doctor. And if you want a greater theme, it's a satire on how the world views the body image.
It really is a must read.
The only problem I had was it just wasn't long enough! 50 years ago, the premise would have been completely sci-fi, laughable, even. But transplanting a head onto a new body isn't a topic that is so strange anymore. You have a crazy as shit doctor just experimenting away on all these characters. There are different character storyline that mesh well with the doctor. And if you want a greater theme, it's a satire on how the world views the body image.
It really is a must read.
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