What do you think?
Rate this book
Painless
What readers are saying...
"...most definitely a recommended read, though it's probably not the best choice for those with a weak stomach."
"Gruesome and twisted. Awesome!!!"
"OMG this book. Holy heck the gruesome descriptions of blood and gore and guts was SO RAD. I found myself cringing and fidgeting and yes, even feeling a bit nauseous in some spots - but totally in a GOOD WAY! Painless was exactly what I wanted in a super-unique, creepy, shocking horror-thriller."
About the Book...
The debut psychological-horror novel from author Marty Thornley is a page-turning ride, a front row seat to a clinical trial gone horribly wrong.
For Greg Owens, this was supposed to be a chance to end years of back pain and escape his reliance on pain pills. If it all worked out, he could maybe even get back the life he left behind as the pills took control.
Instead, as the patients are cured of their physical pain, they encounter a different sort of pain building inside them – obsessive thoughts, depression, self-destruction. The side-effects grow worse, and the suspense ratchets tighter. The patients want answers and violent revenge, setting them on a collision course with a crazed doctor, determined to protect his life's obsession.
"...most definitely a recommended read, though it's probably not the best choice for those with a weak stomach."
"Gruesome and twisted. Awesome!!!"
"OMG this book. Holy heck the gruesome descriptions of blood and gore and guts was SO RAD. I found myself cringing and fidgeting and yes, even feeling a bit nauseous in some spots - but totally in a GOOD WAY! Painless was exactly what I wanted in a super-unique, creepy, shocking horror-thriller."
About the Book...
The debut psychological-horror novel from author Marty Thornley is a page-turning ride, a front row seat to a clinical trial gone horribly wrong.
For Greg Owens, this was supposed to be a chance to end years of back pain and escape his reliance on pain pills. If it all worked out, he could maybe even get back the life he left behind as the pills took control.
Instead, as the patients are cured of their physical pain, they encounter a different sort of pain building inside them – obsessive thoughts, depression, self-destruction. The side-effects grow worse, and the suspense ratchets tighter. The patients want answers and violent revenge, setting them on a collision course with a crazed doctor, determined to protect his life's obsession.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2018
30 people are currently reading
877 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 30, 2018
Good? Bad? I don't know 😲
"For Greg Owens, this was supposed to be a chance to end years of back pain and escape his reliance on pain pills. If it all worked out, he could maybe even get back the life he left behind as the pills took control.
Instead, as the patients are cured of their physical pain, they encounter a different sort of pain building inside them – obsessive thoughts, depression, self-destruction. The side-effects grow worse, and the suspense ratchets tighter. The patients want answers and violent revenge, setting them on a collision course with a crazed doctor, determined to protect his life's obsession."
can a book be both good and bad at the same time? Cause I'm on both sides of the fence with this book. I found the beginning very difficult to understand and to follow. but I found the premise of the book very intriguing. I found issues with the writing as in grammatical and spelling errors and yet the descriptive powers of the author when describing the physical torture that the characters put themselves through is unprecedented. Like it literally makes your skin crawl and makes you want to gag! I honestly just don't know what to make of this book. I'm so confused it is difficult for me to even write a review for it.
I guess I wish the editing would have been done better. That would definitely have made it more readable for me because when I find grammatical, and especially spelling, errors it's like nails on a chalkboard for me. 😖 I also wish that the writing style was a little more intriguing like the story itself was intriguing. I found the writing style to be very dull and as I stated before difficult to read and understand what is going on.
I wanted to like this book, and I did in some ways, but as with any book that I find editing errors with I cannot recommend it until the errors are fixed.
"For Greg Owens, this was supposed to be a chance to end years of back pain and escape his reliance on pain pills. If it all worked out, he could maybe even get back the life he left behind as the pills took control.
Instead, as the patients are cured of their physical pain, they encounter a different sort of pain building inside them – obsessive thoughts, depression, self-destruction. The side-effects grow worse, and the suspense ratchets tighter. The patients want answers and violent revenge, setting them on a collision course with a crazed doctor, determined to protect his life's obsession."
can a book be both good and bad at the same time? Cause I'm on both sides of the fence with this book. I found the beginning very difficult to understand and to follow. but I found the premise of the book very intriguing. I found issues with the writing as in grammatical and spelling errors and yet the descriptive powers of the author when describing the physical torture that the characters put themselves through is unprecedented. Like it literally makes your skin crawl and makes you want to gag! I honestly just don't know what to make of this book. I'm so confused it is difficult for me to even write a review for it.
I guess I wish the editing would have been done better. That would definitely have made it more readable for me because when I find grammatical, and especially spelling, errors it's like nails on a chalkboard for me. 😖 I also wish that the writing style was a little more intriguing like the story itself was intriguing. I found the writing style to be very dull and as I stated before difficult to read and understand what is going on.
I wanted to like this book, and I did in some ways, but as with any book that I find editing errors with I cannot recommend it until the errors are fixed.
July 2, 2018
Excuse me for a second, while I go barf. OMG this book. Holy heck the gruesome descriptions of blood and gore and guts was SO RAD. I found myself cringing and fidgeting and yes, even feeling a bit nauseous in some spots - but totally in a GOOD WAY! Painless was exactly what I wanted in a super-unique, creepy, shocking horror-thriller.
Greg Owens is in pain. A LOT of pain. He fell off a ladder on a construction job, injuring his back, and his entire life has gone to shit. He lost his wife, his kid, he can't work, he's addicted to pills. He's desperate, and can't find anything that will help him get relief, so he can return to construction, or any job he doesn't need "Pills to pay the Bills" in order to to work. His addiction is keeping him from his little girl and he's resorted to getting pills illegally from dealers, just to make it though the day.
Dr. Dante Menta is running an exclusive clinical trial. He's been working on a pain relief technique for years, and promises a complete cure of all physical pain. Sign me up, right? We meet all the patients involved in the trial who have arrived before Greg. There are even animal patients. Some of them are seeking relief from back pain, or car accident injuries, others from auto-immune things like Lupus - and even chronic migraine headaches.
The patients are taken in one by one to get the procedure and at first, it's exactly as promised and the results are impressive! But soon, shit starts hitting the fan. Patients are starting to act really strange, obsessive, destructive. Things start to go horribly, horribly wrong. And it's incredible awesome to watch!
I thought this story was really different and the premise was immediately intriguing - it was a quick read, but written really well, and explores a dark side of both how people deal with pain management and also Dr. Mentas obsession with his life's work to find a cure. I would love to see this translated to a horror movie, and I'd be first in line to buy a ticket!
Thanks to Marty Thornley and Goodreads for hosting this giveaway!
Greg Owens is in pain. A LOT of pain. He fell off a ladder on a construction job, injuring his back, and his entire life has gone to shit. He lost his wife, his kid, he can't work, he's addicted to pills. He's desperate, and can't find anything that will help him get relief, so he can return to construction, or any job he doesn't need "Pills to pay the Bills" in order to to work. His addiction is keeping him from his little girl and he's resorted to getting pills illegally from dealers, just to make it though the day.
Dr. Dante Menta is running an exclusive clinical trial. He's been working on a pain relief technique for years, and promises a complete cure of all physical pain. Sign me up, right? We meet all the patients involved in the trial who have arrived before Greg. There are even animal patients. Some of them are seeking relief from back pain, or car accident injuries, others from auto-immune things like Lupus - and even chronic migraine headaches.
The patients are taken in one by one to get the procedure and at first, it's exactly as promised and the results are impressive! But soon, shit starts hitting the fan. Patients are starting to act really strange, obsessive, destructive. Things start to go horribly, horribly wrong. And it's incredible awesome to watch!
I thought this story was really different and the premise was immediately intriguing - it was a quick read, but written really well, and explores a dark side of both how people deal with pain management and also Dr. Mentas obsession with his life's work to find a cure. I would love to see this translated to a horror movie, and I'd be first in line to buy a ticket!
Thanks to Marty Thornley and Goodreads for hosting this giveaway!
June 6, 2019
this was a gory and gripping horror, but i didn't find it quite gripping enough. there was something missing, perhaps more of a psychological element - we aren't exactly told why they're acting like this, or given any hypotheses; instead it's just presented as an inevitable consequence without any explanation. if it was somehow a side-effect of the surgery, then wouldn't .
overall, it was good but distinctly underwhelming.
overall, it was good but distinctly underwhelming.
December 23, 2018
Good lawd, this debut novel! If you had chronic pain that you had to self medicate and it caused you to basically lose the most important things in your life... wouldn't you want to go into a clinical trial to take it all away? I've been dealing with some slight back pain for the past few weeks and am just about to this point (might be exaggerating a little). I just want the pain to go away!
Enter Dr. Dante Menta (D. Menta, ha!). A group of people are going through the procedure and while it did work, the side effects are harrowing and gruesome. I am here for every single minutes of it!
The book does start a little bit slow (the prologue doesn't but after that...). There are some parts where it feels slightly choppy and repetitive. However, get into the meat (no pun intended) of the story where they've been primed and ready for the procedure... well, this is where the book launches into overdrive. Gruesome and cringe worthy scenes included. It's been some time where I've actually winced at a book and the actions contained within. All in the best way. I'm one of those people who love this type of read.
Now, keeping in mind this is a debut novel.. there's certainly some things that could be improved on such as a flow and slight repetitiveness. HOWEVER, I am a fan. There's a reason our body feels pain. It's a warning to keep yourself from danger and certainly much more. I am certainly hesitant to enter into any kind of clinical trial after reading this.
Will certainly pick up the next book by Thornley.
Thanks so much to JKS Communications for this copy.
Enter Dr. Dante Menta (D. Menta, ha!). A group of people are going through the procedure and while it did work, the side effects are harrowing and gruesome. I am here for every single minutes of it!
The book does start a little bit slow (the prologue doesn't but after that...). There are some parts where it feels slightly choppy and repetitive. However, get into the meat (no pun intended) of the story where they've been primed and ready for the procedure... well, this is where the book launches into overdrive. Gruesome and cringe worthy scenes included. It's been some time where I've actually winced at a book and the actions contained within. All in the best way. I'm one of those people who love this type of read.
Now, keeping in mind this is a debut novel.. there's certainly some things that could be improved on such as a flow and slight repetitiveness. HOWEVER, I am a fan. There's a reason our body feels pain. It's a warning to keep yourself from danger and certainly much more. I am certainly hesitant to enter into any kind of clinical trial after reading this.
Will certainly pick up the next book by Thornley.
Thanks so much to JKS Communications for this copy.
August 19, 2018
The first half of this book mainly focuses on Greg and how his desperation to be rid of chronic pain has led him to become a patient of Dr. D Menta, your basic mad scientist type who sets up a "hospital" in the middle of nowhere, the better to conduct his experiments. The second half is a gruesome gore fest as Greg sees the violent after effects of the patients before him who have already undergone Dr. D Menta's procedure to rid them of chronic pain. It will make you squirm and cringe in all the right ways. Not for the weak of stomach.
4 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
4 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
November 11, 2018
This gruesome and graphic read is absolutely mind-blowing and keeps you chomping at the bit with every turn of the page. I honestly felt repulsed at times and my stomach churned over and over again while reading this diabolical read. Full of horrific turns which in turn makes it into my top five reads of this year.
{I requested a copy for reviewing purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed herein are unbiased and my own.}
{I requested a copy for reviewing purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed herein are unbiased and my own.}
February 6, 2018
This is an exceptionally well written novel. I'm not entirely familiar with the horror-thriller genre, but I am an avid reader, and this book did not disappoint. The author did a great job at keeping the story moving while thoroughly capturing the setting in exquisite detail. If this is your genre, I think you'll be very happy. I can also see this making for a great theatrical release in theaters.
August 26, 2018
As someone who suffers from chronic pain and had a Chiari surgery, leaving me with about a 10 inch scar down the midline of my skull and neck right where the surgeries in the book are performed, let’s just say this book touched VERY close to home. Also, I’m very much aware of the effects of manipulating or causing damage to the dorsal horn and the nerves that would be effected by this surgery. Dysautonomia is something I suffer due to autonomic nerve damage because of my Chiari Malformation. That all being said, I understand the desperation each of the patients willing to go through this clinical trial were feeling. When in constant pain or fighting off attacks from your own body, you will absolutely do anything you can to escape those things. As the author brought up, physical pain often results in emotional manifestations for chronic, long-term sufferers. The anxiety, depression, helplessness and hopelessness compact the daily effects of the pain on your life.
Where the book failed for me was that none of the medical or surgical topics were really touched on in great detail. For example, Deanna’s constant itching/scratching was not psychosomatic, the nerves contained within the spinal cord, especially in the dorsal horn, control itch, heat, cold and even autonomic nervous system functions like heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, etc. For such a detailed book, you would think it could be made better with explaining WHY some of the effects of the surgery were likely occurring. We actually get almost no explanation as to why or what exactly happens to the surgical patients or much of what the surgery entails and why that approach of surgery is taken in order to cure, not just treat the symptoms. So, there’s detail in the book, but not focused where I feel it could have really affected the readers.
The ending is clearly a let down and leaves far too much to be untold, undiscovered and resolved, so I’m guessing it is formatted for another book. In the case there is another book, there should be more focus on the sources of the outcome of the surgery. In this book they had the surgery and then all got weird, but WHY? How were the doctors still ok after each having had the surgery? What were the injections Dr. Georgia and Dr. Menta have and what role did they play in their long-term outcome and staying “normal” post-surgery? There’s just too much missing in this book and I gave it 3 stars only because it does talk about the pharmaceutical company’s mistreatment of pain sufferers and helps to shine some light on true effects and emotions of a chronic sufferer. I don’t think I’d necessarily recommend this book, but I’d be willing to read a sequel in order to get some answers!
Thanks NetGalley for my copy of this book and all opinions are completely honest, unbiased and my own.
Where the book failed for me was that none of the medical or surgical topics were really touched on in great detail. For example, Deanna’s constant itching/scratching was not psychosomatic, the nerves contained within the spinal cord, especially in the dorsal horn, control itch, heat, cold and even autonomic nervous system functions like heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, etc. For such a detailed book, you would think it could be made better with explaining WHY some of the effects of the surgery were likely occurring. We actually get almost no explanation as to why or what exactly happens to the surgical patients or much of what the surgery entails and why that approach of surgery is taken in order to cure, not just treat the symptoms. So, there’s detail in the book, but not focused where I feel it could have really affected the readers.
The ending is clearly a let down and leaves far too much to be untold, undiscovered and resolved, so I’m guessing it is formatted for another book. In the case there is another book, there should be more focus on the sources of the outcome of the surgery. In this book they had the surgery and then all got weird, but WHY? How were the doctors still ok after each having had the surgery? What were the injections Dr. Georgia and Dr. Menta have and what role did they play in their long-term outcome and staying “normal” post-surgery? There’s just too much missing in this book and I gave it 3 stars only because it does talk about the pharmaceutical company’s mistreatment of pain sufferers and helps to shine some light on true effects and emotions of a chronic sufferer. I don’t think I’d necessarily recommend this book, but I’d be willing to read a sequel in order to get some answers!
Thanks NetGalley for my copy of this book and all opinions are completely honest, unbiased and my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2020
From the first page, I was captivated by Greg. Having fallen off a ladder while on the job, simple daily tasks are now maddening and all consuming. He embodies the spoon metaphor frequently used by those with chronic pain. You start the day with a limited amount of spoons and every activity performed throughout the day takes one of those spoons. When you are out of spoons, you’re done. That’s where Greg is. He’s done. Rock bottom. When the opportunity arises to live “normally”, Greg seizes the chance and sets off to join others in a clinical trial that promises to cure them of their pain.
I typically don't like books that have multiple POVs. I find all that jumping around to be distracting. In the case of Painless, it wasn't so much that there were multiple narrators, but rather an opportunity for the reader to get inside each person’s head. Instead of having the story told to you, you actually got to experience it with each character. This allowed me to feel invested in each character and more sympathetic to their plight.
As each of the patients in turn undergo the procedure, we realize that this cure might just be a curse. Each of the patients start experiencing horrifying side effects, while the walls start running with blood. Buckets and buckets of blood.
Painless is not for the faint-hearted. Gruesome and bloody, Painless gleefully imparts all the gory details. I found myself cringing, laughing, and then reading passages out loud to share. What unfurls next is burned into my brain so explicitly that days later, I'm still mulling it over and chuckling.
While I will say some parts were slightly predictable, the cringe factor more than made up for it. If this were a movie, I'd be there with my bucket of popcorn. Painless would make a wonderfully blood-spattered script for the big screen for us horror geeks.
Website | Twitter | Pinterest
I typically don't like books that have multiple POVs. I find all that jumping around to be distracting. In the case of Painless, it wasn't so much that there were multiple narrators, but rather an opportunity for the reader to get inside each person’s head. Instead of having the story told to you, you actually got to experience it with each character. This allowed me to feel invested in each character and more sympathetic to their plight.
As each of the patients in turn undergo the procedure, we realize that this cure might just be a curse. Each of the patients start experiencing horrifying side effects, while the walls start running with blood. Buckets and buckets of blood.
Painless is not for the faint-hearted. Gruesome and bloody, Painless gleefully imparts all the gory details. I found myself cringing, laughing, and then reading passages out loud to share. What unfurls next is burned into my brain so explicitly that days later, I'm still mulling it over and chuckling.
While I will say some parts were slightly predictable, the cringe factor more than made up for it. If this were a movie, I'd be there with my bucket of popcorn. Painless would make a wonderfully blood-spattered script for the big screen for us horror geeks.
Website | Twitter | Pinterest
September 7, 2018
What is your price to be "pain free" for life? I luckily, have not had to experience excruciating pain that I would want to "die". Yet, this is how Greg felt. He has been in so much pain for years that he lost his woman and fell into a stupor. So, when he was offered the opportunity to go to a medical clinic with the promise of being pain free, he volunteers.
There are several other residents at the facility. They are all suffering from pain in different ways. The doctors and nurse seem normal. However, they are more like mad scientists. The patients feel great after their procedures; yet, it is not long after when they start showing signs of crazed beasts. They go after each other as well as self inflict pain on themselves. Yet, they don't feel pain. Examples: one guy chews his fingernail and skin off, another guy burns a hole in his hand and swirls his finger around in muscle, tendon, and blood. Than, there is a woman who stabs herself in the eye with a knife.
I read a lot of other readers who were grossed out with these descriptions. I personally could handle them as I like these types of books. The gorier the better. What I was disappointed about this book was that it read slowly before any of the events happened. Plus, I never fully connected with any of the characters. Overall, though this is still a good read and I would read more books from this author.
There are several other residents at the facility. They are all suffering from pain in different ways. The doctors and nurse seem normal. However, they are more like mad scientists. The patients feel great after their procedures; yet, it is not long after when they start showing signs of crazed beasts. They go after each other as well as self inflict pain on themselves. Yet, they don't feel pain. Examples: one guy chews his fingernail and skin off, another guy burns a hole in his hand and swirls his finger around in muscle, tendon, and blood. Than, there is a woman who stabs herself in the eye with a knife.
I read a lot of other readers who were grossed out with these descriptions. I personally could handle them as I like these types of books. The gorier the better. What I was disappointed about this book was that it read slowly before any of the events happened. Plus, I never fully connected with any of the characters. Overall, though this is still a good read and I would read more books from this author.
November 6, 2018
Okay…I see where the title came from.
Intense, excruciating, debilitating, paralyzing, nonstop pain. Drugs and more drugs. What if there was a cure, instead of just treating symptoms?
Going from barely making it through the day, to jumping and dancing for joy, seeing the day in a whole new light.
How far will the patient go? Even more important, how far will the doctor go?
Well, if something is that good, there must be a down side. What about the side affects? What about if you knew what would happen? Would you do it anyway?
Whoa…I don’t know what to say. A mad scientist, a crazy nurse, an illegal experiment.
Graphic, bloody horror of the weird kind. All I can say is, if you want to cringe, have shivers up and down your spine, have your stomach doing flip flops, jumping at every bang of the door and growl of the dog, then Painless is for you.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Painless Marty Thornley.
See more at fundinmental
Intense, excruciating, debilitating, paralyzing, nonstop pain. Drugs and more drugs. What if there was a cure, instead of just treating symptoms?
Going from barely making it through the day, to jumping and dancing for joy, seeing the day in a whole new light.
How far will the patient go? Even more important, how far will the doctor go?
Well, if something is that good, there must be a down side. What about the side affects? What about if you knew what would happen? Would you do it anyway?
Whoa…I don’t know what to say. A mad scientist, a crazy nurse, an illegal experiment.
Graphic, bloody horror of the weird kind. All I can say is, if you want to cringe, have shivers up and down your spine, have your stomach doing flip flops, jumping at every bang of the door and growl of the dog, then Painless is for you.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Painless Marty Thornley.
See more at fundinmental
January 14, 2023
This might be the first horror book that actually managed to genuinely shock me with its appalling and gruesome descriptions. I haven't been this relieved to finish a book since forever, but this time, for all the right reasons.
See, I don't consider myself particularly sensitive when it comes to guts 'n gore - I love splatter movies, the bloodier the funnier they are to me. But there is something so... disturbing about reading about all of this right down to the last detail. There were times I had to force myself to keep reading when all I wanted to do was close my eyes and sing the Gummi Bears theme.
Of course, there were times when the narration dragged quite a bit, especially during the first half of the book. And yes, there was a lot of drawn out inner monologuing while I never even knew what the main characters looked like. I even agree with other reviewers that there were too many questions left unanswered in the end.
But all in all, this was a fantastic horror debut. And considering that I'm usually not the biggest fan of 3rd person narration, the author pulled off all the different POVs surprisingly well (there were, like, ten or even more, and I found all of them relatable).
Recommended!
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2018
WOW This book is different. It's scary, creepy, sad and just plain out there. It took me a bit to rid. I really had to put the book down and walk away. Its hard to see people dealing with pain on an everyday basic and not know how to help. What's that saying if it seems to good to be true then its not. When you wish to be pain and you get your wish with a bunch of side effects. Are the side effects worth it, or is it better to be in pain? This book makes you think about the choices you make. Towards the end of the story I was intrigues and kind of grossed out. I give this author props for writing this book. I would have never thought to write anything like it. I would highly recommend this book to my friends. Thank you United Indie Book Blog for letting me read this book.
review by Maribel
review by Maribel
January 18, 2018
This is not the type of genre I usually read, but I was intrigued by the story line. The author did not disappoint! I was drawn in from the first page...a quick page turner that I didn't put down. Cheers to the author who converted me to "horror"!
November 15, 2018
Painless is a book that has a great premise and some interesting characters but doesn’t always play off to the best of effect. The plotting is a bit maniacal in that it has a slow build that erupts in full out body horror with interludes of an odd narrative that sometimes halts the action. Keeping this in mind, it is a fascinating subject matter that plays overall, reasonably well.
We start out with Greg, a man who is in diabolical pain which ruins his world to the point where he is desperate for relief and getting his life back on track. He has been invited to join a trial to become pain free. This is where the story then starts to pick up a little bit of pace with the ensemble cast that sometimes gets muffled from individuality and often work like a hive effect. Hard to distinguish one from another. The only time the reader can really differentiate the characters is when the gore and horror start taking root.
The interesting characters of the two doctors and two nurses are somewhat side-lined and the person we start the adventure with becomes a shadow of himself. He basically gets lost in the shuffle. This is a shame because of all the characters, we enter the world through his eyes and when he gets pushed to the side, the reader does as well.
The science is really well handled and admit that in the beginning the author masterfully crafted those segments exceedingly well. Unfortunately, when things spiral out of control, the science is missing with no rhyme or reason why the psychological state of being is amplified. The story could have used a little exposition to help found it out a little.
This is an interesting book and it does stay with you after putting it down. It does raise questions about medical trials and chronic pain. There was a conscious revelation about medications and disease which stands out to great effect. The violence is very realistic which will probably lend some problems for some readers. To put it artistically, it will get under your skin to the point that your mind will squirm. This is not a flaw in the writing but shows that Thornley maybe too good at his craft.
Overall, this is an interesting read and one that I would mildly suggest to the right reader. The subject matter and characters are interesting though plotting sometimes forced me to push my way through. It raises the right questions but due to lack of answers, tends to leave the reader a bit cold. The grand finale for me did not reward me with either a great payoff or a since of mythos. Saying this, it will certainly stay a memorable piece of literature as a lot of images are still trapped in my cortex.
We start out with Greg, a man who is in diabolical pain which ruins his world to the point where he is desperate for relief and getting his life back on track. He has been invited to join a trial to become pain free. This is where the story then starts to pick up a little bit of pace with the ensemble cast that sometimes gets muffled from individuality and often work like a hive effect. Hard to distinguish one from another. The only time the reader can really differentiate the characters is when the gore and horror start taking root.
The interesting characters of the two doctors and two nurses are somewhat side-lined and the person we start the adventure with becomes a shadow of himself. He basically gets lost in the shuffle. This is a shame because of all the characters, we enter the world through his eyes and when he gets pushed to the side, the reader does as well.
The science is really well handled and admit that in the beginning the author masterfully crafted those segments exceedingly well. Unfortunately, when things spiral out of control, the science is missing with no rhyme or reason why the psychological state of being is amplified. The story could have used a little exposition to help found it out a little.
This is an interesting book and it does stay with you after putting it down. It does raise questions about medical trials and chronic pain. There was a conscious revelation about medications and disease which stands out to great effect. The violence is very realistic which will probably lend some problems for some readers. To put it artistically, it will get under your skin to the point that your mind will squirm. This is not a flaw in the writing but shows that Thornley maybe too good at his craft.
Overall, this is an interesting read and one that I would mildly suggest to the right reader. The subject matter and characters are interesting though plotting sometimes forced me to push my way through. It raises the right questions but due to lack of answers, tends to leave the reader a bit cold. The grand finale for me did not reward me with either a great payoff or a since of mythos. Saying this, it will certainly stay a memorable piece of literature as a lot of images are still trapped in my cortex.
March 9, 2018
Interesting and pleasantly terrifying
This book was s compelling look at the effects of chronic pain in all aspects of a person's life, as well as the lengths people are willing to go to eliminate that pain. While the book could benefit from a but more editing,the overall story was quite good. The author brought the bloodiest, most macabre scenes to life. I easily imagined myself right in the room with characters. While I never became overly connected to any of the characters (except for Cody), I did find myself devouring the book and snarling at any interruptions to my reading. This is most definitely a recommended read, though it's probably not the best choice for those with a weak stomach.
This book was s compelling look at the effects of chronic pain in all aspects of a person's life, as well as the lengths people are willing to go to eliminate that pain. While the book could benefit from a but more editing,the overall story was quite good. The author brought the bloodiest, most macabre scenes to life. I easily imagined myself right in the room with characters. While I never became overly connected to any of the characters (except for Cody), I did find myself devouring the book and snarling at any interruptions to my reading. This is most definitely a recommended read, though it's probably not the best choice for those with a weak stomach.
February 5, 2018
This is my TOTALLY biased review about my own book! I'm excited to have it finally available on Kindle and now here in Goodreads.
If you have read it, please leave your own totally honest review. Thank you for reading!
If you have read it, please leave your own totally honest review. Thank you for reading!
November 7, 2018
Ugh. Just...ugh.
That's a good thing. Trust me.
I'm a huge fan of horror novels, but lately I've found myself disappointed by a lot of the ones I've chosen to read and review. Sure, there have been a few rare gems here and there, but most "indie" horror tends to be a bit of a letdown. Painless, however, has restored my faith.
I absolutely loved this story. It has such a basic premise, but it takes it to the extreme. Like, a clinical trial gone wrong could be something so ridiculous and lame, but Marty Thornley seems to have the magic touch. He kept the story interesting and brutal and crazy (in a good way), and it left me feeling like I'd ridden one too many roller coasters in 100+ degree heat. Does that mean it's nauseating at times? Yes. Yes it does.
Now, I'm not normally a squeamish person. I can handle blood and guts and gore better than most people I know, but there were certain scenes in this book that made me cringe.
The characters in Painless were relatable, at least for me. A couple years ago, I screwed up my back really bad. There was even a morning where I woke up and couldn't move, thought I was paralyzed, had a panic attack, and once I finally wiggled my way to the edge of the bed, I was able to sit up and have my fiance take me to the hospital for treatment. They gave me morphine, which made me horribly sick. After months of physical therapy, I finally got myself back on track.
Unfortunately for the characters in Painless, they don't have it as easy. They all suffer chronic pain (back, neck & shoulders, head(migraines), etc) and just want it to go away. The doctor in charge of the clinical trial they all sign up for promises he can make them feel so much better. But what they don't know is...well, I won't spoil that. You'll just have to read it and find out.
The plot is, like I said before, intense and brutal, but it keeps you hooked, needing to know what crazy scene might play out next, and how it might end. It didn't feel rushed, nor did it drag, so that was definitely a plus.
I really, truly did enjoy Painless more than I expected to, and I'm so glad I took a chance on it. If you're a fan of good, gruesome horror, I'd recommend you check out Painless. It's fantastic.
Five well-deserved stars from me!
That's a good thing. Trust me.
I'm a huge fan of horror novels, but lately I've found myself disappointed by a lot of the ones I've chosen to read and review. Sure, there have been a few rare gems here and there, but most "indie" horror tends to be a bit of a letdown. Painless, however, has restored my faith.
I absolutely loved this story. It has such a basic premise, but it takes it to the extreme. Like, a clinical trial gone wrong could be something so ridiculous and lame, but Marty Thornley seems to have the magic touch. He kept the story interesting and brutal and crazy (in a good way), and it left me feeling like I'd ridden one too many roller coasters in 100+ degree heat. Does that mean it's nauseating at times? Yes. Yes it does.
Now, I'm not normally a squeamish person. I can handle blood and guts and gore better than most people I know, but there were certain scenes in this book that made me cringe.
The characters in Painless were relatable, at least for me. A couple years ago, I screwed up my back really bad. There was even a morning where I woke up and couldn't move, thought I was paralyzed, had a panic attack, and once I finally wiggled my way to the edge of the bed, I was able to sit up and have my fiance take me to the hospital for treatment. They gave me morphine, which made me horribly sick. After months of physical therapy, I finally got myself back on track.
Unfortunately for the characters in Painless, they don't have it as easy. They all suffer chronic pain (back, neck & shoulders, head(migraines), etc) and just want it to go away. The doctor in charge of the clinical trial they all sign up for promises he can make them feel so much better. But what they don't know is...well, I won't spoil that. You'll just have to read it and find out.
The plot is, like I said before, intense and brutal, but it keeps you hooked, needing to know what crazy scene might play out next, and how it might end. It didn't feel rushed, nor did it drag, so that was definitely a plus.
I really, truly did enjoy Painless more than I expected to, and I'm so glad I took a chance on it. If you're a fan of good, gruesome horror, I'd recommend you check out Painless. It's fantastic.
Five well-deserved stars from me!
October 29, 2018
3.5 stars for a fast-paced, gruesome read with a great concept.
I wasn't surprised to read that the author originally wrote this as a screenplay; I could absolutely envision this book as a movie, and I would be first in line to see it!
The first half of the book is mostly set-up as it builds toward the inevitable carnage in the second half; we already know that this experiment is going off the rails, we just don't know how exactly, and that's where the delicious trepidation comes from. When the gory descent did begin it was almost a bit of a let down after being kept in suspense for so long - but perhaps it speaks more to my own desensitization that I didn't find anything too horrific to handle. There are definitely gruesome things happening here, so I absolutely would not recommend this for the faint-of-heart!
The writing is simple and easy to read and the narrative constantly shifts between the perspectives of a large cast of characters, which keeps the pace fast throughout. I thought the author did a great job of fleshing out the characters a serviceable amount within a short space of time, so they all felt distinctive to me. I can't say they were really deep enough to connect with, but they had enough to them that I was interested in them. I had an insight into each of their personalities and, perhaps more importantly, their unique kinds of pain.
In terms of criticisms, I would have liked the writing to be a little more descriptive and would have appreciated some answers to the questions burning in my mind about WHY these crazy things were happening. Also, the book could really do with another go-over by an editor to fix up some of the grammatical errors and missed/repeated words I spotted here and there.
In conclusion, this is a super fun story for horror fans, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fast-paced read with a wonderfully gruesome concept at its core.
-I received an ARC from NetGalley.-
I wasn't surprised to read that the author originally wrote this as a screenplay; I could absolutely envision this book as a movie, and I would be first in line to see it!
For Greg Owens, this was supposed to be a chance to end years of back pain and escape his reliance on pain pills. If it all worked out, he could maybe even get back the life he left behind as the pills took control.
Instead, as the patients are cured of their physical pain, they encounter a different sort of pain building inside them...
The first half of the book is mostly set-up as it builds toward the inevitable carnage in the second half; we already know that this experiment is going off the rails, we just don't know how exactly, and that's where the delicious trepidation comes from. When the gory descent did begin it was almost a bit of a let down after being kept in suspense for so long - but perhaps it speaks more to my own desensitization that I didn't find anything too horrific to handle. There are definitely gruesome things happening here, so I absolutely would not recommend this for the faint-of-heart!
The writing is simple and easy to read and the narrative constantly shifts between the perspectives of a large cast of characters, which keeps the pace fast throughout. I thought the author did a great job of fleshing out the characters a serviceable amount within a short space of time, so they all felt distinctive to me. I can't say they were really deep enough to connect with, but they had enough to them that I was interested in them. I had an insight into each of their personalities and, perhaps more importantly, their unique kinds of pain.
In terms of criticisms, I would have liked the writing to be a little more descriptive and would have appreciated some answers to the questions burning in my mind about WHY these crazy things were happening. Also, the book could really do with another go-over by an editor to fix up some of the grammatical errors and missed/repeated words I spotted here and there.
In conclusion, this is a super fun story for horror fans, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fast-paced read with a wonderfully gruesome concept at its core.
-I received an ARC from NetGalley.-
January 14, 2019
Thank you JKS for the copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
Painless is one of those stories that sucks you right in, and you find yourself burning through, because you have GOT to find out what is going to happen next.
I love a good psychological thriller, and this delivers on that with a healthy dose of horror mixed in. I was fully invested from the start as Greg sets out to participate in a clinical trial in the middle of nowhere, with very little info to go on, other than he will finally be pain free after year of suffering. You know as a reader, inevitably, that things are going to go very wrong, but you can never guess just HOW wrong.
This book is terrifically tense and definitely gruesome. I was simultaneously completely engrossed in what was going on and horrified by it, which is to say, it was a perfectly crafted read.
I had originally started this, thinking I would read a few chapters before I went to bed one night, and ended up staying up well into the early hours finishing it because there was no point in which I could set it down. This is a book that demands to be devoured all at once.
Bookworms who like a good horror suspense, THIS is the book for you. Gripping, intense and absolutely insane, it is one that will stick with you well after you are done.
Painless is one of those stories that sucks you right in, and you find yourself burning through, because you have GOT to find out what is going to happen next.
I love a good psychological thriller, and this delivers on that with a healthy dose of horror mixed in. I was fully invested from the start as Greg sets out to participate in a clinical trial in the middle of nowhere, with very little info to go on, other than he will finally be pain free after year of suffering. You know as a reader, inevitably, that things are going to go very wrong, but you can never guess just HOW wrong.
This book is terrifically tense and definitely gruesome. I was simultaneously completely engrossed in what was going on and horrified by it, which is to say, it was a perfectly crafted read.
I had originally started this, thinking I would read a few chapters before I went to bed one night, and ended up staying up well into the early hours finishing it because there was no point in which I could set it down. This is a book that demands to be devoured all at once.
Bookworms who like a good horror suspense, THIS is the book for you. Gripping, intense and absolutely insane, it is one that will stick with you well after you are done.
November 5, 2018
Sweet baby llamas, this book made me uncomfortable. I had to take breaks just to wince in disgust at some of the scenes….
So it goes without saying, it was a marvellous book.
The premise of the book is a medical trial, where patients suffering from chronic pain can undergo a procedure that will cure them forever. Of course, nothing’s ever that simple and it all goes a bit gross from there…
The author is a genius, using chronic pain as an evil. Describing the hopelessness these patients feel when there doesn’t seem to be a way out of their suffering, it’s extra horrible when you know that many people feel this way day in day out and don’t have the hope of a medical trial that might solve all their problems. This builds up the tension in the book wonderfully, you feel huge sympathy for all of the patients and genuinely hope that they trial will work for them – which then makes the rest of the book so much more horrendous.
There’s a great mix of characters, all suffering from chronic pain for a variety of reasons and have their own unique responses to their situations.
This is body horror and abnormal psychology at its best, it’s a fairly simple premise but beautifully written and straight up traumatising to read.
I would heartily recommend this book to all fans of gory horror and anyone who really wants to have nightmares for a week.
Thank you NetGalley for a chance to review this book.
So it goes without saying, it was a marvellous book.
The premise of the book is a medical trial, where patients suffering from chronic pain can undergo a procedure that will cure them forever. Of course, nothing’s ever that simple and it all goes a bit gross from there…
The author is a genius, using chronic pain as an evil. Describing the hopelessness these patients feel when there doesn’t seem to be a way out of their suffering, it’s extra horrible when you know that many people feel this way day in day out and don’t have the hope of a medical trial that might solve all their problems. This builds up the tension in the book wonderfully, you feel huge sympathy for all of the patients and genuinely hope that they trial will work for them – which then makes the rest of the book so much more horrendous.
There’s a great mix of characters, all suffering from chronic pain for a variety of reasons and have their own unique responses to their situations.
This is body horror and abnormal psychology at its best, it’s a fairly simple premise but beautifully written and straight up traumatising to read.
I would heartily recommend this book to all fans of gory horror and anyone who really wants to have nightmares for a week.
Thank you NetGalley for a chance to review this book.
November 7, 2018
Note: This review contains NO spoilers
Wait... 😲 Hold up! I still have chills going up my spine after reading this thriller. Marty Thornley has written a gruesomely gripping tale of horror that is worthy to give anyone nightmares. Straight from the beginning, Painless creates that eerie atmosphere that made me cringe, and not all because of the horror aspect. Pain can make me cringe, too... Ha! Anyways, Painless is a well written, chilling story filled with vivid details that would make horror fans tremble in "pain."
Although Painless was a twisted and gripping read, one just needs to get past that slow beginning as it builds up to the horror that ensued throughout til the end. Other than that, Painless is a creepy and macabre tale of a clinical trial gone horribly wrong. Horror fans' imaginations will definitely go wild with each turn of the page.
Reviewer: Jasmine
Disclaimer: We received a free copy for an honest review. All is my own opinion
Wait... 😲 Hold up! I still have chills going up my spine after reading this thriller. Marty Thornley has written a gruesomely gripping tale of horror that is worthy to give anyone nightmares. Straight from the beginning, Painless creates that eerie atmosphere that made me cringe, and not all because of the horror aspect. Pain can make me cringe, too... Ha! Anyways, Painless is a well written, chilling story filled with vivid details that would make horror fans tremble in "pain."
Although Painless was a twisted and gripping read, one just needs to get past that slow beginning as it builds up to the horror that ensued throughout til the end. Other than that, Painless is a creepy and macabre tale of a clinical trial gone horribly wrong. Horror fans' imaginations will definitely go wild with each turn of the page.
Reviewer: Jasmine
Disclaimer: We received a free copy for an honest review. All is my own opinion
November 7, 2018
A book of two halves.
In the first half, we are introduced to quite a large cast of characters.
We meet Greg and other patients, all of whom are suffering, for various reasons, from chronic and debilitating pain. They are, understandably, willing to try anything to be cured and are happy to be a part of the 'clinical trials' which are taking place in a hospital out in the middle of nowhere.
We are also meet Dr. Menta, who is running the trials, alongside Dr. Georgia and nursing staff. Their reasons for taking part in the unorthodox trials are less obvious, and not really explained.
Most of the characters are reasonably well fleshed out with some backstory, although I didn't really connect with any of them.
The latter half of the book descends into a bloody and gory 'horror film' scenario, as the patients, now pain-free, turn on the staff, each other and themselves.
This book is an interesting read, definitely set in the horror genre and not for the faint-hearted.
In the first half, we are introduced to quite a large cast of characters.
We meet Greg and other patients, all of whom are suffering, for various reasons, from chronic and debilitating pain. They are, understandably, willing to try anything to be cured and are happy to be a part of the 'clinical trials' which are taking place in a hospital out in the middle of nowhere.
We are also meet Dr. Menta, who is running the trials, alongside Dr. Georgia and nursing staff. Their reasons for taking part in the unorthodox trials are less obvious, and not really explained.
Most of the characters are reasonably well fleshed out with some backstory, although I didn't really connect with any of them.
The latter half of the book descends into a bloody and gory 'horror film' scenario, as the patients, now pain-free, turn on the staff, each other and themselves.
This book is an interesting read, definitely set in the horror genre and not for the faint-hearted.
November 8, 2018
*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*
A freak accident leaves Greg Owens suffering unbearable pain, and heavily reliant on pills that ultimately cost him his family. Desperate for a way to put his life back together he agrees to take part in a clinical trial that claims will cure him permanently. However, Greg quickly realises that the revolutionary treatment is not all that it seems and the side effects may be worse than pain itself.
As someone who suffers from pain without the hope of a diagnosis let alone a cure the majority of the time, I could really relate to the desperation that Greg and the other characters are feeling. After years of suffering they are willing to give anything a chance if it might bring them relief. On the surface the hospital and its staff appear normal enough but it quickly becomes clear that the doctor’s in charge are more concerned with experimenting on their volunteers than curing them.
Painless is a complex and chilling novel delving into the physical and psychological effects that chronic pain has on a person and also what might happen if you suddenly take that pain away. It’s very graphic in places and certainly not for those with a weak stomach, but the unflinching description creates a very an atmospheric, although at times disturbing, read.
A freak accident leaves Greg Owens suffering unbearable pain, and heavily reliant on pills that ultimately cost him his family. Desperate for a way to put his life back together he agrees to take part in a clinical trial that claims will cure him permanently. However, Greg quickly realises that the revolutionary treatment is not all that it seems and the side effects may be worse than pain itself.
As someone who suffers from pain without the hope of a diagnosis let alone a cure the majority of the time, I could really relate to the desperation that Greg and the other characters are feeling. After years of suffering they are willing to give anything a chance if it might bring them relief. On the surface the hospital and its staff appear normal enough but it quickly becomes clear that the doctor’s in charge are more concerned with experimenting on their volunteers than curing them.
Painless is a complex and chilling novel delving into the physical and psychological effects that chronic pain has on a person and also what might happen if you suddenly take that pain away. It’s very graphic in places and certainly not for those with a weak stomach, but the unflinching description creates a very an atmospheric, although at times disturbing, read.
August 19, 2018
I felt a very personal connection to this book as someone who has been through numerous back surgeries and suffers from chronic pain. Even though I am relatively young (35) PAIN IS A PART OF MY DAILY LIFE and it can be all consuming if you allow it to be.
The book opens with a young boy not only witnessing his mother's death. But contributing to it and she begs her so. To remove a piece of the car,s wreckage that is embedded in her neck and spine. Of course the boy does as his mother asks, and it's this act that sets the stage for all the psychological horror which will unfold as the novel progresses.
I don't want to give away too much, but yes I believe pain is necessary to our existence. And this novel brings in to question what might unfold if there were some way to permanently remove it from our existence.
I highly recommend this novel..though not to those with a squeamish tummy lol
The book opens with a young boy not only witnessing his mother's death. But contributing to it and she begs her so. To remove a piece of the car,s wreckage that is embedded in her neck and spine. Of course the boy does as his mother asks, and it's this act that sets the stage for all the psychological horror which will unfold as the novel progresses.
I don't want to give away too much, but yes I believe pain is necessary to our existence. And this novel brings in to question what might unfold if there were some way to permanently remove it from our existence.
I highly recommend this novel..though not to those with a squeamish tummy lol
September 27, 2018
Painless is about a clinical trial gone horribly wrong, let's just say I'll never be first in line for a clinical trial after reading this book!
I was hesitant to read this book at first, mainly because the cover creeped me out, and I don't usually read horror stories. I'm very glad that I read it though. It was an intense book with very gory descriptions, but that description is what made the book so good. The way the author describes the pain Greg goes through, it makes you feel it too.
It was a quick read and a page turner, I highly suggest picking this terrifyingly good book up!
I was lucky enough to receive #Painless by Marty Thornley from #NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I was hesitant to read this book at first, mainly because the cover creeped me out, and I don't usually read horror stories. I'm very glad that I read it though. It was an intense book with very gory descriptions, but that description is what made the book so good. The way the author describes the pain Greg goes through, it makes you feel it too.
It was a quick read and a page turner, I highly suggest picking this terrifyingly good book up!
I was lucky enough to receive #Painless by Marty Thornley from #NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 18, 2018
But feeling a little pain meant feeling something. Sometimes that was better than feeling nothing.
SO gross and creepy. I loved it. As someone with a chronic incurable disease that means I'm constantly in near excruciating pain, the summary of this grabbed me so fast. A book about people who've had a procedure that makes them unable to feel pain, and the consequences? Sign me UP.
Honestly, I've dreamed about being unable to feel pain. I once stayed up for 5 days straight because everything hurt too much to sleep, even after having taken every unprescribed sleep aid/pain pill the human body is allowed. But sometimes when I get injured and don't feel it because my pain tolerance is so high (ex: getting burnt on the stove, badly bruised/dislocated ribs, etc), it makes me feel inhuman in a bad way. Seeing how the patients responded to the new life of having no pain, at all, of any kind, felt really relatable. This book was so dark and gross and twisted, and it was so good. It was really gory though, definitely not for the faint of heart, or weak of stomach.
"So pain is a good thing?" "Maybe not good, but necessary." "Then what does it mean if we can't feel it?"
SO gross and creepy. I loved it. As someone with a chronic incurable disease that means I'm constantly in near excruciating pain, the summary of this grabbed me so fast. A book about people who've had a procedure that makes them unable to feel pain, and the consequences? Sign me UP.
Honestly, I've dreamed about being unable to feel pain. I once stayed up for 5 days straight because everything hurt too much to sleep, even after having taken every unprescribed sleep aid/pain pill the human body is allowed. But sometimes when I get injured and don't feel it because my pain tolerance is so high (ex: getting burnt on the stove, badly bruised/dislocated ribs, etc), it makes me feel inhuman in a bad way. Seeing how the patients responded to the new life of having no pain, at all, of any kind, felt really relatable. This book was so dark and gross and twisted, and it was so good. It was really gory though, definitely not for the faint of heart, or weak of stomach.
"So pain is a good thing?" "Maybe not good, but necessary." "Then what does it mean if we can't feel it?"
February 4, 2019
This book made me cringe more than any other book I've read. The premise, a group of people living with chronic pain who sign up for an experimental treatment, sucked me right in. The multiple perspectives from members of the test group made the chapters fly by. Seriously, though, this book is not for the squeamish as it's totally disgusting (and awesome, if you like horror, which I do).
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2019
The idea of this book is great! Story moves along and does not drag. It definitely kept me interested!
August 14, 2018
As a chronic pain sufferer, I could really understand what some of the characters were experiencing. Once the action started, it was quite the gore-filled romp. That said, it did take quite a lot of time to get the "horror" started—almost half of the novel. Slice off some of the back story, and it would make a much better read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews