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Candy
Excuse me if I'm feeling sentimental.
I might die tonight.
My name is Candy Tran. Before I was hunting down serial killers and feeding men to alligators, I was a normal, church-going, tax-paying citizen. Before all of this. I've been given a chance to tell my story, so please, listen closely. This is going to take a while.
Candy is a wild, humor-filled, neo-noir romp across america. For fans of Chuck Palahniuk and films like Seven Psychopaths and Pulp Fiction.
From the author of The Variant and Tamer Animals.
I might die tonight.
My name is Candy Tran. Before I was hunting down serial killers and feeding men to alligators, I was a normal, church-going, tax-paying citizen. Before all of this. I've been given a chance to tell my story, so please, listen closely. This is going to take a while.
Candy is a wild, humor-filled, neo-noir romp across america. For fans of Chuck Palahniuk and films like Seven Psychopaths and Pulp Fiction.
From the author of The Variant and Tamer Animals.
180 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2018
22 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 19, 2018
What? 5 stars from the author? You don’t say!
Listen, I’m proud of this book. This is my third novel, and I believe it to be possibly my biggest achievement (aside from getting Tamer Animals picked up by Bloodshot Books) because of the way I wrote and released this book originally. I had just got word that my second novel had been accepted for publishing and the excitement was there, but my fans who knew it was done wanted it right then, only problem was, that’s not how traditional publishing works. It was going to be nearly a year before Tamer Animals would see the light of day. So, I made a poll in my Facebook group some fans started for me (Justin M. Woodward Fan Club) and I asked if there would be any interest in a serial story. Something I could release weekly, chapter-by-chapter and people could follow along as I went. There was excitement, and Candy was born.
I really didn’t have any kind of outline or direction for this story, either. I just started writing. I drew inspiration from one of my very favorites, Chuck Palahniuk, as well as films like Pulp Fiction, Seven Psychopaths, Nocturnal Animals and the like. And boy did Candy turn out to be a fun ride! People seemed to enjoy her as a character, talking about her and Nick as if they were real. And to me, more than anything I’ve ever written before, they were real. They ARE real. And that’s why Candy is so special to me. She’s a part of me. I hope you enjoy this book. Maybe you’ll see a bit of yourself in Candy too.
Justin M. Woodward
5/7/18
Listen, I’m proud of this book. This is my third novel, and I believe it to be possibly my biggest achievement (aside from getting Tamer Animals picked up by Bloodshot Books) because of the way I wrote and released this book originally. I had just got word that my second novel had been accepted for publishing and the excitement was there, but my fans who knew it was done wanted it right then, only problem was, that’s not how traditional publishing works. It was going to be nearly a year before Tamer Animals would see the light of day. So, I made a poll in my Facebook group some fans started for me (Justin M. Woodward Fan Club) and I asked if there would be any interest in a serial story. Something I could release weekly, chapter-by-chapter and people could follow along as I went. There was excitement, and Candy was born.
I really didn’t have any kind of outline or direction for this story, either. I just started writing. I drew inspiration from one of my very favorites, Chuck Palahniuk, as well as films like Pulp Fiction, Seven Psychopaths, Nocturnal Animals and the like. And boy did Candy turn out to be a fun ride! People seemed to enjoy her as a character, talking about her and Nick as if they were real. And to me, more than anything I’ve ever written before, they were real. They ARE real. And that’s why Candy is so special to me. She’s a part of me. I hope you enjoy this book. Maybe you’ll see a bit of yourself in Candy too.
Justin M. Woodward
5/7/18
June 2, 2018
4.0 Stars
Headstrong and unapologetic, Candy was such a memorable character!
From the first page, I was immediately hooked in by her distinctive voice. Filled with dark humor, there was a wonderfully satirical tone in this narrative. Originally written as a serial, this short novel was tightly written with fast-paced action packed chapters that continually propelled the story forward. Walking the line between a thriller and horror, this novel was unflinchingly dark and violent.
I highly recommend this horror thriller novel to anyone who loves stories written from the perspective of a fiery, morally gray female protagonist.
I requested a digital copy from the author.
Headstrong and unapologetic, Candy was such a memorable character!
From the first page, I was immediately hooked in by her distinctive voice. Filled with dark humor, there was a wonderfully satirical tone in this narrative. Originally written as a serial, this short novel was tightly written with fast-paced action packed chapters that continually propelled the story forward. Walking the line between a thriller and horror, this novel was unflinchingly dark and violent.
I highly recommend this horror thriller novel to anyone who loves stories written from the perspective of a fiery, morally gray female protagonist.
I requested a digital copy from the author.
July 18, 2018
So Justin does it again! Really loved this story and loved the character of Candy. A lot of cool references in the book as well to some of my favorites shows and other authors
March 4, 2019
Justin M. Woodward serves up another interesting and genre-defying gem with CANDY, and it moves along like lightning.
At once funny, unnerving, and intense, this story seems to borrow elements from nearly every genre out there, but instead of creating a mish-mash mess, it works. Works quite well, actually. The story fires off like a rocket as Candy helps her boyfriend hide the body of another boy she had slept with, only Nick doesn't know this. The boy's older brother has escaped from jail, and in short order, Candy and Nick are being blackmailed. But by who?
NOTHING is what it seems in this book. Once you think you've got it figured out, Woodward jerks the rug out from beneath you and throws in one twist after another, all the way to the end. I had a lot of fun on this ride. The humor is well-timed, the tension perfectly builds, and the characters are relatable and likable. The dialogue works, too, and adds a lot to the humor.
Nothing is out of place in the story which would be a total mess if handled in less capable hands, but luckily, Woodward handled it beautifully. You can't go wrong with this gem, and I highly recommend it to anyone. 5/5 stars.
At once funny, unnerving, and intense, this story seems to borrow elements from nearly every genre out there, but instead of creating a mish-mash mess, it works. Works quite well, actually. The story fires off like a rocket as Candy helps her boyfriend hide the body of another boy she had slept with, only Nick doesn't know this. The boy's older brother has escaped from jail, and in short order, Candy and Nick are being blackmailed. But by who?
NOTHING is what it seems in this book. Once you think you've got it figured out, Woodward jerks the rug out from beneath you and throws in one twist after another, all the way to the end. I had a lot of fun on this ride. The humor is well-timed, the tension perfectly builds, and the characters are relatable and likable. The dialogue works, too, and adds a lot to the humor.
Nothing is out of place in the story which would be a total mess if handled in less capable hands, but luckily, Woodward handled it beautifully. You can't go wrong with this gem, and I highly recommend it to anyone. 5/5 stars.
May 16, 2018
Holy moly what a ride!! From the very beginning I was totally hooked! This fast-paced humorous thriller was incredibly entertaining. The twists and turns are nonstop. Justin Woodward is a master with prose. He grabs you in from the first page and doesn't let you go until it's over. I also would like to point out how incredibly well Justin is at writing female characters. I feel like a lot of male authors that write female characters do so in a way that makes those characters less believable. Justin did a fantastic job bringing Candy to life in a realistic way. Highly recommend!!!
May 13, 2018
I read Candy when Justin M. Woodward was first writing it week by week. As a writer myself, I'm amazed at how well he can blend serious topics with really great humor.
There are also really great quotes lines in the book like, "Now they want to put people in holes and holes in people."
Pick it up, you won't regret it!
There are also really great quotes lines in the book like, "Now they want to put people in holes and holes in people."
Pick it up, you won't regret it!
November 6, 2018
Candy and Nick accidentally get involved in a killing spree, spurned on by Mr. Z and a desire to keep their butts out of jail. They are on a non-stop thrill ride that reads like an action movie.
Fun and fast-paced - it was lots of fun!
Fun and fast-paced - it was lots of fun!
July 16, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more from Justin! If you're a fan of Chuck Palahniuk's style of writing and humor, you will definitely want to read Candy. Well done sir!
May 7, 2018
Awesome story. Love the twists and turns the story took. Be ready to be very surprised and shocked as you read this. I read this when it was first put out on Wattpad. Was only able to read a chapter a week. The anticipation of waiting to see what happened was a great way to put it out. very Stephen King like. It reminded me of when I needed to wait for the next book in the Green Mile story. An other awesome story from this great author. Cant wait for his next book Tamer Animals.
December 30, 2018
I was lucky enough to read this book as it was being written. Do yourself a favor and get this book if you love a thrilling story with unexpected twists and turns. That ending! Looking forward for more from Woodward as I have enjoyed the three he has released so far.
May 25, 2018
CANDY is a hard book to classify. Is it horror? It could be. Is it a thriller? Most definitely. Is it a road story? Why yes it is. Is it a buddy cop story? Well, maybe but without the cops and slightly less buddies. The one thing that truly can be said about CANDY by Justin Woodward is that it is one hell of a ride.
CANDY was originally presented in serial form on the Justin Woodward fan page. I did not get a chance to read it in it serial form, and for that I am so happy. I think having to wait week after week to see what would happen to our anti-heroine would have given me a aneurysm. Once I started reading I could not put it down.
The story is told to us by Candy Tran, an 18 year old fresh off graduation and suddenly thrust into a world wind of circumstance she has no control over. She is accompanied by her boyfriend Nick as they travel cross country on a ever changing and somewhat disturbing odyssey of violence.
Justin's tale is unique and keeps the reader in the dark just as much as the characters in the story. Just when you think you have something figured out...bam...he changes it and your left slack jawed, having to start your thought process all over again. Also extra kudos to the author for narrating the book completely from the view of the main character Candy. He manages to sound more like a teenage girl than my own teenage daughter.
So its a horror, thriller, road movie, even a love story of sorts.
Just think of Quentin Tarantino directing a movie of On The Road with a splash of Natural Born Killers and The X-Files, and you might come close to the story of CANDY.
I really enjoyed this book and have already passed it on to another person to read. (and only because I own a 2nd signed copy). Definitely worth your time to pick up and read.
CANDY was originally presented in serial form on the Justin Woodward fan page. I did not get a chance to read it in it serial form, and for that I am so happy. I think having to wait week after week to see what would happen to our anti-heroine would have given me a aneurysm. Once I started reading I could not put it down.
The story is told to us by Candy Tran, an 18 year old fresh off graduation and suddenly thrust into a world wind of circumstance she has no control over. She is accompanied by her boyfriend Nick as they travel cross country on a ever changing and somewhat disturbing odyssey of violence.
Justin's tale is unique and keeps the reader in the dark just as much as the characters in the story. Just when you think you have something figured out...bam...he changes it and your left slack jawed, having to start your thought process all over again. Also extra kudos to the author for narrating the book completely from the view of the main character Candy. He manages to sound more like a teenage girl than my own teenage daughter.
So its a horror, thriller, road movie, even a love story of sorts.
Just think of Quentin Tarantino directing a movie of On The Road with a splash of Natural Born Killers and The X-Files, and you might come close to the story of CANDY.
I really enjoyed this book and have already passed it on to another person to read. (and only because I own a 2nd signed copy). Definitely worth your time to pick up and read.
October 26, 2018
This book is amazing. Definitely not what I was expecting. Author Justin M. Woodward has a excellent mind and great amount of talent which shows in his work. This book got my attention from the start. It was so good I didn't even stop reading to eat. I was at the edge of my seat the whole time and my heart was racing faster with each chapter I read. I started hating Candy but at the end I loved her. You should definitely read her story.
May 23, 2018
Exciting!!
What can I say, this story kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what obstacles Candy and Nick are going to face next! And the plot twist at the end...?? Blew my mind!! Excellent, fun read!!
What can I say, this story kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what obstacles Candy and Nick are going to face next! And the plot twist at the end...?? Blew my mind!! Excellent, fun read!!
May 29, 2018
Candy is a suspenseful, entertaining and hilarious experience. I loved the premise and how it slowly unfolded. I found myself laughing out loud saying, "Oh no he didn't!"
My favorite line... The whole place smells like coffee and failure.
Such a good one!
My favorite line... The whole place smells like coffee and failure.
Such a good one!
June 5, 2018
This is the second book I've read by Justin Woodward and he's becoming one of my favorite authors. I had a hard time putting this one down. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes horror, sci fi, or conspiracy type stories. Also, fans of the Last Podcast on the Left will love this one.
June 18, 2018
100% not what I was expecting, in the most wonderful way!
This book was recommended to me through a friend, and I didn't read a synopsis, I just picked it up and read it.
Full of action, intrigue and mystery this book did not fail.
If you are looking for truly enjoyable read, I highly recommend this!
This book was recommended to me through a friend, and I didn't read a synopsis, I just picked it up and read it.
Full of action, intrigue and mystery this book did not fail.
If you are looking for truly enjoyable read, I highly recommend this!
July 29, 2018
The first thing most people want to know before reading a book is, “What genre does it fall into?” Well, don’t ask that question about CANDY - it refuses to be placed into any such box. It’s scary, thrilling, and funny - and will keep you guessing throughout the experience.
Justin tells the story of Candy Tran who gets herself wrapped up in an unbelievable cross-country, vigilante-like, killing spree - meeting some of the most unusual characters along the way. What she doesn’t realize is that everything, from the very beginning has been carefully orchestrated, sometimes with disastrous results.
This story has twists, turns, humor, and will keep you guessing - even after you read the last line. I can see Candy Tran making a few more appearances in a series of books by Justin.
This is a quick read, not to be passed on.
Justin tells the story of Candy Tran who gets herself wrapped up in an unbelievable cross-country, vigilante-like, killing spree - meeting some of the most unusual characters along the way. What she doesn’t realize is that everything, from the very beginning has been carefully orchestrated, sometimes with disastrous results.
This story has twists, turns, humor, and will keep you guessing - even after you read the last line. I can see Candy Tran making a few more appearances in a series of books by Justin.
This is a quick read, not to be passed on.
May 13, 2018
What can I say about this book that couldn't be said if you were driving down the highway, going 120mph and you take you hands off the wheel and put on a blindfold. From beginning to end this story is balls to the wall. There are twists and turns in the twists and turns. A truly compelling read that will have you salivating for more! I will be looking forward to Justin M. Woodward's releases in the future.
July 12, 2018
I had fun reading this book
It had it all - humor, action, thrills along with a twist or two. First time reading this author and it will not be the last time.
It had it all - humor, action, thrills along with a twist or two. First time reading this author and it will not be the last time.
January 14, 2019
I received this book in a giveaway from the author.
This book was awesome! It's a hilarious story about a teen girl who gets black mailed to hunt down serial killers. It has a sweet twist and mentions one of my favorite podcasts, The Last Podcast On The Left.
I totally want to check out other books from Justin M. Woodward.
This book was awesome! It's a hilarious story about a teen girl who gets black mailed to hunt down serial killers. It has a sweet twist and mentions one of my favorite podcasts, The Last Podcast On The Left.
I totally want to check out other books from Justin M. Woodward.
November 13, 2018
The novel Candy was completely not what I had expected..
Candy is just an ordinary girl with an ordinary life, or is she? When she and Nick take on the world things get out of control, and nobody will stop them.
Candy is just an ordinary girl with an ordinary life, or is she? When she and Nick take on the world things get out of control, and nobody will stop them.
March 27, 2019
Justin never fails to deliver. Always a turn you don't expect.
August 6, 2018
I'm not sure why I feel bad about giving this book such a low rating but I do. This just wasn't for me, maybe it was because I listened to the audio version or maybe it was just the totally unbelievable story line...either way I didn't like it.
I wanted to like it, because I loved Candy's sense of humor and she's a cool protagonist but the story itself just made no sense to me. Two kids from high-school murder a peer and then suddenly overnight they become these assassins sent on a mission that takes them on this crazy road trip all over...uhhhh....
And I didn't really get Pulp Fiction vibes which is pretty much one of the best movies ever directed.
Maybe if the characters were not young kids, I might be able to vibe with the story better but this was a big no for me.
I wanted to like it, because I loved Candy's sense of humor and she's a cool protagonist but the story itself just made no sense to me. Two kids from high-school murder a peer and then suddenly overnight they become these assassins sent on a mission that takes them on this crazy road trip all over...uhhhh....
And I didn't really get Pulp Fiction vibes which is pretty much one of the best movies ever directed.
Maybe if the characters were not young kids, I might be able to vibe with the story better but this was a big no for me.
June 19, 2020
Flashy, fast, fun ride
I'm a voracious reader. This is my 2nd Woodward book. In 24 hours. It is a fast read (one evening) but a fun one. Like the first of his books I read, the characters in this one are not very flushed out or complete people. But this time, it really works. I like what I learned about Candy and I don't find myself wanting to know her better - although I do think it would be fun to find out what happens to her next.
This book kind of reads like a movie. A movie I'd enjoy. So I whole heartedly recommend picking it up and giving it a few hours. You will enjoy the fast, nonstop ride.
I'm a voracious reader. This is my 2nd Woodward book. In 24 hours. It is a fast read (one evening) but a fun one. Like the first of his books I read, the characters in this one are not very flushed out or complete people. But this time, it really works. I like what I learned about Candy and I don't find myself wanting to know her better - although I do think it would be fun to find out what happens to her next.
This book kind of reads like a movie. A movie I'd enjoy. So I whole heartedly recommend picking it up and giving it a few hours. You will enjoy the fast, nonstop ride.
June 1, 2018
I could not put this book down. I picked it up to start one morning, and made it halfway. I would have made it further, but I had to set it down to adult (boring ;)). I always keep a book in my purse so I can read when I have a free minute, but this one I would try to read even without that free minute. I'd read it while walking down hallways and down stairs (don't do this).
Long story short, it's the first book I've read by Justin Woodward, and now I definitely want to read the rest and any future books he comes out with. The twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and I can't wait to see what else he can come up with!
Long story short, it's the first book I've read by Justin Woodward, and now I definitely want to read the rest and any future books he comes out with. The twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and I can't wait to see what else he can come up with!
August 5, 2018
I wanted to love this book...truly I did. Mostly b/c Justin Woodward just seems like a really nice guy. I'm really sorry to give it one star but the book is so unbelievable and is written like someone in high school wrote it. Maybe his others are better but I don't think I'll be reading them. High schoolers who become skilled assassins literally overnight. Nope. The whole thing was just silly.
June 21, 2019
“You have to know that no matter what you do, you will die one day, and whatever stupid fucking shirt you decided to wear that day would be your ghost outfit shirt forever.”
Holy shit this story is fucking fantastic! Wait…are we allowed swearing in reviews? Fuck it! I loved it! If you want a synopsis, read the blurb. Sharing too much will spoil the experience! If you want to dive in to the deliciousness that is Candy, then by all means, READ THE BOOK!
Holy shit this story is fucking fantastic! Wait…are we allowed swearing in reviews? Fuck it! I loved it! If you want a synopsis, read the blurb. Sharing too much will spoil the experience! If you want to dive in to the deliciousness that is Candy, then by all means, READ THE BOOK!
July 18, 2020
This read quickly, but I wasn’t a fan of the story. An accidental murder turns into what is supposed to be a sophisticated assassin adventure, with our teen protagonists shooting everyone they see. I didn’t connect with any of the characters or think any of their motivations were believable. This short book has definitely found an audience - generating some good reviews, but is a hard pass from me.
May 13, 2018
I love this story. First read it in weekly installments on Wattpad, and REALLY looked forward to it each week. It’s the story of Candy, who finds herself thrown into wild circumstances, and it’s a crazy fun ride. Candy is smart, funny, sarcastic, and resourceful. Highly recommend this book, and also Justin Woodward’s other works, including The Variant, and the upcoming Tamer Animals.
August 10, 2021
I read a review where someone summed the up as a horror, thriller, road movie, even a love story of sorts and to be honest that just about says it all.
Plenty of entertaining action, twists and turns as we follow 18yr old Candy Tran & Nick on their violent quest.
Enjoyable and I'm sure fans of this genre would think so too.
Plenty of entertaining action, twists and turns as we follow 18yr old Candy Tran & Nick on their violent quest.
Enjoyable and I'm sure fans of this genre would think so too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews