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Mara
Mara, a high school dancer, begins to mentally unravel when she starts to hear a voice telling her to what to do and who to kill. A short psychological YA thriller by Richard Denney.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2012
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527 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 19, 2014
4.5 stars
I read Mara because I was expecting to be freaked out, and this novella totally delivered that. I've been friends with Richard for over a year and he's honestly one of my favorite booktubers ever, and I gotta say, he's also a fantastic writer. Mara felt very real and I felt like I was inside her head the entire book. The plot itself is fantastic- though I'm a sucker for anything with dancing in it- and even though it's just a novella, a lot narration and events were packed into those pages and I was able to fly through it. Richard's writing is ridiculously easy to get lost in, especially with this book. The tone really, really resembles the mindset of a girl falling into insanity and it was extremely haunting yet impressing. My only complaint besides a few very minor grammar errors that missed editing is that the end seems to wrap up a bit too quickly for my taste.
If you're looking for a (REALLY) fast, haunting book these upcoming weeks, I highly recommend getting this because it's ridiculously cheap on kindle and does its job at shaking up the reader!
I read Mara because I was expecting to be freaked out, and this novella totally delivered that. I've been friends with Richard for over a year and he's honestly one of my favorite booktubers ever, and I gotta say, he's also a fantastic writer. Mara felt very real and I felt like I was inside her head the entire book. The plot itself is fantastic- though I'm a sucker for anything with dancing in it- and even though it's just a novella, a lot narration and events were packed into those pages and I was able to fly through it. Richard's writing is ridiculously easy to get lost in, especially with this book. The tone really, really resembles the mindset of a girl falling into insanity and it was extremely haunting yet impressing. My only complaint besides a few very minor grammar errors that missed editing is that the end seems to wrap up a bit too quickly for my taste.
If you're looking for a (REALLY) fast, haunting book these upcoming weeks, I highly recommend getting this because it's ridiculously cheap on kindle and does its job at shaking up the reader!
June 21, 2024
Wow, what an interesting read! While it may be triggering for some readers, I found it deeply engaging. "Mara" captures the essence of bulimia, imposter syndrome, vulnerability, frustration, and low self-esteem through its protagonist, Mara. The narrative provides just enough background to help us understand why Mara feels and acts the way she does, ensuring that the storytelling remains both engaging and authentic. In addition, the horror elements make the story even more interesting.
I like what the story conveys: despite feeling broken, we are not truly so; it's our perception that leads us to believe otherwise.
While reading this, I couldn't help but think how many other young girls might be having these thoughts. Having finished "Mara," I am eager to explore more of Richard Denney’s work.
I like what the story conveys: despite feeling broken, we are not truly so; it's our perception that leads us to believe otherwise.
While reading this, I couldn't help but think how many other young girls might be having these thoughts. Having finished "Mara," I am eager to explore more of Richard Denney’s work.
February 19, 2018
4.0 Stars
Walking the line between psychological thriller and horror, this little novella packed a big punch. Mentally unstable and possibly possessed, Mara was such a memorable character. As a self-loathing teenage girl with bulimic tendencies, this story may be triggering to some readers. Yet, those hard-hitting aspects made this this story work so well. The author does not shy away from the ugliness of Mara's inner monologue, but instead drowns the reader in the darkness of her thoughts. I loved every minute of this twisted, disturbing story. I highly recommend this one!
Walking the line between psychological thriller and horror, this little novella packed a big punch. Mentally unstable and possibly possessed, Mara was such a memorable character. As a self-loathing teenage girl with bulimic tendencies, this story may be triggering to some readers. Yet, those hard-hitting aspects made this this story work so well. The author does not shy away from the ugliness of Mara's inner monologue, but instead drowns the reader in the darkness of her thoughts. I loved every minute of this twisted, disturbing story. I highly recommend this one!
August 21, 2012
But in a good way!
Damn. That was...crazy. Literally.
May 6, 2012
"Utterly gritty and a perpetual thrill ride, Richard Denney's MARA does not disappoint."
I got to read this novellet a few weeks ago and found it to be one of Richard's darkest and most gritty novels. This one was a nonstop thriller that kept me at the edge of my seat, wanting to see what Mara would do next, and finished with a twist that could probably even make M. Night Shyamalan scratch his head.
I got to read this novellet a few weeks ago and found it to be one of Richard's darkest and most gritty novels. This one was a nonstop thriller that kept me at the edge of my seat, wanting to see what Mara would do next, and finished with a twist that could probably even make M. Night Shyamalan scratch his head.
March 23, 2013
Richard Denney's newest novel, MARA, is such a crazy book. But in a good way. MARA has action, drama and an insane ending that left my mouth hanging open.
The character of Mara actually made me mad, just because she was so critical on herself. And it actually was necessity that she was so hard on herself in the book; I just didn't like that she did it to herself. The names "Stupid, ugly and fat" pop up many times in MARA, but it does play sort of a major role in the novel.
And oh wow, THE VOICE. So. Creepy. Richard Denney's writing style for "the voice" in this novelette was just so awesome. He put scenes into this novel that made me shiver, made me feel sorrow, and made me check over my shoulder a time or two to make sure that Mara wasn't behind me. Seriously. It's that crazy.
Even though this novelette is so short, so much is packed between these pages. I appreciated how the author made every scene important and crucial to this story. I don't really like it when some books have "filler" chapters that aren't necessary to the book; I can always count on Richard Denney to make sure that that never happens in his books. Absolutely wonderful!
And that ending. I had to re-read that last page to make sure that I understood, because it was that weird. But again, it was that good type of weird. The whole scene was just plain out scary. I was on my seat the entire time.
Overall, if you want a book to mess with your mind, MARA is definitely the way to go. Richard Denney's newest novel is one not to miss!
The character of Mara actually made me mad, just because she was so critical on herself. And it actually was necessity that she was so hard on herself in the book; I just didn't like that she did it to herself. The names "Stupid, ugly and fat" pop up many times in MARA, but it does play sort of a major role in the novel.
And oh wow, THE VOICE. So. Creepy. Richard Denney's writing style for "the voice" in this novelette was just so awesome. He put scenes into this novel that made me shiver, made me feel sorrow, and made me check over my shoulder a time or two to make sure that Mara wasn't behind me. Seriously. It's that crazy.
Even though this novelette is so short, so much is packed between these pages. I appreciated how the author made every scene important and crucial to this story. I don't really like it when some books have "filler" chapters that aren't necessary to the book; I can always count on Richard Denney to make sure that that never happens in his books. Absolutely wonderful!
And that ending. I had to re-read that last page to make sure that I understood, because it was that weird. But again, it was that good type of weird. The whole scene was just plain out scary. I was on my seat the entire time.
Overall, if you want a book to mess with your mind, MARA is definitely the way to go. Richard Denney's newest novel is one not to miss!
May 5, 2012
You can get Mara for FREE if your a Amazon Kindle customer for a few more days (the sale just started today)! After that, it'll go back to its original price of $0.99, which is still an amazing deal.
What in the world? Well, if that isn't a mindfuck, I don't know what is. And yes Richard, coming from me, that is a VERY good thing.
The one thing I can see anybody truly getting turned off by the story is the grammar mistakes (which aren't a lot, just a few here and there). Still, and the author says this himself before the book starts, you might hate it, or not understand it.
In my opinion, it his best work. MaraMara
What in the world? Well, if that isn't a mindfuck, I don't know what is. And yes Richard, coming from me, that is a VERY good thing.
The one thing I can see anybody truly getting turned off by the story is the grammar mistakes (which aren't a lot, just a few here and there). Still, and the author says this himself before the book starts, you might hate it, or not understand it.
In my opinion, it his best work. MaraMara
May 6, 2012
This was a very quick read but it was also a very good read.
I gave it 3 stars because I wish it could have been longer.
The ending def had a twist and I loved it!!
I gave it 3 stars because I wish it could have been longer.
The ending def had a twist and I loved it!!
May 14, 2012
This was the weirdest book I ever read. It was sick and haunting but I had to read it to the end! What a messed up person!
October 2, 2018
This was a quick intense read. Is she crazy? Is she possessed? If you're a fan of tgis genre I'd highly recommend.
October 28, 2023
I did ballet, and I was back in the insanity again.
December 29, 2023
It is so bad, I want to give you a zero, but that's not possible, so I give you a one.
November 17, 2012
Mara, by Richard Denney, is about a girl named Mara. She hates herself and is constantly putting herself down (fat, slut, pathetic,etc.) After she starts to slip into insanity, a voice possesses her and tells her to do evil things. This voice is playing with her mind and she doesn't know if what she is doing is real or not. The only way she can overpower the voice is to hurt herself, and she has to keep doing this so she won't give in to the voice and kill people she loves.
This book is very short (a novella or shorter) but it still is so intense and Mara keeps spiraling into insanity, which makes the book lack boring parts. You feel bad for Mara, but it is a little annoying how she thinks she is imperfect and gives in to the evil voice. Granted, she doesn't know what is happening, but she isn't very good at dealing with her problems. I thought Mara was a great character, the others were alright because they did not get that much time to be explained. One thing I want to know more about is the whole thing with Mr. Goldman. I would love to see this turned into a short film because it is so creepy, original, and a very well-written story.
Now, I think I read somewhere that the author was depressed while writing this. I know sometimes it is hard because people will read something and automatically judge the author, thinking it is only about the author's story. That's not always the case, but sometimes it is. Writers put themselves in their work, but it isn't them just writing about their lives and changing names. So for all of the over-reactive readers of Mara, I highly doubt a voice is telling Mr. Denney to kill people.
I will definitely be reading more of this author's works because his writing style is very good.
This book is very short (a novella or shorter) but it still is so intense and Mara keeps spiraling into insanity, which makes the book lack boring parts. You feel bad for Mara, but it is a little annoying how she thinks she is imperfect and gives in to the evil voice. Granted, she doesn't know what is happening, but she isn't very good at dealing with her problems. I thought Mara was a great character, the others were alright because they did not get that much time to be explained. One thing I want to know more about is the whole thing with Mr. Goldman. I would love to see this turned into a short film because it is so creepy, original, and a very well-written story.
Now, I think I read somewhere that the author was depressed while writing this. I know sometimes it is hard because people will read something and automatically judge the author, thinking it is only about the author's story. That's not always the case, but sometimes it is. Writers put themselves in their work, but it isn't them just writing about their lives and changing names. So for all of the over-reactive readers of Mara, I highly doubt a voice is telling Mr. Denney to kill people.
I will definitely be reading more of this author's works because his writing style is very good.
September 26, 2014
4.5 / 5
I don't think that I have included any spoilers, but read with caution!
I sort of wish that I would have waited until around Halloween to read this, but I do not regret it, and I may re-read it when Halloween does roll around. It's really creepy, and right there at the end I though maybe I was going crazy along with Mara.
My favorite part of this piece was how dark it was. It touched on a number of topics that are not seen often in most mainstream literature. I really enjoyed that aspect.
I really enjoyed the writing, it was unique and it kept me interested. This piece was also very fast paced.
Now, the only thing that I would have like to have seen more of was the development and stories of the rest of the characters. They weren't touched on too much, but there was enough information about them given to you to be able to get a general idea of their character. However, I may have been more horrified with some of the events if I had liked the supporting characters, but most of them I hate (the personality, attitudes, actions,), but I think that may have been the point. I was a little upset about Mara's aunt though.
I will be reading more of Richard's work, that's for sure!
I don't think that I have included any spoilers, but read with caution!
I sort of wish that I would have waited until around Halloween to read this, but I do not regret it, and I may re-read it when Halloween does roll around. It's really creepy, and right there at the end I though maybe I was going crazy along with Mara.
My favorite part of this piece was how dark it was. It touched on a number of topics that are not seen often in most mainstream literature. I really enjoyed that aspect.
I really enjoyed the writing, it was unique and it kept me interested. This piece was also very fast paced.
Now, the only thing that I would have like to have seen more of was the development and stories of the rest of the characters. They weren't touched on too much, but there was enough information about them given to you to be able to get a general idea of their character. However, I may have been more horrified with some of the events if I had liked the supporting characters, but most of them I hate (the personality, attitudes, actions,), but I think that may have been the point. I was a little upset about Mara's aunt though.
I will be reading more of Richard's work, that's for sure!
May 9, 2012
Richard writes in a way that is fast paced and easy. He brings the reader on a ride that is rarely seen in YA and takes nitty gritty subjects like sex, eating disorders, etc and shines a light on them. He did that with Mara and you know what, it worked!
This was a short story and I have to say I liked it. The story was like a trip through Mara's mind as she lost control of her sanity and her ability to be anything but confused. The way Richard wrote the story was such that I literally could see what Mara was seeing on each page. The use of what amounted to possession was a great idea and back dropping the idea behind a dancer who has more going on than anyone realizes was genius. I think he could have fleshed things out a bit more and this could be something he uses for a larger story later on that is the only reason I did not give it 5 stars. I feel it could have been longer. I actually wanted to know MORE about Mara and still do. What made her tick? Why did her mind go to this place? What caused her to have this possession happen to her? I know at the end the big reveal kind of wraps it up but I could not help but think "What if?" Great job with this one Richard:)
This was a short story and I have to say I liked it. The story was like a trip through Mara's mind as she lost control of her sanity and her ability to be anything but confused. The way Richard wrote the story was such that I literally could see what Mara was seeing on each page. The use of what amounted to possession was a great idea and back dropping the idea behind a dancer who has more going on than anyone realizes was genius. I think he could have fleshed things out a bit more and this could be something he uses for a larger story later on that is the only reason I did not give it 5 stars. I feel it could have been longer. I actually wanted to know MORE about Mara and still do. What made her tick? Why did her mind go to this place? What caused her to have this possession happen to her? I know at the end the big reveal kind of wraps it up but I could not help but think "What if?" Great job with this one Richard:)
April 22, 2012
W T F was that?
and I mean it in a good way.
I can't even write a review for this right now. I read it in an hour and thank you Mr Denney for letting me be one of the first to read your new book. I'm pretty sure I was mind f***ed by this story and I literally couldn't take my eyes off of my iPad until I was done. This is one of Mr Denney's short novels, more like a novella, and it did not disappoint.
I felt for Mara and once things began to elevate and the ending grew closer, I felt my heartbeat excelling insanely. The writing style was definitely different. It reminded me of Laurie Halse Anderson, the style, I mean.
The ending. OH WOW. HOLY SH*T! There is no way in hell the reader will see that coming.
[Read 4/18/12]
(BeautifulDarkReviews)
and I mean it in a good way.
I can't even write a review for this right now. I read it in an hour and thank you Mr Denney for letting me be one of the first to read your new book. I'm pretty sure I was mind f***ed by this story and I literally couldn't take my eyes off of my iPad until I was done. This is one of Mr Denney's short novels, more like a novella, and it did not disappoint.
I felt for Mara and once things began to elevate and the ending grew closer, I felt my heartbeat excelling insanely. The writing style was definitely different. It reminded me of Laurie Halse Anderson, the style, I mean.
The ending. OH WOW. HOLY SH*T! There is no way in hell the reader will see that coming.
[Read 4/18/12]
(BeautifulDarkReviews)
April 26, 2012
Wow! This book was just...wow....idk what to say about it, I'm speechless. It was fantastic, the story was phenomenal, and I was NOT expecting the end :O This is the second book I read by Richard and it's amazing how I can feel what the characters feel and experience, I'm in love with how he writes, I can't describe it but it's a good different that has me coming back for more. Can't wait to purchase a hard copy of this book, even though I read it as an ebook (.99 on Amazon) I want it paperback so when I glance at my bookshelf and see it sitting there, I'll remember the crazy insane story of Mara. I don't want to write any details about the book because I don't want to spoil anything for future readers, but just know this: You will not see that ending coming (;
June 15, 2012
First off, could this cover be any more gorgeous? I think not.
This book has this beautiful yet haunting cover but the story is just MESSED UP. Woah. I mean, I just wasn't expecting this book to be so gritty and violent. It was awesome.
Sex. Violence. Angst. Insane ballerina. Craziness. This book has all these things!
I honestly wish this had been a longer story. I felt like it could've been fleshed out a little more but it was really effective in taking hold of your mind and shocking you.
In other words, it was excellent and I love being surprised by books. It was just a great escape. It was very edgy and Mara's voice was so angry and lost.
I recommend it to people looking for an entertaining, creepy short story. It's available on kindle for $0.99
This book has this beautiful yet haunting cover but the story is just MESSED UP. Woah. I mean, I just wasn't expecting this book to be so gritty and violent. It was awesome.
Sex. Violence. Angst. Insane ballerina. Craziness. This book has all these things!
I honestly wish this had been a longer story. I felt like it could've been fleshed out a little more but it was really effective in taking hold of your mind and shocking you.
In other words, it was excellent and I love being surprised by books. It was just a great escape. It was very edgy and Mara's voice was so angry and lost.
I recommend it to people looking for an entertaining, creepy short story. It's available on kindle for $0.99
June 4, 2012
Storyline was interesting. It was only 50 pages as an ebook, however, the ending seemed really forced. I feel the author wasn't quite sure how to end it. Mara's decent into madness pulled the reader in, and then, she went mad because of this. Yes it was .99 cents on Amazon, but I wanted more. It would have been a great full lenght book. He could have gone into greater depth of the ending which needed it's own story delved into.
May 15, 2012
This book is sick, twisted, graphic, and dark. But all in a good way.
I guarantee that you will NOT be able to stop reading once you've read the first few pages. I am amazed that in only fifty pages, Richard Denney was able to come up with a story that is as deep and gripping as this one, not to mention that by the end it is entirely fleshed out. All of the loose ends are tied up by the end of the book.
I won't tell you what the book is about. You'll have to find that out for yourself. ;)
I guarantee that you will NOT be able to stop reading once you've read the first few pages. I am amazed that in only fifty pages, Richard Denney was able to come up with a story that is as deep and gripping as this one, not to mention that by the end it is entirely fleshed out. All of the loose ends are tied up by the end of the book.
I won't tell you what the book is about. You'll have to find that out for yourself. ;)
June 8, 2012
I'm not going to sit here and describe this book and what it's about. It's a short 50 page read about a young girl slipping into insanity. I won't say anything more. This book is so incredibly crazy and insane, that you really have to read it to understand anything anyone ever says about this book. I genuinely loved this book and it is probably one of my favorite books of all time which is something that I don't award lightly. 5/5 stars. Excellent.
June 12, 2012
A very quick read but every page keeps you sucked in. I really loved Mara unraveling & i loved the ending as well. I watch Richard Denney's youtube videos all the time & get a lot of book recommendations from him so it was great to finally read something he wrote. If i could give this 3 & a half stars i would. I only wish this book was longer & the characters had more back story but for such a short read it does keep u hooked.
May 9, 2012
OMG What a a page turner. I felt sick in my stomach for Mara throughout the whole book, easily envisioning some teenager out there thinking along the same lines. Brilliant ending and a real thrill ride till the end.
November 13, 2018
oh. my. god. this book was insanely good, twisted and bloody. the twist in the book completely took me by surprise and i was shocked by the ending. Mara is a story about a girl on the edge of insanity. this book is the perfect halloween/fall/winter read.
February 2, 2014
Truely chilling, yet, it's very well written. It went too fast, though, the book could be way longer.
May 13, 2012
what a strange book Like you I kept reading it
July 22, 2020
Rating: 4.5
The end. WHAT???
The end. WHAT???
July 24, 2015
I did like this but I was confused, I'm not sure if this was a mental illness story or a ghost story...?
October 2, 2025
Interesting concept. The girl was given every bad thing that could happen to a teenager all mushed up instead of just fleshing a few of them out ... I think focus on one or two would have been more impactful as this just missed the mark for me. The writing was a little confusing in spots
#31daysofhorrorshorts
#31daysofhorrorshorts
May 4, 2018
Intense!
I bought this book because I am a subscriber to Richards YouTube channel. I like him and wanted to support his writing endeavours. But I didn't expect this book to be so fast paced and intense. Good for flash fictionfans and people who like psychological thriller s
I bought this book because I am a subscriber to Richards YouTube channel. I like him and wanted to support his writing endeavours. But I didn't expect this book to be so fast paced and intense. Good for flash fictionfans and people who like psychological thriller s
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews