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Malicious Mates
After a breakup from hell, Jackson Young's demons are taking him out to party in this darkly satirical novel from Down Under.
Six-years ago, Jackson traded nights-out with his mates for nights-in with his girlfriend. And never looked back. With a job selling life insurance to the elite, and a girlfriend to go home to, Jackson has everything a modern-day man could hope for. Until one dark and stormy Friday night in Melbourne, Australia, he doesn't.
Thrown back into a vicious city with only his long-lost mates for friends, he must once again endure the torturous task of escaping singledom. But when ghosts from his past get in his ear, Jackson's obsession with finding out the true reason behind his mysterious breakup takes him to the darkest corners of dive bars in his search for answers.
An original tale by a bold new voice in literary fiction, MALICIOUS MATES is a novel you need to read now.
Contains coarse language.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2019
13 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Raz Andrews
1 book2 followersRaz Andrews was born in Auckland, New Zealand and lives in Melbourne, Australia. He is an alumnus of Sydney's Writers' Studio and London's Curtis Brown Creative. Malicious Mates (2019) is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 16, 2019
I received a free copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn’t expecting the directions this book took, and that doesn’t upset me at all. I liked the surprises. They made it so that I couldn’t put the book down, and I consumed it in less than a couple of hours.
I’ve never been to Australia nor do I want to go (too many scary things that would no doubt get me), but I feel like I was right there throughout the whole novel. There were no punches pulled in the description of the city, and I appreciate that. I also like that it wasn’t all gloom and despair, either. Too many authors go to extremes when it isn’t necessary, and that offsets the tone of the book.
The greatest aspect of this book is the characters. Like the setting, they are all described in glorious, real detail, and they feel like living, breathing individuals. I honestly expect to see some of these types of characters at my ten-year high school reunion. Some aspects you like about these characters, some make you hope all their dreams crash and shatter, and I loved every bit of them.
The only thing I thought needed work was some of the tangents. They make the book lose a little focus, but they don’t ruin the structure. If these were reigned in better, this book would be perfect.
The swearing might upset people. There is a lot. I thought I was bad when I was going through my rebellious phase, but I had nothing on Jackson, the main character. It didn’t bother me in the slightest, but I do feel like people need to be warned. I know how a lot of individuals don’t like it.
This book needs more attention. It’s great, and it more than earned its 4.5-star rating. The author is excellent at the craft, and I can’t wait to read more by them.
I wasn’t expecting the directions this book took, and that doesn’t upset me at all. I liked the surprises. They made it so that I couldn’t put the book down, and I consumed it in less than a couple of hours.
I’ve never been to Australia nor do I want to go (too many scary things that would no doubt get me), but I feel like I was right there throughout the whole novel. There were no punches pulled in the description of the city, and I appreciate that. I also like that it wasn’t all gloom and despair, either. Too many authors go to extremes when it isn’t necessary, and that offsets the tone of the book.
The greatest aspect of this book is the characters. Like the setting, they are all described in glorious, real detail, and they feel like living, breathing individuals. I honestly expect to see some of these types of characters at my ten-year high school reunion. Some aspects you like about these characters, some make you hope all their dreams crash and shatter, and I loved every bit of them.
The only thing I thought needed work was some of the tangents. They make the book lose a little focus, but they don’t ruin the structure. If these were reigned in better, this book would be perfect.
The swearing might upset people. There is a lot. I thought I was bad when I was going through my rebellious phase, but I had nothing on Jackson, the main character. It didn’t bother me in the slightest, but I do feel like people need to be warned. I know how a lot of individuals don’t like it.
This book needs more attention. It’s great, and it more than earned its 4.5-star rating. The author is excellent at the craft, and I can’t wait to read more by them.
March 23, 2020
Reminded me a lot of Irvine Welsh. Bad lads, behaving badly. I didn’t want to enjoy it.... but I did!
September 9, 2019
I stumbled upon this book in my Kindle Unlimited and the description was definitely intriguing, but I wasn’t sure what to think. I finished it in just over a day, and I still don’t know what to think.
Pros first: This was a very easy read and I was obviously interested enough in the story to read it all in one day, basically, barring a few hours of sleep. I liked the main character, Jackson, a lot. It seemed almost as though he was trying to convince ME that everything was fine. I felt thoroughly invested in his state of mind. A sign, to me, of a good author. I NEEDED to know what happened next.
Cons: Based on the synopsis, I honestly thought this book was to have far more of a mystery/thriller component. Read the overview and tell me if that’s how it sounds to you. Maybe I’m wrong. So, I kept voraciously reading and wondering where that was. There was something of a mystery, but not what I’d anticipated in the least. In that regard, I feel, I’ve ‘been had’. Also: the cursing. I work in a population that by no means monitors their mouth or their language, but even for me this was just ridiculously excessive. So. Much. Language. Sometimes it seemed to fill the page. For some of the characters it made sense, but it seemed to be all of them. Everyone. From the boss to the guy at the 7/11 to the girl at the hotel. And so much c word. Is that a commonly used word in Australia? Legit want to know, because I hate that word, and it was everywhere. EVERYWHERE.
IN SUMMARY: I think this author is absolutely talented. I think he paints a very clear and descriptive picture and builds characters and location beautifully. It just also appears to be done with a mildly confusing storyline and an excess of foul language. I would read this author again, but go into it knowing what I was getting into.
Pros first: This was a very easy read and I was obviously interested enough in the story to read it all in one day, basically, barring a few hours of sleep. I liked the main character, Jackson, a lot. It seemed almost as though he was trying to convince ME that everything was fine. I felt thoroughly invested in his state of mind. A sign, to me, of a good author. I NEEDED to know what happened next.
Cons: Based on the synopsis, I honestly thought this book was to have far more of a mystery/thriller component. Read the overview and tell me if that’s how it sounds to you. Maybe I’m wrong. So, I kept voraciously reading and wondering where that was. There was something of a mystery, but not what I’d anticipated in the least. In that regard, I feel, I’ve ‘been had’. Also: the cursing. I work in a population that by no means monitors their mouth or their language, but even for me this was just ridiculously excessive. So. Much. Language. Sometimes it seemed to fill the page. For some of the characters it made sense, but it seemed to be all of them. Everyone. From the boss to the guy at the 7/11 to the girl at the hotel. And so much c word. Is that a commonly used word in Australia? Legit want to know, because I hate that word, and it was everywhere. EVERYWHERE.
IN SUMMARY: I think this author is absolutely talented. I think he paints a very clear and descriptive picture and builds characters and location beautifully. It just also appears to be done with a mildly confusing storyline and an excess of foul language. I would read this author again, but go into it knowing what I was getting into.
March 17, 2020
A Must Read Book
Jackson, the protagonist in this book goes through an ugly and unexpected breakup from his long time girlfriend Chelsea. Having lived together for all these years, he now finds himself god forbiddingly single in the unforgiving city of Melbourne. With only his crazy friends by his side, Jackson is thrown into a whirlwind of (mis)adventures in hopes of escaping the pangs that come with an ended relationship. Personally, I loved everything about this book from the HILARIOUS one liners all the way down to the development of the characters that we are introduced to along the way. Clearly, this author is beyond talented and I'm looking very much forward to his next book.
Jackson, the protagonist in this book goes through an ugly and unexpected breakup from his long time girlfriend Chelsea. Having lived together for all these years, he now finds himself god forbiddingly single in the unforgiving city of Melbourne. With only his crazy friends by his side, Jackson is thrown into a whirlwind of (mis)adventures in hopes of escaping the pangs that come with an ended relationship. Personally, I loved everything about this book from the HILARIOUS one liners all the way down to the development of the characters that we are introduced to along the way. Clearly, this author is beyond talented and I'm looking very much forward to his next book.
January 9, 2020
I found the main character to be quite hateful, personally, but the book is so well written the author manages to intrigue you chapter after chapter until your turn the last page. I really liked the detailed descriptions of the city and how the author seamlessly transports you to the scenarios where the story unfolds. Although I‘m not usually into this kind of genre, I found the story interesting and would definitely read another book from the same author.
December 3, 2019
Finally a book about modern times, which isn't all preachy, woke, up lit garbage. First book I could be bothered finishing in ages. Wish more books were like this.
January 8, 2020
Good book and love all the twists and turns that the story takes. I received my copy from voracious readers for my review
January 13, 2020
A very good but confusing story about redemption and finding yourself. However there is a lot of swearing in this book if things like that bother you but definately worth the read.
April 13, 2020
Wow, I really, really, enjoyed this novel! Absolutely hilarious and had a great time reading it. I really appreciated how the characters were not "perfect" and that their flaws were sometimes the most redemptive quality about them. Full of drama and twists and turns, Malicious Mates was like a soap opera for bros and kept me reading until I turned the last page. Looking forward to seeing what else is coming from Raz Andrews.
**I received Malicious Mates from Voracious Readers Only for an honest review**
**I received Malicious Mates from Voracious Readers Only for an honest review**
April 29, 2020
DNF. I couldn't like this or want to continue reading this book. I received it free to review from VoraciousReadersonly.com but it just wasn't for me. Maybe someone that loves the writing of Trainspotting or Clockwork Orange?
April 12, 2020
Wow, what a surprise. So much going on under the surface. Loved it.
February 6, 2020
Malicious Mates follows a main character Jackson as he pieces together his life after an unexpected breakup. The writer does well to capture the atmosphere of the city by night, and what starts as surface level partying with friends, quickly becomes more of a twisted psycho drama, but one that is offset with genuine laugh out louds. It’s a very interesting, and somewhat disturbing, take on today’s friendships, relationships, and workplaces. Definitely worth a read.
December 12, 2019
Funny. Punchy. Friend recommended this book to me and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. I lived in Melbourne in my 20’s and 30’s and this book vividly describes Melbourne in a very realist way, from the nightlife , to the weather, as well as the frequent protests from activists on the streets. Felt like I was there.
May 11, 2020
Thank you for the free copy of this book for an honest review!
I really enjoyed this book! Love reading books that are close to home for me. This had me hooked pretty quickly, loads of twists and turns and interesting characters along the way. A hard book to put down.
I really enjoyed this book! Love reading books that are close to home for me. This had me hooked pretty quickly, loads of twists and turns and interesting characters along the way. A hard book to put down.
May 24, 2020
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. We only get to watch as the main character struggles to better his position in the workplace. Jackson seems to work hard and often has to stay late at work to keep a good opinion of himself from his boss to gain a promotion. The boss has his own issues and insists on drinking parties with the staff, causing them to stay away from their homes even later. All Jackson wants is to go home to his lady partner of 6years. She breaks it off with him and basically tells him to just take his clothes and leave. We watch as he struggles with the why of it because she doesn't tell him. Jackson spirals into depression, anger and denial. He parties too much, loses his temper with a client at work and almost loses his job. He eventually finds out why his girlfriend ditched him and we the reader become concerned at what he will do next. I'm not giving away the ending but I hope Jackson heals himself enough to move on with his life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2020
DNF 60%
I thought the first few chapters of this book were really strong and I started off with high expectations - opening with a Steve Irwin quote was gold!
But, the more I read, the more I just couldn't take it anymore.
The author is clearly a talented writer and I was genuinely impressed by the quality of the writing itself. There were also a few very funny lines in here but unfortunately there wasn't enough to hold it together for me.
The characters are written to be extremely unlikable, which would be fine if the overall story was worth investing in. Sadly, I found it far too repetitive and couldn't handle these disgusting characters any longer.
*Free e-copy received in exchange for an honest review
I thought the first few chapters of this book were really strong and I started off with high expectations - opening with a Steve Irwin quote was gold!
But, the more I read, the more I just couldn't take it anymore.
The author is clearly a talented writer and I was genuinely impressed by the quality of the writing itself. There were also a few very funny lines in here but unfortunately there wasn't enough to hold it together for me.
The characters are written to be extremely unlikable, which would be fine if the overall story was worth investing in. Sadly, I found it far too repetitive and couldn't handle these disgusting characters any longer.
*Free e-copy received in exchange for an honest review
April 14, 2020
After a painful break up you follow the life of a hateful and angry protagonist. A very convincing character in an otherwise confusing story. Every now and then the book is very funny, however quite often the humour didn't do it for me. Or it went straight over my head.
What didn't help in my personal situation is me not being a native English speaker. I am used to British english and American english, the Australian slang complicated things for me as I'm not that familiar with it. That could have played a large part in my opinion.
For me this was a no.
What didn't help in my personal situation is me not being a native English speaker. I am used to British english and American english, the Australian slang complicated things for me as I'm not that familiar with it. That could have played a large part in my opinion.
For me this was a no.
June 6, 2020
The beginning of this takes off with Jackson spewing on what a nightmare his boss is. Evidently, he’s at some dreadful work function. Meanwhile, Chelsea is waiting for him. The whole time Jackson is trying to get away so he can finally go home to Chelsea. But circumstances beyond his control prevent him from doing so.
The writing doesn’t really capture the reader as much as it should. I found myself re-reading a lot of parts just to catch up and figure things out. I didn’t really enjoy this as much as I thought I would.
The writing doesn’t really capture the reader as much as it should. I found myself re-reading a lot of parts just to catch up and figure things out. I didn’t really enjoy this as much as I thought I would.
April 4, 2023
So I feel slightly conflicted about this book - it felt as if the author could not decide on the genre.
There has been a lot of Irvine Welsh comparisons, which I can agree with to some extent however characters were not as developed.
It was an enjoyable read, some parts extremely funny and dark but not a book I would rush to recommend.
There has been a lot of Irvine Welsh comparisons, which I can agree with to some extent however characters were not as developed.
It was an enjoyable read, some parts extremely funny and dark but not a book I would rush to recommend.
April 8, 2020
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you
Rather cynical and self centered characters in this story. Not enamoured of all the bad language....do people really speak like that in the workplace?!!!
Rather cynical and self centered characters in this story. Not enamoured of all the bad language....do people really speak like that in the workplace?!!!
September 30, 2020
An interesting read, a bit of a struggle to get through but overall ok - I appreciate the opportunity to review it!
October 3, 2022
Awesome novel!
May 16, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
The plot is boring and lacking. Cynical and whiny, the majority of the book seems to be the main character complaining about absolutely anything and everything. I forced myself to read to chapter 18 before it gave me such a headache that I had to stop.
Full of toxic masculinity at its finest, one could wonder if the author isn't projecting a bit. The main character constantly complains about his job, his co-workers, his boss, his girlfriend, his friends, random people he makes snap judgements about out on the street. Maybe if he wasn't such a massive pessimistic bag of dicks, this book would be slightly enjoyable.
In all honesty, I'd rather read the meme-worthy trash that is Twilight than have to look at this book again.
The plot is boring and lacking. Cynical and whiny, the majority of the book seems to be the main character complaining about absolutely anything and everything. I forced myself to read to chapter 18 before it gave me such a headache that I had to stop.
Full of toxic masculinity at its finest, one could wonder if the author isn't projecting a bit. The main character constantly complains about his job, his co-workers, his boss, his girlfriend, his friends, random people he makes snap judgements about out on the street. Maybe if he wasn't such a massive pessimistic bag of dicks, this book would be slightly enjoyable.
In all honesty, I'd rather read the meme-worthy trash that is Twilight than have to look at this book again.
March 1, 2020
Just awful. I know you're supposed to dislike the characters but they weren't even well written. The story didn't go anywhere but had a "happy ending" that he didn't deserve. Hints about his past but no real reason for them. Just blah.
May 22, 2020
I got a complimentary review copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
The book starts off on a mildly interesting note, seems to hit a plateau where I wonder why exactly I'm reading it, and then picks up again to a moderately interesting note. It was a quick read, which I enjoyed, though I could have done without the copious amounts of cursing strewn throughout the book. On the other hand, though, it did create the particular character(s) the author was going for.
One thing I didn't like about the book was the confusing setting in the first few chapters. I was unsure whether the men were in the boardroom at work, at their boss's house, or at a bar some of the time. I would be certain of the setting at one moment, and completely unclear the next. The language was a bit confusing there, though perhaps it was supposed to be.
The description given said it would "appeal to fans of Fight Club, Trainspotting, and American Psycho". The only one of those I've read/seen is "Fight Club", and I didn't particularly get "Fight Club" vibes from this book, nor do I really think it's accurate to say that those who enjoyed it will enjoy this book - at least not nearly as much. I was left feeling okay about the book, but not great. I would probably give it 2.5 stars if possible.
The book starts off on a mildly interesting note, seems to hit a plateau where I wonder why exactly I'm reading it, and then picks up again to a moderately interesting note. It was a quick read, which I enjoyed, though I could have done without the copious amounts of cursing strewn throughout the book. On the other hand, though, it did create the particular character(s) the author was going for.
One thing I didn't like about the book was the confusing setting in the first few chapters. I was unsure whether the men were in the boardroom at work, at their boss's house, or at a bar some of the time. I would be certain of the setting at one moment, and completely unclear the next. The language was a bit confusing there, though perhaps it was supposed to be.
The description given said it would "appeal to fans of Fight Club, Trainspotting, and American Psycho". The only one of those I've read/seen is "Fight Club", and I didn't particularly get "Fight Club" vibes from this book, nor do I really think it's accurate to say that those who enjoyed it will enjoy this book - at least not nearly as much. I was left feeling okay about the book, but not great. I would probably give it 2.5 stars if possible.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews