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A Haunting Dystopian Tale #1
The Nocere
A Dystopian future, a world forgotten, a twisted eternal paradise...
After portals were built to access the spirit realm, humans abandoned the world to escape their earthly existence. All that remains for the few living souls left behind is a haunting reminder of life forgotten. The realm is a magical place where rules are scarce and vices are plenty.
Fawn was born an orphan and forced into years of indentured servitude within the realm. She has seen the dark side of humanity, but her job at The Nocere requires her to serve a new kind of evil. As events unfold that push her toward her destiny, she must face the monsters of her past to save the ones she loves.
The Nocere, book 1 of A Haunting Dystopian Tale, takes readers on a harrowing journey through a post-apocalyptic world. Fantasy meets Science Fiction in this action packed- character driven series for New Adult readers.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2020
241 people are currently reading
1073 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
May 25, 2020
Yet again, many thanks to Heather Carson for sending me a copy of this book! All opinions are my own!
What. A. Ride. This was such an interesting world that Carson created, I literally devoured the book in one single sitting because I HAD to know how things played out. The concept behind the world was fascinating and I loved every bit of detail we got about it.
I loved the side characters in this but I have sooooo many more questions about them. I loved Genie, and Vorie, and I loved Alister and Brayson. I need to know what happens to all of them ASAP.
As usual, I walked away with so many questions and now very many answers, but you can bet your butt I'll be back for book 2! I'm hooked and I need to know how things play out for Fawn.
What. A. Ride. This was such an interesting world that Carson created, I literally devoured the book in one single sitting because I HAD to know how things played out. The concept behind the world was fascinating and I loved every bit of detail we got about it.
I loved the side characters in this but I have sooooo many more questions about them. I loved Genie, and Vorie, and I loved Alister and Brayson. I need to know what happens to all of them ASAP.
As usual, I walked away with so many questions and now very many answers, but you can bet your butt I'll be back for book 2! I'm hooked and I need to know how things play out for Fawn.
January 15, 2025
4/5 star
Spoiler-Free Thoughts:
Broad thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book! It had an interesting, yet dark and gritty, world, and I enjoyed the portal-fantasy aspect of it. The characters weren't as flushed out as they could have been, but there are two more books, and for this only being barely more than 200 pages, I would say that they were developed very well! I didn't fully understand what was happening at all times, but it wasn't so bad that I was confused for the majority of it or anyhting.
Description:
The Nocere follows Fiona, who is an orphan. In this world, orphans are used as indentured servants, kind of, and they pretty much have horrible lives. People don't treat them well, they have hard jobs, etc. At age 18, Fiona is reassigned to work at The Nocere, a bar that is said to be really bad. While working there, she begins to unfold secrets about the bar and about the world, which will send her life spinning.
Specific:
I really, really liked the main five orphan characters, and a lot of the side characters! I thought for the amount of pages they were on for, they were developed decently. At the end, when everything was going down, I didn't care as much as I hoped I would about the characters, but I was a little worried.
The world-building wasn't bad. While I couldn't tell someone how it came or anything, the explanation in the books was done well enough, and I didn't feel lost.
Spoilery thoughts:
The ending where we were trying to figure out who killed Vorie was a little confusing. I didn't believe for a second that it was Fergus who killed her (mostly because I was just really hoping he would be good for the whole series). I don't really think we got much closure from that, so I'm assuming we will go into that more in the second and maybe even third books. In those books, I would also like to learn more about the ghosts (the rules for them, who is eligible to come back, why just the Nocere, etc.) so I'm hoping that whole idea is further explored.
Conclusion: This was a good book with a very creepy feeling to it. It had quite a few twists and turns, and I'm excited to continue in the series!
Spoiler-Free Thoughts:
Broad thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book! It had an interesting, yet dark and gritty, world, and I enjoyed the portal-fantasy aspect of it. The characters weren't as flushed out as they could have been, but there are two more books, and for this only being barely more than 200 pages, I would say that they were developed very well! I didn't fully understand what was happening at all times, but it wasn't so bad that I was confused for the majority of it or anyhting.
Description:
The Nocere follows Fiona, who is an orphan. In this world, orphans are used as indentured servants, kind of, and they pretty much have horrible lives. People don't treat them well, they have hard jobs, etc. At age 18, Fiona is reassigned to work at The Nocere, a bar that is said to be really bad. While working there, she begins to unfold secrets about the bar and about the world, which will send her life spinning.
Specific:
I really, really liked the main five orphan characters, and a lot of the side characters! I thought for the amount of pages they were on for, they were developed decently. At the end, when everything was going down, I didn't care as much as I hoped I would about the characters, but I was a little worried.
The world-building wasn't bad. While I couldn't tell someone how it came or anything, the explanation in the books was done well enough, and I didn't feel lost.
Spoilery thoughts:
The ending where we were trying to figure out who killed Vorie was a little confusing. I didn't believe for a second that it was Fergus who killed her (mostly because I was just really hoping he would be good for the whole series). I don't really think we got much closure from that, so I'm assuming we will go into that more in the second and maybe even third books. In those books, I would also like to learn more about the ghosts (the rules for them, who is eligible to come back, why just the Nocere, etc.) so I'm hoping that whole idea is further explored.
Conclusion: This was a good book with a very creepy feeling to it. It had quite a few twists and turns, and I'm excited to continue in the series!
May 24, 2020
This is book one of the Haunting Dsytopian Tale series and the main character is eighteen year old Fawn and her fellow orphan friends, as they all reach their eighteenth birthdays and are released from their years of indentured servitude to the Mob, working in the spirit realm from an early age. They live in a world which has been deserted, ever since portals were built to access the spirit realm. A place where any dreams could come true and people could live with no more problems, pain or difficulty. Most humans have abandoned the world to live on this new realm, but there are also some sad souls who can’t quite abandon their previous life and their bodies are stuck near portals, waiting to die, or for them to make up their minds either way. Fawn tries to feed the ones by her closest portal, even though supplies are hard to obtain. They are known as Can’t Commits, those who are trying to exist in both, not having made up their minds.
There is a high number of orphans to be found in the realm, as parents abandon them to live out their dreams. Fawn and her friends Genie, Vorie, Brayson and Lane, were all brought up in the same orphanage and have gone through a rough life together. From mistreatment by the orphanage staff, to horrible jobs for the Mob, who control most things. Most jobs don’t earn them many credits to live on, but Brayson is lucky enough to have a natural ability to build things in the realm and now has a well-paying job as an architect. The others aren’t quite so lucky, but Genie at least has a rich boyfriend, Craton, who is willing to pay for them to visit an exclusive club in the realm to celebrate Genie’s coming of age and the end of her indentured servitude.
Fawn is unfortunate in that she had an extra year of servitude added to her time, as she tried to run away from her horrible boss and job at the time. Now she has to start a new job in a new club called Nocere, which is located in a strange in between realm, between their world and the spirit realm. This is a new endeavour and only those over eighteen can work there. Her friend Brayson knows a bit about the club and tells her to stay away from it, but she has no choice, she can’t refuse to work where the Mob send her! She has seen a lot of evil in her life so far, but what she will see and experience in this new club, will be more than she could ever dream of in her worst nightmares! It will also push her towards a new destiny.
She wants to save those she loves, all of their dreams for the future and her idea of humanity. She has to face monsters, one of whom she actually met in her past, face to face in this new club and her job is to serve them. This is a club for the sickest humans alive, whether in the spirit realm or in their world. In the realm nothing can hurt you and no-one can harm anybody else. Only in the real world can people be hurt. Fawn meets two men, one is Fergus, some sort of maintenance man for the club and another is an intense green eyed man called Alister, a guest in the club who she believes to be the same as all the other visitors to the club. One her friends want her to start dating, but he may be more dangerous than anyone knows.
This is a great set-up of teens trying to make it in a deserted world, having been left as kids, working from a young age and tracked at every stage by the Mob. Everything in their world has turned into piles of destruction after being abandoned for so many years and food is a constant struggle to obtain. Vorie has dreams of them all leaving Los Angeles together, as they have been told is the name of the city they live in, to find a better place to exist, but not all of them agree. Since Fawn has another year to serve, all plans are on hold, until events occur in the storyline which change everything! This is a fascinating story of survival in a world where children are treated as slaves and the government is nowhere to be seen. Adding in a spirit realm where most people prefer to exist, just makes this so much more complex and interesting to read. I can’t wait for another book to read in this series! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, but bought it as it was such a great read. If I could give a book more than five stars, I certainly would! I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
There is a high number of orphans to be found in the realm, as parents abandon them to live out their dreams. Fawn and her friends Genie, Vorie, Brayson and Lane, were all brought up in the same orphanage and have gone through a rough life together. From mistreatment by the orphanage staff, to horrible jobs for the Mob, who control most things. Most jobs don’t earn them many credits to live on, but Brayson is lucky enough to have a natural ability to build things in the realm and now has a well-paying job as an architect. The others aren’t quite so lucky, but Genie at least has a rich boyfriend, Craton, who is willing to pay for them to visit an exclusive club in the realm to celebrate Genie’s coming of age and the end of her indentured servitude.
Fawn is unfortunate in that she had an extra year of servitude added to her time, as she tried to run away from her horrible boss and job at the time. Now she has to start a new job in a new club called Nocere, which is located in a strange in between realm, between their world and the spirit realm. This is a new endeavour and only those over eighteen can work there. Her friend Brayson knows a bit about the club and tells her to stay away from it, but she has no choice, she can’t refuse to work where the Mob send her! She has seen a lot of evil in her life so far, but what she will see and experience in this new club, will be more than she could ever dream of in her worst nightmares! It will also push her towards a new destiny.
She wants to save those she loves, all of their dreams for the future and her idea of humanity. She has to face monsters, one of whom she actually met in her past, face to face in this new club and her job is to serve them. This is a club for the sickest humans alive, whether in the spirit realm or in their world. In the realm nothing can hurt you and no-one can harm anybody else. Only in the real world can people be hurt. Fawn meets two men, one is Fergus, some sort of maintenance man for the club and another is an intense green eyed man called Alister, a guest in the club who she believes to be the same as all the other visitors to the club. One her friends want her to start dating, but he may be more dangerous than anyone knows.
This is a great set-up of teens trying to make it in a deserted world, having been left as kids, working from a young age and tracked at every stage by the Mob. Everything in their world has turned into piles of destruction after being abandoned for so many years and food is a constant struggle to obtain. Vorie has dreams of them all leaving Los Angeles together, as they have been told is the name of the city they live in, to find a better place to exist, but not all of them agree. Since Fawn has another year to serve, all plans are on hold, until events occur in the storyline which change everything! This is a fascinating story of survival in a world where children are treated as slaves and the government is nowhere to be seen. Adding in a spirit realm where most people prefer to exist, just makes this so much more complex and interesting to read. I can’t wait for another book to read in this series! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, but bought it as it was such a great read. If I could give a book more than five stars, I certainly would! I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
August 4, 2020
"First, do no harm."
That's what the word Nocere means in Latin. It's hands down one of the most unique and beautiful book names I have come across, so kudos to the author for that.
The Nocere is based on a world where humankind has built portals to the spirit world, where people usually go in their afterlife. But now using the portals, anyone can walk into "the realm" and do as they wish. There are no rules, and construct inhibiting people's desires - everything can be manifested by will - so, Earth is mostly desolated. The power vacuum was grabbed by the mafia who own underage orphans and employ them to jobs in the realm. The story follows Fawn, an orphan, who is living out her last contracted year and gets a job in a club called the Nocere. The club is in "the in-between" or "the void" and catered to patrons who supposedly get off on others' pain, which cannot be felt in "the realm". Shocking events at the Nocere spill out in the real world as Fawn's past comes to haunt her. Before long, she realises she is not ordinary, and she is ready to go far for her loved ones and to retain her humanity.
The world-building in The Nocere is unique and exciting; however, it can be quiet confusing. I appreciated how there wasn't any massive information dump like there is in every first book in a series. But as the story progressed, there were a lot of things not adequately explained, which I had to take it as it is and it remained that way even at the end of the book. There wasn't much backstory or elements to the characters, so they felt pretty dull. For people who had to survive in a cutthroat world since their childhood, they were very immature and overly obsessed with partying. Overall, the story was a quick and easy read with mediocre writing. There was also a sharp jump in Fawn's character from the beginning to the climax of the book, which was not well-built and it sort of happened. I was heavily leaning towards not continuing reading the series, but the ending of the first book and it's loose ends are prompting me to do so.
That's what the word Nocere means in Latin. It's hands down one of the most unique and beautiful book names I have come across, so kudos to the author for that.
The Nocere is based on a world where humankind has built portals to the spirit world, where people usually go in their afterlife. But now using the portals, anyone can walk into "the realm" and do as they wish. There are no rules, and construct inhibiting people's desires - everything can be manifested by will - so, Earth is mostly desolated. The power vacuum was grabbed by the mafia who own underage orphans and employ them to jobs in the realm. The story follows Fawn, an orphan, who is living out her last contracted year and gets a job in a club called the Nocere. The club is in "the in-between" or "the void" and catered to patrons who supposedly get off on others' pain, which cannot be felt in "the realm". Shocking events at the Nocere spill out in the real world as Fawn's past comes to haunt her. Before long, she realises she is not ordinary, and she is ready to go far for her loved ones and to retain her humanity.
The world-building in The Nocere is unique and exciting; however, it can be quiet confusing. I appreciated how there wasn't any massive information dump like there is in every first book in a series. But as the story progressed, there were a lot of things not adequately explained, which I had to take it as it is and it remained that way even at the end of the book. There wasn't much backstory or elements to the characters, so they felt pretty dull. For people who had to survive in a cutthroat world since their childhood, they were very immature and overly obsessed with partying. Overall, the story was a quick and easy read with mediocre writing. There was also a sharp jump in Fawn's character from the beginning to the climax of the book, which was not well-built and it sort of happened. I was heavily leaning towards not continuing reading the series, but the ending of the first book and it's loose ends are prompting me to do so.
March 20, 2021
Took me about 10 chapters to really get into it, but once I was it was really enjoyable :)
July 31, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. I'm a sucker for afterlife stories, and this one delivers upon some unique concepts. It's a fascinating dystopian setting where portals to the afterlife exist, but people's obsession with going there has basically left the living world in ruins. Everyone (or almost everyone) just wants to escape. There is a murder mystery involved, which adds some intrigue. The world-building leaves some questions, but I imagine answers will come in the sequels. But even if they don't, I don't mind leaving a few details to my own imagination. It's a quick and engaging read. Highly recommend!
December 16, 2021
This was a great underrated book i loved this so much the world was so cool and exciting it fit so much into just like 200-250 pages I got so invested in it the moment I finished I wanted to read the second one. The world was so cool to read about and I thought it was every well done and written and I already love this author.
May 21, 2020
This a beautifully crafted dystopian tale that draws you in from the get go. So many interesting ideas are suggested throughout the first book and many twists and turns which make you feel true emotion for the emotional and physical suffering for the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Book-sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Please be advised that this review may contain spoilers for the book.
I really would love to see a longer version of this first novel that details many of the elements touched upon in the 100 page book.
I would love to see use of flashback to Fawn and her 'families' days at the Orphanage as I feel that it would not only flesh out the book more, but it would also really reinforce that Dystopian world and create a much stronger understanding and connection for the reader towards the protagonist.
The only one thing I would say that I found negative about this novel was the sudden advance in Fawn's powers to destroy an entire structure in the 'in-between' realm. I would love to watch Fawn grow as a character and find herself through her power.
Overall I can see that this author has a very special talent at weaving multiple layers of plot within the story. It would be nice to have a stronger picture of the 'real' world and just how truly devastating it is compared to live now a days that we take for granted.
There are many supporting characters that do get a reasonably good description and purpose in the tale, however I feel if the book were to be extended it would leave more room for characterisation, solidifying interpersonal relationships between characters and allowing the reader to emotionally connect with the terrible things that unravel.
I received a free copy of this book via Book-sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Please be advised that this review may contain spoilers for the book.
I really would love to see a longer version of this first novel that details many of the elements touched upon in the 100 page book.
I would love to see use of flashback to Fawn and her 'families' days at the Orphanage as I feel that it would not only flesh out the book more, but it would also really reinforce that Dystopian world and create a much stronger understanding and connection for the reader towards the protagonist.
The only one thing I would say that I found negative about this novel was the sudden advance in Fawn's powers to destroy an entire structure in the 'in-between' realm. I would love to watch Fawn grow as a character and find herself through her power.
Overall I can see that this author has a very special talent at weaving multiple layers of plot within the story. It would be nice to have a stronger picture of the 'real' world and just how truly devastating it is compared to live now a days that we take for granted.
There are many supporting characters that do get a reasonably good description and purpose in the tale, however I feel if the book were to be extended it would leave more room for characterisation, solidifying interpersonal relationships between characters and allowing the reader to emotionally connect with the terrible things that unravel.
May 27, 2020
In the Nocere, Heather Carson launches the reader right into the world of Fawn: orphan and indentured servant to the mafia. In this dystopian tale, magic is aplenty and people can move between realms, capable of becoming anything they can imagine. Yet, it's not all real. But, it does come with a great personal cost to those who would choose the imaginary over the real world.
In this character-driven story, Heather Carson creates truly full heroin in Fawn. She's loyal to her friends, she's resources, and she'll do whatever it takes to divorce herself from the servitude that all orphans in this world must be subjected to.
Just as she creates a full character in Fawn, so too she creates a full reality in which magic, science, and the spiritual world operate. In this blending of fiction genres, Heather Carson, has brought to the world a truly unique and creative narrative that will keep the reader invested until the very end.
In this character-driven story, Heather Carson creates truly full heroin in Fawn. She's loyal to her friends, she's resources, and she'll do whatever it takes to divorce herself from the servitude that all orphans in this world must be subjected to.
Just as she creates a full character in Fawn, so too she creates a full reality in which magic, science, and the spiritual world operate. In this blending of fiction genres, Heather Carson, has brought to the world a truly unique and creative narrative that will keep the reader invested until the very end.
August 8, 2021
Set in a dystopian world where it’s inhabitants have managed to cross to another realm. This realm is a spirit world where our loved ones have gone, after they died. It’s a beautiful place where you can manifest beautiful things, so many people cross over and leave the regular world.
Fawn and her friends are orphans, living in the world and serving indentures until they are at least 18. Fawn ends up working at The Nocere, a dark and creepy place, with clientèle you don’t want to mess with.
When something bad happens she knows she has to do something…
This is the first book of a trilogy and I loved it! Can’t wait to start & finish the next two!
Fawn and her friends are orphans, living in the world and serving indentures until they are at least 18. Fawn ends up working at The Nocere, a dark and creepy place, with clientèle you don’t want to mess with.
When something bad happens she knows she has to do something…
This is the first book of a trilogy and I loved it! Can’t wait to start & finish the next two!
August 7, 2020
Creative Story
I really liked this. It was dark and oppressive the way most dystopians are, but the mystery and, literally, haunting story were original and very compelling. I would definitely recommend! And I’m going to be finishing out the series for sure. I’m really glad I accidentally discovered this one.
I really liked this. It was dark and oppressive the way most dystopians are, but the mystery and, literally, haunting story were original and very compelling. I would definitely recommend! And I’m going to be finishing out the series for sure. I’m really glad I accidentally discovered this one.
January 19, 2021
I couldn't put this book down. I had to envelop myself in this world and know what was this new job and then who these characters were. It only took a few hours to get through and upon finishing, I bought the second book.
November 1, 2021
What a great fast read. Completely different from anything else out there! I can’t wait to read the next one!!
June 12, 2025
I normally don't cry during books but this book actually made me ugly sob while sitting at work. I just finished the first book and I picked up my phone to sing my praises about this book. The plot is so original, the characters are very believable and F*** THAT ENDING!? now I'm just an average reader, I cant predict an ending but even if I could I don't think I would have predicted this one. My jaw was on the floor at the end. Finished this book in 1 day 😂 About to order the rest of the series!
March 5, 2024
Not my typical genre but it was good! & can't wait to read the 2nd book
October 28, 2020
Cool concept
Things that I liked:
-original idea
-developed characters
-no insta-love
-short with just enough world building, but not stuffed full with filler to make it longer for no other reason than higher word count.
Things I didn't like:
-fed into annoying stereotypes
-special snowflake
Things that I liked:
-original idea
-developed characters
-no insta-love
-short with just enough world building, but not stuffed full with filler to make it longer for no other reason than higher word count.
Things I didn't like:
-fed into annoying stereotypes
-special snowflake
January 6, 2021
This is EXACTLY my type of book. I'm so freaking in love with this story already! I cannot wait to start the next one right away!
If you are even partially considering this book...DO IT! Read it right now!
If you are even partially considering this book...DO IT! Read it right now!
March 27, 2022
3.25 out of 5 stars.
I picked this book up based on the recommendation of a list of books suggested for people who loved The House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski.
The beginning of this book just didn't do it for me, and if it hadn't been for the unfortunate fact that a family member ended up in the hospital, but they were only allowing one person in the emergency room with him, I probably would never have finished this book, but as fate would have it, I ended up reading it almost in one sitting in the family waiting room at Riverside in Columbus.
The book starts with Fawn, an orphan in the real world, who is forced to work for "the mafia," the group of individuals who control "the realm," which is where spirits go when their human bodies die. Years ago, portals to the realm were created, and before anyone really knew what was happening, people started preferring the magical, surreal, fantastical quality of the realm, where they could manifest almost anything (except those things that the mafia blocked so that they could make money off of those things).
Fawn tries to run away one day, slicing open her skin and taking out her tracker. She runs and hides in an alleyway behind a dumpster. Hours she waits, wanting to be certain no one would catch her. But then something is beside her, the evil oozing off of them. A monster. She runs straight back to the mafia and the orphanage, another year added on to her servitude, which would have ended when she was 18.
Fast forward to 18. Fawn lives with her friend Genie. Her friend, Vorie, has moved into a stylish place with her fiance, Brayson. They all go out with their friend, Lane, regularly, even though Fawn would much prefer to stay home on her days off.
Not long after turning 18 (or perhaps the day she turns 18), she is told she will be working for The Nocere for the remainder of her servitude. The Nocere: a nightclub in "the in-between," neither the realm nor reality. Fawn perhaps gets an inkling that something is off because the mafia generally prefers minors to do the waitressing, but she is told this is something different and it is strictly adults only. Fawn shrugs off any foreboding and goes about her day.
At Vorie's freedom/birthday party, Brayson reveals he has been promoted to architect and has been working on The Nocer. When Fawn says she is supposed to start working there, Brayson's attitude changes, and he seems on the verge of telling her something, but doesn't, not wanting to ruin Vorie's night. He tells Fawn he will talk to her the next day. However, he doesn't show, and Fawn has to go to work - her first night at The Vocere.
The way the clientele is described, there are nefarious people of all sorts - murderers, serial killers, and more, oh my. The girls working there are "dressed up" in "glamour" - manifestations in the realm like purple hair and makeup and all sorts of imaginary body modification. Fawn has been dressed up as, well, a fawn. She is in a white summer dress, sparkles shimmering on her skin, with antlers on her head and brown nose. She is furious, but then she sees the other girls she'll be working with, and they have likewise been subjected to the same humiliation.
There are so many left turns in this book, I could barely keep up. Was Fergus a good guy or a bad guy? Was Alister a monster or a friend? And who, for the love of God, was the monster? Up until a certain part in the book, I had thought it was a real monster. Maybe one that came out of the realm. But closer to the end, it seemed as though it was a flesh and blood man.
There's more to The Nocere than meets the eye. When murdered spirits start getting trapped there, their last moments replayed for the disgusting pleasure of the patrons, Fawn begins to have some serious issues with her new place of employment. When someone she knows ends up on the stage, she just about loses her mind with rage.
But what is keeping these tormented souls in the building? What kind of power could keep them from crossing over to the realm? Time is ticking and Fawn needs to figure out who she can trust, and how to free the souls.
There were some parts of the story I felt could have been done better, and there was a lot of back and forth between whether certain characters were trustworthy or not. I understand that this is the first in a series (I have not looked up how many books there are), but I felt that some of the loose ends should have been wrapped up in this book. In the end, it felt as though I was missing maybe a quarter of the book. Not the last part of the book, I think the ending was fine, but just the missing pieces to the puzzle.
The beginning of the book was jarring, the dialogue stilted, and the first person view uncomfortable. But as I got further into the story and vested in the characters and their lives (and deaths), that first impression fell away.
I think I will likely pick up the next book in this series out of curiosity. I don't think this book was particularly anything to write home about, but maybe the next one will wow my socks off.
I picked this book up based on the recommendation of a list of books suggested for people who loved The House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski.
The beginning of this book just didn't do it for me, and if it hadn't been for the unfortunate fact that a family member ended up in the hospital, but they were only allowing one person in the emergency room with him, I probably would never have finished this book, but as fate would have it, I ended up reading it almost in one sitting in the family waiting room at Riverside in Columbus.
The book starts with Fawn, an orphan in the real world, who is forced to work for "the mafia," the group of individuals who control "the realm," which is where spirits go when their human bodies die. Years ago, portals to the realm were created, and before anyone really knew what was happening, people started preferring the magical, surreal, fantastical quality of the realm, where they could manifest almost anything (except those things that the mafia blocked so that they could make money off of those things).
Fawn tries to run away one day, slicing open her skin and taking out her tracker. She runs and hides in an alleyway behind a dumpster. Hours she waits, wanting to be certain no one would catch her. But then something is beside her, the evil oozing off of them. A monster. She runs straight back to the mafia and the orphanage, another year added on to her servitude, which would have ended when she was 18.
Fast forward to 18. Fawn lives with her friend Genie. Her friend, Vorie, has moved into a stylish place with her fiance, Brayson. They all go out with their friend, Lane, regularly, even though Fawn would much prefer to stay home on her days off.
Not long after turning 18 (or perhaps the day she turns 18), she is told she will be working for The Nocere for the remainder of her servitude. The Nocere: a nightclub in "the in-between," neither the realm nor reality. Fawn perhaps gets an inkling that something is off because the mafia generally prefers minors to do the waitressing, but she is told this is something different and it is strictly adults only. Fawn shrugs off any foreboding and goes about her day.
At Vorie's freedom/birthday party, Brayson reveals he has been promoted to architect and has been working on The Nocer. When Fawn says she is supposed to start working there, Brayson's attitude changes, and he seems on the verge of telling her something, but doesn't, not wanting to ruin Vorie's night. He tells Fawn he will talk to her the next day. However, he doesn't show, and Fawn has to go to work - her first night at The Vocere.
The way the clientele is described, there are nefarious people of all sorts - murderers, serial killers, and more, oh my. The girls working there are "dressed up" in "glamour" - manifestations in the realm like purple hair and makeup and all sorts of imaginary body modification. Fawn has been dressed up as, well, a fawn. She is in a white summer dress, sparkles shimmering on her skin, with antlers on her head and brown nose. She is furious, but then she sees the other girls she'll be working with, and they have likewise been subjected to the same humiliation.
There are so many left turns in this book, I could barely keep up. Was Fergus a good guy or a bad guy? Was Alister a monster or a friend? And who, for the love of God, was the monster? Up until a certain part in the book, I had thought it was a real monster. Maybe one that came out of the realm. But closer to the end, it seemed as though it was a flesh and blood man.
There's more to The Nocere than meets the eye. When murdered spirits start getting trapped there, their last moments replayed for the disgusting pleasure of the patrons, Fawn begins to have some serious issues with her new place of employment. When someone she knows ends up on the stage, she just about loses her mind with rage.
But what is keeping these tormented souls in the building? What kind of power could keep them from crossing over to the realm? Time is ticking and Fawn needs to figure out who she can trust, and how to free the souls.
There were some parts of the story I felt could have been done better, and there was a lot of back and forth between whether certain characters were trustworthy or not. I understand that this is the first in a series (I have not looked up how many books there are), but I felt that some of the loose ends should have been wrapped up in this book. In the end, it felt as though I was missing maybe a quarter of the book. Not the last part of the book, I think the ending was fine, but just the missing pieces to the puzzle.
The beginning of the book was jarring, the dialogue stilted, and the first person view uncomfortable. But as I got further into the story and vested in the characters and their lives (and deaths), that first impression fell away.
I think I will likely pick up the next book in this series out of curiosity. I don't think this book was particularly anything to write home about, but maybe the next one will wow my socks off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2022
Think of Anne of Green Gables (sort of), set in a post-apocalyptic future where she’s not only changing the perspectives and lives of those who meet her and experience her love for living, but she’s also given the power to change the world.
I’m writing this review after reading the whole trilogy of this series.
I have to say, this story grew into more than I thought it would. I was captured by the world-concept and potentially dangerous and mysterious love triangle, but I continued reading for the commentary on government, life, and the after-life.
This story’s world has a really unique perspective on the after-life. Being set in a post-apocalyptic world where people can access this “realm” of the after-life, and everyone is rushing through the awful reality of living to get to the “realm” of eternity is a cool concept that caused me to question a lot of aspects of life. The government vs. mafia vs. independent rulings across the US were interesting to read about and surprisingly relatable to today’s world. This author seems to discuss government in post-apocalyptic settings with a specific perspective that I’ve enjoyed after reading two of her series.
I enjoyed the varying backgrounds of the characters and their individual experiences of life in this world. I love that they all come together in one way or another in the end.
The writing itself could improve, and there were moments that felt a bit rushed, but the story itself is engaging and really fun. I’d love to hear more from this specific world. I think YA readers would really love this story.
I’m writing this review after reading the whole trilogy of this series.
I have to say, this story grew into more than I thought it would. I was captured by the world-concept and potentially dangerous and mysterious love triangle, but I continued reading for the commentary on government, life, and the after-life.
This story’s world has a really unique perspective on the after-life. Being set in a post-apocalyptic world where people can access this “realm” of the after-life, and everyone is rushing through the awful reality of living to get to the “realm” of eternity is a cool concept that caused me to question a lot of aspects of life. The government vs. mafia vs. independent rulings across the US were interesting to read about and surprisingly relatable to today’s world. This author seems to discuss government in post-apocalyptic settings with a specific perspective that I’ve enjoyed after reading two of her series.
I enjoyed the varying backgrounds of the characters and their individual experiences of life in this world. I love that they all come together in one way or another in the end.
The writing itself could improve, and there were moments that felt a bit rushed, but the story itself is engaging and really fun. I’d love to hear more from this specific world. I think YA readers would really love this story.
February 18, 2021
I want more,but in a different way
Of course I took advantage of the free listing on Amazon for this book and I really did enjoy the storyline. However there could be so much more to this. I feel like the story itself is very fast paced with not too much detail and that’s where I seen it lacking the most was the detail. The story plot was spot on and kept me engaged, but I needed more atmosphere and descriptive details. Also this book probably didn’t need to be split into multiple books, I felt like it ended rather abruptly. The story was only starting to get to the good parts basically once it ended and I as the reader don’t feel like that is where it should be stopped. Instead it should stop only after the main plot of the book has ended which I felt like this didn’t do that.
Overall I found this book to be completely original and fresh, but if you want elaborate world building it lacks those details. I probably will look into getting the next book out of pure curiosity. I rate this book 4 stars overall because I did enjoy the story and the main character (minus the awkward inside voice thoughts included in the book) and I cannot wait to see where the “wolf” takes us in the next book.
Of course I took advantage of the free listing on Amazon for this book and I really did enjoy the storyline. However there could be so much more to this. I feel like the story itself is very fast paced with not too much detail and that’s where I seen it lacking the most was the detail. The story plot was spot on and kept me engaged, but I needed more atmosphere and descriptive details. Also this book probably didn’t need to be split into multiple books, I felt like it ended rather abruptly. The story was only starting to get to the good parts basically once it ended and I as the reader don’t feel like that is where it should be stopped. Instead it should stop only after the main plot of the book has ended which I felt like this didn’t do that.
Overall I found this book to be completely original and fresh, but if you want elaborate world building it lacks those details. I probably will look into getting the next book out of pure curiosity. I rate this book 4 stars overall because I did enjoy the story and the main character (minus the awkward inside voice thoughts included in the book) and I cannot wait to see where the “wolf” takes us in the next book.
September 10, 2021
Dark Dystopian
The Nocere was a weird, dark tale of a future where humanity has discovered the technology to cross into the spirit realm and make all their wildest dreams come true. Much of humanity has decided to stay in the realm, leaving their children behind as orphans in a mostly abandoned world. The mafia controls the orphanages and makes the children work in the realm until they turn 18. The children who misbehave get time added on to their forced servitude. The main character, Fawn, is one such child, who at 18 gets assigned to The Nocere, the darkest new nightclub in the void between reality and the realm. She longs to run away to the wild but becomes embroiled in a murder mystery that makes her feel more trapped than ever. The writing was good, but at times I felt like the stakes just weren’t high enough. I liked the main character, kind of a street rat with a heart of gold, but the ending was a little abrupt and she seemed overpowered compared to what she actually knew about her powers. All that said, it was an enjoyable dystopian tale, an easy, quick read with a few twists and lots of loose threads for the author to pick up in the rest of the trilogy.
The Nocere was a weird, dark tale of a future where humanity has discovered the technology to cross into the spirit realm and make all their wildest dreams come true. Much of humanity has decided to stay in the realm, leaving their children behind as orphans in a mostly abandoned world. The mafia controls the orphanages and makes the children work in the realm until they turn 18. The children who misbehave get time added on to their forced servitude. The main character, Fawn, is one such child, who at 18 gets assigned to The Nocere, the darkest new nightclub in the void between reality and the realm. She longs to run away to the wild but becomes embroiled in a murder mystery that makes her feel more trapped than ever. The writing was good, but at times I felt like the stakes just weren’t high enough. I liked the main character, kind of a street rat with a heart of gold, but the ending was a little abrupt and she seemed overpowered compared to what she actually knew about her powers. All that said, it was an enjoyable dystopian tale, an easy, quick read with a few twists and lots of loose threads for the author to pick up in the rest of the trilogy.
September 6, 2020
There’s a lot to like about this story. The descriptions are vivid and the environments are imaginative. Different intrigues in the plot are balanced and interwoven nicely (apart from an ending that feels incredibly unearned.) The character Genie feels real and full of personality, and the different segments of the obligatory love triangle are compelling.
But many of the other characters come across as flat and indistinguishable, partly because the narrative is focused on an insanely perfect heroine whose literal power is being so full of life she makes everyone love her. There are some interesting ideas here, but it becomes hard to grasp why everyone is so obsessed with a girl they’ve literally just met. Fawn’s moods shift wildly and she immediately changes prior judgements of people on slight provocations.
This is, perhaps, nothing too unusual for a YA fantasy heroine, and if so this sort of thing may be right up your alley, particularly if you like vivid descriptions of wildly imaginative fairy nightclubs—which again, the story does very well. But it made it hard for me to get into the story.
But many of the other characters come across as flat and indistinguishable, partly because the narrative is focused on an insanely perfect heroine whose literal power is being so full of life she makes everyone love her. There are some interesting ideas here, but it becomes hard to grasp why everyone is so obsessed with a girl they’ve literally just met. Fawn’s moods shift wildly and she immediately changes prior judgements of people on slight provocations.
This is, perhaps, nothing too unusual for a YA fantasy heroine, and if so this sort of thing may be right up your alley, particularly if you like vivid descriptions of wildly imaginative fairy nightclubs—which again, the story does very well. But it made it hard for me to get into the story.
January 6, 2021
Never thought I'd like a ghost story. But its kind of mild compared to others I've sworn not to read. You almost don't know it is a ghost story.
The writing is spectacular, the story was intense. And I absolutely loved the concept. One character in particular I was shocked at a reveal about them. Like not expecting that from first descriptions of said character. Loved the way that played out, and props to Ms Carson for writing it that way.
If you like stories of stong females with badass adventures this is one of those.
My one critique is the first half of the book is slow and could have been done in one or two chapters. Whereas the main goal of the story took place on the second half and went way to fast for what was left in the book. Like if the goal here was suspense that was accomplished, but the end of the story the big to-do of the story was not that suspenseful as I feel it could have been. You definitely get the ending you weren't expecting but yeah the big part of the story was too fast. Other than that, absolutely wonderful story and excited to read the other books in the series.
The writing is spectacular, the story was intense. And I absolutely loved the concept. One character in particular I was shocked at a reveal about them. Like not expecting that from first descriptions of said character. Loved the way that played out, and props to Ms Carson for writing it that way.
If you like stories of stong females with badass adventures this is one of those.
My one critique is the first half of the book is slow and could have been done in one or two chapters. Whereas the main goal of the story took place on the second half and went way to fast for what was left in the book. Like if the goal here was suspense that was accomplished, but the end of the story the big to-do of the story was not that suspenseful as I feel it could have been. You definitely get the ending you weren't expecting but yeah the big part of the story was too fast. Other than that, absolutely wonderful story and excited to read the other books in the series.
June 12, 2021
4.75 stars. This is a dystopian story where humans have created a technology that allows them to reach the spirit realm. Humanity collapses after people become addicted to the realm. The mafia controls everything. Fawn is an orphan, who was sold into slavery to the mafia. One job she gets assigned will change everything.
If you are a fan of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Uglies, then you will love this series! I did find the very beginning to be a little confusing but after a little world building, everything fell into place. The side characters were really great, the villains were horrifying, and the sci-fi mixed with a little magic was a really unique take on the dystopian genre!
Fawn is a really great character, she is strong and smart. She is also unwavering in her passion for life and humanity. She truly cares for those less fortunate than she is (even when she didn't have much to give she still fed hungry people in her community). She's a hard worker and a genuinely good person. Really a fantastic read, make sure you have the 2nd one handy because you will fly through this one and need more asap.
If you are a fan of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Uglies, then you will love this series! I did find the very beginning to be a little confusing but after a little world building, everything fell into place. The side characters were really great, the villains were horrifying, and the sci-fi mixed with a little magic was a really unique take on the dystopian genre!
Fawn is a really great character, she is strong and smart. She is also unwavering in her passion for life and humanity. She truly cares for those less fortunate than she is (even when she didn't have much to give she still fed hungry people in her community). She's a hard worker and a genuinely good person. Really a fantastic read, make sure you have the 2nd one handy because you will fly through this one and need more asap.
March 16, 2025
The concept for this story is what grabbed me: portals to the afterlife where anyone can go, and do anything they want!
Fawn is one of the many orphans abandoned to the real world when their parents left for the Realm. While her friends finish their contracts, Fawn has one more year to serve because of her escape attempt when she was a child. At 18, Fawn has to serve her last year at a new club called Nocere.
But it isn't in the Realm, it's in a place she's never heard of, the in-between. And the club isn't like any she's ever served at.
Fawn was kind, sincere, and a good friend. She had big dreams, and put everything into trying to reach them. I really liked the found family aspect of the book.
The world building was interesting, but also confusing. I still don't understand how the portals work, or why anyone would want to live in the Realm when you can't really feel anything. Sure, they can create colorful settings, and beautiful vistas, but you can have all that on Earth.
Even though the writing was a bit choppy, I had a good time with this quick read. It was dark and gritty, and had a few bright moments.
Fawn is one of the many orphans abandoned to the real world when their parents left for the Realm. While her friends finish their contracts, Fawn has one more year to serve because of her escape attempt when she was a child. At 18, Fawn has to serve her last year at a new club called Nocere.
But it isn't in the Realm, it's in a place she's never heard of, the in-between. And the club isn't like any she's ever served at.
Fawn was kind, sincere, and a good friend. She had big dreams, and put everything into trying to reach them. I really liked the found family aspect of the book.
The world building was interesting, but also confusing. I still don't understand how the portals work, or why anyone would want to live in the Realm when you can't really feel anything. Sure, they can create colorful settings, and beautiful vistas, but you can have all that on Earth.
Even though the writing was a bit choppy, I had a good time with this quick read. It was dark and gritty, and had a few bright moments.
January 3, 2021
This book was a very unique twist to the Dystopian genre, there was these portals to take to spirit realms, slavery and mystery.
It was a very slow start for me, something I typically don't like, but I'm glad I persisted because when I actually got to The Nocere I was immediately invested. When I put this book down, I was thinking of it and wondering what The Nocere was. Personally would have preferred to see the main character Fawn in more danger than she was. I wanted more action the book had potential to have, with The Nocere having this big dangerous reputation I would have expected bar fights or more but there just wasn't, if was just a mystery.
Throughout the book I loved that it wasn't predictable. I had suspicions on the Fergus and Alister characters, I was thinkimg of some scenarios in my head on why they were weird to me, however I was thrown into a completely different direction later on.
Highly recommend if you want a Dystopian novel with a mysterious twist to it, it'll keep you on your toes.
It was a very slow start for me, something I typically don't like, but I'm glad I persisted because when I actually got to The Nocere I was immediately invested. When I put this book down, I was thinking of it and wondering what The Nocere was. Personally would have preferred to see the main character Fawn in more danger than she was. I wanted more action the book had potential to have, with The Nocere having this big dangerous reputation I would have expected bar fights or more but there just wasn't, if was just a mystery.
Throughout the book I loved that it wasn't predictable. I had suspicions on the Fergus and Alister characters, I was thinkimg of some scenarios in my head on why they were weird to me, however I was thrown into a completely different direction later on.
Highly recommend if you want a Dystopian novel with a mysterious twist to it, it'll keep you on your toes.
May 23, 2020
What if there wasn't a nuclear war, or zombies, or mass pollution? What if everyone just, left, or tried to? What if they just went somewhere "better"? What makes us human, alive?
These are some of the questions you'll ask yourself when reading this unique dystopian novella. Although short, the author packs a lot of world into the story. The rapid pace means it's never boring, but there are some areas I wish more time was spent on (like what the main character can do, and why/how). I assume more of this will be explored in sequels, but it was a tad unbelievable that she was capable of the climax so quickly after we'd (the readers) only spent a few days with her.
That's said, it's pretty strong writing and interesting characters that I look forward getting more depth of, there just wasn't time in this book.
If you enjoyed the following, you'll love this book too: Ready Player One, Everything Belongs to the Future, The Giver, Black Mirror.
These are some of the questions you'll ask yourself when reading this unique dystopian novella. Although short, the author packs a lot of world into the story. The rapid pace means it's never boring, but there are some areas I wish more time was spent on (like what the main character can do, and why/how). I assume more of this will be explored in sequels, but it was a tad unbelievable that she was capable of the climax so quickly after we'd (the readers) only spent a few days with her.
That's said, it's pretty strong writing and interesting characters that I look forward getting more depth of, there just wasn't time in this book.
If you enjoyed the following, you'll love this book too: Ready Player One, Everything Belongs to the Future, The Giver, Black Mirror.
January 30, 2025
The Nocere by Heather Carson was soooo so good, blending a dying world, magic, and a haunting spirit realm. In a world where portals to the afterlife have led humanity to abandon their earthly existence, Fawn is stuck with the remnants of a society, working as an indentured servant in a dark and twisted realm. The chilling part of the story lies in the people who linger near the portals, unable to commit to either world—waiting to die, or make a decision that they may never be able to.
The Nocere is a place for those with the deepest of desires and the darkest of natures, where the lines between good and evil blur in an almost surreal setting, pushing Fawn to confront her past and redefine what she values. The characters surrounding Fawn bring so much to the table, too. And she was SUCH a good FMC!
If you’re a fan of dystopian tales with a dash of the supernatural, where every choice has consequences, The Nocere is an absolute must-read.
The Nocere is a place for those with the deepest of desires and the darkest of natures, where the lines between good and evil blur in an almost surreal setting, pushing Fawn to confront her past and redefine what she values. The characters surrounding Fawn bring so much to the table, too. And she was SUCH a good FMC!
If you’re a fan of dystopian tales with a dash of the supernatural, where every choice has consequences, The Nocere is an absolute must-read.
November 11, 2024
The cover drew my attention and the idea of the world sounded really interesting. This follows fawn and her friends who were abandoned as kids and grew up being indentured servants for the Mafia until they are 18. The world and portals are a bit confusing but a real cool concept when you figure it out. The portals make people be allowing you to escape the afterlife and move in-between the world. Fawn gets a job at a club where spirits are being trapped and finds a spirit there and her world is turned upside down. I loved seeing her new friends support her and offer to help. I had bad vibes on some of the new gang and I'm hella disappointed in one of her friends. I still have some questions about fawns past. I think it was breezed by with "the monster". Over all I enjoyed it and can't wait to get into the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 2, 2020From the title, I wasn't sure how much I would get interested in this book, but let me tell you! I was hooked within the first few pages. The setting is revealed slowly, but that is what kept me turning the pages. What is the realm? Whose spirits? What is this job she has been given? The character of Fawn helps guide the reader through the story, but at first, we are left wanting to know more about the other characters. As the book progresses, we see more character development and learn answers to more questions. The suspense continues with each page so that the reader has no choice but to find out what is going to happen or how Fawn is going to find a way out of her situation. If you are a reader of fantasy and suspense, this is a great series to pick up and enjoy!
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