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Spoiling the Machine
Death has taken everything he ever loved. Now he has the chance to get something back.
Ezekiel 'Kel' Warbis is a private investigator who works and lives alone, shattered from the deaths of his childhood sweethearts and best friends. Tomas and Emily died respectively from a tragic accident and by suicide, leaving Kel to wander through life functional but aimless, trying to live up to their expectations for him.
Kel is shaken from his numb reverie when a handful of noisy teenagers get his number; their friend is missing, and the similarities between his loss and their fears are unmistakable. Guilt compels him to take the case. By the time it becomes dangerous, it's too late for Kel to turn back; he's discovered that somewhere in this web of the ominous and the supernatural lies the truth about what really happened to the people he loved.
He comes to realize that his loved ones might not be gone forever... but that might not be a good thing.
Ezekiel 'Kel' Warbis is a private investigator who works and lives alone, shattered from the deaths of his childhood sweethearts and best friends. Tomas and Emily died respectively from a tragic accident and by suicide, leaving Kel to wander through life functional but aimless, trying to live up to their expectations for him.
Kel is shaken from his numb reverie when a handful of noisy teenagers get his number; their friend is missing, and the similarities between his loss and their fears are unmistakable. Guilt compels him to take the case. By the time it becomes dangerous, it's too late for Kel to turn back; he's discovered that somewhere in this web of the ominous and the supernatural lies the truth about what really happened to the people he loved.
He comes to realize that his loved ones might not be gone forever... but that might not be a good thing.
Paperback
Published April 19, 2021
6 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Daniel May
52 books648 followersDaniel May writes MM romance and erotica with a focus on dark contemporary, kink, and BDSM. Originally a lover of sci-fi and fantasy, he turned his sights on the erotic as a joke that went over surprisingly well.
Completed series: The Taste of Ink (rereleased as A Fresh Taste of Ink trilogy)
Ongoing series: Hanged Men
Facebook group, the Daniel May Maelstrom:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/23035...
Sign up for the newsletter at danielmayauthor.com to receive free bonus content, news, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at upcoming works.-
Completed series: The Taste of Ink (rereleased as A Fresh Taste of Ink trilogy)
Ongoing series: Hanged Men
Facebook group, the Daniel May Maelstrom:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/23035...
Sign up for the newsletter at danielmayauthor.com to receive free bonus content, news, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at upcoming works.-
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 21, 2022
4.5
Don’t you just love it when the random book you decide to read on a whim turns out to be so good you can’t put it down? Last Man Standing was such a book for me. Angsty, gripping, and surprisingly thought-provoking, not to mention creepy, it was almost perfect. I’m saying 'almost,' because some things felt just a little rushed near the end… but that’s probably me splitting hairs, please ignore me. 🙈
Btw, I love the fact that there’s no blurb here on GR. Intentional? Or another glitch? 🤔 Whatever it was, it made my reading experience doubly amazing, because while I did skim the book description on Amazon like I always do, I didn’t pay too much attention to it, so everything was new and wonderfully, unexpectedly spooky here.
So my hint for anyone interested in this is: don’t read the blurb!! (unless you have specific triggers, then please look at the CWs)
Also: don’t read this for the romance, or you will be disappointed. The romance is there, but while it’s emotionally-heavy, it remains in the background, so you’d have to squint really hard. Read this for the paranormal mystery, which is really fucking good.
And before you wonder ‘just who tf is this Augustus Roth person’: Turns out it’s a pseudonym of Daniel May, and this seems to be a 2.0 (gay, so obviously better) version of his book Spoiling the Machine.
Don’t you just love it when the random book you decide to read on a whim turns out to be so good you can’t put it down? Last Man Standing was such a book for me. Angsty, gripping, and surprisingly thought-provoking, not to mention creepy, it was almost perfect. I’m saying 'almost,' because some things felt just a little rushed near the end… but that’s probably me splitting hairs, please ignore me. 🙈
Btw, I love the fact that there’s no blurb here on GR. Intentional? Or another glitch? 🤔 Whatever it was, it made my reading experience doubly amazing, because while I did skim the book description on Amazon like I always do, I didn’t pay too much attention to it, so everything was new and wonderfully, unexpectedly spooky here.
So my hint for anyone interested in this is: don’t read the blurb!! (unless you have specific triggers, then please look at the CWs)
Also: don’t read this for the romance, or you will be disappointed. The romance is there, but while it’s emotionally-heavy, it remains in the background, so you’d have to squint really hard. Read this for the paranormal mystery, which is really fucking good.
And before you wonder ‘just who tf is this Augustus Roth person’: Turns out it’s a pseudonym of Daniel May, and this seems to be a 2.0 (gay, so obviously better) version of his book Spoiling the Machine.
September 22, 2022
[review to be written when I've stopped blowing my nose and my eyes aren't sore from crying]
Two days after I finished reading, and I'm still rocked by this book. It certainly works on the level of sheer horror --Kel's nightmare, in all its infinite variety of circumstance, in its dread, and in the inevitable shattering grief, feels like that moment right before your car crashes when everything slows down and you know you can't stop what's coming. Well, that is, in effect, the nightmare. Only worse, far worse. And Kel's hopeless futile attempts to keep June alive after Tomas's apparent death will just crush you.
Don't get me wrong, the supernatural aspects of this book are terrifying. But would they frighten me if I weren't desperate for Kel et al. to be okay and for their griefs to be resolved? That was a rhetorical question. Grief is the engine of this story.
This might be a good moment to say something about Augustus Roth/Daniel May's gift for characterization. I don't think he ever says that such-and-such a character has such-and-such qualities; he leaves the naming of emotions quite late, too. But every character in this book was alive for me, even the ones who appear only briefly like Clay and Erik, and even the OTT monsters like the gleeful murdering pyromaniac Maddox are somehow just OTT enough to catch that Thing Under the Bed feeling.
Well. There are some really funny bits too. I kind of loved it that Kel isn't sure exactly how many dogs he has, and that he somehow always manages to arrange dog-sitting even while he's busy dealing with, you know, eldritch horror.
TWs. Oh, I don't know. As a rule I'm in favor, but this is a case where I think the book description gives a pretty clear idea of what readers are likely to be in for, without specific spoilers. I'd leave it at this: if you've suffered devastating, traumatic losses, Last Man Standing is a very painful read. Of course, most people have suffered a terrible loss or three by the time they hit middle age, and maybe if you haven't suffered any such losses, this book will just scare you and make you tear up, IDK. But there's so much love in it that I found it weirdly comforting even though real life doesn't come with HEAs like this one.
AR/DM has sold me on MMM twice now (looking at you, Taste of Ink series) -- not just that it's a possible form of intimate relationship in principle, but that these three people, specifically, are all in love with one another and belong together. It seems to me that that's exponentially harder than writing two-person intimacy, because the emotional dynamics are even more complicated with three people.
I admire AR/DM so much. That's the long and the short of it.
Two days after I finished reading, and I'm still rocked by this book. It certainly works on the level of sheer horror --Kel's nightmare, in all its infinite variety of circumstance, in its dread, and in the inevitable shattering grief, feels like that moment right before your car crashes when everything slows down and you know you can't stop what's coming. Well, that is, in effect, the nightmare. Only worse, far worse. And Kel's hopeless futile attempts to keep June alive after Tomas's apparent death will just crush you.
Don't get me wrong, the supernatural aspects of this book are terrifying. But would they frighten me if I weren't desperate for Kel et al. to be okay and for their griefs to be resolved? That was a rhetorical question. Grief is the engine of this story.
This might be a good moment to say something about Augustus Roth/Daniel May's gift for characterization. I don't think he ever says that such-and-such a character has such-and-such qualities; he leaves the naming of emotions quite late, too. But every character in this book was alive for me, even the ones who appear only briefly like Clay and Erik, and even the OTT monsters like the gleeful murdering pyromaniac Maddox are somehow just OTT enough to catch that Thing Under the Bed feeling.
Well. There are some really funny bits too. I kind of loved it that Kel isn't sure exactly how many dogs he has, and that he somehow always manages to arrange dog-sitting even while he's busy dealing with, you know, eldritch horror.
TWs. Oh, I don't know. As a rule I'm in favor, but this is a case where I think the book description gives a pretty clear idea of what readers are likely to be in for, without specific spoilers. I'd leave it at this: if you've suffered devastating, traumatic losses, Last Man Standing is a very painful read. Of course, most people have suffered a terrible loss or three by the time they hit middle age, and maybe if you haven't suffered any such losses, this book will just scare you and make you tear up, IDK. But there's so much love in it that I found it weirdly comforting even though real life doesn't come with HEAs like this one.
AR/DM has sold me on MMM twice now (looking at you, Taste of Ink series) -- not just that it's a possible form of intimate relationship in principle, but that these three people, specifically, are all in love with one another and belong together. It seems to me that that's exponentially harder than writing two-person intimacy, because the emotional dynamics are even more complicated with three people.
I admire AR/DM so much. That's the long and the short of it.
March 27, 2022
I have finally finished sad fuckless book (description by the author lol). there is exactly one fuck (FTB) which is appropriate since the MCs are older high school aged at that time. It is also very sad but there is a very real HEA. My conclusion is that this is romance adjacent - a lot like Captive Prince or other plot heavy, romance second type books. Paranormal suspense with a tinge of horror would be the primary genre. It is really well written. I would not recommend unless you’re really ok with the CW’s, no punches are pulled.
The concept is fascinating - the idea of outrunning death, of cheating the system, of “spoiling the machine” as per the original title. I’m not going to lie I was confused at least a few times in the book but just kept going and let the vibes carry me. I have a feeling this is one of those that will linger in my head for a long time.
CWs: graphic description of violent death, suicide, suicidal ideation, psych ward, dead lovers, teenage kids with no parents.
Daniel May tropes spotted: koi ponds, tattoo artist, no parents.
The concept is fascinating - the idea of outrunning death, of cheating the system, of “spoiling the machine” as per the original title. I’m not going to lie I was confused at least a few times in the book but just kept going and let the vibes carry me. I have a feeling this is one of those that will linger in my head for a long time.
CWs: graphic description of violent death, suicide, suicidal ideation, psych ward, dead lovers, teenage kids with no parents.
Daniel May tropes spotted: koi ponds, tattoo artist, no parents.
March 26, 2022
Kel, Tomas, and June, inseparable, devoted. Dead or alive? That is the question.
Not even sure what I just read. This book was sad, confusing, beautiful, and just plain strange. What I’d really like is for someone to explain it to me. But at the same time maybe I just need to read it again. Lots of characters to track but at the same time maybe only Kel is the important one.
The scenes flowed into each other beautifully. I was never sure which reality I was in and then there were the times it made perfect sense. This review really doesn’t make a lot of sense but the book was that way often. If the reader is interested in running down all the threads, go for it. Just don’t be surprised if you are confused.
I received an arc of this book.
Not even sure what I just read. This book was sad, confusing, beautiful, and just plain strange. What I’d really like is for someone to explain it to me. But at the same time maybe I just need to read it again. Lots of characters to track but at the same time maybe only Kel is the important one.
The scenes flowed into each other beautifully. I was never sure which reality I was in and then there were the times it made perfect sense. This review really doesn’t make a lot of sense but the book was that way often. If the reader is interested in running down all the threads, go for it. Just don’t be surprised if you are confused.
I received an arc of this book.
May 4, 2021
What the actual FCK! Loved it.
I finished the book a week ago but I still can't wrap my head around this story. It was mind blowing! MMF isn't really my thing, but I gave it a try, and I'm happy that I read it. It's not a romance story, so don't expect exclipit sexy scenes - that's why the MMF setting wasn't bothering me. There weren't strictly MM or MMF scene, there was one MF, but it was well written and quick, and tasteful.
The main setting is paranormal and suspense, and I really enjoyed it. The mystery around Death was really good and those things with the others, that they couldn't die no matter what you did to them. It was fascinating. The investigation was good, I enjoyed everything about the book.
The story is told from Kel's POV and how he lost his two best friends (and love interests). First Tomas then Emily. Tomas was a mystery for me and I just knew it from the start that he couldn't be dead. Emily wasn't bothering me, I couldn't care less that she's dead or not.
It was really well written and it held my interest all the time. I read it in one go, I just couldn't put it down, and I wanted to know how it will end. But it's still not really clear for me. The ending is really mind blowing, and I think I need to re-read it to find the deepest meanings of it, but no matter what, it was a really good book.
Something different from the author, but the writing style and story telling is still the same. Amazing.
I finished the book a week ago but I still can't wrap my head around this story. It was mind blowing! MMF isn't really my thing, but I gave it a try, and I'm happy that I read it. It's not a romance story, so don't expect exclipit sexy scenes - that's why the MMF setting wasn't bothering me. There weren't strictly MM or MMF scene, there was one MF, but it was well written and quick, and tasteful.
The main setting is paranormal and suspense, and I really enjoyed it. The mystery around Death was really good and those things with the others, that they couldn't die no matter what you did to them. It was fascinating. The investigation was good, I enjoyed everything about the book.
The story is told from Kel's POV and how he lost his two best friends (and love interests). First Tomas then Emily. Tomas was a mystery for me and I just knew it from the start that he couldn't be dead. Emily wasn't bothering me, I couldn't care less that she's dead or not.
It was really well written and it held my interest all the time. I read it in one go, I just couldn't put it down, and I wanted to know how it will end. But it's still not really clear for me. The ending is really mind blowing, and I think I need to re-read it to find the deepest meanings of it, but no matter what, it was a really good book.
Something different from the author, but the writing style and story telling is still the same. Amazing.
April 14, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
Last Man Standing is a contemporary mystery/thriller/paranormal story from author Augustus Roth (a pen name for Daniel May). As readers may imagine from my summary, the book absolutely delivers on the angst and intrigue. Kel may need a pack of pups to remind him he’s alive, but he hasn’t quite checked out entirely. He still feels enough to have incredible compassion for the teenagers that reach out to him. Also, in the several scenes between Kel and Yamato, we glimpse some of the levity that Kel still manages to tap into, at least when it serves his newfound purpose of uncovering the truth about death.
Roth writes stunning prose. The book opens with a scene about the day Tomas died during one of the teenagers’ many urbex outings. The way Roth describes the events unfolding instantly had me enjoying the dynamic between Tomas, June, and Kel.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
Last Man Standing is a contemporary mystery/thriller/paranormal story from author Augustus Roth (a pen name for Daniel May). As readers may imagine from my summary, the book absolutely delivers on the angst and intrigue. Kel may need a pack of pups to remind him he’s alive, but he hasn’t quite checked out entirely. He still feels enough to have incredible compassion for the teenagers that reach out to him. Also, in the several scenes between Kel and Yamato, we glimpse some of the levity that Kel still manages to tap into, at least when it serves his newfound purpose of uncovering the truth about death.
Roth writes stunning prose. The book opens with a scene about the day Tomas died during one of the teenagers’ many urbex outings. The way Roth describes the events unfolding instantly had me enjoying the dynamic between Tomas, June, and Kel.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
February 2, 2023
This was great! Daniel May/Augustus Roth/Louis Fiend/whoever else just continuing to crush it across multiple genres.
I have been looking for something horror/supernatural thriller-y and after trying one book that was too dark and one that was too boring… this book was *just* right. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time but there was also just the perfect amount of levity to balance it out.
And I highly appreciate a book-long acknowledgement that nazars are creepy af! I get that that’s kind of the point but I still hate it! Keep that blue eye looking away from me please!!
I have been looking for something horror/supernatural thriller-y and after trying one book that was too dark and one that was too boring… this book was *just* right. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time but there was also just the perfect amount of levity to balance it out.
And I highly appreciate a book-long acknowledgement that nazars are creepy af! I get that that’s kind of the point but I still hate it! Keep that blue eye looking away from me please!!
March 23, 2022
Fascinating, dark, bazaar, weird, too much, not enough...
This booked gripped me, but not enough so that I couldn’t wait to get back to it. On the contrary, I would catch myself thinking about it while doing other things. I’ve never had a book do that for me. I was so lost in the beginning; was this a dream sequence or was it a comatose person envisioning “things” or was it a case of stepping back and seeing what life without oneself would have turned the world into? By the time I figured it out I was highly invested in the story. Very well-written and edited. Movement from the dream/memory sequences was done seamlessly and that’s difficult to do in my estimation. Humorous in parts and somewhat dark but again, this whole story is dark. Sad in lots of other places. I found myself sobbing a couple times.
Kel, now an adult, lives alone with seven to nine dogs (he’s not sure of the number, that’s kind of funny) in the same little once-abandoned house that he, Tomas and June as children had used as a clubhouse. It’s a lonely existence and that’s basically what Kel does, exist...only exist. His two friends are gone, leaving him to trudge through life day-after-day. Is that real or a dream?
You’ll get all your questions answered by the end. Beyond a few childish kisses among our three boyhood friends, there is no M/M or M/M/M. If you like dark puzzlers with no steam, read this book. See how long it takes you to figure out what’s happening. Some slight warning as this story does contain suicide, murder and abuse. It’s dark! What would you expect though? I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
This booked gripped me, but not enough so that I couldn’t wait to get back to it. On the contrary, I would catch myself thinking about it while doing other things. I’ve never had a book do that for me. I was so lost in the beginning; was this a dream sequence or was it a comatose person envisioning “things” or was it a case of stepping back and seeing what life without oneself would have turned the world into? By the time I figured it out I was highly invested in the story. Very well-written and edited. Movement from the dream/memory sequences was done seamlessly and that’s difficult to do in my estimation. Humorous in parts and somewhat dark but again, this whole story is dark. Sad in lots of other places. I found myself sobbing a couple times.
Kel, now an adult, lives alone with seven to nine dogs (he’s not sure of the number, that’s kind of funny) in the same little once-abandoned house that he, Tomas and June as children had used as a clubhouse. It’s a lonely existence and that’s basically what Kel does, exist...only exist. His two friends are gone, leaving him to trudge through life day-after-day. Is that real or a dream?
You’ll get all your questions answered by the end. Beyond a few childish kisses among our three boyhood friends, there is no M/M or M/M/M. If you like dark puzzlers with no steam, read this book. See how long it takes you to figure out what’s happening. Some slight warning as this story does contain suicide, murder and abuse. It’s dark! What would you expect though? I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
March 22, 2022
This is one of the best books I have read this year. It’s a mystery supernatural thriller with an underlying love story. I was totally caught up in ‘whatever’ was going on. I was so involved in the mystery of it all. The narrative has flashbacks and dreams wrapped up with the present as the current day events are linked to the past.
It has trigger warnings for death loss and grief. It contains a thing that is quite possibly the saddest thing I have ever read but also has some funny lighter moments. There was also a couple of rather intriguing side characters that really deserve their own story.
Highly recommend.
It has trigger warnings for death loss and grief. It contains a thing that is quite possibly the saddest thing I have ever read but also has some funny lighter moments. There was also a couple of rather intriguing side characters that really deserve their own story.
Highly recommend.
March 27, 2022
I just finished this book and I'm still trying to process all my thoughts and emotions. To start with I'd like to say that this is nothing like I expected from the blurb, but is so much more.
The story centers on Kel, but it's really just as much about Tomas and June - three boys that forged a friendship in school that soon became so much more. It's a love story about these three young men, at the beginning of their future together, until that dream is shattered by death. As Kel loses, first Tomas, and then June, he also loses that intangible spark of living - barely trudging through endless days and nightmares, until, now an adult and working as a private investigator, he is approached by three teenagers that want his help in finding their missing friend. As Kel is reluctantly drawn into their quest, he can't help but see similarities to his own past and the nightmares that plague him.
I'm not going to try to simplify such a complex plot into a quick synopsis or leave any spoilers because, frankly, this is a story that you have to read to fully understand just how deep it probes, how philosophical the questions it bears, and how beautiful the underlying love of three fated souls can be. Is death really an end or is it just another consciousness? Is Death an entity that can be bargained with or is it simply a machine on a preset path, with grave consequences if you try to change its course? All I really can say is that this is absolutely an amazing piece of writing and my brain is still trying to wrap around everything it felt and saw between the words. This is not an erotic romance. There's no hot and spicy sex scenes. This is one part psychological thriller, one part mystery and one part hope! It's about sacrifices and friendship and love that transcends all! I 100% urge you to read this for yourself and see if you are not as affected as I am. This book is going to stay with me for a long time and, to me, that's the true sign of excellence!
The story centers on Kel, but it's really just as much about Tomas and June - three boys that forged a friendship in school that soon became so much more. It's a love story about these three young men, at the beginning of their future together, until that dream is shattered by death. As Kel loses, first Tomas, and then June, he also loses that intangible spark of living - barely trudging through endless days and nightmares, until, now an adult and working as a private investigator, he is approached by three teenagers that want his help in finding their missing friend. As Kel is reluctantly drawn into their quest, he can't help but see similarities to his own past and the nightmares that plague him.
I'm not going to try to simplify such a complex plot into a quick synopsis or leave any spoilers because, frankly, this is a story that you have to read to fully understand just how deep it probes, how philosophical the questions it bears, and how beautiful the underlying love of three fated souls can be. Is death really an end or is it just another consciousness? Is Death an entity that can be bargained with or is it simply a machine on a preset path, with grave consequences if you try to change its course? All I really can say is that this is absolutely an amazing piece of writing and my brain is still trying to wrap around everything it felt and saw between the words. This is not an erotic romance. There's no hot and spicy sex scenes. This is one part psychological thriller, one part mystery and one part hope! It's about sacrifices and friendship and love that transcends all! I 100% urge you to read this for yourself and see if you are not as affected as I am. This book is going to stay with me for a long time and, to me, that's the true sign of excellence!
March 28, 2022
This book was confusing, and meandered a bit before ultimately reaching a fairly positive conclusion. Many parts of it are pretty dark, and I’m pretty sure I am going to dream about eyeballs tonight.
I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose both of my parents, and then both of my best friends/lovers as a teen. Thanks to Augustus Roth, I can say that there are now numerous scenarios of that occurrence that will also linger in my mind for a while. I guess that is something that authors probably like-when a book stays with you for a while afterward? I would prefer this particular one does not.
This book was interesting, and will likely get you thinking deeply about death, life, heaven, and friendship. I’m not sure if I would recommend it…
I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose both of my parents, and then both of my best friends/lovers as a teen. Thanks to Augustus Roth, I can say that there are now numerous scenarios of that occurrence that will also linger in my mind for a while. I guess that is something that authors probably like-when a book stays with you for a while afterward? I would prefer this particular one does not.
This book was interesting, and will likely get you thinking deeply about death, life, heaven, and friendship. I’m not sure if I would recommend it…
March 26, 2022
This has to be one of the most intense mysteries I have ever read. This book is firstly a mystery and supernatural thrill with an underlying love story and it was written so well. It was just the right amount of thriller and love story to keep things so interesting. Once I started reading this book I could not stop. I was so intrigued and caught up in the story that I couldn’t put it down and by the time I realized I hadn’t moved in hours I was done with the book. This is my first book by this author and I will for sure be on the lookout for more! I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely be on my list to read again!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 3rd Person
Standalone or series: Standalone
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 3rd Person
Standalone or series: Standalone
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
January 5, 2023
3.5 rounded down
Happy endings take
sorrow. And death’s not the end,
if nightmares come right.
Happy endings take
sorrow. And death’s not the end,
if nightmares come right.
March 24, 2022
Supernatural thriller written so freaking good!
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2022
As a fan of everything this author writes, I wasn’t surprised by the fact that I love the writing style and that the story got me hooked from the first page!
I enjoyed the pacing, plot and the supernatural aspect! And of course I love the characters!
This story contains lots of twists that took me by surprise, loved every one of the goosebumps moments!
At the end I actually shed a tear! It got me a bit emotional, loved the ending ❤️
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2022
As a fan of everything this author writes, I wasn’t surprised by the fact that I love the writing style and that the story got me hooked from the first page!
I enjoyed the pacing, plot and the supernatural aspect! And of course I love the characters!
This story contains lots of twists that took me by surprise, loved every one of the goosebumps moments!
At the end I actually shed a tear! It got me a bit emotional, loved the ending ❤️
March 5, 2024
I wouldn't call this sad, because that would be an understatement. This's inexplicably heartbreaking. Kel had his own way of grieving that squeezed my heart so hard hurting on his behalf. Tbh, I didn't feel all those feelings until a little over halfway through because that's when everything finally made sense. Truth after truth coming down like an avalanche and my tears fell like one, too. Knowing how Kel's friends died, why David really disappeared. It was devastating. I already kinda guessed how such a story ended with a HEA but that didn't take away the thrill after the story finally got to it.
I also wouldn't call this a love story, but yep you know it, it's a story of love. A story of how the MC went to such lengths for his sweethearts, to find closure, and found happiness in the end. Although this was more plot-driven on the supernatural side rather than romance, it's still romantic as hell I can't even describe it. This was also a story of friendships, navigating and fortifying them.
I liked how some scenes in the book were repeated, like a highlight reel rewinding at times but didn't feel repetitive. More like intensifying the significance of each look-back scene. Man, I'm just glad this had a happy ending or else I'd riot.
I also wouldn't call this a love story, but yep you know it, it's a story of love. A story of how the MC went to such lengths for his sweethearts, to find closure, and found happiness in the end. Although this was more plot-driven on the supernatural side rather than romance, it's still romantic as hell I can't even describe it. This was also a story of friendships, navigating and fortifying them.
I liked how some scenes in the book were repeated, like a highlight reel rewinding at times but didn't feel repetitive. More like intensifying the significance of each look-back scene. Man, I'm just glad this had a happy ending or else I'd riot.
July 7, 2022
Good writing, great atmosphere of surprise, dread and suspense. I liked the story a lot, and really liked the ending.
April 1, 2022
Wow! What the AF did I just read? The best 'most bizarre buddy story'? Treatise on death? Treatise on Death (yes, capital D…there's a difference)? An enduring love story? Well, I think there are elements of all of the above.
Private Investigator Kel cuts a fairly solitary figure - after the death of the two most important people in his young life (Tomas and June) the following years seem to be him in survival mode, with his one friend in adulthood (Detective Yamato) and a varying number of dogs. The appearance of a bunch of teens who want him to find their missing friend brings him the opportunity to peel back the layers of his life and really get to the bottom of his friends' deaths, why he has all those bad dreams and why the last gift Tomas gave to him - an evil eye (nazar) pendant - has this strange hold on him.
I like the characters a lot; I completely bought into their bonds with each other and the overlapping or maybe sometimes mirrored circumstances of Kel's personal past and his professional present. The bonds are strong (between Kel, Tomas and June: between Kel and Yamato; between the group of kids), but just a note of warning here for those readers looking for romance…you won't find it here. There's zero steam, but so much love in this dark story. And I do really like the dark nature of the plot - it's so different and I love the concept of there potentially being a glitch in death's matrix.
Last Man Standing has got to be the most original, interesting book I've read for a long time. I genuinely can't say right now how much I 'enjoyed' reading it or not, but I do love that I couldn't stop reading and that I'm now sitting here asking myself some 'big questions' about time, death and relationships as a result. Intriguing, and definitely deserving of a re-read. 4*
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
Private Investigator Kel cuts a fairly solitary figure - after the death of the two most important people in his young life (Tomas and June) the following years seem to be him in survival mode, with his one friend in adulthood (Detective Yamato) and a varying number of dogs. The appearance of a bunch of teens who want him to find their missing friend brings him the opportunity to peel back the layers of his life and really get to the bottom of his friends' deaths, why he has all those bad dreams and why the last gift Tomas gave to him - an evil eye (nazar) pendant - has this strange hold on him.
I like the characters a lot; I completely bought into their bonds with each other and the overlapping or maybe sometimes mirrored circumstances of Kel's personal past and his professional present. The bonds are strong (between Kel, Tomas and June: between Kel and Yamato; between the group of kids), but just a note of warning here for those readers looking for romance…you won't find it here. There's zero steam, but so much love in this dark story. And I do really like the dark nature of the plot - it's so different and I love the concept of there potentially being a glitch in death's matrix.
Last Man Standing has got to be the most original, interesting book I've read for a long time. I genuinely can't say right now how much I 'enjoyed' reading it or not, but I do love that I couldn't stop reading and that I'm now sitting here asking myself some 'big questions' about time, death and relationships as a result. Intriguing, and definitely deserving of a re-read. 4*
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
November 26, 2024
This was surprisingly such an amazing book 🤩
I went in complete blank not knowing what to expect and was I surprised in the best way possible.
Ken, Tomas & June, these three men have my heart. In the beginning we see Ken is struggling in life. He’s a private investigator with lots of dogs as his company. He’s alive but not really living. He’s haunted by the past, memories and dreams that he gets every day. At first the book is very confusing on what is reality and what is dream. But that is the plot of the book because we won’t know until the end what is the real truth.
The book has lots of angst. All three men are in love with each other and while trying to protect each other, they somehow end up hurting each other. Tomas’s death is a big part of the story. Ken & June is having a hard time coping with it. Then, June also commits suicide and Ken is left alone trying to make sense. He’s haunted by both their memories.
The plot of the book itself is very interesting, how death comes into play and the plot with the brothers.
Overall, really amazing book. This is more plot based than romance, so don’t expect a lot of romance. The ending is happy in my opinion and I really liked how it ended.
This is a hidden gem of a book that I highly recommend. 🩷
I went in complete blank not knowing what to expect and was I surprised in the best way possible.
Ken, Tomas & June, these three men have my heart. In the beginning we see Ken is struggling in life. He’s a private investigator with lots of dogs as his company. He’s alive but not really living. He’s haunted by the past, memories and dreams that he gets every day. At first the book is very confusing on what is reality and what is dream. But that is the plot of the book because we won’t know until the end what is the real truth.
The book has lots of angst. All three men are in love with each other and while trying to protect each other, they somehow end up hurting each other. Tomas’s death is a big part of the story. Ken & June is having a hard time coping with it. Then, June also commits suicide and Ken is left alone trying to make sense. He’s haunted by both their memories.
The plot of the book itself is very interesting, how death comes into play and the plot with the brothers.
Overall, really amazing book. This is more plot based than romance, so don’t expect a lot of romance. The ending is happy in my opinion and I really liked how it ended.
This is a hidden gem of a book that I highly recommend. 🩷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2022
I’m not sure ‘enjoy’ is the correct word to use to describe reading this book. I was fascinated, repelled, confused and impressed, sometimes all at the same time. And I wanted to know what was going on – although, having finished it, I’m still not sure I fully understand – so I kept reading, hoping that the ending would be satisfying and make sense of it all.
The ending was satisfying but I am still confused. I think I’m going to be avoiding anything resembling eyes for a very long time, and some of the imagery I would really like to be purged from my mind. I would recommend this book because it was an interesting read – extremely well written, thoughtful and thought-provoking. Just don’t expect to find it a comfortable read!
4/5 from me – I received an ARC from GRR.
The ending was satisfying but I am still confused. I think I’m going to be avoiding anything resembling eyes for a very long time, and some of the imagery I would really like to be purged from my mind. I would recommend this book because it was an interesting read – extremely well written, thoughtful and thought-provoking. Just don’t expect to find it a comfortable read!
4/5 from me – I received an ARC from GRR.
April 1, 2022
There were times I thought I knew what was happening and others that I was absolutely lost (actually, many more of those absolutely lost moments)-- which is, I think, the whole point of this story. It’s beautifully atmospheric– the mystery is all consuming and each scene melts into the next one on a tide of feeling. The paranormal themes hover between suspense and horror, and it’s weird and wonderful in the oldest senses of both words: there’s something awe inspiring about the entire reading experience. It’s memorable and interesting and I’d strongly recommend that you check the content description before diving in, to make sure the themes are a good fit for you– if so, definitely give this book a try.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 1, 2022
Whew, what a story!! I have to admit that while I did love this book, it did take me a week to get into it. In the beginning I was so confused, I'd have to put it down for a day and try again the next. There are no indications when the MC goes into dreamworld or is reliving a memory or goes back to reality. It drove me crazy at first, but the further I read into the story, the better I got at noticing when those changes happened. If you can stick with it, it is an awesome written story. Heck, I even cried throughout it. The love story was not the main focus, but it was still heartbreaking.
April 3, 2022
The character of Kel grabbed me immediately here. The author has perfectly captured a man who is basically a numb shell getting through the days not by making any human connections but by focusing solely on his job and doing that mechanically. Then, when he's asked by some teens to do that job and find their missing friend, every awful thing that made him the way he is is forced back into raw consciousness. An amazing job by the author of giving us a heartbreaking character, a mystery that will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing up and still getting an HEA.
April 3, 2022
3 Stars 🌟
Not only am I still confused after this one, it was sad and depressing.... in a kind of interesting and touching way....honestly I'm at a loss here, this was a bit like watching a train wreck, not being able to look away and feeling satisfied after??? I've literally got nothing else.....this story was on the darker side, confusing and lovely...all at the same time. I will say this, I recommend this book for those who like a good intriguing and mysterious read that will always keep them guessing.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Not only am I still confused after this one, it was sad and depressing.... in a kind of interesting and touching way....honestly I'm at a loss here, this was a bit like watching a train wreck, not being able to look away and feeling satisfied after??? I've literally got nothing else.....this story was on the darker side, confusing and lovely...all at the same time. I will say this, I recommend this book for those who like a good intriguing and mysterious read that will always keep them guessing.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
April 5, 2022
This book was definitely not what you would consider a typical romance. I finished it with more question than answers. Kel is just surviving after the lost of his two best friends and potential love interests. Helping a rowdy bunch of teenagers search for their missing friend makes him start living again. This book was filled with so many psychological twist and turns that it was hard to put down. I'm still trying to digest it all. It was a very interesting read. It was my first by this author, but certainly not my last. Definite recommend
December 31, 2022
I'm doing this review a solid 3-4 months after having read this but I both loved and hated this book in equal measures. It's absolutely gut wrenching, sickeningly sad but fantastically written. The twists and turns were wild and unexpected but at the end of the book I can't say I felt good or that I was glad to have read it. The description does literally use the word "tragic" so shame on me for not paying attention more because I hate tragedy in books. This comes down to personal preference, if those stories are your jam, you will absolutely enjoy this.
October 2, 2023
3.5 ⭐ rounded down
It would be an understatement to say that this was one of the most strangest book I have ever read.
The plot was dark, gripping, made me laugh at times and made me bawl like a baby at times.
It was beautifully written and I'm so glad I picked up this book.
I also am very confused about certain parts and I will definitely be rereading this book again to properly understand it.
For now, I am glad that I found an author that I like and I am so excited to read more of AR's book.
It would be an understatement to say that this was one of the most strangest book I have ever read.
The plot was dark, gripping, made me laugh at times and made me bawl like a baby at times.
It was beautifully written and I'm so glad I picked up this book.
I also am very confused about certain parts and I will definitely be rereading this book again to properly understand it.
For now, I am glad that I found an author that I like and I am so excited to read more of AR's book.
March 30, 2022
This is a new-to-me author, and all I can say is WOW. This book is so full of suspense, thriller, and mystery. I was a little confused from time to time, especially in the beginning, wondering what was going on, but I was definitely hooked early on, possessed further by every twist, turn, and surprise, and propelled forward, compelled to see the end. Fantastic read!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
March 31, 2022
I love supernatural thriller. This one was freakin fantastic!! This was written by a new to me author. I loved their writing style, the twists and turns and the suspense!! I loved the pacing and the plot!! The story hooked me! Overall, a fantastic read! The story was really well written, the story hooked me, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
April 4, 2022
This book was an interesting read. It gave me vibes of Charmed the tv show. There really wasn’t much romance in my opinion. The book focused on Kel whose two friends.He had recurring dreams about them throughout the book. I enjoyed the friendship between Yamato and Kel and the teens in the book. If you like paranormal you should check this book out
March 30, 2022
I have to say that this book keep me on edge of my seat with the dark and unknown around the corner. Nazar has broken so many lives and what happens when the doorway opens at what you see and hear not what you expected. this is dark book and beware of the memories
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