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Freak
Definitely not for the kiddies. This work is solely for thinking adult readers.A shadow haunts the sunny streets of Venice Beach, working his way through all the women and valuables he can handle. So far he's been lucky. But too much of a good thing makes a man careless; he gets sloppy, he lets down his guard. From bizarre arrest to explosive conclusion, Freak is a wild rollercoaster of a ride, featuring impossible escapes, a dizzying manhunt, and a gothic mini-movie of a courtroom confession, wherein you'll meet the real Nicolas Vilenov, slippery opportunist and soulless predator, bogeyman of a thousand suppressed dreams.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2006
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180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 10, 2011
I just couldn't get into this book so I never finished it. I may try again when I have nothing else to read.
October 4, 2024
This book could have used an editor to help clean this up and help create a better storyline. There was so much potential to make this a great novella but the choppy storytelling made this a harder read than it should have been. At less than 200 pages, I should have gotten through this in less than 24 instead of nearly week that it actually took me. There were several points where my thought was "What the fuck just happened here?" and had to backtrack just to realize what I missed.
September 1, 2008
If you would like to take a surreal ride on a wild rollercoaster, Freak is the book to read. It starts out in the bizarre house of Marilyn Purly. Ms. Purly is a recluse who has her walls and windows all painted black. She is hearing voices and in a trance-like state but with it enough to let Nicolas Villenov in and with it enough to unlock her front door when he was not in the room. A raid by police catches Villenov in the act of raping Marilyn. He’s arrested and yet after the event no one remembers it. They have the taped evidence but none of the officers remember any events other than barging in on a couple looking at a photo album.
The secret: don’t ever, ever look Villenov in the eye……... They say eyes are the windows to the soul, well if that is the case Villenov’s soul is pure evil.
He hires an attorney, Lawrence Abrams, with an impeccable reputation. Mr. Abrams despises Villenov the moment he sets eyes on him. Larry Abrams feels trapped in a case that he feels he shouldn’t win but also is terrified not to take.
The DA, Nelson Prentis, meets with Abrams and explains the bizarre circumstances of Villenov’s arrest also letting him know that his client has escaped. Since newscasters have been broadcasting about Villenov’s arrest, dozens of women have come forward telling their stories of rape by this monster. Prentis makes it his mission to get Villenov put away.
Thus starts a rollercoaster ride of events scarier than any ever built. Gruesome murders, suicide, and chaos reign wherever Villenov goes. In reality he doesn’t even have to be by a person or group of people to cause havoc. As his anger level rises all hell breaks out around the object of his thoughts.
He does get arrested again, goes to court and tells the story of his father who he hated and the power his father had over everyone around him and especially women. Villenov explains that his father was a ‘freak’ and each generation has stronger powers than the last.
To prove his point he asserts his telepathic power toward the judge when the judge makes the mistake of looking directly into the defendant’s eyes. At the judge’s declaration the trial is declared a farce and Villenov goes free.
Ron Sander‘s builds the excitement and tension to an explosion of events in the final chapters. The characters were interesting even though I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t a single protagonist that could resist Villenov’s powers. I guess though, that just corroborates the total power he had over everyone as well as his surroundings. He hated his father but in reality he had become just like him. Hmmm, underlying message there? I don’t really think that there is but it is interesting to hear Villenov’s diatribe about his father and his lack of insight. The final pages are no real surprise but it is a real trip to get there.
The secret: don’t ever, ever look Villenov in the eye……... They say eyes are the windows to the soul, well if that is the case Villenov’s soul is pure evil.
He hires an attorney, Lawrence Abrams, with an impeccable reputation. Mr. Abrams despises Villenov the moment he sets eyes on him. Larry Abrams feels trapped in a case that he feels he shouldn’t win but also is terrified not to take.
The DA, Nelson Prentis, meets with Abrams and explains the bizarre circumstances of Villenov’s arrest also letting him know that his client has escaped. Since newscasters have been broadcasting about Villenov’s arrest, dozens of women have come forward telling their stories of rape by this monster. Prentis makes it his mission to get Villenov put away.
Thus starts a rollercoaster ride of events scarier than any ever built. Gruesome murders, suicide, and chaos reign wherever Villenov goes. In reality he doesn’t even have to be by a person or group of people to cause havoc. As his anger level rises all hell breaks out around the object of his thoughts.
He does get arrested again, goes to court and tells the story of his father who he hated and the power his father had over everyone around him and especially women. Villenov explains that his father was a ‘freak’ and each generation has stronger powers than the last.
To prove his point he asserts his telepathic power toward the judge when the judge makes the mistake of looking directly into the defendant’s eyes. At the judge’s declaration the trial is declared a farce and Villenov goes free.
Ron Sander‘s builds the excitement and tension to an explosion of events in the final chapters. The characters were interesting even though I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t a single protagonist that could resist Villenov’s powers. I guess though, that just corroborates the total power he had over everyone as well as his surroundings. He hated his father but in reality he had become just like him. Hmmm, underlying message there? I don’t really think that there is but it is interesting to hear Villenov’s diatribe about his father and his lack of insight. The final pages are no real surprise but it is a real trip to get there.
March 14, 2010
Freak is a thrilling and entertaining read. It has a little bit of everything: The sad pathetic tortured soul, a little mysticism and sci-fi, and a damn fine crime drama, without the overly cliché cop/attorney speak. The book is extremely dialog dependent, which gives it the intimacy of a first person narrative, while allowing for continued shifts in points of view - and dimension.
This story also makes some rather demanding statements regarding the degradation of women in today's society - the undeniably beautiful, egregiously disturbed, fashion magazine brainwashed women - so easily taken in, used, and abused. This story also speaks to the power that our media possesses. In the endless search for ratings, criminal acts spin into fantastic stories of terror, often turning criminals into Gods.
Mr. Sanders weaves together many common elements and themes into one captivating and suspenseful story: The dark, mysterious stranger, having his way with a bevy of females who seem to lack even basic self-control; a gritty crime drama; compelling courtroom scenes; murder; crazed fanatical media-obsessed civilians; not to mention the media's sleazy hold on the public; a wrenching tale of childhood abuse; mass hysteria; panic stricken citizens converging in the streets; mob rule; rioting; car chases; apache helicopters; a city in flames ... all leading up to an edge of your seat conclusion sure to send the reader into a dizzying frenzy.
And if that wasn't entirely enough ...
Then there is the antagonist of the story, or protagonist depending on how you choose to see him, is spine-chillingly disturbing in a surreal serial-killer/magician sort of blend. I got the willies from the very first chapter. Vilanov has all the subtle command and fierceness to him of classic Stoker's Dracula with a hint of Charlie Manson - powerfully hypnotic. So hypnotic that it begs the question: Did Vilanov actually commit any wrongdoing, other than sidestepping society's definition of morality? Or was he merely expressing the savagery of a man's search for true manhood in an emasculated world?
I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a little American Psycho, a little Fight Club, blended together with a little Stephen King.
This story also makes some rather demanding statements regarding the degradation of women in today's society - the undeniably beautiful, egregiously disturbed, fashion magazine brainwashed women - so easily taken in, used, and abused. This story also speaks to the power that our media possesses. In the endless search for ratings, criminal acts spin into fantastic stories of terror, often turning criminals into Gods.
Mr. Sanders weaves together many common elements and themes into one captivating and suspenseful story: The dark, mysterious stranger, having his way with a bevy of females who seem to lack even basic self-control; a gritty crime drama; compelling courtroom scenes; murder; crazed fanatical media-obsessed civilians; not to mention the media's sleazy hold on the public; a wrenching tale of childhood abuse; mass hysteria; panic stricken citizens converging in the streets; mob rule; rioting; car chases; apache helicopters; a city in flames ... all leading up to an edge of your seat conclusion sure to send the reader into a dizzying frenzy.
And if that wasn't entirely enough ...
Then there is the antagonist of the story, or protagonist depending on how you choose to see him, is spine-chillingly disturbing in a surreal serial-killer/magician sort of blend. I got the willies from the very first chapter. Vilanov has all the subtle command and fierceness to him of classic Stoker's Dracula with a hint of Charlie Manson - powerfully hypnotic. So hypnotic that it begs the question: Did Vilanov actually commit any wrongdoing, other than sidestepping society's definition of morality? Or was he merely expressing the savagery of a man's search for true manhood in an emasculated world?
I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a little American Psycho, a little Fight Club, blended together with a little Stephen King.
March 14, 2013
At times when reading Freak I found myself smiling at the wonderful phrasing, being transported back to F. Scott Fitzgerald and a bygone era of American literature. At other times it was somewhat less compelling and in places quite jumbled.
Perhaps if the book were longer, characters might be explored in more depth and the arrival of some given more announcement. However, I’m not sure the length is entirely the issue. The time given over to an elongated tour of the Venice Beach area in the guise of a manhunt and pursuit could have been better spent.
The freak himself is reminiscent of Rasputin and you have to ask yourself how would he fare in 21st Century America? Quite possibly much like this. However, despite his personal narrative, we don’t really get the full picture. I’d have preferred more introspection than tourist guide for this tale.
Freak is one of those strange works that wins and loses you at varying points. I’m torn on how to rate it because I wouldn’t say I didn’t enjoy it. I just didn’t enjoy all of it and it’s not very long. It has to be 3 stars, wavering towards 3.5 but not quite 4.
Perhaps if the book were longer, characters might be explored in more depth and the arrival of some given more announcement. However, I’m not sure the length is entirely the issue. The time given over to an elongated tour of the Venice Beach area in the guise of a manhunt and pursuit could have been better spent.
The freak himself is reminiscent of Rasputin and you have to ask yourself how would he fare in 21st Century America? Quite possibly much like this. However, despite his personal narrative, we don’t really get the full picture. I’d have preferred more introspection than tourist guide for this tale.
Freak is one of those strange works that wins and loses you at varying points. I’m torn on how to rate it because I wouldn’t say I didn’t enjoy it. I just didn’t enjoy all of it and it’s not very long. It has to be 3 stars, wavering towards 3.5 but not quite 4.
April 27, 2014
This is a darkly disturbing read which deals with the most unlikeable character you might come across in fiction. The novel starts with Vilenov, the central character raping a woman and the plot swiftly moves to his capture and the uncovering of a power he allegedly has which gives him control over people.
It's a difficult concept to try to show this character as a person, and I really struggled at points with it. Found the writing needing an editior, I felt it rambled at points and in my opinion should've been shorter and punchier. However, I didn't put it down, which I do when I really can't get away with something and it was a novel which I would normally avoid due to the plot. I'm been kind with 3 stars, probably a 2 and a half
It's a difficult concept to try to show this character as a person, and I really struggled at points with it. Found the writing needing an editior, I felt it rambled at points and in my opinion should've been shorter and punchier. However, I didn't put it down, which I do when I really can't get away with something and it was a novel which I would normally avoid due to the plot. I'm been kind with 3 stars, probably a 2 and a half
January 3, 2013
I actually like this book. I like the author's way to describe Vilenov's "superpower" without making it sounds like a superpower. I like how detailed the author described the locations this story took place. Overall, who doesn't like baddass villains?
I was going to give it 3 stars, BUT THEN... I reached the last chapter. I always hate weak endings. I get it, the author wanted to tell the reader that But I wish he did it in other ways that doesn't ruin the whole story he developed in the previous chapters.
If you like books with twists, this book is worth a try.
I was going to give it 3 stars, BUT THEN... I reached the last chapter. I always hate weak endings. I get it, the author wanted to tell the reader that But I wish he did it in other ways that doesn't ruin the whole story he developed in the previous chapters.
If you like books with twists, this book is worth a try.
July 26, 2014
2 STARS I Didn't Like It/It Was So-So
I did not finish reading this book. I got about half way through it before I gave up. I had a hard time getting into the story & sticking with it. For me, if I'm not enjoying/having fun reading what I'm reading then I'm waisting my time & should move on to something I would enjoy. Don't get me wrong. The story is not bad. I found Vilenov to be an interesting character. It just wasn't for me.
I did not finish reading this book. I got about half way through it before I gave up. I had a hard time getting into the story & sticking with it. For me, if I'm not enjoying/having fun reading what I'm reading then I'm waisting my time & should move on to something I would enjoy. Don't get me wrong. The story is not bad. I found Vilenov to be an interesting character. It just wasn't for me.
September 25, 2012
Quite on the wild side of things. Not a typical read but a quick read. Not sure yet if I would recommend it or not. It reveals the greed and downside of life. It shows how society gets wrapped up in a trail while taking sides.
February 27, 2013
It was okay. Got a little draggy and repetitive through the last third of the book. Also would have liked to see a little more substance and learn more about Nicholas. He just seemed like a drunk most of the time who could manipulate minds.
November 17, 2011
Honestly, I didn't finish this book. I made it almost to the half way point. I just couldn't get into it.
February 27, 2012
I liked this book. Most of the reviews say they couldn't get through it, but that's probably because the end is the best part
January 5, 2013
Really odd but interesting book.
April 23, 2008
Oddball psychic with the power to control people.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews