I picked up this book and thought two words: Shock me. And I got a total mind fuck in return. ~ Under the Covers Book Blog
After having been totally enthralled by the first book in the series, I was eager to see what Roberts had planned for this next book. Caleb for me was the one I was most looking forward to. He was a total enigma. I could never really try to process how his mind worked. One minute he was developing feelings for Livvie, the next he was still plotting to sell her into slavery. Itโs all a wild ride and I think if youโre a fan of the dark and the unexpected, you will undoubtedly find some pleasure in this series.
That being said, I had some high expectations about this book. When Livvie wakes up in the hospital, she is a complete mess. There is no other way to sugar coat it. She has experienced traumatic events that are cycling through her mind in an endless loop. What frightens her the most is her attachment to her captor, Caleb. She reminds parts of her time with him and although at times, they can be bad, there are also embers of something else lingering there.
Being in Calebโs mind is always the most interesting aspect of this book. However, Iโm still a little wishy-washy on the third person switch whenever we get a heroโs POV. In some ways, I think itโs clever because from a writerโs standpoint; it gives enough insight into the heroโs mind while also creating mystery and intrigue for the reader. At the same time, I think itโs a cop out. Itโs an easy way to string readers along while not giving away too much information about the plot or the inner workings of the mind. I get it, itโs all part of the writing/reading experience. But for once, I just wished an author would stay with the first person POV for the hero and see where that takes the story. Just imagine the gory details and sick, twisted things weโd learn if we received a full-on, uncensored look into Calebโs mind. Thatโs what I want to read.
In retrospect, I think I enjoyed the first book better because of its intense subject matter and taboo sexual aspects. This book is going to shock you. Itโs going to screw with your mind. I picked up this book and thought two words: Shock me. And I got a total mind fuck in return.
Beneath all the dramatics, there is a lot of emotion involved in this book – Fear, lust, heartache. But thereโs also love and I think thatโs whatโs so special about this book. Roberts shows that love can bloom in unexpected places and that even in the dark, there is hope for something more.
Did you like this review? If so, please tell us your thoughts in the comments!
[about-author author=”C.J. Roberts”]
Love this series! CJ Robert’s did a number on me when I read this. I think I was literally messed up for a good day or so because I was beating myself up for liking Caleb.
I like Caleb! A lot actually! He was so interesting to read!
I’ve been curious about this series and now I know I want to read it! Great review ๐
Yay Berls! I hope you do give it a try!
This series is very intense in my opinion.
I had never read anything like it before. I agree that it was a total mind fuck!
Great review!
Have you read Epilogue, yet?
Some people didn’t like it, but I loved it. ๐
It IS very intense, but you know what’s similar? Tiffany Reisz’s the Original Sinners series. I mostly think that because Caleb reminds me a lot of Soren. ๐
I’l be reading Epilogue next but I’m a little nervous
Ooooh I like the sound of this-thanks for the great review Ann!
I think you’ll like this one!
I have the first book to this series…I really cannot wait to read it. Been hearing really good things about it.
Oooh, I hope you let me know what you think!