Review: Killing Sarai

Killing Sarai by J.A. Redmerski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

HOLY CRAP. Can I give this a 6-stars instead?

I do not know how to begin review about this book (or series). IT'S (in this occasion, FUCKING) AMAZING. I couldn't put this down, I clenched my fist the whole time reading every pages, every lines. The story was so incredibly fucked-up in a way, but you just can't help reading it.

Warning: It contains very serious social issues and adult contents.

I ran out of words describing how well written this is and I have yet to finish till the latest series. (I'm should be ashamed.) The plot is well crafted, every pages keeps you on the edge. The character's survivor instinct drags your soul out. You couldn't help to feel for her, worried endlessly for her, knowing in every turning page danger would fall on her.

It has been a while since I ever read something so incredible and satisfying. Definitely recommend to any readers who enjoy thriller, dark romance and assassination topics.

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Review: What Lies Within

What Lies Within by James Morris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh boy did I take a long time to finish this book. I kept putting it off and on because I couldn't get into the story in the beginning. I would like to apologise for taking this long to finish this book.

"What Lies Within" is a thriller-science-fiction-ish book. It was suspenseful and fast-paced. The suspenseful plot would keep you reading until you have finished the story. The plot was refreshing and new; many occasions where I find myself in awe with what happened.

However, I had some slight problems with the first quarter of the book as it was pretty plain and I felt the story was being dragged for no reason. That was partly the reason why I couldn't get into the book as well as I should have. After that, I practically flew through (with occasions of assignments and heavy workload) it.

I also had problem with Shelly (the protagonist) because I don't feel attached to her. I constantly find myself questioning why did she do what she's doing and why would she even think that way? Maybe that's the perks of (usually) a female protagonist.

Overall it was an interesting and compelling read. Recommend to any thriller or even crime&investigation readers out there.

I've been sent a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

I've been wanting to read this book ever since I saw it from songofstyle's instagram post. Yes, I am always introduced with new books like that.

Synopsis (from Goodreads): On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?  

This is an adult fiction thriller written in two different points of view, Nick's and Amy's diary entry. The writings was absolutely fluent and the style was just amazing. I did read books with double POVs and it would go wrong if the writings were bad. The most important thing for double POVs is that the views should not overlap because it will bore the reader, in my opinion. But, Gillian Flynn did an amazing job with double POVs. The characters' view did not clash with one another and both perspectives brought out the flow of the plot.

When I first read the synopsis, I'm intrigued. I was so excited to dive into this book. However, first one-third of the book really bored me with the marital life and all which I can't really relate to. So, that part dragged my reading process. Not to mention, this was my 3rd book for Regan's shitihavetoomanybooks read-a-thon and I failed it with this book because I was stucked in that part.

However (again), after I got through the (to-me-it's-boring) part, the rest was brilliant. The rest basically returned this book to my 5-stars list. The plot twist was really brilliant (ran out of description) and wicked (quoted from a review on the front cover).

The character development. WOAH. Nick was a classic bastard husband and you will feel like pulling him out of the book and slap him upside-down for being Nick Dunne. (can't really say much for a spoiler-free review) But, he changed, from a bastard to a seemingly psychopath (my view). I like the physiological aspect of the novel. The first page of the book, Nick described his wife's head/skull. It seems really eerie. The feeling.

Overall, this book is amazing. You will agree with me if you read this book. TRUST ME, YOU WILL. For fans (ME) of thriller-detective-mystery type of books, this is definitely your choice of read. But, even if you're not a fan of these types of genres, you will also enjoy this book. It was mind-blowing.

5 GLOWING STARS on Goodreads,
Summer

Venture into this book: Gone Girl (I can't find my version but this has the same cover)

FOR YOUR INFORMATION, this book is coming out as a movie the coming October 3rd (according to the trailer). Read this before the movie is out and you won't regret it.

adapted from Youtube

SPOILER SECTION:

Holiday in Death by J.D.Robb

My first official post here!

My first blogspot post dedicated to the In Death series by J.D.Robb. The above is the 7th book and this series goes up to 30 over books and it is still ongoing. If you do not already know, J.D.Robb is actually Nora Roberts, one of the famous Romance novelist. This series has been around since 1998, if not mistaken. & I knew about it in 2011, I think. I started collecting them ever since. 

The In Death series is a thriller adult fiction (more like CSI), which revolves around two main characters, Eve and Roarke. Since I can't spoil you on anything regarding this series, I will just briefly talk about these two main characters.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas is a Homicide Lieutenant of the New York Police and Security Department. She has had a broken childhood and still suffered from nightmares of it until she met Roarke. Roarke, on the other hand, is a billionaire Irish rogue, who owns almost half of New York's properties. Eve met him as a suspect in the first book, Naked in Death. Roarke was actually not merely a filthy rich businessman but he, too, had a traumatising past. As both characters met and developed a romantic relationship towards one another, they clicked and patched up each other as puzzle pieces. This series recites on their relationship and how Roarke (having all gadgets and monetary power) helps Eve in solving crimes. 

The characters. Eve is a badass. She's a cop and she's freaking badass. I have no words for her personality. She's badass, brave, fierce, compassionate (in her own ways) and everything else needed for a heroine protagonist. On the other hand, Roarke is the hot stuff. He's rich, handsome, smart (business type) and swoon-worthy. Okay, like any typical hot stuff male protagonist. 

What I like about the series? This series takes place in the future, around year 2058. It's in New York, where automatons are all around the place. There are androids, AutoChef, airbus (literally) and high-tech gadgets. Despite those, crimes still take place. 

Also, I love the author's writings. It's built up from different characters POV, sort-of third person view. However, at some point, you can read about other characters' thoughts. & I like it. I like that I know what the other person were thinking at that moment. Plus, Robb's play of words was beautifully done. 

One thing to note for readers. These books do contain adult scenes, although it may have cut down a little through out the series. It also contains explicit gruesome crime scenes, since it is an adult fiction, so there goes. Nevertheless, I love my crime fiction books, what more series. 

Summer

To start form scratch: Naked In Death (first book) 

I just finished Holiday In Death (seven book)! This series (regarding the crimes) does not necessarily go as episode by episode but it is encouraged to read from the first book, since the romance story does go by episodes (well, the first few books). 

If I Were You by Lisa Renee Jones

original post

- SYNOPSIS LINK -

First book of the Inside Out Trilogy. An adult erotic thriller so if you’re not around the age and mentality, just be aware. 

I picked up this book all thanks to the paint-brush pen free gift. & thanks topolandbananas20 / xtinemay1920 for her hilarious booktube videos. 

First off, for people who made comparisons of this book with 50 Shades of Gray, you got the wrong idea. I agree that both books are about BDSM but the plots were greatly distinct in every scene. (maybe not the rich and sexy part. LOL)

Skipping through all sexual scenes, IIWY started off being captivating, intriguing and mysterious. That keeps me from reading it to till the end. 

Okay, how do I start?

I like the detective moments where Sara (the main character) vows to solve this Rebecca’s mystery. First 100 pages (around there) of the book, Sara was still very keen on seeking out for Rebecca but the detective instinct sort of stopped though out the middle of the book. Then later, only comes back at the near end of the book. & I didn’t like it. I wanted to know about Rebecca, her mysterious life, her encounter with that dominant ‘master’ and where the hell is she? 

Agree or not, through out the book, I believe all readers are constantly questioning - Mark or Chris, is the man with Rebecca? If you’re not, what are you reading then?

At first, I really thought it would be Mark. He’s arrogance and fetish with “punishments”. But as the story unfolds, I kinda shift the burden to Chris. So, I can’t be sure. OHOHOH, I did came up with this theory of Chris and Mark are actually working together to victimise on Sara. That would be picked up on the part where they constantly have cockfights with each other. & Ava is another mysterious character. & Elle and her fiancé. So much of mystery going on I had to get the rest of the trilogy. 

Note on the plot twist where Sara was actually a daughter of a rich established businessman. That was a real surprise. (Not to mention, surprises in books are good.) 

[EDIT A LITTLE] I totally forgotten to mention about the artsy-futsy settings. Yes, it levels up the whole mood of the book! I really like it when the characters were discussing about arts and wines, it’s like I’m learning some extra knowledge. 

To be honest, kinky BDSM erotica is not my cup of tea but the thriller aspect is. If someone who kindly message me on the spoiler of this trilogy I would be so glad. Seriously. I don’t like this cliffhanger feels. Even if I had to buy the rest of the 2 books, it will take weeks for them to arrive. 

The reason for 4-stars on Goodreads. There are some parts where I really couldn’t accept it. I was swearing through those moments. Yeah so. 

Find Rebecca,

Summer

To Get into the Inside Out Trilogy:

If I Were You / Being Me / Revealing Us