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raynebair's review against another edition
3.0
This book was so messed up! I struggled to get through most of it. I just couldn't stomach it. I read this because it was in the Horror category at the library and I need it for a challenge. It's no wonder I don't read that. Ugh! I'm glad things worked out in the end but I still didn't feel right about Tate and Rory being together after everything that happened.
mitchpls's review against another edition
1.0
Really, there is so much rape scenes I can read before I want to burn everything down. No, thank (fuck) you.
teresab78's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
One of the ways I judge a book is if it manages to make me care and feel things even if those feelings are unpleasant. I almost didn’t finish this. It made me feel so much and I was heartsick. I felt so awful for both Rory and Tate though Tate most of all. It was an awful situation and I’m still not sure how these two manage to be together in the end. But it was well written if a bit gratuitous. I really appreciated the epilogue as it tied things up but I was still left feeling queasy. However I rounded up because the authors did such a good job of immersing me in the story.
One of the ways I judge a book is if it manages to make me care and feel things even if those feelings are unpleasant. I almost didn’t finish this. It made me feel so much and I was heartsick. I felt so awful for both Rory and Tate though Tate most of all. It was an awful situation and I’m still not sure how these two manage to be together in the end. But it was well written if a bit gratuitous. I really appreciated the epilogue as it tied things up but I was still left feeling queasy. However I rounded up because the authors did such a good job of immersing me in the story.
kristinafh's review against another edition
1.0
Ugh! I was looking forward to reading something a little different and this book seemed to hold some hope for that. It started out okay - but then - about 50% in, it went from unbelievable (and not in a good way) to ugh - can I make it to the ending or is this going to be a dnf for me, I made it to the ending and it fully deserves its 1 star rating.
kedwards4005's review
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
anya_doesntmatter's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars
No spoilers
It pains me to type this because I love these two phenomenal authors but this was a big let down. The concept utopia/ dystopia, compulsion/ slavery was an interesting one however, it was ruined via the execution of telling it. Two heads usually are better than one...just not in this case. The story was a bit disjointed (like this review). There were moments of brilliance abruptly followed up with moments of absurdity and confusing logic. Almost as if both authors had different ideas of how the story should flow. It essentially unraveled at the seam and sadly I can't put a finger on with whom the fault lays .
Maybe I'm nuts so don't take me seriously but this story sadly is a miss for me.
FYI---
Don't let this one review deter you from reading these two great authors other works though. They are brilliant storytellers. This particular book just didn't do it for me.
*would it be wrong of me to blame the editor? I want to read the bits that were left on the chopping room floor may haps the edited pieces would fill in the gaps* lol
goodxgirl9238's review against another edition
3.0
guilty pleasure, might check out her other book. not particularly challenging
rogiercaprino's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ezichinny's review against another edition
3.0
RRory James just got a job working with Judge Lowell in the peaceful town of Beulah. He is excited to move from Tophet to Beluah because for the past 10 years, Beluah has had no crime and no pollution. It is supposed to be this utopian society and Rory just needs some peace.
His first day in Beluah and Rory gets punched in the face by Tate Patterson, whose also from Tophet. Rory is rushed to the hospital and Tate is arrested. Beluah deeals with criminals by placing them in a Rehabilitation through Restitution program. The perpetrator works for the victim for 7 years, instead of going to jail. The idea is to humanize the victim, and make the criminal see the first hand effects of their assault.
Each criminal called a "Rezzie" is fitted with a GPS chip that allows the officials to locate them but it's also a behavior modifier. Tate is now Rory's Rezzie, and begins his rehabilitation by living and working for Rory. Then we begin to see how the "rehabilitation" truly works and that Beluah isn't the safe haven it's being portrayed as. First of all, Tate is almost weirdly happy to be at Rory's beckon call. Then this criminal seems to have no will of his own. What's up with this program? Rory begins to investigate how this chip affects the rezzies and he is flabbergasted to find out the real deal with the program.
I started reading this one with excitement. That rehabilitation through restitution sounded like a great idea. I did think 7 years was excessive for just a punch, but some people have died from punch, so I went with it. The lack of investigation by surrounding towns or even lack of scrutiny was baffling to me, and I wonder if they knew what was going on in Belulah. I mean, you would think every town would want a non-crime statistic, right? Well this town was full of bad secrets and once you began peeling this onion, it made my eyes water with each peel.
I liked Rory and I even liked Tate. I like how the authors humanized Tate. I don't condone what he did to Rory, but it's interesting that he wasn't a criminal like I initally thought. If something is too good to be true, it often is.
I had been warned that the book had dub-con and non-con, but I jumped in anyway. It was very uncomfortable for me to read. There was an HFN so at least that was a good ending. But if you are squeamish lack of consent issues, think twice about this one.
*Reading copy from (Riptide Publishing via Netgalley)
His first day in Beluah and Rory gets punched in the face by Tate Patterson, whose also from Tophet. Rory is rushed to the hospital and Tate is arrested. Beluah deeals with criminals by placing them in a Rehabilitation through Restitution program. The perpetrator works for the victim for 7 years, instead of going to jail. The idea is to humanize the victim, and make the criminal see the first hand effects of their assault.
Each criminal called a "Rezzie" is fitted with a GPS chip that allows the officials to locate them but it's also a behavior modifier. Tate is now Rory's Rezzie, and begins his rehabilitation by living and working for Rory. Then we begin to see how the "rehabilitation" truly works and that Beluah isn't the safe haven it's being portrayed as. First of all, Tate is almost weirdly happy to be at Rory's beckon call. Then this criminal seems to have no will of his own. What's up with this program? Rory begins to investigate how this chip affects the rezzies and he is flabbergasted to find out the real deal with the program.
I started reading this one with excitement. That rehabilitation through restitution sounded like a great idea. I did think 7 years was excessive for just a punch, but some people have died from punch, so I went with it. The lack of investigation by surrounding towns or even lack of scrutiny was baffling to me, and I wonder if they knew what was going on in Belulah. I mean, you would think every town would want a non-crime statistic, right? Well this town was full of bad secrets and once you began peeling this onion, it made my eyes water with each peel.
I liked Rory and I even liked Tate. I like how the authors humanized Tate. I don't condone what he did to Rory, but it's interesting that he wasn't a criminal like I initally thought. If something is too good to be true, it often is.
I had been warned that the book had dub-con and non-con, but I jumped in anyway. It was very uncomfortable for me to read. There was an HFN so at least that was a good ending. But if you are squeamish lack of consent issues, think twice about this one.
*Reading copy from (Riptide Publishing via Netgalley)