Scan barcode
A review by bookstorm_
Marionette by Antonia Rachel Ward
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
On the run from a life of prostitution and poverty, exotic dancer Cece Dulac agrees to become the main attraction at an erotic séance hosted by an enigmatic mesmerist, Monsieur Rossignol. As the séance descends into depravity, Cece falls prey to Rossignol’s hypnotic power and becomes possessed by a malevolent spirit.
George Dashwood, an aspiring artist, witnesses the séance and fears for Cece. He seeks her out and she seduces him, but she is no longer herself. The spirit controlling her forces her to commit increasingly depraved acts. When the spirit’s desire for revenge escalates to murder, George and Cece must find a way to break Rossignol’s spell before Cece’s soul is condemned forever.
I expected something completely different. The story is well written, but I don't think it will be to everyone's taste. Personally I didn't like the mix of paranormal and erotica.
But if you like ghost stories and want something spicy, this one might interest you. There are several scenes that are a bit gory, but I've read much nastier stuff in other kinds of books. Likewise, the mix of blood and sex is a constant, in case you're not comfortable with the mix of gratuitous violence and character titillation.
Other things that can make you dislike the story are the treatment of women and, in my case, the solution to all the problems with love, which came about in a day and a half and with hardly any conversation.
Even if the story wasn't for me, I don't think it was badly written or badly developed. It is 100 pages long, if it catches your attention give it a chance, you might end up loving it.
George Dashwood, an aspiring artist, witnesses the séance and fears for Cece. He seeks her out and she seduces him, but she is no longer herself. The spirit controlling her forces her to commit increasingly depraved acts. When the spirit’s desire for revenge escalates to murder, George and Cece must find a way to break Rossignol’s spell before Cece’s soul is condemned forever.
I expected something completely different. The story is well written, but I don't think it will be to everyone's taste. Personally I didn't like the mix of paranormal and erotica.
But if you like ghost stories and want something spicy, this one might interest you. There are several scenes that are a bit gory, but I've read much nastier stuff in other kinds of books. Likewise, the mix of blood and sex is a constant, in case you're not comfortable with the mix of gratuitous violence and character titillation.
Other things that can make you dislike the story are the treatment of women and, in my case, the solution to all the problems with love, which came about in a day and a half and with hardly any conversation.
Even if the story wasn't for me, I don't think it was badly written or badly developed. It is 100 pages long, if it catches your attention give it a chance, you might end up loving it.