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A review by whatyoutolkienabout
Caio by LS Delorme
5.0
This review has taken longer than I would like because real life got in the way. But when I say that once I had time I devoured this book in two sittings I am not even joking. To quote my favourite fictional character, Belle in the 1991 animation, “I just couldn’t put it down!”
Now, generally if anything has a bit of paranormal I will give it a chance but Caio just kept hitting all the boxes. Not only do we have paranormal elements, and let me say the way these are done Delorme makes it completely believable. But we also have a gripping and tense thriller and a really cute romance too. Delorme also makes one of the most terrible and terrifying ‘bad guys’ in Karl and his connections. It isn’t so much is reprehensible actions but the way he seemingly is able to function and get away with this in society. The scariest part is that it’s completely believable with how some people act and get away with things but I digress.
The characters, particularly Sarah and Caio are both interesting and well developed. I would have liked a bit more information on Caio’s past but at the same time I liked the level of mystery. I particularly liked Sarah’s progression in the novel from the quiet (and abused) girlfriend to an independent woman, aided in part by the ‘ghosts’ in her head and Caio.
The novel does deal with some darker themes as well, particularly in terms of sexual abuse, paedophilia, violence and shady underground sects. Also while I enjoyed Caio and Sarah’s relationship it does border on being taboo, however Caio is a paranormal being and the age of consent in the UK is sixteen so this did not put me off the novel and I do believe it was handled well by Delorme. The crime and thriller part of the novel was written really well and kept me guessing on what would happen and if it would be a sort of happily ever after. For me this is a hard thing to do, particularly when we partly know who are the ‘villains’ or guilty and it’s a case of seeing it proved. Delorme has perfected this skill to keep you on the edge in a will they/won’t they sense of dread – part of the reason I finished it in two sittings.
In short if you are looking for a fantastic paranormal story that deals with some dark themes (and does it well) with a narrative that is addictive and so well paced, and the characters are compelling and complex. Look no further than Caio. I have already started Bright Midnights and it’s safe to say Delorme is a new instant buy author.
Now, generally if anything has a bit of paranormal I will give it a chance but Caio just kept hitting all the boxes. Not only do we have paranormal elements, and let me say the way these are done Delorme makes it completely believable. But we also have a gripping and tense thriller and a really cute romance too. Delorme also makes one of the most terrible and terrifying ‘bad guys’ in Karl and his connections. It isn’t so much is reprehensible actions but the way he seemingly is able to function and get away with this in society. The scariest part is that it’s completely believable with how some people act and get away with things but I digress.
The characters, particularly Sarah and Caio are both interesting and well developed. I would have liked a bit more information on Caio’s past but at the same time I liked the level of mystery. I particularly liked Sarah’s progression in the novel from the quiet (and abused) girlfriend to an independent woman, aided in part by the ‘ghosts’ in her head and Caio.
The novel does deal with some darker themes as well, particularly in terms of sexual abuse, paedophilia, violence and shady underground sects. Also while I enjoyed Caio and Sarah’s relationship it does border on being taboo, however Caio is a paranormal being and the age of consent in the UK is sixteen so this did not put me off the novel and I do believe it was handled well by Delorme. The crime and thriller part of the novel was written really well and kept me guessing on what would happen and if it would be a sort of happily ever after. For me this is a hard thing to do, particularly when we partly know who are the ‘villains’ or guilty and it’s a case of seeing it proved. Delorme has perfected this skill to keep you on the edge in a will they/won’t they sense of dread – part of the reason I finished it in two sittings.
In short if you are looking for a fantastic paranormal story that deals with some dark themes (and does it well) with a narrative that is addictive and so well paced, and the characters are compelling and complex. Look no further than Caio. I have already started Bright Midnights and it’s safe to say Delorme is a new instant buy author.