An unexplainable worldwide phenomena. A box with only a string inside suddenly shows up on your doorstep addressed directly to you. No one knows whereAn unexplainable worldwide phenomena. A box with only a string inside suddenly shows up on your doorstep addressed directly to you. No one knows where it originated from, but we soon find out the string measures your lifespan. Would you open your box to find out how much time you have left? If you did, would that change how you live your life? That's exactly what this book entails. A story of eight characters and how their decision affects their lives and how it intertwines with one another.
As more and more people decide to open their box, they are categorized as being a short-stringer or a long-stringer. It's scary how division starts slowly. You don't realize until it's too late. Short-stringers are now the "bad guys". They're the ones causing havoc in the world. They're the ones committing the crimes. It's not even factual since no one knows anything about the strings. Not truly. People are scared of the unknown. However, what is worse than having no information is having hive minds. People will hold onto any reasoning they feel is correct with no evidence. "When your sample size is the whole world, you're bound to find anecdotes that support any theory" (pg. 13). That goes to show why science is important. It's backed by facts and evidence-based results, and the majority of people will listen.
Also, in this book it highlights the strength of having faith in times of crises. Would you believe that this is was preordained by God? Keeping faith that the chaos will bring peace? That the good nature of man will prevail over the wickedness?
This a great book to stir discussion. Is it science vs religion? Or do they work hand in hand? This topic is relevant in today's climate. Just like in the book, even politics gets in the middle of it....more
My usual reads are romance, suspense, thriller, and fantasy. This book has a little of each one (well, not so much romance, mostly infatuation) mixed My usual reads are romance, suspense, thriller, and fantasy. This book has a little of each one (well, not so much romance, mostly infatuation) mixed in with horror. That's a great combination to keep you invested.
I read the first four chapters twice on different occasions. During the first time, I wasn't sure about Valla. I couldn't decipher if she was caring or conceited. She loves the land but then talks down about its people. She knows her beauty is an asset, and I felt she found herself superior to the rest. She didn't have a kind word about the others in the village. After reading that, I had to put the book down because I was annoyed with her. I gave it a week and started to read again. This time around, I read it with a different attitude. Yes, she still believes her beauty will save her; however, I started to see the loneliness she felt. The isolation from the others and from her own family. I asked myself why I couldn't see that the first time around. Was it the mood I was in at that time? Was I not truly reading between the lines and only taking things at face value? Goes to show that reading a book can evoke different feelings at any given time and how others can interpret the same book differently.
The forest was a character all on its own. Creepy, haunting, with unknown creatures lurking about. This is where the horror begins. From the moment the characters stepped into that forest, there was no going back. The atmosphere was a great set-up for the rest of the story. I didn’t realize until the end that the events that transpired in the beginning were foreshadowing of things to come.
I was surprised how fast Valla's attack happened. I initially thought it was a crucial event that would happen later in the story. I was hyping myself up like ‘Alright! No slow burn here!’. It made me wonder what the rest of the story would be about since there were so many pages left. In the forest, I was upset with Valla when she got attacked. She knew how dangerous the forest was, it was stupid for her to go chasing after the creature. Safety in numbers and always have a plan. She knew that! It was one of those facepalm moments. As the story progressed and she made it to her destination, the forest continued to call her. Did Valla belong to the forest or was she being lured? What did it want with her? It’s scary being in her position. All these things happening in unfamiliar territory, finding yourself not in control of your body, and then being surrounded by people who are unusual, and at times, verbally and physically abusive.
When Leonid and Ermo entered the picture, it was the classic good guy, bad guy personas. I hoped that Ermo was truly the good one, but I’ve read too many suspense novels and I’m constantly suspicious of people’s motives. It got to the point that despite Leonid’s brute demeanor, he was going to somehow end up as the hero. I was so wrong. The two brothers are the worst of the worst. I felt relief when Valla exacted her revenge on them, and the method in which she did so was brutally jaw-dropping. It felt like kismet.
I was skeptical of Yulnia. Her character was creepy, especially with the description of her rooms, her appearance, and even her deposition. As though she was two different people at times. I truly hurt for her when it was revealed that her betrothed was not real. I resent Ermo’s reasoning for fabricating such a person. It is not love that tames a person, but freedom.
This book shows you don’t know what’s truly good or evil at surface level. The more I read, the more questions I had. It was frustrating not having answers, but that’s the beauty of mystery. The build-up to the ending was intense: identities uncovered, revelations, murder, mayhem, sorrow, pain… hits you one right after another. A roller coaster of emotions you were never truly prepared for....more
I went into this book with no expectations and I was absolutely out of my realm. I can’t wrap my head around what I just read, I was shocked into a stI went into this book with no expectations and I was absolutely out of my realm. I can’t wrap my head around what I just read, I was shocked into a stupor.
This is the one and only time I’ll read this book. It’s just not my reading taste. Actually, it’s a good thing that I read Haunting Adeline first before grabbing this one. With Haunting Adeline, I was rattled but was still able to get through the story. If I started with Satan’s Affair, I don’t think I would have continued the series.
The author is so vividly detailed with the scenes that I squirm from the imageries in my mind. From the beginning, up to the point where it picks up the Haunting Adeline storyline from Sybil’s POV, I could not stomach the depraved acts that she and her henchmen performed.
Despite my revulsion, the storytelling was excellent. As I read, I could see so clearly what was happening. It was like a gory film, wanting to look away but still keeping an eye to the screen. Especially when the author started listing all the heinous crimes that would taint the soul. Those are some dark subject matters that made me question how in the world the author can conjure stories that debased.
It takes a great writer to get their reader to feel sympathy for a character you know is troubled and doing wicked things. Sybil’s background was heart-breaking. You see how trauma embeds in the mind and forever changes a person. Towards the end, I wasn’t even sure if I wanted Sybil to be cured. In her delusions, she was happy. Should she be "punished" for doing bad things for the right reasons? That’s tackling a morally gray area best left for subjective conversations.
Does Sybil deserve a better life? Yes. But in her world, there’s no escape from evil people and odious crimes. I feel she’s better left alone. As she says, "I’m not f*cking crazy, I’m enlightened!" ...more
**spoiler alert** We could have done without this novella. When it was explained that it would be about Millie and Enzo’s relationship, I was thinking**spoiler alert** We could have done without this novella. When it was explained that it would be about Millie and Enzo’s relationship, I was thinking that we would get a few short stories of different events or different aspects of their lives leading up to the wedding. A love story told in short chapters. Instead we get a one day account of classic Millie complaining.
It didn’t even need to have an antagonist in this story. Why?! It made no sense. Just to add drama?! Save that for a full novel. If she was afraid that he was in the apartment, hello?! All she had to do was call the number back. Every time she became suspicious, she could have ended it quickly with just calling back the number. Even easier, she should have just told Enzo what was happening and saved us all the headache.
One thing that irked me a bit was Enzo’s language barrier. Throughout Millie’s perspective, he spoke in broken English; however, when it was told from his POV, he somehow became an English linguist.
Lastly, after helping so many people escape bad marriages, why are they still dirt poor? I bet the majority of their clients were wealthy since their business was marketed by referrals. Either they were doing it pro bono (bad decision since it doesn’t sound like they had other side jobs or hustles) or they have bad money management (which is even worse - and they want to bring a child in a financially precarious situation?!) Selfish.
**spoiler alert** If you ignore the plot holes, it's a good read.
The two main characters are a mess. Sarah is unbelievable and Adam is exasperating.
Sa**spoiler alert** If you ignore the plot holes, it's a good read.
The two main characters are a mess. Sarah is unbelievable and Adam is exasperating.
Sarah is suppose to be this high profile, uber professional criminal lawyer. However, once she finds out that her husband had an affair, she unravels so quickly. She deals with monsters on a daily basis and is a partner in a law firm. She didn't get there by being emotional, especially in a field dominated by men. Sarah knows how to handle stress. We then find out that she's the killer. It's unbelievable! You're telling me that she was willing to risk her reputation, her profession, and her credibility over her unfaithful husband?! Even though she herself was cheating?! Nope. Stupid. It's too much unraveling on her part. In fact, it may bring more suspicion on her since this is so out of character. Another thing that irks me is her inner monologues. She talks to herself like she's innocent. No one can hear her. Why put on a show for yourself? You're the killer. You know what's been done. Unless you have multiple personalities, it doesn't pan out well in writing. Another thing that is grating is the fact she decides to represent her husband as his lawyer. That alone would cause skepticism. If I was in fact hurt by the adultery and allegations, but still loved him, I would stand by his side for support, not be his criminal defense lawyer. That's conflict of interest and crossing professional boundaries. I'm surprised the firm even allowed her to do that.
As for Adam, every time his chapters come up, I end up rolling my eyes. He's a douchebag until the end. Absolutely no character development. No sign of empathy and is always playing the victim. Never listens and just keeps digging himself into a deeper hole. He is already under arrest, a confirmed adulterer, and a murder suspect. In the middle of everything, he still takes a chance and kisses a reporter! How does that help his case?! He's just an insecure man doing whatever he can to feel like he has power. With a mother like his, no wonder he thinks he can get whatever he wants.
For the rest of the characters, there are too many and unnecessary. Sarah's best friend, Kelly's ex-husband's brother, and then there's Bob. All useless and do not provide any advancement to the storyline... and that's where the author leaves many of her plot holes. She tries to deter attention and create a list of suspects, but forgets that each one of them should have a fleshed out narrative....more
**spoiler alert** The plot is unique. A woman whose existence is fleeting as a glance until she meets a stranger who remembers her.
I loved Addie's sto**spoiler alert** The plot is unique. A woman whose existence is fleeting as a glance until she meets a stranger who remembers her.
I loved Addie's storyline. How isolated and depressing it would be in her situation. I would like to think that I could last 300 years as she did, but I don't know if I would be strong enough. One of the most important things to me is family; they are my stronghold, my support. So, if I didn't have them, I'd be lost. I commend Addie for finding the strength to always move forward and not to wallow in sorrow or misery. Even after centuries, she can still find beauty in everything.
Then there's Luc. Maybe an unpopular opinion, but I wanted Luc and Addie to end up together at the end. I really do believe that they loved each other, especially on Luc's side. He did give Henry to her, and the fact that they looked alike was telling. Even though he couldn't change their deal, he still found ways to give her what she desired: a home, a person to recognize her, and then a way for her life to be remembered. Even when the terms of Henry's deal were altered, he did it for her. Luc didn't want her soul, he just wanted her. Also, I don't think Luc is naive enough to not understand what Addie has offered. She thought she was sleek in her wording, but come on, she's making a deal with a god, who no less is all about nuances.
Additionally, I didn't like Henry for Addie. I was just happy that she had someone to make a connection with. However, Henry was unsuitable. Even when his time was almost up, I felt he didn't know what type of person he was. His deal with Luc was not as horrible as Addie's. At least he could still build a life and if he wanted, he could have taken advantage of his predicament. Become rich, gain properties, become famous. In a span of a year, he was no better than when he started. He didn't try anything. Just wasted his precious time. He was just a friend who gave Addie what she needed in that moment.
Despite that, I actually like how the book ended. It gave enough closure to be satisfied but left it open-ended where the author could pick up the story again. ...more
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