book review

Dreams of Shreds and Tatters

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by Amanda Downum

Reviewed by S.A.

(Quick note from S.A. : I am so sorry I haven’t posted a review in a while! Finals really took it out of me and I simply ran out of time. I barely read anything new this month! In any case, I am back, and will hopefully share good books with you on a more regular basis. I’m going to review some other books I read on our Tumblr, so we get more reviews in a week! – Sarah)

Every once and a while you find yourself reading a book, and before you know it, it’s got its hooks sunk deep into you. You try to put it down, but it calls you back: it doesn’t scream “find out what happens next,” but slowly whispers, “come, you must read more.” And Dreams of Shreds and Tatters  did exactly that: it beckoned me to read more, enticing me with an intriguing plot, compelling characters, and a nice dose of magic.

Summary

Blake has vanished: Liz Drake knows this, she saw it in a dream. Her dreams have always been more on the nightmare side, dangerously real, definitely not natural. As they steadily frighten her more, she knows she has to drop everything to find her closest friend, never expecting to see him in a coma, all the way in Vancouver. 

Slowly she uncovers strange aspects of her friend’s life: his close circle of friends, calling themselves artists when in fact they are much more, hiding dangerous secrets; snippets of the night of the accident that put Blake in a coma, which took his lover’s life; a drug which affects everyone differently, and no one wants to talk about… and magic.

As the nightmares grip her tighter, Liz finds herself caught between two worlds: the real, waking world, and the mysterious city of her dreams, the real of the monstrous Yellow king and his minions, who are seeping through doors into the waking realm. Knowing Blake’s life is on the line, she must fight her way through the dreamlands, saving her friend, and maybe the world.

What instantly caught me with this novel was the unique style: it’s like a distinctive style of art. The slow pace with the mystery bubbling to the top; the cold, dark undertones, that go between the real world and the dream ; the distinctive magic, and magical beings. None of them seem dramatic, which makes none of them out of place: they feel natural in the novel. AT some points, it does feel a little Lovecraftian, though it still stands its own. It’s an impressive feat.

The characters themselves also defeat the stereotypes. I am almost certain that Liz is Asexual (it may be outright said, but I may have missed it), and it’s completely natural. Kudos to the author! Actually, there is a diversity in the characters you don’t usually see, and none of the characters seem be be ‘tokens’. It’s an honest book, even if there is magic.

Even with all the magic in the forefront, relationships themselves may be the main focus of the novel. Liz and Blake’s friendship is so close, they’re almost siblings: she would go to the ends of the earth to save him. The relationships between Alex and Liz. We have people who care deeply about each other, with different forms of love.

But even with all this love, we can feel Liz’s cold isolation, which ads to the darkness of the novel. And she’s not the only POV character: the mystery deepens as we see the other players in the game, and each of them is as fascinating as the next. The artists, the magicians. The drugs and the secrets. Will Liz find them all out in time?

However, one thing that annoyed me was the symbolism that was shoved in your face. the idea of masks, the ties with greek mythology: a little bit of “show, don’t tell” could have gone a long way. It irked me, but only for a little bit. It’s probably just me. It doesn’t distract from the main plot.

So if you’re looking for a slow, bubbling plot, that will grip you in a gorgeous dark world of magic and intrigue, you should try Dreams of Shreds and Tatters. It will leave you wanting for more.

Quicksilver

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by RJ Anderson

Review by KM

I tend to start book series without realizing it. I’ll grab a book with an awesome summary, compelling characters, and great dialogue. None of them will warn me of the cliffhangers or the anguish of waiting for the next book. It happens to me so often that I should really start a file to keep track of all of the sequels I’m waiting for. Maybe if I had one, I wouldn’t miss amazing sequels like this.

I read and reviewed Ultraviolet eons ago, back in 2011. I loved it; I have never found a book similar to it since. By chance, I found Quicksilver while strolling through my local library. I snatched it up in an instant and haven’t been able to put it down since.

Summary

Back home Tori was the girl who had everything a sixteen-year-old could want–popularity, money, beauty. Everything. Including a secret. That secret made her very valuable.

Now she’s left everything from her old life behind, including her real name and Alison, the only person who truly understood her. She can’t lose the secret. But if she wants to have anything resembling a normal life, she has to blend in and hide her unique…talents.

Plans change when the enigmatic Sebastian Faraday reappears in Tori’s life and delivers bad news: she hasn’t escaped. In fact, she’s attracted new interest in the form of an obsessed ex-detective now in the employ of a genetics lab.

She has only one shot at ditching her past for good and living like the normal human she wishes she could be. Tori must use every ounce of her considerable hacking and engineering skills–and even then, she might need to sacrifice more than she could possibly imagine if she wants to be free.

Musings

Okay, first off, this is just as good — if not extremely better — than Ultraviolet. I miss the descriptions of synesthesia; those were just awesome. the plot is just as action-packed, but the stakes are higher. I adore Niki — or Tori, rather — as a narrator. She’s a strong female with a passion for engineering and a quick reaction speed. If the zombie apocalypse was coming, I’d want to be on Tori’s team.

I don’t want to define anyone by their sexuality, because it’s only a trait and isn’t the be-all end-all of a person. But holy cow, can I get a hallelujah for an asexual main character in a science fiction novel? I’m not even talking about implied asexuality, folks; I’m talking about her self-identifying herself as asexual, and possibly or possibly not aromantic, in a conversation and it being totally accepted by the other person.  Representation is awesome.

Quicksilver is definitely going to be one of my recommended books for a long time. It’s definitely a female protagonist that I’d love to see girls look up to as a role model, with her passion for science and take-no-crap attitude.

Becoming Darkness

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by Lindsay Francis Brambles

Review by KM

Alternate Universes has to be one of my favorite tropes and I so rarely see it in published fiction. The idea behind this book, mixing fantasy, alternative universes, and I guess a bit of historical fiction together presents a great new story. The only comparison I can even use to describe it would be the better parts of Twilight mashed with the BioShock video games.
Summary

Like everyone else living in Haven, seventeen-year-old Sophie Harkness is an Immune–a carrier of the genetic mutation that protects her from the virus Hitler unleashed upon the world more than half a century ago. A virus that wiped out most of humanity and turned two-hundred million people into vamps. But after her best friend is brutally murdered and several attempts are made on her own life, Sophie becomes determined to find answers to what seems to be a conspiracy running generations deep. And when she questions the peace treaty that keeps her small community protected, Sophie begins to discover terrible truths about herself and what it means to be human in a world ruled by darkness.

Musings

I’m being completely honest here; the first twenty pages are tough to get through. I kept having to put the book down and text SM about my worries: was this going to be another version of Twilight? I didn’t want to repeat that experience. I swore to her that if it ended up being a double, I was going to post this review under “Not Another Vampire Love Story.” It’s not posted under that, so relax. Becoming Darkness is so much better.

The plot was so meaty and full of turns that I could really choose to ignore the romance if it bothered me. In some parts it did; in some parts it didn’t. I will say, I do have a problem with the whole vampires-dating-teens trope. It presents a power struggle of age and that was more than present in this. I want to clarify that I’m not saying there isn’t a problematic relationship in the text, but that I enjoyed the book despite it.

The other characters more than made up for it, though. I think motives of side characters is something that often gets left out of a plot, but Becoming Darkness felt like all of the characters had their own moralities and motivations. It definitely makes for more rounded people.

There were more than a few loose ends left in this novel. I can only hope that it means there is an intended sequel. With this first installment being nearly five hundred pages of packed action, I hope the story continues to hold up to that standard.

The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy

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A Handbook for Girl Geeks

By Sam Maggs

Reviewed by SA

This is the guide you’re looking for.

Believe me when I say: you need this book in your life. It is the most complete guide to fan-geekery I have ever read, and I finished it feeling proud of my quirks and fandoms. It was complete and gorgeous, and I think it may need the tagline ‘A reference for the rest of us‘ on the outside, because I am certain that everyone, not just the fangirl, would benefit from reading this book.

So what is this guide? What does it guide you to? What’s in it that makes it so special? Well, first of all, let me address the fangirl who’s wondering why she even needs a guide to the galaxy. For starters, you probably don’t need a guide, because let’s face it, you’re awesome, and you’ve made it this far, right? But this guide is special. Because for once, it’s a guide with you on its mind. You’re the one it’s written for! That was a big first for me: it’s rare to get good books for the female geek. It’s tailored to your needs. Which is pretty dang cool.

That alone doesn’t mean you need this book, so just listen to what the guide actually contains. It’s basically an encyclopedia of geek terms, an overview of major fandoms, fabulous advice for everything from dealing with Trolls to having the best time ever at Con, interviews with kick–s successful ladies that we love, and resources for finding great places on the internet.

The interviews were a great touch: the women interviews are writers, artists, geeks who have really put their names out there, and their input is fantastic. It’s a reminder as to why being a fangirl is something to cherish. Many of these women are already personal inspirations to me, pushing me to follow my dreams (as cheesy as that sounds) and reading their thoughtful words just makes me love them more. You go, girls!
a lot of feelings

However, I feel like while this book is aimed towards us fangirls, it’s a great resource for the people around us. I think my mother might gain a better understanding into how I spend my time if she were to read it. My father might understand what I’m talking about when I start using ‘internet vernacular’. My non-geek family could gain a better respect for the culture of my community.

Yes, a lot of the terminology defined is something a fangirl would have picked up even on her first day on the internet. But that’s why I feel like it’s slipped in for the benefit of the others, as a way to invite out family and friends into the fold. And what a great way to do that! It gives us a starting point to build off when we want to share our love of all things fandom with our actual loved ones.

The greatest thing that comes from this book, however, I think is the empowerment. The validation. The guide reminds us that we should be proud of what we chose to love, that we will not be held down because of it. It is inclusive of everyone (not just fangirls) and supportive of all interests. It offers resources against online bullying and anything that can be thrown at you out IRL.

This is why the Guide is not simply a guide. It’s got a bit of something for everyone, and everyone will love it. Expect it on May 12.

Freaks of Nature

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by Wendy Brotherlin

Review by KM

I’m a lover of supernatural “freak” main characters. When reading the summary, I was instantly reminded of Misfits, the amazing television show. Having a dud ability typically leads to hilarious mishaps and I couldn’t wait to read more.

Summary

The global Ebola-X pandemic of 2022 lasted five months, two weeks, and six days before a cure could be found. In its wake, it left a generation of psionic freaks, who can turn a single thought into a weapon…or worse. Fifteen-year-old Devon McWilliams is one of those freaks, but Devon rates a big fat zero on the scale of cool psychic abilities. Days after escaping from his psionic detainment facility, the military intercepts him. Regaining consciousness, Devon finds himself restrained aboard a military airship headed toward certain death. Aboard this one-way flight to doom are six other psions. One of them, a telepath named Bai Lee Chen, claims to have the means to escape. All the others have to do is convince her that they’re worthy of freedom by allowing her to telepathically replay their memories. The last thing Devon wants to do is reveal his useless plant-talking prowess to this destroy-you-with-a-thought crew. To complicate matters further, he’s crushing hard on Alya, the group’s lovely healer. Devon knows he must keep his wits about him if he’s going to survive this wild ride. And that’s going to be a tricky thing to do around a telepath who seems to have a diabolical agenda all her own.

Musings

There were some good things and some bad things about this book.

The action scenes were written terrifically. I was immediately absorbed into the fights; I was connecting with her characters and wanted them all to win. It was great. My favorite had to been Vahn. He was by far the most compelling. I suspect this is going to be written into a series, so I’m hoping there is a book centered around him completely.

The writing style flowed well, too. The entire book took me around two hours, sitting in the car waiting for my husband to get out of work. It was the perfect book to read on the go; it fast enough for a one-day read, but intriguing enough to keep you involved in the story.

Now for the not so good:

As my friend phrased it so well, this story suffers from exposition-itis. Seventy percent of those brilliant fight scenes and characterizations are all the character’s memories. If I had to boil down the entire plot, which I will not do because it’d be full of spoilers, I’d be left with four sentences. I understand why it was done this way. It’s an easy method to get out a lot of back-story, making future books in the series able to summarize, rather than spell it all out once again.

All of these main characters are described as “hot” or “gorgeous”. These are fifteen to eighteen year olds. Now, I’m not saying we didn’t have some beautiful people in high school, but five out of five is really pushing the limit. Where are teenagers with braces, acne-ridden faces, and slumped shoulders? Teenagers are gawky, self-conscious creatures; I saw very little of that here.

While teenagers are quick to form crushes, I did think this took it a bit far. I googled the average flight from Mexico to Washington: it’s four and a half hours long. Within two hours of being on this flight, where they’re worried about surviving, quite a few characters were exhibiting signs of gooey-eyed infatuation. I’m sorry; please prioritize your life before your love life.

I don’t want to come off sounding like it’s a bad book. I know I’ll be first in line to buy Vahn’s book, if he ends up getting one. It was certainly a quick read and a fun one.

A Magic Dark and Bright

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by Jenny Adams Perinovic

Reviewed by SA

This book made me mad for all the right reasons. Let me just start by saying that. Why? Because the ending is amazing. Really, incredibly, painfully amazing; and so is everything leading up to it. I was spellbound, from start to finish.

Summary

She meant to help a ghost…not unleash a curse.

Amelia Dupree hasn’t seen the Woman in White since the night her brother died.  The ghost seems to have disappeared from the woods surrounding Asylum, Pennsylvania—that is, until Charlie Blue moves into the creepy old MacAllister House next door. Amelia can’t help liking him, even though she spent her childhood thinking his grandmother was a witch. And she definitely can’t ignore the connection between his arrival and the Woman in White’s return. 

Then Amelia learns that the Woman in White is a prisoner, trapped between the worlds of the living and the dead. Devastated by the idea that her brother could be suffering a similar fate, Amelia decides to do whatever it takes to help the Woman in White find peace–and Charlie agrees to help her.

But when Amelia’s classmates start to drown in the Susquehanna River, one right after another, rumors swirl as people begin to connect the timing of Charlie’s arrival with the unexplained deaths. As Charlie and Amelia uncover the dark history of Asylum, they realize they may have unleashed an unspeakable evil. One they have to stop before everything they love is destroyed.

This is a trope breaking novel: as soon as I felt it turning towards the familiar, it changed its direction and gave me something new. Like with the character of Amelia, a young woman recovering from a very painful and traumatic event. She could easily have become obnoxious, but she instead went through incredible growth over the course of the novel. Or with her relationship with Charlie, which at some times seemed to take precedence over the plot, but then defied expectation by turning into something, well, different. And there I must stop, to avoid spoiling anything for you. Suffice to say, this is not your normal YA.

The plot is oddly paced: at times, it feels like not much is happening, while at others, it’s action after action. But it adds to the tone of the novel, where it feels as if the characters are allowed to return to a normality before being thrown back into horror. It also adds to the suspense, the mystery of it all, and its slow resolution, which is sure to raise anticipation, and leave you with a few questions… It all leads through amazing twists and a roller coaster of an ending, leaving you breathless, and craving for more.

From the first line – A woman haunted the woods behind my house. – you know you’re in for something amazing, all the way to the end… and hopefully beyond, because, after a cliffhanger like that, I am going to NEED a sequel!

A great and thrilling novel about life and death, about ghosts and magic, about the dangers of prejudice and jumping to conclusions, A Magic Dark and Bright is a must read for paranormal lovers everywhere. Beware – chills included.  Comes out April 28th.

The Mermaid’s Sister

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by Carrie Anne Noble 

Review by KM

Look at this gorgeous cover; it was immediately attention-grabbing and rendered it inevitable that I’d be picking the book up. I know that we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but gosh, that one certainly makes the idea appealing.

Summary 

There is no cure for being who you truly are…

In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions. By night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphan infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree.

One day, Clara discovers shimmering scales just beneath her sister’s skin. She realizes that Maren is becoming a mermaid—and knows that no mermaid can survive on land. Desperate to save her, Clara and O’Neill place the mermaid-girl in their gypsy wagon and set out for the sea. But no road is straight, and the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening mermaid.

And always, in the back of her mind, Clara wonders, if my sister is a mermaid, then what am I?

Musings 

One of the aspects I loved, but had a hard time getting around, was the style and diction. The Mermaid’s Sister is written like an old-time fairy tale, the kind you’d find in a Grimm’s book, though not as gory. The antiquated way of speech is a delightful novelty, but definitely threw me off when I was expecting more of a modern-fantasy (though, I admit that expectation was my own assumption and my fault).

Clara, our main character, is a humble and quiet girl, always thinking of her gorgeous sister. Maren, on the other hand, is the dazzling personality that Clara seems to admire. Through the first half of the book, I wanted to smack Clara upside the head and demand she give herself more respect — you are always braver, smarter, and better than you think.

The first half of the book was slow-winded, revealing secretly and allowing the plot to advance at an enjoyable, if somewhat too-patient pace. As soon as the orphans were on their own, it quickened and became so much better.

Between wyverns, ravens, mermaids and storks, this was a truly original story that I can’t even place a match near. Well, nothing recent. A true treasured anachronism in this time, I suppose.

The Miracle Girl

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By Andrew Roe

Reviewed by SA

Sometimes we all need a book like this in our lives. The Miracle Girl is a book about hope, hope in the worst of situations, and it is sweet and powerful and gorgeous all at once. Yet it stands out far above the rest in the blatantly honest view it has of the world: fair warning, this is no chicken soup for the soul.

Summary – from Goodreads

The crowds keep coming. More and more every day it seems . . . drawn by rumor and whisper and desperate wish. Somehow they heard about the little girl on Shaker Street.” They come to see eight-year-old Anabelle Vincent, who lies in a comalike state–unable to move or speak. They come because a visitor experienced what seemed like a miracle and believed it was because of Anabelle. Word spread. There were more visitors. More miracles. But is there a connection? And does it matter?

Set against the backdrop of the approaching millennium–with all its buzz about reckoning and doom–this impressive debut novel is narrated by Anabelle herself; by her devoted mother, who cares for her child while struggling to make sense of the media frenzy surrounding her; by Anabelle’s estranged father, who is dealing with the guilt of his actions; and by the people who come seeking the child’s help, her guidance, and her healing. Yet it tells a larger cultural story about the human yearning for the miraculous to be true, about how becoming a believer–in something, anything, even if you don’t understand it–can sustain you.  

After a serious car accident, Anabelle is in a coma – not exactly a coma, her mother will explain, something very much like a coma, and very complicated – and yet, somehow, she now seems to be the center of miracles. People pray by her, maybe even to her, and they are healed. As word of this ‘Miracle Girl’ spreads, her mother’s life is turned upside down once again, as hundreds of people begin the pilgrimage to see the child. But not everyone believes in her…

You may be saying: “Aw heck, is this a religious book?”, to which I would reply “no, but it is a book about belief.” It’s one of those novels that captures what it is to be human: the way we search for answers and guidance in times of great need. Anabelle’s mother is scrambling for something to believe in; many chose to believe in Annabelle; others chose to believe in God; even more search for rational explanations. But the truth is, everyone just wants something. Maybe the miracle is finding just that.

The novel is not a strictly linear progression through time. The author uses interesting flash backs, as well varieties of points of views, while changing the tone and fluidity of the story to expertly convey emotion. While most of the novel is slow going (not in a bad way, trust me) the focus on character and on human nature is fascinating, to the point where is may even be considered a critique of America itself, so eager to throw their faith at whatever seems to be giving them results… placing this story at the turn of the millennium adds to the point I think the author is trying to make, and I found it quite impressive.

For a novel that will calmly and expertly make you hope again, pick up The Miracle Girl.

Hold me Closer

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By Tiny Cooper David Levithan 

Reviewed by SA

Get ready to sing! Tiny Cooper, the not-so-tiny and incredibly gay teenager who stole our hearts in Will Grayson, Will Grayson (David Levithan and John Green, 2010) is back, and this time… it’s musical. A companion piece to Will Grayson, this fabulous book brings to life the play Tiny has spent his life writing, filled with song, heartfelt truths, and intricate choreography. And the ghost of Oscar Wilde is there too.

Summary

Jazz hands at the ready! Tiny Cooper (“the world’s largest person who is also really, really gay”) stole readers’ hearts when he was introduced to the world in the New York Times bestselling book Will Grayson, Will Grayson, co-authored by John Green and David Levithan. Now Tiny finally gets to tell his story—from his fabulous birth and childhood to his quest for true love and his infamous parade of ex-boyfriends—the way he always intended: as a musical! Filled with honesty, humor, and “big, lively, belty” musical numbers, the novel is told through the full script of the musical first introduced in Will Grayson, Will Grayson.

I will start right here by saying that your probably have to have read WGWG before reading Hold Me Closer  to really enjoy it. A lot of the themes from the original novel are evoked, and there are many references to events that transpired, and characters we met before. There are also a few inside jokes (if you want to call them that) that will have you laughing out loud… if you’re in on them. So drop what you’re doing and read Will Grayson, Will Grayson, which is also a great book, but I won’t be reviewing that right now.

Tiny Cooper is a young gay man with a huge heart and a whole slew of personal questions. Like most teenagers, he struggles with identity and, well, love. He has a whole slew of exes – a chorus of them, actually – and each has something to say about his inadequacies. Or sing. While Tiny shares his life story with us – from birth, to coming out, to his final ex up until now – he also shares with us his hopes, his fears, and the advice he has learned from people around him.

The lesson is clear: You must learn to love yourself before you love anyone else. Tiny learns this early on, but takes a while to actually live by it. There are a few amazing quotes which I think are perfect for teens to hear, as it is a lesson for the ages. This gave the book an honest quality to it, a certain reality that made it so approachable.

Hold me Closer is an actual script, a functioning script: just add tunes! It would be incredible to see a high school perform it. It’s fun to read the songs and put your own music to them; to imagine the musical in all the glory Tiny would have wanted it to have. The interesting thing is how Tiny speaks to us, the reader, through both his asides to the audience, but also his stage directions. Sometimes you feel a brutal honesty there, as if there is more going on that he would like to let on; it encourages an intimacy with Tiny, a glimpse into his mind, which we wouldn’t have if we were just watching the show.

All in all? A perfect companion piece, but also a great play in its own right. Tiny cooper’s story is about as tiny as he is. When reading Will Grayson, Will Grayson, it was Tiny who stole the show, and I’m so glad he finally has his spotlight and time to shine. I want to put this book in the hands of any young teen who passes my way.

Hold me closer, Tiny Cooper, and belt your song out for everyone to hear.

Haterz

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By James Gross

Reviewed by SA

The internet; a place where news pours out in abundance and people around the world are connected 24/7.  Haterz is one of those novels that really captures the internet as a snapshot: everything it is now, full of social media drama, twitter wars, the good, the bad, and the reviled. A place where trolls lurk and haters hate, hate, hate. Haven’t you sometimes wished that they would all go away? That they would get what was coming to them? Then get ready for Haterz, a unique novel you cannot possibly put down, a Dexter for every internet addict.

A Summary from Haterz’s Goodreads page Is there someone online who really grates on you? That friend who’s always bragging about their awesome life and endlessly sharing tired memes, and who just doesn’t get jokes? Look at your Twitter feed: don’t you get cross at the endless rage, the thoughtless bigotry and the pleading for celebrity retweets? Meet Dave, a street fundraiser and fan of cat pictures. He’s decided that unfollowing just isn’t enough. He’s determined to make the internet a nicer place, whatever it takes. When he killed his best friend’s girlfriend, he wasn’t planning on changing the world. She was just really annoying on Facebook. But someone saw, and made him an offer. Someone who knows what he’s capable of, and wants to use him to take control of the darkness at the heart of the internet. And now the bodies  (the comment trolls, the sexual predators, the obnoxious pop stars) are starting to mount up…

Oh yes, there will be murder and mayhem, mark my words for it. I have to put the warning here somewhere: yes, there are parts that are absolutely gruesome. Not for the squeamish or faint of heart either, because, well… they are intense. Alright, warning over, let’s get back to the fun.

We have Dave; chugger by day, common internet user with hacking experience, and suddenly, a murderer too. And now, some mysterious group on the internet wants him to keep the momentum going, and take on a few tasks of their own design. Quickly, Dave is caught up in an enormous internet conspiracy with tendrils that reach who knows where. And would you really call him a serial killer if he’s freeing the world of the people he goes after?

You may already have read (or seen) James’ Gross‘ work: he has written Doctor who and Torchwood novels (and radio plays). This really reflects in Haterz, as it seems almost like a TV show in itself. It is a serial novel (fun for a serial killer!) if you want to call it that, with Dave taking on marks and wrapping up missions in an episodic fashion. The challenges slowly become more elaborate and difficult as it goes on, going from minor murders to more difficult missions (such as public humiliation, shedding the truth, delivering sharp messages to the world/the internet as a whole) as time progresses. Each can almost be read as their own, self contained storyline, with the underlying arc of the plot sweeping silently underneath.

What isn’t there to love about a good murder? About deeply flashed out and thought through plans which could or could not work? There was no predictability in the plot – you never see what’s coming around the next corner or twist. It all ramps up to a fantastically exciting ending, which I would not dare spoil. Call it wish fulfillment, because every mark is so incredibly familiar to internet users, from every corner of this crazy place.  Big internet egos with a huge presence online who you just want gone: you have phony charity runners; the deceitful ebook writers;  dangerous teenage fangirls; bloggers, and pirates, and trolls… A bit of a cathartic experience is you ask me.

As twisted as these missions are, you just can’t help but get attached to Dave and see his point of view. A novel truly for the internet age, Haterz is a unique – and amazingly fun – novel to read. I recommend it to anyone who (like me) spends way too much time on the internet, who loves a good murder, and for whom a creative plan can really get the brain going. And TV adaptation would be quite fun if we ever get to see it!