Review: Fast paced psychological thriller
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 25, 2012
I have to admit- this book has grown on me significantly in the weeks since I read it. I wasn't really excited about it right after I'd finished it- in fact (something the author knows) I was downright grumpy about the ending. I refuse to allow for spoilers however, so you'll just have to read it to find out why I was so absolutely put-out at the end. And, believe, me, there is a reason to read this book- the writing itself is amazing.The story is one of three obnoxious flat mates- Natalie, Laura and Jason-  who are broke and in need of funds to further pay for their material wants. They decide to take part in a drug trial where they will make quite a handy sum. As they go through the study, emotions boil under the surface and a range of feelings overcome each of them in a different way. Jealousy, lust, anxiety and fear - to name a few. The unexpected nature of how each will turn based on the medication keeps the energy high and twists and turns create chaos. It's difficult to tell for us as readers, as well as the characters- where reality  is taken over by imagination. I was consumed by the last few chapters of the book where it is apparent that these four have been thrown into a chaos and drug-induced false reality and they fight to maintain what little sanity they can find. This epic climax is well written and the pace is done to a t- which is why the last chapter had me heaving the book at the wall - figuratively of course, as I didn't want to break my Kindle.Overall, I'm very glad to have read the book. The main issue I had aside from the end, is how the book is framed. We start out from the perspective of Natalie, Laura and Jason's  neighbor. She is frustrated and having to move as her complaints and not the behavior (loud parties until the wee hours of the morning) of the three is called out by the landlord. Without giving it all away, I really think I would have enjoyed the novel much more without reading the first and last chapter. While it is great back story, I just felt it out of place with the rest of the book. And of course- the fate of the three during the study, while I can appreciate  the `why', I still don't like how it ends.I hope Mr. Butcher continues to write this type of story however, as it was a fun, fast and furious read! This unbiased review done in exchange for a free copy of the ebook from the author.