I’ve got a thrilling book to share with you today.
Can’t wait for you to take a gander at the cover.
Enjoy my review.
And don’t forget to enter the giveaway to win a copy!
Leech
by Robb Neumann
My Review
I’m always looking for something just a little bit different, a little bit outside the norm. So when the author offered me his book to read, I hopped over to check it out on Goodreads. I liked the synopsis, and the title and cover were intriguing. Seemed to fit the bill as new and different. I had my fingers crossed.
I’ve got to hand it to the author. I was looking for something outside the norm and he delivered. The creatures, beings, things, not humans, are original. I’ve yet to read anything like them. They are kind of vampires. Are nearly immortal. But they don’t crave blood. They need something else, a different fluid from us. And it’s no quick bite and suck, thank you very much. They must subdue us, then the drinking takes a long time. It’s a slow process.
The story is narrated by the main character. You never learn his name. Really don’t need to. You’ll know him inside and out by the end.
As for Lillian, she’s not someone you’ll like. I don’t think you’re supposed to. I found her wishy washy, and dangerous. She has lots of secrets and keeps her victim seduced with vague promises. Those promises change to threats when he pushes for more from her. Now he must choose his fate.
This story grew on me. I didn’t really like either character, even at the end. But the writing was strong, the plot compelling me to keep going. The author drew me further in, teased me with promises as much as Lillian did.
This would be a great movie. Most of the scenes take place in small bedrooms occupied by the main characters. Their mode of travel is strategic. They can disappear quickly that way. The atmosphere is almost gothic. I pictured damp, foggy conditions, adding to the feelings of foreboding. Kind of raises those hairs on the back of your neck.
An emotional journey as well as a horrific one, I still think about it. I wonder, if the man did things differently, would he find what he was looking for? Would Lillian?
An intense psychological experience. It stays with you.
4 Stars
~~~~~
Synopsis
Plagued by insomnia, the narrator walks the city looking for something, for someone to bring him peace. Then he finds Lillian, the puzzling, seductive stranger — or does she find him? They are instantly drawn to each other in intimate and unexpected ways: each of them finding what they need, at least for awhile. But before they get too comfortable, Lillian alters their unspoken rules: first with an offer, then with a threat.
What starts as a quiet, intimate testing of boundaries, becomes a sprawling journey from a snowbound city, across the Atlantic Ocean, to sun-bleached routes through Greece. All the while retaining the intimacy of a one-room apartment. Our narrator changes his life in unimaginable ways but still needs more. He needs answers, he needs intimacy, he needs to feel human, but Lillian is an unhelpful teacher, keeping both her past and their future closely guarded secrets.
Leech is an unsettling, poetic, relationship tale riding a thin line of the supernatural.
How much can you give and how much can you take before it’s too much?
~~~~~
About Author Robb Neumann
~~~~~
The author has provided one eBook copy to give away.
Entry is easy. Just leave an email address so I can contact you if you win and answer this question:
“What’s your favorite part of a story? The plot or the characters?”
Giveaway ends December 18th.
~~~~~
Until the next time….
Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!
For a list of my reviews go HERE
For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE
To see all of my giveaways click on the Christmas Flamingos below!
