AUTHOR: Michael Phillip Cash
PUBLISHER: CreatSpace Independent Publishing Platform/Red Feather Publishing
PUBLISHING DATE: December 17, 2016
FROM GOODREADS: After a vicious fight with her boyfriend followed by a night of heavy partying, college freshman Amanda Greene wakes up in her dorm room to find things are not the same as they were yesterday. She can't quite put her finger on it. She's sharing her room with a peculiar stranger. Amanda discovers she's registered for classes she would never choose with people that are oddly familiar. An ominous shadow is stalking her. Uncomfortable memories are bubbling dangerously close to her fracturing world, propelling her to an inevitable collision between fantasy and reality. Is this the mother of all hangovers or is something bigger happening?
MY THOUGHTS: I can honestly say that the mind of Michael Phillip Cash never ceases to amaze me. The concept behind this book is thrilling and unique and like the main character, I wasn't sure what I had gotten myself into while reading it. I love the way he weaves the story together and was very pleased with the ending. That being said, I think the execution of the story was a little off for me.
First of all, this is a novella, so there really isn't a lot of time for story or character develop. However, on the other hand, I don't know if it would have made a better full length novel. I never really attached to Amanda, then main character. While I empathized with what had happened in her life, I didn't find her extremely likable. I really felt badly for her boyfriend Patrick, but you really don't know a lot about him. Amanda did show some character growth toward the end, which solidified my three paw rating.
I received a copy of this book from the author and the publisher unsolicited in the mail in exchange for an honest review. I did enjoy the book and I don't regret reading it. Cash remains one of my favorite new discoveries and I am always thrilled to see where his mind travels next.
TRIGGER WARNING: This book does have triggers for abuse and rape, so if reading that sort of thing troubles you, then you should probably stay clear.
RATING: 3 PAWS
Hmm, I get that a novella doesn't always provide enough character or plot development. But that you don't think the story would have benefited from being longer is concerning. Of course, if you don't connect with the MC, it's difficult to become invested in the story. I'm glad there were things you enjoyed about this one, Barb. Nice review. :D
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