This review isn't about the story but more about the writing style, since it seems to be somthing worth noting that I suspect might not be mentioned.

The pov is from the three people who end up comprising the main characters. It moves past and present in time and it also overlaps often where the same scene is retold from different points.

Also, just a warning , there will come a point where you may think that the main arc will be over and a new arc with new characters will start. This doesn't happen. It is a two or three chapter side note that was needed to move the story along. I was wondering about this when the main characters kind of faded to black and a minor character from the main arc is now the lead of the story and a new character is introduced. This is a minor deviation and will last only as long as it takes to get some specific plot point to move it along.

I know this wasn't quite a review, but the general synopsis and story points are listed within other readers reviews. I basically only put out something that maybe no one would think to mention. I was worried that I was reading one of those books that start one place and ends up moving along in the book universe to another place all together. I can only say that in the end, the main characters A, B, and C, are the arc and remain the arc despite a deviation or two. This is not 1000 Arabian Nights were the main arc has a soft ending and a new arc is developed from one of the bit players of the previous one. However, there is just more outside knowledge of things that will most likely play into better understanding of the main arc. I hope I haven't lost you.

Now what did I think about the story? So far it is amazing, difficult and totally engaging. It isn't a tearjerker and there is no real romance. It isn't even romantic, it is about totally broken and dysfunctional people who have lived lives that leave the reader questioning if there is any redemption that can be found. Its one of those stories that make the reader wonder if the author will let them live in the end. Regardless of social mores and values these characters are at times sympathetic and even understandable. I was able to actually empathize with some deplorable actions to the point that I was almost able to overlook the action, if not understand why it happens.

The ending is a soft close to the arc and since I am only now starting the sequel (need to read that as well), I can't say more about this story.

Read this book when you are looking for something different from romance and pnr/paranormal/urban fantasy/BDSM/menage or even different from those "dark" books that end up being only dark romances that end up in HEA's. At this point there are no HEA's. Maybe the next book will have some. ( )

Wow. Total Mind Fuck. Tragic. Taboo. Darker than dark. Heinous. Hideous. Horrible. Disgusting. Disturbing. And despite it all an interesting and quality read. Read it with a look of disbelief on my face the entire time. It's like, "dear Lord, what now?" Can a person survive with any sanity following a life like this? DOn't get me wrong, it was well written and I'm glad I read it, I just kind of hate everyone of the characters except H. He needs his own book. ( )

Now this is one VERY dark book. I believe it to be the darkest I've read so far. Can't wait to see what happens next!!! ( )