I wanted to like this book. I did. However, I'm not a fan of plotlines that are centered so that their main hook is a situation that could be easily resolved if the two characters sat down and had a real, honest-to-goodness ADULT conversation. Just one. But, if they had had such a conversation, there would not have been a book, especially not one of this size. In addition, the writing style put a teenage voice in my head for Finley, and she is supposed to be 25. 

As someone who has also had issues not terribly dissimilar to Finley, I can say that, although her emotions made sense, her reactions did NOT. Not at all. I nearly threw my phone across the room several times just out of sheer frustration.  

Then there is Brody. Ah, poor Brody. He was very much the victim of Finley’s selfish and childish behavior… right up until he became just as guilty. In fact, his thing was so grievous that I lost my entire focus and became completely detached from the story. It seemed entirely out of character, too.

It continues, and this story becomes so… back and forth… that it’s like watching a tennis match. I might have whiplash.

The editing was well done, and aside from a few past and present tense issues throughout, I do not have much to report there.

I award this book 2 platypires.

Let me start by saying that I’m not a big fan of the horror genre. It creeps me out. Seriously. I find myself wanting to keep all the lights on in the house and sit with my back against a wall. Despite that, I actually enjoyed this short story. Quite a bit. I still kind of want to keep the lights on tonight, but this story had so many redeeming qualities that it was still enjoyable and engrossing.  The author did an excellent job of building up his main character’s personality and backstory, while flat-out saying very little, which will keep you guessing at what is to come. I loved the tie-in of the addictive game everyone seemed to be playing a couple of years ago (clearly when this book was written) and the horror genre. Really grounds the supernatural aspects in reality and makes them seem… plausible.

Oh no… my phone just buzzed! O.O

I rate this short story 5 platypires, and hope this small peace offering will stave off any lingering nightmares. 

This in an incredible story. I finished the entire thing in just under 24 hours because I couldn’t put it down. Mr. Schiariti weaves a wonderful tale that pulls the reader in and holds them there. I was blown away by the descriptive imagery, range of emotion and the depth of the very three-dimensional characters. Seth Gabriel is the kind of reluctant hero that is charming and likable, despite being…well… kind of a mess, both literally and figuratively. Each and every other character, from the weird thug boss to the Greek restaurant owner to Seth’s own family, were all unique, well thought-out and completely believable. It was easy to picture the entire book as a movie playing in my mind, one which kept me glued to the edge of my seat. I’m happy to join in the chorus of, “Bring us more Seth now! We demand it.”

The only unfortunate thing is that I am forced to only rate this book 5 platypires. I wish there were an option for more of them. ;)