Friday, September 14, 2012

Book Review: Captive in the Dark by C.J. Roberts

Captive in the Dark
by C.J. Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caleb is a man with a singular interest in revenge. Kidnapped as a young boy and sold into slavery by a power-hungry mobster, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. For twelve years he has immersed himself in the world of pleasure slaves searching for the one man he holds ultimately responsible. Finally, the architect of his suffering has emerged with a new identity, but not a new nature. If Caleb is to get close enough to strike, he must become the very thing he abhors and kidnap a beautiful girl to train her to be all that he once was.

Eighteen-year-old Olivia Ruiz has just woken up in a strange place. Blindfolded and bound, there is only a calm male voice to welcome her. His name is Caleb, though he demands to be called Master. Olivia is young, beautiful, naïve and willful to a fault. She has a dark sensuality that cannot be hidden or denied, though she tries to accomplish both. Although she is frightened by the strong, sadistic, and arrogant man who holds her prisoner, what keeps Olivia awake in the dark is her unwelcome attraction to him.

This book constricted my brain to the point that blood vessels burst and brain matter collided into mush.



With every line, sweat drenched my arm pits and soaked my dreadlocks.



My six year old daughter strolled into the room asking if she could wear her pink Winx club skirt. I told her hell no. You'll wear jogging pants, a brown paper bag on your face, and don't talk to strangers. As I pondered if it was legal at her age to carry around mace, my husband advised that I should stop reading the book . . . but I couldn't I had to finish it . . . for Livvie . . . for Caleb . . . for you the people who were reasonable enough to see the cover, cringe, and find another book.

Here we have a disturbed guy kidnaping and preparing a young girl for sexual slavery . . . and at some point "I" began rooting for them to fall in love!!!



First of all, I shouldn't have to say this but I'm Anti-Human Trafficking! I took a freaking Sociology of Human Trafficking course for godsake and got an A! So why did I enjoy this book? . . . because yes in the end I enjoyed the damn book!"

AND I AM SO ASHAMED.....



But isn't that the skill of an outstanding writer? To make you want to turn the page. The whole time inciting complex emotions in your mind. Because when a book is crap its crap . . . it doesn't matter how controversial the topic is, its a dumb book. One example of this for me is Ann Rice's Beauty series. I could never recognize the plot. For me it was just a bunch of horrific and sexual images which is why I didn't finish the book.

This book has a clear plot . . . Livvie needs to get her ass away from Caleb! Meanwhile Caleb must prepare her for a task that he's been planning for 12 years.

The characters are well developed to say the least. We're told the story of why both people are who they are which helps me understand their actions and desperation.

This isn't dark erotic fiction. This is a psychologic thriller! Horror Romance! Edge of your seat, spine-tingling, hard-hitting, and unfortunatly panty wetting stacatto scenes with a lyrically infused tempo!

WRITERS! This book is THE LESSON in how to write as the Anti-hero. Hannabel Lector meet Caleb.

So in the end I give this book five stars. The author earned it. I had a great respect for her narrative voice, scene creation, and plot lines. C.J. Roberts I bow to you . . . but sadly I won't be continuing The Dark Duet . . .

When I read I love to have fun and laugh . . . this book just makes me sad and gloomy.



I remember this guy years ago was like, "Kenya have you ever tried Sativa, the legal drug?"

"Uh no."

"Dude. You have to try it Kenya! I smoked it and it was like I was trapped in a coffin trying to escape."

"That's stupid! Why would you want to experience that?" I ask.

"For the same reason people ride roller coasters or go through haunted houses. Its the thrill of danger."

"That makes sense. Its probably why I don't ride roller coasters or do haunted houses. I'd rather lounge with a book and sip a glass of pinot noir."

I hope poor Livvie and Caleb reach a mentally healthy resolution, but I'm about to read a Dr. Seuss book just to clean my brain.




12 comments:

  1. LOL. I saw your update yesterday on Goodreads and went to read the reviews about the book. They were certainly eye-openers. I downloaded a sample on Kindle and read the first chapter. I certainly love the writer's narrative style and voice.

    Will I read the rest of the book? Still undecided. I like my reading material these days to be light and fun. But I'm certainly thinking about reading it just to find out how she pulls off writing an anti-hero.

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  2. okay..one this review ROCKS! two, I'm adding it to my TBR list like now even though I may cringe..lol! three I LOVE this new covers to your books!!!!

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  3. Kiru: Its definetly a good lesson for us writers. She balances on the edge of horror and sensuality very well.

    Sharonda: Thanks! I love the covers too! I'm actually working on your guest post right now. lol!

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  4. Wow! Great review. I now want to read it...sort of. But not. But I do. And I don't. Argh. We'll see which side of my mind wins.

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  5. WHY did Alicia teach you how to add those pictures????
    WHY WHY WHY?

    Caleb and Livvie can achieve closure if:
    1) Caleb goes to jail for said crimes against children & society & humanity
    2) Livvie gets a good shrink and loving family to adopt her and show her what real love is.

    I don't think I can read this book. I found Christian Grey disturbing enough but he wasn't a child manipulating rapist. Nor did he really "beat" Anna like this dude is beating Livvie.

    this book must be quite a trigger for many survivors. Urggh.

    P.S.
    Please PM me if you find a state that will allow my 5yr old to carry mase too. I think I would move there.

    Ezinwanyi

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    1. Dude! I 100% agree with the closure part. . .I actually cringed a few times at the scenes. lol!

      My kid is crazy she would prob mace her teachers for fun. :-(

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    2. I cannot be held responsible for Kenya's actions. C'mon, people. That's too much responsibility for any one person!

      I'm definitely going to read this!

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    3. thanks to you, she adds at least 3 pictures in her reviews. She's addicted.
      Yep, I gotta put the blame solely on you for opening her eyes.

      I would like to hear your thoughts on the book when you do read it.
      My daugther just started kindergarten last week, and the thought is just more than I can bear right now. So maybe I will read the book in 20 years and not get sick thinking about what he is doing to that young impressionable psyche.

      Have you guys read On Dublin Street by Samantha young?
      Ezinwanyi

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    4. I did read Dublin Street. It was decently good. It took some time to get into it though, but I enjoyed it.

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  6. Heheh. Good review. I'm with you - sometimes, even if I really hate a book, if I hate it because it was so well-written that the author made me despise every person in the book, or the situation, or whatever, they'll get the 5 stars from me. Sounds like you didn't hate it, but you know what I mean ... :-)

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