Friday Feature: The Dollhouse Asylum

A virus that had once been contained has returned, and soon no place will be left untouched by its destruction. But when Cheyenne wakes up in Elysian Fields--a subdivision cut off from the world and its monster-creating virus--she is thrilled to have a chance at survival.

At first, Elysian Fields,with its beautiful houses and manicured lawns, is perfect. Teo Richardson, the older man who stole Cheyenne's heart, built it so they could be together. But when Teo tells Cheyenne there are tests that she and seven other couples must pass to be worthy of salvation, Cheyenne begins to question the perfection of his world.

The people they were before are gone. Cheyenne is now "Persephone," and each couple has been re-named to reflect the most tragic romances ever told. Everyone is fighting to pass the test, to remain in Elysian Fields. Teo dresses them up, tells them when to move and how to act, and in order to pass the test, they must play along.

If they play it right, then they'll be safe.

But if they play it wrong, they'll die.

My thoughts:
This cover blew me away when I first saw it, and after seeing Cheyenne becomes Persephone, I was in. We all know I love Greek mythology and especially Hades, even though he's insanely hot and evil in my Touch of Death series. 

Cheyenne believes the guy she loves—who happens to be her math teacher, which makes their relationship taboo—is saving her and a group of others from the Living Rot, a disease that had previously turned people into zombie-like monsters and has returned in a big way. But the world Teo created goes beyond a love of literature. Teo is playing God. Hades to be exact. He's forcing the people to couple up and become great literary couples. And if they don't convince him they are committed to their new roles, Teo kills them. 

Cheyenne is terrified of Teo, but he holds the cure to the Living Rot and he's protecting them from the outside world, so no one is willing to stand against him. Instead, they try harder to please him, no matter how many people he kills.

This is a fast-paced read that has elements of mystery, action, horror, and suspense. I'm just sad that it seems to be a standalone because I didn't want it to end.

Just for fun: Which famous literary couple is your favorite?