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Sin
by
What would you do? Could you kill a killer? Does the death of one appease the deaths of a hundred? What about that hundred against a thousand?
What if you had no choice?
Meet Sin. No, not that sort of sin, but Sin, crazy as a loon (you ask Sister Moon), and proud of it. Sin locks himself away in a mental home and, every so often, gets violent. That’s only so they’ll give him ...more
What if you had no choice?
Meet Sin. No, not that sort of sin, but Sin, crazy as a loon (you ask Sister Moon), and proud of it. Sin locks himself away in a mental home and, every so often, gets violent. That’s only so they’ll give him ...more
Kindle Edition, 306 pages
Published
March 25th 2011
by Singularity Books
(first published January 1st 2011)
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"Sin. That's my name, don't wear it out, as I used to say once upon a very long time ago." (excerpt)
When I received this book for review and read the blurb, I thought to myself that this sounds like it’s going to be a dark, disturbing read, exploring the mind of an “I-was-abused-as-a-child” sorry-ass psychopath. That was my very first impression of “Sin”. With trepidation, I sat down to read, preparing to wrestle my way through to the last chapter, (I mean really, who wants to read about a crazy ...more
When I received this book for review and read the blurb, I thought to myself that this sounds like it’s going to be a dark, disturbing read, exploring the mind of an “I-was-abused-as-a-child” sorry-ass psychopath. That was my very first impression of “Sin”. With trepidation, I sat down to read, preparing to wrestle my way through to the last chapter, (I mean really, who wants to read about a crazy ...more
Dec 01, 2011
Dean Lappi
added it
Sin is a ground breaking novel by Shaun Allan that grabs the reader from the first page and never lets go. The main character is named Sin and he is quite insane, or is he?
Sin is probably one of the most unique characters I have ever had the pleasure of getting to know in a book.
This novel is very well written, engaging, quickly paced, and just plain fun to read.
I highly recommend it!
Sin is probably one of the most unique characters I have ever had the pleasure of getting to know in a book.
This novel is very well written, engaging, quickly paced, and just plain fun to read.
I highly recommend it!
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Insane, that’s what this book is, and I mean that it the nicest possible way. The first time I was treated to Sin’s point of view, I wondered if I had gone insane myself and muttered, “What the hell…?” He’s off-the-charts random, but there’s a very good reason for it. He’s in a mental institution—asked to be put in there himself—because he found a 2p coin that makes weird things happen. If he flips it, bad things occur. He didn’t realise it at first, but the more he flips it, the more bad things
...more
This work is a surreal story describing the weird twist about a mental patient who voluntarily commits himself to a psychiatric facility to escape or stop his delusions under heavy medication. As the reader continues into the story the question to ask is he insane or actually san being manipulative by a dark evil doctor. The journey to insanity to sanity takes the reader for a wild ride; the humor excites the brain, because this author ingenious incorporates all sort of humor from dark to light
...more
When my new friend at work told me he was a writer I thought, “Yup. Sure. OK.” We all write don’t we, in one way or another. I’m forever helping my daughter with phrasing her uni assignments; composing personal and business letters to all and sundry; I’ve even written short items about ancestors for my family tree website.
To humour him (and because I was intrigued) I downloaded this book and started to read it. And carried on. And on.
Now I know what a “page-turner” is – and what they mean abou ...more
To humour him (and because I was intrigued) I downloaded this book and started to read it. And carried on. And on.
Now I know what a “page-turner” is – and what they mean abou ...more
Shaun Allan gives you more than expected with this stream-of-consciousness onslaught of what initially appears to be the ramblings of an insane man, who insists he is really a sane man who has a little problem--he causes buses to crash into buildings, earthquakes to appear on the other side of the planet--all sorts of catastrophes small to large, communal to personal. How does he do it? Simple, it's all done with the flip of a boomerang two-pence coin, and he just wants it to stop. Stop it does
...more
This isn’t my usual genre as I prefer romance/chick lit. But, I was intrigued after reading the summary of this book. The book starts off with the written ramblings of a psychiatric patient. The author leads us to believe he is insane. But as the story progressed, I found myself not so sure.
People do die around him. Did Sin cause their deaths? Can he tele-transport? Is there a sinister force following him causing this destruction? All these thoughts ran through my mind as I read.
The plot twists ...more
People do die around him. Did Sin cause their deaths? Can he tele-transport? Is there a sinister force following him causing this destruction? All these thoughts ran through my mind as I read.
The plot twists ...more
I love urban fantasy and horror, so I knew that Sin would be a great read. And indeed it is. The action is nonstop, although much of it plays out in Sin's head. And believe me: that is a scary place to be.
It's not often that I read a book with a completely original character who lives and breathes; who comes alive. Sin is that character. The way he thinks, how he interacts with his dead sister, Joy, and the strange events surrounding a coin that Sin found and that completely changed his life.
As ...more
It's not often that I read a book with a completely original character who lives and breathes; who comes alive. Sin is that character. The way he thinks, how he interacts with his dead sister, Joy, and the strange events surrounding a coin that Sin found and that completely changed his life.
As ...more
Welcome to Sin's mind.
Sin is a confused guy. He thinks he can kill people by tossing a coin...flip and catch...flip and catch. He is so sure of it, in fact, that he voluntarily enters a psychiatric hospital. As the story unravels through Sin's thoughts (first person) and his impression of what is happening, the reader is forced to wonder... Is he crazy? Did these things really happen? Is he dreaming? Or is it all the effect of the drugs he is flooded with on a daily basis?
As the story progresse ...more
Sin is a confused guy. He thinks he can kill people by tossing a coin...flip and catch...flip and catch. He is so sure of it, in fact, that he voluntarily enters a psychiatric hospital. As the story unravels through Sin's thoughts (first person) and his impression of what is happening, the reader is forced to wonder... Is he crazy? Did these things really happen? Is he dreaming? Or is it all the effect of the drugs he is flooded with on a daily basis?
As the story progresse ...more
The book opens with Sin's case report and a statement as written by Sin. This is an interesting opening to the story, as you find out that Sin purposely admitted himself into a mental institution. Flip. Catch.
The story seems almost disjointed at first, with the random thoughts Sin expresses. The story pulls you in, not willing to let you go until Sin's good and ready. As you meet the other characters in Sin's world, you begin to realize Sin's not as insane as he thinks himself to be. (Even if he ...more
The story seems almost disjointed at first, with the random thoughts Sin expresses. The story pulls you in, not willing to let you go until Sin's good and ready. As you meet the other characters in Sin's world, you begin to realize Sin's not as insane as he thinks himself to be. (Even if he ...more
Incredible book so far. Allen's style is amazing - be prepared to be pulled out of your seat and headlong into Sin's psyche. This psychological thriller / fantasy is quite unlike anything I've ever read before.
...more
I thought this book was excellent! Written in my favourite style of first person, I couldn't put it down.
...more
Loop-oop-dee-doo it's too dumb to finish you. What a waste.
...more
Very interesting concept. Well executed.
To read this review and more like it check out my site www.ufreviews.com
First and foremost this book is pretty cool. The concept is pretty cool, and honestly I don't think you get the full picture of what kind of book you are getting yourself into until you start reading. It definitely wasn't what I was expecting, but I mean that in the best way possible.
The book is interesting from the very beginning, and you want to keep reading to find out more about not only the character Sin, but what he ...more
First and foremost this book is pretty cool. The concept is pretty cool, and honestly I don't think you get the full picture of what kind of book you are getting yourself into until you start reading. It definitely wasn't what I was expecting, but I mean that in the best way possible.
The book is interesting from the very beginning, and you want to keep reading to find out more about not only the character Sin, but what he ...more
Today’s review is on Sin by Sean Allen
Sin is the first book that I have read by Allen and it has been by far the most thrilling; for me, as I was a Mental Health Professional. This extraordinary tale into the life and mind of Sin Matthews had me inthralled throughout the pages. Unlike his sister Joy; who seems to bring joy to everyone, Sin brings death. Literally.
We have all seen it and perhaps have even done it. Picked up that solitary penny that you see on the sidewalk or the road. We may have ...more
Sin is the first book that I have read by Allen and it has been by far the most thrilling; for me, as I was a Mental Health Professional. This extraordinary tale into the life and mind of Sin Matthews had me inthralled throughout the pages. Unlike his sister Joy; who seems to bring joy to everyone, Sin brings death. Literally.
We have all seen it and perhaps have even done it. Picked up that solitary penny that you see on the sidewalk or the road. We may have ...more
What a great read. Like nothing I've ever read before, this was truly impressive.
I love the voice the author has created for Sin -- a bit sarky, a bit rambling, one that makes you smile all the time, even in the tense scenes. Sin has got to be one of the most interesting characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. And I loved Joy as well. The chemistry between Sin and Joy as brother and sister was pretty special, and I really felt for them both.
The idea of this story really pulled me ...more
I love the voice the author has created for Sin -- a bit sarky, a bit rambling, one that makes you smile all the time, even in the tense scenes. Sin has got to be one of the most interesting characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. And I loved Joy as well. The chemistry between Sin and Joy as brother and sister was pretty special, and I really felt for them both.
The idea of this story really pulled me ...more
Sin is an intriguing and enthralling story of a man who checks himself into a mental hospital because of his seeming ability to cause the deaths of those around him. The story is told from the point of view of Sin Matthews in a light and humorous tone that belies the increasing strange twists of fate in his life. Shaun Allan's prose is at the same time comfortable and lyrical. My favorite example was "The expanding pools of blood and oil, merging together like a ying-yang pictogram were just som
...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Sin shuts himself away in an asylum because he seems to have picked up a rather anti-social habit: people tend to die when they’re around him. He wants to know why. We all want to know why.
I saw the cover and thought – gorgeous. On reading the blurb I realized this book was very different to my usual reading genre, but the description was intriguing and that cover was calling, “Buy me, buy me.” I took a chance and bought the paperback.
I’m very glad I did. Reading this book is a little like exper ...more
I saw the cover and thought – gorgeous. On reading the blurb I realized this book was very different to my usual reading genre, but the description was intriguing and that cover was calling, “Buy me, buy me.” I took a chance and bought the paperback.
I’m very glad I did. Reading this book is a little like exper ...more
This is the story of Sin. A young man who checks himself into a psychiatric hospital because he can kill people just by thinking about it. He then tries to commit suicide by teleporting out of the hospital but he ends up on a beach somewhere. Not knowing what to do or where to go - he is visited by his dead sister. She has come to show him that all is not as it seems and is his doctor as benevolent as he first appears or does he have some skeletons in his closet?
This was a fantastic story. Writt ...more
This was a fantastic story. Writt ...more
Sin-tastic!
Over the past few months, I have read several books that revolve around characters in mental institutions, Sin being the most recent. I found, right from the start, being sucked into the mechanics of Sin's world and, more importantly, his mind. He drags you along on a merry-go-round that runs not only round in circles, but sideways, backwards and upside down!
This novel, I found, was one that is not easy to categorise. It involves a main character who can kill people with the flip of a ...more
Over the past few months, I have read several books that revolve around characters in mental institutions, Sin being the most recent. I found, right from the start, being sucked into the mechanics of Sin's world and, more importantly, his mind. He drags you along on a merry-go-round that runs not only round in circles, but sideways, backwards and upside down!
This novel, I found, was one that is not easy to categorise. It involves a main character who can kill people with the flip of a ...more
I've compared this to a cross between Stephen King, Doctor Who, and Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Lots of dark humor, with a writer's voice that shines through. A protagonist you can't help but like despite his...issues. Sin leaps off the page and captures your attention, holding you hostage for however long it takes you to finish. I'll be reading the second book, no question. I was honestly surprised at how much I enjoyed the book, considering I'm not a horror fan, but there is enough of th
...more
MY REVIEW
I've never been a fan of books written in the first person. I like to know what everyone is thinking, not just the main character. This book could not have been written any other way but in the first person. I did not like the character of Sin much at the beginning of the story. Slowly, over the course of many pages, I found myself sympathizing with him.
Several people have compared Shaun Allan to Alfred Hitchcock. I agree 100%. This is a psychological roller coaster ride that would hav ...more
I've never been a fan of books written in the first person. I like to know what everyone is thinking, not just the main character. This book could not have been written any other way but in the first person. I did not like the character of Sin much at the beginning of the story. Slowly, over the course of many pages, I found myself sympathizing with him.
Several people have compared Shaun Allan to Alfred Hitchcock. I agree 100%. This is a psychological roller coaster ride that would hav ...more
Mar 02, 2017
Sophie Constable
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Anyone
Recommended to Sophie by:
Wattpad
Wow!!!! To start of with I should just say that this book is amazing and I can't believe that I waited so long to read it. I have been wanting to read this book for a while but was slightly put off by the fact that it was under Horror and I like being able to sleep at night. However I have definitely changed my mind. Right away we are introduced to Sin (yes that's his actual name) who is in an insane asylum because he put himself there. He keeps insisting that he isn't crazy but you do start to
...more
Psychologically - thrilling ride!!! Took me where I did not expect it to. A murder mystery? Loved it!!! There I was gettin into Sin's obvious OCD head and never once did I fink he was going to end up behaving as rationally as he does. You can't predict this story as you enjoy reading along. And that's an automatic, much-loved, joy of mine!!! And I more than found it here with Shaun Allan's "Sin".
...more
This novel is beautifully written with some wonderful psychotic/poetic prose. I thought the whole story was a little too flat for a full length novel though, perhaps because of the first person telling. I'll be looking out for more from the author in the future.
...more
An interesting character to say the least. Very unique and quite strange. A little uncertain about the ending but I think that was by design.
At some parts I couldn't just follow, he would branch off the storyline and talk about many things. Regardless, it was a good read.
...more
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A writer of many prize winning short stories and poems, Shaun Allan has written for more years than he would perhaps care to remember. Having once run an online poetry and prose magazine, he has appeared on Sky television to debate, against a major literary agent, the pros and cons of internet publishing as opposed to the more traditional method
Many of his personal experiences and memories are wov ...more
Many of his personal experiences and memories are wov ...more
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