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Alex
Alex is twenty and confused. He always is. The world presses on him with its horrors and pain, with scintillating auras that pierce his eyes and drive the migraines deeper. He hears the cries of children, the screaming women. He sees the brutal images of the tortured victims. He feels out of control and his mind slips…
Severely abused as a child, he is left with horrible scars on his body and even worse scars within his mind. Even though it puts him in danger, he’s compelled to help those who call to him. He’s driven, motivated by his visions to rescue them and uncover the killer. When he can, he helps the police; yet some detectives suspect he’s the cause of the problem, not the solution. Often, Alex finds himself alone and afraid in a world he doesn’t always comprehend.
Severely abused as a child, he is left with horrible scars on his body and even worse scars within his mind. Even though it puts him in danger, he’s compelled to help those who call to him. He’s driven, motivated by his visions to rescue them and uncover the killer. When he can, he helps the police; yet some detectives suspect he’s the cause of the problem, not the solution. Often, Alex finds himself alone and afraid in a world he doesn’t always comprehend.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2011
6 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Dianne Hartsock
48 books391 followersAfter growing up in California and spending the first ten years of marriage in Colorado, I now live in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with my incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours I spend hunched over the keyboard letting my characters play.
I have to say, Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write. There’s something about being cooped up in the house while it pours rain outside, a fire crackles on the hearth inside, and a cup of hot coffee warms my hands, which kindles my imagination.
The intricate and fragile nature of the mind is always fascinating. Having worked with the public through various careers I’ve come to respect the resilience and strength of the human spirit. I’m always trying to capture that spirit in my writing.
Currently, I work as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which is the perfect job for me. When not writing, I can express myself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.
I have to say, Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write. There’s something about being cooped up in the house while it pours rain outside, a fire crackles on the hearth inside, and a cup of hot coffee warms my hands, which kindles my imagination.
The intricate and fragile nature of the mind is always fascinating. Having worked with the public through various careers I’ve come to respect the resilience and strength of the human spirit. I’m always trying to capture that spirit in my writing.
Currently, I work as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which is the perfect job for me. When not writing, I can express myself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 13, 2012
5*****Stars
Diane Hartsock submitted her book Alex for a Dual Review, and it did not come with a warning label. So I must forewarn you, this is a labor of love to read, and when you have finished this story, your sense of accomplishment will rise to a 9 ½ and you will never be the same again.
Alex is now a twenty something year old young man, living with his adopted sister Jane. His past is filled with horror. His father left, and he was raised by a sick, sadistic mother that makes most abusers look like PTA Moms. She was the Queen of torture, filth, and any kind of abuse that was spine chilling, and her wonderful feats are throughout the entire book as open memories for us to see, feel and cry over through the memories of a young boy. Thankfully, she dies and leaves Alex able to be adopted by a family and gain some of his life back. This is his story.
Alex works at a local bookstore just making ends meet. Jane, his adopted sister, and he live alone now, as her parents are both gone. They still live in their childhood home. Jane works as an artist for a local gallery and makes a living selling her paintings. Alex draws as well in charcoals, but in real life he sees color more than most, as he sees auras of all the people he comes into contact with. Auras come in all colors depending on moods and types of personalities. The colors flood his mind and he suffers unmercifully from the migraines they bring.
One Saturday, a young boy comes into the bookstore and his aura frightens Alex, as evil permeates it. From this meeting we are brought into a mystery thriller where we are to follow twists and turns, along with Alex being able to save souls who are being preyed upon by an evil killer. He is able to ‘see’ these victims and hear their cries for help in his mind, bringing himself to the forefront as #1 person of interest. He is just trying to aide them and the police, but is caught up in the evil.
It is a very painful read, as I myself, a mother and grandmother cannot bear the pain this poor boy has gone through in his past, as you are repeatedly in his mind reliving some sort of horror, and then it is even worse because of the treatment of the people looking at him now. They do not know what he is... Psychic or Psychopath?
Jane is a wonderful character, and so are his friends Justin and Angie. The people around in this small town make you feel just that, how small town - small mindedness still exists. Alex is treated like a leper while trying to be the best he can be. It is almost too much to bear.
The twists and turns make a good story, sometimes spine chilling. I want to keep away from giving you any spoilers. As I said, Ms. Hartsock, this book was a labor of love to read, and Alex was so worth it. So, I might say to the person who wishes to read a good mystery thriller, a book that tugs at your heart strings. This is The ONE!
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review chair of the Paranormal Romance Guild
Diane Hartsock submitted her book Alex for a Dual Review, and it did not come with a warning label. So I must forewarn you, this is a labor of love to read, and when you have finished this story, your sense of accomplishment will rise to a 9 ½ and you will never be the same again.
Alex is now a twenty something year old young man, living with his adopted sister Jane. His past is filled with horror. His father left, and he was raised by a sick, sadistic mother that makes most abusers look like PTA Moms. She was the Queen of torture, filth, and any kind of abuse that was spine chilling, and her wonderful feats are throughout the entire book as open memories for us to see, feel and cry over through the memories of a young boy. Thankfully, she dies and leaves Alex able to be adopted by a family and gain some of his life back. This is his story.
Alex works at a local bookstore just making ends meet. Jane, his adopted sister, and he live alone now, as her parents are both gone. They still live in their childhood home. Jane works as an artist for a local gallery and makes a living selling her paintings. Alex draws as well in charcoals, but in real life he sees color more than most, as he sees auras of all the people he comes into contact with. Auras come in all colors depending on moods and types of personalities. The colors flood his mind and he suffers unmercifully from the migraines they bring.
One Saturday, a young boy comes into the bookstore and his aura frightens Alex, as evil permeates it. From this meeting we are brought into a mystery thriller where we are to follow twists and turns, along with Alex being able to save souls who are being preyed upon by an evil killer. He is able to ‘see’ these victims and hear their cries for help in his mind, bringing himself to the forefront as #1 person of interest. He is just trying to aide them and the police, but is caught up in the evil.
It is a very painful read, as I myself, a mother and grandmother cannot bear the pain this poor boy has gone through in his past, as you are repeatedly in his mind reliving some sort of horror, and then it is even worse because of the treatment of the people looking at him now. They do not know what he is... Psychic or Psychopath?
Jane is a wonderful character, and so are his friends Justin and Angie. The people around in this small town make you feel just that, how small town - small mindedness still exists. Alex is treated like a leper while trying to be the best he can be. It is almost too much to bear.
The twists and turns make a good story, sometimes spine chilling. I want to keep away from giving you any spoilers. As I said, Ms. Hartsock, this book was a labor of love to read, and Alex was so worth it. So, I might say to the person who wishes to read a good mystery thriller, a book that tugs at your heart strings. This is The ONE!
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review chair of the Paranormal Romance Guild
February 23, 2024
Alex is a horrific and heart-wrenching story all in one. Alex will tug at your heart in more ways than one. Alex is a horrifying story about a man and his life. When Alex was a little boy he lived with his mother after his father left. Alex’s mother abused him.
She would burn him with cigarettes or whatever she was in the mood for that day. She would beat him until he was unrecognizable. She kept him locked in the basement. She would not let him go outdoors and play in the sunshine.
Alex has vision and hears voices about people being hurt. Alex helps the police solve crimes and find people who are missing. Alex is still being mistreated as an adult by people who don’t understand or don’t know what he has been through. The things that Alex feels and the things that go through his mind will tear your heart out.
Alex is a well-written story that will make you feel everything you are reading. I had no problem picturing it all in my head as if watching a movie. I can just see Alex in my mind as he is sitting in the doorway trying to make his way outside. I can just see him sitting there rocking back and forth when his arms hugging his legs.
Alex has some amazing friends who try their best to help him in any way they can to make his life a little bit easier. Friends that for him every time he has a migraine.
I would recommend Alex to anyone who likes a good paranormal thriller. Grab a copy of Alex today!
She would burn him with cigarettes or whatever she was in the mood for that day. She would beat him until he was unrecognizable. She kept him locked in the basement. She would not let him go outdoors and play in the sunshine.
Alex has vision and hears voices about people being hurt. Alex helps the police solve crimes and find people who are missing. Alex is still being mistreated as an adult by people who don’t understand or don’t know what he has been through. The things that Alex feels and the things that go through his mind will tear your heart out.
Alex is a well-written story that will make you feel everything you are reading. I had no problem picturing it all in my head as if watching a movie. I can just see Alex in my mind as he is sitting in the doorway trying to make his way outside. I can just see him sitting there rocking back and forth when his arms hugging his legs.
Alex has some amazing friends who try their best to help him in any way they can to make his life a little bit easier. Friends that for him every time he has a migraine.
I would recommend Alex to anyone who likes a good paranormal thriller. Grab a copy of Alex today!
December 16, 2011
Alex is a Paranormal Suspense Fiction.
Alex Elson is a twenty year old orphan, his mother died in a house fire after she fell asleep with a cigarette in her hand. Alex didn't have a happy home life, he was extremely abused both mentally and physically; his body is rife with the scarred tissue to proof it. Alex's mother loved to do sadistic things to her young son, from burning him with irons, cigarettes to beating him beyond recognition at times. His only escape is the day his mother dies.
On that fateful day he is removed from his burned out house where he was tied up in the basement and finds renewed life with Jane and her father. They help to nurture him and bring Alex out of his shell, and if it weren't for the severe migraines and the horrific visions he sees, life might appear to be idyllic.
Jane is a 27 year old artist and is in love with Alex, she has been since the first day she seen him smile. She would do anything for Alex and helps him to lead his life as normal as possible.
Alex is seeing things, sometimes they are premonitions of things to come and sometimes they are events that have passed but the things he sees and hears frightens him. He doesn't understand why the voices of the terrified people continue to harass him but whenever the feelings get strong, Alex has no control as he is lead to wherever his visions take him.
Alex saves a little boy from drowning and puts his life and those of his loved ones in danger as the boy's parents try to take revenge on him. They kidnap Alex and begin to torture him but Alex escapes and the man hunt begins for the Jack and Pat Gibson.
Alex has many visions and some lives he saves, others he fails; he is suspected by the police of knowing more than he is letting on and the pressure is building to find the Gibson's and put an end to this madness.
I thought this was a gripping read, you couldn't help but want to finish the story and find out the outcome. I thought Alex's back story was written in a haunting nature that left your skin crawling with revulsion. The atrocities that Alex had to go through as a child makes ones heart cringe and ache.
I enjoyed how the primary characters interacted with each other and gave Alex a softer more humane side. Alex's visions and the auras he sees are not easy for some to comprehend, however, his friends support him in all he does and help him to uncover the truth.
The abusive scenes are written with clarity, the reader is under no delusions as to what is occurring to Alex at the hands of his mother. The torture and torment that Alex fights with everyday in order to lead a normal life doesn't always come easy and it is shared in a balanced nature, giving the reader insight into Alex's character and background.
I was really getting into the story but about three quarters of the way through the book I started to feel rushed and characters were being attached to events that had occurred and it didn't always play well. There were a few questions not properly disclosed, like the explanation for why the Gibson's did what they did, the reader read the outcome in a flippant, almost off-handed manner and I thought that it left the outcome lacking.
I would give Alex a three and a half stars out of five. I thought the writing was excellent but the outcome of the story was a disappointment, it failed to answer some important issues for me and the love story between Alex and Jane wasn't impressive. She was several years older than he and for almost a decade, thought of themselves as adoptive siblings. I see this scared, scarred and withdrawn twelve year comes into Jane's house and she feels like he is her soul mate when she has already graduated college and is about to begin her career, it just didn't play well with me. Which brings me to Dr. Beckett, I am unsure his role in the novel, other than to help the antagonists perpuate their plans but I feel this could been delivered in a better way.
Now, do not get me wrong, this was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal thrillers. The abuse scenes are well delivered, Alex is a likeable character and the book does keep you reading until the end. I would definitely read more by Dianne Hartsock.
Alex Elson is a twenty year old orphan, his mother died in a house fire after she fell asleep with a cigarette in her hand. Alex didn't have a happy home life, he was extremely abused both mentally and physically; his body is rife with the scarred tissue to proof it. Alex's mother loved to do sadistic things to her young son, from burning him with irons, cigarettes to beating him beyond recognition at times. His only escape is the day his mother dies.
On that fateful day he is removed from his burned out house where he was tied up in the basement and finds renewed life with Jane and her father. They help to nurture him and bring Alex out of his shell, and if it weren't for the severe migraines and the horrific visions he sees, life might appear to be idyllic.
Jane is a 27 year old artist and is in love with Alex, she has been since the first day she seen him smile. She would do anything for Alex and helps him to lead his life as normal as possible.
Alex is seeing things, sometimes they are premonitions of things to come and sometimes they are events that have passed but the things he sees and hears frightens him. He doesn't understand why the voices of the terrified people continue to harass him but whenever the feelings get strong, Alex has no control as he is lead to wherever his visions take him.
Alex saves a little boy from drowning and puts his life and those of his loved ones in danger as the boy's parents try to take revenge on him. They kidnap Alex and begin to torture him but Alex escapes and the man hunt begins for the Jack and Pat Gibson.
Alex has many visions and some lives he saves, others he fails; he is suspected by the police of knowing more than he is letting on and the pressure is building to find the Gibson's and put an end to this madness.
I thought this was a gripping read, you couldn't help but want to finish the story and find out the outcome. I thought Alex's back story was written in a haunting nature that left your skin crawling with revulsion. The atrocities that Alex had to go through as a child makes ones heart cringe and ache.
I enjoyed how the primary characters interacted with each other and gave Alex a softer more humane side. Alex's visions and the auras he sees are not easy for some to comprehend, however, his friends support him in all he does and help him to uncover the truth.
The abusive scenes are written with clarity, the reader is under no delusions as to what is occurring to Alex at the hands of his mother. The torture and torment that Alex fights with everyday in order to lead a normal life doesn't always come easy and it is shared in a balanced nature, giving the reader insight into Alex's character and background.
I was really getting into the story but about three quarters of the way through the book I started to feel rushed and characters were being attached to events that had occurred and it didn't always play well. There were a few questions not properly disclosed, like the explanation for why the Gibson's did what they did, the reader read the outcome in a flippant, almost off-handed manner and I thought that it left the outcome lacking.
I would give Alex a three and a half stars out of five. I thought the writing was excellent but the outcome of the story was a disappointment, it failed to answer some important issues for me and the love story between Alex and Jane wasn't impressive. She was several years older than he and for almost a decade, thought of themselves as adoptive siblings. I see this scared, scarred and withdrawn twelve year comes into Jane's house and she feels like he is her soul mate when she has already graduated college and is about to begin her career, it just didn't play well with me. Which brings me to Dr. Beckett, I am unsure his role in the novel, other than to help the antagonists perpuate their plans but I feel this could been delivered in a better way.
Now, do not get me wrong, this was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal thrillers. The abuse scenes are well delivered, Alex is a likeable character and the book does keep you reading until the end. I would definitely read more by Dianne Hartsock.
January 8, 2012
Whew! What an emotional roller coaster this book was for me. Entering the world of abuse that torments Alex was a dark journey, yet I liked him so much I had to know the entire story. He’s the type of character that you immediately feel empathy for and want to see succeed…no matter the cost.
The first time in the story that Alex “hears a voice,” it’s in the water swirling under his feet. A little boy is scared and wants Alex to join him. Both Alex and his adopted sister pretend the incident never happened but it’s a small glimpse into what has become his life of pain in the form of migraines and visions. Alex is dependent on his adopted sister, Jane, to help him fight the effects of the migraines, especially after being hospitalized. No one seems to know what to think of Alex, but Jane’s faith in him is unshakable and their feelings towards each other turn romantic.
As events unfolded, people were turning up missing in their area, and Alex seemed to be the only one able to determine where the missing could be found. The cost of trying to help others is terribly difficult for Alex – is he psychotic, demented, or worst? Each and every time a little ray of sunshine seemed to find its way into his world, something just as equally appalling would happen. He is accused of injuring others, attempting suicide, and more as he fights for his mental health and physical being. A true testament to the lengths a person will go to help others.
Valerie
The first time in the story that Alex “hears a voice,” it’s in the water swirling under his feet. A little boy is scared and wants Alex to join him. Both Alex and his adopted sister pretend the incident never happened but it’s a small glimpse into what has become his life of pain in the form of migraines and visions. Alex is dependent on his adopted sister, Jane, to help him fight the effects of the migraines, especially after being hospitalized. No one seems to know what to think of Alex, but Jane’s faith in him is unshakable and their feelings towards each other turn romantic.
As events unfolded, people were turning up missing in their area, and Alex seemed to be the only one able to determine where the missing could be found. The cost of trying to help others is terribly difficult for Alex – is he psychotic, demented, or worst? Each and every time a little ray of sunshine seemed to find its way into his world, something just as equally appalling would happen. He is accused of injuring others, attempting suicide, and more as he fights for his mental health and physical being. A true testament to the lengths a person will go to help others.
Valerie
August 15, 2011
Alex, a reluctant psychic, is twenty and just wants to live a normal life. He sees auras, telepathically hears voices and has visions. When he realizes the voices and images intruding into his mind are those of the abducted victims of a serial killer, he is compelled to try to save them. Some he manages to help, while others perish. Alex’s “gift” is also his curse. He becomes the prime suspect in the investigation into the murders because of his intimate knowledge of the crimes.
As Alex struggles to deal with his burden and his abusive childhood, he spins out of control and questions his own sanity. But with the love of Jane, his adoptive sister, he trudges on heroically, facing those in his small town who side with the police and think him a murderer.
Dianne Hartsock weaves a twisting tale taking readers into Alex’s troubled mind. We get to know him intimately and she does an excellent job of character development as well as providing readers a meaty plot-driven story. One we can sink our teeth into.
The novel is a page turner and readers can’t help but to feel deeply for the broken Alex. Will he find the killer before he self-destructs?
As Alex struggles to deal with his burden and his abusive childhood, he spins out of control and questions his own sanity. But with the love of Jane, his adoptive sister, he trudges on heroically, facing those in his small town who side with the police and think him a murderer.
Dianne Hartsock weaves a twisting tale taking readers into Alex’s troubled mind. We get to know him intimately and she does an excellent job of character development as well as providing readers a meaty plot-driven story. One we can sink our teeth into.
The novel is a page turner and readers can’t help but to feel deeply for the broken Alex. Will he find the killer before he self-destructs?
August 17, 2011
'Alex' was a great paranormal mystery with just the right amount of romance thrown in, I was hooked!
The lead character, Alex has psychic abilities that controll him to the point of horrid migraines but he is fighting throughout the story to be a strong man for the woman he loves. I was appauled at the tourtures that he endured as a child and then again as an adult because of peoples stupidity. I envy Alex his friendships within the book, without frineds like Angie, Justin and Ben Alex's story would not have been as wonderful. Dianne did an amazing job creating a family of charachters for Alex. I especially enjoyed how Dianne described the way Alex saw colors so magnificintly different from everyone else. Dianne's descriptive writting pulls you into the story as if you are Alex.
I am a little dissapointed in the cover, it looks like a girl and there is no covereed bridge in the story.
Overall I enjoyed 'Alex' and hope to see a sequel, hopefully where his luck is a little better...
Fabulous job Dianne!
The lead character, Alex has psychic abilities that controll him to the point of horrid migraines but he is fighting throughout the story to be a strong man for the woman he loves. I was appauled at the tourtures that he endured as a child and then again as an adult because of peoples stupidity. I envy Alex his friendships within the book, without frineds like Angie, Justin and Ben Alex's story would not have been as wonderful. Dianne did an amazing job creating a family of charachters for Alex. I especially enjoyed how Dianne described the way Alex saw colors so magnificintly different from everyone else. Dianne's descriptive writting pulls you into the story as if you are Alex.
I am a little dissapointed in the cover, it looks like a girl and there is no covereed bridge in the story.
Overall I enjoyed 'Alex' and hope to see a sequel, hopefully where his luck is a little better...
Fabulous job Dianne!
September 10, 2011
Does Alex see glimpses of people’s futures because he’s psychic—or because he’s the killer?
Alex Elson, 20, was the victim of more than a decade of brutal child abuse. Now he suffers from debilitating migraines. He also can see others’ auras and hear their dark thoughts and painful memories.
Last summer he was hospitalized for alleged schizophrenia. This year he’s become the prime suspect for a series of murders. Will Jane continue to stand by him, or will she be drawn to a man who might have dark secrets of his own …
With touches of early Mary Higgins Clark and Kay Hooper’s Special Crime Unit series, Dianne Hartsock’s book is a psychological thriller you won’t soon forget.
Alex Elson, 20, was the victim of more than a decade of brutal child abuse. Now he suffers from debilitating migraines. He also can see others’ auras and hear their dark thoughts and painful memories.
Last summer he was hospitalized for alleged schizophrenia. This year he’s become the prime suspect for a series of murders. Will Jane continue to stand by him, or will she be drawn to a man who might have dark secrets of his own …
With touches of early Mary Higgins Clark and Kay Hooper’s Special Crime Unit series, Dianne Hartsock’s book is a psychological thriller you won’t soon forget.
April 21, 2016
What Drives Us?
This was so much more than I expected when I started reading it. I had to read it in bursts since the tension would have kept me awake nights!
There was mystery, suspense, horror, romance, friendship and companionship blended into a story I'll not soon forget.
I plan on reading more by Ms. Hartsock. Anyone who can web a tangled tale, with characters who leap off the page, deserves to be enjoyed, over and over again.
This was so much more than I expected when I started reading it. I had to read it in bursts since the tension would have kept me awake nights!
There was mystery, suspense, horror, romance, friendship and companionship blended into a story I'll not soon forget.
I plan on reading more by Ms. Hartsock. Anyone who can web a tangled tale, with characters who leap off the page, deserves to be enjoyed, over and over again.
May 31, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.5⭐️
CW: many scenes of child abuse, mentions of animal cruelty, violence, self-harm, suicide ideation, forced institutionalization, kidnapping, and torture
Alex is about a tortured young man with uncontrollable psychic talents trying to stop killings while building a life for himself. Alex wants to be a regular guy who doesn’t hear desperate sobs for help or strangers’ terror and pain and who isn’t blinded or horrified by people’s auras. . . The moments when he is just a free twenty-year old goofing around with them are few and far between and more precious because of that. . .
I have an issue with his romantic relationship with Jane. Jane is six years older; 18yo when Alex was adopted by her father. She was the first woman who loved him and became his sole caretaker, so Alex has an older sister and mother figure all in one—an Oedipal connection with Jane is almost inevitable. But Jane? She says he stole her around 12 and she probably meant it in a sisterly fashion, but “by the time he was nineteen, she was enamored” sooo… not a great look. If Alex had more life experience and hadn’t lived, breathed and been motivated to be better for her instead of himself, the relationship might feel more balanced. Plus, she is so motherly in her care of him, even after the sexual component is added, that it’s hard to shake the mother-son vibe.
His struggles throughout are heartbreaking, and the brutality leveled against him practically oozes from the pages. . . While I understand all the violence against Alex conveys his strength to survive, after a point the physical abuse began to feel gratuitous. . . Also, elements of the plot aren’t structured as well. The pace is slow and borderline repetitive, as there are many victims and visions related to each one and almost every psychic phenomenon is attached to a flashback. . . .
Entire review @ Joyfully Jay Reviews
2.5⭐️
CW: many scenes of child abuse, mentions of animal cruelty, violence, self-harm, suicide ideation, forced institutionalization, kidnapping, and torture
Alex is about a tortured young man with uncontrollable psychic talents trying to stop killings while building a life for himself. Alex wants to be a regular guy who doesn’t hear desperate sobs for help or strangers’ terror and pain and who isn’t blinded or horrified by people’s auras. . . The moments when he is just a free twenty-year old goofing around with them are few and far between and more precious because of that. . .
I have an issue with his romantic relationship with Jane. Jane is six years older; 18yo when Alex was adopted by her father. She was the first woman who loved him and became his sole caretaker, so Alex has an older sister and mother figure all in one—an Oedipal connection with Jane is almost inevitable. But Jane? She says he stole her around 12 and she probably meant it in a sisterly fashion, but “by the time he was nineteen, she was enamored” sooo… not a great look. If Alex had more life experience and hadn’t lived, breathed and been motivated to be better for her instead of himself, the relationship might feel more balanced. Plus, she is so motherly in her care of him, even after the sexual component is added, that it’s hard to shake the mother-son vibe.
His struggles throughout are heartbreaking, and the brutality leveled against him practically oozes from the pages. . . While I understand all the violence against Alex conveys his strength to survive, after a point the physical abuse began to feel gratuitous. . . Also, elements of the plot aren’t structured as well. The pace is slow and borderline repetitive, as there are many victims and visions related to each one and almost every psychic phenomenon is attached to a flashback. . . .
Entire review @ Joyfully Jay Reviews
March 18, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Alex is about a tortured young man with uncontrollable psychic talents trying to stop killings while building a life for himself. The book has no trigger warnings, so the reader should be mindful that there are many scenes of child abuse, mentions of animal cruelty, violence, self-harm, moments of suicide ideation, forced institutionalization, kidnapping, and torture. Alex wants to be a regular guy who doesn’t hear desperate sobs for help or strangers’ terror and pain and who isn’t blinded or horrified by people’s auras.
Being locked away from others for almost half his life and seemingly having no improvement in his socialization skills leaves him awkward and insecure. Even when he’s rescued and adopted, Alex remains isolated by voices and visions that trap him in his mind. However, he has a few good friends who add levity and normalcy to his life and support him unconditionally. The moments when he is just a free twenty-year old goofing around with them are few and far between and more precious because of that. It’s lovely he has a wonderful found family in all the chaos, and seeing how they rally around him is one of the best aspects of the story for me.
While I liked Hartsock’s take on how trauma can unlock psychic talents and what it would be like for the psychic and their loved ones if those abilities are extremely debilitating, Alex as a whole just didn’t land for me. However, for the most part, the writing is solid, and I think those who enjoy extreme hurt-comfort stories and/or are looking for an interesting interpretation on being a psychic might like this one.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Alex is about a tortured young man with uncontrollable psychic talents trying to stop killings while building a life for himself. The book has no trigger warnings, so the reader should be mindful that there are many scenes of child abuse, mentions of animal cruelty, violence, self-harm, moments of suicide ideation, forced institutionalization, kidnapping, and torture. Alex wants to be a regular guy who doesn’t hear desperate sobs for help or strangers’ terror and pain and who isn’t blinded or horrified by people’s auras.
Being locked away from others for almost half his life and seemingly having no improvement in his socialization skills leaves him awkward and insecure. Even when he’s rescued and adopted, Alex remains isolated by voices and visions that trap him in his mind. However, he has a few good friends who add levity and normalcy to his life and support him unconditionally. The moments when he is just a free twenty-year old goofing around with them are few and far between and more precious because of that. It’s lovely he has a wonderful found family in all the chaos, and seeing how they rally around him is one of the best aspects of the story for me.
While I liked Hartsock’s take on how trauma can unlock psychic talents and what it would be like for the psychic and their loved ones if those abilities are extremely debilitating, Alex as a whole just didn’t land for me. However, for the most part, the writing is solid, and I think those who enjoy extreme hurt-comfort stories and/or are looking for an interesting interpretation on being a psychic might like this one.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
March 6, 2024
ALEX is the first book in the same-titled series and we stay with him as we learn about how his life was, how it is now, and what he is going through.
Alex is a complex character - at times appearing like a small boy - which is no real surprise considering what he has been through. Jane is seven years older than him and has been by his side since he first came to her house, rescued by her dad. He is also a divisive character - some people like him, but a lot don't. Creg, Brad, and Dr Bennett, to name some. Alex also has friends in Angie, Justin, Becca, and Ben, the local police chief. It's a good job too, as he gets into situations that look bad for him.
If anything could go wrong for Alex, it did. He is kidnapped multiple times, gets attacked, tortured (again), assaulted, knifed, and shot at! I would be a nervous wreck. There was so much going on in this story, I sometimes forgot what the main storyline actually was, especially with so many characters, including some who just appear and seem to have no real purpose to the story.
On the whole, this was a gripping book with brilliant (albeit horrible) descriptions, but I was left wanting more that I hope will be covered in future books in the series - more about Alex, his past, and how he deals with his visions and migraines in the future.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 22, 2024
Alex is a complex character - at times appearing like a small boy - which is no real surprise considering what he has been through. Jane is seven years older than him and has been by his side since he first came to her house, rescued by her dad. He is also a divisive character - some people like him, but a lot don't. Creg, Brad, and Dr Bennett, to name some. Alex also has friends in Angie, Justin, Becca, and Ben, the local police chief. It's a good job too, as he gets into situations that look bad for him.
If anything could go wrong for Alex, it did. He is kidnapped multiple times, gets attacked, tortured (again), assaulted, knifed, and shot at! I would be a nervous wreck. There was so much going on in this story, I sometimes forgot what the main storyline actually was, especially with so many characters, including some who just appear and seem to have no real purpose to the story.
On the whole, this was a gripping book with brilliant (albeit horrible) descriptions, but I was left wanting more that I hope will be covered in future books in the series - more about Alex, his past, and how he deals with his visions and migraines in the future.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 22, 2024
June 17, 2013
My Review:
I am totally torn on how many ‘stars’ to give this book. It was engaging. The book was well written. The topic is right on queue for me. Psychics, paranormal, serial killer… It was really a fun read. But, I felt really disconnected to it. I wanted this to be a deep connection, one that would cause me to run to the book and turn pages with heated ambition. But, I found myself reading the book to escape life and because… I felt I had to.
I was fascinated with the flashbacks in Alex’s life. I would love to have learned more about how he came to Jane’s house, their family interactions growing up, etc. Coming from an abusive past, I felt that the author did a wonderful job portraying the lifestyle of abuse (That’s a queer statement to write. Because abuse is not wonderful at all!). I guess I am saying that I have read other abusive based books and had triggers throughout it. The way Dianne had written the scenes were pretty well done.
Negatives (I am trying to stay somewhat vague as to not ruin it if someone decides to read it):
1. It took FOREVER to get to the end. I really wanted to know about his psychic abilities. I wanted to know when he started getting them. I wanted to know more about his mental hospital stay. I wanted to know about ALEX.. it is the title of the book. I was disappointed when the end didn't really cover much.
2. This has got to be THE MOST unlucky person on the planet. Alex has had kidnappings (not one, but multiple), abuse, cuts, knifes, guns, all kind of crazy things happen to him…. and most if it happens in a couple month time span. I just makes it kind of hard to believe. He has so many enemies, and I get why, but I think the story could have flowed a little better with only one major enemy after him. I felt it was somewhat confusing when the author added the police officer into the mix.
3. The relationship between Jane and Alex disturbed me. I felt very much like Creg did…. why didn't she just adopt him instead of marrying him. To me, it was almost like instead of a mom kissing his wounded knee, she had sex with him. I got the unbridled passion between the two, especially growing up together. I just didn't understand why every time something bad happened, they shagged. A relationship is more than just sex. Which made it another reason it was kind of hard to believe, or get into.
4. Helen. Who the heck was this character. She physically assaults Alex. Yells at him that she remembers who he was. Goes on some tirade about the mental hospital…… and she’s a psychic too. If there was a deeper psychic connection, she should have really been written into the book more, or had Alex’s mental hospital stay exposed more.
Overall Feeling:
This wasn’t the greatest book, but it was creative. It was mid-line for me. It was a book I thought sounded interesting, but if it was not for the review required for it, I probably would have put it down and picked it up to finish it when I ran out of things to read. I do not want the author to think I am slamming her book. It truly is well written. It was just long and hard to really “bite” into it.
If I had to do a star system, 3 1/2 stars.
I am totally torn on how many ‘stars’ to give this book. It was engaging. The book was well written. The topic is right on queue for me. Psychics, paranormal, serial killer… It was really a fun read. But, I felt really disconnected to it. I wanted this to be a deep connection, one that would cause me to run to the book and turn pages with heated ambition. But, I found myself reading the book to escape life and because… I felt I had to.
I was fascinated with the flashbacks in Alex’s life. I would love to have learned more about how he came to Jane’s house, their family interactions growing up, etc. Coming from an abusive past, I felt that the author did a wonderful job portraying the lifestyle of abuse (That’s a queer statement to write. Because abuse is not wonderful at all!). I guess I am saying that I have read other abusive based books and had triggers throughout it. The way Dianne had written the scenes were pretty well done.
Negatives (I am trying to stay somewhat vague as to not ruin it if someone decides to read it):
1. It took FOREVER to get to the end. I really wanted to know about his psychic abilities. I wanted to know when he started getting them. I wanted to know more about his mental hospital stay. I wanted to know about ALEX.. it is the title of the book. I was disappointed when the end didn't really cover much.
2. This has got to be THE MOST unlucky person on the planet. Alex has had kidnappings (not one, but multiple), abuse, cuts, knifes, guns, all kind of crazy things happen to him…. and most if it happens in a couple month time span. I just makes it kind of hard to believe. He has so many enemies, and I get why, but I think the story could have flowed a little better with only one major enemy after him. I felt it was somewhat confusing when the author added the police officer into the mix.
3. The relationship between Jane and Alex disturbed me. I felt very much like Creg did…. why didn't she just adopt him instead of marrying him. To me, it was almost like instead of a mom kissing his wounded knee, she had sex with him. I got the unbridled passion between the two, especially growing up together. I just didn't understand why every time something bad happened, they shagged. A relationship is more than just sex. Which made it another reason it was kind of hard to believe, or get into.
4. Helen. Who the heck was this character. She physically assaults Alex. Yells at him that she remembers who he was. Goes on some tirade about the mental hospital…… and she’s a psychic too. If there was a deeper psychic connection, she should have really been written into the book more, or had Alex’s mental hospital stay exposed more.
Overall Feeling:
This wasn’t the greatest book, but it was creative. It was mid-line for me. It was a book I thought sounded interesting, but if it was not for the review required for it, I probably would have put it down and picked it up to finish it when I ran out of things to read. I do not want the author to think I am slamming her book. It truly is well written. It was just long and hard to really “bite” into it.
If I had to do a star system, 3 1/2 stars.
December 29, 2012
Warning! Lots of abuse and violence-but tastefully done
Alex has bad migraines and what he calls visions. He tries to hide it thinking he is strange enough. He was very severely abused as a child leaving both physical and emotional scars. He has only a couple trusted friends the rest it seems the world is against him or afraid of him.
Warning: Before you start this one take in mind its very long around 400 pages and you will have a hard time putting it down once you start. Grab a box of tissues. The story is compelling and quite a page turner. There is a lot going on and the further you go the more happens and gets quite overwhelming. There are lots of characters and lots of subplots, and back-story. I loved the way the back-story was written in as back-flashes and dreams. The back-story was riveting and made me ache for the young Alex as a boy and gave more understanding of him. Alex is such a complex character but you can’t help but love him and want to know what is really going on. There is a lot of violence both present and past but it is all very tastefully and skillfully done so as it’s not just gross. The sex is the same way. There is some and is sensuous and tasteful.
I recommend this story to anyone that likes something less traditional, lots of suspense, touchy subject matter, compelling complex characters and a traditional romance.
Alex has bad migraines and what he calls visions. He tries to hide it thinking he is strange enough. He was very severely abused as a child leaving both physical and emotional scars. He has only a couple trusted friends the rest it seems the world is against him or afraid of him.
Warning: Before you start this one take in mind its very long around 400 pages and you will have a hard time putting it down once you start. Grab a box of tissues. The story is compelling and quite a page turner. There is a lot going on and the further you go the more happens and gets quite overwhelming. There are lots of characters and lots of subplots, and back-story. I loved the way the back-story was written in as back-flashes and dreams. The back-story was riveting and made me ache for the young Alex as a boy and gave more understanding of him. Alex is such a complex character but you can’t help but love him and want to know what is really going on. There is a lot of violence both present and past but it is all very tastefully and skillfully done so as it’s not just gross. The sex is the same way. There is some and is sensuous and tasteful.
I recommend this story to anyone that likes something less traditional, lots of suspense, touchy subject matter, compelling complex characters and a traditional romance.
Read
December 25, 2012no mm
not the MC in this case
not the MC in this case
May 28, 2017
2.75*
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