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Romeo Spikes
Working the Homicide squad, Alexis Bianco believes she’s seen every way a life can be taken. Then she meets the mysterious Lola and finds out she’s wrong. More weapon than woman, Lola pursues a predator with a method of murder like no other.
The Tormenta.
If you think you’ve never encountered Tormenta, think again. You’re friends with one. Have worked for one. Maybe even fallen in love with one.
They walk amongst us—looking like us, talking like us. Coercing our subconscious with their actions.
Like the long-legged beauty that seduces the goofy geek only to break his heart, causing him to break his own neck in a noose. Or the rockstar, whose every song celebrates self-harm, inspiring his devoted fans to press knives to their own throats. The pusher who urges the addict toward one more hit, bringing him a high from which he’ll never come down. The tyrannical boss, crushing an assistant’s spirit until a bridge jump brings her low.
We call it a suicide. Tormenta call it a score, their demonic powers allowing them to siphon off the unspent lifespan of those who harm themselves.
To Bianco, being a cop is about right and wrong. Working with Lola is about this world and the next...and maybe the one after that. Because everything is about to change. The coming of a mighty Tormenta is prophesied, a dark messiah known as the Mosca.
To stop him, Bianco and Lola must fight their way through a cryptic web of secret societies and powerful legends to crack an ancient code that holds the only answer to the Mosca’s defeat. If this miscreant rises before they can unmask him, darkness will reign, and mankind will fall in a storm of suicides.
Nobody’s safe. Everyone’s a threat.
The Tormenta.
If you think you’ve never encountered Tormenta, think again. You’re friends with one. Have worked for one. Maybe even fallen in love with one.
They walk amongst us—looking like us, talking like us. Coercing our subconscious with their actions.
Like the long-legged beauty that seduces the goofy geek only to break his heart, causing him to break his own neck in a noose. Or the rockstar, whose every song celebrates self-harm, inspiring his devoted fans to press knives to their own throats. The pusher who urges the addict toward one more hit, bringing him a high from which he’ll never come down. The tyrannical boss, crushing an assistant’s spirit until a bridge jump brings her low.
We call it a suicide. Tormenta call it a score, their demonic powers allowing them to siphon off the unspent lifespan of those who harm themselves.
To Bianco, being a cop is about right and wrong. Working with Lola is about this world and the next...and maybe the one after that. Because everything is about to change. The coming of a mighty Tormenta is prophesied, a dark messiah known as the Mosca.
To stop him, Bianco and Lola must fight their way through a cryptic web of secret societies and powerful legends to crack an ancient code that holds the only answer to the Mosca’s defeat. If this miscreant rises before they can unmask him, darkness will reign, and mankind will fall in a storm of suicides.
Nobody’s safe. Everyone’s a threat.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
3 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 9, 2016
Meh...
August 14, 2012
You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2012/08/...
Washed up, disgraced psychiatrist Dr. Annie Torgus has got quite a story, and she’s determined to sell it to the highest bidder. For the past 35 years she’s worked at a prison called Morphic Fields, attempting to thwart suicide in death row inmates (the irony is not lost on her), and she’s convinced that there is something “otherworldly” about convicted child killer Agnus Day. Agnus has Gershwind syndrome that causes him to write compulsively on every surface, and he’s been known to portend trouble for the prison staff. Meanwhile, Detective Alexis Bianco is onto something too. Her latest case has her stumped, after the medical examiner came back with the news that the bones of a 22 year old girl are supposedly over 400 years old. This case leads her to Lola, a woman whose sole job is to hunt down and kill the Tormenta; demons that torment people into committing suicide so they can siphon their remaining lifespan. The Tormenta may be the least of humankind’s problems, however, because the Mosca is coming…
Romeo Spikes takes place in Louisiana and its bayous, and having just visited New Orleans, I can honestly say that the author couldn’t have used a more perfect location for this story. Morphic Fields is decidedly creepy, and the Tormenta are terrifying, just like the methods they use to increase their lifespans. I loved strong, smart Alexis Bianco and actually developed a bit of a soft spot for Lola. The demon mythology is fascinating and Ms. Reay manages to balance quite a cast of characters deftly. There are tons of plates spinning in the air in this head banger of a book, and I don’t recall one of them breaking. There’s so much awesome in Romeo Spikes, I’m not sure what to highlight, to be honest. For starters, Lola has a rocket launcher over her door, for gawd’s sake (and an alarmingly vast number of weapons hanging on the walls.) It’s got angels, demons, murder, insanity, bayou mambos, otherworldly hunters, super-secret government agencies, mysterious manuscripts, and yes, romeo spikes. It reads like a movie, which makes sense, since Joanne Reay is a professional screenwriter, and her prose virtually leaps off of the page. She’s not afraid to take risks either, and knows how to keep her readers on their toes. Romeo Spikes is a fast paced, breath-of-fresh-air, scary, exciting, and rather unique, humdinger of a novel, and I dare you not to get hooked at page one! It’s also part one of a trilogy, so there’s more to come, and I can’t wait!
Washed up, disgraced psychiatrist Dr. Annie Torgus has got quite a story, and she’s determined to sell it to the highest bidder. For the past 35 years she’s worked at a prison called Morphic Fields, attempting to thwart suicide in death row inmates (the irony is not lost on her), and she’s convinced that there is something “otherworldly” about convicted child killer Agnus Day. Agnus has Gershwind syndrome that causes him to write compulsively on every surface, and he’s been known to portend trouble for the prison staff. Meanwhile, Detective Alexis Bianco is onto something too. Her latest case has her stumped, after the medical examiner came back with the news that the bones of a 22 year old girl are supposedly over 400 years old. This case leads her to Lola, a woman whose sole job is to hunt down and kill the Tormenta; demons that torment people into committing suicide so they can siphon their remaining lifespan. The Tormenta may be the least of humankind’s problems, however, because the Mosca is coming…
Romeo Spikes takes place in Louisiana and its bayous, and having just visited New Orleans, I can honestly say that the author couldn’t have used a more perfect location for this story. Morphic Fields is decidedly creepy, and the Tormenta are terrifying, just like the methods they use to increase their lifespans. I loved strong, smart Alexis Bianco and actually developed a bit of a soft spot for Lola. The demon mythology is fascinating and Ms. Reay manages to balance quite a cast of characters deftly. There are tons of plates spinning in the air in this head banger of a book, and I don’t recall one of them breaking. There’s so much awesome in Romeo Spikes, I’m not sure what to highlight, to be honest. For starters, Lola has a rocket launcher over her door, for gawd’s sake (and an alarmingly vast number of weapons hanging on the walls.) It’s got angels, demons, murder, insanity, bayou mambos, otherworldly hunters, super-secret government agencies, mysterious manuscripts, and yes, romeo spikes. It reads like a movie, which makes sense, since Joanne Reay is a professional screenwriter, and her prose virtually leaps off of the page. She’s not afraid to take risks either, and knows how to keep her readers on their toes. Romeo Spikes is a fast paced, breath-of-fresh-air, scary, exciting, and rather unique, humdinger of a novel, and I dare you not to get hooked at page one! It’s also part one of a trilogy, so there’s more to come, and I can’t wait!
January 10, 2016
Here you have a very real and very messed up theme. I know people who have attempted suicide, and known some that have succeeded in suicide. Taking this real tragedy and adding demonic influences fits. In this world given us, these demonic entities are called Tormentas. These demons survive by inhabiting a human host, then through the host, influence another human into committing suicide. This is done so the Tormenta and host can devour the suicides remaining life span. That is the actual length of time that person would have had on earth had they not cut it short by committing suicide.
Now if the Tormenta doesn't complete devouring the span, then that other person becomes infected with Tormenta-like tendencies. They can live off span therby extending their life indefinitely. There is an organization Sinestra. They recruit these near Tormenta suicides, transforming them into hunters. These hunters, track down and destroy Tormentas. Yes they live off span, because they are Tormentas in essence, but the span they consume is synthetic. I know, then why don't Tormentas use synthetic span? It's not the same as true human span and has much a much shorter effect on the human host. Not as much life extention results are received as that from an actual human suicide.
I did have some issues with the story. The character hopping, and seemingly filler incidents, proved distracting to me at times. Plus certain characters seemed out of place. Meaning, their jobs, titles, actions, nature and behavior seriously conflicted within themselves, it made the character unbelievable to me. Instant disconnect, with no intrest in them for me. I loved the main hunter though. Now that character was believable and someone I enjoyed following.
Reading this was like walking through knee high snow. Slow going, but a warm payoff once you reach the fireplace in the cabin. Only thing is there is no warm meal or drink for you. All you have is a sandwich and water. But hey at least you have a warm place to rest, with food and water.
Not for everyone.
Now if the Tormenta doesn't complete devouring the span, then that other person becomes infected with Tormenta-like tendencies. They can live off span therby extending their life indefinitely. There is an organization Sinestra. They recruit these near Tormenta suicides, transforming them into hunters. These hunters, track down and destroy Tormentas. Yes they live off span, because they are Tormentas in essence, but the span they consume is synthetic. I know, then why don't Tormentas use synthetic span? It's not the same as true human span and has much a much shorter effect on the human host. Not as much life extention results are received as that from an actual human suicide.
I did have some issues with the story. The character hopping, and seemingly filler incidents, proved distracting to me at times. Plus certain characters seemed out of place. Meaning, their jobs, titles, actions, nature and behavior seriously conflicted within themselves, it made the character unbelievable to me. Instant disconnect, with no intrest in them for me. I loved the main hunter though. Now that character was believable and someone I enjoyed following.
Reading this was like walking through knee high snow. Slow going, but a warm payoff once you reach the fireplace in the cabin. Only thing is there is no warm meal or drink for you. All you have is a sandwich and water. But hey at least you have a warm place to rest, with food and water.
Not for everyone.
February 21, 2013
Documentary maker for The Discovery Channel and series creator for the BBC, among other achievements, Joanne Reay becomes a first time novelist with her entry into the fantasy/thriller genre. The English have a way of storytelling that is lush and descriptive. Reay has inherited and gleaned the art delivering her readers a tale of prophecy and conspiracy all wrapped up in a neat little package.
In a tale of good versus evil we follow homicide detective Alexis Bianco who along with her hard hitting friend Lola seek out and destroy demons called Tormenta who steal the “span” of people they coerce into committing suicide. Meanwhile former neurophysicist Angus Day, imprisoned for the gruesome murder of a child, suffers from Geschwind syndrome and as a result uncontrollably writes mysterious text and images on every surface he can find and point to the Tormenta and the coming arrival of the Mosca.
When disgraced psychiatrist Dr. Annie Torgus discovers Day’s writings she looks for the highest bidder as a way of having them published and regain her fame. In doing so she attracts the attention of Tormenta and the race for Bianco and Lola to solve the meaning of the hidden message and stop the rising of the Mosca and ultimately mankinds demise.
I must credit Joanne Reay with the ability to keep readers engaged in this thriller. However there was so much happening that for me it was difficult to keep the characters and their affiliations straight. While I was probably not the best suited to review this book as I am not a fan of fantasy, I have to say that Joanne Reay has written a book that reads like a screenplay and would be worthy of becoming a movie.
Reviewed for Suspense Magazine
In a tale of good versus evil we follow homicide detective Alexis Bianco who along with her hard hitting friend Lola seek out and destroy demons called Tormenta who steal the “span” of people they coerce into committing suicide. Meanwhile former neurophysicist Angus Day, imprisoned for the gruesome murder of a child, suffers from Geschwind syndrome and as a result uncontrollably writes mysterious text and images on every surface he can find and point to the Tormenta and the coming arrival of the Mosca.
When disgraced psychiatrist Dr. Annie Torgus discovers Day’s writings she looks for the highest bidder as a way of having them published and regain her fame. In doing so she attracts the attention of Tormenta and the race for Bianco and Lola to solve the meaning of the hidden message and stop the rising of the Mosca and ultimately mankinds demise.
I must credit Joanne Reay with the ability to keep readers engaged in this thriller. However there was so much happening that for me it was difficult to keep the characters and their affiliations straight. While I was probably not the best suited to review this book as I am not a fan of fantasy, I have to say that Joanne Reay has written a book that reads like a screenplay and would be worthy of becoming a movie.
Reviewed for Suspense Magazine
February 19, 2013
Romeo Spikes
By Joanne Reay
Documentary maker for The Discovery Channel and series creator for the BBC, among other achievements, Joanne Reay becomes a first time novelist with her entry into the fantasy/thriller genre. The English have a way of storytelling that is lush and descriptive. Reay has inherited and gleaned the art delivering her readers a tale of prophecy and conspiracy all wrapped up in a neat little package.
In a tale of good versus evil, we follow homicide detective Alexis Bianco who, along with her hard-hitting friend Lola, seek out and destroy demons called Tormenta who steal the “span” of people they coerce into committing suicide. Meanwhile, former neurophysicist Angus Day, imprisoned for the gruesome murder of a child, suffers from Geschwind syndrome and as a result, uncontrollably writes mysterious text and images on every surface he can find and points to the Tormenta and the coming rrival of the Mosca.
When disgraced psychiatrist Dr. Annie Torgus discovers Day’s writings, she looks for the highest bidder as a way of having them published and regain her fame. In doing so, she attracts the attention of Tormenta and the race for Bianco and Lola to solve the meaning of the hidden message and stop the rising of the Mosca and ultimately mankind’s demise.
I must credit Joanne Reay with the ability to keep readers engaged in this thriller. However, there was so much happening that for me, it was difficult to keep the characters and their affiliations straight. While I was probably not the best suited to review this book as I am not a fan of fantasy, I have to say that Joanne Reay has written a book that reads like a screenplay and would be worthy of becoming a movie. 3 stars.
Reviewed by Jodi Hanson (Chaptersandchats.com) for Suspense Magazine
By Joanne Reay
Documentary maker for The Discovery Channel and series creator for the BBC, among other achievements, Joanne Reay becomes a first time novelist with her entry into the fantasy/thriller genre. The English have a way of storytelling that is lush and descriptive. Reay has inherited and gleaned the art delivering her readers a tale of prophecy and conspiracy all wrapped up in a neat little package.
In a tale of good versus evil, we follow homicide detective Alexis Bianco who, along with her hard-hitting friend Lola, seek out and destroy demons called Tormenta who steal the “span” of people they coerce into committing suicide. Meanwhile, former neurophysicist Angus Day, imprisoned for the gruesome murder of a child, suffers from Geschwind syndrome and as a result, uncontrollably writes mysterious text and images on every surface he can find and points to the Tormenta and the coming rrival of the Mosca.
When disgraced psychiatrist Dr. Annie Torgus discovers Day’s writings, she looks for the highest bidder as a way of having them published and regain her fame. In doing so, she attracts the attention of Tormenta and the race for Bianco and Lola to solve the meaning of the hidden message and stop the rising of the Mosca and ultimately mankind’s demise.
I must credit Joanne Reay with the ability to keep readers engaged in this thriller. However, there was so much happening that for me, it was difficult to keep the characters and their affiliations straight. While I was probably not the best suited to review this book as I am not a fan of fantasy, I have to say that Joanne Reay has written a book that reads like a screenplay and would be worthy of becoming a movie. 3 stars.
Reviewed by Jodi Hanson (Chaptersandchats.com) for Suspense Magazine
July 26, 2016
I felt a bit let down by this book as I really expected to love it.
The premise is good and the characters are all really interesting but for me the writing style really let this story down. It's one of those books that flicks between characters in each chapter. I've read books written in that style before and not had an issue with it but in Romeo Spikes the chapters are at times only 2 pages long so you don't get a chance to really soak into the atmosphere of that characters journey before you are wrenched away to some other characters events. Bearing in mind there are several characters that you follow in the tale it can actually become a bit annoying and at times confusing to switch around so often and so frequently. This storytelling style really put me off this book and I feel like I didn't really get to know the central characters properly as a result.
Not awful but not great. I dislike the writing style so much that I won't be checking out part 2 of this saga.
The premise is good and the characters are all really interesting but for me the writing style really let this story down. It's one of those books that flicks between characters in each chapter. I've read books written in that style before and not had an issue with it but in Romeo Spikes the chapters are at times only 2 pages long so you don't get a chance to really soak into the atmosphere of that characters journey before you are wrenched away to some other characters events. Bearing in mind there are several characters that you follow in the tale it can actually become a bit annoying and at times confusing to switch around so often and so frequently. This storytelling style really put me off this book and I feel like I didn't really get to know the central characters properly as a result.
Not awful but not great. I dislike the writing style so much that I won't be checking out part 2 of this saga.
July 29, 2011
I've been looking forward to this book since I've seen the trailer on youtube, and now it's possible to download a free chapter from the website (romeospikes.com), I think it's great! It's out in few weeks and I can't wait!
Just after seeing the trailer (there is supposed to be a film in the future too) I sensed this is going to be a bestseller like Twilight or the Passage.
Here's a short description:
First novel in the new Lo'life supernatural fantasy trilogy. Takes readers on to a new level of supernatural fantasy & excitement beyond Justin Cronin's The Passage. The launch of an important new fantasy franchise Film rights optioned for the trilogy Global marketing partnership with Titan comics for graphic version of the trilogy Author is a film script writer with a strong list of credits.
Just after seeing the trailer (there is supposed to be a film in the future too) I sensed this is going to be a bestseller like Twilight or the Passage.
Here's a short description:
First novel in the new Lo'life supernatural fantasy trilogy. Takes readers on to a new level of supernatural fantasy & excitement beyond Justin Cronin's The Passage. The launch of an important new fantasy franchise Film rights optioned for the trilogy Global marketing partnership with Titan comics for graphic version of the trilogy Author is a film script writer with a strong list of credits.
September 7, 2012
Randomly grabbed this one off the new releases shelf at the library...a nice surprise, for sure! While the multiple points of view can get a bit dense at times, overall the story line is clever. The pacing and action keep you engaged...and the concept of the Tormenta (with all its associated historical implications) definitely feeds the imagination - the inclusion of Judas just one in a long line of historical possibilities for Tormenta candidates.
It will be interesting to see where the series goes with the story line...I'll definitely be picking up the next installment.
It will be interesting to see where the series goes with the story line...I'll definitely be picking up the next installment.
January 5, 2013
I picked this one up because the description of the Tormenta reminded me of Carrion Comfort by Dan Simmons, which I loved. And in some ways Romeo Spikes does a better job of fleshing out the concept of a creature that engenders despair, sadness, and death. Romeo Spikes is told with vivid, lush imagery, from the perspective of believable characters with depth and heft. I never really connected with these characters, though. The narrative is good, but It seems anecdotal and disjointed in places. Overall, it is a morbidly enjoyable experience.
July 24, 2013
I gave it three stars because while it caught my attention enough to keep me reading it the complex riddles kept anything from truly flowing effortlessly until I got halfway through. Its in third person but it jumps from various key characters points of view. The end is one of those open endings that makes you both respect and get angry with the writer. If you like a bit of a challenge then by all means read it but be warned there will be some confusion during the first half. But as far as imagination goes the writer has my thumbs up for getting a little gritty with this storyline.
May 26, 2016
This book starts slow, picks up towards the middle, then fucks with your mind at the end. Did you really have to make Bianco's child the next mosca? REALLY?? I would have loved the ending if you had stopped a few pages sooner. Still looking forward to the next book (if she completes the trilogy she planned) but damn, this wasn't a promising ending. Good read, but it has some troubling themes. Trigger warning for people with depression/suicidal tendencies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2012
I really could have enjoyed this book, but I ultimately got bogged down in the characters. There were just too many characters who were not easily distinguishable from one another. (And when one of the few female characters you can readily identify is a small-time villain, it doesn't bode well for the other female characters.) Lots of fun ideas but just too cluttered.
January 22, 2013
A dark, paranormal thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. ROMEO SPIKES is filled with adrenaline-pumping action, clever and unique characters all set in a creepy, spine-tingling setting. A very unique plot line that twists and turns until the characters mesh together to complete the puzzle. Highly recommend!
Want to read
June 15, 2012It's not often I read a synopsis that sounds truly original on here. This sounds really awesome.
November 23, 2012
Slow, and dull though the writing was done well, the story took too long to pick up
October 15, 2012
Great book. I had trouble keeping track of the characters but definitely a great read.
October 29, 2012
I have this book a good effort (100+ pages). I just couldn't get into it.
November 23, 2012
I really liked this book cover.
:)
:)
May 17, 2016
cool, but overly complicated.
April 13, 2013
Edgy, enjoyable story! I am really looking forward to the next one!
May 21, 2018
I thought this book, Book 1 from the LoLife series very good indeed. The main topic is centred around people committing suicide and the creature called a tormenta, which actually drove the person(s) to commit the suicide act. The tormenta actually siphons off the life force of the person as they’re taking their last breath, thereby prolonging the life of the tormenta.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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