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Priscilla Strain #1
Pipe Dreams
Beneath the park bench, a young girl cries for help, her voice a cold hand on Vanessa's throat. The naked girl is desperate, but compassion for the Fallen is never forgiven. In a moment of hesitation, Vanessa sets in motion a chain of events that will determine mankind's fate.
Unbeknownst to her, Lewis is still haunted by her thick, auburn hair, serious eyes, and mocking laughter. She is the symbol of all he hates and her interaction with the girl is what he needs to gain control of the virus. As his plan unfolds, Vanessa is forced to flee. Escaping through the sewer, she finds love, heartbreak, and the red beam of a gun sight dancing on the slick, black wall. In the deep dark of the foul pipe, she also discovers she has been betrayed. That's when she learns Texas is real.
Pipe Dreams is a dystopian novel set in the near future. If gene splicing could merge Margaret Atwood and Suzanne Collins, the resulting author might write this book.
Unbeknownst to her, Lewis is still haunted by her thick, auburn hair, serious eyes, and mocking laughter. She is the symbol of all he hates and her interaction with the girl is what he needs to gain control of the virus. As his plan unfolds, Vanessa is forced to flee. Escaping through the sewer, she finds love, heartbreak, and the red beam of a gun sight dancing on the slick, black wall. In the deep dark of the foul pipe, she also discovers she has been betrayed. That's when she learns Texas is real.
Pipe Dreams is a dystopian novel set in the near future. If gene splicing could merge Margaret Atwood and Suzanne Collins, the resulting author might write this book.
360 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
316 people want to read
About the author
Destiny Allison
5 books57 followersDestiny Allison writes books that stay with you long after you've finished reading them. If you're looking for a good romance, a fast who done it, or a fun, sci-fi adventure,you might consider looking elsewhere. While Destiny loves to read them, she doesn't write them. Instead, she pulls the best elements from each, adds fresh ideas, raw emotions, and powerful imagery to create characters and stories you won't forget.
She is the award winning author of Shaping Destiny: A quest for meaning in art and life, author of Pipe Dreams and Bitterroot (dystopian sci-fi) and just released The Romance Diet: Body Image and the Wars We Wage on Ourselves.
For more information, visit www.DestinyAllisonBooks.com or follow her on twitter @sfsculptor
She is the award winning author of Shaping Destiny: A quest for meaning in art and life, author of Pipe Dreams and Bitterroot (dystopian sci-fi) and just released The Romance Diet: Body Image and the Wars We Wage on Ourselves.
For more information, visit www.DestinyAllisonBooks.com or follow her on twitter @sfsculptor
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 2, 2014
I read a preview of this book months ago, and grabbed it to read some time in the future when I had a Kindle to read it on. The opening chapter grabbed me, so much so that this was the first book I opened after my husband granted my Christmas Kindle wish.
The book was fantastic. Well-written, fast-paced, great characters. There were more POV characters than I usually like, but all were interesting and unique, and added much to the depth of the story. There was only one case of head-hopping that I noticed-- besides that, it was very well-executed. There was one case of word misuse that made me stop and look up the word to make sure I was right in questioning it (because I'm a dork like that), but overall there was very little to interrupt my reading, and I couldn't put this one down. Finished it in less than 24 hours, and this during family visits at Christmas. :)
If the whole book had had the impact of the first chapter, it would have got five stars, but that would have been quite difficult. This was an exciting read, and I loved the variety of strong characters. Ashley was my favourite, a strong-willed sixteen-year-old girl who doesn't let anything stop her. Vanessa, the first character we're introduced to, was also great, but repeated descriptions of how beautiful other characters seemed over-done at times (that and I lost count of how many times Michael's skin was described as "honey-colored"). But really, there's not much to complain about in this book, in plot or characters. You'll notice that anything negative I say is quite nit-picky, because that's about all I've got. I'm still a little confused about the government structure, but
Be warned: this does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. It's not always a turn-off for me, but I do like to know its coming so I don't have to throw the book against a wall out of unexpected frustration. I'm actually happy to let Vanessa go with the way the book ended, but I'm curious about everyone else, so I'd like to read the sequel.
Fantastic work, Destiny Allison. I had high expectations for this book, and I was definitely not disappointed.
The book was fantastic. Well-written, fast-paced, great characters. There were more POV characters than I usually like, but all were interesting and unique, and added much to the depth of the story. There was only one case of head-hopping that I noticed-- besides that, it was very well-executed. There was one case of word misuse that made me stop and look up the word to make sure I was right in questioning it (because I'm a dork like that), but overall there was very little to interrupt my reading, and I couldn't put this one down. Finished it in less than 24 hours, and this during family visits at Christmas. :)
If the whole book had had the impact of the first chapter, it would have got five stars, but that would have been quite difficult. This was an exciting read, and I loved the variety of strong characters. Ashley was my favourite, a strong-willed sixteen-year-old girl who doesn't let anything stop her. Vanessa, the first character we're introduced to, was also great, but repeated descriptions of how beautiful other characters seemed over-done at times (that and I lost count of how many times Michael's skin was described as "honey-colored"). But really, there's not much to complain about in this book, in plot or characters. You'll notice that anything negative I say is quite nit-picky, because that's about all I've got. I'm still a little confused about the government structure, but
Be warned: this does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. It's not always a turn-off for me, but I do like to know its coming so I don't have to throw the book against a wall out of unexpected frustration. I'm actually happy to let Vanessa go with the way the book ended, but I'm curious about everyone else, so I'd like to read the sequel.
Fantastic work, Destiny Allison. I had high expectations for this book, and I was definitely not disappointed.
July 25, 2013
I've read many dystopian novels, yet none like Pipe Dreams. From the first page, the reader jumps right into Vanessa's world, not with a big information dump, but by learning as you go along and I liked that. And what a world it is, created by men with good intentions - but you know what they say about that.
The story was loaded with characters, some very engaging and others extremely vile, and while some books have so many it's hard to keep them straight, that wasn't the case here. The characters are so strong and have such depth, it was hard to choose a favorite, although I was partial to Ramirez and Michael.
I especially enjoyed the style of writing, and this is one of my favorite lines: "The heavens had opened, rendering the neighborhoods, towering buildings, and graceful boulevards nothing more than a minute, a dream, and a collective hope." Simply beautiful. During the highly emotional last few pages, I was so engrossed I even heard a soundtrack playing in my head - good music too.
Destiny Allison has crafted an absorbing, dangerous, and intelligent story - a must for dystopian lovers.
I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The story was loaded with characters, some very engaging and others extremely vile, and while some books have so many it's hard to keep them straight, that wasn't the case here. The characters are so strong and have such depth, it was hard to choose a favorite, although I was partial to Ramirez and Michael.
I especially enjoyed the style of writing, and this is one of my favorite lines: "The heavens had opened, rendering the neighborhoods, towering buildings, and graceful boulevards nothing more than a minute, a dream, and a collective hope." Simply beautiful. During the highly emotional last few pages, I was so engrossed I even heard a soundtrack playing in my head - good music too.
Destiny Allison has crafted an absorbing, dangerous, and intelligent story - a must for dystopian lovers.
I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2013
Pipe Dreams is a very ambitious book. The story is large in scope and it includes many characters, as well as many beautiful sentences. While I was attracted by the story's concept, I didn't like the book as much as I wanted to. Vanessa is a sympathetic character, as are Michael, Jeremy, Ashley and their fellow refugees. I found Lewis, the villain of the piece, less believable. He is so very evil, he seemed almost a caricature to me. That being said, once the action picked up in the second half of the book, I found the story compelling and wanted to keep turning pages to find out what happened next. It will be interesting to see where Allison takes Vanessa in the sequel.
November 11, 2013
November 2013
Review: Pipe Dreams
Author: Destiny Allison
Genre: Fiction, New Adult
Copyright: 2013
Principal characters: Vanessa Kovalic (a survivor and NSO worker); Jeremy (one of the fallen, leader); Ashley (one of the fallen); Mariah (one of the fallen); Michael (one of the fallen, Jeremy’s right-hand man); Det. Ramirez (assigned to the Watch Tower, member of the New Social Order); Rabbi Isaac Cohen (designer of the Plan)
Pipe Dreams
Pipe Dreams is an Ulyssesian journey through an urban nightmare from which you never wake. It is a nightmare where citizens endure a dystopian hellhole of despair, violence and constant danger.
The setting is Edenton, New York, sometime in the future. A recent rebellion has been quelled—the result, the insurrectionists live on the mainline, while the survivors reside on a nearby island. The survivors form a new government called the New Social Order, or NSO. The NSO places the island under quarantine because it says the rebels released a bio-weapon called the Blue Flu, shortly before the rebellion ended. Consequently, to protect the survivors, the NSO prohibits anyone from coming ashore or leaving the island.
As the new government begins to form, two distinct classes of citizens immerge—those who follow the edicts of the NSO, the “survivors,” and those who do not, the “fallen”. The fallen are cast out of the mainstream and forced to fend for themselves. But all is not as it seems. NSO’s motives are suspect, friends are enemies, and enemies are friends.
Pipe Dreams review
It is into this maelstrom of avarice and deception that Pipe Dreams’ young antiheroines are thrust. First, there is Vanessa Kovalic, a survivor, NSO worker and, unbeknownst to her, a target of the fallen. Intelligent and determined, Vanessa has her own reasons for seeking the downfall of the NSO. Then, there’s Ashley. Though young, she is tough, street-smart, cunning, and uncompromisingly violent, when circumstances demand it. To survive the NSO’s plan, and save the fallen, Vanessa and Ashley form an uneasy alliance that tests their courage and determination. Before it is over, both women will experience a shattering climacteric that will change the course of their lives forever.
Last words—
At its core, Pipe Dreams is a story about the “haves” and “have nots”, and what one group or the other is willing to do to maintain the status quo. It is not a new theme; it has been played out in literature and film … and unfortunately, in real life, time and time, again.
But this is, and always will be a writer’s challenge–finding a way to write about one of the few themes in the world in an interesting, stimulating, informative, provocative way. Ms. Allison did so. And because she did, I cared about Vanessa and Ashley, as well as some of the minor characters. I was alternately happy, despondent and angry. In other words, Ms. Allison manipulated my emotions so skillfully that I never saw it coming. Consequently, I hope to read about Vanessa and Ashley in future books.
As a reader, it’s not enough that a writer can guide me from point A to point B; it’s how he or she does it. It makes all the difference.
Paladin St. Clair
Back Porch Writer - Lead Reviewer
Review: Pipe Dreams
Author: Destiny Allison
Genre: Fiction, New Adult
Copyright: 2013
Principal characters: Vanessa Kovalic (a survivor and NSO worker); Jeremy (one of the fallen, leader); Ashley (one of the fallen); Mariah (one of the fallen); Michael (one of the fallen, Jeremy’s right-hand man); Det. Ramirez (assigned to the Watch Tower, member of the New Social Order); Rabbi Isaac Cohen (designer of the Plan)
Pipe Dreams
Pipe Dreams is an Ulyssesian journey through an urban nightmare from which you never wake. It is a nightmare where citizens endure a dystopian hellhole of despair, violence and constant danger.
The setting is Edenton, New York, sometime in the future. A recent rebellion has been quelled—the result, the insurrectionists live on the mainline, while the survivors reside on a nearby island. The survivors form a new government called the New Social Order, or NSO. The NSO places the island under quarantine because it says the rebels released a bio-weapon called the Blue Flu, shortly before the rebellion ended. Consequently, to protect the survivors, the NSO prohibits anyone from coming ashore or leaving the island.
As the new government begins to form, two distinct classes of citizens immerge—those who follow the edicts of the NSO, the “survivors,” and those who do not, the “fallen”. The fallen are cast out of the mainstream and forced to fend for themselves. But all is not as it seems. NSO’s motives are suspect, friends are enemies, and enemies are friends.
Pipe Dreams review
It is into this maelstrom of avarice and deception that Pipe Dreams’ young antiheroines are thrust. First, there is Vanessa Kovalic, a survivor, NSO worker and, unbeknownst to her, a target of the fallen. Intelligent and determined, Vanessa has her own reasons for seeking the downfall of the NSO. Then, there’s Ashley. Though young, she is tough, street-smart, cunning, and uncompromisingly violent, when circumstances demand it. To survive the NSO’s plan, and save the fallen, Vanessa and Ashley form an uneasy alliance that tests their courage and determination. Before it is over, both women will experience a shattering climacteric that will change the course of their lives forever.
Last words—
At its core, Pipe Dreams is a story about the “haves” and “have nots”, and what one group or the other is willing to do to maintain the status quo. It is not a new theme; it has been played out in literature and film … and unfortunately, in real life, time and time, again.
But this is, and always will be a writer’s challenge–finding a way to write about one of the few themes in the world in an interesting, stimulating, informative, provocative way. Ms. Allison did so. And because she did, I cared about Vanessa and Ashley, as well as some of the minor characters. I was alternately happy, despondent and angry. In other words, Ms. Allison manipulated my emotions so skillfully that I never saw it coming. Consequently, I hope to read about Vanessa and Ashley in future books.
As a reader, it’s not enough that a writer can guide me from point A to point B; it’s how he or she does it. It makes all the difference.
Paladin St. Clair
Back Porch Writer - Lead Reviewer
August 10, 2015
Destiny Allison has created a futuristic thriller about the will to survive and retain dignity in a world gone awry with greed and power. Vanessa Kovalic represents the last of the assistants to the power-hungry "drivers" in the "administration." When she is befriended by Ramirez, the officer sent to investigate her forbidden interaction with the Fallen, she must decide if he can be trusted. In the meantime, the members of the Fallen also pursue Vanessa's trust as a means to securing covert information about the machinations of the government, headed by the nefarious Lewis and a coterie of others intent on initiating an evil design.
As the multilayered plot lines of this epic adventure intensify and develop with a large cast of characters, including a number of military commanders with critical decisions to make, Allison keeps the action moving at a gripping pace. For the most part fascinating, the story generates genuine emotion between characters as they face daily dilemmas in their need to survive in a society clutched in the throes of rebellion and megalomania.
The novel also addresses troubling issues in regard to the abuse and objectification of women, the role of religion, and the danger of pandemic viruses that can mutate DNA. She writes very concise chapters. Her prose is vivid and ecstatic with literary qualities. She harnesses the many plot lines and pulls them together while unveiling twists and revelations along the way. In choosing to use a dystopian future for her setting, she has created an eye-opening world that serves as a cautionary tale of what can go wrong, even if intentions in the beginning might have been good.
As the multilayered plot lines of this epic adventure intensify and develop with a large cast of characters, including a number of military commanders with critical decisions to make, Allison keeps the action moving at a gripping pace. For the most part fascinating, the story generates genuine emotion between characters as they face daily dilemmas in their need to survive in a society clutched in the throes of rebellion and megalomania.
The novel also addresses troubling issues in regard to the abuse and objectification of women, the role of religion, and the danger of pandemic viruses that can mutate DNA. She writes very concise chapters. Her prose is vivid and ecstatic with literary qualities. She harnesses the many plot lines and pulls them together while unveiling twists and revelations along the way. In choosing to use a dystopian future for her setting, she has created an eye-opening world that serves as a cautionary tale of what can go wrong, even if intentions in the beginning might have been good.
June 3, 2013
As a beta-reader, I read the early, not-fully edited copy of Pipe Dreams...and I couldn't put it down! Although categorized as dystopian sci-fi, the novel is light enough on the sci-fi to be attractive to the general reader. Without spoiling the story, the basic premise is a government take-over with a twist.
Allison does a marvelous job of adding sub plots to keep you guessing and add depth to the story. Well-fleshed characters and good use of dialog propel the story at an enjoyable pace. Intelligent wordplay and structure nudge Allison's voice closer to literary. If you enjoy Margaret Atwood you'll like Destiny Allison.
Allison does a marvelous job of adding sub plots to keep you guessing and add depth to the story. Well-fleshed characters and good use of dialog propel the story at an enjoyable pace. Intelligent wordplay and structure nudge Allison's voice closer to literary. If you enjoy Margaret Atwood you'll like Destiny Allison.
July 2, 2013
Destiny Allison is such a good writer that there should be a petition to get her to rewrite bad books throughout history.
This is a very captivating book with some deliciously vile villains.
Even if the story sometimes doesn't feel that exciting, you can't help but just keep turning the pages because of how well written it is.
If movies were narrated by Destiny Allison's writing, maybe I'd actually stay awake during a movie like The Tree of Life.
Can't wait to read more of Destiny's work. :)
This is a very captivating book with some deliciously vile villains.
Even if the story sometimes doesn't feel that exciting, you can't help but just keep turning the pages because of how well written it is.
If movies were narrated by Destiny Allison's writing, maybe I'd actually stay awake during a movie like The Tree of Life.
Can't wait to read more of Destiny's work. :)
July 28, 2013
***Won in a Goodreads Giveaway***
I really wanted to like this more, because dystopian/post-apocalyptic is my favorite. But I didn't love it.
I thought the story was a bit convoluted and the characters weren't as well-developed as I like. There were a few surprises concerning the characters that I didn't quite expect, but all in all, I was left disappointed.
I really wanted to like this more, because dystopian/post-apocalyptic is my favorite. But I didn't love it.
I thought the story was a bit convoluted and the characters weren't as well-developed as I like. There were a few surprises concerning the characters that I didn't quite expect, but all in all, I was left disappointed.
July 10, 2013
Let me start off by informing everyone that I received this book for free as part of the Goodreads First Reads program, and I was glad I did. This book had a little bit of everything in it. I would call it a dystopian romance with a twist, and it included plenty of action, suspense, and heartache. The ending left it wide open for a sequel, which I will be keeping an eye out for.
June 3, 2013
I loved this book from the start. The characters and story line flow wonderfully to create a world not far from today. I loved and hated characters throughout. Allison's writing from all the different viewpoints is interesting and kept me engaged with all parts of the book.
I want more!
I want more!
June 19, 2013
Hang onto your seats! "Pipe Dreams" pulses with energy while describing a downtrodden society. I finished this dystopian novel at 3am, and that should tell how much I enjoyed "Pipe Dreams."
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November 11, 2013November 2013
Review: Pipe Dreams
Author: Destiny Allison
Genre: Fiction, New Adult
Copyright: 2013
Principal characters: Vanessa Kovalic (a survivor and NSO worker); Jeremy (one of the fallen, leader); Ashley (one of the fallen); Mariah (one of the fallen); Michael (one of the fallen, Jeremy’s right-hand man); Det. Ramirez (assigned to the Watch Tower, member of the New Social Order); Rabbi Isaac Cohen (designer of the Plan)
Pipe Dreams
Pipe Dreams is an Ulyssesian journey through an urban nightmare from which you never wake. It is a nightmare where citizens endure a dystopian hellhole of despair, violence and constant danger.
The setting is Edenton, New York, sometime in the future. A recent rebellion has been quelled—the result, the insurrectionists live on the mainline, while the survivors reside on a nearby island. The survivors form a new government called the New Social Order, or NSO. The NSO places the island under quarantine because it says the rebels released a bio-weapon called the Blue Flu, shortly before the rebellion ended. Consequently, to protect the survivors, the NSO prohibits anyone from coming ashore or leaving the island.
As the new government begins to form, two distinct classes of citizens immerge—those who follow the edicts of the NSO, the “survivors,” and those who do not, the “fallen”. The fallen are cast out of the mainstream and forced to fend for themselves. But all is not as it seems. NSO’s motives are suspect, friends are enemies, and enemies are friends.
Pipe Dreams review
It is into this maelstrom of avarice and deception that Pipe Dreams’ young antiheroines are thrust. First, there is Vanessa Kovalic, a survivor, NSO worker and, unbeknownst to her, a target of the fallen. Intelligent and determined, Vanessa has her own reasons for seeking the downfall of the NSO. Then, there’s Ashley. Though young, she is tough, street-smart, cunning, and uncompromisingly violent, when circumstances demand it. To survive the NSO’s plan, and save the fallen, Vanessa and Ashley form an uneasy alliance that tests their courage and determination. Before it is over, both women will experience a shattering climacteric that will change the course of their lives forever.
Last words—
At its core, Pipe Dreams is a story about the “haves” and “have nots”, and what one group or the other is willing to do to maintain the status quo. It is not a new theme; it has been played out in literature and film … and unfortunately, in real life, time and time, again.
But this is, and always will be a writer’s challenge–finding a way to write about one of the few themes in the world in an interesting, stimulating, informative, provocative way. Ms. Allison did so. And because she did, I cared about Vanessa and Ashley, as well as some of the minor characters. I was alternately happy, despondent and angry. In other words, Ms. Allison manipulated my emotions so skillfully that I never saw it coming. Consequently, I hope to read about Vanessa and Ashley in future books.
As a reader, it’s not enough that a writer can guide me from point A to point B; it’s how he or she does it. It makes all the difference.
Paladin St. Clair
Back Porch Writer - Lead Reviewer
Review: Pipe Dreams
Author: Destiny Allison
Genre: Fiction, New Adult
Copyright: 2013
Principal characters: Vanessa Kovalic (a survivor and NSO worker); Jeremy (one of the fallen, leader); Ashley (one of the fallen); Mariah (one of the fallen); Michael (one of the fallen, Jeremy’s right-hand man); Det. Ramirez (assigned to the Watch Tower, member of the New Social Order); Rabbi Isaac Cohen (designer of the Plan)
Pipe Dreams
Pipe Dreams is an Ulyssesian journey through an urban nightmare from which you never wake. It is a nightmare where citizens endure a dystopian hellhole of despair, violence and constant danger.
The setting is Edenton, New York, sometime in the future. A recent rebellion has been quelled—the result, the insurrectionists live on the mainline, while the survivors reside on a nearby island. The survivors form a new government called the New Social Order, or NSO. The NSO places the island under quarantine because it says the rebels released a bio-weapon called the Blue Flu, shortly before the rebellion ended. Consequently, to protect the survivors, the NSO prohibits anyone from coming ashore or leaving the island.
As the new government begins to form, two distinct classes of citizens immerge—those who follow the edicts of the NSO, the “survivors,” and those who do not, the “fallen”. The fallen are cast out of the mainstream and forced to fend for themselves. But all is not as it seems. NSO’s motives are suspect, friends are enemies, and enemies are friends.
Pipe Dreams review
It is into this maelstrom of avarice and deception that Pipe Dreams’ young antiheroines are thrust. First, there is Vanessa Kovalic, a survivor, NSO worker and, unbeknownst to her, a target of the fallen. Intelligent and determined, Vanessa has her own reasons for seeking the downfall of the NSO. Then, there’s Ashley. Though young, she is tough, street-smart, cunning, and uncompromisingly violent, when circumstances demand it. To survive the NSO’s plan, and save the fallen, Vanessa and Ashley form an uneasy alliance that tests their courage and determination. Before it is over, both women will experience a shattering climacteric that will change the course of their lives forever.
Last words—
At its core, Pipe Dreams is a story about the “haves” and “have nots”, and what one group or the other is willing to do to maintain the status quo. It is not a new theme; it has been played out in literature and film … and unfortunately, in real life, time and time, again.
But this is, and always will be a writer’s challenge–finding a way to write about one of the few themes in the world in an interesting, stimulating, informative, provocative way. Ms. Allison did so. And because she did, I cared about Vanessa and Ashley, as well as some of the minor characters. I was alternately happy, despondent and angry. In other words, Ms. Allison manipulated my emotions so skillfully that I never saw it coming. Consequently, I hope to read about Vanessa and Ashley in future books.
As a reader, it’s not enough that a writer can guide me from point A to point B; it’s how he or she does it. It makes all the difference.
Paladin St. Clair
Back Porch Writer - Lead Reviewer
July 9, 2013
First of all, I would like to preface this review by saying that this is not at all my usual genre. The reason I mention this is because I stick to two or three basic genres I enjoy reading and therefore do not tend to branch out much, so I am always surprised when a book from an unfamiliar genre really captivates me.
When I began reading this novel, the first thing I noticed is that it is edgy. I like that very much. The characters do not feel like they are pretending to be something other than what the author, Destiny Allison, created them to be. I didn't feel as though I was looking at cardboard cutouts of characters torn from other books and then revamped.
Secondly, there are no lulls or dull spots in this book. It begins with a startling revelation and continues to shock you and please you as it unfolds. I haven't read many books in this category, but the few that I have certainly did not pique my interest as this one has.
The plot was well crafted. There were a few times when I thought I might have things figured out, but was wrong each time. I really enjoyed the suspenseful way the author used the character's reactions to build tension for the reader. Instead of announcing everything that was about to happen, she let the characters experience things so that the reader can as well.
When I found myself at the halfway point, I stopped for a moment and told myself I would only read for a few minutes more and then go get dinner made. So, naturally I ended up reading all the way to the end.
Also, here is one of my favourite quotes:
"Damn, It's been a long time since you had any contact with the rest of the world, hasn't it?"
One small warning *This book does have foul language in it, so if you are offended by this, please note that it does contain some.
I personally did not find it offensive, and thought it fit with the contents of the book and the personalities/situations of the characters.
Overall, this was a great read that I was impressed with. If you are looking for something a bit dangerous, exciting and different in a good way, pick up a copy of Pipe Dreams today. If you are a fan of novels where you never know quite what to expect next, this will be a good choice for you.
When I began reading this novel, the first thing I noticed is that it is edgy. I like that very much. The characters do not feel like they are pretending to be something other than what the author, Destiny Allison, created them to be. I didn't feel as though I was looking at cardboard cutouts of characters torn from other books and then revamped.
Secondly, there are no lulls or dull spots in this book. It begins with a startling revelation and continues to shock you and please you as it unfolds. I haven't read many books in this category, but the few that I have certainly did not pique my interest as this one has.
The plot was well crafted. There were a few times when I thought I might have things figured out, but was wrong each time. I really enjoyed the suspenseful way the author used the character's reactions to build tension for the reader. Instead of announcing everything that was about to happen, she let the characters experience things so that the reader can as well.
When I found myself at the halfway point, I stopped for a moment and told myself I would only read for a few minutes more and then go get dinner made. So, naturally I ended up reading all the way to the end.
Also, here is one of my favourite quotes:
"Damn, It's been a long time since you had any contact with the rest of the world, hasn't it?"
One small warning *This book does have foul language in it, so if you are offended by this, please note that it does contain some.
I personally did not find it offensive, and thought it fit with the contents of the book and the personalities/situations of the characters.
Overall, this was a great read that I was impressed with. If you are looking for something a bit dangerous, exciting and different in a good way, pick up a copy of Pipe Dreams today. If you are a fan of novels where you never know quite what to expect next, this will be a good choice for you.
August 10, 2013
The bones of this story are great, and there is plenty of delicious imagery. I found the emotional tenor of the novel to be inconsistent, however. By this I mean that at times I felt that the unfolding of the various characters' inner lives were deep and moving; more often I found I did not feel drawn into their world. There were many times I felt the pacing was off and an important moment was rushed. The best example of this was Jeremy's death. It seemed very sudden, which was fine, but the description of Ashley's response did not ring true for me and felt abrupt. (Moving moments where the character does not have the luxury of time to grieve can be done well - the example that springs most readily to mind is Ann Aguirre's Enclave/Outpost series.) I similarly felt that much of Vanessa's history was very compelling but did not FEEL drawn into the details of her life. What makes a good story great, in my estimation, is getting emotionally involved with the characters. Without that, a good story is just a good story - I would have liked to see the riveting details of this novel somehow more fleshed with a greater involvement in the inner lives of the characters. I felt the storytelling was much more matter-of-fact than emotionally vulnerable, which seems a bit odd given the nature of the story and the trauma the characters endure. There were passages where these elements were present (for example, Ashley's POV when she is kidnapped and held in a cage), but overall, I didn't care about the characters as much as I would have liked.
There were some usage errors here and there but not so many as to be unduly distracting.
I will say the ending was very well done. The last two paragraphs set up a sequel while giving closure to this chapter. It made me curious without creating the sense of frustration or disinterest I so often experience upon finishing the first of a series. This book can stand alone while also giving the impression the sequel will be an entirely new story, not simply a rehashing of the themes explored in the first.
There were some usage errors here and there but not so many as to be unduly distracting.
I will say the ending was very well done. The last two paragraphs set up a sequel while giving closure to this chapter. It made me curious without creating the sense of frustration or disinterest I so often experience upon finishing the first of a series. This book can stand alone while also giving the impression the sequel will be an entirely new story, not simply a rehashing of the themes explored in the first.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2013
Pipe Dreams by Destiny Allison storyline was very interesting. The reader is thrown into this male dominated world where everything is being run by a council of demented, controlling, sadistic, cavemen mentality crime bosses basically. They have gathered many of the leading scientists to work on what the scientists believe will be a benefit to mankind. The bad men in control then force the scientists to modify their creation to use as a biological weapon. The reader is led to believe that the whole world is under these leaders control, but as the story progresses you find out that it is just this isolated island under their control but the world is being threatened with the use of the biological weapon. The story was overshadowed by the coarse, dark nature of the controlling council who think women's only use is as a vessel for the rulers rough, sadistic pleasures. I don't buy into the theme of women being beaten, punched and victimized then turning right around with giggles and be ready to hop willingly in the sack with their abusers. The story had so much potential but then so much got in the way of being a really good read.
July 29, 2013
I received this as a free kindle book after entering a Goodreads giveaway.
The book was an interesting read, but a little convoluted in the plot. I had a bit of trouble keeping the characters straight, and if they were "good guys" or "bad guys." It also ended rather abruptly. The premise was good and the book was well written.
The book was an interesting read, but a little convoluted in the plot. I had a bit of trouble keeping the characters straight, and if they were "good guys" or "bad guys." It also ended rather abruptly. The premise was good and the book was well written.
May 12, 2014
Needs a good copy editor, but if you can look beyond a plethora of commas and some word misuse, you can enjoy the tale. Although I would love to see the author polish this more (her nonfiction proves she is well up to the task), it was a largely entertaining read. I'm looking forward to her sequel!
July 15, 2013
3.5/5 stars.
Full review AND giveaway up 7/15 at: http://booksithinkyoushouldread.blogs...
Full review AND giveaway up 7/15 at: http://booksithinkyoushouldread.blogs...
November 22, 2013
The dystopian story line was interesting but I didn't really feel connected with any of the characters.
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