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No Ordinary Girl: Mind : tainted. Body : broken. Revenge; in motion...
What started out as a night of celebration for Aimee soon turned into a nightmare. Snatched by cruel, sadistic monsters - the worst creatures mankind has ever produced - she’s thrown into a metal container, among other victims too frightened to make a single sound. The game-keepers force everyone to play. They deliver torment and pain in equal measure. Every hunter has their own agenda and reasons to maim and torture. Detective Johnson is one step away from catching the killers. Wrestling with his instincts as a father to serve justice his own way, this is no ordinary case for him. Can he stop the vile sadists before they damage more young girls, as well as his own daughter? Aimee’s ordeal within the compound brings her to the conclusion that she’s no ordinary girl. But can she hang onto her sanity long enough to escape? And will she find a different way to play? This crime thriller will keep you riveted. It’s no ordinary story. Please contains graphic content.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2017
12 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Elaine
9 books30 followers Bio
Cheryl Elaine is a British Author, and resides in Yorkshire. Throughout her life she has been an avid reader and wrote many short stories, which lead her on a path to the world of publishing. She released her debut novel - No Ordinary Girl, followed by her latest release - Stitched.
I hope you enjoy my dark and disturbing crime books, and if you fancy reading something lighter, why not check out my fantasy novel – Dragged to the Depths.
You can find out more about me, at the following places
https://www.cherylelaine.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/cherylelaine...
https://www.instagram.com/cherylelain...
https://twitter.com/CherylElaine15
Cheryl Elaine is a British Author, and resides in Yorkshire. Throughout her life she has been an avid reader and wrote many short stories, which lead her on a path to the world of publishing. She released her debut novel - No Ordinary Girl, followed by her latest release - Stitched.
I hope you enjoy my dark and disturbing crime books, and if you fancy reading something lighter, why not check out my fantasy novel – Dragged to the Depths.
You can find out more about me, at the following places
https://www.cherylelaine.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/cherylelaine...
https://www.instagram.com/cherylelain...
https://twitter.com/CherylElaine15
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 24, 2018
4☆ Not for the Faint Hearted
No Ordinary Girl is a brutal story of a horrific game of being hunted and tortured by sick sadistic players bought to them by the game keepers. Except the Game are Humans.
This book reminded me of the Hunger games/ The Purge / Saw.
When I say brutal I also mean sadistic, No Ordinary Girl contains extreme violence, sex acts, rape, murder, torture.
Ok so now i have that bit out the way, down to the story,
It's not easy writing about the story without giving something away.
So I have been very brief.
There are several characters introduced throughout the story but the main ones are Aimee and Anna.
Aimee is captured, tortured, yet she has this amazing strength and courage as she vows to survive.
Anna is tortured beyond belief, she is completely broken. Although you don't get to witness her torture she is locked up with Aimee.
You see the Game Keepers are all about money and power. They are sick individuals who know exactly how to cover their tracks and capture to keep the game being played and the money rolling in.
Each of the players of the game have their own twisted storyline as you delve into the minds of the serial killer.
Once you enter the game - there is no coming out Alive!
It's a game of Cat and Mouse! And only the Hunters come out winners!
Or do they?
This story is a story of survival, revenge, despair and hope.
Although I found the graphic of the book a little too much to take at times, I couldn't stop reading. It had be hooked and captured and I couldn't let go!
Cheryl has this way of subjecting the reader to something horrific then a big twist and then an inkling of something positive. A ray of hope!
I don't think it was predictable I think it was very clever, as the reader weaved in and out stories being unnerved yet having a sense of hope.
I would definitely recommend this book if you enjoy dark, twisted Thrillers, that leave you unnerved, yet hooked and hanging onto every word praying their survival.
Deliciously, Dark, Twisted, yet addictive.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
No Ordinary Girl is a brutal story of a horrific game of being hunted and tortured by sick sadistic players bought to them by the game keepers. Except the Game are Humans.
This book reminded me of the Hunger games/ The Purge / Saw.
When I say brutal I also mean sadistic, No Ordinary Girl contains extreme violence, sex acts, rape, murder, torture.
Ok so now i have that bit out the way, down to the story,
It's not easy writing about the story without giving something away.
So I have been very brief.
There are several characters introduced throughout the story but the main ones are Aimee and Anna.
Aimee is captured, tortured, yet she has this amazing strength and courage as she vows to survive.
Anna is tortured beyond belief, she is completely broken. Although you don't get to witness her torture she is locked up with Aimee.
You see the Game Keepers are all about money and power. They are sick individuals who know exactly how to cover their tracks and capture to keep the game being played and the money rolling in.
Each of the players of the game have their own twisted storyline as you delve into the minds of the serial killer.
Once you enter the game - there is no coming out Alive!
It's a game of Cat and Mouse! And only the Hunters come out winners!
Or do they?
This story is a story of survival, revenge, despair and hope.
Although I found the graphic of the book a little too much to take at times, I couldn't stop reading. It had be hooked and captured and I couldn't let go!
Cheryl has this way of subjecting the reader to something horrific then a big twist and then an inkling of something positive. A ray of hope!
I don't think it was predictable I think it was very clever, as the reader weaved in and out stories being unnerved yet having a sense of hope.
I would definitely recommend this book if you enjoy dark, twisted Thrillers, that leave you unnerved, yet hooked and hanging onto every word praying their survival.
Deliciously, Dark, Twisted, yet addictive.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
January 2, 2018
This is dark, this is darker than dark it’s pitch black.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a twisted dark gruelling explicit book such as this. And it’s not something a ‘normal’ persons says.....but it was OMG fabulously written.
I read this in one sitting. Turned off my internet notifications and just sat on the edge.
Imagine going out one night, having fun then waking up inside a metal container, that’s not all.....
When she thought she was alone, she was not, definitely not for the faint hearted this read.
It drew me in and made me cringe, and at the end I was saying....what a fab read. This took my attention so much I forgot the time.
First book read by this author, definitely not my last.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a twisted dark gruelling explicit book such as this. And it’s not something a ‘normal’ persons says.....but it was OMG fabulously written.
I read this in one sitting. Turned off my internet notifications and just sat on the edge.
Imagine going out one night, having fun then waking up inside a metal container, that’s not all.....
When she thought she was alone, she was not, definitely not for the faint hearted this read.
It drew me in and made me cringe, and at the end I was saying....what a fab read. This took my attention so much I forgot the time.
First book read by this author, definitely not my last.
November 26, 2017
During a night of partying, Aimee and her friend Kelly meet two men who are charming and kind. Or so they think. When Aimee wakes up the next day, she finds that she's locked in a cage with a number of other people, all who have also been kidnapped. When she learns that she will be a pawn in the deadly game of sadistic killers, she will do anything to escape.
Detective Johnson has always been one step behind the killers, but this case has now become personal to him. Aimee's goal is survival. Can she hang onto her sanity (and her life) long enough to escape? As Aimee and Detective Johnson's paths draw closer together, Aimee will come to realize that she's no ordinary girl, and Johnson will realize that this is no ordinary case.
I really loved No Ordinary Girl! When I read the concept, I was hooked! I love dark thrillers, and this one came with a "graphic content" warning, so I was already intrigued! I think the warning was a good idea - while I love my thrillers dar and twisted, not everyone does, and I'd say this was similar to the movie Hostel, but in book form, so if you can't stomach torture and/or rape, this wont be the book for you. That said, if you can, you should definitely pick this one up!
I was hooked from the first chapter, and flew through the book once I started reading. Coming in at just under 200 pages, it's quick to get through, and I was dying to see how everything would play out. I really loved the ending of the book, and thought it was unique and much different than other thrillers I've read that involved kidnapping.
This was Cheryl Elaine's debut novel, and that was shocking to me! I'd love to see more of Detective Johnson, and I think she did a great job of starting to develop his character in a way the leaves it open for her to do so if she chooses.
All in all, I loved this book, and would definitely recommend it for fans of really dark thrillers that contain graphic scenes! I'd like to thank Cheryl Elaine for my copy of the novel. It was my pleasure to provide an honest review!
Detective Johnson has always been one step behind the killers, but this case has now become personal to him. Aimee's goal is survival. Can she hang onto her sanity (and her life) long enough to escape? As Aimee and Detective Johnson's paths draw closer together, Aimee will come to realize that she's no ordinary girl, and Johnson will realize that this is no ordinary case.
I really loved No Ordinary Girl! When I read the concept, I was hooked! I love dark thrillers, and this one came with a "graphic content" warning, so I was already intrigued! I think the warning was a good idea - while I love my thrillers dar and twisted, not everyone does, and I'd say this was similar to the movie Hostel, but in book form, so if you can't stomach torture and/or rape, this wont be the book for you. That said, if you can, you should definitely pick this one up!
I was hooked from the first chapter, and flew through the book once I started reading. Coming in at just under 200 pages, it's quick to get through, and I was dying to see how everything would play out. I really loved the ending of the book, and thought it was unique and much different than other thrillers I've read that involved kidnapping.
This was Cheryl Elaine's debut novel, and that was shocking to me! I'd love to see more of Detective Johnson, and I think she did a great job of starting to develop his character in a way the leaves it open for her to do so if she chooses.
All in all, I loved this book, and would definitely recommend it for fans of really dark thrillers that contain graphic scenes! I'd like to thank Cheryl Elaine for my copy of the novel. It was my pleasure to provide an honest review!
January 18, 2018
3.5 Stars.
Dark, gritty, and spine-chillingly disturbing!
No Ordinary Girl is a raw, gory thriller full of sadistic violence, abuse, pain, suffering, degradation, exploitation, revenge, sex, and murder.
The writing is macabre and exceptionally descriptive. The main heroine, Aimee, is beaten, battered, resilient and damaged. And the plot, although I think it could have had a little more story between the violence, especially in the second half of the novel, is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat tale that brings every parent’s worst fears to life.
I have to point out that No Ordinary Girl deals with some horrific issues with some explicitly graphic torture and murder scenes so it may not be for everyone. However, saying that, if you’re a huge fan of horror than I think you’ll enjoy this fast-paced, highly imaginative, riveting novel that certainly blurs the lines between victim retribution and callous murder.
Thank you to Cheryl Elaine and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
Dark, gritty, and spine-chillingly disturbing!
No Ordinary Girl is a raw, gory thriller full of sadistic violence, abuse, pain, suffering, degradation, exploitation, revenge, sex, and murder.
The writing is macabre and exceptionally descriptive. The main heroine, Aimee, is beaten, battered, resilient and damaged. And the plot, although I think it could have had a little more story between the violence, especially in the second half of the novel, is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat tale that brings every parent’s worst fears to life.
I have to point out that No Ordinary Girl deals with some horrific issues with some explicitly graphic torture and murder scenes so it may not be for everyone. However, saying that, if you’re a huge fan of horror than I think you’ll enjoy this fast-paced, highly imaginative, riveting novel that certainly blurs the lines between victim retribution and callous murder.
Thank you to Cheryl Elaine and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
January 24, 2018
As stated in the description this book contains graphic content and would personally recommend it to people over the age of eighteen.
The story starts off with Aimee and her best friend Kelly going on a night out. From that point on things get extremely dark indeed.
I have to admit the story feels part horror, part crime thriller. I had prepared myself for the graphic content but I have to admit I still found some parts quite disturbing. It would certainly make a good horror film. Other parts due to the nature of the story were very uncomfortable to read but sadly is true to life and I wanted to try and shut out what was happening to some of the characters like they were trying to.
The story certainly holds some surprises in store as it takes different directions to what I expected of which I liked. Aimee is a good protagonist as it was good to see how she handles everything that is happening to her and all the different emotions that she goes through.
No Ordinary Girl is a dark, uncomfortable, yet compelling read that didn’t take me long to read at all. Definitely ideal for readers who like a dark and twisted read.
My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The story starts off with Aimee and her best friend Kelly going on a night out. From that point on things get extremely dark indeed.
I have to admit the story feels part horror, part crime thriller. I had prepared myself for the graphic content but I have to admit I still found some parts quite disturbing. It would certainly make a good horror film. Other parts due to the nature of the story were very uncomfortable to read but sadly is true to life and I wanted to try and shut out what was happening to some of the characters like they were trying to.
The story certainly holds some surprises in store as it takes different directions to what I expected of which I liked. Aimee is a good protagonist as it was good to see how she handles everything that is happening to her and all the different emotions that she goes through.
No Ordinary Girl is a dark, uncomfortable, yet compelling read that didn’t take me long to read at all. Definitely ideal for readers who like a dark and twisted read.
My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
January 25, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I really enjoyed this book and whilst this is a relatively short read it really packs a punch and deals with some tough issues.
The book only took me a couple of hours to read but whilst I was reading it I was engrossed and didn't want to be interrupted, I had to know where the story was going and how it was going to end - I was gripped, it is a dark story but it is very well planned and thought out to keep you engaged.
This is an excellent debut novel - Four stars from me!!
I really enjoyed this book and whilst this is a relatively short read it really packs a punch and deals with some tough issues.
The book only took me a couple of hours to read but whilst I was reading it I was engrossed and didn't want to be interrupted, I had to know where the story was going and how it was going to end - I was gripped, it is a dark story but it is very well planned and thought out to keep you engaged.
This is an excellent debut novel - Four stars from me!!
May 31, 2018
Wow, what can I say except this book was absolutely astounding and it immediately goes into my top five reads, ever.
I read it in two days, very difficult usually with my hectic schedule but I finished it at 4.30 this morning because I HAD TO KNOW how it ended.
There is a warning of the book's page that it contains graphic content, if you're of a nervous disposition I urge you to heed that warning. There's graphic and there's graphic!!!
Saying that, I think it added to the believability of the story. Aimee was on an innocent night out with friends when she's abducted and thrown into a life of debauchery, slavery and daily torture whilst other abductees housed in the same container as her lose their lives on a daily basis.
How this author came up with all the different graphic scenes in this book is beyond me, such a twisted mind deserves all the praise it receives.
The story never let up throughout, no wasted words and no filler in this book which made it such a gripping read.
So damn good, a horrendous topic that was written exceptionally well.
Seriously, if I could give it ten stars I would, without a shadow of a doubt.
Don't take my word for it, grab this book today and find out for yourself.
I read it in two days, very difficult usually with my hectic schedule but I finished it at 4.30 this morning because I HAD TO KNOW how it ended.
There is a warning of the book's page that it contains graphic content, if you're of a nervous disposition I urge you to heed that warning. There's graphic and there's graphic!!!
Saying that, I think it added to the believability of the story. Aimee was on an innocent night out with friends when she's abducted and thrown into a life of debauchery, slavery and daily torture whilst other abductees housed in the same container as her lose their lives on a daily basis.
How this author came up with all the different graphic scenes in this book is beyond me, such a twisted mind deserves all the praise it receives.
The story never let up throughout, no wasted words and no filler in this book which made it such a gripping read.
So damn good, a horrendous topic that was written exceptionally well.
Seriously, if I could give it ten stars I would, without a shadow of a doubt.
Don't take my word for it, grab this book today and find out for yourself.
January 2, 2019
If you love Hostel type stories then this book will be right up there for you to read as it is dark, gruesome and at times petrifying because if someone has enough money then someone else will provide what ever they desire. The story centre’s round Aimee from the night that she goes out with her best friend to a club, to finding herself wakening in a new and terrifying environment. It is a matter of let the games begin as the fruit loop clients have specific needs to be fulfilled with their grudge against the world and unwilling victims there to make them feel better, whoa this is so truly intense, bloody, gory and page turning madness.
I really liked getting to know more about the background of the clients and what had made them into monsters and the also the drastic change in Aimee from when the story begins to the end. The author put me right in amongst the carnage that was going on all round me and it was an uneasy place to be but at the same time impossible to stop reading.
The last quarter of the book totally threw me but in a good way. I really enjoy a story that can catch me out. Although this may not be for everyone because of the graphic content, the storyline is captivating and have to admit that this is my sort of book. A super read!
I really liked getting to know more about the background of the clients and what had made them into monsters and the also the drastic change in Aimee from when the story begins to the end. The author put me right in amongst the carnage that was going on all round me and it was an uneasy place to be but at the same time impossible to stop reading.
The last quarter of the book totally threw me but in a good way. I really enjoy a story that can catch me out. Although this may not be for everyone because of the graphic content, the storyline is captivating and have to admit that this is my sort of book. A super read!
January 26, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Oh my (*insert swear word here*) goodness!!!!! Before I go any further, please be aware that this book contains extremely graphic, violent and sadistic scenes. If you're not a fan of highly graphic, non-consensual sexual violence, then this book is 100% not for you.
Right, now the warnings are out of the way, let's talk about my thoughts of the book!
The fact that I don't read blurbs, really did come back to bite me on my behind when I started to read 'No Ordinary Girl'. I had seen people talking about it on social media, saying how it was certainly a different type of thriller to what they have read before. I didn't take their views on board as I naively thought to myself, 'nahhhh, it can't be that bad!'. Do I wish I had paid attention to what other people were saying about the book? No, because my thoughts were right - the book wasn't THAT BAD at all. Not in that sense anyway!
The characters were worse than bad - they were evil (well, most of them!). Despite being severely unsure of the book the more of it I read, I couldn't even put it down. There were times where I thought I was going to be physically sick due to the disgusting actions of multiple characters, yet in a weird sort of way, that spurred me on to get through the book to find out what happened. Part of head kept shouting 'put the book down, this is sick!!', yet the another part of my head went; 'OMG what happens next? Is everyone safe?'. I was torn, yet there was just something so disgustingly gripping about 'No Ordinary Girl', I had to see it through to the end.
I cannot believe how much attention to detail the author included in this storyline. I have to admit, I did question the authors' sanity (no offence haha) as everything seemed so vivid. What on Earth was going through the author's mind to write such vile scenarios? How the heck did she know about these sorts of things?! I am actually meaning all of this in a good way, just to clarify! Cheryl Elaine quite clearly has an incredible talent for writing - she certainly knows how to pull her readers in and never let them go! Bit like several of her characters as well!
Whilst 'No Ordinary Girl' repulsed me on various levels, it also took me prisoner with its clever, enigmatic and severely chilling storyline. Yes this book is the most graphic book I think I have ever read, but good golly Miss Molly - Cheryl Elaine has managed to pull it off one hundred percent.
'No Ordinary Girl' is one of those books where you feel like you should hate it due to what the storyline contains, yet you can't help being gripped by it, bringing the book into multiple conversations afterwards (yes, I have done that!).
I am extremely impressed by Cheryl Elaine's skills! This book went so far over the line it disappeared but, I have to admit, it was very cleverly executed (pardon the pun) and highly chilling. Am I weird for saying I really enjoyed this one?
Oh my (*insert swear word here*) goodness!!!!! Before I go any further, please be aware that this book contains extremely graphic, violent and sadistic scenes. If you're not a fan of highly graphic, non-consensual sexual violence, then this book is 100% not for you.
Right, now the warnings are out of the way, let's talk about my thoughts of the book!
The fact that I don't read blurbs, really did come back to bite me on my behind when I started to read 'No Ordinary Girl'. I had seen people talking about it on social media, saying how it was certainly a different type of thriller to what they have read before. I didn't take their views on board as I naively thought to myself, 'nahhhh, it can't be that bad!'. Do I wish I had paid attention to what other people were saying about the book? No, because my thoughts were right - the book wasn't THAT BAD at all. Not in that sense anyway!
The characters were worse than bad - they were evil (well, most of them!). Despite being severely unsure of the book the more of it I read, I couldn't even put it down. There were times where I thought I was going to be physically sick due to the disgusting actions of multiple characters, yet in a weird sort of way, that spurred me on to get through the book to find out what happened. Part of head kept shouting 'put the book down, this is sick!!', yet the another part of my head went; 'OMG what happens next? Is everyone safe?'. I was torn, yet there was just something so disgustingly gripping about 'No Ordinary Girl', I had to see it through to the end.
I cannot believe how much attention to detail the author included in this storyline. I have to admit, I did question the authors' sanity (no offence haha) as everything seemed so vivid. What on Earth was going through the author's mind to write such vile scenarios? How the heck did she know about these sorts of things?! I am actually meaning all of this in a good way, just to clarify! Cheryl Elaine quite clearly has an incredible talent for writing - she certainly knows how to pull her readers in and never let them go! Bit like several of her characters as well!
Whilst 'No Ordinary Girl' repulsed me on various levels, it also took me prisoner with its clever, enigmatic and severely chilling storyline. Yes this book is the most graphic book I think I have ever read, but good golly Miss Molly - Cheryl Elaine has managed to pull it off one hundred percent.
'No Ordinary Girl' is one of those books where you feel like you should hate it due to what the storyline contains, yet you can't help being gripped by it, bringing the book into multiple conversations afterwards (yes, I have done that!).
I am extremely impressed by Cheryl Elaine's skills! This book went so far over the line it disappeared but, I have to admit, it was very cleverly executed (pardon the pun) and highly chilling. Am I weird for saying I really enjoyed this one?
August 23, 2017
Holy freaking hell….what a book!
I cannot believe this is a debut novel Cheryl has done a brilliant job portraying a gripping story with an uncomfortable storyline about abduction and sadistic monsters. Which isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea.
But for me this could quite possibly be the darkest that I have ever read. I always say the darker the better and this book is darker than dark and is definitely not for the faint hearted with scenes that will turn your stomach into knots yes this book is very graphic it is totally hardcore.
Imagine going out to a club with your best mate and waking up in a metal container! Well this is exactly what happens to Aimee in this extraordinary story. Where a night out turns into a cruel horrific nightmare. Meanwhile Detective Johnson is one step away from catching these monsters. Can he stop them before they damage more young girls.as well as his own daughter? With a turn in the story that I didn't see coming at all. This story takes dark to a whole new level and I loved it.
From the very first chapter I was sucked into this tormented world. With one hell of an opening. By page 8 I was saying OMG and I literally devoured this book in a few hours it is absolutely gripping. The authors descriptions are excellent I could feel the pain and torture Aimee went though with plenty of toe curling moments this book will certainly make the hairs on your neck stand up. No Ordinary Girl is full of OMG moments and will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions.
I really do hope to read more stories with Detective Johnson in. He is a strong,likable and determined character who I couldn't help will along and feel there is plenty more to know about him.
Cheryl Elaine has one very twisted imagination and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Now I have a book hangover because I can't stop thinking about it….that’s how much this story has got into my head.
This is a must read for those of you that enjoy dark and graphic. I cannot recommend it enough giving it 5 massive stars.
Thank you to Cheryl Elaine for a copy in exchange for a honest review.
I cannot believe this is a debut novel Cheryl has done a brilliant job portraying a gripping story with an uncomfortable storyline about abduction and sadistic monsters. Which isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea.
But for me this could quite possibly be the darkest that I have ever read. I always say the darker the better and this book is darker than dark and is definitely not for the faint hearted with scenes that will turn your stomach into knots yes this book is very graphic it is totally hardcore.
Imagine going out to a club with your best mate and waking up in a metal container! Well this is exactly what happens to Aimee in this extraordinary story. Where a night out turns into a cruel horrific nightmare. Meanwhile Detective Johnson is one step away from catching these monsters. Can he stop them before they damage more young girls.as well as his own daughter? With a turn in the story that I didn't see coming at all. This story takes dark to a whole new level and I loved it.
From the very first chapter I was sucked into this tormented world. With one hell of an opening. By page 8 I was saying OMG and I literally devoured this book in a few hours it is absolutely gripping. The authors descriptions are excellent I could feel the pain and torture Aimee went though with plenty of toe curling moments this book will certainly make the hairs on your neck stand up. No Ordinary Girl is full of OMG moments and will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions.
I really do hope to read more stories with Detective Johnson in. He is a strong,likable and determined character who I couldn't help will along and feel there is plenty more to know about him.
Cheryl Elaine has one very twisted imagination and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Now I have a book hangover because I can't stop thinking about it….that’s how much this story has got into my head.
This is a must read for those of you that enjoy dark and graphic. I cannot recommend it enough giving it 5 massive stars.
Thank you to Cheryl Elaine for a copy in exchange for a honest review.
March 1, 2018
This book has warnings about its graphic content, and readers who are easily offended or upset by scenes of sexual violence and torture should approach this book with caution. Saying that, if you don’t mind such topics and can see their importance within a story, then like me you’ll find this book an engrossing read.
The antagonists are depraved and sadistic, the protagonists brave and determined to find justice. The plot flows well and keeps your attention as you wonder at the evil man can do. As I read some parts I found myself almost turning away from my kindle, but then I had to carry reading to see what happened next.
A book that grabs your attention and never lets go.
The antagonists are depraved and sadistic, the protagonists brave and determined to find justice. The plot flows well and keeps your attention as you wonder at the evil man can do. As I read some parts I found myself almost turning away from my kindle, but then I had to carry reading to see what happened next.
A book that grabs your attention and never lets go.
June 15, 2017
This debut novel from Cheryl Elaine is fast paced and had me gripped from start to finish. This is not a slow burner and is action packed from the beginning. This is a graphic crime novel with plenty of description from the author. A great read. Looking forward to the next one!
January 20, 2018
No Ordinary Girl is the first book by this author I have read and it wont be the last.
This book is DARK, gritty and hard to read in places but I needed to keep reading to find out what would happen next. There was very graphic content in this book and it wont be for everyone. There's lots of torture and rape involved. I love a good dark thriller and this one didn't disappoint but now I feel like I need a happy love story for me to recover from reading No Ordinary Girl.
The ending was a big shock to me as I didn't see it coming and I thought Aimee's character would take a whole different turn after her kidnapping but I was completely wrong. She turned into someone that no body recognised anymore. I was kind of hoping she would get a HEA and she would end up in a good place, but I suppose after what she went through, not everyone will recover normally and live a happy life.
I liked that we had a few different POV's while reading. It was a bit confusing at the beginning but I soon got into it. I do wonder if we will have more from Detective Johnson and Aimee because the book was left open so anything could happen.
To say this was a debut novel was surprising as this author pulled me into the story and the detail that went into some of the scenes was fantastic and it made me feel sick at some parts as I could picture what was actually happening.
This book is DARK, gritty and hard to read in places but I needed to keep reading to find out what would happen next. There was very graphic content in this book and it wont be for everyone. There's lots of torture and rape involved. I love a good dark thriller and this one didn't disappoint but now I feel like I need a happy love story for me to recover from reading No Ordinary Girl.
The ending was a big shock to me as I didn't see it coming and I thought Aimee's character would take a whole different turn after her kidnapping but I was completely wrong. She turned into someone that no body recognised anymore. I was kind of hoping she would get a HEA and she would end up in a good place, but I suppose after what she went through, not everyone will recover normally and live a happy life.
I liked that we had a few different POV's while reading. It was a bit confusing at the beginning but I soon got into it. I do wonder if we will have more from Detective Johnson and Aimee because the book was left open so anything could happen.
To say this was a debut novel was surprising as this author pulled me into the story and the detail that went into some of the scenes was fantastic and it made me feel sick at some parts as I could picture what was actually happening.
October 4, 2018
What a fast read this was.
A crossover between horror.and crime . I could see it as a film as well as a novel.
When you look at the author's face you wonder why a nice face could mask such a twisted mind. But they sometimes say the nice ones are the worst!
If you are looking for a nice gentle read then this is not for you. But if you don't mind graphic content,and a read that crosses into realms of horror, violence and sexual explicit content and OMG! moments.then this is the read for you.
Thanks Cheryl for this book. Just what I needed to cleanse my jaded palette . Look forward to your next book. Keep up the good work.
OMG I F#####G loved this.
A crossover between horror.and crime . I could see it as a film as well as a novel.
When you look at the author's face you wonder why a nice face could mask such a twisted mind. But they sometimes say the nice ones are the worst!
If you are looking for a nice gentle read then this is not for you. But if you don't mind graphic content,and a read that crosses into realms of horror, violence and sexual explicit content and OMG! moments.then this is the read for you.
Thanks Cheryl for this book. Just what I needed to cleanse my jaded palette . Look forward to your next book. Keep up the good work.
OMG I F#####G loved this.
October 2, 2018
This is one of the darkest and most gruesome books I have read but I loved it! Once I started reading it, I was completely gripped and finished this in under a day. The story is well written and you just can’t help but feel sorry for all the victims. There is a lot of blood and gore throughout the book. This story really isn’t for the faint hearted, having said that though, I would highly recommend this book.
February 14, 2018
*WARNING-GRAPHIC CONTENT*
I do just want to point out that this particular novel contains scenes of graphic sex/violence. It is all relevant to the storyline.
Ok, now I've warned you, here are my thoughts on No Ordinary Girl by Cheryl Elaine.
Aimee and her best friend Kelly go on a night out, to one of the upmarket clubs in town. They are celebrating Aimee getting her dream job. What starts off as two young girls, having fun and enjoying their carefree lives turns into a dark, horrific & torturous nightmare that will stay with them forevermore.
Aimee awakes after her evening out, to find she has been locked in a metal container. Kelly is nowhere to be found, but Aimee is definitely not alone. As her memory starts to return it becomes clear, very quickly that the two handsome, charming and generous men they met in the club were not what they seemed to be. Aimee has been kidnapped, at this point she has no idea where Kelly is. As she starts talking to the others with her, it dawns on her that she's not getting out alive. Now, does she sit there and wait for it to happen? or does she do all she can and fight for her life? This is when Aimee's survival instinct kicks in and we start to see just how determined & resilient this young lady is, as she starts trying to work on a plan that will see her free.
The case of the missing girls falls on the desk of Detective Johnson. This is a poignant moment for the Detective, as it affects him personally. It reminds him of a point in his life, 2 years ago when his whole world fell apart. His own daughter, Anne, was taken. He knows who by. A group calling themselves The Gamekeepers. They provide women & men for those who have the money to pay to get what they want. To allow them the secrecy & anonymity to fulfil all their ghoulish & unearthly desires. And of course, the people running the show are clever enough to bury themselves deep underground and make sure they have expendables to take the rap for them. Detective Johnson, sees it as failure both professionally & personally, that he is still no closer to catching these people and brining them to justice. As a father, there has been no justice for Anne, who will always be his little girl. After disappearing without a trace, everything started to fall apart for Detective Johnson and to this day, he's never really recovered from it.
What follows is a truly grim, macabre & gruesome story. A story of human trafficking, torture, sadism & murder. Oh yes! This gritty, and at times sinister thriller has it all. We see Aimee's journey from the bottom, where she is stricken & broken to a place where she is confident in herself. She is focussed and determined to see her plan through with vengeance as her companion and retribution her bedfellow. There is no going slow with this book, the reader is put smack bang in the middle of it before the pages reach double figures. You are left with no doubt as to the graphic and explicit content that this story contains. The author has a gift for building up tension. The first half of the book, there were many times where I was reading through my fingers. I personally, am a horror fan and can deal with blood and gore well, but if you're not used to it, this is your warning. What really got me though, was not the mutilation and torture, but the characters themselves and what they had to suffer regarding physical and mental abuse and rape. That was the part I found most hard to stomach. Really did make my insides flip. The storyline itself, whilst obviously a tough one, I feel it was a good one to tackle. Especially considering the current climate and what is happening all over the world. The author dealt with it extremely well. As already said, it starts off at a quick pace. Because of this, does it lose momentum? No! It absolutely does not. The pace actually picks up speed, and for me, this is where I struggled a bit. The first part of the book I really enjoyed (if that's the right thing to say regarding this?) Well written, excellent character development and a clear line between goodies/baddies. The second half of the book though, I felt was a little too fast. It seemed to be all about the violence, rather than concentrating on the individuals. I personally felt (and this is just my own opinion here) that there was so much scope to further explore Aimee's character. There was just a lack of detail here that spoilt it for me just a little. At times I felt like I'd jumped a few pages at a time. If this could be filled out a bit more this would be a solid 5 star read. Similarly Detective Johnsons character. I did like him and would have liked to find out a bit more about him. I'm hoping that there will be more books to follow featuring this character as I think there's a lot more to come from him.
So, all in all, this is a good, solid debut novel. The author has an excellent grasp of telling a tale and isn't afraid to take on hard issues and explore the darker side of life. A great start!
I do just want to point out that this particular novel contains scenes of graphic sex/violence. It is all relevant to the storyline.
Ok, now I've warned you, here are my thoughts on No Ordinary Girl by Cheryl Elaine.
Aimee and her best friend Kelly go on a night out, to one of the upmarket clubs in town. They are celebrating Aimee getting her dream job. What starts off as two young girls, having fun and enjoying their carefree lives turns into a dark, horrific & torturous nightmare that will stay with them forevermore.
Aimee awakes after her evening out, to find she has been locked in a metal container. Kelly is nowhere to be found, but Aimee is definitely not alone. As her memory starts to return it becomes clear, very quickly that the two handsome, charming and generous men they met in the club were not what they seemed to be. Aimee has been kidnapped, at this point she has no idea where Kelly is. As she starts talking to the others with her, it dawns on her that she's not getting out alive. Now, does she sit there and wait for it to happen? or does she do all she can and fight for her life? This is when Aimee's survival instinct kicks in and we start to see just how determined & resilient this young lady is, as she starts trying to work on a plan that will see her free.
The case of the missing girls falls on the desk of Detective Johnson. This is a poignant moment for the Detective, as it affects him personally. It reminds him of a point in his life, 2 years ago when his whole world fell apart. His own daughter, Anne, was taken. He knows who by. A group calling themselves The Gamekeepers. They provide women & men for those who have the money to pay to get what they want. To allow them the secrecy & anonymity to fulfil all their ghoulish & unearthly desires. And of course, the people running the show are clever enough to bury themselves deep underground and make sure they have expendables to take the rap for them. Detective Johnson, sees it as failure both professionally & personally, that he is still no closer to catching these people and brining them to justice. As a father, there has been no justice for Anne, who will always be his little girl. After disappearing without a trace, everything started to fall apart for Detective Johnson and to this day, he's never really recovered from it.
What follows is a truly grim, macabre & gruesome story. A story of human trafficking, torture, sadism & murder. Oh yes! This gritty, and at times sinister thriller has it all. We see Aimee's journey from the bottom, where she is stricken & broken to a place where she is confident in herself. She is focussed and determined to see her plan through with vengeance as her companion and retribution her bedfellow. There is no going slow with this book, the reader is put smack bang in the middle of it before the pages reach double figures. You are left with no doubt as to the graphic and explicit content that this story contains. The author has a gift for building up tension. The first half of the book, there were many times where I was reading through my fingers. I personally, am a horror fan and can deal with blood and gore well, but if you're not used to it, this is your warning. What really got me though, was not the mutilation and torture, but the characters themselves and what they had to suffer regarding physical and mental abuse and rape. That was the part I found most hard to stomach. Really did make my insides flip. The storyline itself, whilst obviously a tough one, I feel it was a good one to tackle. Especially considering the current climate and what is happening all over the world. The author dealt with it extremely well. As already said, it starts off at a quick pace. Because of this, does it lose momentum? No! It absolutely does not. The pace actually picks up speed, and for me, this is where I struggled a bit. The first part of the book I really enjoyed (if that's the right thing to say regarding this?) Well written, excellent character development and a clear line between goodies/baddies. The second half of the book though, I felt was a little too fast. It seemed to be all about the violence, rather than concentrating on the individuals. I personally felt (and this is just my own opinion here) that there was so much scope to further explore Aimee's character. There was just a lack of detail here that spoilt it for me just a little. At times I felt like I'd jumped a few pages at a time. If this could be filled out a bit more this would be a solid 5 star read. Similarly Detective Johnsons character. I did like him and would have liked to find out a bit more about him. I'm hoping that there will be more books to follow featuring this character as I think there's a lot more to come from him.
So, all in all, this is a good, solid debut novel. The author has an excellent grasp of telling a tale and isn't afraid to take on hard issues and explore the darker side of life. A great start!
July 3, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It was graphic but did come with a warning. The only downside was that it felt a little rushed from the middle towards the end. I would have liked to have seen more about Aimee's time.
December 31, 2017
Wow, oh wow, Cheryl Elaine what a fabulous and disturbing read this was. From the first page I was on the edge of my seat and I raced through it in 24 hours. It was gripping, it was violent and it was graphic - please be warned if you don't like violent and graphic things this book is not for you!
Aimee is out on a night out with her best friend, Kelly, where things take a drastic turn. She's snatched up by what can only be described as monsters and when she wakes up, she discovers she's in a metal container with other strangers. What follows next is a very cruel game where gamekeepers kill and maim their victims in truly shocking ways.
I don't want to say too much about the plot as this was what really shocked me, I did go into the book blind although I was aware of the graphic content thanks to warnings from The Fiction Cafe group on FB from other readers.
At times I was gasping out loud and wincing at some of the details, Cheryl's details are brilliant and it really made you feel you were there with Aimee. I absolutely loved Cheryl's writing style, where she found the influence for this I have no idea but it was just fabulous.
I'm a huge horror movie fan and it felt a bit of a cross between Hostel and Saw, this book would make a sadistic and graphic movie that's for sure!
It's not all violence though, there is an underlying theme of human trafficking and the sheer willpower of Aimee to escape the brutality is overwhelming. Whilst I was reading this there was the question at the back of my mind - what would I do if I was Aimee? I honestly have no idea what the answer would be, I hope to never find out.
What an incredible debut novel from Cheryl Elaine, I'm excited to find out what delights she'll write next!
Aimee is out on a night out with her best friend, Kelly, where things take a drastic turn. She's snatched up by what can only be described as monsters and when she wakes up, she discovers she's in a metal container with other strangers. What follows next is a very cruel game where gamekeepers kill and maim their victims in truly shocking ways.
I don't want to say too much about the plot as this was what really shocked me, I did go into the book blind although I was aware of the graphic content thanks to warnings from The Fiction Cafe group on FB from other readers.
At times I was gasping out loud and wincing at some of the details, Cheryl's details are brilliant and it really made you feel you were there with Aimee. I absolutely loved Cheryl's writing style, where she found the influence for this I have no idea but it was just fabulous.
I'm a huge horror movie fan and it felt a bit of a cross between Hostel and Saw, this book would make a sadistic and graphic movie that's for sure!
It's not all violence though, there is an underlying theme of human trafficking and the sheer willpower of Aimee to escape the brutality is overwhelming. Whilst I was reading this there was the question at the back of my mind - what would I do if I was Aimee? I honestly have no idea what the answer would be, I hope to never find out.
What an incredible debut novel from Cheryl Elaine, I'm excited to find out what delights she'll write next!
January 25, 2018
While out celebrating a new job offer, Aimee and Kelly found who they thought were the perfect men. Little did they know that these so-called perfect men were nothing more than sadistic monsters. Drugged and kidnapped Aimee wakes up locked in a dark and disgusting container and Kelly is no where in sight. Instead there are other scared kidnapped victims locked in the same container as her. All sharing the same frightened look.
Aimee along with the rest of the captives were all part of a sick and twisted game all organised by the "game keepers." With no chance of escape and being hunted at every turn, Aimee will do everything in her power to try to make it out alive.
Detective Johnson has been working the case on the game keepers. His daughter is also missing and he fears the worst, but he will stop at nothing to bring this gang down even if its the last thing he ever does.
NO ORDINARY GIRL lives up to every worse nightmare you have ever had and then some. It is frighteningly dark, much darker than I ever anticipated. The story is filled with gore, cruelty, and unimaginable pain and suffering. This story makes 80's slasher films look tame and that's saying a lot! Every evil, twisty, and scary thing you can think of is taken up a notch. The author, Cheryl Elaine brings it on hard and fast right from the beginning and sucks you in right from the first word all the way to the very last.
I really loved Aimee and she was definitely the star of this book for me. There is a big twist I never saw coming and I was like...wait? what? The twist was none other than simply brilliant. Well played, I never saw that one coming.
NO ORDINARY GIRL is definitely NOT for the faint of heart. I must say though, I LOVED every minute of it! This is by far one of the darkest books I have ever read and quite frankly I want to thank the author for letting all of that depravity loose and having the courage to not hold anything back in this story. I know it is still early on in the year, but this story is definitely going to be one of my favorites at year's end....guaranteed.
Aimee along with the rest of the captives were all part of a sick and twisted game all organised by the "game keepers." With no chance of escape and being hunted at every turn, Aimee will do everything in her power to try to make it out alive.
Detective Johnson has been working the case on the game keepers. His daughter is also missing and he fears the worst, but he will stop at nothing to bring this gang down even if its the last thing he ever does.
NO ORDINARY GIRL lives up to every worse nightmare you have ever had and then some. It is frighteningly dark, much darker than I ever anticipated. The story is filled with gore, cruelty, and unimaginable pain and suffering. This story makes 80's slasher films look tame and that's saying a lot! Every evil, twisty, and scary thing you can think of is taken up a notch. The author, Cheryl Elaine brings it on hard and fast right from the beginning and sucks you in right from the first word all the way to the very last.
I really loved Aimee and she was definitely the star of this book for me. There is a big twist I never saw coming and I was like...wait? what? The twist was none other than simply brilliant. Well played, I never saw that one coming.
NO ORDINARY GIRL is definitely NOT for the faint of heart. I must say though, I LOVED every minute of it! This is by far one of the darkest books I have ever read and quite frankly I want to thank the author for letting all of that depravity loose and having the courage to not hold anything back in this story. I know it is still early on in the year, but this story is definitely going to be one of my favorites at year's end....guaranteed.
January 29, 2018
Please note the large print above; No Ordinary Girl really does contain graphic content, and lots of it. If you are easily offended by books that contain scenes of extreme torture, swearing and violent sex than this really is not the book for you.
I must admit that No Ordinary Girl is miles away from my usual sort of read and whilst I read a lot of crime fiction, there are details within this story that really turned my stomach. Fans of films such as Hostel and the Saw series will love it as it's brutal with nothing held back. My husband is a huge fan of horror films and when I go to the cinema with him, I usually end up watching the film from behind a hand held over my eyes; there were times during this story that I wanted to cover my eyes.
Despite my revulsion at some of the scenes, No Ordinary Girl is a gripping story and the author has created a cast of characters that the reader will despise, yet are cleverly constructed. Each has a back story that goes some way to explain their behaviours; some tragic, some resentful, some just evil.
Anyone who reads the newspapers or watches the TV News knows that our world contains some dreadful, destructive and downright rotten human beings. Those who prey on others, those who demand power and control and those who are prepared to do anything for money. No Ordinary Girl is set in that world, where innocent people are snatched from the street and kept as playthings for those who are depraved enough and are rich enough to carry out their most heinous of dreams.
This is a story that will shock the reader, yet I am sure that is the intent. It's a quick, if uncomfortable read and can be finished in a couple of sittings. Cheryl Elaine has a wild imagination that is transferred into the pages of this story. Read it, but don't have nightmares!
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
I must admit that No Ordinary Girl is miles away from my usual sort of read and whilst I read a lot of crime fiction, there are details within this story that really turned my stomach. Fans of films such as Hostel and the Saw series will love it as it's brutal with nothing held back. My husband is a huge fan of horror films and when I go to the cinema with him, I usually end up watching the film from behind a hand held over my eyes; there were times during this story that I wanted to cover my eyes.
Despite my revulsion at some of the scenes, No Ordinary Girl is a gripping story and the author has created a cast of characters that the reader will despise, yet are cleverly constructed. Each has a back story that goes some way to explain their behaviours; some tragic, some resentful, some just evil.
Anyone who reads the newspapers or watches the TV News knows that our world contains some dreadful, destructive and downright rotten human beings. Those who prey on others, those who demand power and control and those who are prepared to do anything for money. No Ordinary Girl is set in that world, where innocent people are snatched from the street and kept as playthings for those who are depraved enough and are rich enough to carry out their most heinous of dreams.
This is a story that will shock the reader, yet I am sure that is the intent. It's a quick, if uncomfortable read and can be finished in a couple of sittings. Cheryl Elaine has a wild imagination that is transferred into the pages of this story. Read it, but don't have nightmares!
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
February 11, 2018
No Ordinary Girl comes with the disclaimer that it contains graphic content and that it does, so if you are of a sensitive disposition then this may not be the one for you. I however was hooked and read it in one sitting. I am not really one for horror films as I usually watch them from behind a cushion, however this book read very much like a script to me and had a cinematic feel to it.
There is gang of depraved people catering for the 'needs' of even more depraved people. Young people are going missing from nights out or country walks never to be seen again. The reality is that they are being stolen to order and treated in a dreadful and appalling manner, none of which we are spared during this books pages.
It seemed that money and power meant that the 'hunters' felt that they had the right to indulge their deepest and most revolting desires and that other people and their lives are just toys and playthings and that they are just there to pander to them.
I did find this book shocking, and yes I did wriggle in my seat unconfortably a few times. However I found it utterly engrossing with a interesting plotline and the characters were all fully formed and came alive in my head.
Certainly an original story that I found to be gripping, dark and disturbing. I am glad that I read it.
There is gang of depraved people catering for the 'needs' of even more depraved people. Young people are going missing from nights out or country walks never to be seen again. The reality is that they are being stolen to order and treated in a dreadful and appalling manner, none of which we are spared during this books pages.
It seemed that money and power meant that the 'hunters' felt that they had the right to indulge their deepest and most revolting desires and that other people and their lives are just toys and playthings and that they are just there to pander to them.
I did find this book shocking, and yes I did wriggle in my seat unconfortably a few times. However I found it utterly engrossing with a interesting plotline and the characters were all fully formed and came alive in my head.
Certainly an original story that I found to be gripping, dark and disturbing. I am glad that I read it.
December 31, 2017
This book, well, I've expected it being very graphic and quite brutal. What I didn't expect was how fast pacing it was, how well it covered subject of human trafficking and for sure I didn't see Aimee becoming empowered woman after experiencing all the horrible things. Yes, however bad her actions seemed, it was still good to see, she wasn't broken (not the way they wanted her to be) and fought back, believing she can revenge all people affected. Very powerful story and left me quite raw and open, not knowing what to do with myself now. Loved it and will recommend to everyone (with a strong stomach).
Full review can be found on my blog: https://shufflebookbox.wordpress.com/...
Full review can be found on my blog: https://shufflebookbox.wordpress.com/...
July 14, 2017
Well where to start!!
The plot of the story was good to start with but it had no consistency.
I felt like I was reading a mix of the hunger games meets I spit on your grave with a bit of Simon Westerns life mixed into it.
The use of punctuation is poor and grammatically there were lots of errors too.
I had to finish reading the book just to see how it was going to finish, and the further into it I got the more rushed it felt. The last 10 or so chapters are the worst of all and felt like the author had just given up.
This could be a fantastic book with some reworking and a better editor.
The plot of the story was good to start with but it had no consistency.
I felt like I was reading a mix of the hunger games meets I spit on your grave with a bit of Simon Westerns life mixed into it.
The use of punctuation is poor and grammatically there were lots of errors too.
I had to finish reading the book just to see how it was going to finish, and the further into it I got the more rushed it felt. The last 10 or so chapters are the worst of all and felt like the author had just given up.
This could be a fantastic book with some reworking and a better editor.
June 13, 2017
I highly recommend this book, thrilling from beginning to end, couldn't put it down.
August 18, 2018
http://openbooksociety.com/article/no...
No Ordinary Girl: Mind : tainted. Body : broken. Revenge; in motion…
Cheryl Elaine
ASIN: B072C7YVFJ
Author’s Website: http://www.cherylelaine.co.uk/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Scott
Summary:
What started out as a night of celebration for Aimee soon turned into a nightmare. Snatched by cruel, sadistic monsters – the worst creatures mankind has ever produced – she’s thrown into a metal container, among other victims too frightened to make a single sound.
The game-keepers force everyone to play. They deliver torment and pain in equal measure. Every hunter has their own agenda and reasons to maim and torture.
Detective Johnson is one step away from catching the killers. Wrestling with his instincts as a father to serve justice his own way, this is no ordinary case for him. Can he stop the vile sadists before they damage more young girls, as well as his own daughter?
Aimee’s ordeal within the compound brings her to the conclusion that she’s no ordinary girl. But can she hang onto her sanity long enough to escape? And will she find a different way to play?
This crime thriller will keep you riveted. It’s no ordinary story.
Please note: contains graphic content.
Review:
No Ordinary Girl: Mind: Tainted. Body: Broken. Revenge: In Motion, by Cheryl Elaine (No Ordinary Girl from here on in) is one hellish roller coaster ride; one in which some readers will lose their lunch over and some who will savor the thrill of the ride. Stylistically more of a horror novel, mixed in with a mystery, rather than a mystery with horror elements, this is one fair ride I would recommend you take until the very end – the lasting imagery and depths to which humanity will go and what is possible to achieve is what you’ll remember vividly.
Albeit short in length, the book clings to you, due to its graphic and often sadistically candid telling. The underbelly of the sick beast of man is laid out in the plight of Aimee, who takes a 180 degree spin from party to game and must prove herself, hurdle after hurdle, running from the inside out of a nightmare not of her own design. Running parallel to this is Detective Johnston, who is trying to penetrate Aimee’s horror from the outside in. As the page count increases, so does the brutality, with little or no respite between each and every horrific act. There is very little in the way of cut scenes or “pontification points,” as Elaine drives you breakneck to the conclusion. Let the squeamish be warned: lines are blurred between justice and retribution.
The writing style is fluid and visceral; hard hitting and honest. It really has to be this way for such a graphically intense novel. The horror and mystery shine in the writing, for that is what it is – a horrific graphic mystery. Readers familiar with the movies House of 1000 Corpses and perhaps more poignantly, its sequel, The Devil’s Rejects will have a good idea what they are getting into – a very staccato piece of brutal literature. All being said, though, it pays off dividends in the end, whetting the reader’s appetite for more of Elaine’s style.
Characters, as one would expect in No Ordinary Girl’s 190 pages, are not as fine polished to the degree that they would be in a longer work, however a three dimensional archetype is all one really needs in order to flesh out a primarily action driven piece of literature. Aimee, the main character is perhaps the most thought out, and represents strength, willpower and human resolve personified, Detective Johnson, is thoughtfulness and meticulous investigation and the Game Keepers, well, they are the most base and perverse of all human endeavors. All are played up to their fullest, and the interactions through these archetypes cause enough tension and action, that it’s easy to read them for what they are and concentrate on the mystery and brutality of the novel..
Crime Noir doesn’t even begin to describe this descent into human depravity, sheer brutality and utter horror experienced for any parent in this day and age. While faint hearted readers would be apprised to eschew this book, fans of gritty crime, horror and contemporary graphic mysteries will find themselves with a new affinity in Cheryl Elaine’s s. It is definitely worth the price of admission, and lingers long after the scent of prey dissipates. Cheryl Elaine has a promising future and I certainly look forward to her next work with an almost perverse pleasure.
No Ordinary Girl: Mind : tainted. Body : broken. Revenge; in motion…
Cheryl Elaine
ASIN: B072C7YVFJ
Author’s Website: http://www.cherylelaine.co.uk/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Scott
Summary:
What started out as a night of celebration for Aimee soon turned into a nightmare. Snatched by cruel, sadistic monsters – the worst creatures mankind has ever produced – she’s thrown into a metal container, among other victims too frightened to make a single sound.
The game-keepers force everyone to play. They deliver torment and pain in equal measure. Every hunter has their own agenda and reasons to maim and torture.
Detective Johnson is one step away from catching the killers. Wrestling with his instincts as a father to serve justice his own way, this is no ordinary case for him. Can he stop the vile sadists before they damage more young girls, as well as his own daughter?
Aimee’s ordeal within the compound brings her to the conclusion that she’s no ordinary girl. But can she hang onto her sanity long enough to escape? And will she find a different way to play?
This crime thriller will keep you riveted. It’s no ordinary story.
Please note: contains graphic content.
Review:
No Ordinary Girl: Mind: Tainted. Body: Broken. Revenge: In Motion, by Cheryl Elaine (No Ordinary Girl from here on in) is one hellish roller coaster ride; one in which some readers will lose their lunch over and some who will savor the thrill of the ride. Stylistically more of a horror novel, mixed in with a mystery, rather than a mystery with horror elements, this is one fair ride I would recommend you take until the very end – the lasting imagery and depths to which humanity will go and what is possible to achieve is what you’ll remember vividly.
Albeit short in length, the book clings to you, due to its graphic and often sadistically candid telling. The underbelly of the sick beast of man is laid out in the plight of Aimee, who takes a 180 degree spin from party to game and must prove herself, hurdle after hurdle, running from the inside out of a nightmare not of her own design. Running parallel to this is Detective Johnston, who is trying to penetrate Aimee’s horror from the outside in. As the page count increases, so does the brutality, with little or no respite between each and every horrific act. There is very little in the way of cut scenes or “pontification points,” as Elaine drives you breakneck to the conclusion. Let the squeamish be warned: lines are blurred between justice and retribution.
The writing style is fluid and visceral; hard hitting and honest. It really has to be this way for such a graphically intense novel. The horror and mystery shine in the writing, for that is what it is – a horrific graphic mystery. Readers familiar with the movies House of 1000 Corpses and perhaps more poignantly, its sequel, The Devil’s Rejects will have a good idea what they are getting into – a very staccato piece of brutal literature. All being said, though, it pays off dividends in the end, whetting the reader’s appetite for more of Elaine’s style.
Characters, as one would expect in No Ordinary Girl’s 190 pages, are not as fine polished to the degree that they would be in a longer work, however a three dimensional archetype is all one really needs in order to flesh out a primarily action driven piece of literature. Aimee, the main character is perhaps the most thought out, and represents strength, willpower and human resolve personified, Detective Johnson, is thoughtfulness and meticulous investigation and the Game Keepers, well, they are the most base and perverse of all human endeavors. All are played up to their fullest, and the interactions through these archetypes cause enough tension and action, that it’s easy to read them for what they are and concentrate on the mystery and brutality of the novel..
Crime Noir doesn’t even begin to describe this descent into human depravity, sheer brutality and utter horror experienced for any parent in this day and age. While faint hearted readers would be apprised to eschew this book, fans of gritty crime, horror and contemporary graphic mysteries will find themselves with a new affinity in Cheryl Elaine’s s. It is definitely worth the price of admission, and lingers long after the scent of prey dissipates. Cheryl Elaine has a promising future and I certainly look forward to her next work with an almost perverse pleasure.
July 22, 2018
Time taken to read - < 3 hours
Pages - 179
Publisher - AAH Publishing
Source - Review copy/bought an ecopy from Amazon
Blurb from Goodreads
What started out as a night of celebration for Aimee soon turned into a nightmare. Snatched by cruel, sadistic monsters - the worst creatures mankind has ever produced - she’s thrown into a metal container, among other victims too frightened to make a single sound.
The game-keepers force everyone to play. They deliver torment and pain in equal measure. Every hunter has their own agenda and reasons to maim and torture.
Detective Johnson is one step away from catching the killers. Wrestling with his instincts as a father to serve justice his own way, this is no ordinary case for him. Can he stop the vile sadists before they damage more young girls, as well as his own daughter?
Aimee’s ordeal within the compound brings her to the conclusion that she’s no ordinary girl. But can she hang onto her sanity long enough to escape? And will she find a different way to play?
This crime thriller will keep you riveted. It’s no ordinary story.
Please note: contains graphic content.
My Review
Aimee and friend Kelly are heading out to celebrate in the hottest spot in town, what turns into flirting, drinks and joy becomes a hell neither could have imagined. Trapped and split up Aimee finds herself in a situation we only see in the worst kind of movie, she is now a pawn in a game for some of the sickest human beings imaginable. Where chances are slim to none for escape, Aimee has to get her head around what has happened to her, what is coming and start to plan how to survive.
Guys this is the second book I have read by this author, the other one is a completely different genre, it won't be my last! Very quickly the book becomes dark, depraved and you want to put the book down to get away from the horror but compelled to turn page after page. This is not a read for the faint hearted, think Hostel meets SAW and you are just starting to scratch the surface. Human life means nothing, rape, mutilation, brutality, horror are all just part and parcel for the game, human life is expendable and the supply is plentiful.
It isn't just horrific acts although there are plenty so be prepared. We have police investigation, survival, coping mechanisms, self preservation, the impact something like this has on human behaviour from different aspects. Those investigating, the families, the players, the victims and those who know it is only a matter of time before it is their turn. For such a wee book there is a lot going on, back stories on the bad guys and how the innocents react when in this kind of situation you can only imagine.
Stomach churning, bokey and you know the face you make when folk rip their nails down a blackboard am pretty sure I made that face more than once. I cannot believe this is a debut novel, you would think she had been perfecting her art for years. If you like a book that pushes you, horrifies, hooks, makes you uneasy but compels to keep going then look no further, 4.5 for me this time. This is absolutely one of the authors to keep an eye on and I do so hope this is just the start of the stories for the detective.
Pages - 179
Publisher - AAH Publishing
Source - Review copy/bought an ecopy from Amazon
Blurb from Goodreads
What started out as a night of celebration for Aimee soon turned into a nightmare. Snatched by cruel, sadistic monsters - the worst creatures mankind has ever produced - she’s thrown into a metal container, among other victims too frightened to make a single sound.
The game-keepers force everyone to play. They deliver torment and pain in equal measure. Every hunter has their own agenda and reasons to maim and torture.
Detective Johnson is one step away from catching the killers. Wrestling with his instincts as a father to serve justice his own way, this is no ordinary case for him. Can he stop the vile sadists before they damage more young girls, as well as his own daughter?
Aimee’s ordeal within the compound brings her to the conclusion that she’s no ordinary girl. But can she hang onto her sanity long enough to escape? And will she find a different way to play?
This crime thriller will keep you riveted. It’s no ordinary story.
Please note: contains graphic content.
My Review
Aimee and friend Kelly are heading out to celebrate in the hottest spot in town, what turns into flirting, drinks and joy becomes a hell neither could have imagined. Trapped and split up Aimee finds herself in a situation we only see in the worst kind of movie, she is now a pawn in a game for some of the sickest human beings imaginable. Where chances are slim to none for escape, Aimee has to get her head around what has happened to her, what is coming and start to plan how to survive.
Guys this is the second book I have read by this author, the other one is a completely different genre, it won't be my last! Very quickly the book becomes dark, depraved and you want to put the book down to get away from the horror but compelled to turn page after page. This is not a read for the faint hearted, think Hostel meets SAW and you are just starting to scratch the surface. Human life means nothing, rape, mutilation, brutality, horror are all just part and parcel for the game, human life is expendable and the supply is plentiful.
It isn't just horrific acts although there are plenty so be prepared. We have police investigation, survival, coping mechanisms, self preservation, the impact something like this has on human behaviour from different aspects. Those investigating, the families, the players, the victims and those who know it is only a matter of time before it is their turn. For such a wee book there is a lot going on, back stories on the bad guys and how the innocents react when in this kind of situation you can only imagine.
Stomach churning, bokey and you know the face you make when folk rip their nails down a blackboard am pretty sure I made that face more than once. I cannot believe this is a debut novel, you would think she had been perfecting her art for years. If you like a book that pushes you, horrifies, hooks, makes you uneasy but compels to keep going then look no further, 4.5 for me this time. This is absolutely one of the authors to keep an eye on and I do so hope this is just the start of the stories for the detective.
January 25, 2018
This is the story of a young girl Aimee who gets abducted by a dangerous gang 'Game keepers' and about her life which changes after that. But, even after going through horrendous experiences she survives and shows courage to ensure that no one else suffers like her in the future.
The writing style is casual and easy to follow. The plot is good and unpredictable. But, the only thing that concerned me is the extreme violence and abuse portrayed in the book. Of course, there is a warning in the blurb about graphic content. But, after a few pages, I felt, I should stop reading as I cannot bear too many details about abuse and physical torture. But, It's good that I didn't stop reading. The story gets interesting later. The character of Aimee is great but I felt it is very unrealistic for a single girl to face a large organized group. Kelly and Nikki are convincing. But, I expected to learn more about Chico on why did he start this group.
I loved the way the story gives us a message that we shouldn't give up even in the hopeless circumstances and should try our best. Sometimes, the pain inside us gives more strength that we can ever imagine.
I might be interested to read the next work of this author if it has less physical violence. Overall, it is a good read if you can bear some violent scenes which disturb the mind. I would recommend this to someone who loves crime/psych thrillers though it is not a perfect on the edge thriller.
My Rating:
4/5
PS: I have received this book from Rachel's random resources in exchange of review and this is my honest opinion on the book.
The writing style is casual and easy to follow. The plot is good and unpredictable. But, the only thing that concerned me is the extreme violence and abuse portrayed in the book. Of course, there is a warning in the blurb about graphic content. But, after a few pages, I felt, I should stop reading as I cannot bear too many details about abuse and physical torture. But, It's good that I didn't stop reading. The story gets interesting later. The character of Aimee is great but I felt it is very unrealistic for a single girl to face a large organized group. Kelly and Nikki are convincing. But, I expected to learn more about Chico on why did he start this group.
I loved the way the story gives us a message that we shouldn't give up even in the hopeless circumstances and should try our best. Sometimes, the pain inside us gives more strength that we can ever imagine.
I might be interested to read the next work of this author if it has less physical violence. Overall, it is a good read if you can bear some violent scenes which disturb the mind. I would recommend this to someone who loves crime/psych thrillers though it is not a perfect on the edge thriller.
My Rating:
4/5
PS: I have received this book from Rachel's random resources in exchange of review and this is my honest opinion on the book.
January 21, 2018
Aimee goes out to party, meets some guys, and then wakes up in a cage with other people that have been kidnapped. But that is the start of the horrors about to happen. All of the captives are going to be used, hurt, and so much more for the pleasure of some really sick people. Aimee learns that she is not an ordinary person with all that she going through. But she might not be strong enough to survive. Detective Johnson is on a race against time to stop these killers. But it is personal for him since one of the victims is his daughter.
This is a dark thriller full of abuse, rape, and so much more. It does remind me of the movie Hostel. But I got sucked into the story and was hoping and praying for Aimee to survive this torture and for Johnson to stop them. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. And what thriller would you have if a twist didn’t derail your whole idea of what is going on.
This is a very dark book and I don’t recommend reading this if things like this bother you. As for me I love the dark and dirty thrillers. They are hard to read but you know things like this and worse happen in the world every day. Oh, and for being a first book from Cheryl Elaine, I was blown away and can’t wait for more.
I received No Ordinary Girl from Rachel’s Random Resources for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
This is a dark thriller full of abuse, rape, and so much more. It does remind me of the movie Hostel. But I got sucked into the story and was hoping and praying for Aimee to survive this torture and for Johnson to stop them. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. And what thriller would you have if a twist didn’t derail your whole idea of what is going on.
This is a very dark book and I don’t recommend reading this if things like this bother you. As for me I love the dark and dirty thrillers. They are hard to read but you know things like this and worse happen in the world every day. Oh, and for being a first book from Cheryl Elaine, I was blown away and can’t wait for more.
I received No Ordinary Girl from Rachel’s Random Resources for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
November 1, 2021
This is a wonderfully dark book to read , if you are looking for that kind of book then this is one for you ! You will find when you read it that you are completely hooked on it , you forget everything around you , you forget your phone, all the distractions and just focus on the book because you are so taken in by it. The way the book is written it makes it an addictive read , no matter how dark the book gets you jus don't want to stop reading !
In this book we have Aimee, instead of a night a celebration she is snatched by cruel monsters ,she is kept in a metal cage among others who have also being snatched . The 'game keepers' who have hunted these victims down each have their own agenda to maim and torture them. Detective Johnson is on the case to catch the 'game keepers', can he stop them before their are more victims.
It is an absolutely riveting book to read , it is fast paced , it gets into your head while you read it, you will Detective Johnson to stop them before more young victims get taken. I 100% recommend this book to horror , crime fiction thriller fans!
There is a warning for graphic content
In this book we have Aimee, instead of a night a celebration she is snatched by cruel monsters ,she is kept in a metal cage among others who have also being snatched . The 'game keepers' who have hunted these victims down each have their own agenda to maim and torture them. Detective Johnson is on the case to catch the 'game keepers', can he stop them before their are more victims.
It is an absolutely riveting book to read , it is fast paced , it gets into your head while you read it, you will Detective Johnson to stop them before more young victims get taken. I 100% recommend this book to horror , crime fiction thriller fans!
There is a warning for graphic content
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