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Never Nerida
Whatever you do, DON’T DRINK THE WATER!
When expectant mother Livia Karras spontaneously falls victim to aquagenic urticaria — an allergy where a single drop of water against her skin could be fatal — doctors determine her condition to be purely psychosomatic.
Psychologist Elliot Chiles is assigned to her case. He suspects Livia is subconsciously sabotaging her own pregnancy due to unresolved guilt over a traumatic childhood accident. But Livia believes she knows the real cause—she’s being preyed upon by a malevolent supernatural entity out for revenge.
With time running out and severe dehydration setting in, Livia must confront long-cherished delusions and reconcile with a past mistake—or risk losing her life and that of her unborn child.
Will Livia succumb or prevail? Find out in this gripping supernatural thriller.
When expectant mother Livia Karras spontaneously falls victim to aquagenic urticaria — an allergy where a single drop of water against her skin could be fatal — doctors determine her condition to be purely psychosomatic.
Psychologist Elliot Chiles is assigned to her case. He suspects Livia is subconsciously sabotaging her own pregnancy due to unresolved guilt over a traumatic childhood accident. But Livia believes she knows the real cause—she’s being preyed upon by a malevolent supernatural entity out for revenge.
With time running out and severe dehydration setting in, Livia must confront long-cherished delusions and reconcile with a past mistake—or risk losing her life and that of her unborn child.
Will Livia succumb or prevail? Find out in this gripping supernatural thriller.
- GenresHorror
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2019
14 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 17, 2020
Livia’s life has been far from average ever since the accident that took away her parents when she was a kid. The only constant has been her goldfish, a series of J Alfreds up to her recent succession, the 13th. As a kid, she vowed to care for her goldfish, and after her parents’ accident, she’s been given something larger to take care of. Something with evil intentions.
So many twists and turns in this psychological horror. There were a lot of elements to this plot from ancient evil to toxic water and an ancient city. I loved the gradual way that the author explained the horror, ramping up from the life of a seemingly crazy woman to a very real and prominent threat.
I had mixed feelings about the MC. Her thoughts and interactions with others were entertaining, but her flip flop of not knowing if she wanted to live or die was sort of frustrating. I sympathized with her throughout though, and I was pleased with the way the story ended. It was fitting.
Narration was perfect.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
So many twists and turns in this psychological horror. There were a lot of elements to this plot from ancient evil to toxic water and an ancient city. I loved the gradual way that the author explained the horror, ramping up from the life of a seemingly crazy woman to a very real and prominent threat.
I had mixed feelings about the MC. Her thoughts and interactions with others were entertaining, but her flip flop of not knowing if she wanted to live or die was sort of frustrating. I sympathized with her throughout though, and I was pleased with the way the story ended. It was fitting.
Narration was perfect.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
March 27, 2020
The book is quite different from others and honestly I loved it! There was many twists and turns that really messes up with your head. This book is not something extremely horror but just the perfect balance of what a mystery thriller and dark, it should be.
Definitely liked the book and would love to read more from the author. This was my first time reading anything by Shane Drummy.
I heavily sympathies with the MC, she really does have a weird life per say. So many twists and turns in this psychological horror. There were a lot of elements to this plot from ancient evil to toxic water and an ancient city and so much more. I really enjoyed this book and finished in one sitting. Worth the read.
This book was given to me in exchange of an honest review from the author via Voracious Readers - thank you.
Definitely liked the book and would love to read more from the author. This was my first time reading anything by Shane Drummy.
I heavily sympathies with the MC, she really does have a weird life per say. So many twists and turns in this psychological horror. There were a lot of elements to this plot from ancient evil to toxic water and an ancient city and so much more. I really enjoyed this book and finished in one sitting. Worth the read.
This book was given to me in exchange of an honest review from the author via Voracious Readers - thank you.
May 9, 2020
Not going to lie, after reading the first chapter of this novel I had high expectations. It began really well, the author set up what I thought the main character was going to be like in adulthood just through talking about what Livia ecperienced as an eight year old. But my thoughts on this novel quickly chaanged.
If you kept up with my updates while reading this book, you would have known that I did not like this book in the end. The character development for Livia sucked. She was such an awful character to read and I thought she didn't have enough time spent on developing her purpose. I get the novel was all about how her experiences within the first chapter shaped her life over 20 years later, but the character was aggressive and horrible to every person she came across for no aparent reason. It was extremely confusing, and for this reason I wanted to stop reading the novel.
I will say the novel was very fast paced, so if you are not into that, then don't pick it up. Usually I can keep up with a faced paced novel, but it seemed like this novel was again all over the place. There are 16 chapters that felt like they were squished into about 10. I feel the author needed to spend more time understanding the plot he was writing about, to be more committed to writing what could have been a really good book. But the whole story felt rushed, and this could have been why the character development sucked. There was not much time spent on the aspects of the novel which were needed most.
Overall, a very disappointing read.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
If you kept up with my updates while reading this book, you would have known that I did not like this book in the end. The character development for Livia sucked. She was such an awful character to read and I thought she didn't have enough time spent on developing her purpose. I get the novel was all about how her experiences within the first chapter shaped her life over 20 years later, but the character was aggressive and horrible to every person she came across for no aparent reason. It was extremely confusing, and for this reason I wanted to stop reading the novel.
I will say the novel was very fast paced, so if you are not into that, then don't pick it up. Usually I can keep up with a faced paced novel, but it seemed like this novel was again all over the place. There are 16 chapters that felt like they were squished into about 10. I feel the author needed to spend more time understanding the plot he was writing about, to be more committed to writing what could have been a really good book. But the whole story felt rushed, and this could have been why the character development sucked. There was not much time spent on the aspects of the novel which were needed most.
Overall, a very disappointing read.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
June 19, 2020
Oh yeah, I enjoyed this. Why? So many reasons – creepy plot, paranormal / supernatural elements, a main character who COULD be crazy, but you’re not sure, plot twists, an out-of-the-blue possibly life-threatening disease, a cult, and more. Yeah, this was right up my alley. It also didn’t hurt that I found the writing really well done. It’s a pretty quick read – around 110 pages on my ebook version – and I was pulled in right from the beginning.
For me, Livia Karras was a frustrating, but also sympathetic character. The constant debate of whether she was imagining Nerida and whether her condition was psychosomatic or not, was hard to read. Having her shuffled between psychiatrists and other medical staff felt like an unfortunate mirror on reality and how people with mental illnesses are treated. I liked Elliot Chiles, but I wish there was more of him and his story, particularly of where we leave off with his wife.
Overall, I really liked Never Nerida. It’s a fast-paced book that will keep you asking ‘what happens next?’. I felt the ending was a little rushed, but still a great read. Definitely recommended for fans of horror and suspense / thriller. Thank you Voracious Readers and Shane Drummy for my copy!
For me, Livia Karras was a frustrating, but also sympathetic character. The constant debate of whether she was imagining Nerida and whether her condition was psychosomatic or not, was hard to read. Having her shuffled between psychiatrists and other medical staff felt like an unfortunate mirror on reality and how people with mental illnesses are treated. I liked Elliot Chiles, but I wish there was more of him and his story, particularly of where we leave off with his wife.
Overall, I really liked Never Nerida. It’s a fast-paced book that will keep you asking ‘what happens next?’. I felt the ending was a little rushed, but still a great read. Definitely recommended for fans of horror and suspense / thriller. Thank you Voracious Readers and Shane Drummy for my copy!
September 6, 2020
Messed With My Head
Never Nerida was one of those books that really messes with you. It’s got ups and downs. Slow parts and fast parts. Parts that make you scratch your head and parts that make you want to hide under your blankets. It had a lot of stuff that made me freak out and a lot of stuff that had me going… woah, what’s next?
I’ve not read anything by Drummy but if this book showed me anything it’s that I’m going to want to check out more of his work. He was able to pack so much psychological-type horror into Never Nerida that I kept second guessing everything I would read.
There were a few parts while reading this that I questioned why they were in it (the pacing in the intro was really fast, then Drummy slows it way down for a while, then picks it back up. That lull in the middle was nice to get a breather but also killed the fast-paced feel of the book. Nothing that kills it completely by any means but just enough that I questioned why the pacing changed so much.
Overall, this was a really messed up psychological horror book that I’ll definitely be thinking about (especially if I see a goldfish any time soon). Rachel Fulginiti’s narration was spot on – she really provided the voice for Livia and turned this into a really enjoyable audiobook.
Never Nerida was one of those books that really messes with you. It’s got ups and downs. Slow parts and fast parts. Parts that make you scratch your head and parts that make you want to hide under your blankets. It had a lot of stuff that made me freak out and a lot of stuff that had me going… woah, what’s next?
I’ve not read anything by Drummy but if this book showed me anything it’s that I’m going to want to check out more of his work. He was able to pack so much psychological-type horror into Never Nerida that I kept second guessing everything I would read.
There were a few parts while reading this that I questioned why they were in it (the pacing in the intro was really fast, then Drummy slows it way down for a while, then picks it back up. That lull in the middle was nice to get a breather but also killed the fast-paced feel of the book. Nothing that kills it completely by any means but just enough that I questioned why the pacing changed so much.
Overall, this was a really messed up psychological horror book that I’ll definitely be thinking about (especially if I see a goldfish any time soon). Rachel Fulginiti’s narration was spot on – she really provided the voice for Livia and turned this into a really enjoyable audiobook.
February 17, 2021
A young girl survives a devastating car crash, which haunts her for the rest of her life. Tormented by classmates, struggling in foster care, Livia spends most of her life alone with her guilt. As an adult, new horrors torment her.
I really enjoyed this novel. This is more of a psychological horror- with Livia and her new psychiatrist dancing around one another. I liked the way their relationship developed. While a lot of Livia's behaviour was foreign to me, I found that it made sense given what is ultimately revealed about her past. I found her to be a sympathetic character. Other, minor characters were less well-developed and came across being a bit flat to me - as well as some very out of character elements that I didn't feel made sense in the context of the story.
The pacing was very fast, which worked for the story, but I think a slightly slower pace coupled with some more character development had the potential to really increase the impact.
This was a captivating read and I'm definitely interested in reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this novel via Voracious Readers Only.
I really enjoyed this novel. This is more of a psychological horror- with Livia and her new psychiatrist dancing around one another. I liked the way their relationship developed. While a lot of Livia's behaviour was foreign to me, I found that it made sense given what is ultimately revealed about her past. I found her to be a sympathetic character. Other, minor characters were less well-developed and came across being a bit flat to me - as well as some very out of character elements that I didn't feel made sense in the context of the story.
The pacing was very fast, which worked for the story, but I think a slightly slower pace coupled with some more character development had the potential to really increase the impact.
This was a captivating read and I'm definitely interested in reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this novel via Voracious Readers Only.
April 22, 2020
This book is not quite like anything I’ve ever read before and I read a fair amount of strange and supernatural stuff. I have to say, I loved this book! While Livia wasn’t the most warm and likable character throughout the entire book, she sure was the perfect character for the style and story that Drummy wrote. I read this as an e-book on my phone which took me a little while to get used to since I had never read a book like that before, so it took me a couple days to get fully immersed in the book but once I was hooked I was HOOKED I binge read the last 200 pages in one night I just couldn’t put it down! If asked if I would recommend this book the answer is YES YES YES! Even if you don’t think you will like this genre of book, I say give it a try! Or if you want to get into more psychological, horror, or thriller books, this is a great starting place! This is even a great book for those who already know they enjoy this style of book, it’s just a great book all around.
January 25, 2020
This story begins with a horrible car accident that effects the whole life and future of eight year old Livia Karras. Now 30 years old, Livia lives a life of solitude and austerity, caring for a goldfish named J. Alfred XII and trying to please a being she calls Nerida. A one night stand has left Livia pregnant, and a fit of jealousy causes Nerida to inflict Livia with an allergy to water. To preserve her life and that of her unborn child, Livia must find a way to rid herself of Nerida. You'll have to read the book to see if Livia is insane or being tormented by an evil being who is able to curse entire populations. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy dark stories with a psychological element to them. I got his book free from For Voracious Readers Only.
January 26, 2020
Received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author via voracious readers only in exchange for an honest review.
What a strange but entertaining read this turned out to be. It’s starts with poor Livia, a young girl going on a trip with her parents when tragedy strikes. Livia then grows up with a very strong case of survivors guilt which seems to manifest as a young girl by the name of Nerida. When she accidentally becomes pregnant Livia then develops a life threatening condition which she blames Nerida for. Elliot Chiles a newly appointed psychologist arrives in Wassaic County to try to help Livia rid herself of her demons and it then becomes a race against time as her body slowly dries out.
What a strange but entertaining read this turned out to be. It’s starts with poor Livia, a young girl going on a trip with her parents when tragedy strikes. Livia then grows up with a very strong case of survivors guilt which seems to manifest as a young girl by the name of Nerida. When she accidentally becomes pregnant Livia then develops a life threatening condition which she blames Nerida for. Elliot Chiles a newly appointed psychologist arrives in Wassaic County to try to help Livia rid herself of her demons and it then becomes a race against time as her body slowly dries out.
March 5, 2020
A very weird story, but still a decent read. The story about Livia and her sudden deadly allergy to water was very well done, and very dramatic. The characters were well-written, and I liked reading their stories. The problem for me is the fantasy/sci-fi aspect. I'm just not into that genre. I feel like it would have been a much better book if they had continued with the psychological story line rather than the fantasy one. But that is only my opinion. It was definitely a well-written book, and any fan of fantasy novels will enjoy this read.
March 21, 2020
I didn't like this book. It wasn't what I expected at all. At first I enjoyed it but then relealised it was not the sort of the book I thought it was.
I thought it was the type of book I would normally read but it was not. Even though it was not my normal type of book I stuck with it but really didn't like it.
I think this was down to the genre but also I didn't feel anything reading it. I wasn't bothered about continuing although I did.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
I thought it was the type of book I would normally read but it was not. Even though it was not my normal type of book I stuck with it but really didn't like it.
I think this was down to the genre but also I didn't feel anything reading it. I wasn't bothered about continuing although I did.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
April 30, 2020
This book was a very interesting topic from the start. I enjoyed the first half. As the twists and turns started coming, the pacing definitely felt off. There was a twist that I did not see coming! But it only lasted a few pages and I wish it stayed on that trail. It just seemed like this book was trying to be too many things at once. I also wish they went into the other twists a little more. There are still unanswered questions I have. A good concept but not executed well.
I received a free copy from Voracious Readers Only and wanted to leave this review.
I received a free copy from Voracious Readers Only and wanted to leave this review.
May 1, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shane Drummy through Voracious Readers Only to review. I found this book to be quite disturbing. It is both a psychological and supernatural thriller that sucks you in from the first few pages. The main character takes the reader on a quite dark journey as she tries to free herself from the perceived consequences of her past. The ending was a complete surprise and left me thinking about what happened for a week after I finished reading it. Not for the faint hearted.
July 10, 2019
Not gonna lie, this book was based around an incredibly strange plot, but it was very entertaining nonetheless, and in the end, that's all we can ask for from a book. It held my interest from start to finish, and I think the last handful of chapters were probably the best. All in all, I enjoyed it, and I will most likely read other works by the author at some point in the future.
4 stars
*Provided a free copy by Hidden Gems, which I voluntarily chose to review*
4 stars
*Provided a free copy by Hidden Gems, which I voluntarily chose to review*
August 30, 2019
Never Nerida
: Shane Drummy
This is one of the strangest, somewhat creepiest, head scratching books that I have listened to in quite sometime. If you like paranormal, psychological thrillers, this book will be right up your alley.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed by Rachel Fulginiti.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
: Shane Drummy
This is one of the strangest, somewhat creepiest, head scratching books that I have listened to in quite sometime. If you like paranormal, psychological thrillers, this book will be right up your alley.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed by Rachel Fulginiti.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 24, 2020
This book had me hooked from the beginning! It was recommended for fans of Dean Koontz and Stephen King, and I completely agree! The whole time I’m wondering if what’s happening to Livia is real or in her head. There were surprises and twists all throughout. The ending felt a little rushed, but I did enjoy it. I highly recommend this for anyone wanting a mystery/thriller with a supernatural twist!
May 23, 2020
initially was interested in reading about the aquagenic uticaria that Livia suffered from. Nerida brought the supernatural aspect into the book. there, the book lost me--i am not a supernatural or fantasy reader. i continued to read the book because of Elliot and how he fought for Livia and his family. beyond that, what can i say, please save your time and money. i received a complimentary copy of this e-book from Voracious Readers Only for an honest review.
June 4, 2020
The beginning of this book sucks you right in. Starts with a car accident leaving only 8 year old Livia as the survivor. Fast forward and you have a very disturb young woman. I got hooked trying to figure out if she was delusional or really dealing with something otherworldly. I was a little upset with one part of the book but not going to spoil it. I enjoyed this book a lot and have found a new author to read.
July 30, 2020
This book was so strange and slightly lacking in development, but I think I was okay with that. I enjoyed the story even if I was very confused and disconnected almost the entire time. It just added to the oddity and intrigue of the story. I am still not entirely sure of what was happening in the book, but I enjoyed it. I am still thinking about it even after it has ended, which is only possible after a good read. So, if you are okay with strange and confusing, this is a good read! Very unique!
June 27, 2019
Just finished ‘Never Nerida’ by Shane Drummy, I will state that I received a complimentary opt of this book in return for a honest review.
🌸
This was a weird one, I mean water ghost thing getting into you system through you drinking the water just seems a bit far fetched however as a fiction fan who is into weird storylines I quite like it. I mean you tho k you know what’s about to happen then BAM something totally unexpected happened and I really look for that in a book, it was also an easy read too which I absolutely love as I hate having to concentrate too much on a book, all in all I will give it 4/5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌸
This was a weird one, I mean water ghost thing getting into you system through you drinking the water just seems a bit far fetched however as a fiction fan who is into weird storylines I quite like it. I mean you tho k you know what’s about to happen then BAM something totally unexpected happened and I really look for that in a book, it was also an easy read too which I absolutely love as I hate having to concentrate too much on a book, all in all I will give it 4/5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 5, 2019
Fun ride. The main character is not particularly likable, so if this is a problem for you, beware. The book had me guessing until the very end. A very new type of thriller; never quite sure if it is a psychological thriller or a supernatural thriller.
February 8, 2020
Firstly, thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy of the book via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for a fair review.
I liked the writing style for the most part, but sometimes it was a bit difficult to follow the story. Still, it was an enjoyable read.
I liked the writing style for the most part, but sometimes it was a bit difficult to follow the story. Still, it was an enjoyable read.
February 13, 2020
A story that tugs at the heartstrings. Shane Drummy has tackled the issue of mental illness in such a way that will have you pulling for Livia all the way. I would recommend this book. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
February 26, 2020
This story was quite different. I really enjoyed it and wanted to keep reading. The outcome was not as I hoped. I would recommend this book as a good read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
March 3, 2020
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you
What a different twist with Livia, a young pregnant woman, being beset by a malignant force. The loss of her parents in a tragic accident started Livia on a journey of withdrawal and isolation from a normal life to appease Nerida.
A good read
What a different twist with Livia, a young pregnant woman, being beset by a malignant force. The loss of her parents in a tragic accident started Livia on a journey of withdrawal and isolation from a normal life to appease Nerida.
A good read
March 10, 2020
I wasn’t sure what to expect and it took me a bit to get into the story. Overall I liked the premise but I thought the allergy to water and how that affected Livia could have been more detailed. The journey across the dessert could have been more arduous, epic even. Good solid 3 stars though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2020
I wish I could say that I liked this book but as the saying goes not all books are for all people. It took six chapters before we the reader is given any depth to the main character. There are many sections that could have been expanded which would have made a true page turner, but never happened.
April 17, 2020
The main character is mysterious and off putting, extremely well written. The plot envelopes you as you dive deeper into the mystery. The book keeps a perfect balance between perspectives and gracefully switches point of view between characters
May 26, 2020
I liked this book. It was a nice read and the story developed at a quick speed. I was not exactly thrilled with the ending but it didn't leave me frustrated either. There were chapters that lost me for a bit but overall well written.
I received an ARC through VRO for review.
I received an ARC through VRO for review.
January 28, 2020
I deally liked this book. But it does get kinda boring. The story is good, I liked the story, it really had me entertained. I would suggest reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews