Id

by Paul Craig

A dark, disturbing and mind-bending psychological thriller.

Brief Synopsis
This is a novel about a man. A man who can't remember anything about himself. He knows only one he feels an uncontrollable urge to kill.
Stepping back through time, Id will take you on a journey into the dark, complex, nightmarish place in which the man finds himself.
Get inside the mind of a killer--inside the mind of 'the man'. Lose yourself in the mystery and the terrifying darkness.
Inside all of us, there is a monster.

Useful Definitions
ID (abbr.): identification (identity)
Identification (psychology): Identification is a psychological process whereby the subject assimilates an aspect, property, or attribute of the other and is transformed, wholly or partially, after the model the other provides.
The id is the unorganised part of the personality structure that contains a human's basic, instinctual drives... It is the source of our bodily needs, wants, desires, and impulses, particularly our sexual and aggressive drives.

Warning(s)
This novel is not suitable for children or adults with a weak or sensitive disposition--Id contains graphic descriptions of violent acts, and some readers may find certain other aspects of the book (either relating to the protagonist or his situation) to be of a disturbing nature.

Note(s)
Id flows in reverse chronological order. It is possible to read the book in reverse chapter order (making it flow in forwards chronological order); however, Id is intended to be read as per the listed chapter order.
Id is written in British English. While this is generally very similar to, for example, American English, there are a number of differences in spelling, grammar and punctuation, which may at first glance appear incorrect to a non British reader.

Book 51,000 words (approximately 120 paperback pages)

124 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2011

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Ann Swann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very dark, and it is very disturbing. It is violent. It is original. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to stop. I had to find out what had caused the "man" to do the things he did. If you like dark, disturbing, and original, read Id.

[Grumpy Old Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I havent really read horror/slasher books for twenty years. As i get older I much prefer more uplifting books. So this is not really my typical fare. However I thought the story was an intrigiung one drawing as it does on Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The big question the book asks is "is there an inhuman monster lurking in all of us?" The story is told in reverse chronological order. However I didnt realise this as I began the book. The result was that the first few chapters were a confusing chase/murder blur. However when I realised the authour's trick the tale began to unwind in my mind. I dont really know wether this method was inspired or confusing. Perhaps if dates/times were given at the start of each chapter it would facilitate an orderly read. I feel the authour didnt help me to delevop an empathy with the characters. This may be due to the reverse chronology as at the begining our hero is a blood crazed killer. But even as the story regressed I didnt necessarily feel as if I was looking through our hero's eyes. However where the authour does excel is in the concept of the story. Its a cracking tale to tell the kids when they next go camping! In my youth I read alot of James Herbert, Dean Koontz and feel that this book is right up with the best that those authours produced. I think if a greater character development could be added to the concept and plot of future books Paul Craig could reach the heights of a Stephen King. You know you've made an impact when you dont sleep the night you've read a book and you are still thinking about the book several days afetr you've read it!

[Mandie Foxylutely · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! Brilliant book! So very very dark and extremely intriguing I could not put this down and was constantly trying to second think things through.
The author has delivered an enticing plot but you need to concentrate closely. I found myself reading back and then forwards to check I had understood the thought process correctly as to where the plot was leading.
This book is so off the chart of what I normally would read and to be honest not something I would pick up off the shelf. However the vague description and the warnings (DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE OF A WEAK OR SENSITIVE DISPOSITION!) suckered me right in. I'm glad it did although I was disturbed to find myself enthralled to be tracking the mind of a killer. A gory read but glad I found it. A gem.

[Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. It's told in reverse chronological order and I think I would have shuffled the deck differently. I might have saved chapter one for last. Still, it is a good read because regardless of the chapter order, there is something to be revealed.

Yeah, it's one of those...

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I didn't think I would get past the first 2 chapters as the author plunges straight in with the violence and they are pretty gory. However, without giving anything away, it's a clever book which after reading both forwards and backwards leaves you with a sense of is it or isn't it...

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read in that it is two books in one. I have only read it forward but I intend to read it in reverse. A twisted mind at work here!