Customer Reviews

Perverted Realities

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Through three short stories of paranormal fantasy/horror, we get to know best friends Sammy (a punk who can astrally project himself), and Frankie (who is half-dragon). Although Sammy and Frankie often introduce themselves as self-proclaimed freaks, they see themselves as totally normal. Frankie doesn't bat an eyelash at Sammy experiences astrally projecting himself into a cartoon drawing, and Sammy find it totally normal that parts of Frankie's body is covered in dragon scales. Through the lens of Caress, we see them as completely normal, as someone we might have known once.

Although the writing style has choppy moments, the stories are humorous, scary, and clever, all at the same time. It reminds me of early Stephen King, the psychological horror/suspense with open endings, adrenaline rushes, and very little actual physical danger. You're pretty sure the good guys won, but you're not completely sure the bad guys lost, either. Two of the stories involve paranormal happenings, ghosts, seances, astral projection, and the like. The third one involves aliens, and although a fine story, did not seem to fit with the other two.

My biggest beef with this piece was the length. While reading, I got the impression Caress had a lot more to say, so the short suite surprised me. At first, I thought the short length was great, as I finished the book in two sittings, but by the time I got to the end, I was ready to demand Caress e-mail me what happens next. Caress is clever, obviously cares about her characters and the pain and suffering they may go through, so I'm happy to hear she's decided to turn "Frankie and Sammy" into a (hopefully) paranormal series. Editing can usually take care of any choppy writing or syntax issues, and I want to know what happens next with Sammy and Frankie. They remind me of someone I know, someone I care about, and I know Caress cares about them too.


3.5 out of 5 spaceships.
Reviewer: Andrea Johnson for Multiverse Reviews

"Amusing supernatural tales"

For those of us who enjoy a touch of "paranormal" in our books, PERVERTED REALITIES has a heaping helping! With spellbinding intrigue, Perverted Realities takes us to the brink of reason, to the edge where spiritual and physical meet . . . a world unto its own that breathes within the shadows with cartoons that come to life, spirits, ghostly fires and much more.

PERVERTED REALITIES is a clever combination of horror and paranormal with a touch of fantasy that cleverly blends together into a strong novel that readers from all three genres will enjoy. The story lines contain humor to ease some of the tension. However, what will amaze the audience is how Jennifer Caress is able to cleverly amuse or frighten the reader from one moment to the next. Three clever tales in one chillingly hypnotic book. A must-read that you will not be able to put down --- just make sure you are not alone.

Review by Sheryl S. Soper, owner of [...]

I don't read a lot of fictional books, especially with subjects that stretch the boundaries of what is real and not. But regardless, this was a book that played to my curiosity and kept me engaged despite being a kind of thriller and at times just odd story. I'll be looking out for the next book!

You are sitting in a diner. You are about to enjoy a nice lunch. You don't mind the booth full of vampires sitting behind you, or the guy with dragon scales on half of his face. Seated next to him another gentleman is drawing cartoons on napkins almost as quickly as he drinks his cup of tea. It's business as usual at Marvel's Diner in beautiful downtown Arcacia. Welcome to the fantastical world of Jennifer Caress's Perverted Realities. The city of Arcacia is the pillar which three short stories are woven around. On the outside, it seems to be like any city you may have been to, but on the inside it is filled with magic and illusions. Caress drops subtle hints and clues that give you just enough to make you desperate for more. Her creation of this mystical place reminds me of the earlier works of Clive Barker. Though the stories deal with such subjects as ghostly hauntings to government conspiracies, it is Caress's insight into the nature of the human condition; the ability to love and accept someone despite their differences, the bonds of friendship that can pull you from the darkness and light the way out, that makes this book a genuine pleasure to read. Sammy and Frankie are best friends and it is that relationship which forms the foundation from which these stories are built. Caress left an ending that begs for a sequel and when that day comes, you will find me sitting in Marvel's Diner reading it. I hope Frankie and Sammy invite me to join them at their table. You can't have too many good friends in a world of Perverted Realities.

Perverted Realities was lots of great fun. Worth the read just to meet Frankie, the half human/half dragon, beautifully poised ghost hunter and his quirky best friend Sammy, the coffee house cartoonist whose erstwhile characters attacks him in his own home, amongst other adventures. Jennifer Caress has a very creative style and moments of absolute brilliance. I'm looking forward to reading more from this talented up-and-comer.

this was one of the most imiaginative things i have ever read in my life. surprizing. i recommended it to all my friends.

Sammy wants to be a cartoon character and live in the cartoon realm forever, but that isn't as easy as it sounds. One cartoon in particular will do whatever it takes to keep Sammy out for good.

Frankie is a paranormal buff. He and his friends investigate an abandoned insane asylum in the hopes of capturing ghostly activity on film, but not all of the asylum's residents are welcoming to the idea. In fact, some are down right mean about it.

Cree must carry out a dangerous plan already put into motion. When she disappears, Sammy and Frankie set out to find her and soon her mission becomes their mission.