A virus that had once been contained has returned, and soon no place will be left untouched by its destruction. But when Cheyenne wakes up in Elysian Fields–a subdivision cut off from the world and its monster-creating virus–she is thrilled to have a chance at survival.
At first, Elysian Fields,with its beautiful houses and manicured lawns, is perfect. Teo Richardson, the older man who stole Cheyenne’s heart, built it so they could be together. But when Teo tells Cheyenne there are tests that she and seven other couples must pass to be worthy of salvation, Cheyenne begins to question the perfection of his world.
The people they were before are gone. Cheyenne is now “Persephone,” and each couple has been re-named to reflect the most tragic romances ever told. Everyone is fighting to pass the test, to remain in Elysian Fields. Teo dresses them up, tells them when to move and how to act, and in order to pass the test, they must play along.
The Dollhouse Asylum by Mary Gray is one of those books that’s hard to explain, it’s easier to say, just read and then we can talk about it. It has so many good points and confusing parts, not bad, just confusing. It lacked a few things but in a whole it was decent. The story and the entire cast, as a whole was interesting and engaging. The main character was annoying and naive. I do think she grows a little but she is so indecisive about EVERYTHING its frustrating. The story really gets you thinking as it goes along and takes a turn to weird and creepy rather quickly. Once you realize why it’s all happening it takes on a much better sense of WEIRD and CREEPY, it’s disturbing.
I’m not 100% positive I can say I loved the characters because I didn’t, as a whole yes but not individual, I don’t think enough detail was give to each one to make you really care about them. I wasn’t feeling connected to anyone. Cheyenne was obsessive and very clingy if you talk to her apparently you are BFF’s (I actually know some one like that) and Marcus was just as weird as his brother Teo and I was rather confused about the growing relationship between Cheyenne and Marcus with no back story it sort of just happens. Teo was a complete lunatic they do talk about his background a little more then everyone else which helped you get a better understanding as to you he was a but of a loony toon. He made for a great crazy person but again I feel like something with him was missing. I almost needed more of maybe his POV in the entire story.
Don’t get me wrong I really did like it but I wasn’t lying when I said it’s hard to explain so I will leave you with this….I gave the Dollhouse Asylum by Mary Gary 3.5 stars but marked it on Goodreads as 4 stars since I found it a little closer to 4 than 3. What really saved this book for me was the concept of the story. I recommend this to anyone who loves a really strong story with a few moments of shock and uncomfortable creepiness. I look forward to reading more from Mary Gary.
FTC Disclaimer ~ I received this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review. This is my opinion of the book. I am not a professional reviewer.
I am a mom to two pretty amazing kids, four pretty cute fluffy children and a wife to one adorable husband. I am a gamer, reader and a graphic designer with 20 years experience. I recently started my own business "Limabean Designs" to help other bloggers, authors and anyone else create amazing things that they would be proud to show off. I have been reading since forever and started blogging because I love sharing all the awesome books this world has to offer. I am also the co-host for the COYER Challenge, Reading Assignment Challenge and the Bookish Resolutions Challenge. I try to create a warm welcoming environment on my blog where authors, readers, and bloggers will have a great time. Let’s chat books, games, blogging, recipes, design, or family over a cup of coffee and a glass of wine!
This sounds really good. I've seen it around on a few other blogs and I'm intrigued. Great review! I understand what you mean about a book that you can't talk about with giving things away. I hate reviewing books like that.
This was a hard one to review. It was a very strange read. But you are right. Sometimes you just don't connect with a book like you had hoped. The only good thing was that I finished it and it was a book that you can totally finish even if you think it's really weird because It is worth finishing
This sounds really good. I've seen it around on a few other blogs and I'm intrigued. Great review! I understand what you mean about a book that you can't talk about with giving things away. I hate reviewing books like that.
Oh well, sometimes, it just wasn't meant to be, right? 🙂
This was a hard one to review. It was a very strange read. But you are right. Sometimes you just don't connect with a book like you had hoped. The only good thing was that I finished it and it was a book that you can totally finish even if you think it's really weird because It is worth finishing
I'm glad someone else has trouble with the star approval rating system on Goodreads! SD