Bottom line:
This book is hard to classify, but tantalizingly good. Great read for mature readers--describes sex scenes, drug usage, and violence.
Premise:
A streetwise thug named Spyder struggles to overcome his drug addiction, while the world around him keeps trying to drag him back in.
Likes:
o Lots of plot twists that keep you guessing throughout the story
o As a drug addict, Spyder's an unlikely protagonist. I found myself sympathizing with him because he took a hard view on all other addicts--thinking they were weaker/whinier than him. Spyder had an outlook on life that I could respect, even as I disagreed with his choices.
o Eye-opening revelation for me on the difficulty of breaking out of the addiction cycle. Excellent consideration on how hard it is to change one's base character.
o Spyder grows throughout the story, but also suffers relapses as events trigger instinctive reactions.
o Spyder's voice remains true to the character throughout the story. There was definitely a feeling of "here's the way I am, whether you like it or not" that made me respect and enjoy the character.
Dislikes:
o Very few. I disagreed with some of Spyder's decisions, but that's because those weren't the choices *I* would make--it was my own bias that got in the way. For his character, they were justifiable, even when the decisions led him to dangerous consequences. And that part I liked: his bad decisions had realistic consequences for him.
I'd recommend this book to mature audiences who enjoy suspense, plot twists, dark humor, and unlikely heroes.
Full disclosure: How did I obtain this book?
Purchased myself
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