Publisher: Smashwords
ISBN: 9781452419329
E-Book

Much like my last post, “Ivory” by Steve Merrifield, “Pretty Eyes My Woman” by Jasmine Marie is not for the faint of heart, but for very different reasons.

“Pretty Eyes” follows two young girls - Abbie, the narrator, and her best friend Billie - in 1980’s Detroit. Both of these girls grew up poor, and in broken families. Abbie’s life has been riddled with drugs, abuse, and a mother and a grandmother who sell their bodies to get by. Billie’s mother is under the false guise that she is going to be a successful Hollywood actress, and she just needs her big break.

On the night before Halloween, Abbie and Billie venture back out to the city, and this is where the trouble starts.

This novella goes to extremes, and without giving much away, Abbie - who is just ten - and Billie - who is just a few years older - get themselves into situations that would seem incomprehensible to any other preteen. Even in our desensitizes society, this story seemed almost unrealistic, but it was very believable at the same time, somehow.

It is a story of how drugs, abuse, and an improper upbringing can affect a child, and how not having a good family life with strong family values can put a child in danger.

The only criticism of this book is that the narration that was supposed to be coming from Abbie’s point of view did not really flow well. Sometimes Abbie narrates like the ten-year-old she is, not understanding everything, being simple-minded and naive; but then sometimes she spoke way beyond her ten years, using strong language, and understanding more complex ideals. This story might have been better if it was from Abbie’s point of view, but if she was not actually narrating the whole thing.

I did not actually enjoy this book, partly because of some events that happen near the end of the story: I found them too unbelievable, often quite confusing, The abuse and neglect towards the children made me very uncomfortable, too, so if you do not like to read about a suffering child, I would not recommend this novella - even if it is free.

Publisher: Smashwords
ISBN: 0010000009230
E-book

“Ivory” was downright creepy; if you have a weak stomach, I would not recommend this book. However, if a little gore does not bother you, then pick up this book now.

She is a woman - a stunning woman - who captivates any being who sets eyes on her. In fact, the presence and importance that she emits can consume a person to the point of no return, and that is what Martin Roberts is now experiencing.

Ivory completely consumes Martin, whether he likes to admit it or not, and even if he wanted to, he would not know how to get rid of her grasp.

There is something different about Ivory, however, and no one seems to be able to place their finger on it. When Martin finally finds out the truth, the consequences are unimaginable.

This book is gruesome, evoking vivid pictures of brutal crimes and situations, so reader be warned. The story itself, though, is written very well, with twists and turns where they are least expected; adding an air of mystery from the very beginning chapters; and engaging the reader from the beginning to the end.

I was not a huge fan of the violence, or how descriptive Merrifield was when it came to the violence, but that is just personal preference, partly because it was so unexpected.

If you like a little scare, and if you can handle a little bit (actually a lot) of blood, then pick up “Ivory”. It was creepy, it was captivating, and it was free.