Painless by Naomi Clark - review

Painless
Naomi Clark
e-book/novella
Urban Fantasy


*****


Cover - I'm liking this cover.  it's mysterious, and I've always had a thing about eyes.  I love to draw eyes; love to look at eyes....not sure what that says about me, if anything.  *g*


I think I should have asked some more questions about this story/character of Naomi Clark before posting my review.  Painless is a short story about Theo Kane, a talented thief who feels no pain.  I want to know if there are more Theo Kane stories in the works, if there is a full length novel planned or already written, more about this world and the citizens in this particular setting.  I will ask about this soon - should have just looked some of this up, but I'm not the greatest researcher, preferring to just ASK.  I'm still a bit stuck in the pre-computer lifestyle, when people asked via letters or phone calls, and I haven't quite got into the habit of going directly to google to search for info.  Maybe someday, my first thought will be to look something up rather than wait to ask someone..... not there quite yet.  :)


You would think that feeling no pain at all would be a blessing, but it's one of those double edged sword type of blessings.  A blessing around a curse.  Because if you can't feel pain, then you're susceptible to over doing things, or not knowing when to stop.  Stop mouthing off, stop moving, just stop.


Theo Kane, the lead character, has just finished a "job".  Only now, the people she worked against are strongly suggesting she steal this item back.  Refusing would be very bad for her continued health.  So what follows is Theo's adventure in getting back the item she stole in the first place.  And it seems no one is being straight with her, she keeps finding out just a teeny bit more...


In short time Naomi Clark not only delivers some wonderfully snarky dialogue, but she creates a world without falling into the infodump black hole.  She gives just enough background to allow the story to unfold.  The story was short and sweet, adventerous with a couple of chuckles to round out the danger.  And I was left wanting more.  Which is what a short story should do - leave you feeling like you read a fun adventure, but also leave you wanting to know more about the world and character in this story.


Ms Clark is good at dialogue, narration and story.  I'm hoping for more about Theo Kane and the mysterious Launen- a people who have been segregated, and have a certain power.


Naomi Clark has written many stories - She is the author of Silver Kiss - a story with GLBT main characters (not just the usual gay side character) as well as other urban fantasy/horror stories.  Very interesting array of writing, everything that I've read, I've enjoyed. 

Wild by Naomi Clark - e-book review

Wild
e-book
****
Naomi Clark

I really like this cover - the moon, the night, the whole feeling, definitely a fool moon type of book. I think it really captures the feel of the novel.

The main character of this book is a mess - a real mess. Lizzie is hitting rock bottom, in a huge way. She's living la vida loca, angry at her boyfriend (who she really doesn't even like), probably angry at herself, at her life...and just keeps on her merry-go-round of drugs, partying, being broke, more drugs, fighting with the boyfriend, more drugs, partying, more drugs.....

One night, she's attacked....she heals remarkably fast and begins to notice cravings and this rage that blossoms out of nowhere. It seems like she might have some help though with this one guy....Just when she thinks she's going to finally stop the rollercoaster and get off, she goes through a major change ....and begins to repeat her previous vida loca. Only this time, it's just a bit worse.

Wow. I believe that Naomi Clark captured very well, the feelings of hopelessness, the rage, the mess that this girl's mind is. It's painful, witnessing this girl try to think about getting off drugs, and then so easily slipping right back into it....cause stopping is hard. Especially when you think that's all you deserve and all you're capable of. Lizzie is to the point when it's easier to allow beatings and hide behind drugs. This guy who appears to be a lifesaver...is he really?

Well - maybe, maybe not.

I enjoyed reading about Lizzie's struggles and her frequent falls into the depths of despair...but there's this little spark in her that keeps her thinking about climbing out that pit...This is a good read with a interesting character. You may not like her, but she's interesting and she's a fighter. It's not apparent what a strong person she is right away, because she's been hiding from herself...but there's a strong character in Lizzie.

If you are ready to read something besides the standard good-girl-who-has-bad things happen to her, then this is a nice change of pace. The narration is good, the situations are gritty and believable - the dialog pretty good. Enjoyable, twisted read - which I liked. Because I like reading a wide variety of main characters - I like them sweet, I like them sour, I like them strong and brave, I like them good, and I like them twisted. Variety - the spice of life! :)

Wild is part of the Vargulf trilogy and can be found at Amazon
Naomi Clark is also the author of Afterlife (which I have in trade book form), Silver Kiss and numerous e-books. Go take a look at her website, she has some interesting pages up.