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.
If they play it right, then they'll be safe.
But if they play it wrong, they'll die.
My thoughts:
This cover blew me away when I first saw it, and after seeing Cheyenne becomes Persephone, I was in. We all know I love Greek mythology and especially Hades, even though he's insanely hot and evil in my Touch of Death series.
Cheyenne believes the guy she loves—who happens to be her math teacher, which makes their relationship taboo—is saving her and a group of others from the Living Rot, a disease that had previously turned people into zombie-like monsters and has returned in a big way. But the world Teo created goes beyond a love of literature. Teo is playing God. Hades to be exact. He's forcing the people to couple up and become great literary couples. And if they don't convince him they are committed to their new roles, Teo kills them.
Cheyenne is terrified of Teo, but he holds the cure to the Living Rot and he's protecting them from the outside world, so no one is willing to stand against him. Instead, they try harder to please him, no matter how many people he kills.
This is a fast-paced read that has elements of mystery, action, horror, and suspense. I'm just sad that it seems to be a standalone because I didn't want it to end.
Just for fun: Which famous literary couple is your favorite?
Looks interesting. May have to add it to my ever increasing list of To Read books.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that list never gets any smaller, does it? ;)
DeleteLol, no, it just grows and grows. Oh well.
DeleteYeah, I don't have a solution for it since new books are coming out all the time. We'd have to freeze time to get caught up. ;)
DeleteThe premise sure sounds interesting. It's funny but the plot-line reminds me of SAW - people doing terrible things because someone is making them. That cover is awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the review, Kelly! :-)
ReplyDeleteIt has its moments where I wanted to do some damage to the villain for the crazy things he does. ;)
DeleteAt the moment, I'm leaning toward Katniss and Peeta as my favorite literary couple. They go through so much. Their love is really forged in fire, but in the end it's strong enough to endure anything.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the Hunger Games books (the topic disturbs me) but I love how you described this.
DeleteCreepy, but intriguing. I don't have a favorite literary couple, but my favorite character is Charles Dickens' David Copperfield.
ReplyDeleteYou know that's the ONLY Dickens' novel I haven't read. I took a course on Dickens' in college and we didn't have time to read David Copperfield. I do own it though, so one day I'll get around to reading it.
DeleteYes, the cover is chilling and also fascinating. Great review. Sounds like a suspensful read. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYes, lots of suspense. :)
DeleteScary cover, but I guess that makes sense, as the novel is partly horror.
ReplyDelete;) I love this cover. It's creepy awesome.
DeleteI like the sound of this. I enjoy reading and watching virus stories, as scary as they are.
ReplyDeleteThis one is different from the others I've read. The story really isn't about the virus but about the people in this community. It's good.
DeleteWow this sounds awesome. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome. :)
DeleteSounds intriguing!
ReplyDeleteI'd have to say Darcy and Lizzie... but one could also make the argument for Viola and Orsino from Twelfth Night...
Ooh, Twelfth Night! Good pick!
DeleteWhen I first saw this cover, I must admit; goose bumps. However, after reading your thoughts, this book seems very interesting. Now looking at the cover, it has a sense of fascination and mystery about it.
ReplyDeleteAs far as couples go, Jane and Mr. Rochester and Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth.
Two great choices! Wow, everyone is coming up with some great literary couples.
DeleteThe premise is very original, and how can you beat having to become literary couples(me and my husband would so die, lol!)? I really like Todd and Viola from The Walking Chaos trilogy, though it is hard to beat Katniss & Peeta.
ReplyDeleteBecoming the literary couples is not exactly a good or fun thing in this book, though. No spoilers. That's all I'm saying. ;)
DeleteThis does sound great. That TBR list is way too long. I just ask got books now as presents because my pocketbook can't keep up with my addiction. My fav couple is a tie: Tris and Four (Divergent) and Mara and Noah (Unbecoming of Mara Dywer).
ReplyDelete