Official Review: The Love Garden by David Blackburn

[kimmyschemy06]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Love Garden" by David Blackburn.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The Love Garden is a thriller by David Blackburn. Though it was not what I expected, I can say it is a good book, for thriller fans that is, probably not the hair-raising type but deeply scary. When I decided to read it, I was actually expecting fairies and unicorns (love garden, right?) or imaginary friends at the least. So, I was surprised to find the first 20 pages sizzling with sporadic sex scenes.

The story is about Carly, an intelligent and enigmatic girl with a dark past. Sexually abused as a child, Carly took it upon herself to right the wrong someone did to her. With her extraordinary beauty, desirable body and keen mind, she was able to manipulate men, subject them to humiliation and do to them the most hideous of things. Empowered with her sexuality and using sex as a weapon, Carly managed to commit diabolical deeds.

The author, basically, featured Carly’s sly maneuvers to make men fall for her and take full control of the entire relationship. He showed men’s weakness for sex and beautiful women. Most importantly, he pointed out what abuse can do to a child and what kind of monster it can produce. It is a dark story not for people who read for enlightenment or those who read to feel good. It is a story about pain and hatred to the point of insanity and self-destruction.

I like the way the author described the characters not by long narratives but by their dialogues and behaviors. Though there are parts that seem to be bland and confusing, they will just make the reader more curious as to what the character was up to. Carly’s mercurial behaviour and mention of ‘plans’ and ‘Project’ kept the story interesting despite the seemingly uninteresting scenes.

As a reader, this story is too dark for me and not the kind I usually read. In addition, I do not like any of the characters. I am not taking it against the author, but they are simply not my type. I find them extreme for my taste. Carly was too evil, and though she recognized her need for professional help, she did not seek any. The men were too manipulable. Personally, I do not believe men can be that pliable especially if they were described as smart. Finally, Sadie was too kind and too forgiving.

Furthermore, I found the use of some words too formal for ordinary conversations, like ‘wary’ instead of careful and ‘mundane’ instead of ordinary, when the rest of the conversation was obviously informal. I also noticed a few grammatical or probably typographical errors (You’re wait is over instead of Your wait is over and different than instead of different from). I would also appreciate it if the author elaborated on what Carly did to her stepfather and what happened to Sadie. These may not be important but I would have been glad to know.

In view of the above, I give this book the rate of 3 out of 4 stars. I may not be a fan of thriller but with its hints, twists and revelations, I find this a well-written book and I recommend it to those who enjoy thriller with a touch of erotica.

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The Love Garden
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[bookowlie]

Nice, balanced review. Even though you are not a fan of thrillers, you gave an objective opinion of the book. I also was surprised about the subject matter as the title gives off a lighter tone.

[anonanemone]

This doesn't sound like the kind of book I would choose to read. Good job on the review. Very balanced, even though you have said that it is not your thing.

I do like how it shines light on the fact that abuse is often self-perpetuating. Not to say that the victim is at fault, but it has lasting effects on the psyche which can lead to future abuse or other evil acts unless the cycle is broken.

[kimmyschemy06]

Nice, balanced review. Even though you are not a fan of thrillers, you gave an objective opinion of the book. I also was surprised about the subject matter as the title gives off a lighter tone.

Thank you. I can say I was kind of misled. Regardless, however, it is a well-written book.

-- 30 Nov 2015, 15:40 --

This doesn't sound like the kind of book I would choose to read. Good job on the review. Very balanced, even though you have said that it is not your thing.

I do like how it shines light on the fact that abuse is often self-perpetuating. Not to say that the victim is at fault, but it has lasting effects on the psyche which can lead to future abuse or other evil acts unless the cycle is broken.

Thank you. Yes, abuse has lasting effects unless there is an intervention or professional help. I think that is the important message the author is trying to get across.

[literaturelover]

Great Review! I like like thrillers but this may be to Adult for me The premise of the book is probably not my thing but kudos to a well written review!

[Cee-Jay Aurinko]

Carly sounds super twisted and me likes the plot. Excellent review Kimmyschemy!

[gali]

Nice review! I'm a fan of thrillers, but I am not sure the book is for me.

[kimmyschemy06]

Great Review! I like like thrillers but this may be to Adult for me The premise of the book is probably not my thing but kudos to a well written review!

Thank you! Yes, this is probably too adult for you

-- 03 Dec 2015, 15:44 --

Carly sounds super twisted and me likes the plot. Excellent review Kimmyschemy!

Thank you! I think you would like the story

-- 03 Dec 2015, 15:46 --

Nice review! I'm a fan of thrillers, but I am not sure the book is for me.

Thank you. This may be a good book but it is not for everyone

[Mike_Lang]

I love the fact that you went in expecting fairies, unicorns and imaginary friends yet still managed to write a well rounded, objective review. Great job!

[kimmyschemy06]

I love the fact that you went in expecting fairies, unicorns and imaginary friends yet still managed to write a well rounded, objective review. Great job!

Thank you very much!

[Cee-Jay Aurinko]

@kimmyschemy

I think I will too. Thrillers are among my favorite type of books to read.

[kimmyschemy06]

@kimmyschemy

I think I will too. Thrillers are among my favorite type of books to read.

Have fun!

[Tanaya]

I appreciate your honesty. I also like that you pointed out that the author describes the characters through dialogue and behavior rather than in long descriptions. I prefer that too!

[kimmyschemy06]

I appreciate your honesty. I also like that you pointed out that the author describes the characters through dialogue and behavior rather than in long descriptions. I prefer that too!

Thank you. Long descriptions tend to be boring sometimes

[TrishaAnn92]

Great well written review!