The Reading Bud

Book Blog by Heena Rathore-Pardeshi

Book Review: Purgatorium by J.H. Carnathan

Author: J.H. Carnathan
Release Date: 27th May 2016
Genre: Dark Mystery, Thriller
Series:  
Edition: E-book
Pages: 430
Publisher: J.H. Carnathan
Blurb:
When his watch resets to zero, his morning starts again. Everyday his time always ends right at 60 Minutes, giving him only 5 minutes to stay at one particular place in his normal routine. The empty streets and familiar places are strange facsimiles of his previous life. He keeps reliving these same events over and over, barely able to remember anything and unable to maintain mental order as he stumbles through a strange existence. He soon learns that his physical body is in a coma and his consciousness is currently in a purgatory-like realm. As his body lies in a coma, his mind has been living a lavish lifestyle at a price: his sinful memories and his autonomy. After finding out his life support is coming to an end he must now run the last race for his life to decide if he is a “soul survivor” ready for a second chance at life or a lost soul willing to give it all up. He needs to outrun reapers, outthink the clock, and chase down his inner demons if he is ever going to get free. The race is on, and if he is going to survive, he’ll have to confront the world he’s always been so desperate to escape from.

Review

★★★+1/2

Purgatorium by J.H. Carnathan is a unique book with a story so intricate you wouldn’t mind being lost in it for hours.

When I first read the summary of the book, I was very intrigued and that was the main reason I picked it to read. Initially, it took me some time to get a hold of the theme of the story (obviously I knew it, but it took some getting used to) and once I got into the rhythm of the story flow, it only got more and more interesting.

Without giving away much, I’d just say that this book is more like a puzzle than a story; it has lots of clues and red-herrings and takes you on a mind-bending journey only to leave you baffled at the end. This is the first book of this kind that I’ve read and I did enjoy it. Though, my only problem was that I wasn’t able to feel a connection with the main character. I do get the abstractness of his identity, still, I wasn’t able to root for him to find himself amidst all the chaos.

I’d recommend this book to dark fiction lovers and to anyone who loves solving peculiar puzzles.

this review is also posted on Goodreads and Amazon

I love reading your comments, so please go ahead…

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

I’m Heena

Welcome to The Reading Bud, my cosy corner of the internet dedicated to all things books and authors. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey of discovering under-represented books, independent and small press authors, and all things book with a touch of love and loud purrs. Let’s get Reading!

Book of the Month

Read this captivating story on the adventures and hardships of Frank Knightlite, a man who strives to illuminate darkness with his lantern in search of answers to life’s questions.
You can get it here.
May 2018
M T W T F S S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  

Reading is like breathing to me.

Recent Posts

  • Book Spotlight: A Pterodactyl Named Kahoutek by Matthew Levine

    Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author Mathew Lavine for his latest release, A Pterodactyl Named Kahoutek. A Pterodactyl Named Kahoutek Book: A Pterodactyl Named KahoutekAuthor: Matthew LevinePublication date: 9th November 2022ISBN: 9798360452553Genres: Children’s Humorous Literature, Short Stories collection, Children’s HumorPage…

  • Book Review: 14 Lessons in Happiness: A Guidebook on Improving Your Life by Gina Ross

    Overall, 14 Lessons in Happiness will give you the tools needed to experience the following: an increase in inner calm; an ability to reduce anxiety; strength to conquer fears and phobias; an improvement in relationships; and…

  • 5 Ways To Improve Your Finances in 2023

    After being hit by the pandemic, the entire world is still reeling from the consequences they had to face emotionally, physically, and financially. As the end of 2022 is almost upon us, here are a few…

  • Book Review: Murder Under A Bridal Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery by Abigail Keam

    Book Details: Author: Abigail KeamRelease Date: 27th May 2019Series: A Mona Moon Mystery (book #10)Genre: Historical MysteryFormat: E-book Pages: 268 pagesPublisher: Worker Bee Press Blurb:Mona Moon is planning her wedding to Robert Farley, Duke of Brynelleth, when her preparations go…

  • Author Interview: Jane Kay

    Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome the author of Umbilical – Jane Kay, from Atmosphere Press, for an author interview with The Reading Bud. About The Author Jane Kay is a South African-born writer whose…