Review: What Lies: Dark Romance Thriller (Existential Angst Book 1) by Willow Madison
From the moment I first laid eyes on the cover of What Lies, I felt an inexplicable pull. Perhaps it was the ominous vibe, or the promise of a psycho-spiritual exploration wrapped in a dark romance. Either way, Willow Madison’s tale gripped me from the first page, plunging me into the world of Larissa—a woman whose life takes a chilling turn when her autonomy is taken away in the name of twisted love.
Larissa is an exquisitely developed character, both fragile and fierce. The story begins with her idealic day interrupted by the intrusion of a shadow that marks the beginning of her nightmare. What struck me most about Larissa’s journey was her immediate inner turmoil. We see her grappling with the raw emotions of fear, confusion, and an unsettling sense of attraction towards her captor—a complex setup that opens the door to much deeper themes. Madison explores not just the surface-level tension of captor and captive but dives into the complex web of control, choice, and identity.
The narrative unfolds primarily from Larissa’s first-person perspective, immersing readers in her psyche. At times, this narrative style offers a claustrophobic sense of entrapment—a feeling that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. It felt like I was locked in that room with her, experiencing her existential angst first-hand. I appreciated how the author intricately intertwined philosophical themes of freedom and love within the context of a psychological thriller, forcing us to question our perceptions of what love can imply, especially when it traverses into darker territories.
One element that shone throughout the book was Madison’s writing style, which is both lyrical and raw. The pacing felt deliberately slow at times, enhancing the tension and allowing for self-reflection as Larissa confronts the harsh realities of her situation. A memorable quote that resonated deeply with me was, “Whoever said knowledge is power wasn’t chained up when they said it.” This encapsulates the very essence of Larissa’s struggle and the dual nature of her situation—the simultaneous sense of vulnerability and empowerment she faces.
For fans of dark romance, What Lies is a gripping read that doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable aspects of human relationships. It’s a book that thrives on pushing boundaries, as described in the reviews I came across, touching on themes of Stockholm syndrome and the darkest forms of love. However, it’s a book that also encourages introspection and bone-deep reflection. If you’re comfortable navigating through such complexities, this offers more than just thrills; it’s a journey into human emotions that acknowledge the gray areas of love and obsession.
In conclusion, What Lies is a compelling start to the Existential Angst duet, perfect for readers who are fascinated by the darker sides of romance and the intricate dance between love, fear, and personal identity. Willow Madison has crafted a world that left me questioning my own perceptions long after I turned the last page. If you’re ready for a reading experience that challenges the boundaries of love and the philosophy of choice, this book is begging for your attention!
You can find What Lies: Dark Romance Thriller (Existential Angst Book 1) here >>