triciacoker's review
5.0
Immcaulate is a deeply twisted and thoroughly engaging read. Addison Cain builds a world around her main character, Agnese, that feels real and filled with history, and yet is personal and distinctly unique. I enjoyed the immersion in what felt like a historical fiction and was titillated by the dark events that unfolded in and around that snapshot of history. As always, Addison's language is rich and evocative and I found myself wanting more from this strangely sweet and strong character.
Considering the religious setting and involvement in this story, it is not for the faint of heart and certainly not for those who are offended by dark depictions of religion and religious figures. For the rest of us, enjoy!
Considering the religious setting and involvement in this story, it is not for the faint of heart and certainly not for those who are offended by dark depictions of religion and religious figures. For the rest of us, enjoy!
rellwood74's review
3.0
A weird and sad tale of a virgin who is physically forced on the Pope in an attempt to conceive some holy child of some sort. They literally pick her up and put her on the Pope who is too old and feeble to do anything himself. For a month. She thought she was saving her virginity for her future husband (who has already been chosen and is expecting a virginal bride) however, it seems that being raped by the Pope in an attempt to conceive doesn't count.
That's it. Nothing else. Virgin is raped daily by the Pope with the help of the Bishops and Clerics that hold her over him while he does his business in an attempt to conceive some Messiah. It isn't sexy in the least.
That's it. Nothing else. Virgin is raped daily by the Pope with the help of the Bishops and Clerics that hold her over him while he does his business in an attempt to conceive some Messiah. It isn't sexy in the least.
victoria_maclennan_2005's review
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Really very gross, not a romance book but rather a horror in the same class as my dark Vanessa or Lolita only mor explicit
sammy234's review
3.0
More often than not, when I pick up an Addison Cain novel, I love it, but I do not know how to feel about this short story. I'm giving it three stars for the emotions it stirred in me, the interesting premise, and the intelligent writing. I can't rate it any higher because it was too weird of a read for me. I don't see myself ever being drawn back to this novella again, unless she turns it into a full novel.
tab2004's review
1.0
I love Addison's writing style which is the only reason I am giving this two stars. The story is dark and depraved and there is no way this is a book I could read again. When Wren's story looks happier than this one something is severely wrong. I felt for the young woman in this book but she was surrounded by just terrible people (including her own mother!) and it actually made me feel kind of sick while reading it. I need my books to have some kind of hope in them.
mx_manda's review
3.0
This dark and twisted tale is anything but a romance. Even months after reading it, I'm at a loss for how to describe it.
beckiebookworm1974's review
4.0
This dubious delight is the short story originally featured in the Twisted Sacrament anthology.
"Immaculate" formally titled "she came before God" is the warped wonder straight from the unnatural imaginings of one of my most favourite authors.
As the story unfolded I watched with an almost Awe-filled sense of such morbid curiosity.
Lulled at first into a misplaced sense of complicity it quickly became apparent that things here were not what they seemed and so very far from anyone's norm.
and as the story progressed: we were very swiftly pulled down into the depths of a debased depravity: one that I could have scarcely imagined with an almost cavalier debauchery.
This is abominable and disquieting and everything foul, unspeakable and ugly but I found myself unable to look away: glued with an almost horrified amazement to the unfolding Atrocity.
Bravo to the author I am suitably distressed and disgusted with this twisted tale.
I don't know whether to applaud or turn right around and flee far far away.
This definitely does what it says on the tin: She Came before God is a holy horror of hypocrisy and there is nothing devout or devoted between these pages.
This is pure non-con: forewarned is forearmed and I know I have said this before but please know your own limits.
I do like to have my boundaries stretched and can definitely say in this instant they were taut with tension.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of This Immaculate.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
"Immaculate" formally titled "she came before God" is the warped wonder straight from the unnatural imaginings of one of my most favourite authors.
As the story unfolded I watched with an almost Awe-filled sense of such morbid curiosity.
Lulled at first into a misplaced sense of complicity it quickly became apparent that things here were not what they seemed and so very far from anyone's norm.
and as the story progressed: we were very swiftly pulled down into the depths of a debased depravity: one that I could have scarcely imagined with an almost cavalier debauchery.
This is abominable and disquieting and everything foul, unspeakable and ugly but I found myself unable to look away: glued with an almost horrified amazement to the unfolding Atrocity.
Bravo to the author I am suitably distressed and disgusted with this twisted tale.
I don't know whether to applaud or turn right around and flee far far away.
This definitely does what it says on the tin: She Came before God is a holy horror of hypocrisy and there is nothing devout or devoted between these pages.
This is pure non-con: forewarned is forearmed and I know I have said this before but please know your own limits.
I do like to have my boundaries stretched and can definitely say in this instant they were taut with tension.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of This Immaculate.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
captainsugar's review
5.0
This is disgusting and the fact that made me feel sick and grimace says a lot, it dealt with the pope and the main idea is that one Italian family has a child usually a daughter HEAVY into religion she's pure and literally untouched of any sins etc. until she goes to the pope aka her godfather which RAPES her as a ritual TILL HE DIES in order to bring the coming of Christ through the sexual act.
FUCKING , DISGUSTING I already have a problem with religion and how sick that can be and this just clicked every button, once again Addison Cain did her thing 5 stars cause honestly the book did exactly as it should, and absolutely disgusted me
FUCKING , DISGUSTING I already have a problem with religion and how sick that can be and this just clicked every button, once again Addison Cain did her thing 5 stars cause honestly the book did exactly as it should, and absolutely disgusted me
sassygremlin's review
5.0
Good. Lord! This was twistedness on a whole new level. Cain always tops herself. This story was extra twisted because I could almost imagine this happening when the story was set. Agnese went through hell, had her faith tested by men who should have been protecting her. Even her family saw her as a commodity. But she was still a strong character!
Over all I enjoyed this story even though it was super dark. If you are easily offended, this is not the book for you. But if you do!? READ THIS. Right now!
Over all I enjoyed this story even though it was super dark. If you are easily offended, this is not the book for you. But if you do!? READ THIS. Right now!