The author sent me a copy (mobi format) in exchange for an honest review (member of Rosie’s Book Review Team).
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Plot
(by Goodreads)
The hottest toys of the Christmas Season are the Playground Network dolls. They contain a worldwide social network for children. Except, the network is controlled by a ruthless businessman with dreams of power. To reach his goals he turns to the occult. Will our children make up his personal army? Could we have an enemy soldier in every home?
Gina Greybill is a cancer survivor who stumbles into her own brush with the paranormal. She wants nothing to do with it, but may be the only one who can bring down the Playground Network. To do it she’ll have to embrace her new situation, and recover the next generation of Playground software.
There is competition for the software in the form of a brutal thug named Clovis. He’s bigger, more ruthless, and more experienced. To top it all off, he has a head start.
The Playground is suitable for more mature readers, due to violence and mature themes.
Genre(s): Paranormal, Occult, Supernatural
Series: n.a.
Length: 265 pages
Release date: 2016-04-04
Teaser
“…The profits and benefits will be through the roof. You’ll be a part of that and can write your own ticket. But first, you have to get your hands a little bit dirty.”
“I, I’ll get you another one.”
“Any word from that god damned Australian programmer that’s bleeding me dry?”
My Opinion
This book introduces Tommy Fazio, seemingly a ruthless and greedy business man with a plan. Three different plot lines – cleverly built – guide you through the story; meet Chloe, Gina and Clovis – be intrigued.
With The Playground, C. S. Boyack provides three cleverly elaborated plot lines, each of them drawing you deeper inside the story. I was drawn into the plot lines right away – very close to the respective protagonists; sometimes a creepy sensation. Each of the plot lines ‘felt’ different; resulting in a very intense story. I had a great time reading The Playground. It is a very enjoyable read. This is for you if you like paranormal/supernatural stories with a streak of horror, very likeable characters and food for thought.
This is a book to read again. Highly recommended.
In brief:
Writing | Great |
Plot | Full of surprises |
Mood | Suspenseful; Dark |
Pace | Steady |
Characters | Developed |
Violence | Some violence |
Sexual content | No sexual content (some hints) |
POV | Third person |
About the author
I was born in a town called Elko, Nevada. I like to tell everyone I was born in a small town in the 1940s. I’m not quite that old, but Elko has always been a little behind the times. This gives me a unique perspective of earlier times, and other ways of getting by. Some of this bleeds through into my fiction.
I moved to Idaho right after the turn of the century, and never looked back. My writing career was born here, with access to other writers and critique groups I jumped in with both feet.
I like to write about things that have something unusual. My works are in the realm of science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy. The goal is to entertain you for a few hours. I hope you enjoy the ride.
Craig
Connect with the Author:
Website: https://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Virgilante
Amazon: C. S. Boyack
Amazon: buy link
Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading. Now I am asking you. 🙂
My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you? What did you think about The Playground? Or – if you did not yet read The Playground – are you now interested in reading it yourself?
My question for you cinephiles:
If The Playground was filmed – who should direct it, who could you imagine as actors? Which of these stories would be your favourite on screen?
I am looking forward to reading your comments. 🙂
Review: The Experiemental Notebook of C. S. Boyack
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Great review, Karen and what an unusual premise for a book – definitely intrigued.
Thank you.
Thank you very much, Annika. Craig is a master of imagination and creativity; reading his books means time well spent.
I liked this book as well, Karen. Wonderful review.
Thank you, John.
🙂
Thank you very much, John. 🙂
🙂
Hi, Karen. I loved the interweaving of the stories in this novel too. I was especially hooked on Chloe’s part of the story, but Clovis and the dog were a close second. I’m stumped on who should portray them but I’d go to see the movie 🙂
Thanks, Mae. See you at the theater.
I’ll bring the popcorn!
Hi Mae, the plot lines with their own feel to them, as well as their unique character pairs (Chloe – Sandra, Clovis – dog, Gina – Gupta) were worth every second. I whole-heartedly agree – I’d love to see the movie! 🙂
Wonderful review for a talented storyteller. Stumbled, Pinned, Tweeted, and Googled. 🙂
Thanks for sharing everywhere.
Thank you very much, Sue. Craig’s variety of books deserves every bit of attention. 🙂
Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
Let Karen persuade you into reading The Playground. She just posted her review today. All authors and readers should be following this amazing blogger.
Thank you very much for your kind words, Craig.
So glad you enjoyed the book, Karen. It was fun revealing a story from three smaller stories. It’s something I’ve not tried before.
I love your cinephile game. I can see Emily Deschanel as Gina. I don’t know if she can pull off the post cancer look, but she could certainly play the part. Someone new should play Chloe. As far as Clovis goes, in my mind he became Micky Roark about halfway through the MS.
This is another great book, Craig. You take your readers on unforgettable journeys, skillfully woven plot lines leading to the final page.
Emily Deschanel is a great choice. Gina Gershon came to my mind as well. Mickey Rourke is the perfect choice – deal. 😀
Thanks for everything, Karen.