dysphoria and Grace

 

I won a print copy of dysphoria and Grace by Chistina Rozelle in a Goodreads Giveaway.

It took me a while to like this book. Although I like apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic/dystopian stories, this one bordered on being too far over the top for me. I couldn't relate to the characters. As the cover says, "You can't break someone who's already broken" and Grace, the lead character, is well beyond "broken". Granted, the government is dystopian in spades, but Grace starts out offering little to find endearing to the reader. She absolutely and unapologetically revels in her brokenness. 

Very graphic scenes of drug use, sexuality, and rape. Very, very dark. When we start to think things may be improving for Grace; BAM! Slapped down again. No secret that as a reader I was waiting for the "redemptive" portion of the story. Mini spoiler; it does not come in the I was expecting. I believe this is the first installment of a series so perhaps in forthcoming books it will be more of a comfortable read for me. Perhaps that is the crux of my review, dysphoria and Grace is not a comfortable read. As we all know, an uncomfortable read does not equate to a bad read. So, be prepared to leave your reading comfort zone. Enjoy!

Mike