by Kim Harrison
Narrator: Traci Odom
Length: 6 hours and 29 minutes
Genres: Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.2x
Is it better to live a lie of perfection when the truth is too ugly to survive?
Meg wants a normal life. Her new artistic style, born in the depression of her mother’s death, is poised to take the art world by storm, if she could just overcome the debilitating anxiety caused by the car accident that scarred her boyfriend, Austin. Encouraged by her therapist, Meg pushes outside her comfort zone to befriend Haley, a guest instructor at the university where Meg teaches. Haley is everything Meg wants to be: charismatic, confident, and perfect, but when Austin expresses his worry that Haley is changing Meg too fast and leads her to realize that Austin is trying to keep her afraid and needing him, Meg kicks him out of her life. Or at least, she tries.
Kim Harrison, author of the number one bestselling Urban Fantasy Hollows series, brings to life a world terrifyingly near to our own, where what’s real and what shouldn’t exist twine together in the madness of a troubled mind desperate for a way out. But when the truth is revealed, the question remains, is it better to live a lie of perfection, or cleave to an ugly reality that will destroy you?
Kim Harrison shares a twisted tale where the reader will need to determine what is real and what isn’t in PERfunctory AfFECTION.
I love Harrison’s works and while The Hollows are still my favorite, her newer novels/series have showcased her mad skills with a pen. PERfunctory AfFECTION was different. An unreliable narrator and events that unfold will leave the reader pondering what they have just read. Some will say horror, some will say psychology thriller and still other will declare it fantasy or paranormal.
I am not going into any details, because I went in blind and I think it is better that way. When I first met Meg I wasn’t sure what to think. She obviously has some issues. She lost her mother and has some PTSD from a car accident involving her boyfriend Austin. She suffers from depression and teaches art at the local university.
The tale began rough for me, but slowly pulled me in. I struggled a bit trying to figure Meg out and that made it hard to sink into the story. Don’t expect to like her. She feels needy, unsure and at times childish in her mannerisms, but there is an unlying strength that emerges.
Part of the problem was the narration, which I will get to next. Once, Meg befriended Haley I was hooked. The story reads like a psychological thriller with a fantasy or supernatural vibe. It all depends on what or who you believe.
Traci Odem narrates and as I stated above I initially struggled with her narration. On reflection, I think the disconnect was me trying to settle into the story and identify with Meg. Around the 25% mark I had no complaints with either the story or the narration.
Depending on your perception at the end of PERfunctory AfFECTION there could be another book or it was one heck of an ending. Either way, it is one you will reflect on, talk about, and conjure.
Kim Harrison shares a twisted tale where the reader will need to determine what is real and what isn't in PERfunctory AfFECTION. #loveaudiobook #thriller Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
This does sound like a twisted tale. I will have to check this out.
Mary
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer
Sounds fascinating! It’s so rare for the narrator to be unreliable. I’m always intriguing by them. ❤️
Melanie Simmons
This is on my list, but haven’t gotten to it yet. Glad it worked for you in the end.
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
I had so much trouble with this one, Kim. I think I only gave it two stars – it just didn’t work for me. I’m really glad you enjoyed it, though!
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I’m glad that you were able to enjoy the story despite the slow-start and initial struggle to connect with Meg.
Anne - Books of My Heart
Robin had some trouble with this one. “An unreliable narrator” meaning the main character is a tough connection. Nice review!
Tanya @ Rantings of a Reading Addict
I haven’t read most of Harrison’s works after the Hollows. I think there was one Peri book I read, but I didn’t keep up with them. I heard she’s going to write another one in the Hollows and I’ve got my fingers crossed this is true. I think the cover to this one had me apprehensive to what I would be getting into. Glad you were eventually able to settle in somewhat to the story!
Kimberly
Oh, my goodness..I am crossing my fingers too Tanya!
RO
This sounds like it would be a really good read. Hugs…RO
Ethan
By their nature, I think unreliable narrators make books hard to get into. I had similar experiences with both The Girl on the Train and Woman in Cabin 10. Around a quarter of the way in, I was hooked. But boy was the start rough!
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
I always struggle with books where I don’t really like the main character. Your review actually has me wanting to check out The Hollows since you speak so highly of it.
Jennifer
When I saw Kim Harrison’s name on this title I was tempted but then I read the summary and wasn’t sure if it was for me. I might check it out at some point if the library gets it.
Heidi
Hmm… this one might be better read than listening. I didn’t know about this one. I am going to look it up!
Debbie Haupt
Great review Kim. I sometimes find the beginning of a story with an unreliable narrator to drag for me too, I guess because you’re always wondering what’s fake and what’s the truth. This sounds good and it’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed Ms Harrison. Thanks
Sophia Rose
Neat how you were able to adjust and appreciate story and narrator even if the main character is not one who can be easily liked. I still need to read even my first Kim Harrison. LOL, yeah… someday.
Kimberly
Encouragement from others regarding the narrator kept me listening. I almost switched to eBook.
Melliane
I love the author but the reviews seemed mixed and the synopsis doesn’t attract me that much so well…
Nick
This sounds very unique! I don’t think I’ve read anything adult from Harrison. I think she had a YA book some years ago that I may have picked up. I like how you kept your review vague as it’s got me interested now!
Kimberly
Nick..you need to read the Hollows!
Nadene
Sounds interesting. While reading your review, Verity by Coleen Hoover kept popping up in my thoughts. Are there any similarities?
Kimberly
In the sense, yes. I felt they were psychology thrillers…yes, but this falls more towards fantasy and Verity was domestic noir.
kindlemom1
I have yet to finish her Hollows series, I tend to forget about it for some reason and I think I only 3 or 4 books left. I really need to get on that. I do love seeing her write new things though!
Cynthia
I have never read this author before but I am liking the sound of this book. Great review and thanks for sharing.
Jessica @ a GREAT read
OOh nice! I LOVE Kim’s books! Her Hallows series is a favorite and I like her new one as well so I naturally had to snag a copy of this one from Subterranean Press myself! I like a good twisty weird read, I’m just hoping it’s not too far off the rocker! Lol. Nice review!
Ailyn Koay
a rough start to a satisfying thriller, I am glad you stuck with it. now i’m gonna look for the book. I do love a very interesting thriller