By Satu Sarkas Bosman
Jordan’s life is consumed by being a bicycle courier, thriving on the challenge of being fast, fearless and always delivering on time. The prologue of the book describes his riding, whilst on delivery, in such a manner that you feel every bump, red light, near miss, urgency even down to the shouts of those who get in his way.
The life Jordan has imagined for himself comes to an abrupt end after a near fatal accident that changes all. His friends are encouraging him to face the world again, but he is truly lost and everything seems to have been immutably altered. However, everything changes when he decides to visit the ‘Flood Zone’ concert venue and meets Lilith. Who is this woman whom he feels inexplicably drawn to and who seems to consume his whole being?
The following morning Lilith had already disappeared leaving Jordan wondering if any of the last night’s events were even real. He resigns to never knowing until another woman, claiming to be Lilith and knowing a disquieting amount about that night, approaches him. Who is she and how is this possible?
This is the starting point where the book takes you for a ride that challenges conventional notions of romance and relationships. There are no ill-fated lovers, urgent whispers or repressed desire here. Clay McLeod Chapman challenges you to think how far would you go for love, desire and true fulfilment, even at the expense of others? What is it to feel so deeply that you wish to be consumed by someone, otherwise you feel incomplete and adrift?
Lilith and Jordan are both complex characters and, at times, utterly unlikeable, with dubious morals and attitudes. The balance of power changes constantly and is just as much in a flux as the relationship itself. Lilith’s and Jordan’s obsession with each other reduces everything else to insignificance, leaving you truly wondering how this will all end. This is exactly what adds such depth to this book; whilst reading you find yourself thinking ‘hang on, that is just not okay…’ to ‘well, that does sound rather fun though…’
This book is delicious, unruly and draws you in the world of chaos, desire and wicked thoughts. Clay McLeod Chapman does not offer you a bouquet of roses but a handful of razorblades, to which you say thank you very much and let’s go.
Bloody Flicks 