Pennyroyal Tea by Aaron Lebold
Rebekah, a pro-life activist, and Laban, a lapsed Christian on a path to promiscuity, wake to find themselves held captive in separate rooms. They have no idea who their anonymous abductor is. Nor can they discern what that person’s motives and intentions might be. Guided by strict routines and effective conditioning techniques, the separate prisoners go about their tortured days of confinement. But once they are released, they encounter a hell worse than the rooms in which they were kept against their will.
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United StatesA Compelling Novella of Torture and Choices
Pennyroyal Tea is a compelling novella of torture and choices by the talented Aaron Lebold. The subject matter is intense on all fronts, not just the torture scenes but the plot as a whole. It is psychological horror for the reader as well as the characters. Lebold’s characterization is exceptional, especially for a novella. You come to know them, develop opinions about them, feel with them and for them. The torture and conditioning scenes are well thought-out and brilliantly executed, with delicate foreshadowing skillfully inserted to create a slow reveal of the intent behind the madness. Nevertheless, you are not prepared for the hard twists to come and the horrors that follow. But this is not simply another horror story about torture. With a depth alternately subtle and obvious, the story speaks to choices and consequences and the realities of inflicting ourselves on others. It evocatively speaks to inner turmoils we don’t discuss and the dangers of societal absolutes, peer pressure, and presumption. The title of this book is wonderfully symbolic and apropos, as is the chilling cover. And whether one accepts or disregards the impactful element of the story, the discerning reader will still be thinking about Pennyroyal Tea for days to come.
United StatesWhat Do You Believe?
Pennyroyal Tea is an absolute nightmare for the main characters. I have thoughts, but they would likely end up being spoilers. So, I'll say this, this novella is a well-written story of someone forced to re-evaluate their life choices in one of the most horrific ways imaginable. I did not expect the twist near the end, but it was executed extremely well. My only wish is that there's a sequel or prequel planned to go into further depth of why the actions in this story were taken. But even without explanation, it's an effective wtf scenario that leaves the reader guessing. For that, I must say, "Well done, Aaron!"
United StatesWhat Do You Believe?
Pennyroyal Tea is an absolute nightmare for the main characters. I have thoughts, but they would likely end up being spoilers. So, I'll say this, this novella is a well-written story of someone forced to re-evaluate their life choices in one of the most horrific ways imaginable. I did not expect the twist near the end, but it was executed extremely well. My only wish is that there's a sequel or prequel planned to go into further depth of why the actions in this story were taken. But even without explanation, it's an effective wtf scenario that leaves the reader guessing. For that, I must say, "Well done, Aaron!"
United StatesWhat Do You Believe?
Pennyroyal Tea is an absolute nightmare for the main characters. I have thoughts, but they would likely end up being spoilers. So, I'll say this, this novella is a well-written story of someone forced to re-evaluate their life choices in one of the most horrific ways imaginable. I did not expect the twist near the end, but it was executed extremely well. My only wish is that there's a sequel or prequel planned to go into further depth of why the actions in this story were taken. But even without explanation, it's an effective wtf scenario that leaves the reader guessing. For that, I must say, "Well done, Aaron!"
United StatesWhat Do You Believe?
Pennyroyal Tea is an absolute nightmare for the main characters. I have thoughts, but they would likely end up being spoilers. So, I'll say this, this novella is a well-written story of someone forced to re-evaluate their life choices in one of the most horrific ways imaginable. I did not expect the twist near the end, but it was executed extremely well. My only wish is that there's a sequel or prequel planned to go into further depth of why the actions in this story were taken. But even without explanation, it's an effective wtf scenario that leaves the reader guessing. For that, I must say, "Well done, Aaron!"