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Vernum City #1
The Lazarus
•JUNE•
When Caden stormed into my life, everything changed. The man with the piercing, emerald eyes and a wicked tongue. He dragged me from my world to the depths of his, exposing the underbelly of Vernum. It was dark, gritty, raw... He pushed me, showing me that not only could I survive the fall, but that he'd be right there, waiting in the darkness. My villain wants the heads of those dear to me. The heads of the city's biggest heroes. My masked vigilante wants everything I have to give, past, present, and future. We all have to make choices that define us, and Caden wants me to choose him.
•CADEN•
When she walked by with a spine of steel and eyes like dangerous waters, I was drawn to her–the woman who held her tongue so tightly for others. The gatekeeper of something I desperately needed. I had to test her loyalty, push her to the edge to show her how strong she really is. I wanted to break her down and rebuild her into my own creation... my Little Witch, my sweetest obsession. I would offer her everything, and in return, I needed every piece of her. If she didn't, it would be taken. It was easy to fall for her... And it's going to make everything so much harder when I slaughter her heroes.
When Caden stormed into my life, everything changed. The man with the piercing, emerald eyes and a wicked tongue. He dragged me from my world to the depths of his, exposing the underbelly of Vernum. It was dark, gritty, raw... He pushed me, showing me that not only could I survive the fall, but that he'd be right there, waiting in the darkness. My villain wants the heads of those dear to me. The heads of the city's biggest heroes. My masked vigilante wants everything I have to give, past, present, and future. We all have to make choices that define us, and Caden wants me to choose him.
•CADEN•
When she walked by with a spine of steel and eyes like dangerous waters, I was drawn to her–the woman who held her tongue so tightly for others. The gatekeeper of something I desperately needed. I had to test her loyalty, push her to the edge to show her how strong she really is. I wanted to break her down and rebuild her into my own creation... my Little Witch, my sweetest obsession. I would offer her everything, and in return, I needed every piece of her. If she didn't, it would be taken. It was easy to fall for her... And it's going to make everything so much harder when I slaughter her heroes.
555 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2022
116 people are currently reading
2511 people want to read
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September 26, 2022
I'll preface this review by saying that I am not a Marvel/DC Comics fangirl. I've seen a few movies, but that's pretty much it. It's not that I dislike them, I'm just not much of a movie buff and I never grew up reading comics. So my perspective on this book has been established in that context. Regardless, this book was a highly anticipated read for me because I love vigilante stories, and I love dark romance! I am grateful to have received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Potential triggers: violence and gore, homicide, substance use, explicit sexual scenes, acts of terrorism, mentions of sexual assault and human trafficking.
Vernum City is a gritty, urban metropolis with clear divides between the upper and lower class, the safe and the desperate. Crime is pervasive and rampant, and the police department is overwhelmed. Masked heroes assist the police, but their agenda is narrow and vigilantism is raging as many take justice into their own hands. I was enamoured with the intricate setting and the vivid aesthetic that runs through this novel. It's the perfect moody and twisted playground for this suspenseful and action-packed dark romance.
The writing in this book is strong, especially for a debut novel!! The prose, the dialogue, the plot and structure are all masterful. If you like prose that is striking, emotional and poetic, you will love reading this novel. I personally felt bewitched by the many weighty statements and perfectly unique descriptions that aligned so well with the aesthetic and tone of this book. So many passages made me stop reading in my tracks to appreciate them. And I can't write this review without mentioning how incredibly well done all of the characters are, even the side characters. Every one of them is so unique and layered — they just come to life on the page!
I definitely have a new favourite female lead, and her name is June Hedley.
June is a detective for Vernum City Police Department, and liaison for the heroes. June is sharp, strong, introspective, compassionate and... underappreciated. Her story will speak to anyone who has ever felt the need to change their demeanor, behaviour, appearance or identity to appease someone else or conform to what is socially expected. She, like so many, dons an intangible mask to hide the most vulnerable pieces of herself. But those pieces that she's hiding? They are what make her fucking fierce. At about 15% I could feel that June's character arc would be thunderous and I was not wrong.
Unfortunately, Vernum City is no farther advanced than any real city on planet Earth in the misogyny department. She is viewed by other characters as meek and fragile. She's undermined constantly and disrespected by those who are supposed to be her equals... Until Caden Vasilieve.
Caden is a notorious villain that dons a very real mask to work for an organized crime boss in lower Vernum. He is morally grey with a tragic backstory, but he's not the brooding type. Instead, he's an obsessive, impulsive, slightly unhinged force hellbent on vengeance. If he wants something, he does whatever it takes to get it. When June, a detective, catches his eye, he doesn't have the willpower to look the other way.
This love story is one of obsession, corruption and passion. The tension and dialogue between June and Caden is bold and their intimate scenes together are explosive. And Caden's fixation on June as his "little witch"? It's just perfection.
The dynamic created between June, Caden and Donovan is what really stole the show for me. The angst, tension and conflict between these characters felt so real and raw and had me sweating with anxiety. Donovan's presence added a such complexity and depth to this story and I could not stop thinking about it!
There is so much more to the plot than the romance, but I don't want to spoil anything. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone that likes books that include spicy dark romance, crime and suspense, mystery, anti-heroes, angst, action-packed scenes and poetic prose. Amazing debut — colour me impressed (in neon)!
Potential triggers: violence and gore, homicide, substance use, explicit sexual scenes, acts of terrorism, mentions of sexual assault and human trafficking.
Vernum City is a gritty, urban metropolis with clear divides between the upper and lower class, the safe and the desperate. Crime is pervasive and rampant, and the police department is overwhelmed. Masked heroes assist the police, but their agenda is narrow and vigilantism is raging as many take justice into their own hands. I was enamoured with the intricate setting and the vivid aesthetic that runs through this novel. It's the perfect moody and twisted playground for this suspenseful and action-packed dark romance.
The writing in this book is strong, especially for a debut novel!! The prose, the dialogue, the plot and structure are all masterful. If you like prose that is striking, emotional and poetic, you will love reading this novel. I personally felt bewitched by the many weighty statements and perfectly unique descriptions that aligned so well with the aesthetic and tone of this book. So many passages made me stop reading in my tracks to appreciate them. And I can't write this review without mentioning how incredibly well done all of the characters are, even the side characters. Every one of them is so unique and layered — they just come to life on the page!
I definitely have a new favourite female lead, and her name is June Hedley.
“June. The final days of spring, just before the flaming heat that scorches your flesh. It suits her well.”
June is a detective for Vernum City Police Department, and liaison for the heroes. June is sharp, strong, introspective, compassionate and... underappreciated. Her story will speak to anyone who has ever felt the need to change their demeanor, behaviour, appearance or identity to appease someone else or conform to what is socially expected. She, like so many, dons an intangible mask to hide the most vulnerable pieces of herself. But those pieces that she's hiding? They are what make her fucking fierce. At about 15% I could feel that June's character arc would be thunderous and I was not wrong.
Unfortunately, Vernum City is no farther advanced than any real city on planet Earth in the misogyny department. She is viewed by other characters as meek and fragile. She's undermined constantly and disrespected by those who are supposed to be her equals... Until Caden Vasilieve.
"They say the Devil was heart-wrenchingly beautiful too when he offered Eve the apple."
Caden is a notorious villain that dons a very real mask to work for an organized crime boss in lower Vernum. He is morally grey with a tragic backstory, but he's not the brooding type. Instead, he's an obsessive, impulsive, slightly unhinged force hellbent on vengeance. If he wants something, he does whatever it takes to get it. When June, a detective, catches his eye, he doesn't have the willpower to look the other way.
"She was doomed, just like I was. Fated in some sick, violent way, destined to be tangled forever."
This love story is one of obsession, corruption and passion. The tension and dialogue between June and Caden is bold and their intimate scenes together are explosive. And Caden's fixation on June as his "little witch"? It's just perfection.
The dynamic created between June, Caden and Donovan is what really stole the show for me. The angst, tension and conflict between these characters felt so real and raw and had me sweating with anxiety. Donovan's presence added a such complexity and depth to this story and I could not stop thinking about it!
There is so much more to the plot than the romance, but I don't want to spoil anything. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone that likes books that include spicy dark romance, crime and suspense, mystery, anti-heroes, angst, action-packed scenes and poetic prose. Amazing debut — colour me impressed (in neon)!
November 6, 2022
•dual pov
•strong, intelligent fmc
•morally gray mmc
•good vs. evil
•vigilante heroes vs. villains
•badass action scenes
••june hedley is a high ranking decetive for the vernum city police, who works closely with the city's heroes.
••caden vasilieve is the son of a notorious man and a villain himself. his family f*cking HATES the city heroes.
𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭? 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮?
____________
wow!!! i'm so in love with june. she has earned top spot as my book gf. vernum city captivated me from the jump. i was engaged the entire time attempting to be a detective, like june. the plot and the characters are so unique. the chemistry, tension and banter is top tier. the action had me on the edge of my seat and plot twists shocked the hell out of me. i think this is a slowburn romance + the smut is so f*cking sexy🌶️ it's been weeks since i finished and i still think of june and caden every day. marlow's writing is beautiful and i can't wait for everyone to read this!!
*beta read*
releasing September 5th, 2022
•strong, intelligent fmc
•morally gray mmc
•good vs. evil
•vigilante heroes vs. villains
•badass action scenes
••june hedley is a high ranking decetive for the vernum city police, who works closely with the city's heroes.
••caden vasilieve is the son of a notorious man and a villain himself. his family f*cking HATES the city heroes.
𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭? 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮?
____________
wow!!! i'm so in love with june. she has earned top spot as my book gf. vernum city captivated me from the jump. i was engaged the entire time attempting to be a detective, like june. the plot and the characters are so unique. the chemistry, tension and banter is top tier. the action had me on the edge of my seat and plot twists shocked the hell out of me. i think this is a slowburn romance + the smut is so f*cking sexy🌶️ it's been weeks since i finished and i still think of june and caden every day. marlow's writing is beautiful and i can't wait for everyone to read this!!
*beta read*
releasing September 5th, 2022
January 23, 2023
You belong down here, amongst the violence and pain. You look fucking stunning in it, painted in all its colors.
This book! This freaking book was a masterpiece! An otherworldly experience. To say I loved it, would put it mildly and after its delicious intensity, it doesn’t deserve that.
Caden Vasilieve and June Hedley, Lazarus and his little witch or Hex and her hunting dog of death, along with the chaos that is Vernum city, sucked my soul out of my body and I don’t ever want to get it back. I was so entangled in their story, that I am stubbornly refusing to let them go.
There are no heroes. There are no villains. We’re all here, fighting and clawing for power and freedom in the depths of Vernum City.
Marlow deserves a long round of applause, especially considering it was her debut. Not only she created intriguingly complex characters, but she built a world, prolific for exploration. I envisioned the city as a hybrid between Gotham and Cyberpunk. Her writing was terrific. I found myself sitting alone in a movie theater, watching the first chapters unfold, and suddenly the walls were shattered down and I was bathed in the neon lights of Vernum city, wandering with the characters. The author had such a special way of narrating scenes and landscapes, but utterly it was the way feelings, thoughts, and instincts were expressed, so very plausible, that made me fall undoubtedly in love with her style. Marlow's style was like a pulsing, living organism, adapting, and elevating the characters without ever losing its unique values. I can’t wait to read more from her.
June leaves me in a trance, realizing that she has never been at risk. I was chum in shark infested waters—doomed against her.
If I died by the hand of June or Caden, I would die a happy woman. Caden was a lucid dream. Dangerous, possessive, unhinged, and limitlessly obsessed with June. As the book went on, it slowly unfolded that there was no end he wouldn’t reach for her. Caden made June his religion, his entire world. He went from being the predator to comprehending that June was as much of a predator and instead of being intimidated by her strength, he appealed to her beasts.
It's scary coming to terms with the way I feel about him. Realizing that if he said jump, I'm at that point of the comedown where I would simply ask, 'how high,' begging for relief.
Now for June, I am not sure if I should crush on her or be inspired to be her. Certainly both. That beautiful little “witch”, that lived in a trance for so long, shuttered her mold, wrecked her shackles and although the carnage she caused to herself, she stood her ground and embraced the truth of herself. All that while being endlessly obsessed with her God of Death.
She tastes like my ruining, an elixir created from the darkest of magic just for me.
The story is not instalove and although spicy, it’s not drowned in smut. But because it is saturated by the electric tension and the choking lust between the characters, the book feels much spicier. June and Caden are a couple that would burn the world down for each other. They hurt, fight, break, rearrange and rebuild their broken pieces together. These two characters definitely have many issues. June suffers from abandonment, while Caden is an unpredictable soul that spontaneously delivers chaos. Their flaws are pieces that fit effortlessly together. I know this book was not fated mates, but it felt like it. There isn't a doubt that their souls were created for each other.
The rest of the characters were also fascinating, without taking the spotlight from the main characters. Then again who can take the attention from Lazarus and Hex? I would be interested in exploring the stories of Hand (loved him), Dov and Worm as well as of the King and his Queen. That being said, I am not done with June and Caden. I hope we can get more of them, see them break down the whole city.
Insanity… Shared insanity. She’s as mad as me.
Did I like it? I could kill for this book.
Would I read it again? YES!
This book! This freaking book was a masterpiece! An otherworldly experience. To say I loved it, would put it mildly and after its delicious intensity, it doesn’t deserve that.
Caden Vasilieve and June Hedley, Lazarus and his little witch or Hex and her hunting dog of death, along with the chaos that is Vernum city, sucked my soul out of my body and I don’t ever want to get it back. I was so entangled in their story, that I am stubbornly refusing to let them go.
There are no heroes. There are no villains. We’re all here, fighting and clawing for power and freedom in the depths of Vernum City.
Marlow deserves a long round of applause, especially considering it was her debut. Not only she created intriguingly complex characters, but she built a world, prolific for exploration. I envisioned the city as a hybrid between Gotham and Cyberpunk. Her writing was terrific. I found myself sitting alone in a movie theater, watching the first chapters unfold, and suddenly the walls were shattered down and I was bathed in the neon lights of Vernum city, wandering with the characters. The author had such a special way of narrating scenes and landscapes, but utterly it was the way feelings, thoughts, and instincts were expressed, so very plausible, that made me fall undoubtedly in love with her style. Marlow's style was like a pulsing, living organism, adapting, and elevating the characters without ever losing its unique values. I can’t wait to read more from her.
June leaves me in a trance, realizing that she has never been at risk. I was chum in shark infested waters—doomed against her.
If I died by the hand of June or Caden, I would die a happy woman. Caden was a lucid dream. Dangerous, possessive, unhinged, and limitlessly obsessed with June. As the book went on, it slowly unfolded that there was no end he wouldn’t reach for her. Caden made June his religion, his entire world. He went from being the predator to comprehending that June was as much of a predator and instead of being intimidated by her strength, he appealed to her beasts.
It's scary coming to terms with the way I feel about him. Realizing that if he said jump, I'm at that point of the comedown where I would simply ask, 'how high,' begging for relief.
Now for June, I am not sure if I should crush on her or be inspired to be her. Certainly both. That beautiful little “witch”, that lived in a trance for so long, shuttered her mold, wrecked her shackles and although the carnage she caused to herself, she stood her ground and embraced the truth of herself. All that while being endlessly obsessed with her God of Death.
She tastes like my ruining, an elixir created from the darkest of magic just for me.
The story is not instalove and although spicy, it’s not drowned in smut. But because it is saturated by the electric tension and the choking lust between the characters, the book feels much spicier. June and Caden are a couple that would burn the world down for each other. They hurt, fight, break, rearrange and rebuild their broken pieces together. These two characters definitely have many issues. June suffers from abandonment, while Caden is an unpredictable soul that spontaneously delivers chaos. Their flaws are pieces that fit effortlessly together. I know this book was not fated mates, but it felt like it. There isn't a doubt that their souls were created for each other.
The rest of the characters were also fascinating, without taking the spotlight from the main characters. Then again who can take the attention from Lazarus and Hex? I would be interested in exploring the stories of Hand (loved him), Dov and Worm as well as of the King and his Queen. That being said, I am not done with June and Caden. I hope we can get more of them, see them break down the whole city.
Insanity… Shared insanity. She’s as mad as me.
Did I like it? I could kill for this book.
Would I read it again? YES!
December 23, 2022
I have been trying to formulate my thoughts in an organised manner but we know I’m chaos incarnate so here you go.
June: baby girl, watching your journey through “right and wrong” was so empowering. I resonate so much with constantly being underestimated, ignored. You are an absolute force and I loved every second of your story.
Caden: now, I don’t say this lightly, but you, dear Laz, are quite possibly one of my most favourite MMCs ever written.
Vern um City: (because, yes, the setting is a character in her own right) being introduced to you was cathartic, nostalgic, and I can’t wait to peel more of your skin back.
This is a dark romance, filled with “heroes” and “villains”, the wickedest found family, journey to find your inner power, top tier tension and spice, as well as twists and turns along the way.
Marlow has granted us with one of the best debut novels I’ve ever read.
I’m so sad it’s over but cannot wait for what Vernum City spits out next.
June: baby girl, watching your journey through “right and wrong” was so empowering. I resonate so much with constantly being underestimated, ignored. You are an absolute force and I loved every second of your story.
Caden: now, I don’t say this lightly, but you, dear Laz, are quite possibly one of my most favourite MMCs ever written.
Vern um City: (because, yes, the setting is a character in her own right) being introduced to you was cathartic, nostalgic, and I can’t wait to peel more of your skin back.
This is a dark romance, filled with “heroes” and “villains”, the wickedest found family, journey to find your inner power, top tier tension and spice, as well as twists and turns along the way.
Marlow has granted us with one of the best debut novels I’ve ever read.
I’m so sad it’s over but cannot wait for what Vernum City spits out next.
January 1, 2023
RATING: 5 'Lazarus' Witch' HEARTS! <3
The Lazarus is a rip-roaring, vibrant, and unputdownable dark romance that recalls the work of DC and Marvel in a voice all its own.
What’s so addicting about this read is Ms. Locker’s ability to balance a gripping story arc rooted in rich world-building with stunning characterization. We are drawn into the bedlam of June and Caden’s minds so well that we feel engulfed in their beautifully tragic darkness and inner struggles. The romance between the two is erotic power plays and passion riding instinct in a potent combination; merging fears and desires with consummate seduction.
Overall, The Lazarus is masterfully written—a riveting, intense and sexy story, every page filled with action and suspense against the vividly gritty backdrop of a dangerously corrupt Vernum City, leaving us breathless and reeling in the best possible way and unconditionally rooting for the villain.
IF YOU LOVE:
♥ Vigilantes + Villains
♥ Enemies to Lovers Romance
♥ Slow Burn Romance
♥ Morally Grey MMC
♥ Antihero Corrupts the 'Good Girl'
Posted: December 31, 2022
It takes courage to play in the darkness.
The Lazarus is a rip-roaring, vibrant, and unputdownable dark romance that recalls the work of DC and Marvel in a voice all its own.
Life is about choices, paths, and how you react to them; it’s about how each person calculates the next step.
What’s so addicting about this read is Ms. Locker’s ability to balance a gripping story arc rooted in rich world-building with stunning characterization. We are drawn into the bedlam of June and Caden’s minds so well that we feel engulfed in their beautifully tragic darkness and inner struggles. The romance between the two is erotic power plays and passion riding instinct in a potent combination; merging fears and desires with consummate seduction.
He boils my blood, poisons my brain, and most importantly, paints me all the dark tones of his soul.
Overall, The Lazarus is masterfully written—a riveting, intense and sexy story, every page filled with action and suspense against the vividly gritty backdrop of a dangerously corrupt Vernum City, leaving us breathless and reeling in the best possible way and unconditionally rooting for the villain.
IF YOU LOVE:
♥ Vigilantes + Villains
♥ Enemies to Lovers Romance
♥ Slow Burn Romance
♥ Morally Grey MMC
♥ Antihero Corrupts the 'Good Girl'
Posted: December 31, 2022
January 6, 2023
January 5, 2023 (immediately after finishing The Lazarus):
Marlow.... what.....??? Review to come once I can wrap my head around the originality and creativity of this story. I have transcended.
January 6, 2023 (full review):
Vernum City: The Lazarus. Hold on heroes, Marlow Locker is here to save the damn day - or destroy it. Marlow's writing burned my soul up and rebirthed me, deconstructing each piece of me with her powerful writing and crafting a completely new creation - wait - no, that's June. Character development, on point - actually, immaculate.
I digress. Let's start from the top.
Marlow's writing is formidable. That's the only one word descriptor I have for the absolute force that is Marlow Locker. Lush, descriptive, gritty and raw, but reads like prose - a poem that will leave you to feel completely open and refreshed. I still don't know how to explain this, but Marlow knows damn well I've tried. The Lazarus reads like a graphic novel without the images/art. It doesn't need the support of graphics, the writing creates imagery that melts into your brain and develops the world fully along the way, while engaging the reader fully in the plot. Regardless of it's nature of comic book inspired vigilantism, an above ground Underworld of heroes and villains, cops and slimeballs, The Lazarus could very well be real. Marlow's words, use of contrast and paradox, ultimately create an unprecedented effect to take fantasy and bring it to life. Each event, each aspect of the plot, and the pacing was timed perfectly to establish and create a feeling of authenticity so unlike a standard comic book, graphic novel or fantasy read.
Marlow writes some of the best spice I've read. The chemistry, the desire, the teasing, the passion... absolute perfection.
So let's talk briefly about the MMC since we're talking about spice and already talked about June. Caden brings the heat. Caden is the heat. Caden... what. a. man. Have mercy on me, Marlow. I am weak. Caden is the epicenter of all things, a dark God in his own right, in a man's body, with the nature of a killer and the heart of a lover, a protector. You just have to experience him to understand what I'm babbling about.
While romance absolutely makes many books in most cases, Marlow actually invested in the plot. I cannot get over this book. I cannot find the words.
The depth of the characters is unparalleled. I adore, desire and long for strong side characters and Marlow delivered this wish to me. There's a whole cast in my head. Each has their place, each holds a piece to the puzzle and each carries the book, scenes and plot along. There is not a single character mentioned that does not have some sort of impact.
I have not read anything like this before. This novel is impactful. Woven throughout are questions to make the reader think and reflect on their own personal trials and tribulations. It's like Marlow looked into my soul and precisely ripped out my philosophical nature and said - "Let me breathe some more life into your bleak little world. Go ahead and question all of it". Evil vs. Good. Nature vs. Nurture. Personal morals vs. What you've been taught. Your cause vs. the supposed greater good. Your justice vs. True justice. Hero vs. Villain.
I cannot express enough the magic that is Vernum City: The Lazarus, and so, I leave you with this friends and fiends - read the book, experience the ether (if you know you know) and join us in the world that is Vernum City.
Marlow.... what.....??? Review to come once I can wrap my head around the originality and creativity of this story. I have transcended.
January 6, 2023 (full review):
Vernum City: The Lazarus. Hold on heroes, Marlow Locker is here to save the damn day - or destroy it. Marlow's writing burned my soul up and rebirthed me, deconstructing each piece of me with her powerful writing and crafting a completely new creation - wait - no, that's June. Character development, on point - actually, immaculate.
I digress. Let's start from the top.
Marlow's writing is formidable. That's the only one word descriptor I have for the absolute force that is Marlow Locker. Lush, descriptive, gritty and raw, but reads like prose - a poem that will leave you to feel completely open and refreshed. I still don't know how to explain this, but Marlow knows damn well I've tried. The Lazarus reads like a graphic novel without the images/art. It doesn't need the support of graphics, the writing creates imagery that melts into your brain and develops the world fully along the way, while engaging the reader fully in the plot. Regardless of it's nature of comic book inspired vigilantism, an above ground Underworld of heroes and villains, cops and slimeballs, The Lazarus could very well be real. Marlow's words, use of contrast and paradox, ultimately create an unprecedented effect to take fantasy and bring it to life. Each event, each aspect of the plot, and the pacing was timed perfectly to establish and create a feeling of authenticity so unlike a standard comic book, graphic novel or fantasy read.
Marlow writes some of the best spice I've read. The chemistry, the desire, the teasing, the passion... absolute perfection.
So let's talk briefly about the MMC since we're talking about spice and already talked about June. Caden brings the heat. Caden is the heat. Caden... what. a. man. Have mercy on me, Marlow. I am weak. Caden is the epicenter of all things, a dark God in his own right, in a man's body, with the nature of a killer and the heart of a lover, a protector. You just have to experience him to understand what I'm babbling about.
While romance absolutely makes many books in most cases, Marlow actually invested in the plot. I cannot get over this book. I cannot find the words.
The depth of the characters is unparalleled. I adore, desire and long for strong side characters and Marlow delivered this wish to me. There's a whole cast in my head. Each has their place, each holds a piece to the puzzle and each carries the book, scenes and plot along. There is not a single character mentioned that does not have some sort of impact.
I have not read anything like this before. This novel is impactful. Woven throughout are questions to make the reader think and reflect on their own personal trials and tribulations. It's like Marlow looked into my soul and precisely ripped out my philosophical nature and said - "Let me breathe some more life into your bleak little world. Go ahead and question all of it". Evil vs. Good. Nature vs. Nurture. Personal morals vs. What you've been taught. Your cause vs. the supposed greater good. Your justice vs. True justice. Hero vs. Villain.
I cannot express enough the magic that is Vernum City: The Lazarus, and so, I leave you with this friends and fiends - read the book, experience the ether (if you know you know) and join us in the world that is Vernum City.
December 28, 2022
This book captivated me by the first chapter. I am *so* excited for you all to dive into the world that Marlow has built. It is riddled with poverty, crime, and vigilantes. There’s a clear divide between good and evil in the city. But, what happens when a “do no wrong” detective and a high ranked villain are thrown into each others’ lives? Clearly, a guaranteed recipe for fun and chaos.
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒅𝒐𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒅, 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔. 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒌, 𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒚, 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓.
The characters have a depth to them that illicit intense feelings- whether it be love or hate. We are introduced to so many characters that I’m already begging for more of. And the descriptions and world building are exactly what I want and need from a first in series. Needless to say, I am beyond impressed by Marlow’s debut novel.
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒅𝒐𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒅, 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔. 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒌, 𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒚, 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓.
The characters have a depth to them that illicit intense feelings- whether it be love or hate. We are introduced to so many characters that I’m already begging for more of. And the descriptions and world building are exactly what I want and need from a first in series. Needless to say, I am beyond impressed by Marlow’s debut novel.
August 10, 2022
Stars: 4
Spice: 3
Details: MF | Book 1 in series | Triggers/Content: violence, mentions of SA, sex trafficking, drug use, light degradation
This was a great debut! I love this edgy, comic book-y world that Marlow has created.
Vernum City is ruled by Heroes, masked men who work alongside and often above the law.
We meet June, the police officer who sees crimes being committed that only she seems to care about, because they don't fit the political agenda of her superiors and the heroes that everyone seems to revere unquestionably.
In comes Caden. He’s a Villain, or that’s the public’s perception. He’s been so utterly failed by a broken system. You can see why he's taken the law into his own hands, to take some power back.
Caden sees June’s potential, and offers to help her… for a price.
I love the discussion that this book brings up between good and evil. It’s not black and white, and sometimes you need to do bad in order to do good. Watching June come to terms with this, with Caden’s help, was so interesting to read. June was so badass, it was amazing to see her come alive!
Really looking forward to book 2 in this universe!
Spice: 3
Details: MF | Book 1 in series | Triggers/Content: violence, mentions of SA, sex trafficking, drug use, light degradation
This was a great debut! I love this edgy, comic book-y world that Marlow has created.
Vernum City is ruled by Heroes, masked men who work alongside and often above the law.
We meet June, the police officer who sees crimes being committed that only she seems to care about, because they don't fit the political agenda of her superiors and the heroes that everyone seems to revere unquestionably.
In comes Caden. He’s a Villain, or that’s the public’s perception. He’s been so utterly failed by a broken system. You can see why he's taken the law into his own hands, to take some power back.
Caden sees June’s potential, and offers to help her… for a price.
I love the discussion that this book brings up between good and evil. It’s not black and white, and sometimes you need to do bad in order to do good. Watching June come to terms with this, with Caden’s help, was so interesting to read. June was so badass, it was amazing to see her come alive!
Really looking forward to book 2 in this universe!
December 21, 2023
EDIT: In a year where I read more terrible writing than any other, this STILL has the distinction of being the absolute worst book of the year, hands down. Sorry not sorry. Let the hate commence.
LOL how is this SO bad?
I feel like I'm the butt of some joke because how in the world are the ratings for this so high? This is one of the very, very few times where the writing is so obscenely, unbelievably BAD that neither the characters nor the plot could overshadow it. I kept reading anyway and then realized the plot and characters were just as bad. WTF is this? I pride myself on my ability to handle bad writing at least for 25% of any given book, but I couldn't even make it 10% into this sucker. Nothing about it is even average. It's all crap. I've copied some examples of the type of writing you'll find in this book, just to let you know what to expect. If this is your kind of thing, then I guess you've found your next read. As far as I'm concerned, I'll be shocked if I read something worse this year.
"His agitation causes a grin to twist at the side of my lips."
Um, you mean his agitation makes you grin?
"Even in his middle age, he’s a panty dropper."
What kind of heterosexual male villain would ever think of his boss/mentor in those terms?
"Sighing deeply, consideration shows in his aged, graying eyes."
Please please explain to me how aging eyes gray? Did I miss a biology lesson?
"Out of the corner of my eye, a soft blue strikes me, dancing by like water. The beauty glides by, her sky-like eyes guarded as she approaches the bar. The silk that hangs from her chest, a cowl settling low on her breasts, exposes them all too much for tonight's stuffy event. She's breathtaking, and as she stops at the bar beside me, my eyes drag to the slit cut high along her hip."
Either I'm completely devoid of sense, or this is one of the worst written, most awkwardly-worded MMC-sees-FMC-for-the-first-time paragraphs ever. Like why does it read like a puzzle with missing pieces? It's so bad.
"As he speaks the words, my chest tightens in an instant, a steel vice compressing on my ribcage with no compassion. My mouth dries, my blood pulsating thick in my skull."
Who would expect compassion from a steel vice, you knob? And also I'd love to know how one can feel "blood pulsating thick" in their skull".
"A serpent dressed like a vision, she’s a key full of potential."
That just made me cringe harder than the general cringing I did since I started reading.
"Green eyes slice right through me, a sharp brow and cleanly shaven face scrutinizing me. The man is unnatural, his behavior twisted. He continues to devour me, noting every bare part of my skin beneath my silken dress. I’m burning, my blood boiling at my own nudity thanks to his hungry appraisal."
He literally just checked her out at a gala. That's what this heinous paragraph is getting at.
"With his hands deep in his pockets, he exudes power."
Oh no, not the pocket power!!!
"His words choke me by the throat."
How the hell else would they do it? Is there another kind of choking location I'm missing?
That's all I felt like copy pasting.
LOL how is this SO bad?
I feel like I'm the butt of some joke because how in the world are the ratings for this so high? This is one of the very, very few times where the writing is so obscenely, unbelievably BAD that neither the characters nor the plot could overshadow it. I kept reading anyway and then realized the plot and characters were just as bad. WTF is this? I pride myself on my ability to handle bad writing at least for 25% of any given book, but I couldn't even make it 10% into this sucker. Nothing about it is even average. It's all crap. I've copied some examples of the type of writing you'll find in this book, just to let you know what to expect. If this is your kind of thing, then I guess you've found your next read. As far as I'm concerned, I'll be shocked if I read something worse this year.
"His agitation causes a grin to twist at the side of my lips."
Um, you mean his agitation makes you grin?
"Even in his middle age, he’s a panty dropper."
What kind of heterosexual male villain would ever think of his boss/mentor in those terms?
"Sighing deeply, consideration shows in his aged, graying eyes."
Please please explain to me how aging eyes gray? Did I miss a biology lesson?
"Out of the corner of my eye, a soft blue strikes me, dancing by like water. The beauty glides by, her sky-like eyes guarded as she approaches the bar. The silk that hangs from her chest, a cowl settling low on her breasts, exposes them all too much for tonight's stuffy event. She's breathtaking, and as she stops at the bar beside me, my eyes drag to the slit cut high along her hip."
Either I'm completely devoid of sense, or this is one of the worst written, most awkwardly-worded MMC-sees-FMC-for-the-first-time paragraphs ever. Like why does it read like a puzzle with missing pieces? It's so bad.
"As he speaks the words, my chest tightens in an instant, a steel vice compressing on my ribcage with no compassion. My mouth dries, my blood pulsating thick in my skull."
Who would expect compassion from a steel vice, you knob? And also I'd love to know how one can feel "blood pulsating thick" in their skull".
"A serpent dressed like a vision, she’s a key full of potential."
That just made me cringe harder than the general cringing I did since I started reading.
"Green eyes slice right through me, a sharp brow and cleanly shaven face scrutinizing me. The man is unnatural, his behavior twisted. He continues to devour me, noting every bare part of my skin beneath my silken dress. I’m burning, my blood boiling at my own nudity thanks to his hungry appraisal."
He literally just checked her out at a gala. That's what this heinous paragraph is getting at.
"With his hands deep in his pockets, he exudes power."
Oh no, not the pocket power!!!
"His words choke me by the throat."
How the hell else would they do it? Is there another kind of choking location I'm missing?
That's all I felt like copy pasting.
March 22, 2024
Arc Review - The Lazarus: The Vernum City Series Book 1 is a debut novel by Marlow Locker. I was lucky enough to receive an e-arc of this book and I just had to read it as soon as I got my little hands on it. I've been eagerly waiting for it. If I had to, I would describe as Christopher Nolan's Batman meets Lucifer. Except it's so much more than that, it's dark, sexy and dangerous but there's also a lot of humour.
Caden as a morally grey love interest is surprisingly and refreshingly honest and funny. He's open about his life and shares a lot with June. There's obviously a few things he keeps close to his chest but he wouldn't be a morally grey love interest without. Let's also not forget his mask and his piercings (ifykyk)
June is a complex and dynamic female lead. Seeing her grapple with her sense of self and develop and grow throughout the book was a joy. I was fully rooting for her and supporting every choice she made (even if some could be considered very questionable).
The plot as a whole developed from page 1 and kept me gripped throughout. I literally could not put it down. Except during a few high stakes moments when my watch buzzed to tell me my heart rate had spiked and I had to put my Kindle down so I could walk around trying to contain myself.
The spicy scenes were so much fun to read, and watching the tension build and grow to where I was screaming "just kiss already!!!" added to my enjoyment of this book.
Marlow has been angel for putting up with all my nonsense messages and unhinged theories watching them shift and change throughout the book as more things became revealed.
A wonderful debut that has been incredibly written with so much love and affection. The aesthetics of this book are really clear and easy to visualise. I forgot I was reading at times because I was immersed in the story and the world. I've also never highlighted quotes in a book before but I could not stop with this, so many wonderful lines and moments, a personal favourite has to be "The more I give her, the more I can take. The highest form of alchemy. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost." And obviously because I support women's rights but more importantly I support women's wrongs "women can be killers too"
Caden as a morally grey love interest is surprisingly and refreshingly honest and funny. He's open about his life and shares a lot with June. There's obviously a few things he keeps close to his chest but he wouldn't be a morally grey love interest without. Let's also not forget his mask and his piercings (ifykyk)
June is a complex and dynamic female lead. Seeing her grapple with her sense of self and develop and grow throughout the book was a joy. I was fully rooting for her and supporting every choice she made (even if some could be considered very questionable).
The plot as a whole developed from page 1 and kept me gripped throughout. I literally could not put it down. Except during a few high stakes moments when my watch buzzed to tell me my heart rate had spiked and I had to put my Kindle down so I could walk around trying to contain myself.
The spicy scenes were so much fun to read, and watching the tension build and grow to where I was screaming "just kiss already!!!" added to my enjoyment of this book.
Marlow has been angel for putting up with all my nonsense messages and unhinged theories watching them shift and change throughout the book as more things became revealed.
A wonderful debut that has been incredibly written with so much love and affection. The aesthetics of this book are really clear and easy to visualise. I forgot I was reading at times because I was immersed in the story and the world. I've also never highlighted quotes in a book before but I could not stop with this, so many wonderful lines and moments, a personal favourite has to be "The more I give her, the more I can take. The highest form of alchemy. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost." And obviously because I support women's rights but more importantly I support women's wrongs "women can be killers too"
November 21, 2022
“I’m going to crack you open and drag out that power that already exists. And together, we’ll fucking rule.”
So I was lucky enough to be chosen as a beta-reader for Marlow’s debut novel and oh my GOD am I fucking grateful to have been trusted with this absolute perfection.
I’ve never read anything like this before, it’s comic book/marvel/DC vibes absolutely shine through and the Gotham vibes I got from Vernum were immaculate.
The depth of the characters was something I became obsessed with right from the start of this book, Caden knows exactly what he wants and he isn’t afraid to take it, regardless of the consequences, and June… ugh we LOVE our Little Witch. I’ve come to realise recently that a strong bad ass female character is so fucking empowering, and Caden alongside her… PERFECTION!!! 🤌🏼
“You’re damn in for it now. You forget that you’re fucking with death, Sweetheart.”
Also the club scene 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
We all love a romance but I was honestly engrossed in the plot around this the entire book, there’s constantly something going on and it really just gripped me and sucked me right in from the beginning!
“If anything, Sweetheart, I’m here to make you a villain.”
I could go on forever but I’ll end with, Caden Vasilieve has a place in my heart and on my book boyfriends list, FOREVER. 🖤💜
Well done Marlow you fucking smashed it!!
So I was lucky enough to be chosen as a beta-reader for Marlow’s debut novel and oh my GOD am I fucking grateful to have been trusted with this absolute perfection.
I’ve never read anything like this before, it’s comic book/marvel/DC vibes absolutely shine through and the Gotham vibes I got from Vernum were immaculate.
The depth of the characters was something I became obsessed with right from the start of this book, Caden knows exactly what he wants and he isn’t afraid to take it, regardless of the consequences, and June… ugh we LOVE our Little Witch. I’ve come to realise recently that a strong bad ass female character is so fucking empowering, and Caden alongside her… PERFECTION!!! 🤌🏼
“You’re damn in for it now. You forget that you’re fucking with death, Sweetheart.”
Also the club scene 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
We all love a romance but I was honestly engrossed in the plot around this the entire book, there’s constantly something going on and it really just gripped me and sucked me right in from the beginning!
“If anything, Sweetheart, I’m here to make you a villain.”
I could go on forever but I’ll end with, Caden Vasilieve has a place in my heart and on my book boyfriends list, FOREVER. 🖤💜
Well done Marlow you fucking smashed it!!
August 1, 2023
I am too muddle brained right now to write something coherent so RTC!! but I loved this!
Quick brain dump so I don't forget: Vigilantes/heroes/villains, grimy setting, and honestly some superb writing. There's a slow burn romantic relationship between a detective cop FMC and morally grey MMC who is OBSESSED with her. He brings her over to the dark side and helps her realize that maybe law enforcement isn't the best way to get justice in the corrupt city of Vernum.
Oh and he has a couple dick piercings. :)
Ok I'll be back. ttyl.
update: this is me coming back and realizing I never wrote a full review but it's way too late for me to have solid thoughts but I can honestly say this book was amazing and I still think about it today. kthanksbye
Quick brain dump so I don't forget: Vigilantes/heroes/villains, grimy setting, and honestly some superb writing. There's a slow burn romantic relationship between a detective cop FMC and morally grey MMC who is OBSESSED with her. He brings her over to the dark side and helps her realize that maybe law enforcement isn't the best way to get justice in the corrupt city of Vernum.
Oh and he has a couple dick piercings. :)
Ok I'll be back. ttyl.
update: this is me coming back and realizing I never wrote a full review but it's way too late for me to have solid thoughts but I can honestly say this book was amazing and I still think about it today. kthanksbye
September 1, 2022
Okay I think I’m finally ready to tell you how absolutely Amazing this debut is & just how much I Loved it.
June and Caden were absolute perfection. They were everything I didn’t know I needed and more. The pacing is perfect. The plot & subplot is heartfelt, mysterious, thrilling, passionate, thick tension, action packed and the chemistry along with everything else entices you to devour this. I was on edge trying to piece everything together. When everything finally clicks…it’s euphoric really.
Marlow did an amazing job with every single detail of this book. The way she described Vernum City made me feel as if I were navigating through the city with her characters. It was just so descriptive and detailed. Captivating really. Her main characters and even side characters were so well thought/written and like-able (well the ones who are meant to be) and man, June’s character growth blew my mind.
Caden *insert Rachel and Phoebe from Friends jumping up and down*
Where to begin with Caden… he is now one of my top 5 book boyfriends..trust me on this he will make your list. Caden exudes assertiveness, complete alpha, possessiveness and honestly I thought just about everything he says is POETIC. I love how greedy he is with seeing his Witch blossom into her beautiful true self, with his guidance of course. He is unapologetic and ruthless to getting what he wants. (June really doesn’t stand a chance lol)
My girl June. Her growth from start until end is absolutely beautiful. I really appreciated how she starts notices the changes in herself and others around her and starts to speak her mind. I can’t go into it because I don’t want to spoil it but Marlow really did her growth justice. She’s every bit of possessive, fierce, strong, bendable (lol you’ll get it once you read…yes in that way but also no) and truly one of my now top favorite badass female characters.
Marlow just has a way with pulling the emotions out of you as you’re reading.
Everything about Lazarus is poetic. From the flow/pacing, plot, thrill, adventure, descriptions, tension, twists & turns (trust they’ll hit you out of no where), action, smut, passion, characters…honestly I just think you need to read this! There isn’t anything I’ve read that compares to this! It’s a whole new category on its own.
June and Caden were absolute perfection. They were everything I didn’t know I needed and more. The pacing is perfect. The plot & subplot is heartfelt, mysterious, thrilling, passionate, thick tension, action packed and the chemistry along with everything else entices you to devour this. I was on edge trying to piece everything together. When everything finally clicks…it’s euphoric really.
Marlow did an amazing job with every single detail of this book. The way she described Vernum City made me feel as if I were navigating through the city with her characters. It was just so descriptive and detailed. Captivating really. Her main characters and even side characters were so well thought/written and like-able (well the ones who are meant to be) and man, June’s character growth blew my mind.
Caden *insert Rachel and Phoebe from Friends jumping up and down*
Where to begin with Caden… he is now one of my top 5 book boyfriends..trust me on this he will make your list. Caden exudes assertiveness, complete alpha, possessiveness and honestly I thought just about everything he says is POETIC. I love how greedy he is with seeing his Witch blossom into her beautiful true self, with his guidance of course. He is unapologetic and ruthless to getting what he wants. (June really doesn’t stand a chance lol)
My girl June. Her growth from start until end is absolutely beautiful. I really appreciated how she starts notices the changes in herself and others around her and starts to speak her mind. I can’t go into it because I don’t want to spoil it but Marlow really did her growth justice. She’s every bit of possessive, fierce, strong, bendable (lol you’ll get it once you read…yes in that way but also no) and truly one of my now top favorite badass female characters.
Marlow just has a way with pulling the emotions out of you as you’re reading.
Everything about Lazarus is poetic. From the flow/pacing, plot, thrill, adventure, descriptions, tension, twists & turns (trust they’ll hit you out of no where), action, smut, passion, characters…honestly I just think you need to read this! There isn’t anything I’ve read that compares to this! It’s a whole new category on its own.
April 25, 2023
*ARC Review*
Welcome to Vernum City where nothing is black and white. Everything is dipped in gray, and red, and reeking of fucking turmoil.
➤ What are you willing to do to achieve your goals and discover your true potential?
What a fucking ride! I was so excited about this book, and it surpassed all my expectations! 🔥
The Lazarus felt like watching a dark DC/Marvel movie with some "electric" spice.
Vernum City captivated me from the start! The atmosphere Marlow created really pulled me into the story, and the stubble integration of "abilities" was so fitting for the setting.
June and Caden's chemistry was palpable, and I LOVED their dynamic!
Caden is alluring, obsessed, and so fucking hot! That man could do anything to me, and I would love it 🥵
Both struggle with duty, family, and obsession. They are different but still so alike.
I also really liked the pacing and Marlow's writing. I tabbed the shit out of this book and can't wait to get a physical copy!
As I said, this book gave me major DC/Marvel vibes. Marlow even named her Chapters "Issues", and there is an ending credit scene!
If you are a romance reader who loves darker anti-heroes and vigilantes, The Lazarus is definitely a book for you! 😈
🗂Genre: Dark Romance
📕Type: Interconnected Standalone
🏷Tropes:
- detective x vigilante
- murder mystery
- Alter egos - comic book vibes
- ott stalkerish, obsessed MMC
- instant connection
- unhinged, morally grey Characters
- "Touch her, and you die"
- electric spice & piercings 😈
⚠️Safety: no cheating, no owd, slight owd (not reciprocated, Human tr@fficking, death, explicit mürder & tortüre, mention of r@pe
📖Format: 1st person, dual POV
🎧Theme song: Throne - Bring Me The Horizon
Thank you, Marlow, for letting me be part of your street team and giving me an ARC of the Lazarus for an honest review!
Welcome to Vernum City where nothing is black and white. Everything is dipped in gray, and red, and reeking of fucking turmoil.
➤ What are you willing to do to achieve your goals and discover your true potential?
What a fucking ride! I was so excited about this book, and it surpassed all my expectations! 🔥
The Lazarus felt like watching a dark DC/Marvel movie with some "electric" spice.
Vernum City captivated me from the start! The atmosphere Marlow created really pulled me into the story, and the stubble integration of "abilities" was so fitting for the setting.
June and Caden's chemistry was palpable, and I LOVED their dynamic!
Caden is alluring, obsessed, and so fucking hot! That man could do anything to me, and I would love it 🥵
Both struggle with duty, family, and obsession. They are different but still so alike.
I also really liked the pacing and Marlow's writing. I tabbed the shit out of this book and can't wait to get a physical copy!
As I said, this book gave me major DC/Marvel vibes. Marlow even named her Chapters "Issues", and there is an ending credit scene!
If you are a romance reader who loves darker anti-heroes and vigilantes, The Lazarus is definitely a book for you! 😈
🗂Genre: Dark Romance
📕Type: Interconnected Standalone
🏷Tropes:
- detective x vigilante
- murder mystery
- Alter egos - comic book vibes
- ott stalkerish, obsessed MMC
- instant connection
- unhinged, morally grey Characters
- "Touch her, and you die"
- electric spice & piercings 😈
⚠️Safety: no cheating, no owd, slight owd (not reciprocated, Human tr@fficking, death, explicit mürder & tortüre, mention of r@pe
📖Format: 1st person, dual POV
🎧Theme song: Throne - Bring Me The Horizon
Thank you, Marlow, for letting me be part of your street team and giving me an ARC of the Lazarus for an honest review!
August 11, 2022
Let me just say off the bat, this book has my heart. I suspected I would love it for the dark romance elements, but as someone who is usually not into the super hero/villain dynamic? Loved alllll of that.
Marlow has a gift for writing dynamic action scenes and character development, not to mention the subtle world building happening. I love so many of these characters. The dynamic between June and Donovan, and how it changes as June changes 🤌🏻 the love/hate relationship between Caden and Hand 🤌🏻 the relationship between King and Lila 🤌🏻 the fight scenes 🤌🏻 the slow burn between June and Caden that still somehow infuses their every interaction with tension, heat, and banter 🤌🏻 the steamy scenes themselves? 🫠 *unalived but so worth it*
The city of Vernum that Marlow has created feels familiar and yet fresh all at once. It’s gritty and raw and real. The themes in this book are so relevant to issues in the real world, and the entire theme of what separates the heroes from the villains is one of my favorites. Marlow has tackled that very well 👏🏻
I usually don’t re-read books but I loved The Lazarus even more after the second reading. It still kind of blows me away that this is a debut and I’m beyond excited to see where the author brings us next in this world with these fantastic characters.
Marlow has a gift for writing dynamic action scenes and character development, not to mention the subtle world building happening. I love so many of these characters. The dynamic between June and Donovan, and how it changes as June changes 🤌🏻 the love/hate relationship between Caden and Hand 🤌🏻 the relationship between King and Lila 🤌🏻 the fight scenes 🤌🏻 the slow burn between June and Caden that still somehow infuses their every interaction with tension, heat, and banter 🤌🏻 the steamy scenes themselves? 🫠 *unalived but so worth it*
The city of Vernum that Marlow has created feels familiar and yet fresh all at once. It’s gritty and raw and real. The themes in this book are so relevant to issues in the real world, and the entire theme of what separates the heroes from the villains is one of my favorites. Marlow has tackled that very well 👏🏻
I usually don’t re-read books but I loved The Lazarus even more after the second reading. It still kind of blows me away that this is a debut and I’m beyond excited to see where the author brings us next in this world with these fantastic characters.
February 6, 2023
I’ve decided not to waste any more time with this book.
Basically, it’s a romance retelling of Batman, if you also infuse a bit of iron man into it.
Vernum city is run with crime and danger…sounds familiar enough. Spectre Industries…hmm that’s…certainly new…Lazarus AKA Caden is the right hand man of a notorious drug lord and criminal. Ok definitely haven’t heard this one before. And June is a cop…she’s badass and has attitude which causes all the men around her to hate her by default. Ok…
June is independent and badass…until she meets Caden. Then she’s automatically enamoured by his dangerous lure and immediately converts to being okay with being a criminal. Sometimes she reminisces upon her old mentor and spending time with him, but doesn’t feel bad that she’s betrayed all that he had taught her. OK. And apparently just one look from Caden will get her wet. OK ma’am.
It feels like a romance novel written by a woman who doesn’t understand women, and wrote it for a male audience. I’m very confused. Maybe I’ve just been out of touch.
Anyways, I don’t really recommend to anyone who is looking for a genuinely good read.
Basically, it’s a romance retelling of Batman, if you also infuse a bit of iron man into it.
Vernum city is run with crime and danger…sounds familiar enough. Spectre Industries…hmm that’s…certainly new…Lazarus AKA Caden is the right hand man of a notorious drug lord and criminal. Ok definitely haven’t heard this one before. And June is a cop…she’s badass and has attitude which causes all the men around her to hate her by default. Ok…
June is independent and badass…until she meets Caden. Then she’s automatically enamoured by his dangerous lure and immediately converts to being okay with being a criminal. Sometimes she reminisces upon her old mentor and spending time with him, but doesn’t feel bad that she’s betrayed all that he had taught her. OK. And apparently just one look from Caden will get her wet. OK ma’am.
It feels like a romance novel written by a woman who doesn’t understand women, and wrote it for a male audience. I’m very confused. Maybe I’ve just been out of touch.
Anyways, I don’t really recommend to anyone who is looking for a genuinely good read.
August 11, 2022
5 stars
3.5 spice
I can’t put into words how much I love this book. It follows the story of June who is a police officer and Caden who is the villain, only by name in Vernum city.
I haven’t read a book like this before, it gripped me from the get go. I felt like romance was getting a little repetitive and this book was such a refresher.
Major dc/marvel vibes here, it’s MF with really strong MCs, and also the side characters are written beautifully.
The twists and turns kept me guessing, the growth in the characters I could feel, it felt like I was watching a movie or reading a comic.
This is Marlows debut novel and it’s amazing, it brings the whole story to life, I cannot recommend this boon enough.
3.5 spice
I can’t put into words how much I love this book. It follows the story of June who is a police officer and Caden who is the villain, only by name in Vernum city.
I haven’t read a book like this before, it gripped me from the get go. I felt like romance was getting a little repetitive and this book was such a refresher.
Major dc/marvel vibes here, it’s MF with really strong MCs, and also the side characters are written beautifully.
The twists and turns kept me guessing, the growth in the characters I could feel, it felt like I was watching a movie or reading a comic.
This is Marlows debut novel and it’s amazing, it brings the whole story to life, I cannot recommend this boon enough.
November 19, 2022
“There are no heroes. There are no villains. We’re all here, fighting and clawing for power and freedom in the depths of Vernum City. Some of us are just better at it than others.”
I DID NOT WANT THIS BOOK TO END!
That’s it, that’s my review. ✅
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 / 5
Alright, Alright I’ll keep going…a friend of mine beautifully sums up the genres of this book - Gritty Anti-Hero Romance - thank you Kayla!
The author creates an aesthetic that instantly immerses the reader in to grungy dark Vernum City.
This book reads like a graphic novel and a high action mystery/thriller movie combined! You will adore both MCs and simp HARD for the side characters too. M. Locker LOCKS (pun intended) you in on the character’s stories and their strife. The dual POV between June and Caden is exactly right.
Caden…baby, sugar, love is epitome of danger. Here is a quote about Caden: “He drives one handed, palming the wheel in large circular motions down every turn we take.” - ifykyk
😈
June, don’t get me started on how much I adore her. Well, Caden actually said it best, “Absolutely. F**king. Bewitching.”
🥵
The spice… whew! the spice is volcanic and sinful. Consistently paced and unique each time. With a couple surprises along the way 👀 The mystery of the plot keeps you guessing at all of the twists and turns. Not everyone is who they.seem.
Supporting indie authors is great, if this is to be your first indie read…it will NOT disappoint.
I’m so ready for book 2 and “I feel like carnage.” 😈
*Please check trigger warnings prior to reading.
I DID NOT WANT THIS BOOK TO END!
That’s it, that’s my review. ✅
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 / 5
Alright, Alright I’ll keep going…a friend of mine beautifully sums up the genres of this book - Gritty Anti-Hero Romance - thank you Kayla!
The author creates an aesthetic that instantly immerses the reader in to grungy dark Vernum City.
This book reads like a graphic novel and a high action mystery/thriller movie combined! You will adore both MCs and simp HARD for the side characters too. M. Locker LOCKS (pun intended) you in on the character’s stories and their strife. The dual POV between June and Caden is exactly right.
Caden…baby, sugar, love is epitome of danger. Here is a quote about Caden: “He drives one handed, palming the wheel in large circular motions down every turn we take.” - ifykyk
😈
June, don’t get me started on how much I adore her. Well, Caden actually said it best, “Absolutely. F**king. Bewitching.”
🥵
The spice… whew! the spice is volcanic and sinful. Consistently paced and unique each time. With a couple surprises along the way 👀 The mystery of the plot keeps you guessing at all of the twists and turns. Not everyone is who they.seem.
Supporting indie authors is great, if this is to be your first indie read…it will NOT disappoint.
I’m so ready for book 2 and “I feel like carnage.” 😈
*Please check trigger warnings prior to reading.
September 1, 2022
Prepare yourself for my unhinged ramblings as I attempt to both convey my love for this book and convince you to read it.
The Lazarus is the debut novel from Marlow Locker, and yet her prose was so enticing that you'd never guess it. Set against the backdrop of Vernum City, The Lazarus is a seductive, anti-hero story that feels like a movie in the written word. Action sequences felt like they were plucked from the likes of the DCEU, or even The Boys (you know I can't get enough). Masked vigilantes remain anonymous courtesy of superhero-shield logic. The vibrancy and grit of each chapter played out flawlessly in my mind thanks to the intricate descriptions Locker provided.
Recently promoted to hero liaison for the V.C.P.D., June Hedley led a life of order and responsibility. But after a traumatic run-in with terrorists, June becomes despondent as she begins to recognize how 'good' the good guys of the force are; she can no longer ignore how often she is undervalued. Caden Vasilieve is the merciless son of a notorious crime lord. He quickly becomes infatuated with the detective he saved that night, and he's hell-bent on ensuring his little witch joins him in his world.
I'd be remiss if I didn't touch on how endearing Caden's infatuation with June truly is. It's not insta-love. It's him seeing how wasted she is in Upper Vernum, seeing the power she could wield if he just gave her a nudge. Caden and June coming together are reflective of so much more than just two characters having chemistry and a bit of banter.
And whilst this does have delectable spice, there are numerous additional reasons this is worth picking up. Copious plot lines are interwoven and will have you frequently rationalizing "just one more page" to yourself. Characters are relatable, maybe not on the scale of wanting to become a masked vigilante yourself, but certainly in how they justify their thoughts and actions. And the mystery, both on and off the page, is so captivating and addictive.
The Lazarus is the debut novel from Marlow Locker, and yet her prose was so enticing that you'd never guess it. Set against the backdrop of Vernum City, The Lazarus is a seductive, anti-hero story that feels like a movie in the written word. Action sequences felt like they were plucked from the likes of the DCEU, or even The Boys (you know I can't get enough). Masked vigilantes remain anonymous courtesy of superhero-shield logic. The vibrancy and grit of each chapter played out flawlessly in my mind thanks to the intricate descriptions Locker provided.
Recently promoted to hero liaison for the V.C.P.D., June Hedley led a life of order and responsibility. But after a traumatic run-in with terrorists, June becomes despondent as she begins to recognize how 'good' the good guys of the force are; she can no longer ignore how often she is undervalued. Caden Vasilieve is the merciless son of a notorious crime lord. He quickly becomes infatuated with the detective he saved that night, and he's hell-bent on ensuring his little witch joins him in his world.
I'd be remiss if I didn't touch on how endearing Caden's infatuation with June truly is. It's not insta-love. It's him seeing how wasted she is in Upper Vernum, seeing the power she could wield if he just gave her a nudge. Caden and June coming together are reflective of so much more than just two characters having chemistry and a bit of banter.
And whilst this does have delectable spice, there are numerous additional reasons this is worth picking up. Copious plot lines are interwoven and will have you frequently rationalizing "just one more page" to yourself. Characters are relatable, maybe not on the scale of wanting to become a masked vigilante yourself, but certainly in how they justify their thoughts and actions. And the mystery, both on and off the page, is so captivating and addictive.
August 18, 2022
I am a huge DC/Marvel fan and this brought all those vibes. I pictured the world of Gotham and Watchmen when reading this. I still cannot believe this was Marlow’s debut book, it was so polished and well written. From the moment I started the book I was hooked, I freaking loved it!
This book has:
Dual POV
Superheroes/Villains
Dark haired morally gray MMC (mhm mhm)
Strong FMC
Action packed
5🌟/5
3🌶️/5
In the city of Vernum there is a high amount of crime, corruption and poverty sprouting amongst the city. Superheroes and villains fight each other daily for power. June Hedley, a police officer/detective, crosses paths with Vernum’s very own villain Caden Vasilieve. Both working together to solve missing girls reports, that the police department doesn’t find important. June will discover more than she bargains for when working with Caden. And Caden always gets what he wants and he has his eyes set on one thing. 😏
June was awesome, I loved her!! She stood up for what she wanted and spoke her mind. Caden was freaking perfect and that mouth of his and his piercings! 👀 🥵🥵🥵The freaking tension and spice in this book was soooo soooo good!! *chefs kiss* Uuughhh. Oh and there isn’t a pic of Caden that exists! He is just too hot to be real. Sorry, all. Aaaaaannnnd the twists at the end…. WOW! I did not see any of that. YES, I said TWISTS! Just when I thought I had it figured out, NOPE I didn’t. Uuughhh so good!!!
This book has:
Dual POV
Superheroes/Villains
Dark haired morally gray MMC (mhm mhm)
Strong FMC
Action packed
5🌟/5
3🌶️/5
In the city of Vernum there is a high amount of crime, corruption and poverty sprouting amongst the city. Superheroes and villains fight each other daily for power. June Hedley, a police officer/detective, crosses paths with Vernum’s very own villain Caden Vasilieve. Both working together to solve missing girls reports, that the police department doesn’t find important. June will discover more than she bargains for when working with Caden. And Caden always gets what he wants and he has his eyes set on one thing. 😏
June was awesome, I loved her!! She stood up for what she wanted and spoke her mind. Caden was freaking perfect and that mouth of his and his piercings! 👀 🥵🥵🥵The freaking tension and spice in this book was soooo soooo good!! *chefs kiss* Uuughhh. Oh and there isn’t a pic of Caden that exists! He is just too hot to be real. Sorry, all. Aaaaaannnnd the twists at the end…. WOW! I did not see any of that. YES, I said TWISTS! Just when I thought I had it figured out, NOPE I didn’t. Uuughhh so good!!!
August 11, 2022
I had the pleasure of getting to beta read Marlow Lockers debut novel. When I tell you I instantly fell in love with the toxic and challenging Caden as well as our brave and fearsome June, I mean it. Their slow burn turned fast and hard dynamic swept me away. The immersive and intellectual language had me gasping for breath and feeling the emotions right along with the characters. An inky black romance, that snached my heart from my chest and kept me reading like it was laced with heroin. Even the lives of her side characters left me wanting more. An incredibly riviting experience from start to finish. Marlow's mind is brilliant and her ability to capture the audience with her demonstrative writing style and intense dialogue is just something that needs to be experienced. The premise of hero vs. villian and what it means to be defined by either role, is a striking revelation and change of pace to the genre. The Vernum City Series: Book One The Lazarus is one I will certainly be rushing to put on my shelf, and you should do the same.
Want to read
October 17, 2022dnf at 38%
the vibes of this book were great but it was way too insta love for me. I physically couldn’t keep reading
the vibes of this book were great but it was way too insta love for me. I physically couldn’t keep reading
January 18, 2023
This was a thiccc book and it took me a bit to get hooked into it, but when it did - damn.
ETA: I slept on it and I’m back. I’m not a heroes/villains kinda girl, and I think that’s where my hesitancy came in the front half of the book. I had preconceived ideas of what to expect, and my oh my did Marlow blow every single one of them out of the water. If I thought the front half of the book was a warm up, the back half of the book was a fire fight. I ended the book clutching my kindle in my hands thinking, “wait…that’s the end? Now I’ve got to wait?!”
As a debut, holy shit - well done. Looking forward to the next one!
ETA: I slept on it and I’m back. I’m not a heroes/villains kinda girl, and I think that’s where my hesitancy came in the front half of the book. I had preconceived ideas of what to expect, and my oh my did Marlow blow every single one of them out of the water. If I thought the front half of the book was a warm up, the back half of the book was a fire fight. I ended the book clutching my kindle in my hands thinking, “wait…that’s the end? Now I’ve got to wait?!”
As a debut, holy shit - well done. Looking forward to the next one!
September 5, 2022
beta review
now let me tell you all something: this is one debut you don't want to miss.
I was hooked from the first paragraph and was invested in the characters and the stories from then on. I loved this author's writing style, and it had me on the edge of my seat, laughing, shouting at my screen and close to tears several times. the story was incredible, the characters were absolutely amazing, the pacing was perfect and the spice? fantastic, hot and written well.
(there is some violence, explicit spice, drug use, light sadism *full list of TWs can be found in beginning of book*)
it's not often that I love every single character in a book, but these hit just about every single mark.
I loved Caden. I loved that he was the one who really pushed june to think about all of the ideals she had been told to believe in, helped open her eyes to maybe see outside of just the lines of the law to how corrupt the whole society is that she held in such a high regard and the "Heroes" she trusts aren't always just or "right." and I loved how complex his character was and his povs were my favorite (sorry junie!).
June: I thought her character development was incredible. seeing her thoughts and reactions as she worked alongside Caden to solve her case and how she struggled with her own morals and beliefs was different from most of the FMCs in other books I'm reading right now and I loved it.
I also loved the side characters in this story!! I want more Lila and King, Hand definitely has my interest and I can't wait for the next character's book. I'm not gonna mention anything else about them tho bc I don't want to spoil anything.
so overall, if you couldn't tell, I really enjoyed reading this. I thought that the underlying themes of good vs evil and nature vs nurture helped make the story even more complex and I loved every word. just seeing the FMC believing in and seeing the best in the Heroes and the system she worked for and seeing everything in black and white to realizing how grey the ideas of right/good and wrong/evil really are. the difference between what is right and what is just. and whether someone can really be called a "Hero" if they choose only to help protect those they judge worthy or important enough for their attention.
and the best part was that the MC's perspective change didn't happen just because she fell for the villain and he corrupted her or whatever. this was a gradual change, you could see the development in her thoughts and beliefs. you could see her questioning and searching for answers herself. and I think that's something I haven't seen in a while in this type of story. or at least not written well enough to make a note of.
the writing itself was phenomenal, the spice was good, the pacing was perfect... I really couldn't find any issues that stood out to me and I 10000% recommend this to everyone.
now let me tell you all something: this is one debut you don't want to miss.
I was hooked from the first paragraph and was invested in the characters and the stories from then on. I loved this author's writing style, and it had me on the edge of my seat, laughing, shouting at my screen and close to tears several times. the story was incredible, the characters were absolutely amazing, the pacing was perfect and the spice? fantastic, hot and written well.
(there is some violence, explicit spice, drug use, light sadism *full list of TWs can be found in beginning of book*)
it's not often that I love every single character in a book, but these hit just about every single mark.
I loved Caden. I loved that he was the one who really pushed june to think about all of the ideals she had been told to believe in, helped open her eyes to maybe see outside of just the lines of the law to how corrupt the whole society is that she held in such a high regard and the "Heroes" she trusts aren't always just or "right." and I loved how complex his character was and his povs were my favorite (sorry junie!).
June: I thought her character development was incredible. seeing her thoughts and reactions as she worked alongside Caden to solve her case and how she struggled with her own morals and beliefs was different from most of the FMCs in other books I'm reading right now and I loved it.
I also loved the side characters in this story!! I want more Lila and King, Hand definitely has my interest and I can't wait for the next character's book. I'm not gonna mention anything else about them tho bc I don't want to spoil anything.
so overall, if you couldn't tell, I really enjoyed reading this. I thought that the underlying themes of good vs evil and nature vs nurture helped make the story even more complex and I loved every word. just seeing the FMC believing in and seeing the best in the Heroes and the system she worked for and seeing everything in black and white to realizing how grey the ideas of right/good and wrong/evil really are. the difference between what is right and what is just. and whether someone can really be called a "Hero" if they choose only to help protect those they judge worthy or important enough for their attention.
and the best part was that the MC's perspective change didn't happen just because she fell for the villain and he corrupted her or whatever. this was a gradual change, you could see the development in her thoughts and beliefs. you could see her questioning and searching for answers herself. and I think that's something I haven't seen in a while in this type of story. or at least not written well enough to make a note of.
the writing itself was phenomenal, the spice was good, the pacing was perfect... I really couldn't find any issues that stood out to me and I 10000% recommend this to everyone.
August 11, 2022
Let me start off by saying this has been on of my top reads in 2022. If you decide to pick this gem up, you will NOT be disappointed.
The Lazarus is the first book in the Vernum City Series and it’s taken me by a CHOKEHOLD. The Lazarus presents us with June and Caden; a hot, dark, steamy man and a potential good girl gone bad for the man she’s about to love 🥵.
June starts to discover that who she once believed were the good guys, may not be so “good” after all. She’s stuck between emotions, not sure if she should listen to the docile person she’s been trained to be or the “bad girl” Caden has unleashed within herself. What will she choose?
Lies, jealously, intrigue, fights, undercover work, and a sizzling romance with STEAM can be found in this epic start of an amazing series. We’re left with an ending one may have not seen coming. 😮💨
Marlow’s writing is captivating, and pulls you in with the amazing descriptions and visualizing words that make you feel you’re right there along with the characters. Seriously. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Dark, morally grey men with a tongue like Caden’s? SIGN ME UP 💳💥💳💥💳💥💳💥
-Beta/eARC reader for honest thoughts and opinions.
The Lazarus is the first book in the Vernum City Series and it’s taken me by a CHOKEHOLD. The Lazarus presents us with June and Caden; a hot, dark, steamy man and a potential good girl gone bad for the man she’s about to love 🥵.
June starts to discover that who she once believed were the good guys, may not be so “good” after all. She’s stuck between emotions, not sure if she should listen to the docile person she’s been trained to be or the “bad girl” Caden has unleashed within herself. What will she choose?
Lies, jealously, intrigue, fights, undercover work, and a sizzling romance with STEAM can be found in this epic start of an amazing series. We’re left with an ending one may have not seen coming. 😮💨
Marlow’s writing is captivating, and pulls you in with the amazing descriptions and visualizing words that make you feel you’re right there along with the characters. Seriously. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Dark, morally grey men with a tongue like Caden’s? SIGN ME UP 💳💥💳💥💳💥💳💥
-Beta/eARC reader for honest thoughts and opinions.
September 24, 2022
📖 𝕖𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 📖
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
𝙏𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘻𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘴: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘶𝘮 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳
𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚: 𝘝𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨: 555
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
𝙎𝙤𝙣𝙜: 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘳 𝘋𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦 - 𝘉𝘢𝘥 𝘏𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘴
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
*** Thank you to the author @m.lockkerreads for giving me a change to BETA read this book.**
___________💭𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜💭_____________
"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘮𝘦, 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥? 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭, 𝘑𝘶𝘯𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦, 𝘐 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐𝘧 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘵."
First let me say that I was lucky enough to BETA read this masterpiece and I am sooo frikin' glad I did. This book is on another level you guys.
It is written so beautifuly and in such detail that I had a feeling the whole time while I was reading it, that I was watching a frikin' movie. It is THAT good.
"𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 '𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯' 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘐'𝘮 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥."
Oh June, sweet June. How I LOVED seeing her grow and become a badass thanks to Caden. Thanks to him she finaly became a woman she was always meant to be.
And Caden...Gosh darn. That man is sexy as sin. He is the ultimate sexy bad boy we all dream about coming into our life and making us forget our name (and don't you dare lie to me that you never imagined that).
I loved June's and Caden's connection so frikin' much. It was so hot and so sexy that made me wanna be June to be honest lol.
"𝘏𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥, 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭."
From now on Caden Vasilieve will forever be on the top of the list of ultimate bad boy book boyfriends.
"𝘖𝘩, 𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘐'𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘦'𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘦."
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
𝙏𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘻𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘴: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘶𝘮 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳
𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚: 𝘝𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨: 555
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
𝙎𝙤𝙣𝙜: 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘳 𝘋𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦 - 𝘉𝘢𝘥 𝘏𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘴
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
*** Thank you to the author @m.lockkerreads for giving me a change to BETA read this book.**
___________💭𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜💭_____________
"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘮𝘦, 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥? 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭, 𝘑𝘶𝘯𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦, 𝘐 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐𝘧 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘵."
First let me say that I was lucky enough to BETA read this masterpiece and I am sooo frikin' glad I did. This book is on another level you guys.
It is written so beautifuly and in such detail that I had a feeling the whole time while I was reading it, that I was watching a frikin' movie. It is THAT good.
"𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 '𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯' 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘐'𝘮 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥."
Oh June, sweet June. How I LOVED seeing her grow and become a badass thanks to Caden. Thanks to him she finaly became a woman she was always meant to be.
And Caden...Gosh darn. That man is sexy as sin. He is the ultimate sexy bad boy we all dream about coming into our life and making us forget our name (and don't you dare lie to me that you never imagined that).
I loved June's and Caden's connection so frikin' much. It was so hot and so sexy that made me wanna be June to be honest lol.
"𝘏𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥, 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭."
From now on Caden Vasilieve will forever be on the top of the list of ultimate bad boy book boyfriends.
"𝘖𝘩, 𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘐'𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘦'𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘦."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2023
What does it mean to be a hero?
Get ready to drool if you like…
- Comics
- Hero vs Villain
- Enemies to Lovers
- SPICE
- Strong + capable FMC
- Dark + determined MMC
- Plot twists
Welcome to Vernum City! Please come in, come in, and take a seat! If you would be so kind as to do up your seatbelt before we depart that would be best… it’s going to be a wild ride.
Meet June, your fierce FMC, ready to lead the way to justice. This delicious detective is here to show you all around Vernum, and if you’re lucky, you may even get to meet the heroes… Part of VCPD’s brightest and finest, June finds herself fighting a war she cannot escape. Who am I and how can I best help the people who need me most?
“Dragging out her monsters from the depths of her soul that she chained away every time she was told that she’s too much. I want it all.”
Enter Caden, your ferocious MMC, ready with the answers, should you be brave enough to take his hand. This smoldering man in a mask knows what he wants and you’re going to wish it was you… Unafraid to take risks and waiting arms wide to reap the rewards, Caden finds himself wanting more, wanting her. She’s mine, she always has been, now just to help her see that.
“Hm? You’re afraid of what it means for you if you like it? That when you let go and instincts take over, you’re fearless?”
Still with me? I sure hope so because you’re not going to want to miss this. When I tell you this book rocked my world, I’m not exaggerating! You might be like me and are getting a bit sick of superheroes on our screens, but let me tell you, this is nothing like the movies you’ve seen. The Lazarus is everything you’ve been craving and MORE. This is NOT a superhero book, this is a down-and-dirty with the villains and antiheroes book.
Not to mention: The Lazarus has the BEST spicy scenes I have EVER READ! I’m not joking! If you’re like me and live for the spice, look no further and jump right in! You won’t find a more fantastic book for brushing up on your one-handed reading skills *whisper* just in case you wanted some practice *wink*
This book is hands down a 5-star read for me, but it’s not for everyone so please PLEASE read the trigger warnings and know your limits. This book is not for you if you don’t like superheroes, comics, violence, dark romance, or spice. This book is not easy, it cuts deep, so unless you are a heathen (like some of us), know when a book is not for you.
The Lazarus by Marlow Locker: one of my absolute favorite reads of 2022!! Are you ready to enter Vernum City??
**As with all dark romance, please read ALL trigger warnings. Know yourself and your boundaries. If ever you are triggered, please seek out connection and care from those around you, you aren’t alone.
Get ready to drool if you like…
- Comics
- Hero vs Villain
- Enemies to Lovers
- SPICE
- Strong + capable FMC
- Dark + determined MMC
- Plot twists
Welcome to Vernum City! Please come in, come in, and take a seat! If you would be so kind as to do up your seatbelt before we depart that would be best… it’s going to be a wild ride.
Meet June, your fierce FMC, ready to lead the way to justice. This delicious detective is here to show you all around Vernum, and if you’re lucky, you may even get to meet the heroes… Part of VCPD’s brightest and finest, June finds herself fighting a war she cannot escape. Who am I and how can I best help the people who need me most?
“Dragging out her monsters from the depths of her soul that she chained away every time she was told that she’s too much. I want it all.”
Enter Caden, your ferocious MMC, ready with the answers, should you be brave enough to take his hand. This smoldering man in a mask knows what he wants and you’re going to wish it was you… Unafraid to take risks and waiting arms wide to reap the rewards, Caden finds himself wanting more, wanting her. She’s mine, she always has been, now just to help her see that.
“Hm? You’re afraid of what it means for you if you like it? That when you let go and instincts take over, you’re fearless?”
Still with me? I sure hope so because you’re not going to want to miss this. When I tell you this book rocked my world, I’m not exaggerating! You might be like me and are getting a bit sick of superheroes on our screens, but let me tell you, this is nothing like the movies you’ve seen. The Lazarus is everything you’ve been craving and MORE. This is NOT a superhero book, this is a down-and-dirty with the villains and antiheroes book.
Not to mention: The Lazarus has the BEST spicy scenes I have EVER READ! I’m not joking! If you’re like me and live for the spice, look no further and jump right in! You won’t find a more fantastic book for brushing up on your one-handed reading skills *whisper* just in case you wanted some practice *wink*
This book is hands down a 5-star read for me, but it’s not for everyone so please PLEASE read the trigger warnings and know your limits. This book is not for you if you don’t like superheroes, comics, violence, dark romance, or spice. This book is not easy, it cuts deep, so unless you are a heathen (like some of us), know when a book is not for you.
The Lazarus by Marlow Locker: one of my absolute favorite reads of 2022!! Are you ready to enter Vernum City??
**As with all dark romance, please read ALL trigger warnings. Know yourself and your boundaries. If ever you are triggered, please seek out connection and care from those around you, you aren’t alone.
September 29, 2022
STARS: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
SPICE:🌶🌶🌶/5
TROPES/GENRES:
- Morally grey characters
- Detective FMC & Villain MMC
- Superheroes & Villains
- Organised Crime
- Dark Romance
”Am I a hero or a villain?
“‘What does it mean to be a hero?’”
I’m stunned that this is a debut…
Locker crafts a formidable, hauntingly immersive world rife with crime, punishment, and corruption. Despite incorporating a lot of the darker themes of superhero fiction and comics, the hero/villain cycle is not at the forefront, merely one of the many backdrops to June and Caden’s story. Locker weaves the tales of this world like a master-story teller.
The Lazarus is perfectly paced, exceptionally written, and sinfully addictive.
When I picked this up on the recommendation of bookstagramers I trust, I did not expect it to be so polished. This is a DEBUT?! I repeat — THIS IS MARLOW LOCKER’S DEBUT NOVEL AND IT IS BETTER THAN 90% OF THE BOOKS I HAVE READ THIS YEAR!!!
Monsters come out to play at night, and as I escape into the darkness, I accept that this is what I’ve sold my soul for. I’m a monster, too. But there is no regret. I screamed for Caden Vasilieve to burn it down.
The Lazarus is ultimately a tale of transformation. June, a serially-underestimated detective for the VCPD, meets the son of the criminal underworld Caden Vasilieve, and the two begin collaborating in an effort to investigate a string of missing women.
June’s polished persona becomes gritty and raw, her true potential blossoming under Caden’s wicked touch. Working with the Lazarus, and adopting a persona, June opens herself to a world where she is no longer held down by titles, gender, or moral black and white. June is a fucking badass, and one of my favourite parts of this book was watching her become unapologetically herself, in all her bloody, morally-grey glory 😤👌🏻
I’m not the Lazarus, but he is a part of me. An opportunity to play someone else, no one willing to tell me otherwise. No stipulation to behave in any particular way, other than what I feel. And I feel like carnage.
Caden is obsessive, crazed, and has a pierced dick — so honestly, the perfect man. I absolutely loved Caden’s POV, and whilst Locker’s writing has a distinct flair, so do the voices of the characters she writes. Caden is fucking insane, impulsive, and his worship of June is *chefs kiss*. The tension between these two is so palpable from the beginning. When the spice finally comes, it hits hard and I absolutely adored every scene shared by these two!
Unfortunately, the Higher levels of the city aren’t accessible from the edges, a clear separation built into four main tiers. Beneath all the glamor and shine of highest, Upper and Mid-Vernum, is the rot and decay of lowest, Lower and Under-Vernum.
One of the highlights of this book is the depth of the world. Vernum City feels so real, familiar enough yet different in all the right ways. The aesthetics painted of the gritty, dark, multi-layered city is wholly cinematic. This is at its best during the action, with every scene perfectly curated and paced like a movie. The “End Credit Scene” really helped with the vibes, reminding me of video games, movies and comics in the best way.
So many settings feel built for the characters, yet Vernum truly feels alive — the story simply happening within its living, breathing world. I can’t wait to see the other tales told within this city. Marlow has created something truly special.
Before I can think, I’m storming to her, aching to hold her warm flesh beneath my palms. To hold life between the instruments that take—to sit along the boundaries of purgatory. Her spell is the only thing guiding me now. And I’m fucking lost without it.
All of the wondrous story and world is wrapped in beautiful, polished writing that gets to the point and communicates everything needed perfectly. The chapters are short and digestible. Whilst being even philosophical at times, it is never hard to read without the expense of feeling dimmed. I highlighted HUNDREDS of sentences during my read through (420 highlights to be exact 😉)so many lines agonisingly beautiful. And I swear the whole time I did not see a typo or grammar error ANYWHERE?! I can’t remember the last time that happened… Someone lemme call her editors cause they need some fucking applause 👏🏻
Also loved the vernacular of the characters and the very liberal use of the c-word. Really made my ‘lil Australian heart feel at home 😈💜
Thank you Marlow and her wonderful team for this book. They have done an incredible job, crafting such a polished product. This book exceeded every one of my expectations. I’m blown away.
The Lazarus is a god-damned masterpiece and more people need to read this!
SPICE:🌶🌶🌶/5
TROPES/GENRES:
- Morally grey characters
- Detective FMC & Villain MMC
- Superheroes & Villains
- Organised Crime
- Dark Romance
”Am I a hero or a villain?
“‘What does it mean to be a hero?’”
I’m stunned that this is a debut…
Locker crafts a formidable, hauntingly immersive world rife with crime, punishment, and corruption. Despite incorporating a lot of the darker themes of superhero fiction and comics, the hero/villain cycle is not at the forefront, merely one of the many backdrops to June and Caden’s story. Locker weaves the tales of this world like a master-story teller.
The Lazarus is perfectly paced, exceptionally written, and sinfully addictive.
When I picked this up on the recommendation of bookstagramers I trust, I did not expect it to be so polished. This is a DEBUT?! I repeat — THIS IS MARLOW LOCKER’S DEBUT NOVEL AND IT IS BETTER THAN 90% OF THE BOOKS I HAVE READ THIS YEAR!!!
Monsters come out to play at night, and as I escape into the darkness, I accept that this is what I’ve sold my soul for. I’m a monster, too. But there is no regret. I screamed for Caden Vasilieve to burn it down.
The Lazarus is ultimately a tale of transformation. June, a serially-underestimated detective for the VCPD, meets the son of the criminal underworld Caden Vasilieve, and the two begin collaborating in an effort to investigate a string of missing women.
June’s polished persona becomes gritty and raw, her true potential blossoming under Caden’s wicked touch. Working with the Lazarus, and adopting a persona, June opens herself to a world where she is no longer held down by titles, gender, or moral black and white. June is a fucking badass, and one of my favourite parts of this book was watching her become unapologetically herself, in all her bloody, morally-grey glory 😤👌🏻
I’m not the Lazarus, but he is a part of me. An opportunity to play someone else, no one willing to tell me otherwise. No stipulation to behave in any particular way, other than what I feel. And I feel like carnage.
Caden is obsessive, crazed, and has a pierced dick — so honestly, the perfect man. I absolutely loved Caden’s POV, and whilst Locker’s writing has a distinct flair, so do the voices of the characters she writes. Caden is fucking insane, impulsive, and his worship of June is *chefs kiss*. The tension between these two is so palpable from the beginning. When the spice finally comes, it hits hard and I absolutely adored every scene shared by these two!
Unfortunately, the Higher levels of the city aren’t accessible from the edges, a clear separation built into four main tiers. Beneath all the glamor and shine of highest, Upper and Mid-Vernum, is the rot and decay of lowest, Lower and Under-Vernum.
One of the highlights of this book is the depth of the world. Vernum City feels so real, familiar enough yet different in all the right ways. The aesthetics painted of the gritty, dark, multi-layered city is wholly cinematic. This is at its best during the action, with every scene perfectly curated and paced like a movie. The “End Credit Scene” really helped with the vibes, reminding me of video games, movies and comics in the best way.
So many settings feel built for the characters, yet Vernum truly feels alive — the story simply happening within its living, breathing world. I can’t wait to see the other tales told within this city. Marlow has created something truly special.
Before I can think, I’m storming to her, aching to hold her warm flesh beneath my palms. To hold life between the instruments that take—to sit along the boundaries of purgatory. Her spell is the only thing guiding me now. And I’m fucking lost without it.
All of the wondrous story and world is wrapped in beautiful, polished writing that gets to the point and communicates everything needed perfectly. The chapters are short and digestible. Whilst being even philosophical at times, it is never hard to read without the expense of feeling dimmed. I highlighted HUNDREDS of sentences during my read through (420 highlights to be exact 😉)so many lines agonisingly beautiful. And I swear the whole time I did not see a typo or grammar error ANYWHERE?! I can’t remember the last time that happened… Someone lemme call her editors cause they need some fucking applause 👏🏻
Also loved the vernacular of the characters and the very liberal use of the c-word. Really made my ‘lil Australian heart feel at home 😈💜
Thank you Marlow and her wonderful team for this book. They have done an incredible job, crafting such a polished product. This book exceeded every one of my expectations. I’m blown away.
The Lazarus is a god-damned masterpiece and more people need to read this!
August 22, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy, I loved it from the first page to the very last page. And to have read this with the knowledge that this is the Author’s debut book, is blowing my mind! I don’t say this as any sort of nip at other Author’s, but simply as a constructive criticism from a bookworm; the fact that Marlow has written a thick, first book with almost complete perfection is a huge accomplishment that is not easily executed.
With a book this large, even the most seasoned Author’s may stumble…but you won’t find any of that in The Lazarus. I was sucked in as early as the Authors Note and Acknowledgements.
Now, right off the bat this story hits hard & allows the reader to understand the lines that are willing to be crossed. It is brutal & raw but it gripped me and pulled me down into Vernum City where the descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was right there in the pages.
For me, I kept picturing a mixture of Gotham City and The Fifth Element with touches of Marvel interspersed. The level of action had me on the edge of my seat. I don’t think I have EVER held my breath so many times during a read…as I’ve said I felt I was right there in Vernum City. Heart racing, sweat building, and the sense that danger was right around the corner.
The spice level is extremely delicious, there are many aspects included in here and representation that I absolutely loved. I respect Author’s who break from the mold, taking that risk with characters. As someone who is completely fine with the strange and unusual, the outcasts, I was completely here for it!
The level of side character’s that all had meaningful roles to play was chef’s kiss. Everything was answered, there were no stones left unturned. And the pacing was truly fantastic for as big as this story is.
You are not going to want to fall behind in this book series. I can not wait to find out where Marlow takes us next in Vernum City!
The Lazarus releases on September 5, 2022 so get your pre-order in now, the physical book is beautiful and was created with so many details to enhance the readers’ experience 🖤
With a book this large, even the most seasoned Author’s may stumble…but you won’t find any of that in The Lazarus. I was sucked in as early as the Authors Note and Acknowledgements.
Now, right off the bat this story hits hard & allows the reader to understand the lines that are willing to be crossed. It is brutal & raw but it gripped me and pulled me down into Vernum City where the descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was right there in the pages.
For me, I kept picturing a mixture of Gotham City and The Fifth Element with touches of Marvel interspersed. The level of action had me on the edge of my seat. I don’t think I have EVER held my breath so many times during a read…as I’ve said I felt I was right there in Vernum City. Heart racing, sweat building, and the sense that danger was right around the corner.
The spice level is extremely delicious, there are many aspects included in here and representation that I absolutely loved. I respect Author’s who break from the mold, taking that risk with characters. As someone who is completely fine with the strange and unusual, the outcasts, I was completely here for it!
The level of side character’s that all had meaningful roles to play was chef’s kiss. Everything was answered, there were no stones left unturned. And the pacing was truly fantastic for as big as this story is.
You are not going to want to fall behind in this book series. I can not wait to find out where Marlow takes us next in Vernum City!
The Lazarus releases on September 5, 2022 so get your pre-order in now, the physical book is beautiful and was created with so many details to enhance the readers’ experience 🖤
May 31, 2023
this was just perfect
Ughhhhh I’m so sad it’s over. This was perfect, no lies. If you enjoy vigilantes shows, this is the book for you. I loved everything about Caden and how obsessed he was with June. I can’t wait for the 2nd book!
Ughhhhh I’m so sad it’s over. This was perfect, no lies. If you enjoy vigilantes shows, this is the book for you. I loved everything about Caden and how obsessed he was with June. I can’t wait for the 2nd book!
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