Review “Horrifying yet so compelling. I enjoyed every page!” ― Brienne Dubh , Escapology Reviews “I’m not entirely sure how I would describe this book except to say go read it! (...) I enjoyed it immensely and fully recommend.” ― Diary of a Reading Addict “Pivot is an exciting, dark, intriguing, and ultimately enjoyable book. The pacing is exciting, and the development of Jack from innocent child to indoctrinated assassin to an aware, empowered young woman is masterfully done.” ― TehBen.com Book Reviews “A brilliant blend of mystery and horror. (...) Pivot is well plotted and the author introduces twists that readers won’t see coming. L.C. Barlow takes readers on a perilous journey, crafting scenes that are emotionally charged and focused and creating characters that are both complex and real.” ― Readers’ Favorite Book reviews (five stars) “An engrossing read full of twisted relationships and otherworldly powers. Barlow managed the feat of giving both the characters and the world a sense of depth. The supernatural powers―Cyrus, his enemy the man with stars in his body, and the mysterious red box that gives and takes his abilities―all have a weight and history to them, a sense of rules, that intertwine with the characters relationships in a satisfying way.” ― Antonio Urias , author of The Chronicles of Talis “An intelligent, beautifully written thriller.” ―Charles Baker, IndieReader --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. About the Author L.C. Barlow is a writer and professor working primarily in the field of speculative fiction. She has an MA in English and MFA in Creative Writing. Her work has been published in various journals, and her fiction has reached over sixty-five thousand readers and garnered multiple awards and praise. Barlow lives in Dallas, TX with her two cats, Smaug and Dusty. --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.
Features & Highlights
From the age of seven, Jack Harper is raised by the leader of a mystical cult, Cyrus Harper. Through Cyrus, Jack receives a full education in all usual subjects—economics, literature, mathematics, history—as well as one unique skill useful to a person in Cyrus's position: assassination. With the help of Roland James, a man incapable of dying, Cyrus hones Jack into the perfect weapon to use against all who oppose him.It is not long, however, before Jack discovers that Cyrus and Roland are not the only ones living in Cyrus’s mansion. There, too, exists a mysterious creature in the depths of the house with supposed immortal magic. According to Roland, this creature is responsible for all the miraculous things Jack has witnessed throughout her childhood, including Roland’s resurrection. The creature, potent and powerful, only weakens in the presence of Cyrus’s red velvet box—a dark, enchanted tool that grants Cyrus his invincibility and ensures his reign.Lonely and terrified by her life in the cult, under Cyrus's neverending watch, Jack desperately pursues the mysterious being. When they finally meet, her world is turned upside down, as he offers her more than she could have ever expected—the possibility of escape and her own secret, magical power.
Customer Reviews
Rating Breakdown
★★★★★
30%
(266)
★★★★
20%
(177)
★★★
15%
(133)
★★
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★
28%
(248)
Most Helpful Reviews
★★★★★
4.0
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Strange story - Loved it
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Pivot is a strange story. Jack is an odd character. I was pulled in against my will by the first few sentences. At first I thought I didn't want to read a novel with a wicked protagonist, and though Jack seemed like the villain, I had to find out what was going on. Jack and the other characters are many faceted and develop throughout the story. The plot weaves Jack's story with seeming miracles and the supernatural bordering on mythological with the mundane details of living in a far from normal household. Jack's story haunts me. I can't wait to read the next installment: Perish.
1 people found this helpful
★★★★★
5.0
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Pivot is difficult to put down. Looking forward to reading the second novel of the trilogy.
Pivot is an excellent first novel, written in the genre of speculative fiction with the pace of a best-selling thriller. The author creates a world of the struggle between pure evil and the eventual redemption of good over evil. She borrows from the Greek methodology to structure her world, which is described in almost perfect prose.
Jack, the main character is trained by her mentor, Cyrus, to kill those who threaten him, without remorse, as part of Cyrus plan to develop a religion worshiping him. Cyrus’s training is not perfect since Jack, as girl of seven, when the training starts, grows older she doubts the wisdom of following Cyrus. Read the exciting novel to discover the well written conclusion.
Pivot is difficult to put down. Looking forward to reading the second novel of the trilogy.
1 people found this helpful
★★★★★
5.0
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Gloriously terrifying
This book had me from the first line. Without any spoilers - what a glorious, gorgeous, terrifying work of art. I'm completely enchanted by the beauty of the language and the cleverness of the plot. I would compare this to the best work of Clive Barker in terms of literary sophistication and emotional effect. This one is a keeper. Now I need to find everything else L.C. Barlow wrote.
1 people found this helpful
★★★★★
5.0
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Deep. Dark. Character intense.
Deep. Dark. Character intense. Complex. Horrifying yet compelling to ask for more. I gasped for air and then came to an end which may be merely the beginning. A fantastic read.
1 people found this helpful
★★★★★
4.0
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Well Written, Fun but a bit Lacking
I really enjoyed the writing in this book. And the plot and story is extremely compelling. It's one of those stories where the author has such a terrific idea and they start the book and the reader is completely drawn in just to find out what more happens. So, it's a hook and like I said, it's well written. That being said, I wish that the author had taken a bit more time to provide exposition, to create a firmer setting, to place the reader in the events and into the story. I felt lost for far too long and the setting really never felt complete. I would recommend it highly for fantasy lovers however. Well done.
1 people found this helpful
★★★★★
5.0
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Absolutely amazing!
This is such an incredibly interesting book, to the point I can't believe it isn't a top bestseller. I don't even know how to describe it. Somehow it's simultaneously dark fantasy, esoteric fantasy, horror, American gothic, and thriller all rolled into one.
Purely for the imagination and worldbuilding, "Pivot" is a must read. Add in the fact that its character development is amazing and the writing itself is absolutely beautiful, it's a winner on all fronts. I've never read anything like it. Highly recommended for genre fans and discerning readers alike!
1 people found this helpful
★★★★★
5.0
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Absolutely amazing!
This is such an incredibly interesting book, to the point I can't believe it isn't a top bestseller. I don't even know how to describe it. Somehow it's simultaneously dark fantasy, esoteric fantasy, horror, American gothic, and thriller all rolled into one.
Purely for the imagination and worldbuilding, "Pivot" is a must read. Add in the fact that its character development is amazing and the writing itself is absolutely beautiful, it's a winner on all fronts. I've never read anything like it. Highly recommended for genre fans and discerning readers alike!
1 people found this helpful
★★★★★
5.0
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Pivot
Fascinating! It is a total mind twister. This book shows the inner workings and depravity of a madman. Jack is raised by him and is turned into a killer at 7years old. She is completely gone. The cult leader starts giving her drugs when she's 10. A spark of hope in the basement and the love of the man she continuously kills are what keeps her going. I can't wait to read the next one.
I received an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
★★★★★
5.0
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Brilliant!
At seven years of age, Jack is taken in by Cyrus; her savior, father figure, and teacher.
But what Jack learns from Cyrus is not what most children grow up learning. Jack, in fact, learns how to kill people only for Cyrus to bring them back to life. Jack begins with Roland, a close confidant of Cyrus. Over and over again, Jack kills Roland, only to witness Roland waking and hearty and hale.
Soon Jack learns that to disobey Cyrus is certain death. But Jack, Cyrus, and Roland aren’t the only ones living in the mansion. Something is hidden away in the basement; something - or someone - Jack is never to question or pursue.
This book kept me reading until the very end. Jack is brought up in a weird, cult-like atmosphere that is at once safe and nurturing yet fraught with danger at every turn. Anyone who angers Cyrus is disposed of violently by way of a strange red box with powers.
Cyrus turns Jack into the perfect killing machine, but to what end?
First of all, author LC Barlow does a masterful job of creating a superb cast of characters. Jack is strong and doesn’t fold in the face of fear. She’s clever and begins to see Cyrus for what he really is and the horrors he wants to unleash on the world.
The author has written two follow up novels in this series, and I am on my way to read them now!
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
★★★★★
3.0
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Not Your Usual Horror Story
I would like to thank California Coldblood Books and Rare Bird Books and BookSirens for allowing me to read this ARC for free. Jack Harper is the foster child of Cyrus Harper. Cyrus is very rich and gives Jack the best education he can, including how to be an accomplished assassin by the age of seventeen. By that time Jack is also a heroin addict. Cyrus is the leader of a religious movement and eliminates all his opponents, making Jack think that’s the right thing to do for the world. All Jack knows is what Cyrus has taught. Cyrus is truly an evil person, not caring who dies as long as he gains more power. Besides using both Jack and brother, Alex, (lots of sibling rivalry there) to do his bidding, Cyrus has a magical red box which tells him who his enemies are. He never suspects Jack, who eventually realizes that Cyrus is evil and wants nothing more than to get away from him. Jack has been given a new power of bringing the dead back to life, but needs help to get away, which is found in the form of five immortals. This story really bothered me for the first few chapters– the thought of a child assassin is abhorrent to me. I kept reading and eventually got caught up in the story, which is well-written and mysterious, not giving a lot away. I liked the characters, Jack and Roland, and wanted nothing more than for them to get away from Cyrus, so I had to keep reading to the end. I can’t believe it, but now I want to read the next book in the series, so I can find out what becomes of Jack.