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Yara Shahidi recommended Candide in Books (curated)

 
Candide
Candide
Voltaire | 2012 | Philosophy, Psychology & Social Sciences
6.9 (7 Ratings)
Book Favorite

"Probably the best example of Murphy’s Law, Voltaire is an iconic writer from the era of Enlightenment, whose work speaks to the shifting of morals, ethics and policies during the 18th century. A wonderful complementary reading to my AP European History class."

Source
  
Call of the Jersey Devil
Call of the Jersey Devil
Aurelio Voltaire | 2013 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Brilliant humour (2 more)
Horror
Written by one of my favourite Gothic musicians, Aurelio Voltaire
Hilarious, Gruesome and a brilliantly written
Aurelio Voltaire has always been brilliantly funny and witty in his work. His music is something I'd recommend listening to if you haven't already, don't let the Goth genre allow your mine to judge before you listen to it, because I promise you, it's not what you expect.

This book of his, is as brilliantly written as his lyrics, and Voltaire knows how to write a gruesome, horrifying adventure that includes friendship, family curses, Himself (as the washed up Goth singer), the undead, and of course legendary beast known as The Jersey Devil. Voltaire was born and raised in New Jersey and he did not enjoy his years as a young Goth (though he didn't know he fit into a stereotype back then) as people ridiculed him, and the other kids bullied him. He has a son called 'Bomb New Jersey' and I believe he references these thoughts in other areas of his work as well.

Back to the book however, the tale begins by telling us how the Jersey Devil was banished from this realm on earth and then it jumps to present day. The first chapter is exciting and gripping, the next chapter is brilliant and hilarious, and includes a dildo lightsaber fight....yes you read that right. The mall rats are best friends, but they argue with one another a lot, and this is how the book gets your attention. You keep reading to see how their relationships evolve, and how they band together to help one another survive the hellish nightmare that unfolds in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey.

The detail in this book is written to give you gruesome images, of the grotesque undead, the large stature of the Jersey Devil, and the unearthly noise it makes.

I have met Aurelio Voltaire twice at Whitby Goth Weekend, and on the second time, I had the honour of being on stage with him, and a handful of other audience members, in order to be his Hellish choir that night, and it was incredible. I have my copy of the book signed and that makes it even more valuable to me. It's a great read, and I highly recommend to any fan of horror, and macabre.
  
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Upon finishing this novel, I definitely reiterate the idea that Victor Constant is the Jack Reacher of 18th-century France. His methods are a little unorthodox, but he gets the job done no matter what, and that's what really matters, right?

Well, of course not, because where would be the fun in that?

After all, this IS 18th-century France we're talking about, so playing by the rules, doing everything by the book, and bending to the whims and wishes of the aristocracy is all part of the game. But that's a game Victor doesn't have time for because there's a murderer on the loose!

Once Victor and Voltaire met, this book was set for me. I love the idea of having Voltaire involved in something like this, considering all we really know happened with him, and it was interesting to read his theories on the crime alongside that of Victor's.

I will definitely be checking out the next one in this series, as I think Victor Constant is a force to be reckoned with.

4.5 stars