Man on the run Kain Richards possesses the ability to turn back time; His creator, David C. Cassidy, plays his readers like a master puppeteer. My emotions are still reeling from this exceptional dark, disturbing, and deeply moving tale.

It was the passionate reactions from Velvet Rain reviewers that had piqued my interest. "Dean Koontz would be proud of this writer..." "reveals the evils of humanity ... the demons hidden under human flesh." "Beware: This is a horror story!" -- who wouldn't be curious, or forewarned? I'll be frank. I don't usually read this genre. I've read one Stephen King novel and said never again. Velvet Rain was my once more.

Cassidy weaves this dark tale with vivid, rock-solid prose. He has a very visual writing style. Scenes unfold on paper like frames in a film. If I could, I would have read with my eyes shut. Cassidy pulls no punches; he plows the reader between the eyes. The violence is revolting and senseless, although it's clear where Cassidy stands. He shows his view through his protagonist, Kain, a good man who knows only too well that monsters live, breathe, and prey among us. Velvet Rain is an examination of the depravity and degradation that stains our human history.

I recommend this novel to:

Horror and Dark Fiction fans. Velvet Rain will be an excellent addition to your collection, from a writer whom I predict you'll hear much about in the future. You'll love how Cassidy disturbs you.

I DO NOT recommend this novel to:

Anyone under the age of 18, due to explicit violence, upsetting topics, and profanity. I also don't recommend this novel to the squeamish or to anyone who would be deeply affected by scenes involving child sexual abuse or grisly, detailed torture. Imagine the torture scene in Braveheart being described indepth.

If you're squeamish but decide to take on Velvet Rain anyway, brace yourself to become Cassidy's marionette. The magnificent puppeteer that he is, he will shock, enrage, and move you to tears. Don't say I didn't warn you. ( )