Harsh. Gritty. Dark. "The Nothingness" by J.C. Stockli doesn't pull any punches when it comes to depicting the real life struggles of a full blown drug and alcohol addict. The tumultuous ups and downs of addiction are painted with harsh truths and beautiful prose, making the story a difficult but beautiful tale to read.

Stockli blends the realistic lives of her characters with dark fantasy brilliantly, adding increasing dosages of surrealism and the supernatural that lead into a climax that is thrilling and fantastical. I kept thinking how this book is the way "Twilight" should've been, sans unrealistic romance between pathetic girl and abusive boy. There are no glittering vampires in this story or pathetic tween-friendly romance. This book makes the world of vampires feel real, and thrusts the reader into a story of edgy, gritty realism that's scary, startling, intriguing, at times disgusting, but always engaging. I found myself taking notes on some of the authors word usage—there's some truly great writing in this book!!!

The only downside of this read is that it ended! But it leaves the main character in a fascinating place, setting up what is sure to be a nail-biting series. I hear the sequel is due out this summer (2015), and I'll be one of the first in line to read it!!!

A page-turner with an urban-goth heart, J.C. Stockli conjures a little darkness out of the everyday. In The Nothingness we meet Evie, a small town woman living a life complicated by addiction, relationship troubles, and a past she doesn't fully understand. Stockli neatly folds all of these into a tale filled with the supernatural. True to its genre, you'll find all the pleasures you'd expect in this novel; good dialogue, dark characters, and a larger story looming beneath what appears on the surface. The first of a series, The Nothingness leads its reader through the carefully constructed narrative, stopping to make friends and see the sights along the way. It's an enjoyable read and well worth the price. I'm looking forward to more of Evie's tale.

If you're looking for perfect characters and fluffy romance this isn't for you. This book is full of perfectly imperfect characters and real-life grittiness. And the men! Whoa! You'll love to hate them or hate to love them. You'll be afraid yet intrigued. The author did a fantastic job of balancing suspense, tradgedy, real-life issues, horror and a touch of the romantic not to mention a bit of "crazy". Read it and you'll know what I'm talking about. J.C. Stockli is definately on my radar. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!