[Review] The Dollhouse Asylum by Mary Gray

Title: The Dollhouse Asylum
Author: Mary Gray
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Genre: Dystopia, YA
Release Date: October 22nd 2013
Source: Publisher for Review
Purchase: Amazon | Kobo | B&N

A virus that had once been contained has returned, and soon no place will be left untouched by its destruction. But when Cheyenne wakes up in Elysian Fields--a subdivision cut off from the world and its monster-creating virus--she is thrilled to have a chance at survival.

At first, Elysian Fields,with its beautiful houses and manicured lawns, is perfect. Teo Richardson, the older man who stole Cheyenne's heart, built it so they could be together. But when Teo tells Cheyenne there are tests that she and seven other couples must pass to be worthy of salvation, Cheyenne begins to question the perfection of his world.

The people they were before are gone. Cheyenne is now "Persephone," and each couple has been re-named to reflect the most tragic romances ever told. Everyone is fighting to pass the test, to remain in Elysian Fields. Teo dresses them up, tells them when to move and how to act, and in order to pass the test, they must play along.

If they play it right, then they'll be safe.

But if they play it wrong, they'll die.

The Dollhouse Asylum was riveting read. I don't normally read too much Dystopian anymore, but this one had me engrossed from the beginning straight on through until the end. It read like a movie that was unfolding in front of you. I had no problem picturing everything, from the characters, to the homes and scenery, right down to what they were wearing.

Cheyenne, was the new girl at school, just trying to blend in, when one day she is noticed by someone that she never expected to notice her. She slowly started to come out of her shell and open up to this person, little did she know things would soon change forever.

The characters were memorable, as was the story. Teo had a really bad God complex when it came to his compound that he created and for the people in it. He had some major psychological and control issues. But I won't go into too much more because that would spoil it for everyone that hasn't read it yet. *wink*

As for the story, it was very strong and believable, however, about halfway through I suspected that things weren't as they seemed and turned out to be right in the end. But overall, this was an excellent book by first time author, Mary Gray. I cannot wait to read future books by this amazing author!

Recommended for ages 14 and up.