The Subject is jarring, violent, and engrossing. I've read books that are more jarring and violent. I've also read books that are even more engrossing. Why would The Subject be worth your time then, if there are even better books out there?

First, The Subject is only a novella. It could even be considered a "long" short story. It's quick and to the point, because it has to be. When trying out a new author or a new genre, I find it much easier to settle in for a quick 50 page ride rather than a 600 page trek (believe me, it was a long and boring trek).

However, length alone should not make you pick up this little book.

This is S.R.C.'s first book. It's quite noticeable at times with comments, sentence structure, prose, and characterization that works with the storyline, but feels almost like an inside joke. It has the beginner's sheen to it. However, there are other moments, specifically with the development of the main character, that S.R.C.'s potential comes through.

While the author has written a novella that is quite violent, she lacks the descriptive force that would cause the reader to feel everything the characters feel physically. But with a story such as this, maybe we wouldn't want to feel all those things anyways. However, what we do feel is the strange dichotomy of a character who can't decide if she should embrace her violence and succumb to the title of psychopath, or if she should simply continue to cling to the hope of survival and do what she must to make it possible.

The ending, though well-rounded and concluded in a manner that gives some closure, there are a lot of questions that float on the periphery of this story. I'd love to see sequel(s) or even a full-length novel to explore these characters more.

All that being said, this is not a family read. If you enjoy thrillers, mysteries, noir or a mixture of all three this might be right up your alley. As I said, there is some explicit violence, but also a very brief rape attempt and an increasing amount of language as the story progresses. This story belongs to a very niche genre that I don't typically read. But for those willing to give it a go, I don't think you'll be too disappointed.