Author:  Joseph Eugene Green

ISBN-13: 978-0-595-33556-5

I’ve just completed the novel Merging with Monsters by Joseph Eugene Green, and I must admit it was a tantalizing read.

The opening scene begins in 1992 with a stellar student, Anita Powers, exiting a speaking engagement when two thugs viciously rape her in a parking garage. The two men, who are from different ethnic backgrounds, beat, sodomize and leave their victim for dead. The horrific seen encompasses seven terrifying and graphic pages.  It is a disturbing way to begin a book and not for the faint of heart. 

Fast-forward to the present and you will be introduced to the next up and coming executive of Cael Shores Solutions, Ms. Anita Powers.  Although confident and powerful on the outside, she is still the “sista” that survived the unthinkable on the inside.

Cael Shores Solutions will soon be bought by and merged with corporate giant EGI.  Although the book’s primarily set in the coolness of a corporate world, it weaves the tale of the lives of its many characters.  I saw a glimpse into the lives of quite an array of individuals. 

 Sherry is the horny, white housewife who is married to Grayson. Grayson is a handsome black executive.  She longs to improve relations with her philandering husband.  Her family constantly warns her about her “mixed” marriage. They believe her bi-racial children are in for a life-time of racial ridicule.  Grayson is filled with bitterness toward the world because he sincerely thought he earned the CEO title.  Unfortunately for him, it will be given to a woman, Ms. Anita Powers.  Hence, the hatred begins. 

 Also, the character of Phoebe is sad yet refreshing.  Phoebe is about to come “out of the closet” with her lesbian partner when they are gunned down by her girlfriend’s jealous partner. Perhaps the “girlfriend” was two timing her?

I never found out.  Phoebe’s story mainly unfolds after her attack.  She is bound to a wheelchair for life and contemplates suicide on and off for many years. During this tumultuous time she became Anita Power’s Assistant.  Phoebe is hard working and loyal to Ms. Powers until the very end.  I won’t go there and spoil that little twist. 

 Another interesting ingredient to the story involves the life of a young and upcoming executive, Julian, who is recently hired by Grayson.  He shows a great deal of potential until he reveals his gayness on a plane going 500 mph headed straight to hell.  Julian’s story twists and turns but the most interesting one is when he walks into a “bath house” for a night of uninhibited sex, only to be seduced by the CEO of Cail Shores Industries, Michael Cael!

This is a powerful story that captures deep, dark thoughts that may linger in the depths of your soul.  You can’t help but become captivated by Mr. Green’s flare of painting a portrait with his words.  I entered a realm in this corporate setting that I was glad to give up many years ago.  The stories of the intertwined lives left me entertained yet pleasantly exhausted.

As I read Merging with Monsters, I felt spellbound on how it would ultimately end.  I had a feeling it would be quite explosive.  Unfortunately I was disappointed.  The ending was abrupt and left many story lines unattended. I believe the author was looking for redemption for all troubled souls in the book.

I would recommend reading this novel because of the diversity of the characters and the single bond that holds all of us together-survival.

If you enjoy a little controversy such as:  rape, promotions, demotions, homosexuality, subordination, race discrimination, etc., etc. this book will appease your appetite.  I guess in the end, we all need redemption

 The above review was contributed by: Stacee J. White: Dental Hygienist and passionate book lover.