Pretty Dark Nothing by Heather L. Reid

Synopsis: It’s been twenty three days since Quinn has slept for more than minutes at a time. Demons have invaded her dreams, stalking her, and whispering of her death. The lack of sleep and crippling fear are ruining her life. Energy drinks and caffeine pills don’t make a dent. When Quinn dozes off in the school hallway, Aaron, an amnesiac with a psychic ability, accidentally enters her nightmare. The demons are determined to keep them apart, and Aaron from discovering the secret locked away in his memory. Together, they could banish the darkness back to the underworld for good. That is, unless the demons kill them first.

Paperback / 321 Pages
Month9Books
April 23, 2013

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This was, and I mean this in the nicest way possible, the worst fiction I've read in a few months. Once again, we had a story that had potential, but bombed on delivery. 

First, we have the shallow ex. He dates her 4 years, breaks up with her for her malicious enemy, and then wants her back the minute someone else gives her attention.

Second, we have a very disturbed current interest. With a personal tragedy of extremely over dramatic proportions.  

Third, we have a very cruel enemy. With lame lines, hair flicking, and cliche counterpart ensued. 

And, finally, we have a shallow, unlikeable main character. Unlikeable how?

She needs to get her grades up for her Cheer-leading, which means "everything" to her, but does no effort to study and, when a tutor is suggested for her scoffs at the idea: "But, what would people think of me?"  She has no interest, at first, in her future love interest, but is mortified by the idea of him not liking her. She hates being nice - and that is how she words it, not an interpretation. Her friend, seeing her lack of interest, asks to go after a guy and she claims, "I'll think about it." As if, despite her hidden feelings, she has the moral right to decide who her best friend peruses. Especially, if she has no intention of dating him. 

As for the writing: 

We have statements and phrases that don't make sense. Such as "primal pain." Primal meaning the beginning stages of evolution or fundamental and essential, I have no idea how ones pain can be essential, fundamental or pertain to the beginning stages of evolution.

Secondly, her writing consists most of step-by-step tasks with very little inner analytical thought. She does think, but about the direct task at hand and without analyzing. Aaron, seems to be less like this.
At one point in the story, we get to watch her pick up her mail, turn on the TV, grab a drink, etc. All in quick succession. 

When it comes to Pretty Dark Nothing?

Buy It | Read It | Borrow It | Toss It | Burn It

Please Note: I received a copy of this novel free in exchange for an honest review. Words and opinions are my own.