The Violence


They call it The Violence: a strange epidemic that causes the infected to experience sudden bursts of animalistic rage, with no provocation and no memory of their crimes. While it tears the nation apart, one woman sees something unlikely in the chaos—an opportunity. Chelsea Martin has been a prisoner in her own home for too long. Her controlling husband has manipulated her for years, cutting her off from all support. Her narcissistic mother is no help, and her teen daughter is realizing she might be falling into the same trap when her once adoring boyfriend shows a dark side. But when the Violence erupts, Chelsea creates a plan to liberate herself and her daughters once and for all. What follows is a shocking and thrilling journey as three generations of women navigate a world in which they are finally empowered to fight back. Somewhere along the journey from her magazine-ready Tampa home to the professional wrestling ring, Chelsea becomes her own liberator, an avatar of revenge and hope, and a new heroine for a new world.


 


Empowerment Amidst Chaos

Delilah S. Dawson's "The Violence" is a chilling and gripping tale of empowerment, survival, and revenge set against the backdrop of a nation ravaged by a mysterious epidemic known as The Violence. In a world where the infected succumb to uncontrollable bouts of rage, three generations of women—Chelsea, Ella, and Brooklyn—must navigate through perilous circumstances and confront their own inner demons to secure their freedom.

At the heart of the story is Chelsea Martin, a woman trapped in an abusive marriage with a controlling husband, David. For years, Chelsea has endured manipulation and violence, isolated from the outside world and denied any semblance of agency. However, when The Violence begins to spread, Chelsea sees an opportunity to break free from her oppressor and protect her daughters, Ella and Brooklyn, from suffering the same fate.

Dawson's narrative is both riveting and poignant, exploring themes of resilience, family bonds, and the indomitable spirit of women in the face of adversity. As Chelsea devises a plan to escape her abusive household and seek refuge with her estranged mother, Patricia, readers are drawn into a harrowing journey filled with tension, suspense, and moments of profound revelation.

What sets "The Violence" apart is its unflinching portrayal of domestic abuse and its impact on multiple generations of women. Through Chelsea's perspective, Dawson delves into the complexities of trauma, survival instincts, and the enduring strength found in maternal love. Similarly, Ella and Brooklyn emerge as multifaceted characters grappling with their own fears and desires as they confront the harsh realities of a world consumed by violence.

The novel's pacing is relentless, propelling readers forward with each twist and turn of the plot. Dawson masterfully crafts scenes of palpable tension and dread, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they witness the Martin women's fight for liberation and redemption. From the quiet desperation of Chelsea's suburban home to the chaotic streets overrun by violent outbreaks, the vividly depicted settings serve as a backdrop for the characters' tumultuous journey towards freedom.

Moreover, "The Violence" is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling as a means of healing and empowerment. Drawing from her own experiences of domestic abuse, Dawson infuses the narrative with authenticity and emotional resonance, offering readers a poignant reminder of the strength found in solidarity and self-determination.

In conclusion, "The Violence" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores the depths of human resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors. Delilah S. Dawson's masterful storytelling and nuanced characterizations make this book a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction, psychological thrillers, and stories of female empowerment. With its gripping narrative, compelling characters, and timely themes, "The Violence" is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after they've turned the final page.

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Delilah S. Dawson

Delilah S. Dawson, New York Times Bestselling Author From

Crafting Worlds of Fantasy and Adventure

Biography: Step into the enchanting realm of Delilah S. Dawson, a prolific author whose imagination knows no bounds. Born on October 21, 1977, in Roswell, Georgia, Dawson has captivated readers with her diverse repertoire of fantasy, science fiction, horror, and young adult literature, earning her a well-deserved place among the literary elite.

From a young age, Dawson displayed a penchant for storytelling, weaving tales of wonder and adventure that transported her audience to faraway lands and distant galaxies. After honing her craft, she embarked on her literary journey, penning her first novel, "Wicked as They Come," in 2012, thus laying the foundation for an illustrious career that would span over a decade.

Dawson's literary prowess truly shines in her ability to seamlessly blend elements of fantasy, steampunk, paranormal romance, and weird west into captivating narratives that defy genre conventions. Under the pseudonym Lila Bowen, she has crafted the critically acclaimed Shadow series, including "Wake of Vultures," "Conspiracy of Ravens," "Malice of Crows," and "Treason of Hawks," transporting readers to a gritty and immersive Wild West filled with monsters, magic, and mystery.

In addition to her original works, Dawson has left an indelible mark on beloved franchises such as Star Wars, contributing to the expanded universe with novels like "Phasma," "Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire," and "Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade." Her contributions to the Star Wars universe have been praised for their depth, creativity, and seamless integration into the existing canon.

Beyond the written word, Dawson has also made her mark in the world of comics, penning stories for popular series such as "Adventure Time," "Rick and Morty," "Firefly," and "Star Wars Adventures." Her creator-owned comics, including "Ladycastle," "Sparrowhawk," and "Star Pig," have garnered critical acclaim for their compelling storytelling and vibrant artwork.

Dawson's literary achievements have not gone unnoticed, earning her accolades such as the 2015 Fantasy Book of the Year from RT Book Reviews for "Wake of Vultures" and the 2013 Steampunk Book of the Year for "Wicked As She Wants." Her works have received multiple starred reviews from esteemed publications such as Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Library Journal, cementing her status as a master storyteller.

Despite her immense success, Dawson remains grounded and dedicated to her craft, constantly pushing the boundaries of imagination and innovation. With each new work, she invites readers on a journey of discovery, inviting them to explore new worlds, encounter unforgettable characters, and experience the magic of storytelling in its purest form.

As she continues to enchant audiences with her captivating tales of adventure, intrigue, and romance, Delilah S. Dawson stands as a beacon of creativity and inspiration, reminding us of the transformative power of imagination and the enduring legacy of storytelling.

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Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2022
I just finished reading The Violence, by Delilah S. Dawson. It came out last week and since I'd read the back of a cereal box if she wrote it, it was a no-brainer for me to pick it up.
There's a reason she's earned that level of devotion. Her books are compelling and fun. They're deep and explore humanity. They're expansive and inclusive and everything we want a book to be.
And this one.
This one made me cry for reasons the others never did. This one carried healing in its pages in ways the others never could. This one is more than a story separated from reality.
It's not an easy read - it would be fair to say it needs content/trigger warnings, ones she provides at the very beginning of the book. But it was so good, in ways the others couldn't have been - not because she wasn't capable, but because they weren't telling this story.
Go pick it up. Go buy a copy today and then share it. And don't forget the tissues.

I want to very briefly address some of the criticisms.
Yes, there is some very gruesome violence. This should be unsurprising, given the title of the novel.
Yes, there are references to the current pandemic. In a book that explores how we survive our trauma, there's no ignoring the trauma of COVID, nor ignoring how it might shape things to come (including things we hope don't come).
I found myself identifying with things various characters said or expressed. I felt seen in a beautiful, horrible way. This experience that, by its very nature, is very isolating was exposed. It was excised from the shadows and laid bare and better, blame was laid where it belonged. Horrible, though, because in order to get things so right for me, they had to go so wrong for others.
Some have said that the characters felt one-note. I felt growth and strength in all 3 protagonists. Maybe the "villains" were one note, but it's hard to find nuance when you're fighting for your life and sanity. Some behaviors don't make sense. It's hard to find the other facets of a person when all you've seen is the mask.
Not everything will work for everyone. But for me? This was everything I needed and didn't know I did. Thank you, Delilah, for seeing me.
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2023

Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2022

Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2023
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Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2022

L Schultz
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone over the age of 14 needs to read this book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2022
Easily my favourite read of the last 3 years.
As a survivor of domestic violence, and a woman who has been gaslit, manipulated and coerced through my teens into my 30’s, I wasn’t sure how well I would handle this book, but it was unputdownable.
Every girl over the age of 14 should read this to help steer them into understanding just how gaslighting works. Delilah writes Ella in a way that will resonate with teenage girls, and allows women to recognise their younger selves.
Every boy over the age of 14 should read this to understand when their behaviours are NOT ok. Ella’s boyfriend is a text book character that most people will have experienced in one way or another.

As for Momster- she is everything you tell yourself you won’t be when you grow up, until it happens to you. She is tangible, relatable and you are cheering her on through every battle, physical and mental.

The Violence itself is a terrifying concept written into an incredible adventure, too real to be post-apocalyptic but just enough out there to make you think it could happen.

I absolutely loved this book, thank you Delilah.

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