Title: Greed
Author: Fisher Amelie
First published October 1, 2013
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.96
Overview
Listen up, my dear. I crave power, I crave luxury, and I crave more than what I already possess.
I desire. However, don’t even think about asking for anything in return because I won’t hesitate to cut you off.
If you want to enter my world, be prepared to fight for yourself because the weak are consumed by me. Parasites will be destroyed because I have made it my mission to eradicate them.
I protect what’s mine and take what’s yours because that’s the way it is. My story won’t make you like me, and honestly, I couldn’t care less because my only goal is money.
There’s nothing admirable about me. I’m a corrupt, money-hungry, and unscrupulous bastard from Los Angeles.
I’m every man’s worst nightmare and every woman’s dream. I’m Spencer Blackwell…
and this is the tale of how I transformed from the most sought-after man to the most unwanted one and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
About the Author
Fisher Amelie lives in the South with her husband, who she considers her soul mate. They became parents in 2009 and have been raising their child together.
Along with their child, Fisher and her family also take care of their pets – a Weimaraner named Jonah and a Beta fish named Whale. Their lively household keeps Fisher’s life full of excitement and joy.
Writing has always been Fisher’s passion. As a child, she would write in secret and hide her notebooks in a Tupperware container in her closet.
It wasn’t until after college that she realized her love for writing and decided to pursue it. Although she can be a bit oblivious at times, Fisher has worked hard to overcome her self-doubt and now welcomes feedback from readers.
If you’re looking to help Fisher out, don’t put her under a microscope. Instead, read her work and provide constructive criticism.
She’s open to improving her writing and hopes to continue entertaining readers with her stories.
Editoral Review
In her novel Greed, Fisher Amelie masterfully captures the destructive force of insatiable greed through the eyes of a cast of colorful characters. Amelie is a young adult author and social activist who has been writing novels since 2011.
Her novels often address topical issues with a deep social conscience. In this book, published on October 1, 2013, she uses a gripping blend of romance, drama, and social commentary to explore the consequences of greed.
Set in the heart of New Orleans, Greed introduces us to the story of a group of friends whose lives are irrevocably changed by their desire for wealth and prestige. From the young, privileged and prodigious college student, Spencer Bradford, to the aspiring musician, Brandon, and the free-spirited artist, Helene, each character struggles to balance their dreams with their greed.
When they become embroiled in a ruthless game of manipulation and materialism, they must confront the ugly truths about themselves and their world, and suffer the consequences of their greed. The setting of the novel, New Orleans, is particularly significant, given the city’s rich history and culture of excess.
Amelie makes great use of her surroundings, interweaving the vibrant culture of the city and its inhabitants into the narrative. She brings to life the steamy, chaotic streets of the French Quarter, the colorful architecture of the Garden District, and the enigmatic charm of the city’s many parades and celebrations.
One of the strengths of Greed is its intricate and multi-layered characters. Each character is realistically flawed and dealing with their own personal crises.
Amelie accurately captures the way in which greed can warp an individual’s sense of morality and values. The reader can clearly see the characters’ descent into avarice as their desire for wealth consumes them, and they become increasingly ruthless in their pursuit of their goals.
The pacing of the novel, however, is uneven. The first half of the book tends to drag, as the author spends a lot of time building up the characters and establishing their personalities.
The second half of the book, on the other hand, moves at a breakneck pace, with events unfolding at an almost dizzying speed. Nevertheless, the novel deals with important themes such as the pitfalls of capitalism and the consequences of greed in a manner that is clear and poignant.
Amelie’s writing is honest and insightful, and her message is delivered in a way that is not preachy or pretentious. As a work of young adult fiction, Greed is an effective cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked greed.
While the novel has its flaws, its relevance and well-crafted characters will appeal to older teenagers and adults who enjoy character-driven dramas with a strong social message. It would also be useful for educators looking to introduce young people to issues related to materialism and greed.
Overall, Greed is a solid effort by Fisher Amelie, and I would recommend it for those looking for a thought-provoking, emotionally charged novel that will leave a lasting impression. Ultimately, it receives a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.
