READERS ARE SAYING:
“Unpredictable twists & turns had me questioning everything I know…”
“No character alliance is safe…”
“It leaves one asking, how well do we really know any of the people around us?”
“The Antagonist could be anywhere.”
“Thrilling, Emotionally Charged…”
“Sharp Evocative Prose & Gripping Drama.”
“Eerie, Clever & Profoundly disturbing.”
“A Complex Web of Characters…”
“An intoxicating & disorienting tale that kept me happily off balance…”
“A Masterful demonstration of unconscious Processes.”
“A horrific and often-times despairing journey into the deep…”
“Beautifully grotesque as it is tantalizingly uneasy.”
“ A perilous ‘on the edge of your seat’ ride.”
“It blurs the line between your own world and its own.”
“So maliciously good!”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
THE ANTAGONIST IS NOW AVAILABLE!
Click any of the sellers below to order, if you dare…
Trigger Warnings: Suicide, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse
SYNOPSIs:
Dave Collins has a normal life—a loving wife, an angst-filled teenage stepdaughter, and a comfortable job as a secretary in a well-regarded law firm in the quaint town of Repo Ridge. It’s a life that proceeds like clockwork each day, predictable and calm, just as he likes it.
One morning, however, he comes downstairs to find a yellow sticky-note on his refrigerator with a meticulously-drawn smiley face and the words, "You're special!”
Those two words set off a series of events that spiral Dave down a dark path. There’s trouble at home, trouble at work, and trouble with his parents. It's the sort of trouble that invades even his most inner and sacred thoughts.
As Dave's carefully crafted life unravels, piece by piece, he begins to believe that some invisible, unknown antagonist is purposefully ripping it apart.
But who? And more importantly—why?
REVIEWS:
Couldn't put it down!
Emily Dinova did it again! This book had me on the edge of my seat with only the rising sun forcing me to put it down and get sleep. The unpredictable twists and turns had me questioning everything I know, and I loved it! I was completely enthralled in the lives of all the characters and am so pleased that everyone got what they deserve. No character alliance is safe and the Antagonist could be anywhere! This book is so well written, you feel like you are living in the world of Repo Ridge and you can't believe such crazy things could be happening in your small town to your friends! Can't recommend this book more!
Great Psychological Thrill! A True Descent into Madness.
The Antagonist has you on edge the second you open to the first page. The story revolves around Dave. On the surface good ole Dave seems kind, patient, and easy going. Almost flawless. He cooks dinner every night for his family. He never loses patience with his moody stepdaughter. He comes to the aid of his mentally ill sister. Dave is the perfect man in the small, perfect world of his adoring wife, sprawling mansion, and steady routine. Everything, including Dave, seems too good to be true. And Emily Dinova’s use of natural imagery gives the reader the sense that all is not as it seems. Dave has a secret and that secret begins to crumble that perfect world of his. It begins with mysterious notes on his refrigerator. Then black olives and butterfly clips. Dinova skillfully builds suspense and tension, one layer at a time. And as a reader you feel the weight of every layer. The more time you spend with Dave in those pages, the more uncomfortable you become. You feel the unease of the secret you cannot name coupled with the terror of being watched, violated. And that violation is exactly what Dinova wants you to feel. It is the heart of The Antagonist. As Dave’s world peels away, the true horror of the past is revealed, and Dinova does not shy away from depicting its gruesome details. The Antagonist is a compelling psychological thriller that provides a stark exploration of the enduring effects of trauma, including the depths of loss and injustice.
Twists and Turns...an exciting thriller!
I was hooked from the very first page. The Antagonist is a thrilling and emotionally charged novel that brings to life a complex web of characters and relationships. It explores themes of conflict, resilience, and self-discovery with subtleness and sensitivity. The narrative's sharp, evocative prose and well-crafted plot twists keep readers eagerly turning pages, while the protagonist’s journey offers both profound insight and gripping drama. Dinova's ability to blend emotional depth with a compelling story makes The Antagonist a standout read that will resonate with anyone who appreciates rich, character-driven fiction.
Couldn't put this psychological thriller down
Warning: only read The Antagonist if you can afford not to be interrupted by your life! I could not put it down, and wanted to continue turning the pages to get the next clue to what was really going on in the lives of Dave and his family and friends. The Antagonist is a psychological thriller, though the depths of repulsive behaviors are really not discovered till late in the book. The author presented the character storylines in the most unique way; one storyline presented in chronological order; another one going backwards in time. I think this was a brilliant representation by the author; however, in order to not contain “spoiler” info I will not divulge more on this writing style. It was truly brilliant! Trust me, you will want to read this novel several times and explore what is truly known about ourselves and others.
What makes an otherwise perfect life spiral into utter disrepair?
The answer to this question is shocking, riveting and karmic to say the least. The Antagonist is a tormentuous novel sure to leave your emotions wrecked and mouth agape. Voltaire: said “The perfect is the enemy of the good.” And this book makes you question all that is good.
The Antagonist is a well written, slow burn type psychological thriller.
This novel took me through a roller coaster of emotions as the words sucked me into the pages, and shocked me in many ways as more and more was revealed about characters and what was to come. This is an intense read, but a good one, and has me looking forward to what Emily writes next.
As William Faulkner posited: “The past is never dead. It’s not even past”.
Such is the horror in Dinova’s psychological thriller, a tale in which trust is always a victim and forgetting is impossible.
An intoxicating and disorienting Tale that kept me happily off balance throughout.
Rooted in the psychological adage that the urge to destroy does not have to be taught, Dinova renders her characters with layers of haunting complexity. The horrors of this deeply informed psychological thriller unfold gradually. It is a masterful demonstration of Nachträglichkeit/unconscious processes.“
Thought-Provoking Page Turner!
Emily Dinova’s beautifully written story vividly establishes the world of Dave Collins, family-man in a small town, who is seemingly a good guy leading a good life. The reader follows his journey as his every-day routine is sprinkled in with oddities that build tension with every page wondering what will happen next. The pacing of the story is great as the reader is left wondering just long enough before more information is revealed.
Then about mid-way through, the readers are given a gut punch in a twist narrative shift where the same story is told from another perspective and in reverse. Dinova expertly calls back details that were referenced earlier on in a satisfying resolution to oddities and questions that had been previously posed. The book takes a tonal shift 2/3 of the way through and while some pages may be a difficult read, the author tackles hard subject matters with careful grace and tact.
Ultimately, the readers are forced to examine what they thought they knew about Dave, and it leaves one asking, “how well do we really know any of the people around us?”
The Antagonist lulls you into a false sense of security only to reveal peril around every corner.
Each page answered as many questions as it raised only to flip you on your head and dissect your expectations like a frog in biology class. Dinova has expertly threaded the narrative to keep you wanting more while fighting the urge to look away for fear of losing some of your own purity (or what's left of it anyway).
“The Antagonist” is a gripping novel that will have you constantly looking over your shoulder.
The innocuous and mundane life of Dave, our protagonist, is as comforting and ideal as one could hope. Between his own private musings and inner life, as a reader I felt a sense of persistent intrigue concerning his seemingly normal everyday life. What begins as intrigue, slowly devolves into a horrific and often-times despairing journey into the deep. Dinova spares no prisoners when it comes to her characters and this story: They are unrelenting, raw and honest. The author poses the inner life of her characters at first as predictable or familiar. And then in juxtaposition, like an iron weight slamming onto a glass table shatters those self-same masks: bringing their true natures and values to the surface for all to see. “The Antagonist” holds no punches, as it brings upon a deluge of suffering to the forefront of the conversation, for both its characters and the reader; forcing you to have the dialogues most would wish to never have. This is where its strength lies, as Dave spirals downwards through his journey to stare into the abyss, so must you along with him. As beautifully grotesque as it is tantalizingly uneasy, “The Antagonist” proves to be a perilous “on the edge of your seat” ride that will leave any reader wondering when the next shoe will drop as it blurs the line between your world and its own.
The Antagonist by Emily Dinova is a wild ride from page one.
The writing so engaged me that I read it in one day. Considering I pride myself on usually being able to figure out who the perpetrator is, this crafty book had me stumped. When the antagonist is finally revealed, it is a satisfying revelation. Buy it today!
I was engulfed in this book from the very beginning.
I couldn't put it down and finished it in less than two days. Dinova's writing and set up of the chapters has you wanting to know more. I was in emotion turmoil reading this. I was so empathically connected to the main character only to be questioning my own judgment of character when I finished. Even when we think we know someone, do we really? I was left pondering the human psyche and how someone can justify their behaviors to themselves when in fact they can be so morally wrong. Looking forward to reading more of Emily Dinova's work.
This book captivated me from the beginning!
The Antagonist is a real page turner! My daily chores definitely took a back seat to this captivating book! Just when I thought I had a valid theory as to what was going on, it proved me wrong! Dinova's characters were strong and compelling, having me feel sorry for some, but totally disgusted with others! A real play on my emotions. There is some content that is disturbing to read and not just a little bit shocking however the ending was extremely satisfying and justified! Be prepared to want to read this at one sitting!
PAGE TURNER!!!
I opened this book to ease myself into a mid-day nap as I usually fall asleep reading. Little did I know I would not be napping, as this is the page turner I didn’t know I needed. Emily Dinova is a genius who captivates her audience with well developed characters and a continuously thickening plot. Don’t skip out on this one!!
A Thrilling Ride with Uneasy Moments
"The Antagonist" is a captivating thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. The mystery unfolds at a satisfying pace, with intriguing clues and red herrings that constantly shift the focus. The author masterfully builds suspense, leaving you on the edge of your seat as the story progresses.
A Few Reservations
While the overall narrative is compelling, there were a few instances that caused some discomfort. The depiction of molestation, though necessary for the plot, was understandably difficult to read.
A Satisfying Climax (with a Touch of Unease)
The climax is a whirlwind of action and revelations. The unexpected twists and turns will leave you breathless. However, the resolution, while satisfying, leaves a lingering sense of unease, which is a testament to the author's skill in creating a truly memorable and thought-provoking reading experience.
Overall:
Despite the aforementioned reservations, "The Antagonist" is a highly recommended read for fans of thrillers. It's a gripping story with well-developed characters and a plot that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
PRESs:
New Books Podcast:
Host: Christopher Russell, a psychoanalyst in Chelsea, Manhattan
Today I spoke with Emily Dinova about her new novel The Antagonist (2024).
Dinova, a psychoanalytic candidate working towards a license to practice psychoanalysis, wrote The Antagonist as a way of healing her own trauma. Written as a creative act of revenge, Dinova found herself in a fragmented state while writing the book. “I really feel like a fragmented part of myself wrote this book.” From this fragmented state she created characters who represent several psychoanalytic concepts including repression, negation, the uncanny, and Spotnitzian narcissistic object protection.
The structure of the novel is an enactment of Nachträglichkeit. I found the novel intoxicating and disorienting. It kept me happily off balance throughout. Rooted in the psychological adage that the urge to destroy does not have to be taught, Dinova renders her characters with layers of beguiling complexity. The horrors of this deeply informed psychological thriller unfold gradually. It is a masterful demonstration of unconscious processes.
