One of the classics of Victorian literature, Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Grey, is a novel (Wilde’s only novel) whose themes have stood the test of time, and is one of my favorite stories to see reinterpreted for a contemporary audience. The preface of the book, added after the story��s original publication was widely criticized as immoral by the puritanical society of the time, contains one of the author’s now most famous quotes: “There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all.” This, of course, was also the novel that was used against Wilde in court, due to its homosexual overtones, in the “gross indecency” trial that sent him to prison for two years.

But, before I get too carried away with my love of all things Oscar Wilde, the reason I was excited to read A Face without a Heart, apart from my being a fan of its author, was to see how Rick R. Reed would put his own signature on the story. In its fourth publication, first released in 2000, Reed’s interpretation of hedonism, and the aesthetic, and the relationship between an idealized youth and beauty gives Gary Adrion’s story a chilling and modern twist on the old adage, “Be careful what you wish for.” Art and morality commingle with the Faustian-esque bargain Gary makes in trading his soul for eternal youth, and we readers watch as that trade sends him spiraling into a decade-plus long hell. Gary is frozen in time, twenty-one in perpetuity, and goes on to immerse himself in a life of debauchery and self-indulgence, maintaining his surface beauty while the art that captured that beauty, initially, begins to rot as he immerses himself in a wasteland of empty sex, alcohol, and hardcore drugs.

Where Wilde’s “Dorian Grey” was written in a florid prose that fit the narrative and Wilde’s own style, Reed’s novel is written for his contemporary audience and showcases his own style equally well. Told from multiple points of view, which the author accomplishes with great success, the narrative voice from one chapter to the next reads seamlessly, each character’s voice distinct. Gary has his own “devil and angel” sitting on his shoulders and whispering in his ears—Henrietta, a sassy and cynical drag queen, is our Lord Henry Watton; while Liam is the novel’s Basil Hallward—it’s his art through which we see the reflection of the artist and his love for his subject.

The catalyst for Gary’s downfall, or, maybe I should say the victim of Gary’s scorn which spurs his downfall, is modernized for this novel as well. Zoe D’Angelo is the story’s Sibyl Vane. An exotic dancer rather than an actress, Zoe pays a steep price for Gary’s admiration just as Sibyl did Dorian’s. I also like the unexpected undercurrent Reed gives to Davio D’Angelo’s relationship with his sister. There’s an overall chilling sort of savagery to this novel, both violent and psychological, which allows readers to appreciate it on its own merits rather than as a simple rehashing of Wilde’s story. Trust me, you may recognize the bare bones of this novel’s inspiration, but Reed fleshes his version out and gives readers a few surprises before it all comes full circle.

As is its inspiration, A Face without a Heart is, at the end, a redemption story which is laced with Reed’s particular brand of horror. There are some truly gruesome scenes in this book that added a biting edge to what is otherwise a cautionary tale, and it is, as one would expect from this author, well written.

Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach Reviews

I got to be that person that came into this with a clean slate by not having read Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Gary Adrian is a man who had is outer beauty captured by a local artist. Liam specializes in holographic portraits and knew the instant he saw Gary he needed Gary to pose for him. Only once Gary sees the portrait he makes a wish his soul will have to suffer for.

You can see my full review on my YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/7ie8c5R6S3I

To live life without a moral compass or conscience: chilling!

I've always been fascinated by Oscar Wilde's story about Dorian Gray. I think it is an absolute must read for those that enjoy classics. So, when I saw that A Face Without a Heart is labeled as a modern day retelling of it, I knew I had to read it.

The book follows Gary Adrion (very clever), who is basically a 21 year old trust fund kid. He has been extremely spoiled with material things his entire life, yet he lacked any emotional guidance. After being spotted by Liam; who is not a painter, but rather makes holograms of people; he agrees to model for him. If you are familiar with The Picture of Dorian Gray, you can probably guess where this story is headed.

Let me say this is a interesting and well done book. Each character in the story gets their own chapters, and they are all told from their point of view. I think the characters are all well done, if not very likeable. I don't think I connected with a single person in this book. They all have their own problems, and mostly don't know how to handle them.

A Face without a Heart is definitely a dark and gritty read. The sex scenes are told as a matter of fact and in explicit detail. It isn't for the faint of heart. Suicide and drugs also play a big role in it. Just as a fair warning to potential readers.

3 out of 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and Ninestar Press for the review copy.

'A Face Without A Heart' is a contemporary retelling of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' that follows a more modern setting with Drag Queens and more heavily set LGBT+ themes.

It commences with a holographic maker rather than painter, Liam, who spots the gorgeous Gary Adrion (Love the anagram by the way) and asks the beautiful young man to be a model for him. Liam goes as far as to follow the man off the train the two were riding together in the hopes of getting the man's attention and permission for his project.

From there the story is continued on like Wilde's original classic with a more modern tone and setting and the language much easier to comprehend. I would definitely recommend this book to those who love The Picture of Dorian Gray or even those who struggled to get into the classic.

Potential Triggers: suicide, sex, cheating and rape, drug use, suicidal thoughts and murder.

Oscar Wilde's the Picture of Dorian Gray has always been one of my favorite books. When I stumbled across this novel I knew I had to read it.

A Face without a Heart is a retelling of Oscar Wilde's 1890 classic philosophical novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. In A face without a heart we meet Gary Adrion (an anagram of Dorian Gray) and Liam ( The artist), as well as an entire slew of characters. The story is told from multiple points of view and bounces between narrators to give a broader view of the events.

While I dont think its comparable to the original at all, I found myself enjoying this modern take. The characters were developed well and while I cared for some more than others , I enjoyed having the perspectives of the multiple narrators. Overall, I think this book was beautifully written and worth reading.

I recieved a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Although this was originally released in 2000 to rave reviews, the test of the author’s work and skill shows as the story is equally moving and relevant today as it was then and also when Wilde originally published The Picture of Dorian Gray. In this thought provoking and masterfully written take on the timeless story of obsession, avarice, decadence, and the quest for endless beauty, Reed has delivered a poignant adaptation able to delve more deeply into themes the original shied away from.

Liam Howard, a photographer and artist, spies an innocent Gary Adrion on the el train and can’t help following the younger man to ask Gary to pose for him. After seeing the disturbing brilliance of Liam’s unique work, he agrees and sets into motion unexpected but far reaching implications. Liam creates a hologram of Gary’s youthful beauty, shinning brightly with the evidence of Liam’s love for his subject. In a flash of fearful mockery, Gary offers to give up his soul to remain as beautiful as the hologram forever. Of course Gary’s wish is fulfilled, allowing him to live a bacchanalian lifestyle full of anonymous sex, endless parties and drug cocktails with no fear of repercussions. Eventually the emptiness of his life and lack of morality begins to eat at Gary, forcing him to face the reality of his so-called gifted existence.

Gary is the embodiment of privileged youth from his emotionless upbringing to his entitled gallivants through endless parties, shopping sprees, and drug and sex escapades. Confident in the knowledge his hologram bears all ill effects of his actions; Gary employs an out of sight, out of mind philosophy to avoid the any consequences of his behavior. Blithely altering and ruining numerous lives in his destructive wake, there is no limit to the depths Gary sinks within the seemingly charmed life he leads. Not even cold-blooded murder shakes the foundation of his empty life and it takes true despair for him to realize that even his acts of generosity are selfish in origin. This mirror on the attributes and priorities of past and present society is a stark and vivid characterization.

Told in alternating first person point of view, each character gives their thoughts on Gary, his actions, and their philosophy on life. Each figure is fully developed and thoughtfully written from Henrietta’s carefree theories with an obsession about youth and beauty to Liam’s cautious unrequited love. Reed’s powerful writing style evokes vivid meaning without long, flowery prose allowing the story to move swiftly without the slow dragging buildup of the original. Rotating viewpoints allows a refreshing change and reprieve to the escalating intensity and dramatic tension of the story.

Although Reed’s take is more explicit, it does allow more depth and attention to be paid to various homoerotic elements such as Gary’s appetite for sex and his willingness to take either sex partner for the thrill of release. Additionally the character of Henrietta as his best friend who happens to be a drag queen adds another layer of sensibility to the story in sharp contrast to Liam’s gentle forbidden love for Gary. While this book is not necessarily gay fiction, Reed doesn’t shy away from sexuality in any form as exemplified in the scene of Gary’s corruption by Lucinda.

Gary’s perpetual life amidst the underground partying circuit of urban Chicago is often viscerally charged, urged on at every turn by Henrietta and her belief in the shallow delights of life as the only interesting topic of conversation and action. Even though Henrietta ends up alone and unable to escape the ravages of time, she clings to the bitter end to her carefree philosophy and best described by Gary as “endlessly entertaining but rarely compassionate”. Although not necessarily a likable set of characters, each fulfills the purpose of echoing society’s endless fascination and obsession with youth, beauty and chemical delights.

It’s arguable whether the subject matter is more applicable today versus in the past, but the themes are undoubtedly timeless as is the excellent writing. Not always an easy book to read, the greatest compliment that I can pay the author is that this book will remain in my thoughts for a very long time to come. It may not surpass the original, but it certainly is a brilliant adaptation that is comparable. Is eternal youth and beauty worth your soul? If you need further help to find the answer, I definitely recommend this wonderful take on a classic dilemma.