In my view, Seven at Two Past Five is one of the most sophisticated and enjoyable dark fantasy books I have ever read. Seven at Two Past Five by Tara Basi is a fascinating story of the adventures of an aged and lonely button-maker. Her life is simple – by day she makes buttons, and by night she suffers from nightmares. Once she has an exceptional night free of nightmares, and the following morning she receives a call in her workshop imposing on her an unexpected penalty. She meets the penalty with surprise and indignation, and decides to appeal. Will the button-maker’s appeal succeed? I enjoyed the sophisticated enigmatic language in which the author portrays the characters and the events unfolding in the book. Every character and every event adds to the progress of the story toward its most unexpected climax. The characters and the events in the book give rise to a kaleidoscope of thoughts and emotions. It is unusually hard to label them with a “good” or “evil” tag. For example, the button-maker talks about the buttons she creates as her “creations”, “very essence, the reason for existence”, and her “only joy and sole purpose”. Throughout her appeal quest, she is nostalgically longing to be back to her button-making workshop. This vocational dedication is admirable, yet at the same time I believe it is depriving the button-maker of the wider perspective of life. I was particularly impressed by this message in the book as it made me reflect on my own life when I had regarded likewise my own career as a lawyer until a series of events opened to my own eyes a much wider perspective. I enjoyed the brave satire on the justice system as the button-maker proceeds with her appeal. The book’s portrayal of the legal processes is grotesque and full of hilarious humour. For example, once the button-maker reached the closed counters with the lettering “Closed for Training in Customer Infuriation”. Other hilarious examples of the humour permeating the story include drunk bat rides through the Inns of Court to the House of Pointlessness at the Doomed-Pre-Hearings wing; the wealth assessment method for the button-maker to qualify for the appeal; the choosing of the witnesses, the barrister, and the solicitor; and even the appeal itself presided by Judge Oink. The barrister’s flattery to a judge - “My Lord will be remembered for his wisdom throughout all time. Perhaps, even until tomorrow” – is an example of the sophisticated ironical language in which this book is so well written. In addition to its fast-paced suspenseful action, this book is very thought-provoking and has much more to offer to a sophisticated reader. The book’s characters and events are portrayed as enigmatic hyperbolae, allusions, and code names, making the reader try to unravel their multi-layered and multi-dimensional hidden meanings. The book’s title, the button-maker’s name, the names of the opponents of her appeal, the lifestyle of the button-maker, and the conventional dress code of the characters kept me captivated and trying to elicit the deeper meanings as the story was progressing. The book was professionally edited, and I found only a couple of typographic errors of a kind that could be easily overlooked by a professional editor. There is nothing I disliked in Seven at Two Past Five. In my view, Seven at Two Past Five is one of the most sophisticated and enjoyable dark fantasy books I have ever read. My overall impression of this book is best described by the quote from the book itself - “Imaginary or not, it was an exhilarating odyssey.” I wholeheartedly rank Seven at Two Past Five 4 out of 4 stars and 5 out of 5 stars.

This is a story one could read several times and unfold just a little bit further each time. The book Seven at Two Past Five by Tara Basi follows the main character, Abi, on a journey of self-discovery and a confrontation of her deepest fears. What begins as a humorous and somewhat nonsensical adventure down a rabbit hole of unknowns gradually gains weight and depth as it goes on and its metaphors reveal themselves. This story creates many questions for the reader early on and answers the majority of them in due time, but still ultimately leaves the reader with very much to ponder. There is a lot to enjoy about this book. The dialogue throughout is highly entertaining, at times a bit naughty, and this, along with Basi's clever writing, helps to carry the reader through passages where little is made clear. Humor masterfully lightens where there is potential for the story to become cumbersome, and the initial mysteries presented eventually unravel in a quite satisfying manner. The reader is left wondering just long enough, and given sufficient clues to pick up on along the way. This is a story one could read several times and unfold just a little bit further each time. I truthfully don't have much to criticize about Seven at Two Past Five. While this book is, at times, pointedly confusing, it is written in such a way that is light enough to be reasonably easy to follow. Those unfamiliar with the Christian church and its practices will likely find themselves missing some of the key symbolism in this story, which is a potential negative dependent upon the reader. There is also so much symbolism that some readers may get tripped up in the decoding of what means what, the thorough understanding of which is not absolutely necessary to the enjoyment of this book. I rate this book five out of five stars. I found the story to be funny, compelling, and thought-provoking. The elements of whimsy and fantasy present in the otherwise dark and dystopian setting created an interesting contrast that held my attention easily. I found myself often having no idea what was going on, and yet perfectly content to carry on with the story. I had absolutely no trouble finishing this book quickly and would read it again without hesitation. Seven at Two Past Five would appeal to fans of Monty Python, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and Catch 22, as Basi employs a similar style of humor in her writing. This book would most likely not appeal to anyone sensitive to or easily offended by religious humor, sexual humor, or the combination of the two.

Never before have I been so immersed in a narrative—simultaneously perturbed and content. "If you have an affinity for chaos, then this book is perfectly tailored for your reading pleasure. 'Seven at Two Past Five' by Tara Basi presents a delightfully peculiar essence." Never before have I been so immersed in a narrative—simultaneously perturbed and content. If this novel were personified, our relationship underwent tumultuous phases during my read, yet remained remarkably compelling. Our accord was wholehearted, and discord stirred a desire to cast it aside. The narrative of 'Seven at Two Past Five' revolves around Abi, a woman who embarks on a transformative journey within a single day. In the process of losing all she holds dear, she discovers her true identity and the responsibilities it entails. Abi finds herself compelled to navigate an absurd and malevolent Kafkaesque justice system in pursuit of victory in a lawsuit. This legal battle stems from her refusal to succumb to the 'terrors,' ultimately leading to her quest to reclaim her rightful name and the faith she once lost. Abi's story imparts a lesson in resilience—urging us not to relinquish hope even when the world appears antagonistic. As conscientious individuals, it underscores the importance of assuming accountability for our actions and making decisions that positively influence our lives and those around us. While challenging, this responsibility remains essential. My complete absorption in the novel owes itself to the author's captivating prose and distinctive style. The narrative's pacing held me spellbound, evoking a constant state of curiosity. Truly one-of-a-kind, this novel seamlessly weaves suspense, humor, and drama into an allegorical tapestry that consistently kept me on edge. The narrative took unforeseen turns that never failed to astonish. In sum, this is unequivocally a must-read for anyone seeking an unparalleled and enduring narrative experience.

Despite its unconventional elements, including explicit content and an ambiguous genre, the book explores human resilience and the pursuit of truth. With its unique storytelling, memorable characters, and profound themes. Seven at Two Past Five" by Tara Basi follows Abi, a devoted button maker, as she confronts a surreal world plagued by mysterious Terrors and unjust accusations. The narrative unfolds through Abi's eyes, revealing a rich tapestry of descriptions and dialogues that border on poetry. Along her journey, Abi encounters eccentric characters, including loyal companions like Zero and enigmatic figures like The Marys. As she navigates this unconventional landscape, themes of justice, identity, and the search for meaning emerge, inviting readers to engage in open-minded discussion. Despite its unconventional elements, including explicit content and an ambiguous genre, the book explores human resilience and the pursuit of truth. With its unique storytelling, memorable characters, and profound themes, "Seven at Two Past Five" captivates readers and earns a solid recommendation for those seeking a literary experience that defies convention. "Seven at Two Past Five" by Tara Basi is a captivating journey through the mind of Abi, a woman dedicated to her craft of button making. As she navigates a surreal world plagued by enigmatic Terrors and unjust accusations, readers are drawn into a narrative that blends fantasy, mystery, and existential exploration elements. Basi's writing style is a standout feature of this book, weaving rhythmic streams of descriptions and dialogues that border on poetry. The first-person perspective immerses readers in Abi's world, allowing for a deep appreciation of her simple yet fulfilling life. Through her eyes, ordinary objects and routines take on new significance, inviting readers to join her in confusion and discovery. The cast of characters, from loyal companions like Zero to enigmatic figures like The Marys, adds depth and intrigue to Abi's journey. The parallels to "Alice in Wonderland" are evident as both protagonists navigate surreal landscapes populated by eccentric individuals. Abi's resilience and determination shine through despite their challenges, guiding readers toward a hopeful conclusion. I love the comparison, but this book makes it easy to read; it is flawlessly smooth with no errors or nothing to deduct points. But While the narrative may be unconventional, its themes of justice, identity, and the search for meaning resonate profoundly. Basi skillfully explores these themes amidst a world that defies easy categorization. The book challenges readers to embrace its absurdity and engage in open-minded discussion, making it a thought-provoking read for adults. In conclusion, Although some may find certain aspects of the book unsettling, such as its explicit content and ambiguous genre, these elements contribute to its complexity and depth. Ultimately, "Seven at Two Past Five" is an immersive and rewarding experience earning 5 out of 5 stars.

The dialogue is malicious in its intent yet also layered with significance; it emphasizes the absurdity and horror of what the main character is going through. The book "Seven at Two Past Five" by Tara Basi is a captivating tale that takes place in a world shackled by a strict routine of daily life. It is a world of both the familiar and the bizarre, a place we can almost touch, a place where our world might go if we let it, a place where we can still identify with the folks caught up in weird circumstances that have some resonance with our own. Abi, the lead character, lives a "normal" existence in a beautifully monotonous dystopia. She makes buttons. She befriends Knox. She couples with Denny. The story of a perfect, serenely uniform Dystopia. Stuff, as they say in the business, is about to happen. And when it does, Basi sets up a scaffolding of incredible cleverness to make her statement about "Disturbance Potential," and to carry a wealth of "meaning fullness" about various aspects of what it means to be human echoing in our ears, that we only realize in retrospect was there all along. Tara Basi is exceptional at constructing her world. The novel is set in a chilling landscape where, from what we can gather, every aspect of life is strictly ruled. Working within the modus of the 'Mole Rule,' itself, and the 'Mother Coil' of control, the life of our lead character, Abi, truly seems like a life within a closed, underground structure. These Spartan surroundings, with their series of tables and their plethora of stacks, begin to wear upon the reader as much as they do upon Abi. Such are the myriad layers of this reality that, it would seem to some of us, have been expertly splayed out by Basi. The novel maintains a consistent rhythm. Each chapter adds another level of intrigue and dispute to the story. Basi's writing style is on point; it's very precise. The story captures the everyday beauty of creation and the grotesque eeriness of the time it takes place. The dialogue is malicious in its intent yet also layered with significance; it emphasizes the absurdity and horror of what the main character is going through. "Seven at Two Past Five" is taken to a whole other level by its thematic complexity. Abi's fight to hold onto her name and, most importantly, her sanity, amid the madness that surrounds her, is like an allegory for the struggle against external forces that will a person to go completely out of their mind. It is an argument for the good of being good, for the preciousness of the individual, and for the worth of upholding morality. Although "Seven at Two Past Five" is quite a captivating read, several readers might find the book's abstract and surreal elements quite challenging, especially when it comes to understanding them fully. The Kafkaesque legal setup and the weirdness of the accusations might make the narrative puzzling. Some might feel that the world-building and the highly imaginative society that the author has created are a bit too much in-your-face. On the other hand, maybe those are just the right ingredients for a book that makes you think about what you're reading and makes the issues at hand in the book come alive for you in a memorable way. The book editing is skillful, the writing style is excellent, and the book as a whole is very good. In my opinion, it deserves a perfect 5-star rating. In conclusion, "Seven at Two Past Five" is an incredible piece of fiction. It successfully combines aspects of a frightening futuristic society, an intense detective story, and deep philosophical thought. On top of that, the writing is strong, using wonderfully imaginative passages that bring the reader deeper into the story. "Seven at Two Past Five" is something unique and worth anyone's time.

I couldn't put it down, always eager to find out what would happen next. Abi's journey to rediscover her true self is captivating and delivered with the perfect tone for her character. Seven at Two Past Five by Tara Basi is a story that revolves around an old button maker, Abi. She lives a solitary life and loves making buttons. The main character Abi experiences a recurring nightmare but one day she is delighted to not see that nightmare. However, her happiness is short-lived as she is accused of a preposterous crime that drastically changes her life. Everyone around her turns against her and then she encounters a creature named Zero, who grows older every time she sees it. I found the character Zero appealing as he remained devoted and stayed by her side even when she sometimes behaved rudely with him. After being accused of not having Terrors, she decided to fight for her rights against the unjust justice system. She fights for her innocence and ultimately rediscovers her true name and genuine self. I liked the author's writing style though sometimes it is difficult for me to move forward with the story due to the slow pace. But it's a good choice for those who love to read slow-paced books. The book is best fit for readers who love to read mystery, horror, and storylines of a fantasy world. It contains some bizarre and if you are sensitive to religious content then this book is not a good choice for you. Overall, I would give this book a 5 out of 5 rating. As a fan of fiction, this book was perfect for me, even though I struggled with the pace at times. I couldn't put it down, always eager to find out what would happen next. Abi's journey to rediscover her true self is captivating and delivered with the perfect tone for her character. It felt like I was experiencing everything alongside Abi. For me, courtroom scenes are captivating and funny. The book is full of suspense and humour, making it an engaging read.

To sum up, Seven at Two Past Five appeals to readers who are interested in satire, ambiguity, mystery, and parodies. The book is strong because there is comedy and insight amidst absurdity. Seven at Two Past Five by Tara Basi is a weird story. Abi, the main character, is a button maker. She follows her routine to the extreme. Every day, she goes to sleep at precisely nine past nine, has nightmares until she wakes up, wakes up well before two past five, leaves for her workhouse at precisely two past five, and meets her faithful companions. However, a single day destroys Abi’s beloved routine, filling her heart with a sharp anxiety never known before. One of her inanimate companions, the blue envelope, is missing. It is replaced by a sinister black envelope delivering bad news. Abi is judged because her buttons have Disturbance Potential. What kind of crime is this? What does it have to do with buttons? What are Abi’s nightmares? Will Abi be free from punishment? The world of Seven at Two Past Five is deliberately crafted to be absurd. Strange things happen to the most mundane of people, particularly the button maker. Said button maker is threatened with disproportionate retribution for the most trivial of actions, such as shedding tears onto someone's desk. Absurdity breeds comedy, and it is natural if you find yourself chuckling because of the events of the book. In this whimsical setting, processes like court proceedings, appeals, and loan applications take a lot of surreal twists and confusing turns, as if they are designed to frustrate those getting the short end of the stick. This portrayal resonates with readers because many of them experience the real-life frustrations of dealing with bureaucracy and the feeling that systems are intentionally obstructive. Reality is stranger than fiction. If a fictional work like Seven at Two Past Five does not make sense, then it is surely a mirror of reality. To sum up, Seven at Two Past Five appeals to readers who are interested in satire, ambiguity, mystery, and parodies. Although I find some paragraphs of the book to be a little tedious, especially the ones in the first chapter, this is a small drawback that does not affect my rating. The book is strong because there is comedy and insight amidst absurdity. Besides, I only found one spelling error while reading, so the editing is great. Therefore, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Tara Basi’s Seven at Two Past Five is a one-of-a-kind ride through a surreal world that’s as strange as it is thought-provoking. At its heart is Abi, a button maker whose life seems trapped in a suffocating routine. But nothing about her world is ordinary—it’s full of bizarre rituals, mind-bending trials, and peculiar characters that feel like they’ve walked straight out of a dream. Or maybe a nightmare. Every day, Abi faces the terrors—horrific, nightmarish events that haunt her evenings, only to vanish when she wakes. Her life, clockwork in its precision, takes a sharp turn when her usual blue envelope doesn't show up; instead, she receives a black one, which kicks off a series of strange and unsettling encounters. From the mystifying Marys to Zero, a young man who claims he is her son, the journey of Abi will be far from predictable. Along the way, she gets thrown into absurd courtrooms, confronted with inscrutable judgments, and faced with big, existential questions: Who is she? Why does she create? Can she change her own reality? Well, read this book and see if those questions were answered. I won't lie; what makes this book really interesting is Abi herself. She starts off, apparently, a no-nonsense worker, residing in bunk-bed-coffin number seven and making her way every morning to her workhouse at—you guessed it—two past five. However, as her story develops, we follow her in her change to a woman who grapples with cosmic truths and her status as the source of all her nightmares. Abi's resilience and hunger for answers make her a character you can't help but root for, even when the odds seem impossibly stacked against her. One of the most memorable moments for me is when Abi meets Liberté, a figure who drops the ultimate bombshell: the Terrors aren't just random horrors—they're her own creations. Abi is revealed as the Great Artist, being able to shape the very aspect of existence. She comes in front of an astronomical choice: destroy her creation, erase all records, and clean the slate with a purge, or pass final judgment. Each option flushes with the consequences attached to the universe, with Abi in her moment of weighing her options as heart-wrenching and extraordinary. Another standout feature is how the amazing author blends its fantastical, surreal world with deep, meaningful questions about identity, purpose, and redemption. It's as if Franz Kafka and Samuel Beckett decided to collaborate on some wild fever dream, but with a touch of hope threaded through the chaos. Abi's story kept me thinking long after I turned the last page, and that is why this book gets a full 5 out of 5 stars from me. If you like stories that give you a different point of view and, at the same time, keep you hooked because of their weirdness, then this one is for you. The book was well-edited and error-free.

What can I say about the novel Seven at Two Past Five? I enjoyed every word of this irreverent, absurd journey through a dark and dreary fantasy land. Abi, an elderly button maker who loves rules and order, awakens from a sleep in which, for the first time in her long life, she did not have a nightmare but instead had a pleasant dream. She is pleased with that, but she soon learns that it was the worst thing that could have ever happened to her. She sets off on a journey to save herself from judgement. Author Tara Basi constructs a world populated by a diverse cast of characters, ranging from the intriguing to the unsettling, enriching the narrative's texture. While the narrative arc culminates in a conclusion that may possess a degree of predictability, the journey itself is replete with engaging episodes and moments of sharp, satirical wit. My favorite character was Zero. He starts off as a baby and grows as the day goes on. He has this laid back way of talking and he seems to take everything in stride. I actually did cry in some parts of the book, but for the most part I was laughing. My husband kept asking about the book because of how engrossed in it I was. There is some harsh language and this book is not for people who are sensitive to works satirizing religion. If you don’t mind that, I believe you will find it enjoyable. I could tell right away this was written differently than most books I had read, but in a good way. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars because I never noticed any typos and I enjoyed the book immensely. I will definitely be checking out the other books by Tara Basi.

Seven at Two Past Five must be one of the strangest books I’ve ever read, and I mean this as a compliment. The story is rich and well-narrated, with sharp turns at its corners. It introduces our lead character, Abi, a tranquil button-maker who appreciates routine and is always on time. One day, her routine is severely disrupted by a letter that says she is at fault for some transgressions for which she will be punished. Neither she nor the reader knows what those faults are, and even less so what the punishment will be. The one thing that is known is that Abi can appeal. Full of curiosity and a strong sense of righteousness, she and the reader embark on a very confusing journey that hopefully will lead to Abi’s name being cleared. Along the way, Abi meets other characters who either aid or block her appeal process, sometimes both. The reason why I find this book strange is that the author keeps the reader deeply confused. It’s as if the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland had us over for tea. Even though the plotline is simple enough, Abi’s journey is anything but. It doesn’t take too long for the reader to discover that the appeal process is complicated. Separated into stages, Abi has to pass one after the other, only to take her claim to the high court. And even if she succeeds in doing that, there is no guarantee that the court will rule in her favor (or even rule at all!). The situation is complicated further because, at every stage, Abi seems to add more grievances to her list of demeanors. How can she succeed in the end? How can she not know why she’s breaking so many rules? If you are someone who enjoys structure and some degree of predictability in a story, please steer clear of this book. Despite liking the story and, even more so, the reading experience, I know that this might not be something everyone would enjoy. The book is confusing from the first to the last page; no question about it. But if you’re into this kind of story, this book is like a tree that keeps giving. One can do a second, third, and even fourth read and still discover new information between the lines. I give this book a 5 out of 5 rating because I thoroughly enjoyed it, but reader beware! You’re in for quite a ride.

If you test assumptions, I think you must be very brave. What if they are false? You could be confronted with choices you did not want. Routine and ritual are a blessing and a necessary counterbalance to the chaos and calamity of my nightly Terrors." For as long as she can remember, Abi, an elderly button-maker, has awakened every morning in her bunk-bed-coffin, number Seven, in the bunk-bed tower. She descends the ladder at precisely Two Past Five - the unerring tick of her internal clock ensures punctuality - and passes through the Odd door to ultimately arrive at her beloved workhouse, where her breakfast and a blue envelope containing a daily button order greet her. She spends her days in contented solitude. To the best of her knowledge, Abi has never met another person and has never even seen her own face. Her every need is met and her existence is all order and serenity... Except for the Terrors. Each night at Nine Past Nine, with the same clockwork regularity as everything else in her life, the Terrors overwhelm her, and she is helpless against them until she wakes again, clammy with fear, unable to remember anything but pervasive suffering and grief. Last night, in an unprecedented and welcome departure from Abi's routine, she has slept soundly. No Terrors have marred her slumber. She is confused but pleased as she approaches her workhouse, anticipating another fulfilling day of painstakingly crafting unique buttons. As she arrives at her workbench, something is very wrong. A black, not a blue, envelope stares up at her like a gaping maw. The card it contains is not a button order, but a Judgment. Unthinkably, she is commanded not to make another button: "In the absence of the Terrors, it is the Judgement of the court that any buttons the judged might now create will have Disturbance Potential." Although it means upturning everything she knows, Abi decides to appeal the Judgment, choosing a path marked with disturbances as numerous and varied as her treasured creations. Seven at Two Past Five , by Tara Basi, is bizarre - in a good way. It is simultaneously weird and wonderful, fascinating and frustrating. I have never been so caught up in, aggravated with, and yet satisfied by a story. If this novel was a person, then the relationship we had while I was reading it was tumultuous but, somehow, completely irresistible. When we agreed, it was wholeheartedly. When we didn't, I wanted to throw things. Confused yet? Me too. Asking someone to thoroughly review this book while avoiding spoilers is like asking them to tap-dance unharmed through a minefield, but I will do my best. This completely compelling novel is as artfully crafted as Abi's buttons. I would characterize it as an allegory with a heady mix of suspense, humor, drama, satire, surrealism, and a plot more twisted than any other book I have ever read. Whenever I thought I had a handle on the story or what would happen next, I was wrong, but never disappointed. I was constantly surprised as another bend in the proverbial road appeared, and it was never heading in the direction I expected. If I was forced to compare it to other works, I would say it is Alice in Wonderland meets Pilgrim's Progress meets Monty Python , but these juxtapositions do not do it justice. I truly feel that Seven at Two Past Five is a very singular experience and no comparison is a fair one. The author's voice and style effectively swallowed me up so that I was helplessly carried along by the steady pace of events and my overarching questions: What is going on? Will Abi get her appeal or, after incurring many more judgments, end up nailed up inside bunk-bed-coffin number seven indefinitely? No one has ever pursued an appeal before and, along the way, Abi must visit several experts in order to justify herself. She must prove to the Doctor that she is sane, demonstrate to the Prof that she exists, and show the Priest that she possesses a soul, just to name a few. Despite the fact that the narrative covers roughly 24 hours of Abi's life, I was hopelessly attached to her and emotionally invested in her fate. I felt that all the supporting characters were given plenty of depth and also stirred up strong emotions, although my affection only expanded to include Zero, Ges, Dis, Grunge... Hmm. I'm realizing I came to love more characters than I thought and to list more would be to spoil things. This is a good example of how strange and remarkable Seven at Two Past Five is: the plot, the feelings stirred in the reader, and the lines of thinking it inspires (especially in hindsight) are all unexpected. The appeals process is ridiculously convoluted (In Abi's words, “The proceedings make as much sense as a colander chamber pot.”), but this gives Basi ample time to poke fun at many institutions of "civilized" society: the banking system, the justice system, the church, etc. This is frequently hilarious. For example, when she arrives at the bank, all of the teller windows are closed and there is a sign on each that reads: "Closed for Training in Customer Infuriation." However, sensitive readers beware: this book is often crass and features graphic language, including sexual references. Don't be too quick to dismiss it if you are a sensitive reader, though. I am usually instantly put off and will abandon a book due to crassness, but somehow, maybe because Abi is never crass and doesn't understand the sexual references, the crudeness didn't seem purposeless. Abi is bewildered by all that she has never encountered before but she forges on, undeterred, and I loved her, suffered with her, was angry on her account, and nothing would move me to desert her.