Book Review: An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson
Posted on October 23, 2024 14 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Ace Books (September 17, 2024)
Length: 464 pages
Author Information: Website
Before I begin, I’m prefacing this review with the caveat that I can be extremely tough on my critique of dark academia and magic school fantasy. While I love the genre, I’ve also become very picky and demanding on account of having read so much of it. Keeping this in mind, it’s possible I would have enjoyed An Academy for Liars a bit more if I hadn’t expected so much, but what didn’t land for me might actually work for you.
The novel follows Lennon Carter, a young woman struggling to keep her life from unraveling. She keeps falling for the wrong people and for the wrong reasons, and is about to commit her life to living a mistake when a mysterious phone call interrupts her pity party for herself in the middle of an empty parking lot. The voice on the other end of the line sounds like her own, inviting her to Drayton College, a hidden school of magic accessible only to those identified to possess special abilities. Drayton boasts a curriculum that enables its students to tap into and hone their talents in the dangerous art of persuasion—a technique that involves using one’s mind to exert their will over others.
With nothing to lose, Lennon accepts Drayton’s offer and comes under the guidance of Dante, a young but highly skilled professor. She is quickly thrown into the cutthroat environment of the academy, where students viciously compete for limited opportunities to advance. Tensions rise further when it is discovered that Lennon possesses the rare ability to open portals, a skill crucial for transportation. This new revelation makes her both valuable and a target, as some members of Drayton’s council believe she’s either too reckless or unprepared for such a huge responsibility. In order to gain control over her powers and avoid being kicked out of school altogether, Lennon must endure grueling tests of skills and determine who she can truly trust.
I’ll be honest—An Academy for Liars was ambitious entry into the dark academia genre, but it didn’t exactly blow me away. While I was drawn to the dark atmosphere, the premise itself felt somewhat lacking in originality, to the point that it gave me feelings of déjà vu. I was hit with the nagging sense that I’ve read this story before, or one of its many variations, the most recent one coming to mind being Olivie Blake’s The Atlas Six (which was already quite derivative). Even Drayton’s specialty, the art of persuasion, is a concept I’ve seen crop up a lot in fantasy, and the novel didn’t offer much new depth or insight into it as a magic system.
That said, the world-building had its moments. The bulk of the story takes place within the confines of the college, which admittedly restricts its broader connection to the outside world, but the internal drama and intrigue help make up for some of these limitations. High levels of conflict and the ever-shifting alliances between students keep things on edge, introducing chaos, fierce rivalry, and cruelty. As you would expect, things go horribly wrong. And violently bloody.
In terms of characters, my feelings were mixed. For one, Lennon was not a very likeable protagonist. She’s impulsive and stubborn, and not in a charming way, making ill-considered decisions and questioning authority like an obnoxious child. It’s hard to feel any sympathy for her when she has been repeatedly warned about her behavior and doesn’t seem to learn from her mistakes. I was also skeptical of Dante, who is a more interesting character but still gave me ick vibes. I really wish the romance between him and Lennon had not been so prominent, as it was a distraction from the main storyline and dragged down the pacing.
All in all, An Academy for Liars was a “solidly okay” book. Though it wasn’t bad, nothing about it wowed me either. Still, I think it would be a great pick for casual readers who enjoy the dark academia genre, especially those looking for a more mature spin on the school of magic trope. The characters and world-building didn’t exactly click for me, but your mileage may vary, and ultimately, the book ended up being an interesting if somewhat uneven read.
Book Review: The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen
Posted on October 21, 2024 17 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of The Crucible
Publisher: Red Tower Books (September 3, 2024)
Length: 509 pages
Author Information: Website
I’ve always said that I can only do romantasy in small doses. While it’s a genre I enjoy, it’s also not one I can dive into all the time, but when the mood strikes, it can be just what I need! The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen was a novel that hit that sweet spot. Providing a nice break from my recent binge into dark fantasy and horror, this book was a refreshing change of pace. Apparently, action-packed mythological escapism was a perfect fit for the mood I was in at the time.
Set in modern-day San Francisco, the story is inspired by Greek mythology especially the Twelve Labors of Heracles. Every hundred years, the pantheon consisting of all the main gods hold a contest call the Crucible to determine a new ruler to ascend the throne of Olympus. Each god selects their own champion to represent them in a number of trials, which results in an entertaining spectacle for the whole world to watch.
Something is different this year, however. Hades, the King of the Underworld—who has always stayed out of the Crucible—suddenly announces that he, too, will select a champion. That champion is none other than Lyra, a young woman with a rebellious streak who works for the Order of Thieves. Cursed by Zeus at birth to be unlovable, Lyra has spent her life feeling isolated and disconnected from others. Now, she must not only prepare herself for the deadly trials ahead, but also face the great gods on a very public stage where both her physical and emotional limits will be pushed to the breaking point. Then there are her complicated feelings for Hades, her patron who has placed this huge responsibility on her. A mutual attraction growing between them adds an extra layer of tension, confusion, and longing to an already dangerous situation.
While I ultimately had a lot of fun with The Games Gods Play, the book and I didn’t exact get off to the best start. The opening felt chaotic, with lots of characters and world-building thrown at me all at once, making it difficult to envision this peculiar setting that blends the ancient and the new. You could also say Lyra’s smartass attitude didn’t immediately endear her to me. More often than not, her impulsiveness and wise cracks came across as more annoying than charming.
Then there was the instalove. Lyra’s first meeting with Hades did nothing but turn me off, with her acting like a belligerent child and him being a patronizing sleazebag by giving her a cheesy pet name within the first five minutes. Ugh. Overall, the romance arc felt rushed and did not provide the emotional build-up I was hoping for, and Lyra’s sarcastic and smart-mouthed personality didn’t make her very convincing as the kind of love interest that the King of the Underworld would fall for.
But once the story settled into its rhythm and the stakes of the Crucible became clear, I found myself more engaged with both the action and the characters. Despite the rocky start, the novel won me over in the end with its fast-paced elements. It started with the trials. As they progressed, each one tougher and more intricate than the last, I found myself looking forward to the subsequent challenges, learning more about their dangers and rewards. I became hooked on the tensions surrounding the alliances between the champions and the conflicts amongst the gods, even becoming invested in Hades’s backstory and the mysterious motivations behind his participation in the Crucible this year.
So okay, maybe the actual romance in this romantasy novel wasn’t my favorite thing about this book. Lyra and Hades never even interested me as a romantic couple. Still, this was an enjoyable read. The Games Gods Play was exactly what I needed at the time—a fast, adventurous read that took me away from the heavier stories filling my TBR lately. I had fun, and that’s what counts.
Book Review: The Narrows by Ronald Malfi
Posted on October 17, 2024 8 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Titan Books (October 8, 2024)
Length: 416 pages
Author Information: Website
As a huge fan of Ronald Malfi, he’s a must-read author for me whenever he puts out a new book. So, although The Narrows is an older novel, its re-release as an “author’s preferred edition” by Titan (something similar to a director’s cut, I assume) made me curious. With Malfi, I’ve found his horror stories reliably creepy and atmospheric and wanted to dive into this one to see how it stacks up.
Set in the rural town of Stillwater, Maryland, The Narrows opens on the aftermath of a devastating flood. Nestled in an area surrounded by elevated wilderness, floods are not uncommon here, but this last one appears to have brought an unwanted visitor.
Troubles began when the body of a small boy was pulled from the overflowing banks of the river, setting the residents of Stillwater on edge. Halloween is also around the corner, and while the children are looking forward to donning costumes and trick or treating, one of the few activities remaining for them in this dying town, the adults are feeling scared and anxious. Matthew’s mother has always warned her young son against crossing the highway or playing near the river, and to return home before dark. But then one day, he disappears without a trace, and soon, his schoolmate Billy is reported missing as well.
Meanwhile, police has received calls to investigate a couple cases involving brutal livestock mutilation. Ben, who works for the sheriff’s office, notes the unnatural way the cows and goats appear to have been killed with their skulls broken open and the brains eaten, or in some cases, with the entire head gone. Then there are the bats. The town suddenly feels infested with them, leading to whispers about supernatural curses and creatures. As Ben delves deeper into the mystery of the dead farm animals and the missing boys, he uncovers the source of the rot that has been feeding off the remains of his deteriorating town.
While a chilling experience is almost always guaranteed, you never know what you will get when you pick up a Malfi novel. For instance, I can’t say I expected The Narrows to be a vampire story—albeit with a twist. The author takes a more unique approach by stripping away the usual tropes, presenting ideas with a more primal and terrifying edge. The creature in this book feels more like an ancient predator—a horrifying entity that is both grotesque and nightmarish in its design—and I liked how its lore was woven into the idea of small, rural towns that are decaying and disappearing across the country.
Speaking of which, the thick and oppressive atmosphere of Stillwater was used to great effect, emphasizing the town’s overall feeling of isolation and inevitability. Once a thriving hub, most families moved away when the main plastics factory shut down, taking away jobs and leaving behind environmental degradation. Those residents that remained either stayed out of obligation or had nowhere else to go. They ended up working dead end jobs, living stagnant lives, trapped in a monotonous cycle. One gets the sense that no one would miss Stillwater if everyone and everything in it was wiped off the map. Which I suppose is the point.
However, while the setting made for an engaging story, it was never far from my mind that The Narrows is one of Malfi’s earlier works. It shows in the uneven pacing, especially in the middle, where things tend to drag. Long stretches occur with not much happening, with too many words dedicated to minor details or superfluous conversations that don’t push the plot forward. It also shows in the number and frequency of perspective changes, some of which feel disorienting or unnecessary. It seems that overall, the novel could have benefited from some polishing and trimming to keep the momentum going.
Still, I very much enjoyed reading The Narrows, which has an almost classic, retro horror vibe to it reminiscent of Stephen King. Malfi doesn’t pull any punches in making the reader squirm with both dread and unease, and as a word of caution, readers who are sensitive to graphic violence and gore might want to steer clear. Certain scenes, especially those involving the livestock mutilation and missing kids were pretty tough to read.
At the end of the day, The Narrows might have its flaws, but I still found it to be an intriguing and compelling read. Pacing issues and a somewhat bloated narrative made the novel feel a little raw around the edges, certainly less polished than his later works. Nevertheless, I would recommend it for any dedicated fan of Ronald Malfi. For newcomers though, it would be best to start with his more recent works, where his writing has reached its full potential.
Novella Review: The Night Guest by Hildur Knútsdóttir
Posted on October 14, 2024 4 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Night Guest by Hildur Knútsdóttir
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Nightfire (September 3, 2024)
Length: 197 pages
Author Information: Website
As with most novellas, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up The Night Guest, but I was surprised how it was able to hook me from pretty much start to finish. Translated into English by Mary Robinette Kowal, the book also impressed me with how flowing and beautifully Icelandic author Hildur Knútsdóttir’s original narrative came through.
The story follows Iðunn, a woman living in Reykjavik, who is suffering from constant fatigue but she has no idea why. After numerous doctor visits and blood tests, expert after expert has told her they can find nothing wrong with her, which leaves her feeling helpless and unseen. Not convinced that her condition can be explained by psychosomatic or stress-related reasons, Iðunn eventually decides to take matters into her own hands. Determined to live healthier by getting better exercise and more rest, she buys a wearable device to track her steps and sleep hours.
One morning, after forgetting to take off her fitness watch the night before, she wakes to an unsettling surprise. The tracker shows she had logged over 40,000 steps—all while she was supposedly in her bed sleeping. Without being able to remember anything, Iðunn can’t know for sure, but might it be possible that she has been sleepwalking? At first, the realization is a relief. By identifying a possible reason for her fatigue, she can take steps to find a solution to the problem. Soon, however, things take an even darker turn. Instead of progress, all her interventions seem to make her situation worse. Iðunn starts waking up with bruises. Ripped clothes. Dirty torn nails. Wounds on her face. Blood all over her hands. The harder she tries to unravel this mystery, the worse her fear and paranoia gets. Something terrible is happening to her after she falls asleep, and the deeper she digs, the more horror she uncovers.
While The Night Guest was a quick read, it still packed quite a punch. Better yet, it managed to do this with subtlety. Looking back, nothing about the book was overtly scary, but the vibes were definitely disturbing and…creepy. As someone who wears a Fitbit to track my own activity, the scene where Iðunn wakes up to see the tens of thousands of steps she doesn’t remember taking sent a shiver down my spine. I was transported into the character’s head and felt her alarm and fear.
I was also sympathetic to Iðunn even though I doubt she was meant to be very likeable. She’s made plenty of poor choices in her past and has clear blind spots regarding her health and her relationships. But the way the character is written as an unreliable narrator heightens the suspense. Is her strange behavior the result of the paranormal or simply signs of her rapidly deteriorating mental state? The ambiguity keeps the reader guessing, so you’re never quite sure where the story will take you next.
My only criticism is minor but concerns the ending. There just weren’t enough answers! While I can understand why an author might want to preserve a bit of mystery, in this case, a less ambiguous conclusion would have made it better and more satisfying.
Ultimately, The Night Guest is an unsettling and tightly written novella that blends horror and psychological suspense to great effect. It’s a super quick read, but solid. Full of tension and strange, dark moments, this bite-sized tale would be the perfect pick for the spooky season. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy stories that blur the line between reality and the paranormal.
2024 DNFs: Part 4
Posted on October 10, 2024 9 Comments
The summer slump may be over, but its end did come with a few more abandoned books for the DNF pile. Hopefully I can make it to the end of the year without making another one of these posts.
Once more, the usual caveat: just because I DNFed a book doesn’t mean it was bad, just that, for whatever reason, I wasn’t feeling it and saw no compelling reason to continue. But what doesn’t work for me might work for others; hopefully my perspective can assist you in determining whether you’ll enjoy it or not.
I received review copies from the publisher(s). This does not affect the contents of my reviews and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of The Witch’s Compendium of Monsters
Publisher: Tor Books (June 25, 2024)
Length: 359 pages
For many of the same reasons I abandoned The Famliar, the story and characters of Foul Days did not stand out for me. Currently my shelves are saturated with fantasy novels inspired by Slavic folklore, and even after giving this book more than a hundred pages to grab me, nothing in it convinced me there was anything too new or exciting. The world and its concepts were quite fascinating, but the main character was rather bland and too much time spent on trivial details about her backstory also made me feel unenthusiastic about continuing her tale.
The Scarlet Throne by Amy Leow
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of The False Goddess
Publisher: Orbit (September 1o, 2024)
Length: 432 pages
I really wish this had worked for me. I wanted originality and freshnes, and this book had it in spades. Plus, I love a morally gray protagonist. Sadly though, I was not a fan of the writing style or the main character’s voice. And for a story with such complex themes and consequences, the narrative tone felt all wrong–flippant, shallow, and juvenile. The majority of readers seemed to enjoy it though, so it’s most likely just a case of “It’s not the book, it’s me.” You’ll have a much better time if you aren’t easily put off by YA vibes.
The Gods Below by Andrea Stewart
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of The Hollow Covenant
Publisher: Orbit (September 3, 2024)
Length: 528 pages
It’s hard to believe this is the same author of The Bone Shard Daughter, a book I loved. However, The Gods Below lacked the same interest, charm, and drive. I read more than half of this in the hopes the story or the characters would eventually win me over, but it did not. The plot went nowhere fast, the characters were difficult to connect with, and the pacing felt flat. I really tried, but in the end, I cut my losses. The novel just didn’t have the depth or intrigue to keep me invested.
Novella Review: Haunt Sweet Home by Sarah Pinsker
Posted on October 9, 2024 6 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Haunt Sweet Home by Sarah Pinsker
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror, Paranormal
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tordotcom (September 3 2024)
Length: 161 pages
Author Information: Website
This was a quick read, thank goodness. Haunt Sweet Home by Sarah Pinsker had a fun premise featuring a crew of a haunted house reality TV show mixed up in some family drama, but truth be told, if this novella had gone on any longer it would have worn out its welcome. The story provided some intrigue and suspense but fell short on delivering the spooky vibes I’d been hoping for.
The book follows protagonist Mara, a twenty-something who has spent years aimlessly trying to find her footing in life. She finally gets her chance at another fresh start when her famous cousin Jeremy offers her a job as a night-time production assistant on his ghost-hunting/house makeover mashup reality program. At first, she has no idea what to expect. Mara shows up at her first shift on set and is met by the others on the night crew, who give her the rundown of their responsibilities. Jo, a fellow production assistant whom she befriends, reveals that most of the show is about manufactured scares. While the day crew go about interviewing the homeowners about their renovation plans, the night folks help stage exaggerated and straight-up phony ghostly encounters to make the show more interesting.
Yet, despite being aware of these behind-the-scenes secrets, Mara begins noticing some strange happenings occurring around the set, things that can’t be explained by production tricks and special effects. Still, as she becomes more involved, our protagonist finds her confidence improving, leading to introspection about the role she plays in her large family. Her interactions with a co-worker’s sharp observations may also provide the impetus for her to finally decide what to do with her life.
This rundown shows how eventually the creepy and potentially supernatural elements give way to an emotional journey and an exploration of family relationships. While this offered a well-developed character study of Mara as well as an interesting look at her workplace dynamic, as previously noted, I still find it hard not to feel shorted on what I’d initially signed up for. Needless to say, the plot, which began with so much promise, did not end up being the kind of ghost story I wanted. A horror aspect never truly materialized even though it was teased for quite a while, and the moments that sent the thrills spiking were too few and far between.
That said, I enjoyed the unique angle of the reality TV show setting, especially from the production side of things. Maybe it wasn’t quite enough to jump start the plot, but I found a good rhythm and a lot of amusement in reading about Mara’s night shifts and certain shenanigans certainly not found in the official job description, such as setting up hidden fog machines in the woods of faking a ghost encounter by throwing books around the house in the middle of the night. These funny moments and Mara’s own unperturbed reactions to them made this an easy read.
In the end, the fact that this book was such a short read became a factor in its favor (and you know me, I’m not typically one to praise novellas for their brevity). It’s obvious that more would have led to monotony, and ultimately, I don’t believe there was enough content for a longer book anyway. The author’s main goal appears to have been to write about Mara’s personal growth and self-discovery, and that was definitely accomplished—no need to drag things out.
Overall, I confess I was slightly disappointed, for I was expecting something a little heavier, a little more atmospheric, a little more ghostly. But a full-on haunted house story, this was not. However, for readers looking for a breezy, character-driven story with just a light touch of the paranormal, Haunt Sweet Home might be for you.
Audiobook Review: Sacrificial Animals by Kailee Pedersen
Posted on October 4, 2024 7 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Sacrificial Animals by Kailee Pedersen
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Macmillan Audio (August 20, 2024)
Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins
Author Information: Website
Narrator: Yung-I Chang
Billed as a supernatural horror that explores ancient Chinese mythology, this book almost went into the DNF pile, but in the end I’m glad it didn’t. The payoff, while slow in coming, was ultimately satisfying and illuminating, the final chapters packing such a punch that made it made the early struggle feel worthwhile.
Sacrificial Animals by Kailee Pedersen is a tense, atmospheric slow-burn and oftentimes brutal family drama that pulls the reader into the dark and deeply disturbed world of the Morrow family. Set in Stag’s Crossing, a farm in rural Nebraska, the novel introduces Nick, the youngest of two sons raised by the family patriarch, Carlyle, after the boys’ mother died in childbirth. Harboring a deep mistrust of outsiders, Carlyle isolated his family and was physically and emotionally abusive with Nick and his older brother Joshua, fostering tensions and resentment that strained their relationships. Feeling like the meeker and more mediocre son, Nick has long suspected that their father favored Joshua, the intelligent and handsome heir who has been chosen to take over the farm one day.
But then after college, Joshua committed the ultimate offense in Carlyle’s xenophobic, racist eyes—he married Emilia, an Asian American woman. Promptly disowned, Joshua was cut off from Stag’s Crossing, only receiving occasional updates about the farm from Nick, who later moved to New York. Eventually, there came the day when Nick had to inform Joshua that their father was dying, and that despite their long-standing estrangement, Carlyle wishes to have both his sons back under the same roof, hoping to make peace before his death. To show his sincerity, the old man even invited Emilia.
However, the ensuing reunion is a disaster. Carlyle’s toxic presence continues to drive a wedge between the family members, and regardless of his invitation to Emilia, he’s still bitter about Joshua’s marriage. Even worse, the presence of his brother’s wife has sparked an obsession in Nick for the enigmatic woman, and their resulting affair adds even more fuel to an already dangerous situation.
Initially, this book was a tough read because it seemed to do everything wrong in its first few pages. That is, if you’re not immediately turned off by the graphic killing of two fox pups in the opening scene, then you’ll probably find yourself gritting your teeth through some of the most pretentious and purplish prose I’ve ever read. Sure, it’s possible that it was more noticeable because I was listening to the audiobook, but seriously, enough with the overwrought metaphors! And how many times can an author possibly insert a word like “anodyne” into the first few chapters before it starts feeling like an affront to your sanity?
You might also be wondering, why is this categorized as horror? Where are the supernatural elements? These were the questions I was asking myself as well. To be fair, the horror aspect is somewhat recognizable. As the narrative shifts back and forth between past and present, the timeline following Nick’s traumatic childhood certainly stands out as truly horrific. Carlyle’s cruelty seemed to know no bounds, inflicting pain and trauma upon both his sons, but it was especially bad for Nick, who lived with fear and shame growing up as a queer teen in his father’s house. Carlyle’s hatred of foxes is also a recurring theme, and I want to caution anyone with a soft spot for animals that this book contains several scenes of violence towards wildlife that are very, very upsetting.
Still, at the end of the day, these examples remain grounded in the realm of earthly horrors. While they may inspire their own brand of fear, what happened to the supernatural and mythological elements promised in the blurb? Well, I guess that’s the crux of it. The answer to that question won’t come until near the end, when, at long last, all that gradual buildup culminates in an explosive final act. And when that moment comes, the payoff is as insane as it is satisfying.
So, here’s the TLDR: Sacrificial Animals isn’t going to be for everyone. It very nearly wasn’t for me. Reading it wasn’t easy, and there were many moments early on where I wondered if the story was losing me, with its heavy subject matters, sluggish pacing, and overly flowery prose. That said, by the time I finished, I did feel rewarded, if also completely exhausted. In the end though, I have to say the struggle was part of the experience. If you enjoy the work of authors like Andy Davidson (this book strongly reminded me of The Hollow Kind), and you can look past its technical flaws and have the stomach to endure the darkest and most uncomfortable themes, then I say go for it.
Book Review: The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke
Posted on October 3, 2024 7 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Berkley (October 8, 2024)
Length: 384 pages
Author Information: Website
Another winner from C.J. Cooke! The author was already a must-read, and The Book of Witching has only solidified that for me.
Set on the Orkney Islands, the novel immediately wraps the reader up in its thick and eerie atmosphere. Back in 1594, a woman wrongfully accused of murder was burned for witchcraft on these very isles, but over four centuries later, a modern woman with seemingly no ties to that distant past soon discovers that this dark history is about to turn her world upside down. In 2024, Clem is pulled into a nightmare she never saw coming when she is informed that her nineteen-year-old daughter Erin is in the hospital after being found unconscious along the shore, covered in severe burns. The body of her boyfriend was also found nearby, having succumbed to his injuries, while a third member of their group remains missing. The three friends had gone to the Orkney Islands for a hiking trip, but it was clear something far more sinister had unfolded.
But the mystery only deepens when Erin wakes up from her coma, no longer answering to her own name, instead claiming to be someone called Nyx. Her behavior, along with her cold indifference to the fates of her dead boyfriend and missing best friend leads detectives to consider Erin as a person of interest, but Clem refuses to believe her daughter could have played any part of the tragedy. Together with Erin’s father, Clem travels to the site of the accident, determined to find out the truth. The answer may lie in the history of the Orkneys, where a sixteenth century healer named Alison Balfour became implicated in a murder plot. The persecution of Alison led to her torture and eventual execution during a contentious period of political turmoil, which provided the backdrop for the North Berwick witch trials. In alternating chapters which run parallel with Clem’s in the present, readers follow Alison’s story of injustice which gradually reveal the connection between the two women.
The Book of Witching was my fourth book by C.J. Cooke, and I enjoyed it almost as much as I did her previous novel, A Haunting in the Arctic—which remains my favorite. Perhaps it’s not surprising, since the two share many similarities, including a familiar pattern of blending horror and fantasy, mystery and history, in addition to connecting past-present timelines, and, of course, the paranormal factor. However, this one did feature a very different and distinct angle, exploring witchcraft, folklore, and deep-rooted historical tensions.
Once again, the momentum is driven by the question: How are all these things related? The genius (and admittedly the frustration) of this novel is that it reads like two books in one—simultaneously trying to tell Clem’s story while juggling Alison’s as well. This time, the author keeps the answers under wraps for much longer than expected, waiting until near the end to reveal the connections. This may not be for everyone and depends on how much patience the reader has for books with layers that unfold slowly, but Cooke is such a good storyteller that even with the lack of clarity to all these secrets, I couldn’t stop reading because of the suspense.
It is also worth mentioning that Erin is herself a mother to a toddler, which only further convinces Clem that her daughter is innocent since she has so much to live for. Erin’s injuries also bring her estranged father and Clem’s ex back into their lives, and in many ways he’s even more ferociously protective of his daughter. Similarly, Alison’s story is one about resilience as she endures unspeakable pain and torture to keep her children safe. There’s this powerful overall emphasis on family, with the bond between parent and child serving as a central theme for both timelines, and both women feel more relatable and sympathetic because of it.
But the book’s strengths may be weaknesses for some. The constant jumping around between timelines, the way the author keeps the links between them close to the vest—it could be rough on the pacing. Still, I’ve always been a fan of a slow-burn narrative, especially when the payoff is worth it.
And The Book of Witching is definitely worth it. With its Gothic ambience and haunting atmosphere, this novel should appeal to readers drawn to complex family dynamics and the mysterious threads that bind the past to the present. While it doesn’t quite cross the threshold into horror territory, it still gave me chills. Recommended for fans of psychological and historical suspense.
Book Review: Buried Deep and Other Stories by Naomi Novik
Posted on October 1, 2024 5 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Buried Deep and Other Stories by Naomi Novik
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Short Story Collection
Publisher: Del Rey (September 17, 2024)
Length: 448 pages
Author Information: Website
Naomi Novik’s Buried Deep and Other Stories is a new collection bringing together thirteen short stories that explore not only a wide range of genres and themes, but also showcase the versatility of the author’s writing. Many of the tales compiled here have been previously published, most inspired by the various worlds she has built over the years, but it does contain two brand-new stories, including one set in the Scholomance universe. I think this book will appeal to longtime fans of Novik’s work, but like many short fiction collections, it comes with its fair share of ups and downs.
As such, while there were stories in here that I truly enjoyed, there were also others that felt so blah that they hardly seemed worth mentioning. That why instead of my usual approach to reviewing short story collections where I try to break down each tale with a summary of the plot and my thoughts, I’m just going to offer my overall assessment of the book, only highlighting those stories that stood out—for better or worse.
First, I consider myself a fan of Naomi Novik. Whether it’s mythological or historical fantasy, fairy tale and folklore-inspired retellings or even far-flung future sci-fi, she’s demonstrated her storytelling and world-building abilities. Perhaps it’s not surprising then, that a couple of my favorite stories in Buried Deep featured some of the more familiar themes or distinctive narrative styles from her previous works. For example, I loved “Dragons & Decorum”, a retelling of Pride & Prejudice in which Elizabeth joins the Corps and gets her own dragon—obviously because it reminded me of Temeraire. Likewise, I enjoyed “Amarita, or, The Wreck of the Amphidrake,” which I believe is set in an original world but nonetheless gave me the same sense of adventure I first found in His Majesty’s Dragon. Finally, rounding out my top three is “Spinning Silver,” the precursor to the full-length novel of the same name but has a very different ending.
But therein lies the problem to this collection. A lot of the stories, particularly those set in the author’s established universes, require prior knowledge to fully understand and appreciate them (I’m look at you, “After Hours” and “Vici.”) And if you’re reader like me who doesn’t have the best memory and often forgets details from books you’ve read, you might have trouble getting into them too. These are stories that just don’t stand well on their own in that they can be confusing or feel like throwaway tales even when you’re familiar with their settings and characters.
Uneven pacing, lackluster endings, and lack of story depth were also issues in a few cases. No doubt I’ve been spoiled by the richness and complexity of Novik’s novels, but still. I get that the short fiction format naturally provides limited space for world-building and character development, but some of the ones in Buried Deep felt unpolished, even a bit rough around the edges when compared to what I’ve come to expect from the author. These are the stories like “Blessings,” “Seven,” or “Lord Dunsany’s Teapot” which were based on interesting ideas but barely scratched the surface. And in the case of “Commonplaces,” a short story featuring Irene Adler from Sherlock Holmes, I really wish Novik had taken a little more time to flesh out the character and plot.
Ultimately, there were a few gems in Buried Deep and Other Stories that captured the magic of Naomi Novik’s signature world-building and character-focused storytelling, but there were others that felt less impactful or left little to no impression on me. Because newcomers to the author’s work won’t find themselves as interested or invested in a lot of the offerings in this collection, I believe its appeal will also be limited. That said, her fans will not want to miss this one, for her creativity remains as strong as ever. However, if you’re new to her writing, I would recommend just starting with one of her novels.
Book Review: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
Posted on September 27, 2024 10 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
Mogsy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy, Action & Adventure
Series: Book 1 of Dungeon Crawler Carl
Publisher: Ace (August 27, 2024)
Length: 464 pages
Author Information: Website
Although I’m a huge fan of MMORPGs and fantasy roleplaying games like D&D, Pathfinder, etc., Dungeon Crawler Carl might actually be my first legit, honest-to-goodness LitRPG novel, rather than broader gamelit genre which simply incorporates a game into its plot elements and framing. And since RPG mechanics like stat allocation, skill leveling, and similar features can be both some of the most exciting and also the most tedious of roleplaying games, I was also very curious to see how it would work out.
The book follows our eponymous protagonist, just your ordinary guy who one night finds himself thrust into a nightmarish game-like reality after an apocalyptic event destroys the Earth and wipes out most of humanity. It was a cold, wintry night when Carl was roused out of bed by his soon-to-be-ex-girlfriend’s prize-winning show cat, who decided at that fateful hour to get herself stuck in a tree. Wearing nothing but his boxer shorts and a hastily thrown on leather jacket, Carl goes outside to rescue Princess Donut when suddenly, every man-made structure on the planet was suddenly compressed, instantly smushing anyone and anything under any kind of roofed shelter when the world collapsed.
Long story short, Earth’s survivors become the latest victims to be forced into a deadly dungeon-crawling competition, all part of a massive, universe-spanning entertainment network created for the amusement of alien spectators. Carl, along with Donut—who gains the ability to talk after ingesting a special pet biscuit provided by the game—must face numerous monsters, traps, and other dangerous challenges in order to make their way into the deeper levels of the dungeon, adapting to complex RPG-style rules related to things like stat and experience farming, looting and rewards, and even race/class selection. In addition, since the dungeon crawl is a televised competition, there is the social media factor to consider, where crawlers must navigate the fickle world of views, favorites, and followers to gain an advantage.
To be honest, I’m surprised it took me this long to find Dungeon Crawler Carl. It’s been making big waves in the indie publishing sphere for the last few years, and I can safely say now that the hype is absolutely, indubitably real and well-deserved! As the first three books are re-released with the traditional publisher treatment this fall, I will definitely be devouring the series as fast as I can. This opening volume took me by surprise in the best way possible, taking even the most inscrutable concepts of RPGs and making them entertaining and immersive. This is waaaaay more than just a story about a guy living a real-life video game—it’s a thoroughly binge-worthy adventure set in a richly developed, fully fleshed-out dystopian universe. While gaming mechanics are key to the plot, they are integrated naturally and seamlessly without ever hampering the fast-paced momentum.
Another standout point is the humor, which leans heavily into explosive slapstick and unapologetically pokes fun at the worst aspects of human nature, often in the most inappropriate and crass ways. The contrast between the main character’s grim reality (billions dead, millions more dying by the second for the entertainment of bloodthirsty viewers cheering on every brutal death) and the absurd situations in which he finds himself (partying up with a fame-obsessed talking cat, encounters with a lewd AI harboring a secret foot fetish, using meth to incite a goblin-llama gang war) ensures that even in its bleakest moments, Dungeon Crawler Carl had me rolling with laughter.
Carl himself is an instantly relatable protagonist and convincing despite the circumstances. His personality is a mix of goodness and sensible pragmatism, the perfect counterbalance to the haughty and unpredictable Princess Donut, which results in a dynamic that is endlessly entertaining. The book also has creativity in spades, even with its world-building rooted deeply in familiar RPG worlds and their fantasy settings. Thanks to the alien apocalypse and reality TV angles, Carl and Donut find themselves in imaginative and often bizarre scenarios that keep the story feeling fresh.
But before I offer up my full recommendation, a couple caveats to keep in mind. First, the humor isn’t going to be for everyone. Expect crude comedy and jokes of the over-the-top-omg-I-can’t-believe-they-went-there variety. Second, readers unfamiliar with RPG mechanics may find the sections explaining the ins-and-outs to be too dense and info-dumpy. Certainly, non-gamers can still enjoy the story but there’s the real risk of being overwhelmed by the sheer amount of detail.
Much like Ready Player One was a love letter to the pop culture of the 80s, Dungeon Crawler Carl can be seen as a tribute to roleplaying games. It reads like a mashup of World of Warcraft, The Hunger Games, and War of the Worlds—in other words, an absolute blast! I deem this a must-read for RPG enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy wild humor and action in their stories. This novel is a true gem, and as of this writing, I’m already deep into book two. Can’t wait to continue this crazy journey with Carl!
The BiblioSanctum 