Thursday Thriller Audio: The Only One Left by Riley Sager
Posted on June 15, 2023 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 Only One Left by Riley Sager
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Penguin Audio (June 20, 2023)
Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
Author Information: Website | Twitter
Narrators: Dawn Harvey, Christine Lakin
Ooh, this one was a doozy! Riley Sager spins a thrilling gothic tale with The Only One Left which was equal parts mystery and heart-stopping action.
It is 1983, and home healthcare aide Kit McDeere is desperate for work following a scandal which resulted in her being suspended by her agency and investigated by the police. Even though she was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing, the damage had already been done. With her name tarnished, Kit has no choice but to take on a particularly difficult assignment from her old employer, even if the very idea of it makes her sick to her stomach.
Perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Atlantic is a dilapidated mansion known as Hope’s End. Its owner, 71-year-old Lenora Hope is paralyzed and does not speak, requiring round-the-clock care. However, back in 1929, she made headlines when her mother, father, and sister were found murdered in the very same house. A teenager at the time, Lenora was the sole survivor—and the prime suspect. Though she claimed she didn’t do it, and the evidence wasn’t strong enough to convict her, everyone who knew of the murders believed Lenora to be the culprit. As with Lizzie Borden, they even made a catchy little rhyme about her.
It is this very same chant that is running through Kit’s mind as she makes her way to Hope’s End to meet the infamous Lenora Hope. But as it turns out, her client is nothing like she expected. Day after day, our protagonist gradually bonds with the elderly woman, and even starts to see parallels between their two lives. After all, like Kit, Lenora avoided prosecution but was presumed guilty by the world.
Still, while there is a possibility that Lenora is innocent, there are still too many things that don’t line up. For one, the timing of the job seemed suspicious. Lenora’s last caregiver, Mary, was supposedly very fond of her, so then why did she give up the job and leave so abruptly? With Lenora paralyzed, who does Kit hear moving around in the old woman’s room at night? And why is the household manager, Mrs. Baker, so strangely strict about the rules where Lenora is concerned?
By the way, all of this is even before the body is discovered. After that, it’s a nonstop nail-biter with far more surprises than I was expecting.
In fact, in most thriller reviews, you might see one of two big twists being discussed, to which Riley Sager comes in with “Those are rookie numbers!” Seriously, there are just SO. MANY. TWISTS. Too many, perhaps? Contrary to popular belief, I do think it’s a possibility, and at some point, the law of diminishing returns applies. While one great twist can be immensely satisfying, a series of them can do more harm than good especially if they completely transform an ending from believable to ridiculous. This definitely happened here, and I think The Only One Left would have been a much better book had Sager quit while he was ahead and didn’t try so hard to cram in twists #4, #5, #6, etc.
Still, what a crazy whirlwind of a thriller! While the ending might have gone off the rails a little, I nonetheless had so much fun with this one. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a book that you just can’t put down, as long as you don’t mind suspending your disbelief a little—or a lot. It’s also wonderfully propulsive in the audio format narrated by Dawn Harvey and Christine Lakin who take on the roles of Kit and Lenora. My favorite book by the author yet!
Waiting on Wednesday 06/14/23
Posted on June 14, 2023 4 Comments
Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that first originated at Breaking the Spine but has since linked up with “Can’t Wait Wednesday” at Wishful Endings now that the original creator is unable to host it anymore. Either way, this fun feature is a chance to showcase the upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow (October 31, 2023 by Tor)
“A grim and gothic new tale from New York Times bestselling author Alix E. Harrow about a small town haunted by secrets that can’t stay buried and the sinister house that sits at the crossroads of it all.
Eden, Kentucky, is just another dying, bad-luck town, known only for the legend of E. Starling, the reclusive nineteenth-century author and illustrator who wrote The Underland–and disappeared.
Before she vanished, Starling House appeared. But everyone agrees that it’s best to let the uncanny house―and its last lonely heir, Arthur Starling―go to rot. Opal knows better than to mess with haunted houses or brooding men, but an unexpected job offer might be a chance to get her brother out of Eden. Too quickly, though, Starling House starts to feel dangerously like something she’s never had: a home.
As sinister forces converge on Starling House, Opal and Arthur are going to have to make a dire to dig up the buried secrets of the past and confront their own fears, or let Eden be taken over by literal nightmares.
If Opal wants a home, she’ll have to fight for it.“
Book Review: The Will of the Many by James Islington
Posted on June 12, 2023 20 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 Will of the Many by James Islington
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of The Hierarchy
Publisher: Gallery/Saga Press (May 23, 2023)
Length: 688 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
It’s a shame this book isn’t getting as much attention or recognition compared to other big name fantasy titles releasing this year, because I have a feeling this one’s going to end up in my top three picks for the genre in 2023. In fact, I’m just going to say it: If you are a fan of epic fantasy, The Will of the Many absolutely needs to be on your reading list. Like, right now. No excuses.
Set in the aftermath of the conquering of his kingdom by the Hierarchy, a young prince who escaped execution must conceal his true identity until the perfect opportunity arises to exact his revenge. Formerly known as Prince Diago of Suus, Vis now lives the life of an unassuming orphan, biding his time as he pretends to support the new regime of their enslavers.
However, his time is running short. Society in the Hierarchy, which is heavily inspired by the Roman Empire, is built on a system of Will—which is sort of like a person’s life force. Those at the top draw this energy from the subjugated, who are told to cede their Will for the greater good as it is what literally makes the world go ‘round in the Hierarchy. It’s also what keeps the ruling class in power; the more people they conquer, the stronger they get. And unfortunately, Vis has almost reached the age where he can no longer avoid having his Will drained by the Sappers.
But then, he receives an offer of help from an unexpected quarter. Senator Ulciscor Telimus, whose brother died under mysterious circumstances at the prestigious Catenan Academy, wants to adopt Vis and send him to school there to get answers about the suspected murder. The plan is for Vis to infiltrate the student body which is made up of the children of the elite, all destined for the highest ranks of the Hierarchy. Vis can help Ulciscor uncover the secrets at the Academy, and if he does well in his studies, he might even receive a leadership position which would give him the freedom to do anything he wants and, more importantly, keep his Will.
What comes next is a vast, winding saga consisting of layers upon layers of mystery and intrigue. It is also a phenomenal achievement in world-building and character development. Some reviewers have said that this book reminds them of Pierce Brown’s Red Rising, and I would say those comparisons are apt, though in many ways The Will of the Many is even better. For one, the plot feels deeper, more mature and complex. The relationships between Vis and those around him are also more multidimensional and meaningful. Until now, I have only read the first of James Islington’s Licanius trilogy, and it’s clear he has come a long way.
The emotional journey of our protagonist is only one of the many praiseworthy aspects of this novel. The Hierarchy killed his family and stole his future, but as Vis enters Catenan Academy, he must force himself to swallow the hatred and rage towards his people’s oppressors while trying to become one of them. And yet, in the course of his spying, unexpected friendships started to form. He may even end up finding love.
The storytelling was also superb. Islington takes readers on a dizzying ride of plot twists and turns as Vis encounters multiple obstacles and challenges, because after all, where’s the fun in plans that go exactly as expected? Harrowing close calls and gasp-worthy betrayals force our protagonist to act quickly and think on the fly in order to protect his identity. It’s also not a proper magic school story unless the protagonist has made several enemies among students and teaching staff whose sole purpose is to make his life a living hell, and believe me, The Will of the Many is a proper magic school story, one of the best.
That said, if I had to level one criticism at this novel, it’s the fact that it leans on certain tropes a bit too much. At almost 700 pages, I also don’t expect each and every single one of them to contain something riveting, but there were definitely a few lulls that went on longer than I would have liked. Of course, none of these are dealbreakers, and always the story managed to steer things back on track with another bout of action and excitement.
To say I’m impressed is understating it by miles. This book is a gem that deserves to be a much bigger deal, and if you only have room to squeeze just one more title into your reading schedule this year, I highly recommend it being The Will of the Many. Yes, I know it’s quite the tome, but it is worth it. I am excited for the sequel to see what will happen next.
Bookshelf Roundup 06/11/23: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads
Posted on June 11, 2023 16 Comments
Bookshelf Roundup is a feature I do every weekend which fills the role of several blog memes, like Stacking the Shelves where I talk about the new books I’ve added to my library or received for review, as well as It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? where I summarize what I’ve finished reading in the last week and what I’m planning to read soon. Mostly it also serves as a recap post, so sometimes I’ll throw in stuff like reading challenge progress reports, book lists, and other random bookish thoughts or announcements.
Received for Review
With thanks to Tor Books for:
- The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson, billed as an uplifting story set in a magical circus. I am excited to dive into this beautiful book.
With thanks to Del Rey Books for:
- Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare, the first book of an epic fantasy series following two outcasts who get caught up in a web of dark magic, secrets, and forbidden love. Believe it or not, I’ve never read anything by Clare, but I’m curious about her first venture into adult fantasy.
With thanks to Orbit Books for:
- The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem, a debut Egyptian-inspired fantasy steeped in political intrigue. I am simply in awe of this gorgeous ARC and can’t wait to check it out.
With thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for:
- The Whispers by Ashley Audrain. I enjoyed the author’s debut The Push, which made we want to check out her latest mystery thriller.
- Dead Eleven by Jimmy Juliano, a horror mystery which unfolds on a creepy island following the arrival of a woman who seeks to learn the truth about her son’s death.
- The Devil’s Playground by Craig Russell, a Hollywood thriller about the making of the most terrifying silent film ever made, from the author who also brought us The Devil Aspect.
With thanks to Blackstone Publishing for::
- The Infinite Miles by Hannah Fergesen, described as a wacky time-traveling sci-fi odyssey and a clever homage to Doctor Who. Sounds just like my thing!
With thanks to Macmillan Audio for:
- Speak of the Devil by Rose Wilding. It’s New Year’s Eve 1999 and seven women receive a mysterious message telling them to gather in a seedy hotel room where the severed head of a man they all know sits in the middle of the floor. Sounds like one hell of a premise!
- The Edge of Sleep by Jake Emanuel, Willie Block, Jason Gurley, an apocalyptic-dystopian sci-fi about a sleeping sickness that overtakes the world. If you fall asleep, you might not wake up. Based on the audio drama podcast.
Reviews
- 3.5 of 5 stars to Maeve Fly by C.J. Leede
- 3 of 5 stars to Fractal Noise by Christopher Paolini
- 2 of 5 stars to The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw
Recent Reads/Upcoming Reviews
Have you heard of or read any of the books featured this week? What caught your eye? Any new discoveries? I hope you found something interesting for a future read!
Novella Review: The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw
Posted on June 9, 2023 16 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 Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw
Mogsy’s Rating: 2 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Nightfire (May 2, 2023)
Length: 106 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
On the surface, this story may seem familiar: A mermaid gives up her voice to marry a human prince and be a part of his world. But the twist is so much darker and macabre in The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw, a blood-drenched reimagining of this fairy tale classic.
As the book opens, the main character begins by remembering her tragic past as she travels with a companion, a plague doctor, through a snow-covered forest. Far from her ocean home, the mermaid recounts the way she was forcibly claimed by a selfish prince, who cut out her tongue so that she could not speak. But then their children were born, and our mermaid had the last laugh. Her bloodthirsty and ravenous daughters ended up devouring all the humans and burned the prince’s kingdom to the ground, releasing the mermaid from her imprisonment.
Now our protagonist is on the lam, with the somber plague doctor who is also running from a dark past. Somewhere along their journey, they come upon a village where they witness a group of children seemingly at play, until the games turn deadly. The mermaid and the plague doctor soon discover that the village is headed by a trio of self-professed surgeon-saints who claim to hold the key to immortality. As more terrible revelations come to light, the new trust forged between our two friends is put to the test as their mission swiftly shifts to survival.
To be perfectly blunt, I did not care for this book, and while the reasons are bigger than the issues I have with novellas in general, I’m sure they played a part as well. For one thing, I found it grossly over-written, not even all that subtly in certain places where scenes are being intentionally padded. The resulting prose felt unpleasantly dense and impenetrable, as evidenced by the inordinate amount of time it took me to get through this slim volume which only clocks in at slightly over one hundred pages.
Ironically, I doubt Khaw was hurting for content. The story had plenty of areas the author could have explored or developed further, but Khaw chose to place greater emphasis on descriptive imagery. And hey, if that’s what you’re into, then great—you’ll probably have a much better time than I did with The Salt Grows Heavy. Personally, I would have preferred to see more substance especially with regards to plot and characters, or else it simply feels pretentious and a bit try-hard. Because when you cut away all the flowery words, the story you are left with is actually quite lean and astonishingly simplistic. Even the horror is diluted by the purple prose, which I found most frustrating. At the end of it all, I just wanted to scream, “But it could have been so much more!”
And speaking of unrealized potential, we have the characters and their unique relationship. Individually, both the mermaid and the plague doctor were sufficiently well written and interesting. Together as a team, they should have been glorious. However, I had a hard time being convinced of the beautiful bond they’d supposedly formed during their ordeal, again because all the good stuff was simply lost amidst the ham-fisted metaphors and million-dollar words.
To be fair, I’m probably not the target audience for a book like this, and I’d figured this out about a dozen pages in but decided to continue anyway because that was already a good chunk of this bite-sized novella. If you are a prose junkie with an affinity for lyrical, almost poetic writing styles or would like a chance to expand your vocabulary, The Salt Grows Heavy could work for you. But if on the other hand you are a reader who prefers plot-driven and character-focused stories, I feel it is weaker in those areas.
Waiting on Wednesday 06/07/23
Posted on June 7, 2023 12 Comments
Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that first originated at Breaking the Spine but has since linked up with “Can’t Wait Wednesday” at Wishful Endings now that the original creator is unable to host it anymore. Either way, this fun feature is a chance to showcase the upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick
Red River Seven by A.J. Ryan (October 10, 2023 by Orbit)
“Internationally bestselling fantasy author Anthony Ryan – writing as A. J. Ryan – delivers a nerve-shredding novel in which seven strangers must undertake a terrifying journey into the unknown.
A man awakes on a boat at sea with no memory of who he is or how he came to be there. He’s not alone – there are six others. None of them can remember their names, but all bear the scars of recent surgery.
When a message appears on the onboard computer – Proceeding to Point A – the group agrees to work together to survive whatever is coming.
But as the boat moves through the mist-shrouded waters, divisions begin to form, and the group is plagued by questions. Who is directing them, why have their memories been wiped, and what are the screams they can hear beyond the mist?”
Book Review: Maeve Fly by C.J. Leede
Posted on June 6, 2023 15 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: Nightfire (June 6, 2023)
Length: 288 pages
Author Information: Website
Meet Maeve Fly. Her literary hero is Patrick Bateman of American Psycho fame and her commitment to the persona is real. By day, she’s a princess at a popular California theme park (which the book is careful never to name, but anyone can connect the dots) while by night, she’s slamming them back and reading Marquis de Sade at the local dive bars, usually accompanied by her coworker and friend Kate. At home, she lives with her grandmother Tallulah, who was quite a Hollywood star back in her heyday, though now she lies in a coma.
Besides Tallulah, Kate is the only other person Maeve feels a real connection to. But while our protagonist truly loves her job, her friend is an aspiring actress with her own plans for stardom, merely using the princess gig as a stepping-stone towards her big break. One night, Kate introduces Maeve to her brother Gideon, a famous pro hockey player who has just been transferred from New York. Immediately drawn to Gideon but also put off by him as well, Maeve has trouble putting into words exactly how she feels about him but knows she doesn’t like it one bit. No matter what she does though, the two of them keep meeting up, setting off a wild relationship that sends Maeve spiraling into a world of murder and debauchery.
So, first things first. Maeve Fly, an edgy transgressive horror novel from debut author C.J. Leede, is definitely not going to be for everyone. Specifically, this book is not for you if you’re someone with a weak stomach to gory violence or are disturbed by gruesome scenes of torture, salacious descriptions of sexual fetishism, graphic depictions of assault and murder, as well as a whole host of similarly unpleasant subjects. As a character, Maeve is certainly not shy about her kinks and is unabashedly open about her depraved fantasies, lamenting the way she often feels constrained by social norms and expectations. Such is the nature of this book, which relishes in being unapologetically provocative.
That said, there is also a fine line between using shock to elevate a story in the name of art versus being offensive and disgusting simply because you can do it. Now, I don’t really consider myself a squeamish reader, since the years of reading grimdark fantasy have pretty much inured me to every act of unspeakable sadism and cold-blooded violence that you can think of. I’ve also read American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis, the work that so inspired our protagonist, which I think still reigns supreme in terms of the sickest and most disturbing murders I’ve ever seen written in a book. So, while it is certainly gross and bloody in its own right, in truth, the actual content of Maeve Fly did not particularly bother me.
What did annoy me, however, was the fact it frequently crosses that aforementioned fine line into shock-for-the-sake-of-shock territory. Sure, I think it’s interesting that a character like Maeve can manage to live a double life hiding her vile proclivities beneath that wholesome Disney princess exterior. The story compels you to reconcile the monster within to the kind and loving part of Maeve that cares for her grandmother and delights in making children happy. It’s a dynamic that could have used a bit more attention, especially since the character duality is something that Leede seems genuinely keen on exploring, but sadly much of it gets lost in the gratuitous violence and gore instead.
Still, at the end of the day, I did enjoy Maeve Fly, which is admittedly more in-your-face and over-the-top than the horror I usually read. Generally though, I find it worthwhile to read outside the box, and of course, it helped that I knew exactly what I was getting into when I picked it up. Despite overplaying the shock card to the point where it felt excessive and self-indulgent at times, when it wasn’t trying so hard to be gross and edgy, the story was actually quite fun.
Review: Fractal Noise by Christopher Paolini
Posted on June 5, 2023 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.
Fractal Noise by Christopher Paolini
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction
Series: Book 0 of Fractalverse
Publisher: Tor |Macmillan Audio (May 16, 2023)
Length: 304 pages | 9 hrs and 57 mins
Author Information: Website | Twitter
Audiobook Narrated by Jennifer Hale
While Fractal Noise has been framed as sort of a prequel to To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, for those wondering if you can read it as a standalone, the answer is absolutely yes. In fact, it was so far removed from the first book and added so little to the overall Fractalverse that it left me a little disappointed.
As the story opens, we’re introduced to protagonist xenobiologist Alex who is still deep in the throes of grief for his wife Layla, killed in an accident when they were both colonists on the planet Eidolon. Dealing with the guilt of not being there to protect her is also a constant distraction from his current work aboard the Adamura, an exploration vessel on a survey assignment. Then, the crew’s cartographer picks up something strange on an uncharted planet called Talos VII, which is supposedly devoid of any life. So, what could have possibly made the huge, perfectly circular hole on the planet’s surface?
After much discussion on what they should do, the crew eventually decides to put together a team to investigate the crater. Alex finds himself on the mission together with team leader Talia and fellow scientists Chen and Pushkin, but while each member brings along invaluable expertise in their respective knowledge areas, tempers also run hot as different personalities and ideologies clash. It doesn’t take long for things to go south as the group makes its way towards their destination, an alien artifact that might just prove less dangerous than the simmering tensions building between the human crew members.
For a story mainly focused on character relationships, it was surprisingly difficult for me to care about or even connect to any of them. Most of them feel like caricatures, simplistic and embodying a single trait—Talia and her religious fervor, Pushkin and his over-the-top aggression, and Chen was simply the dude who got himself injured. Then there was our main character Alex, whose overwhelming grief was something we were constantly reminded of, to the point where he became completely defined by it. As a result, none of the conflicts or dialogue between the team members felt truly organic, instead coming across as manufactured and repetitive.
Fortunately, the story fared better, especially with regards to the mystery surrounding alien phenomena. The ominous sights and sounds were described vividly, building up to an atmosphere that was positively claustrophobic. If you are a fan of “doomed expedition” tales, I think you will be very happy with the deep immersion of the setting and overall mood of paranoia and fear.
Heck, I’d even say Fractal Noise was a pretty decent story of first contact. That said, if you are looking for more of the intrigue and action that we got from To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, I’m sorry to say it but you won’t find it here. Admittedly, had it been more like the first book, I probably would have enjoyed this one a lot more. However, the lack of connection to the characters really put a damper on things, not to mention the frustration of not having a clear resolution or making any headway on the greater mystery.
Ultimately, I feel as though Christopher Paolini set out to write this as a character-oriented novel but somehow fumbled the actual characterization—you know, the important part—making most of the book feel like a slog because so much was centered around the team’s interactions which did not interest me. It’s a shame too, because the actual premise is quite good, and with a more engaging and fully fleshed out cast, Fractal Noise could have easily surpassed the original. Despite its prequel status, I wouldn’t recommend starting with this one if you’re in any way curious about the Fractalverse, but it’s probably worth reading if you’re already invested in the series. For the most part though, I feel it missed the mark with me.
More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of To Sleep in a Sea of Stars
Bookshelf Roundup 06/04/23: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads
Posted on June 4, 2023 11 Comments
Bookshelf Roundup is a feature I do every weekend which fills the role of several blog memes, like Stacking the Shelves where I talk about the new books I’ve added to my library or received for review, as well as It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? where I summarize what I’ve finished reading in the last week and what I’m planning to read soon. Mostly it also serves as a recap post, so sometimes I’ll throw in stuff like reading challenge progress reports, book lists, and other random bookish thoughts or announcements.
Received for Review
With thanks to Tor Books for:
- After the Forest by Kell Woods, an enchanting fairy tale inspired debut giving new life to the characters of Hansel and Gretel.
With thanks to Orbit Books for:
- The Sun and the Void by Gabriela Romera-Lacruz, the first book of The Warring Gods series set in a world inspired by the history and folklore of South America.
With thanks to Subterranean Press for:
- Cocktails & Chloroform by Kelley Armstrong, a novella set in the author’s A Rip Through Time series which follows a modern-day detective trapped in the body of a Victorian housemaid. I’ve been meaning to check out this series, really hope I can start it soon!
With thanks to Tantor Audio for:
- The Ascent and Snow by Ronald Malfi, a pair of the author’s older books that recently got the audiobook treatment, and you can bet I jumped on them right away. I have been meaning to check out his backlist.
With thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for:
- Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong, the author’s adult fantasy debut. I have read and enjoyed her YA which makes me curious about this one, especially since it is inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra.
With thanks to Hachette Audio for:
- The Carnivale of Curiosities by Amiee Gibbs, described as a Faustian gothic tale of murder set in a circus. I am a sucker for carnival and circus stories, so this one seems right up my alley.
Reviews
- 4.5 of 5 stars to The Book that Wouldn’t Burn by Mark Lawrence
- 2.5 of 5 stars to The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown
- 2 of 5 stars to Witch King by Martha Wells
Recent Reads/Upcoming Reviews
Have you heard of or read any of the books featured this week? What caught your eye? Any new discoveries? I hope you found something interesting for a future read!
Novella Review: The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown
Posted on June 2, 2023 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.
The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown
Mogsy’s Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction, Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Nightfire (April 4, 2023)
Length: 176 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
If you enjoy sci-fi sprinkled with a light bit of creepiness, The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown might be the book for you, but as someone who was initially drawn to its horror-in-space premise, I confess I was left feeling disappointed. The novella format was also perhaps not the most ideal for the author’s vision of the story, which recycled far too many genre tropes making the plot feel unoriginal and predictable.
Set aboard the doomed generation ship Calypso, the story follows acting captain Jacklyn Albright and her crew as their fleet makes its way back to Earth following a failed attempt at establishing a colony. Facing dwindling resources, poor morale, and a ship that’s barely holding itself together, things look rather hopeless, but Jacklyn isn’t about to let the last remnants of humanity die on her watch. She’s already angry at her father, the current captain, for having retreated to his quarters and abandoning his responsibilities. Now it’s up to her to guide the Calypso on its treacherous way home, a journey that will take them through a part of space riddled with pockets of storm-like phenomena that wreak havoc on the ship’s hull.
Then one day, while overseeing some repairs, Jacklyn notices some strange sounds coming from within the belly of the Calypso. From there, more alarming reports and foreboding messages start to stack up, culminating in a dead body, brutally eviscerated. Something hungry is on Jack’s ship and set loose on the crew, for whom there is no escape.
With a setup like that, it’s hard to believe this book didn’t strike the right chord, but not only did I struggle to engage with the story, there were parts that I found tedious and frustrating. Many of the issues stemmed from the length of the novella—namely, I felt it was too short to truly explore any of its elements in depth. First of all, the reader is thrown headfirst into a situation about which they know very little; all we know is that the colony at a planet called Proxima b failed and that the fleet has been limping along home for quite some time yet nobody in the story appears to be reacting convincingly to what has transpired. Human beings can exhibit a wide range of reactions to a desperate situation, but the attitude on the Calypso feels oddly indifferent considering their captain has not been seen or heard from in more than a week.
As other reviews have mentioned, A Scourge Between the Stars also borrows heavily from Alien, right down to the discovery of alien eggs and a dubious android. Don’t get me wrong, there are timeless tropes I will always love and monsters running amok in dark, creepy ramshackle spaceships is always going to be one of them. But this book was missing a certain, for lack of a better word, flair. Good ideas were underutilized or handled without much innovation. There was a clinical, almost detached approach to the scenes of violence and gore. The atmosphere was stagnant and pretty much non-existent. In sum, you can have all the best horror ingredients but still miss the mark.
I do think I would have enjoyed this more if the characters, plot, and world-building had been more fleshed out, possibly into a full-length novel. However, the current page length is hardly enough to develop any of these sufficiently, and more than likely hobbled the book’s overall potential. I suppose if you have time to spare for a quick, throwaway story which doesn’t use up too much brain bandwidth, The Scourge Between the Stars is perfectly readable and entertaining enough, but I doubt it will make a lasting impression.
The BiblioSanctum 