Book Review: A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher
Posted on March 31, 2023 19 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher
Mogsy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tor Nightfire (March 28, 2023)
Length: 256 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
When I think Southern Gothic fiction, I generally picture grim haunting tales set in creepy small towns in the American South. I think overall bleak tones with a sense of foreboding and dread. I think horror, the supernatural, the disturbing and the macabre.
What I don’t usually expect is to be laughing my ass off at the gut-busting humor. Yes, I know morbid or dark comedy is sometimes used in the genre to poke fun at Southern societal norms and traditions, but as usual, T. Kingfisher’s famed wit and lightness of touch makes her latest novel an instant gem.
In A House With Good Bones, we follow recently furloughed archaeoentomologist Samantha Montgomery on a visit to her hometown in rural North Carolina. Needing a place to stay for a while, she also figures this would be a good time to check in with her mother Edith, who has been acting very strange lately according to recent reports from Sam’s brother. Upon her arrival, Sam could immediately see what he means. Normally a happy-go-lucky woman, Edith has become tense and jumpy, overly cautious about everything. The house that Sam remembers as colorful and vibrant has also been repainted to the original bland hues which were favored by her miserable grandmother Mae, back when she was still alive and owned the home. Plus, the less said the better about the questionable décor which now adorns the place, which Sam knows to be completely out of character for her mom.
Worried that it might be dementia or worse, Sam sets out to find out what ails her mother. She learns that what Edith is experiencing could be symptoms of delayed bereavement for Gran Mae, even though the old woman has been dead for many years. But Edith’s odd behavior is also just the tip of the iceberg. As insects are her life’s work, Sam can’t help but notice her mother’s garden is completely devoid of any of the creepy crawlies which would normally be everywhere. Not a single ant, spider, or bee despite the garden being filled with Gran Mae’s famously beautiful rosebushes which have been growing at the house for decades. And that’s not even the weirdest part. One night, Sam wakes up to a horrifying discovery which even she as a seasoned entomologist finds disturbing, and that’s only the first of many more nasty surprises the house has in store for her.
If you enjoyed Kingfisher’s The Twisted Ones, then I think you’ll also come to love A House with Good Bones. That’s because the two books feel very similar to me in terms of tone and style, both serving up a perfect blend of horror and humor. Even the title is a cheeky gibe in its own way. The story also features a charismatic and lovable protagonist with an unforgettable voice. Sam Montgomery’s personality is positively infectious, reflected in her laidback narration which flows naturally off the page and frequently includes hilarious observations of the things happening around her. Even in the face of terrifying uncertainty, she can still liven things up with a joke or two.
I was also touched by Sam’s concern for Edith and the way she was so fiercely protective of her. Having just finished a string of novels about dysfunctional families, reading one that featured a strong, loving mother-daughter bond felt quite refreshing for a change. I also enjoyed the side characters, like the neighbors Gail, bitter rival of Gran Mae when she was alive, and Phil, the awkward but intelligent handyman who Sam becomes sweet on as the story progresses. I was even charmed by the wake of vultures, part of a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation program, which have taken over the street and made it their home.
It’s little things like that which made A House with Good Bones such a joy to read. Whenever a scene got too scary, some quirky detail or random quip would bring the tone back to lighter territory. Kingfisher has always had a knack for finding this balance between creepy and funny, and that’s why I keep coming back to her horror books. And no question about it, this one has become one of my favorites.
Book Review: Rubicon by J.S. Dewes
Posted on March 30, 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: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tor Books (March 28, 2023)
Length: 480 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
Whew, I have to catch my breath after that! From the first page to the last, Rubicon was a non-stop action-packed and fun-filled thrill ride, and quite honestly, I would have expected nothing less from J.S. Dewes who also authored The Divide series which I loved.
When the story opens, we are introduced to Sergeant Adrienne Valero, who is about to die for the 96th time. The scene is total pandemonium as a bloody battle rages everywhere, and Valero and her squad are losing badly to the Mechans, an army of intelligent machines controlled by a hivemind that humans have been at war with for decades. Despite putting up a valiant fight, at the end of the first chapter, our protagonist is killed…
…Only to resurrect at the beginning of the next chapter, using cutting-edge technology that can restore the dead to life in a new body via a process known as “rezoning.” While being able to cheat death like this has given humanity a huge advantage in the conflict against the tireless Mechan, there’s no question that having been rezoned close to a hundred times has taken its toll on Valero. She no longer bats an eye at new assignments anymore, knowing she’ll sent to yet another battlefield to fight, to die, to be reborn again, and to do it over and over again until the war ends, whenever that may be. It’s hard to care about anything when you’re living a life like this, when everything seems pointless and devoid of hope.
But following her restoration this time, Valero is unexpectedly transferred to an elite special forces unit whose covert operations will require her specialized skills. She is immediately outfitted with a virtual intelligence called Rubicon, an implant that is supposed to aid her in battle by performing enhancing functions like advising on tactics or managing her performance and gear. However, when the VI gradually begins evolving into something more, developing sentience and a will of its own, Valero realizes that this unsettling turn of events might just end up helping them win the war.
Fans of pulse-pounding military sci-fi, look no further, because Rubicon has exactly what you’re looking for. Dynamic action? Check. Heartfelt emotion with lasting impact? Check. Characters that feel genuine and will stay with you for a very long time? Double check. Dewes has clearly been honing her skills because the quality of writing and storytelling here is as topnotch as ever.
First of all, Adrienne Valero is a fantastic protagonist with a robust and sympathetic backstory built around her. Clearly, every death she experiences is indelible in her mind and the only way she can deal with the trauma is by putting up walls around her heart. And yet, the camaraderie she feels with her new squad is gradually getting through to her. In spite of herself, she even finds herself attracted to one of the members on her work team. While I liked how the story explores the psychological impact of multiple deaths and resurrections on Valero, my favorite part was watching her character arc develop and become deeper with every new challenge and interaction.
Then there’s the setting. The threat of danger and violence is practically constant in the world of Rubicon, which the Mechans hold in a death grip. Wartime conditions are bad enough, but on top of that, humanity’s home planet of Estes is dying because of its failing star, and the only escape is prevented by the unrelenting, almost spiteful way the Mechans have put themselves in their path. As a result, all throughout the novel is this crushing and pervasive feeling of a desperate race against time.
But the story is where it’s at. There’s intrigue and mystery worked into the action, lots of opportunities to make you wonder what’s going on and keep you guessing, especially when Valero’s VI starts acting up and new information is revealed about the Mechans. Rubicon is one of the most enjoyable military sci-fi novels I’ve read in a while—probably since Dewes’ The Last Watch, as a matter of fact! That it is also a standalone is a huge plus. True, there’s nothing too deep about the story or the world here, but while you’re not going to get the full-bodied immersion of a longer series, what you do get is the rewarding feeling of a completed and self-contained adventure with a satisfying ending. I highly recommend!
Waiting on Wednesday 03/29/23
Posted on March 29, 2023 9 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
Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison (September 19, 2023 by Berkley)
“A cynical twentysomething must confront her unconventional family’s dark secrets in this fiery, irreverent horror novel from the author of Such Sharp Teeth and Cackle.
Nobody has a “normal” family, but Vesper Wright’s is truly…something else. Vesper left home at eighteen and never looked back—mostly because she was told that leaving the staunchly religious community she grew up in meant she couldn’t return. But then an envelope arrives on her doorstep.
Inside is an invitation to the wedding of Vesper’s beloved cousin Rosie. It’s to be hosted at the family farm. Have they made an exception to the rule? It wouldn’t be the first time Vesper’s been given special treatment. Is the invite a sweet gesture? An olive branch? A trap? Doesn’t matter. Something inside her insists she go to the wedding. Even if it means returning to the toxic environment she escaped. Even if it means reuniting with her mother, Constance, a former horror film star and forever ice queen.
When Vesper’s homecoming exhumes a terrifying secret, she’s forced to reckon with her family’s beliefs and her own crisis of faith in this deliciously sinister novel that explores the way family ties can bind us as we struggle to find our place in the world.”
Book Review: Loki’s Ring by Stina Leicht
Posted on March 27, 2023 13 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 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Saga Press | Simon & Schuster Audio (March 28, 2023)
Length: 512 pages | 12 hrs and 28 mins
Author Information: Website
So happy to finally read a book by Stina Leicht, though I have to say, Loki’s Ring was not at all what I expected. The publisher description oversells the action and thrills somewhat, when the reality is a more subdued and meandering space drama, but I still enjoyed the concept very much.
The story follows Gita Chithra, the captain of the intergalactic search and rescue ship The Tempest. Things kick off with a distress signal received from Ri, the AI who is like a daughter to Gita, since in the world of this far-flung future, artificial intelligences are developed inside the minds of actual humans. Needless to say, Ri has a very close relationship with Gita, and now she needs help from The Tempest. Ri has become trapped in Loki’s Ring, an alien constructed solar system that has been infected with a contagion.
Dropping everything, Gita rushes to the rescue, only to find the situation is a lot worse than she imagined. Everything around Loki’s Ring is a dead zone, killed by the mysterious infection. The starship Ri had sent her distress call from is now a floating coffin in space full of the corpses of its former crew, and now Gita and The Tempest are trapped and headed for the same predicament unless they can find a way out of this mess.
Leicht wastes no time diving right in, and in a way that is a double-edged sword. While I appreciated that we got into the story with little preamble, some leadup would have given readers a chance to get to know Gita a bit better before the action got started. There is also the interesting premise of how AI is developed, though the relationship between Gita and Ri is somewhat glossed over and not explored to its full potential. Gita’s motherly affections are clear from the way she rushes off without a second thought to Ri’s aid, but what does having an AI daughter, fostered in such a way, truly mean? We’ve been presented with some truly innovative ideas, but now I just want to know what sets this unique parent-child dynamic apart and what makes it special?
Something about the pacing also felt…off. Despite things getting off to a running start, the rest of the book had many stops and stalls. Even with the disaster going on, the story went nowhere fast, and I believe too many character POVs played a part in this. At times the writing felt bogged down with overly long conversations that added little to the story, and transitions between the different perspectives didn’t always happen smoothly. The result was a disjointed narrative that sometimes seemed a bit out of control.
All told, I can’t say Loki’s Ring was the action-packed space opera that I thought I’d signed up for, but that said, it had its moments. Fans of more cerebral sci-fi may find many of the novel’s futuristic elements appealing, especially its themes related to the inception of AI and those delving the meaning of individuality or what it means to be human. It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, and if I’m to be honest, I don’t know that it’s mine either. However, I enjoyed contemplating the novel’s deeper questions and the big picture of its overall story.
Bookshelf Roundup 03/26/23: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads
Posted on March 26, 2023 22 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
My thanks to the publishers and authors for the following review copies received, and be sure to click the links to their Goodreads pages for more details and full descriptions!
Big thanks this week to the amazing team at Tor Nightfire for sending along an ARC of Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi, a horror novel about evil occult forces that overcome an orphanage for boys.
From the kind folks at Subterranean Press, I also received The Dead Man and Other Horror Stories by Gene Wolfe, a collection of twenty-eight tales spanning decades of the author’s storied career, including some that have never been collected before. Then there’s The Ghost in Bone by Mike Carey, who also writes under the name M.R. Carey, featuring the long awaited return of his beloved character, exorcist extraordinaire Felix Castor.
With thanks also to Orbit Books for the arrival of a couple of very exciting ARCs: The Sword Defiant by Gareth Hanrahan is the tart of a new fantasy series featuring “daring warriors, living weapons, and bloodthirsty vengeance.” It’s the “living weapons” part of that equation that really interests me! I was also thrilled to receive an advance reading copy of Night Angel Nemesis by Brent Weeks, and I can’t wait to read this continuation of the Night Angel series.
A couple of audio books in the digital haul this week. With thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for listening copies of Damsel by Evelyn Skye and Sisters of the Lost Nation by Nick Medina.
Reviews
Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai (4 of 5 stars)
Weyward by Emilia Hart (4 of 5 stars)
What I’ve Been Reading
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!
Book Review: Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai
Posted on March 24, 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: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tachyon Publications (March 14, 2023)
Length: 272 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
Fantasy romance isn’t my usual genre, but I will confess to indulging in it whenever the mood strikes! Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai came right at the perfect time when I was looking for something lighter—an urban fantasy inspired by xianxia, a genre of Chinese fantasy literature that often features magic, mythology, and immortals.
In this book, love is also a dominant theme. The story follows Elle, a powerful glyph maker descended from a Chinese medicine god. However, she lives a rather lowkey life in Raleigh, North Carolina, working at an unassuming charms shop which caters to the local population of supernatural denizens. The reason she’s keeping a low profile is because she is in hiding with her older brother, Tony, whom she had vowed to keep safe from those hunting him. Unfortunately, when one of those hunters is also your murderous younger brother, that means having to keep your location secret from the rest of your family too.
So, Elle spends her days creating magical calligraphy for her clients, many of whom work for the faerie agency that owns the shop. Their top security expert, a French half-elf named Luc, has become one of her regulars, coming in frequently for healing magic and protective glyphs. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s handsome and charming, and before long, Elle has developed quite a crush. But Luc has his own secrets, and as much as he is drawn to Elle, he’s reluctant to let himself get too close. He’s done some things he’s not proud of in his line of work and is still trying to atone for them, even if it means being completely beholden to his tyrannical boss. Luc has no say over which missions he is sent on, and whatever tenuous relationship he has with Elle might be done for when he finds out that his next job will involve tracking down her younger brother.
At its heart, Bitter Medicine is a tale about two immortals who fall in love and find their way to each other despite the numerous obstacles in their path. What both surprised and impressed me was how all these elements were balanced so well, focusing mainly on the romance between Elle and Luc without sacrificing the quality of the story and other aspects like world-building. The characters were also wonderfully developed. Both Elle and Luc have sacrificed so much for the people they care about, and while their backstories make it easy to understand why they do what they do, all the secrets between them also mean they are both reluctant to dive into a relationship. As a result, we get a slow-burn but sweet romance that is also a story about finding your true self as well as the courage and trust it takes to open up to someone else and share that knowledge with them.
Granted, when things heat up, the love scenes can burn pretty hot. Like, scorching hot! But also, in the tradition of most contemporary fantasy romances, the story can be unbearably cheesy at times, with corny rom-com dialogue and awkward cliches. And it’s true that Elle’s “quirkiness” can sometime borders on grating, while Luc maybe plays the role of fraught and tortured immortal a little too well. But considering how the author was also partly inspired by C-dramas, I guess mission accomplished?
There’s some fantastic world-building here as well. Even if the details and explanation into Elle’s role are somewhat glossed over, I think Tsai makes up for it with the amazing integration of Chinese legends and mythology into this modern setting and fantasy world that includes other mythological creatures like fae, elves, and even harpies, redcaps, sphinxes, and the Jersey Devil.
If you can imagine the drama of a Chinese soap opera mixed with the action and magic of a gritty urban fantasy, that pretty much describes Bitter Medicine. Overall, it ended up being a very enjoyable, heartwarming read that perfectly hit the spot. If you’re looking for a touching fantasy romance full of tenderness and emotions, Mia Tsai’s debut should be on your list.
Waiting on Wednesday 03/22/23
Posted on March 22, 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
Cassiel’s Servant by Jacqueline Carey (August 1, 2023 by Tor Books)
The big news of the week was of course the cover reveal for this retelling of Kushiel’s Dart told from Joscelin’s point of view. The original Kushiel trilogy had a lot to do with getting me into the fantasy genre in the first place, so it has a special place in my heart, and to this day it’s still one of my favorites of all time. I can’t tell you how long I’ve been waiting for this book, now that there’s finally both a cover and description I could just cry.
“The lush epic fantasy that inspired a generation with a single precept: “Love As Thou Wilt.”
Returning to the realm of Terre d’Ange which captured an entire generation of fantasy readers, New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline Carey brings us a hero’s journey for a new era.
In Kushiel’s Dart, a daring young courtesan uncovered a plot to destroy her beloved homeland. But hers is only half the tale. Now see the other half of the heart that lived it.
Cassiel’s Servant is a retelling of cult favorite Kushiel’s Dart from the point of view of Joscelin, Cassiline warrior-priest and protector of Phèdre nó Delaunay. He’s sworn to celibacy and the blade as surely as she’s pledged to pleasure, but the gods they serve have bound them together. When both are betrayed, they must rely on each other to survive.
From his earliest training to captivity amongst their enemies, his journey with Phèdre to avert the conquest of Terre D’Ange shatters body and mind… and brings him an impossible love that he will do anything to keep.
Even if it means breaking all vows and losing his soul.”
Audiobook Review: Weyward by Emilia Hart
Posted on March 21, 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.
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Macmillan Audio (March 7, 2023)
Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins
Author Information: Twitter
Following the lives of three women through different times in history, Weyward by Emilia Hart is a lyrical generational novel that explores the relationship between magic and the natural world. Opening in 1619, we first meet Altha, the young daughter of a local healer who has just been arrested on the suspicion of murder. Accused by the family member of one of her mother’s patients, Altha’s imprisonment and her subsequent trial is described by her in her journal, revealing how the town feared her for a witch and believed her to possess powers that allowed her to control animals.
Next, we meet Kate, a London woman who fell for the wrong man and is now trapped in an abusive marriage. After finding out she is pregnant, she decides to leave Simon so that her daughter would not have to experience the violence as she had. After weeks of planning her escape, she makes her way to Weyward Cottage, an old property that she recently inherited from her great aunt Violet, that her husband has no knowledge about. There, Kate begins building up a new life for herself and her unborn child, befriending the townsfolk and getting a job at the local bookstore. While settling in, she comes across a stash of old letters and other writings that her great aunt has collected, giving her insight into her family’s’ origins.
And finally, in the year 1942 as World War II rages, we meet Kate’s great aunt Violet, who at this time is only teenager with dreams of becoming a biologist one day in order to study her beloved insects. Unfortunately, her strict wealthy father has expressly forbade any kind of real education for her, keeping her secluded at their old family manor until the day she is to be married off. And then came Frederick, Violet’s cousin who is currently serving in the war. Something awful happens, and Violet is unceremoniously exiled to an old cabin where she discovers old family secrets her father had tried to keep hidden—secrets about her mother, rumored to have gone mad before her death. At last, Violet will get answers about the mysterious woman who gave birth to her, and the Weyward legacy she left behind.
First off, I’m impressed that this was a debut, as it is beautifully and thoughtfully written. At its heart, the novel can be viewed as a character study of these three women who lived centuries apart, and yet their lives are wonderfully intertwined and at once juxtaposed into an engaging narrative. The author also seamlessly weaves magical realism into every thread, giving each woman a connection to the natural world, letting them find their power and their place in it. Altha, Kate, and Violet all had compelling stories, sharing some similarities in their struggles but were also given unique ways to solve their conflicts. Gradually, Hart reveals how the women are related through history, connected by the name Weyward.
I’m also normally not a huge fan of magical realism stories, but here it was handled in a way that was easy to follow and understand. Centering around nature and animals, it fit well with the themes of the book, which heavily implies that the characters’ innate magic and nature magic are one and the same. In the 17the century timeline, there is even the mention of witchcraft and the association of women’s healing with it, which I think will make Weyward appealing to fans of books by Louisa Morgan or The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow.
I also had the pleasure of reviewing the audiobook version, narrated by Aysha Kala, Helen Keeley, and Nell Barlow. I was happy with the involvement of multiple narrators, as the story came to life beautifully with their voices reading their respective roles. Highly recommended.
Bookshelf Roundup 03/19/23: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads
Posted on March 19, 2023 20 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
My thanks to the publishers and authors for the following review copies received, and be sure to click the links to their Goodreads pages for more details and full descriptions!
Huge thanks to Union Square Co. for a review copy of Going Dark by Melissa de la Cruz, she’s an author I’ve enjoyed in the past and I love the sound of this YA mystery thriller!
Thank you also to Tor Books for an ARC of Ebony Gate by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle, the first in a new fantasy series described as a “female John Wick story with dragon magic set in contemporary San Francisco’s Chinatown.” It’s become one of my most anticipated releases for this summer.
Also thanks to Orbit Books for the arrival of a couple finished copies, and what great timing! I’m hoping Infinity Gate by M.R. Carey will be my next read, followed by The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten (or vice versa, depending on my mood).
With thanks to the kind folks at Minotaur Books also came these surprise arrivals, but I’m very excited because Antimatter Blues by Edward Ashton was already on my reading list, as the sequel to Mickey7 which I really enjoyed. There’s also the mystery sci-fi thriller Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen, set in a world where an event seven years ago called The Blinding made everyone go blind in a matter of months. With the use of a technology that simulates vision, people were able to adjust to the new normal, until a killer finds a way to hack into the system to change what people see.
Just one audiobook in the digital review haul today, with thanks to Penguin Audio for the psychological sci-fi thriller The New One by Evie Green which follows a stressed out couple whose troubled teenage daughter ends up in a coma and is not expected to recover. Heartbroken, they agree to be a part of an experimental program which would give them their daughter back, but in the form of an artificial copy and perfect in every way.
Reviews
Feed Them Silence by Lee Mandelo (3.5 of 5 stars)
Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep (3.5 of 5 stars)
What I’ve Been Reading
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: Feed Them Silence by Lee Mandelo
Posted on March 17, 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.
Feed Them Silence by Lee Mandelo
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction, Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tordotcom (March 14, 2023)
Length: 112 pages
Author Information: Website
In the near future, the planet has been ravaged by environmental degradation and climate change, leading to food shortages and mass extinctions. At the center of this story is one of the world’s last wild wolf packs, on the verge of perishing following a particularly harsh winter. Having just received a large grant to test out a new and potentially groundbreaking technology, neuroscientist Dr. Sean Kell-Luddon seizes upon this opportunity to test out a neurological interface which would allow the translation of an animal subject’s perception into the mind of a human. Her team has captured a female wolf, dubbed Kate, surgically inserting implants into her brain which would send signals back to the scientists. Sean, who has volunteered to be the human subject, would then be able to connect to Kate’s mind directly, experiencing everything that the wolf sees, thinks, and feels. Using this information, it might be possible to gain a better understanding of the creatures, and perhaps to even save them from dying out.
At first, the results are everything the researchers could hope for. Kate’s implants begin providing valuable data right away, as Sean experiences a connection with the wolf that is stronger and more intimate than any bond she’s ever had—stronger than even the relationship she has with her wife Riya. In fact, their marriage has been strained as of late. Riya complains of the long hours Sean spends at the lab, an issue which has not been helped by the new wolf project. The longer Sean spends interfacing with Kate, the more she also feels detached from her real life, losing objectivity with her job and her colleagues. Those around her are noticing the way the work is affecting her, but all that’s on Sean’s mind are her precious wolves and thinking about the next time she can be inside Kate’s head again.
Feed them Silence was my first book by Lee Mandelo, and for a tiny novella it packed quite a punch. Now, while it’s not uncommon for me to feel conflicted about a book after reading it, especially if it tackles controversial themes, I was honestly left with no idea how to feel about this one.
In the end though, I decided I enjoyed it. Yes, the characters are terrible people, and story itself is BLEAK BLEAK BLEAK, but I think it’s also important to acknowledge the positive along with the negative. For one, there’s no question that it’s well written, and it was clear Mandelo was out to challenge readers’ preconceptions even if it made them feel uncomfortable.
Most importantly, the writing captured my attention and I was hooked. While I see that Feed Them Silence often gets tagged as Horror, at its core I don’t feel it fits as neatly into the genre, even though its premise reminded me immediately of David Cronenberg’s The Fly. Perhaps because they both play out like a warning against scientific hubris, or the fact that they’re both stories about brilliant scientists completely losing control of themselves, feeling their humanity slip away inch by inch. Of course, in Sean’s case, it was her mind falling apart, but it’s interesting to note that, like Seth Brundle, her motivation also came initially from a place of good intentions before her eventual obsession led to destroying her life with that same kind of unbridled energy.
But boy, how impossible it is to ignore just what awful human beings the characters are. No doubt this is by design, but forget being able to sympathize with either Sean or Riya, who are both self-righteous pieces of shit with their heads far up their own asses. Theirs is a marriage based on guilt and manipulation, there’s infidelity involved (“only” three times), and nobody seems to care enough to actually communicate beyond jumping straight to unreasonable ultimatums. If we were supposed to despise Sean, then good job, Lee Mandelo, mission accomplished. But as a result, we were left with nothing to inspire us to root for Sean, and with nothing in her marriage with Riya worth fighting for, it also meant free reign for this egoist to completely cave to her obsession.
Like I said, it’s a bleak book. And while I love science-y books, it was ultimately heartbreaking to see Sean’s passion for the science and her work become twisted by darker motives. Granted, there was a glimmer of hope left in the ending, but on the whole, I have a feeling animal lovers will probably dislike how things play out.
All this is to say, Feed Them Silence will not be for everyone, but on some level, it did work for me. Despite the unlikeable characters and some plot elements that didn’t quite sit right, I found the story fascinating and utterly engaging. Overall, I found this novella deftly written, and I appreciate its unique perspective.
The BiblioSanctum 