its_justine's reviews
274 reviews

Words have power. Words hold painful truths and delicious lies.

Well, this was a pleasant surprise. I learned of this horror novella earlier today and decided to pick it up as a Halloween treat for myself. I literally read this in one sitting and it has completely blown me away. Danse Macabre is a haunting, somber and tragic tale that is so much more than a typical horror story with its tendrils deeply steeped in the realm of psychological thrillers. There's a profound sense of mystery that keeps you hooked and also remains well after you finish the final sentences, leaving you to contemplate the meanings hidden within.

Hughes' prose is beautifully poetic and flows so wonderfully, it made this impossible to put down. Although the story is a short novella, I was surprisingly invested in the characters I was introduced to and was extremely satisfied with its ending.

I usually include some sort of short summary, but I don't think anything I write will give this story the justice it deserves - you'll just have to read it for yourself!

Woooootah! Another magnificent story from the talented Angus Watson. The Land You Never Leave is the sophomore addition to his West of West series and it has everything you'll ever need in a romping fantasy tale: Vikings, Native Americans, battles, adventure, warlocks, gratuitous violence, romance (or lack thereof...sorry, Finn), monsters, psychotic chieftains, phallic rocks and fucking magical dinosaurs. You read that correctly, magical dinosaurs. After reading You Die When You Die - let's take a moment to appreciate these amazing titles - I thought I had some semblance of an idea of what I was in for, but I was oh so wrong. I LOVED this story and cannot recommend it enough if you're looking for something that strays from the norm and is tons of fun.

My absolute favorite aspect of this story is that although the plot itself is severe, it doesn't take itself seriously. The humor is just in a class by itself. While the tribes' quest is brutally violent, harrowing and wrought with danger, the tone is raunchy and vulgar and utterly hilarious. I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud at the ridiculous situations our lovely Wootah find themselves in, often thinking: what a mess, but such a beautiful mess.

The characters Watson has created and continues to develop are simply amazing. We follow a group of adults, who act like children, and children who are destined to save the world, each so well-defined with backstories and distinctive traits. I really started appreciating the Calnian Owsla arcs as we get to learn more about the women beneath the bravado, their true selves revealed in a genius manner. It's really incredible witnessing all the characters drastically alter in such organic and believable ways. Oh, and Keef the Berserker is my spirit animal.

The Land You Never Leave is absolutely brilliant and entertaining to the fullest. The journey is beyond exciting and the baddies are REALLY bad. If you decide to partake in this weird and absurd adventure, which I strongly suggest you should, be ready for a wild ride. I can't wait to read more in Where Gods Fear to Go.

Wow, what an wonderful introduction into Timandra Whitecastle's universe! I've only had the pleasure of reading one short story of hers in Lost Lore (which was also amazing), so I was pretty excited to dip into more of her work after it was recommended to me. Without any idea of what this little novella had to offer, I dove right in and am so glad for it.

Whitecastle delivers us into a lush and magical setting with exquisite worldbuilding and superbly-developed characters. An enchanting journey to and through the temple of hidden priestesses draws you in and makes you crave more from this mysterious world. The polished plot is presented to readers at a breakneck pace without feeling forced or rushed, allowing us to comfortably experience the stepping stones of Julandra Seacrest's life from orphan, to troubled teen, to Bloodwitch. As the story progresses, the increasing sense of peril is so organic and forces you to feel as though you have a stake in the outcome. And that twist, so delicious!

I've learned this is an origin story of a character in her Living Blade series, which means Touch of Iron has been promptly bumped up Mount TBR! If you're in the market for a quick read, jam-packed with strong female characters, nail-biting action and a beautifully-crafted environment, then Bloodwitch is what you're looking for. I highly recommend!

I believe this is the most charming and immersive thing I've ever read and I sincerely wish it didn't have to end. I was a bit hesitant to give this a try, only due to the fact that I'm not one for "Steampunk" SFF, but my expectations have been blown out of the water.

This story takes place in an alternate post-Confederate New Orleans brimming with Old Gods and airships, yet somehow remains completely palpable as a result of Clark's magnificent worldbuilding. His usage of the various Louisianan and Caribbean dialects adds an unexpected and very welcomed layer of credibility to the tale. There were times I had to remind myself "this is a work of fiction even though it feels so real!" The plot is concise and masterfully-crafted, flowing beautifully throughout, the climax a literal whirlwind. I'm not going to lie, the last bit of the book made me very emotional as the turning point was just so powerful and beautifully done. Creeper and Captain Ann-Marie are such amazing characters and I really hope this isn't the last we see of them.

The Black God's Drums took me by surprise and I can't tell you enough how great this little novella is. If you're on the fence about reading it like I was, please heed my advice and take the plunge - you won't regret it. I'm hoping I'll get visit this universe again in the future!

When the World Ends is a somber tale set in a dark, haunting, and plausible post-apocalyptic future of our own world. A world ravaged to its core, where mysterious dangers lurk in the shadows. Humankind has been defeated and decimated through a series of cataclysmic events and those remaining struggle to survive. Their worries not only include a broken Earth, but cruel cults, fanatical extremist groups and enigmatic folk magic. We embark on a harrowing trip across North America, witnessing hardships through a series of journal entries as a woman journeys to find some semblance of a safe future.

This novella is a terse and staggering assessment of human behavior and its effects on society and the planet, with an underlying focus on the famous philosophical question of “what if”. It also highlights the socioeconomic injustices that currently exist in our own world that many choose to turn a blind eye to. Of all the dark fantasy stories I’ve drowned myself in over the past few years, this has to be the most terrifying of them all, because it hits so close to home.

I really appreciate the unusual writing style and format as it only adds to the trepidation of a seemingly hopeless quest. You can truly feel the narrator’s desperation and numbness to her surroundings in a very dismal way:

Wish I could say this guy was our first kill…Wish I could say it was exhausting, that I was sad, that I cared.

The thought of living in a world where we’re forced to think this way is horrific.

The seamless blend of fantasy and science fiction made this a really unique and enjoyable read, revealing just enough to leave you wanting more. While it uses the building blocks of many post-apocalyptic tales, it has a fresh voice that makes it feel new. I’m really looking forward to diving deeper into this world Forrest has created - I need answers!

Let me just start off by saying Skullsworn is one of the best and most well-written stories I have ever read. Last year, shortly after finishing up The Last Mortal Bond (book three in Staveley's Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne), I made sure to order this book right away as a follow-up, because I fell in love with the world he created. Somehow, it got buried under the stacks and sadly abandoned - I cannot tell you how much I regret allowing this to happen, because this book is absolutely magnificent.

Skullsworn is a standalone novel set in the same universe as and taking place before the events of the original trilogy. While the trilogy was epic in scope, this is a very humble and personal tale recounted by Pyrre Lakatur, acolyte of Ananshael, God of Death. She invites us along as she embarks on her journey to complete a trial to become a Priestess, a trial in which she must give seven people to the god in fourteen days, including one that "makes her heart sing with love". With the fear that she is incapable of loving or being loved, Pyrre returns to Dombâng, the city of her childhood, in order to complete her task with one man in mind. Her arrival in the city heralds the chaos to come, as she intends to incite a revolution to get closer to her target. The result is a story filled with blood, sacrifice, old gods and striking revelations.

This book is crushingly beautiful and emotional and tragic. It is an in-depth exploration into the fine lines that separate life, death and truly living, with an underlying theme that both love and death are very much analogous and all-consuming. Although the tale is told through the eyes of a killer, you can't help but find charm and grace in the ways events transpire and how they are resolved. Staveley's eloquent and poetic prose only add to the allure. His use of stunning metaphors throughout drive hard the points he is attempting to portray.

I've always thought it strange that so much of the world remains unbroken. Take something as simple as a clay cup. So much time and effort goes into the making - the quarrying of the clay, the spinning on the wheel, the glazing, the firing, the painting - and yet it takes only a moment to destroy. No malign intent required, no violent design, just a moment's inattention, a careless elbow, fingers too slick with wine, and the vessel drops, lands wrong, shatters. Most things are like this.

In this instance, he continues on to describe the fragility of human life and the encompassing world in which it dwells. At times it feels this story is less a fantasy story about woman's devotion to her faith and more a philosophical work - it's amazing and extremely pleasing.

The author has crafted a group of wonderfully three-dimensional, flawed characters, each that seem larger than life at first glance, but somehow remain human and completely relatable as the story progresses. Pyrre, disciple of the God of Death, capable of killing a person in any number of ways, yet vulnerable, with deep emotions she attempts to hide away, and afraid to let herself love another. Ela and Kossal, Priests of Ananshael and witnesses of Pyrre's trial, who couldn't be more different from one another, but in the end, fit so perfectly together in such an organic way it made me cry. Ruc Lan Loc, hardened bare-knuckle fighter and highly-effective military commander, who cries during musical performances and cares ferociously for his city. The hushed whispers of the Gods of the Delta simmer throughout the entire story, and fortunately I didn't connect the dots, because the reveal sent shivers down my spine.

The worldbuilding is in a league of its own. The history is so rich, the religions so well-defined, the environments so vividly painted. While reading, you can almost feel sweat beading on your forehead and grit under your fingernails as you traverse your way through the humid delta. You can sense the tension and hostility within the city walls and the brutality of the surrounding areas. You can see the beauty of delta violets against the drab mud. Reading this book is an experience, and one I so rarely encounter in any genre.

I can continue to gush about this book all day, but nothing I say will properly give it the justice it deserves. You'll just have to read it yourself! Whether you're a newcomer or already a fan of Staveley's work, this is one you definitely need to read - in my opinion, his best work to date. I'm really hoping to read more in the world sometime the future.

I began reading this book with basically no knowledge of what I was in for, other than the author telling me, and I quote: “Prepare for blood, violence, blood, swearing elves, violence, blood…”. Obviously, this became a must-read for me and Thorn so graciously delivered on his promise.

This is a story that sheds light on the dark and consuming path of vengeance. On the pain and fear that fuel and bolster one’s resolve. On the worry of disappointing those you truly care for, those who always seem to find the good in you, regardless of your flaws. Yes, there’s coarse language. Yes, it’s gritty and stabby with buckets and buckets of blood and gore. But once you get past that hardened exterior, you’re left with an emotional tale of a woman’s trying journey after her husband is brutally taken from her.

Now that we have that out of the way, this story is BAD. ASS. We follow Nysta and the mage Chukshene as they navigate through a bleak and frozen wasteland in pursuit of the murderers of Nysta’s husband. This wasteland, aptly named the Deadlands, is the end-result of a long war between gods and is riddled with dangerous creatures and even more dangerous people. You can expect intense fight scenes, sheer destructive magic, secrets and peril lurking in every shadow, and nightmares of folklore past.

The gallows humor is strong with this one and Thorn’s pun game is on point. Call me crazy, but I actually love hitting a line that makes my eyes audibly roll into the back of my head. At the end of each chapter, a character always had some one-liner ready to go and I couldn’t help but picture Nysta or Chukshene breaking the fourth wall with raised eyebrows, goading me into immediately starting the next chapter. And that’s exactly what I did!

Speaking of Nysta and Chukshene, I really came to love these characters. Upon introduction, I was a bit unsure if I’d get into Nysta’s character, but as the story progressed and we gain more insight into her past and the truth behind the rough, unpolished edges, she quickly became one of my favorite female leads. While outwardly ruthless and relentless, she’s internally haunted by the ol’ familiar, all-too-human feeling of self-doubt that makes you view her in a completely different light. It also didn’t hurt that she’s a firm believer in the old adage “you can never have too many knives”. Chukshene…oh, Chukshene, Chukshene, Chukshene. What can I say? It’s always lovely when a character surprises you.

I really had a blast reading this one and cannot wait to continue my journey through the Deadlands - it looks like I have a lot of reading ahead of me! If you’re looking for something dark and violent and at times vulgar, then I highly suggest giving this a read. Onto book two!

Well, this was absolutely and amazingly disgusting. I picked up this book on a whim and I don’t think I was prepared AT ALL for what was in store for me. A mysterious parasitic outbreak is causing the people of Michigan and Ohio to become mindless, violent murderers. Perry Dawsey, a formidable and short-tempered former linebacker, is one of those unfortunate souls to be infected and we follow his struggle to remove the threat before he loses all self-control.

I was in the market for a story that would take me out of my comfort zone and I certainly found it with Infected. The pages are filled with wince-inducing, brutal, gratuitous violence, harrowing self-inflicted harm, and lots and lots of blood and gore. Aaaand I just couldn’t look away. Part horror, part thriller, part sci-fi, this was actually a really enjoyable read, with a really in-depth concept that finely unravels just a bit at the end of each chapter. I’m really looking forward to diving into book two.

Warning: If you decide to read this, be prepared for phantom itches and possible bouts of paranoia.

#SavePerrysBalls