Review: Pilgrim

3 stars. Pilgrim is hailed as an obvious successor to the medieval horror giant Between Two Fires, and I can't disagree. It initially follows a German knight and a diverse group of companions as they embark on a dangerous journey to transport a sacred relic. And then their caravan is hit with a major sandstorm, from which they emerge under different stars. This new land, to say the least, is dark and full of terrors, and complicates their quest, which quickly becomes to return home. In a time rich with spiritual belief, superstition, and religious conflict, the knight and his crew face profound revelations amid threats from demons both physical and internal.

On paper, I should not have slogged through this - and yes, the action sequences / monster episodes got and kept my attention. But something about the writing had me chipping away at an uncharacteristically slow speed. The first eight chapters or so, especially. I really wanted to get the details straight, and learn the characters head to toe. I wanted to get their names and heritages and motives down so I could enjoy the wild ride. So I read and re-read those chapters many times, waiting for things to click into place. 

It didn't quite work. The story picked up, but even at the halfway point, I was SMH like how can cosmic religious horror be so... boring? I wasn't not enjoying it, it was just... sloggy. Heavy, dense, bogged down. As creative and cosmic as the imagery was, it was also excessively descriptive, and repetitive. Sometimes it felt like reading a textbook.

But yeah: in addition to the fact that he knows his way around a thesaurus, the author is obviously very talented. One review mentions giving this book 5 stars despite not enjoying it, because it's such a layered, detailed, researched accomplishment. It is incredibly impressive: a historical tapestry of interesting characters, vivid worlds, and grotesque monsters. (He has his favorite words - "slavering" - and his favorite phrases - "gaping maw" - but I digress.) There's a lot of philosophical dialogue - some of it really dripping with angst. The author clearly had a very specific vision for this story and I'd say he likely achieved it for himself. The horror elements are stunning - and stunningly disgusting. 

There's a good chance that if you enjoyed BTF, you'll enjoy this. But go in knowing it's not the same book. If I was more knowledgeable about the big religions, their deities, their origin stories, their myths and legends, and their theistic dynasties, I probably would’ve connected with it more. And I genuinely wish that I did. Religious clash and overlap is something I'm interested in and fascinated by. But this, over and over again, even on the final page, felt like something for the experts. 

Pilgrim on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: The Child Thief

5 stars. An epic adventure start to finish. Brom is incredible - what an imagination. I couldn’t predict anything in this story, which is magic to a reader like me; refreshing and memorable. Leave it to him to take Peter Pan and transform it into something incredibly dark and layered and complex, although like many beloved fairy tales, this one actually is a little less charming than it appears at first look back.

Weaving many familiar elements into a twisty, action-packed narrative, Brom gives Peter a new setting, a new tribe of followers, a new mission, and new enemies. Loyal to his Lady, a goddess who protects her enchanted island with a dangerous mist, the elven trickster recruits young lost souls from the human realm to fight with him against invasive threats; primarily, a group of settlers transformed into evil, fanatical creatures… plus some other stuff: an egomaniacal heir running around, an insane demon-obsessed reverend, some fancy swords, pixies, trolls, a river hag… also, everyone is generally just haunted and troubled.

It is kind of a lot to keep track of. Multiple times I questioned if the rich layers of exposition would be worth it or if they felt a bit superfluous. But it is a grand story on a grand scale, and ultimately I enjoyed the ride. Who am I to turn my nose up at multiple climactic twists, multiple fearsome antagonists, multiple character evolutions? Felt like the season of a tv show! Just… prepare for a long journey.

We get the story from Peter’s perspective and that of Nick, an older new recruit who transforms into a strong ally. The writing is cinematic and graphic - it's a deeply violent and disturbing book. While not exactly subtle, the themes are important: religious fanaticism and blindness, running away and coming of age, the ostracism of the different, the tragic futility of war and using violence as means to an end.

Glad I have more Brom to chew on. I want him to tackle every fairy tale - how would he twist The Little Mermaid? Narnia? The Nutcracker? I’d trust anything in his capable hands.

The Child Thief on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Eaters of the Dead

5 stars. I read this and loved it in college, but it was so, so, so great to revisit it after leaning into my Viking interests over the last few years. The things I didn't recognize then I can place and frame contextually/historically now, which added a whole layer of stunning genius I couldn't pick up on before. Michael Crichton isn't a perfect author, and some of his older stuff especially leans a tad problematic, but this one is really, really, so, so good. 

It's about Ibn Fadlan, an Arab ambassador who winds up accompanying a group of Northmen (Vikings) on an epic quest to rid their land of a terrifying evil. The narrative is told in the form of a sort of anthropological manuscript; Ibn Fadlan's observations about the Vikings and their culture, based on his truly immersive experiences. He is critical, curious, and very sharp, and breathes new life into a tale that's so well known and widely studied.

I have to say that it was super refreshing, after dealing with a bit of a reading slump recently, to read such a well-plotted, well-paced, well-written story. It's based on, of course, the OG story, so we've had thousands of years to edit and carve out the best, juiciest narrative. Still - this is a brilliant version. Great for regular readers of horror, fantasy, even historical fiction; great for fans of Vikings, epics, and monsters. 

Eaters of the Dead on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Arm of the Sphinx (Books of Babel #2)

4 stars. Okay, so I'm chipping away at this series despite continuing to deal with pregnancy-related concentration issues and also - as discovered during my many, many (many) failed reading challenges to finish series I've started - I GET BORED, OKAY?! But here we are, halfway through the Books of Babel, and I do have really good things to say. This series really is everything people say it is. Creative, swashbuckling, full of heart - almost sickly sweet! - exciting, fantasy at its finest. 

Thomas Senlin, in book one, ascended the Tower of Babel in search of his wife Marya, from whom he was separated almost immediately upon arrival. He survived the beer-soaked and thief-laden grime of the Basement, the dark treachery and trickery of the Parlor, the seduction and humidity of the Baths, etc. etc. etc. He also made some friends along the way. And those friends are now his pirate crew on a banged-up airship, trying to survive long enough to help their captain rescue his long lost wife. The quest continues.

The crew members take on bigger roles in this book. Their perspectives are very welcome, and well-written. It's less trope-y than you'd expect: of course every character brings his or her own strengths and weaknesses and quirks, but they are refreshing and consequential and play into the narrative really nicely. I'm eager to see each of them handle the inevitable twists to come.

I mentioned that I chipped away at this: for the personal reasons I shared, it did feel like a bit of a laborious effort. When I step back, though, I think there's a pretty safe argument in favor of some editing. It's very long, this book, and I do think there could've been some... shaving. Carving. Narrowing. Focusing. Etc. I also had a very hard time picturing/grasping both the action sequence set pieces, and the more complicated depictions of anything technological. This author has a vivid imagination, and probably pictures each scene with great, incredible detail, but it wasn't translated successfully for me. 

This did not really take away from my reading enjoyment, or my ability to follow the story. I have absolutely zero regrets and I'm so excited to see where things go. 

Arm of the Sphinx on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Senlin Ascends (Books of Babel #1)

4 stars. Full disclosure: I'm pregnant, and reading - very tragically - has taken a huge hit. I persevered and made it through this fun fantasy, sooo slowly, and I'm hoping to continue on with the series as my energy (fingers crossed) returns for a bit. 

Quiet Thomas Senlin travels with his new wife Marya to the famous Tower of Babel, considered the pinnacle of civilization and the greatest marvel in the world, for their honeymoon, only to lose her almost immediately. Driven by desperation and disheveled by the chaotic reality of the Tower itself, Senlin begins a quest to find her, and - forgive me - finds himself along the way.

Even though it's clear from the beginning what type of hero's journey we're on, it was still extremely wonderful and satisfying to witness Senlin use his wits, and intellect, and sense of morality, to ascend the Tower. It's almost a little cheesy, in a charming way, how stubbornly he clings to his values and his desire to right wrongs. He's a great protagonist - lovable and imperfect and loyal. 

If it isn't clear, I highly recommend this book. It's inventive, entertaining, thoughtful, and interesting. I gave it 4 stars because I felt like something was missing - maybe around Marya, or her dynamic/relationship with Thomas - which will probably be improved in the next book(s)... the author did a great job of incorporating flashbacks and keeping her spirit present, but... did she also not seem a little too quirky/manic pixie/perfect? 

But there's so much to enjoy. Steampunk elements that aren't too cringe-y. Multiple worlds in one. A real sense of revelry and partying, which, as someone who can't drink right now, made me really miss it. Found family in that heartwarming D&D maybe-we-should-team-up sort of way. A beating heart at the center of it all. 

It just really is super fun and fantastic and a must-read for fantasy fans. I'm so excited to continue the journey.

Senlin Ascends on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Nettle & Bone

3 stars. I was not prepared for this! I have no idea why, but I was expecting something entirely different. I was expecting dark horror fantasy, not Diana Wynne Jones! I was so caught off guard I had no idea what to make of this for the first 25%. It's my first T. Kingfisher, surprisingly, and it definitely won't be my last. But yeah, sometimes going in blind is the move, and sometimes it actually isn't.

Nettle & Bone is about a princess, Marra, whose older sisters are married off by their mother the queen to the prince of a neighboring country as part of a political strategy to prevent war. The prince, shockingly, turns out to be abusive and cruel, and Marra, who has been sent to live with nuns at a convent, becomes determined to kill him, save her remaining sister, and save her own future in the process. To do this she must perform several impossible tasks, recruit a dust-wife, an ex-knight/prisoner and a fairy godmother. The odd crew then marches toward the city and an almost-certain death.

Couple of things I loved: the setting. The magic system. The sheer creativity and unexpectedness of each episodic obstacle - the tooth-merchant, the thief wheel, the innkeeper's cursed puppet - that made the story feel like a fairy tale. The hen with the demon in her. The sense of old wisdom baked into the narrative.

Couple of things I didn't love: the beginning which then rewound to the actual beginning. The prince - he made a very... boring antagonist, didn't he? Mostly off-page, and very basic? The bone dog's journey (I know what happens eventually but was it worth the pain?). The romance. And Marra herself. Her naivete was just way too damn much for me. 

So that lands us at a solid 3 stars. It is without a doubt a quick, fun read. I recommend it. I just wasn’t prepared or sitting right or in the mood or something. It is what it is!

Nettle & Bone on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Winterset Hollow

4 stars. To quote myself in the theater immediately after seeing Mother!: I think that was a metaphor for something. 

It was great - unusual, entertaining, funny and dark - but we have a lot to unpack.

Eamon and his two best friends, Mark and Caroline, decide to go on a day trip to visit their favorite author's old home: Addington Island. Its one-time inhabitant was inspired to write a popular book about animals having a feast on the island, and the story spoke to each of them in different, special ways. But after an apparently harmless afternoon of exploring, they realize that there's more to the island - and the story - than it seems.

Let's talk about the very, very good: the premise, and the depiction of the animals. They were perfectly characterized and I could feel them jump out from the pages of my beloved classics. I loved the twist and the intense chase/fight scenes. I truly was unsure how it would all end, and the bones of it were plotted nicely.

Let's talk about the maybe not as good: the author's writing style. It's pretty purple, pretty flowery, and while that results in some truly beautiful passages, it also results in what feels like... overwriting, or a distraction from the tension. There is also, as others have mentioned, a lot of head-hopping, which definitely tripped me up.

But back to the metaphor: I've seen conflicting reports on how successful or sensitive this author has been in representing the tragedy of colonization. I'm in no position to praise or complain. I would simply contribute that I thought this book asked really important questions, and threw out some fascinating answers.

Okay. We all know that I am pretty triggered by animal deaths and I will dock a star for a UDD. In this case I kind of sort of knew what I was getting into, and I'm not going to dock a star because every death in this story I would categorize as necessary. I absolutely, 100% got emotional - but in a good way, if that makes sense? These deaths were beautifully gorgeous and heartbreaking.

Would I have loved a happy ending for everyone? A return to the Hollow? Eamon as the island's caretaker? A celebratory, peaceful feast? Of course. I hoped. But this is basically a slasher horror/dark fantasy. This story gathered familiar aspects of our reading pasts and proceeded to chop them into little pieces. The animals grew up, suffered darkness, and learned to wield it themselves.

An amazing, incredible, savage debut.

Winterset Hollow on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Krampus

5 stars. This was really, really fun. I'm so lucky to have found Brom, because his books tick all my boxes as they say on Love Island. Other reviewers noted that this is more dark fantasy than horror, but it's not disappointing - in fact, it's breathtaking. I couldn't put it down. It's also peppered with plenty of truly funny moments... part of its charm. 

500 years ago, the ancient god Baldr trapped the Yule Lord Krampus deep underneath Boone County, West Virginia. During his captivity, Krampus manages to gain several followers and Baldr evolves into what we know as Santa Claus. When Krampus escapes, he is intent on getting his revenge and gaining back the believers he lost. Caught in the middle of this is Jesse, a young, struggling musician trying to get his wife and daughter back. 

Brom himself in the afterword mentions that part of his inspiration came from wondering what would happen if Krampus fought Santa. His explorative answer is a fantastic mish-mash of Nordic folklore, ancient myth and religious imagery. I love two-in-one stories: stories that weave a fairy tale with some sort of social, political or human challenge (think Pan's Labyrinth) and this one does it beautifully.

Here's what I loved: the twist on good vs evil. Santa and Krampus are decidedly capable of both. Both have committed atrocities for personal gain. Both have brought hope and strength to their believers. I also loved what Krampus, especially, stood for. I don't believe in much, but I respect ancient beliefs. I loved the chapter at Horton's deeply, all the way down to my toes. I loved the ending, Vernon's most of all. 

And I loved the depiction of West Virginia, a land of small, struggling communities largely failed by their leaders. Krampus' discoveries about the way humans treat ourselves and the land were heartbreakingly true. It was a proper choice of setting and I'm glad we didn't widen the window really, except to go to Spain lol.

I do also have to say that from a technical standpoint, Brom is really perfect at plotting, pacing, character and structure. He incorporates elements and returns to them at clever times, leaving the reader with a feeling of intense satisfaction. His characters have depth and complexity, and nothing feels half-assed or poorly written. I really am a huge fan, and I highly recommend it.

Krampus on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: The Girl in the Tower (Winternight Trilogy #2)

4 stars. Love this whole vibe. Katherine Arden manages to pair cozy fairy tale flavors with intense action and chaos for the characters we know and love at this point. It definitely suffers a bit from second book syndrome, and it took me a longggg time to get through, but The Girl in the Tower really just works. Jumping in immediately after the end of the first book, it follows Vasya as she travels, reunites with her siblings, and finds a lot of trouble along the way. 

I would've wished for a bit more of the creepy spooky bits I loved in The Bear and the Nightingale, and a bit less of the politics, but I get what's going on here. I don't mind a reasonable, deliberate expansion to further along her arc. The way Arden incorporates folklore and legends is really beautiful and interesting. She excels especially at villains - almost more so than heroes. The bad characters in these books are really nasty.

Vasya is a wonderful and flawed heroine. She's brave, smart, determined, stubborn and incredibly selfish. She also demonstrates growth and wisdom and a fierce protection of self despite the constraints of the time. There are hints of what's to come in the finale, and I have a feeling that Arden is going to collectively drag us all across the coals in a very well-written way... can't wait.

The Girl in the Tower on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: The Bear and the Nightingale (Winternight Trilogy #1)

5 stars. Everything I was promised and more. I am so buzzed off this story, despite the fact that it took me fucking ages to read. I blame that on a very intense job transition... the last month or so has left me barely alive, let alone functioning normally. I will absolutely not be meeting my reading goal for this year, nor will I be even up to what I usually read, numbers-wise. That's life. But I'm so glad to have read this incredible book that is warm and cold at the same time, in all the best ways.

There's enough hype out there so I'll forego a summary, but if you've been living under a rock (in which case, I'm sorry you emerged into the world when you did - read this book, it'll help), The Bear and the Nightingale is an atmospheric fairy tale that braids together threads of Russian folklore, magic, a little history, a fiery, feisty heroine and an ice cold frost demon. It's classic good versus evil set against a fascinating backdrop of religious transition.

There are some elements to this narrative that are unusual or could seem a little confusing. The pacing is very atypical and the character arcs are also unpredictable. In that sense it tastes a little less like a traditional fairy tale even though it smells like one. But I'm a huge sucker for religious transition, as I said ... give me alllll the clashing of beliefs resulting in allllll the social, economic and personal consequences! Bring me the tension between the old and the new! Bring me a protagonist who rejects them both!

I've been really into Katherine Arden's story for a while - not to be creepy - and I'm so happy that her writing matches my impression of her as interesting, capable and talented. Everything about this: the word choice, the flow, the imagery, the premise, the descriptions of winter... all of it has strong appeal. I cannot emphasize enough how unnecessary my stamp of approval is at this point (at any point really), but here it is. Approved. More, more, more, more, please.

The Bear and the Nightingale on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads