An Education in Malice by ST Gibson
14 February 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: An Education in Malice, Book Review, Books, Horror, ST Gibson, Vampires
My Five Word TL:DR Review : I wanted to love it
I don’t know whether I just over egged the pudding for myself with An Education in Malice and raised it up onto such a high pedestal that it was perhaps never going to be able to achieve those lofty heights but this didn’t work as well for me as I’d anticipated. Dark Academia. Obsession. Secret desires and vampires – so much promise that felt to me a little lacking in direction.
The story is brought to us by two of the central characters, Laura and Carmilla. The setting is a prestigious all girls school and the real hook of the piece is a Professor, known as DeLafontaine, who most of the girls seem desperate to please. To gain a place on one of her selective courses is practically impossible, only a few achieve it and the rivalry and jealousy is intense.
Laura is a new student at Saint Perpetua’s College. She is a shy naive girl who feels a little out of place amongst all these other seemingly worldly wise students. In particular Carmilla. Laura has managed to achieve the unthinkable, a place on DeLafontaine’s poetry course – a year early no less – and Carmilla, always the favourite pupil has her nose put out of joint when this latest newbie arrives and somewhat steals the show. We then have a love/hate relationship between the two, spurred on by the teacher in an attempt to lead them to new heights of brilliance.
So, I will say Immediately that I loved the writing for this. Gibson easily creates this fantastic gothic setting in the mind’s eye and its incredibly atmospheric and I confess that I found the story very easy to get into due to the lush style.
To be honest, I’m finding it really difficult to pin down what didn’t work so well for me with this. I mean, I don’t really want to be overly negative because it’s not a bad book, just something kept it from knocking my socks off.
I actually think there was too much going on – possibly slight spoilers ahead. We have the love hate relationship between Laura and Carmilla – which suddenly clicked into something much more – and, yes,it felt rushed, like a light switch being flicked on. One minute they hated each other, then the next they didn’t. Then you have this sideline infatuation that Carmilla has for the professor – and, lets just say it as it is, the professor is being very unprofessional to say the least and definitely taking advantage of both students. Okay, DeLafontaine is a vampire. This element of the story felt kind of unnecessary really – particularly as it eventually involved a return love interest from the past and a number of grisly murders on campus – all of which seemed to remain very low key, not to mention all too easily resolved.
Looking at the above, the relationship with Laura and Carmilla. I think this was supposed to have a sensual/borderline erotic feel. I found it a bit lacking in chemistry and in one particular scene it lost all credulity with one character acting in a way that didn’t feel plausible.
Then the vampire aspects. DeLafontaine came across almost like an immature child at times. Her emotions were up and down and she went from being a polished, in control professor to someone who was clearly jealous of her students’ relationship. I understand the underlying theme here is all about obsession and that does come across really well with an almost love triangle situation playing out – but, I think I hoped for something more controlling, or in control from DeLafontaine.
I think I’ll finish there. I realise this probably comes across as overly critical and that isn’t really my intention. This is beautifully written and I imagine that it will probably work better for some readers than it did for me.
I received a copy through Netgalley courtesy of the publishers, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 3 of 5 stars
What Moves the Dead/What Feasts at Night (Sworn Soldier books 1 and 2) by T Kingfisher
13 February 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Reviews, Fantasy, Horror, Sworn Solder books 1 and 2, T Kingfisher, What Feasts at Night, What Moves the Dead
Today I’ve decided to deliver two reviews in one post. Two reasons, I read both books almost one after the other and as they’re novellas I will try to keep both reviews short and succinct.
What Moves the Dead (Sworn Soldier #1) by T Kingfisher
My Five Word TL:DR Review: House of Usher excellently reimagined
Well, I love the original story by Poe but I would say that I don’t think it’s necessary to have read that story before picking this one up – although I would also say why not? Basically, Kingfisher takes the bones of the original story and gives them a totally new makeover in her own unique style.
So, we have the dilapidated family mansion, creakily gothic and slowly disintegrating. We have the Usher twins, both suffering their own maladies and there are of course other areas that are lifted straight from the original but given new meaning and a life of their own here.
Alex Easton is a retired lieutenant who has returned to the home of his childhood friends following a letter beseeching his presence. On arrival Alex is stunned to find that both Ushers are suffering, Madeline seems not far from death’s door and behaves strangely, sleepwalking and muttering to herself. Her brother Roderick seems to be a bag of nerves and is also behaving oddly.
Alex and his companion Angus slowly set about trying to get the twins to eat more and bolster their constitution but to be frank, the efforts seem in vain and the two instead take to exploring the grounds – startled, shocked and horrified by what they find. The strangest and creepiest hares ever, lots of fungus, and a lake that glows at night. As though fungi wasn’t already creepy enough Kingfisher has now decided to also give us possessed hares!
I loved this. It’s perfectly paced and can be read in one sitting. I listened to the audio version which was wonderfully narrated.
The writing and pacing are really good and it never ceases to amaze me how Kingfisher manages to combine horror and humour. Alex is a great character and the introduction of the eccentric Ms Potter adds an extra element – both fun and serious at the same time.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. A great reimagining of a well loved classic.
I bought an audio copy. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4.5 of 5 stars
What Feasts at Night (Sworn Soldier #2) by T Kingfisher
I was actually very pleasantly surprised to discover that the author had a sequel planned bringing back to us the character Alex Easton and his companion Angus.
This time the two are journeying to an old hunting lodge, once part of the larger family estate but now owned by Alex. They have invited Ms Potter from the first story who is keen to continue her study of fungi and explore the surrounding woods.
When the two arrive at the hunting lodge something is immediately not right. The woods are spookily quiet, no natural noises of critters and birds, the lodge is unattended and has clearly been empty for some weeks, the place in disarray. Upon investigation it seems that the old caretaker has passed away in unusual circumstances. The nearby villagers are all acting cagey and close lipped and the two barely manage to secure a housekeeper to help them cook and clean – a woman who only agrees out of desperation.
This is a story based in old folklore and in particular involving a Moroi. A type of ghost that leaves the grave to feed off the dead – in this case by stealing the breath from it’s victims.
Okay, I liked this story – but – and you knew there was a but coming. It feels a little as though it lacks direction. It almost feels like it wants to go in two directions. Firstly, we take a much stronger look at Alex and the PTSD caused by warfare and then we have the story of the Moroi. I think what surprised me was Alex’s resistance to the Moroi – given the previous experiences I think a bit more open mindedness could have been expected. And, although I enjoyed the deeper character study I felt like it give the story a much slower pacing. That being said I like Alex’s no nonsense style, I love the sense of humour, I enjoyed the return of Ms Potter although she doesn’t really get a chance to shine here – the new housekeeper instead seems to take that role this time and is a perfect foil for Alex, constantly chatting to herself in pretend whispers – addressing the ceiling and muttering about ‘wastrels in general.
As you can see, I enjoyed much about this story, but at the same time it left me feeling a little perplexed. The writing is good. I enjoyed returning to this world and although this might not be my favourite instalment of the Sworn Soldier series I heartily hope that we return to this world and these characters – I think there is so much scope here.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 3.5 of 5 stars
Also – I have to give a shout out to both of these covers – they are absolutely superb.
Friday Face Off : Horror
30 September 2022
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Books by Proxy, Friday Face off, Horror
Here we are again with the Friday Face Off meme created by Books by Proxy . This is a great opportunity to feature some of your favourite book covers. The rules are fairly simple each week, following a predetermined theme (list below) choose a book (this doesn’t have to be a book that you’ve read), compare a couple of the different covers available for that particular book and choose your favourite. Future’s themes are listed below – if you have a cover in mind that you’re really wanting to share then feel free to leave a comment about a future suggested theme. I’ve also listed events that take place during the year, that I’m aware of, so you can link up your covers – if you’re aware of any events that you think I should include then give me a shout.
I’ve added themes in below. For information, I’m trying out some new ideas so along with coming up with particular items for book covers I thought we could also look for certain elements contained within the book or that play a large part in the story – this really broadens things out because I have plenty of more ideas with this – I’ve gone for a few of the Tough Travel Themes (so a book with that theme – just choose any book – the theme isn’t necessarily on the cover, then compare covers), also, I’ve thrown in some genres and some colours. Hopefully this will open things out a little and give us some more freedom to come up with new books.
This week’s theme:
Something from the horror genre
This week, well I don’t read a great deal of horror but I try and squeeze a few in here and there. I’m fairly certain that I’ve used the first book from the Platserna series by John Ajvide Lindqvist so today I’ve gone for No.2 – I Always Find You. These were definitely some scary books – take a look at the covers:
I never realised how downright creepy bathtubs could be!
But my favourite:
This cover fits with the first book in the series and I love the colours and the creeping darkness looming above.
Do you have a favourite. Have you read this book yet – what do you think?
If you’re taking part in this week’s theme feel free to leave your link in the comments below.
If you know of an event that’s coming up let me know and I’ll try and include covers that work for the event itself so that you can link up to the Friday Face Off and, as always, if you wish to submit an idea then leave me a comment – or if you’d like to host a week then simply let me know. Also, I would just mention that it’s very possible that some of these might be repeats from previous FFOs although I have tried to invent more ‘open ended’ prompt that can be interpreted differently and also prompts that relate to emotions. Finally, don’t struggle with any of these, this is meant to be a fun way of highlighting books. If you can’t come up with a book you think fits for a particular week use a freebie – perhaps a recent read for example:
Next Week’s Theme : 7th Guess who’s back? – Vampires – popular again?
2022
The Devil’s Only Friend by Dan Wells (John Cleaver book No.4)
12 June 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Dan Wells, Horror, John Cleaver No.4, Mystery, The Devil's Only Friend, Thriller
The Devil’s Only Friend is the first in a new Trilogy starring John Wayne Cleaver. There have apparently been three earlier books but The Devil’s Only Friend can be read as a standalone and indeed it’s not difficult to pick up on what took place previously. Having said that I really enjoyed this and to a cetain extent wish I had picked up the previous books, even though I admit that I probably won’t do so now, but just purely from a character development perspective.
In The Devil’s Only Friend John is now working with the FBI. His prior experiences dealing with, and by that I mean killing, demons (or the withered as they’re called here) make him a necessary part of the team. He’s not completely trusted by his colleagues of course, and let’s face it that’s hardly a surprise given his personality. John definitely suffers from an antisocial personality disorder – I would say that he is a sociopath (or maybe even a psychopath)?? and maybe his backstory would have been a bit more definitive in that respect. For now I’m going with sociopath. He fantasises, in a fairly calculated manner, about killing people and animals and he seems to have a set of rules by which he keeps his tendencies under control – including counting sequences. Anyway, I’m getting ahead of myself.
The world we’re dealing with here is a modern, everyday setting, the difference being that demons live amongst the humans. They, for the most part, look human and integrate into society. They’re very strong and dangerous though and for the purpose of this story they’re called the withered – because they lack something, something that they need in order to survive and something that they usually have to take, forcibly, from others. John’s role here is to find out what that special ‘something’ is in each particular case so that the FBI can, in as carefully controlled and safe a setting as possible, kill the withered they’re currently tracking. Now, the FBI, may finally be aware of the withered but that doesn’t mean that there doesn’t exist a LOT of doubt and skepticism and the team John works with is relatively understaffed and under resourced as a result. A situation which isn’t going to help when the enemy becomes aware of their existence and decides to bring the war to them instead of remaining as sitting ducks.
I thought this was a really good read. When I first picked it up I wasn’t sure if it would all be horror and whilst there is horror involved this is a bit deeper than that. We of course have the withered – but these creatures are not simply evil – they’re driven themselves by whatever it is they lack. Then we have John, and it’s difficult to really know yet whether I really like him or not as some of his internal thoughts are frankly a bit scary, who suffers from his own personality disorder and would be considered to be damaged or maybe even missing something fundamental to human nature himself.
There are a number of characters involved, none of them are really particularly well expanded upon – and I don’t mean that in a negative way but just more that they play a lesser role that John – and I will also just mention that the author is fairly ruthless with his cast so you might want to bear that in mind.
The one constant in John’s life, carried forward from his past experiences is Brooke – a previous friend/girl next door who has rather unfortunately become the hidden weapon in John and the FBI’s arsenal against the withered. I won’t go too much into that other than to say she is an interesting character to read and I would enjoy more involvement from her.
The Devil’s Only Friends was a great start to this new series. Part murder mystery, part horror, part psychological thriller with an unusual main protagonist. I’m definitely interested in seeing how John develops. Like I say, I’m not sure what to feel about him just yet although, in spite of his inner turmoil, he’s clearly not all bad and at least wants to be ‘better’.
I will definitely read on with this series.
I received a copy of this from the publishers via Netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Brood by Chase Novak
Brood by Chase Novak was one of my holiday reads – not exactly a beach read (but then I’m not really a beach person!). The story starts with Aunt Cynthia winning her custody case to take Adam and Alice, her niece and nephew back to their old home. Adam and Alice have been kept in a string of foster homes since the violent deaths of their parents. Apparently Brood is the follow up to Breed. I haven’t read Breed but I don’t think that was detrimental to this read as I think it stands very well on it’s own. There is some backstory but not enough to be annoying, just enough to clue you in to a story that takes off at a rather rapid pace.
The back history to this is that Cynthia’s sister and husband were struggling to conceive children and in a last ditch, not to mention rather expensive, attempt they undertook radical and painful treatment that resulted in the twins birth. Unfortunately the side effects were severe and most of the parents who took the treatment were little able to cope with the changes which seemed to turn them almost into animals themselves. It was from this that Alice and Adam escaped and as the story picks up we realise that they are in a desperate struggle themselves. They already know that the onset of puberty could start to bring about drastic changes to their own nature and they’re desperately trying to fight time.
I did enjoy this book and found it quite a compelling read. It’s also quite a thought provoking novel in more than one way looking at family and how miscommunication or lack of communication can be fundamental to huge gaps in understanding.
Cynthia, Adam and Alice make an attempt at trying to become a family but whilst Cynthia may think she loves the twins she really has very little notion of their true character. They also, whilst wanting to be ‘regular’ kids and wanting to contain their inner nature are actually most comfortable when running with their own kind. A feral pack of children who were the result of similar treatment and have now converged to live together in Central Park. Hidden from most people they are free to roam there and let their true natures roam free.
On top of this there is the added element whereby somebody seems to be seeking out these children and abducting them for who knows what reason. This person currently has his sights set on Alice and Adam and his stalking their home.
The home itself adds another element to the story. The house bore witness to all sorts of atrocities before the children escaped and was left in a ravaged state overrun by vermin and partially destroyed. Cynthia, always a little envious of her sister’s wealth coveted this house and now, with the custody of the children, she finally moves in. Frankly, I confess, I wouldn’t want to live there! Not just because of it’s horrific past but it’s so damn big – you wouldn’t know if somebody was living in one of the other rooms. You’d certainly never hear them. And, on top of that the house still seems to play host to a number of critters, living in the walls and cellar. Bats and Rats!
This is a fairly short and quick read so I’m not going to elaborate further.
As I said, I enjoyed this but I did have criticisms. For example, as someone wanting to start afresh would I personally take these children back to their former home. No. I just don’t think I would. (Although this could have been difficult to get round in terms of the custody agreement). On top of that I think there could have been a little more psychological build up. I wanted more chills really and think there was just a touch of creepiness missing and a missed opportunity in a way.
Having said that the author definitely achieves horror aplenty from the attacks in the park to the horrible guy who is stalking the children. There’s also the whole element that you want to believe that the children will behave like children, that they’re just misunderstood somehow!
A book of nature vs nurture with nuances of ‘be careful what you wish for’! On top of this there is an underlying theme of parenting and the struggles that occur as their children, once so angelic, turn into beastly teenagers. Okay, it’s a very exaggerated look but nonetheless! Whilst I might not have absolutely loved this I think it does perfectly what it sets out to. It’s a little chilling, particularly at the start of the novel, it’s scary, in terms of being scared for your children and also being scared of them. It has a certain level of tension and also scenes of horror. Really very readable and well written although if you’re a little squeamish you might not like certain elements of the story.
I received a copy of this through the publishers through Netgalley, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
I’m submitting this for one of my RIP reads over at Stainless Steel Droppings.
Books and travelling with Lynn 