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roguemuffin's review against another edition
4.0
I would recommend this novella if you are looking for an X-Files/noir/cosmic horror type experience.
I really enjoyed it, I just wish that I had read it in larger chunks at a time or all the way thru in one or two sittings. It is an immersive read and reading a few pages here and there didn't do it justice.
The jumps between character perspectives and finer points of the plot were a little hard to follow mainly due to the language being indirect. This is part of what successfully creates the vibe and no doubt an intentional stylistic choice, it's just something to prepare for and stick with for a full experience (vs stopping and starting as I did)
Overall I'd say save this novella for when you are in the mood for an atmospheric cosmic read, then go all in and you'll have an excellent time. It definitely delivers well if you set it up for success.
CW of note: the main character drinks to cope and this is peppered throughout the story from a first person perspective.
I really enjoyed it, I just wish that I had read it in larger chunks at a time or all the way thru in one or two sittings. It is an immersive read and reading a few pages here and there didn't do it justice.
The jumps between character perspectives and finer points of the plot were a little hard to follow mainly due to the language being indirect. This is part of what successfully creates the vibe and no doubt an intentional stylistic choice, it's just something to prepare for and stick with for a full experience (vs stopping and starting as I did)
Overall I'd say save this novella for when you are in the mood for an atmospheric cosmic read, then go all in and you'll have an excellent time. It definitely delivers well if you set it up for success.
CW of note: the main character drinks to cope and this is peppered throughout the story from a first person perspective.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Alcoholism
maelstrom712's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
X-files meets The Twilight Zone in this SFF novella. Featuring a cast of bitter, nihilistic characters doing their best to make the most out of a terrible situation. Follow the Signalman as he investigates the suspicious death of a woman and the consequences of said death.
The book changes perspective each chapter to tell the story, utilizing the different personalities and thoughts to give depth and substance to a relatively procedural story. Kiernan excels at characterization and making a seemingly simply event to a riveting and tense read.
The book changes perspective each chapter to tell the story, utilizing the different personalities and thoughts to give depth and substance to a relatively procedural story. Kiernan excels at characterization and making a seemingly simply event to a riveting and tense read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Body horror, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Gore, Murder, Drug use, and Drug abuse
enchantressreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Body horror
Moderate: Alcoholism
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