A review by bhalpin
A Lush and Seething Hell by John Hornor Jacobs

dark mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Two novellas centering on people getting obsessed about seeking out forbidden knowledge. In the King in Yellow tradition. Definitely a slow burn for both, but I didn't mind because the writing is beautiful. Having said that, I think the slow burn works better in The Sea Dreams It Is the Sky because that one's shorter. My Heart Struck Sorrow is longer and doesn't, IMO, benefit from the additional length. (Also the Black character who seems to exist only to give a modern critique of white folklorists collecting Black songs in the 30's is a little creaky.) Still, I'm thrilled to discover a horror writer who can really write and who makes the hoary "forbidden book that drives you mad" trope feel fresh and exciting. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings