A review by horrorbutch
Phengaris by Anna Orridge

dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

 Disclaimer: I received an e-book copy by the publisher. 

A short horror novella following a teenage boy through a tough time. His dad disappeared years ago, leaving him behind with his abusive mother, who is now dying a slow and painful death from cancer. He’s a closeted gay man and an attempt to take the edge off his stressful experiences by taking some of the drugs he procured for his mother from his friendly neighborhood dealer leaves him with auditory and visual hallucinations. Or at least he hopes its just hallucinations. 

This books is quite strong in the beginning, diving deep into the mind of the main character and we can understand his struggles well. Trapped in suburbia, with a grief that does not manifest the way it should according to others (after all his mother sucked, but everybody wants to treat her like a saint now that she’s dying), Mark finds escape in trying to uncover the mysteries of Thurstrop Wood. He is not a likeable character, but I found myself interested in his life anyway. I also liked the reveal why Thurstrop Wood calls to him specifically, that was a fun (and horrifying) idea. 

The end feels a bit rushed and I think if this book had been a bit longer I would have enjoyed it more. When the horror of the story was first revealed as something supernatural I was quite intrigued, but unfortunately it is not explored in enough depth to actually make me care about the villain or to understand her motivations. I think a more in depth explanation of that could have also made the end hit harder (I liked the ending, but I think it could have been built up to a bit more). 

However, as a big fan of bug horror, I really did enjoy the way this was implemented here, not quite in the typical burrowing type of way, but still quite intriguing and unnerving and I think I would like to read what follows after the end of the story a lot. 

All in all, a fun and unsettling short horror novella, very character focused that leaves you wanting a bit more, but I still had a good time! 

TW: cancer, child abuse, death, drugs, elder abuse, grief, hallucinations, insects, poison, suicide attempt, violence