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A review by andromeda_1998
Krampus: The Yule Lord by Brom
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Since I read the child thief a couple of years ago I’m in love with Brom’s writing. I started reading Krampus a couple of days before Christmas and I enjoyed it very much. It was a well needed break from the sweet romantic Christmas story’s and I will not soon forget this Yule adventure.
Plot
Jesse is trailertrash with the dream of coming a musician. Nothing seems to work out for him. His marriage is a failure, he’s a bad father and a fulltime alcoholic. But everything changed when he finds Santa’s bag. He gets pulled into a war that has been going on for ages and he needs to fight with Krampus to win against Santa before it’s to late to save his family.
Characters
Brom’s characters are complex. They have multiple layers to them and most of the time the are morally grey, if not morally black. Jesse (the main character) is one of them. He’s an alcoholic, loser but he has a good hart underneath all of the junk. He’s not a good person but an interesting pov.
Writing
Brom’s writing is harsh, magical and wild. He is able to create gothic fairytales like no other. His style might nog be for everyone but damn it works for me.
World
His worldbuilding is the same as his writingstyle. It’s harsh, magical and wild. His worlds are cruel but full of beautiful magical moments. I haven’t read anything like his books. It’s truly unique.
The downside
But this book has a downside that needs to be addressed. I feel like the way Brom portrayed the Native American characters is damaging. I’m not the right person to go into detail but the native characters all deserved better. So please before reading check the triggerwarnings and educate yourself on this issue. We need to keep in mind that this book has been written almost 20 years ago but still.
Plot
Jesse is trailertrash with the dream of coming a musician. Nothing seems to work out for him. His marriage is a failure, he’s a bad father and a fulltime alcoholic. But everything changed when he finds Santa’s bag. He gets pulled into a war that has been going on for ages and he needs to fight with Krampus to win against Santa before it’s to late to save his family.
Characters
Brom’s characters are complex. They have multiple layers to them and most of the time the are morally grey, if not morally black. Jesse (the main character) is one of them. He’s an alcoholic, loser but he has a good hart underneath all of the junk. He’s not a good person but an interesting pov.
Writing
Brom’s writing is harsh, magical and wild. He is able to create gothic fairytales like no other. His style might nog be for everyone but damn it works for me.
World
His worldbuilding is the same as his writingstyle. It’s harsh, magical and wild. His worlds are cruel but full of beautiful magical moments. I haven’t read anything like his books. It’s truly unique.
The downside
But this book has a downside that needs to be addressed. I feel like the way Brom portrayed the Native American characters is damaging. I’m not the right person to go into detail but the native characters all deserved better. So please before reading check the triggerwarnings and educate yourself on this issue. We need to keep in mind that this book has been written almost 20 years ago but still.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Child abuse, Colonisation, Confinement, Cultural appropriation, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Torture, and Violence