Today, I am reviewing the Dark Fantasy novella Wergild: A Heartwarming Tale of Coldblooded Vengeance by Boris L. Slocum. This story speaks to my heart, incorporating many of the elements I love in my own writing, and it made me laugh and smile in several places.
I give this book a 4.75/5. Here is my breakdown.
Characters: 5/5. This novella focuses on a very few characters, but it does so expertly. Slocum creates a world primarily through the perspective of his characters, and each is distinct and easy to identify with, from the vengeance-starved Tuppence (I loved that nickname!), the fish-out-of-water Isabel, and the Fiend...the worldy, enigmatic, but completely understandable Fiend. So well done.
Plot/Storyline: 5/5. You got me. A story about granting a wish, with far-reaching consequences? Hidden motivations and a deep desire to do the right thing...whatever that might be? Questions of free will, something that I literally wrote into my current WIP? I love everything about this story. Everything made sense, everything had a place, and I thought it was a unique telling. Thank you so much, Boris!
Flow: 5/5. As a novella, this book moved faster than a novel might, but it suffered none for that. The pacing kept the hits coming, with the evolution of characters moving at just the right speed for me. I kept reading, never bored, never skipping to see what would happen next. Every action and every paragraph progressed the story, just as they should.
Spelling/Grammar: 4/5. There were a few typographical errors, but it was otherwise expertly edited. The language was fantastic and Slocum obviously has skill as a writer, both creatively and technically. A treat to read!
Overall: 4.75/5. This book made me smile because it’s the exact kind of book I love to read. I am so glad that Boris submitted to Beyond the Curtain of Reality, because it alerted me to a talented author that I hope keeps writing for years to come.
If you want to pick up a copy yourself, you can find this book at Amazon.
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