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Writer's pictureChristina Pfeiffer

10-20-24 Christina Critiques

HAPPY SUNDAY, FRIENDS! I have to shout because this is about the only joy you will find in today’s reviews. Eesh, it’s a depressing week with my books. We will travel a long, depressing road, kill a few people, see through a child’s POV, get all Lovecraftian, and end possibly out of our minds. You’re welcome in advance.


Let’s get into them!


 

THE ROAD

Written by Cormac McCarthy

Illustrated by Manu Larcenet


Jesus on a cracker this was depressing and oppressive. I don’t think I have ever wanted characters to die so much in order to escape a fate worse than death.


We find a son and Dad just trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. Near starving and fatigued every step of their journey, not only must they survive the elements but other survivors that may not have their best interest at heart.


Look, this book almost made me take an extra anti-depressant. It will stay with you for a long time to come. And it’s even worse as I didn’t read the novel or watch the movie. I can’t even imagine what those two would do to me.


A HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND 5/5.



 

BENEATH THE TREES WHERE NO ONE SEES

Written and Illustrated by Patrick Hovarth


This one is described as Richard Scarry meets Dexter and I have to 100% agree.


Samantha Strong has one rule, don’t murder the locals. Why? Because she is beloved by one and all in her small town as a business owner. So what she has a bit of a problem… a need to kill. Look, we all have vices. But what happens when her number one rule is broken by a possible rival?


Can murder be adorable? Because this graphic novel somehow gives you the warm and fuzzies while grossing you out at the same time. And it’s a debut! I mean, come on. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is a Stoker Longlist, it’s that good.


A HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND 5/5.



 

IN THE TALL TREES

By Angel Van Atta


Mella Moo lives with her Mom and brother and on occasion her Daddy. But sometimes the bad man comes with him. When circumstances become extremely dire, Mella Moo must summon all of her courage to do the unthinkable, face the world she has been kept from.


This story… it didn’t bother me that the entire book was in a child’s voice or from their perspective. It also didn’t bother me about the violence and torture scenes. What did bother me is I have read this two times before - in ROOM and WHAT GOOD GIRLS DO. Now, if you started with this one, and moved on to the others, I think the progression would work much better. I also enjoyed the characters and felt myself holding my breath a few times as not to upset the bad man.


A short, violent little story. 3.5/5.



 

STRANGE STONES

Ed Lee and Mary SanGiovanni


Do you like goth chick boobs?

Lovecraft?

Interdimensional travel at an affordable cost?


Well, look no further than this 125-page novella of pure insanity. Lee and SanGiovanni sure know how to treat readers well.


Professor Everard is a douche canoe of epic portions. He hits on almost anything with boobs and a pulse (that last criteria is probably negotiable) and he hates Lovecraft. Well, when he spurns a goth babe named Asenath (yes, named after a Lovecraft character), Everand must use his knowledge of his literary enemy to his advantage.


I will admit I have not read anything else by SanGiovanni but knowing that Lee can integrate his raunchy humor, expertise, and classic Lee literary elements with her makes me want to read more.


For readers that are not as educated on Lovecraftian lore, don’t be afraid. I know little to nothing about his writing and was able to keep up without feeling like I was missing something. Add to that, cute references to some of our favorite authors, this is just a recipe for pure perfection.


It’s going to be a difficult year in 2025 if this is how we are starting out. Already on my Top Ten for next year, this is one to preorder ASAP.


10/5.



 

THE MAGUS

By John Fowles


Nicholas is off to teach at a school on a remote Greek Island. When a chance sighting/encounter sets off an unnerving cat and mouse game and known and unknown manipulation, Nicholas’s possible loss of sanity is the least of his concerns.


I have never, in forty-two years, been so damn confused yet needing to read every word to try to figure out the puzzle pieces and how they connect. And friends, I was not disappointed. In 650+ pages, Fowles somehow pulls you into the novel in such a way, you almost become as unhinged as the characters.


Fowles combines Greek mythology with Shakespearean references and countless themes throughout that it’s perfect for so many different kinds of readers.


“… there are times when silent is a poem.”


A DOUBLE HIGHLY RECOMMEND 10/5.



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