The Dismembered

Gothic horror isn't something I have a ton of experience with, but I've yet to read a Jonathan Janz book I didn't like so I decided to give this a go. I mostly enjoyed it! It's lower tier Janz for me and I left wishing the story had a little more meat on the bone, but I liked the characters and loved both the setting and the general vibe on display. It was fun watching an author I admire adapt their style to fit the norms of a subgenre I know only peripherally. While it wasn't exactly the read I envisioned, it piqued my interest in this style of genre fiction enough to make me want to try more down the line.

I am reviewing this book for Cemetery Dance in my position as an early reviewer, so I must note I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a tremendous throwback to Gothic tales of the time of Shelley, Stoker, and Poe...but with the gusto, action, and profanity of today. It's the perfect blend of Gothic romance (“I just met you, and this is crazy, but marry me, maybe”), Gothic dread, and gnarly horror. What a delightful mix. I read it in one sitting.

I have to disclose that not only am I a Cemetery Dance early reviewer, but Jonathan is a friend of mine. But this is an unbiased review, for his writing blows me away. It's terrifying and claustrophobic and chilling and gory and just the perfect thing for a chilly October night.

And look at that perfect, gorgeous throwback cover!