Epeolatry Book Review: Midnight in the City of the Carrion Kid by James G. Carlson
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Title: Midnight in the City of the Carrion Kid
Author: James G. Carlson
Genre: Horror
Publisher: Gloom House Publishing
Release Date: 3rd November, 2021
Synopsis: There is a city that occupies the space between life and death. Once a wondrous realm, it has been corrupted by a malevolent presence known as the Carrion Kid—a demon that crossed over on the soul of a young boy. Now, guided by a talking cat, a chosen few must come together to restore light, safety, and sanity before it’s too late. This includes Alistair and Eden, a newly arrived couple, and a ragtag group of survivors who reside in a subterranean lair called Haven Below. But bringing about a new dawn in this strange and terrifying place is an undertaking that will test their bonds and cost some of them dearly.
What happens when evil infiltrates paradise? James G. Carlson gives us a glimpse. In his novella, Midnight in the City of the Carrion Kid, our protagonist, Alistair, drops into a drug-induced coma and discovers a city of horrors which exists in a liminal place between here and the afterlife.
This other world introduces us to nightmarish creatures and landscapes, such as a trio of monstrous nuns and creatures who reach from the shadows. Here, Alistair wants to find his girlfriend and make sure she is safe as other denizens prepare for an assault against the evil corrupting this once paradise.
Not a page goes by without novel and lusciously dark worldbuilding. I wanted to spend more time and luxuriate with both the world and the characters, but the pace quickly moved along, leaving little time for character or setting exploration.
Midnight in the City of the Carrion Kid is still a fun read. I’m curious to see what nightmares the author will provide in the future.
out of 5 ravens.
Available from Amazon.
- About the Author
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Joe lives with his wife and son in the Pacific Northwest where the Cascade Mountains meet the Salish Sea. He enjoys writing in the weird, horror, and fantasy genres.
Growing up he enjoyed R. L. Stine’s Goosebumps books as well as classics like Dune, and Lord of the Rings. In college he discovered Stephen King, and later Mark Danielewski’s House of Leaves and authors like Clive Barker and Laird Barron.
Joe’s short story, ‘Gustav Floats’, was published in Dim Shores Presents Volume 2. In the spring of 2021 his story, ‘The Pigeon Lied’ comes out in Howls From Hell.
You can follow Joe on the following social media sites:
Twitter, Good Reads, Facebook, and Instagram!
