The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle (Penguin, £9.99)
This short novel, published in the US in 2016, garnered numerous genre accolades. Victor LaValle, a Black author, had a complex relationship with H.P. Lovecraft’s works. As a child, LaValle was fascinated by Lovecraft's cosmic horror stories, but later recognized the racism and other prejudices inherent in them. Instead of discarding Lovecraft’s stories due to their influence on his imagination, LaValle crafted his own narrative in response to the notably racist "The Horror at Red Hook." He retold the story from the perspective of a musician and hustler from 1920s Harlem, later known as Black Tom. The novel masterfully intertwines everyday horror with the supernatural, showcasing LaValle's brilliant storytelling.
As You Wake, Break the Shell by Becky Chambers (Hodderscape, £22)
Set in a distant planet's challenging environment, this cozy science fiction romance follows human colonists' struggles. The story begins with botanist Signy, who hasn't yet met her future partner, Cora, a rorqual pilot. Rorquals are enormous interplanetary creatures trained by human pilots using implants to communicate with them for transporting supplies. The narrative jumps to Chapter 764, more than a decade later, when Signy and Cora are happily married. The non-linear timeline, possibly reflecting the rorqual perception of time, diminishes suspense. While the characters are endearing and their experiences, such as growing plants artificially or Cora's bond with her rorqual, are engaging, the slow pace and repetitive expressions of affection may test readers' patience. Even the "naturally solitary" rorqual expresses love for Cora. The story ends on a cliffhanger, with a tonal shift in the final pages, leaving readers eager for a sequel to discover how Cora and Signy overcome challenges.
The Eye of Goliath by Diego Muzzio, translated by Rahul Bery (Pushkin, £12.99)
This debut novel by Argentinian writer Diego Muzzio is a traditional tale of madness and war horrors. Set around 1920 in an Edinburgh asylum, Dr. Pierce uses hypnosis to treat severely traumatized patients, all of whom, including the doctor, bear wounds from World War I. His newest patient, David Bradley, a former engineer, futilely attempts to swim on dry land until exhausted. Bradley’s diary reveals the cause of his descent into madness, set in a desolate lighthouse where he, cold and starving, awaits rescue that never comes. Bradley finds papers left by the last lighthouse keeper, a naturalist and taxidermist who murdered his family, adding to the gothic horror of this gripping narrative.
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