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Rainfallen #0.5
Blackcap: A Rainfallen Novella
Kade Blackcap was once a famous detective. Overburdened with guilt at sending a man to the noose, he finds himself unable to take a case for fear of the consequences. But with the taxman breathing down his neck, he has to find work soon, or he'll lose the house his father left him.
He has one hope left.
Long has he suspected the myths of old were creeping back into the world, and with his detective background he has all the skills to hunt them. But once he finds himself on the trail of a monster, he realises how out of his depth he is.
He might have the skills to track such a creature, but what will he do when he catches up with it?
He has one hope left.
Long has he suspected the myths of old were creeping back into the world, and with his detective background he has all the skills to hunt them. But once he finds himself on the trail of a monster, he realises how out of his depth he is.
He might have the skills to track such a creature, but what will he do when he catches up with it?
- GenresFantasy
106 pages, Paperback
Published June 5, 2023
4 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Aeveryn
9 books41 followersBenjamin Aeveryn is an author of upmarket SFF about love, nature, and monsters. He lives in Cambridgeshire with his beautiful wife and a grumpy old cat. His debut Salt in the Wound was both an SPFBO and BBNYA semi-finalist and his novella Blackcap was a SFINCS finalist.
Grab a free fantasy novella at benjaminaeveryn.com/mailing-list
Grab a free fantasy novella at benjaminaeveryn.com/mailing-list
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 16, 2024
I received this novella to judge for the SFINCS semi-finals. Opinion is my own, and does not represent that made by the team. I did also happen to purchase this in paperback, as I prefer to read physical, and I liked the cover.
This novella mixes quite a lot into it. It’s post apocalyptic event, with seemingly more of a fantasy based event than a scifi one, but the notes of both are still there. In that sense it’s urban fantasy, but as it’s after the events, it reads as a fantasy world unlike our own in ways, and yet it has notes of a Victorian-era London to it as well. Not to mention I’ve seen reviewers call the author a grimdark writer too. Oh, and this features a detective, so it’s mystery as well. Far be it from me to tell you what genre to call it, but I personally loveeee blended genres.
Kade Blackcap is an out-of-luck and yet above-average sleuth. When his abilities lead to a guilty man being hung, he finds that he can’t exactly cope with the death of a human, guilty or not. This spirals out of control until he’s about to end up on the street. Rashly, he decides to run something in the paper for a more superstitious clientele. It’s vastly unsuccessful, but he’s not a quitter.
I love that our detective’s journey involved researching mythology and folklore from the world’s past in the library. He is not naturally knowledgeable or gifted and winning without trials. He struggles with a penchant for sipping from his flask, so more often than not he’s stumbling to his destination or has a headache. Not necessarily uncommon for the mystery genre, but it’s pretty cool to see this implanted into a world that’s much less common for it. And it makes Kade read as incredibly grounded, real.
I did find the mystery itself to be a little on the nose, but obviously the twist is that he switches to supernatural detecting, and in that sense, it worked very well for me. It is also a bit shy on its explanation of what happened to the world, again, I think possibly (like others that follow this format) because it came out after book one, and perhaps the author did not want to explain it twice. But because this is a mystery, and such a singularly focused event, I found it helped the mystery rather than hindering the book.
Personally a 5/5*, a real killer for me.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-blackc...
This novella mixes quite a lot into it. It’s post apocalyptic event, with seemingly more of a fantasy based event than a scifi one, but the notes of both are still there. In that sense it’s urban fantasy, but as it’s after the events, it reads as a fantasy world unlike our own in ways, and yet it has notes of a Victorian-era London to it as well. Not to mention I’ve seen reviewers call the author a grimdark writer too. Oh, and this features a detective, so it’s mystery as well. Far be it from me to tell you what genre to call it, but I personally loveeee blended genres.
Kade Blackcap is an out-of-luck and yet above-average sleuth. When his abilities lead to a guilty man being hung, he finds that he can’t exactly cope with the death of a human, guilty or not. This spirals out of control until he’s about to end up on the street. Rashly, he decides to run something in the paper for a more superstitious clientele. It’s vastly unsuccessful, but he’s not a quitter.
I love that our detective’s journey involved researching mythology and folklore from the world’s past in the library. He is not naturally knowledgeable or gifted and winning without trials. He struggles with a penchant for sipping from his flask, so more often than not he’s stumbling to his destination or has a headache. Not necessarily uncommon for the mystery genre, but it’s pretty cool to see this implanted into a world that’s much less common for it. And it makes Kade read as incredibly grounded, real.
I did find the mystery itself to be a little on the nose, but obviously the twist is that he switches to supernatural detecting, and in that sense, it worked very well for me. It is also a bit shy on its explanation of what happened to the world, again, I think possibly (like others that follow this format) because it came out after book one, and perhaps the author did not want to explain it twice. But because this is a mystery, and such a singularly focused event, I found it helped the mystery rather than hindering the book.
Personally a 5/5*, a real killer for me.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-blackc...
January 22, 2024
A down-and-out private detective in a post-apocalyptic world where the English rain has turned deadly. Sickened by the outcome of his last case, our hardboiled sleuth is ready to hang it up. Needing money, he decides to hire himself out as a hunter of monsters that no one believes in. And then a distressed young lady walks through his door....
How could I NOT love this?! Outstanding prequel to the Rainfallen series, with some clever twists at the end. I read it in a couple of hours, and it was totally satisfying. I'll be diving into Secret of the Thistle (Rainfallen, Book 2) next, and I'm eagerly looking forward to it!
How could I NOT love this?! Outstanding prequel to the Rainfallen series, with some clever twists at the end. I read it in a couple of hours, and it was totally satisfying. I'll be diving into Secret of the Thistle (Rainfallen, Book 2) next, and I'm eagerly looking forward to it!
January 9, 2024
Review originally on
JamReads
Blackcap is a standalone noir detective novella set in the world of the Rainfallen series, written by Benjamin Aeveryn. Using his imaginative world, Aeveryn weaves a supernatural detective story with a magnificent created main character and which explores other aspects of the world he created.
Kade Blackcap is a highly regarded detective, but he can't deal more with the guilt provoked by sending a man to his noose; without his job, he can't afford to pay the taxmen to live in New London. There's only one hope, and with that in mind, he decides to try his luck with a new ad in the newspaper: offering his services to deal with the creatures that come from the old myths.
When he has almost given up, decided to abandon the city and look up for a new refuge, the case finds him, as a widow that wants to catch the creature that has killed her husband. However, once he's on the investigation, he realizes that while he has the abilities to track down the creature, he's doubtful of what he will do when in front of it.
Kade's internal struggle makes an excellent central point of the plot, a base that helps to build a new conflict when the creature is found; at the end, Kade is just questioning if the creature itself deserves the same punishment that provoked his guilt sentiment. Outside of this aspect, it's quite interesting to see how Blackcap applies his detective skills to a case of supernatural proportions; you can see him in his element, a hunter following its pray.
The worldbuilding picks your curiosity in this novella, showing some bits of how New London works, and the creatures that appeared after the rains; while less developed than in the main novels, Aeveryn explores an aspect that didn't appear in other places (and even one could argue that is an excellent example of a world that moves without waiting for a main character). Props also because this agency is included as an Easter Egg in the second novel of the series.
Blackcap is a great standalone novella, perfect for those that want to try this world, but prefer an appetizer; if you like detective procedural and a main character you can empathize with, this one is a great choice.
Disclaimer: This novella has been read as part of the SFINCS. This review/rating only represents my personal opinion and it might differ with what the team decides.
Blackcap is a standalone noir detective novella set in the world of the Rainfallen series, written by Benjamin Aeveryn. Using his imaginative world, Aeveryn weaves a supernatural detective story with a magnificent created main character and which explores other aspects of the world he created.
Kade Blackcap is a highly regarded detective, but he can't deal more with the guilt provoked by sending a man to his noose; without his job, he can't afford to pay the taxmen to live in New London. There's only one hope, and with that in mind, he decides to try his luck with a new ad in the newspaper: offering his services to deal with the creatures that come from the old myths.
When he has almost given up, decided to abandon the city and look up for a new refuge, the case finds him, as a widow that wants to catch the creature that has killed her husband. However, once he's on the investigation, he realizes that while he has the abilities to track down the creature, he's doubtful of what he will do when in front of it.
Kade's internal struggle makes an excellent central point of the plot, a base that helps to build a new conflict when the creature is found; at the end, Kade is just questioning if the creature itself deserves the same punishment that provoked his guilt sentiment. Outside of this aspect, it's quite interesting to see how Blackcap applies his detective skills to a case of supernatural proportions; you can see him in his element, a hunter following its pray.
The worldbuilding picks your curiosity in this novella, showing some bits of how New London works, and the creatures that appeared after the rains; while less developed than in the main novels, Aeveryn explores an aspect that didn't appear in other places (and even one could argue that is an excellent example of a world that moves without waiting for a main character). Props also because this agency is included as an Easter Egg in the second novel of the series.
Blackcap is a great standalone novella, perfect for those that want to try this world, but prefer an appetizer; if you like detective procedural and a main character you can empathize with, this one is a great choice.
Disclaimer: This novella has been read as part of the SFINCS. This review/rating only represents my personal opinion and it might differ with what the team decides.
April 26, 2024
Really enjoyed this post-apocalyptic noir detective tale, especially the writing style.
March 29, 2024
This book was reviewed as part of the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship, or SFINCS, which I am judging as part of Team Jamreads. This review contains my honest thoughts and does not represent the opinion or final rating of the team.
I’ll preface this review by saying I’ve already read the first book in the Rainfallen series, A Salt in the Wound, so I’ve already had an introduction to this world. Blackcap is a prequel set within the Rainfallen universe and bills itself as a gaslamp noir mystery. When a detective struggles with the horrifying reality of his job, how can he make ends meet?
Characters
Blackcap is centered around Kade Blackcap, a detective in gaslamp London. He learned the tricks of the trade from his dad and now pays rent by chasing leads and closing cases. However, his last case ends with a hanging, and while he did great work catching a killer, he feels as though that makes him a killer as well. Kade decides to take a break from sleuthing so he can’t be responsible for any more executions, but the bills still need to be paid. When he hears of a case bordering the supernatural, he decides to investigate – there’s nothing wrong with killing a monster, is there?
Kade is a sensitive soul. Throughout the story, we hear of his internal struggle to stick to what he does best while trying to avoid any cases or leads that would end in a bloody conclusion. His decision making isn’t always the smartest, but his heart is in the right place, and that’s why I loved his character. Kade thinks he’s hunting a monster or a myth, but what he finds may be more than what he bargained for. To explain more of the ‘monster’ would be a spoiler, but I enjoyed learning of their character, too.
Setting
The story is set in a gaslamp medieval England in a post apocalyptic world that has been forced backwards due to literal monsters in the rain. It’s an interesting mix that works. This version of London is permanently enshrouded in darkness, with a canvas sheltering the entire city from rain. This is because rain is deadly in this world, as monstrous creatures known as rainwights appear from inside the rain. Typical England, eh? Locals know to keep safe from the wet weather, though it isn’t featured much in this novella. I had the same problem here as I did with Salt in the Wound – the rainwights are cool, but we never see enough of them or really learn of their origins. That’s more stark here, as they’re not explained in this novella at all, so a reader can be forgiven for not understanding them without reading the first book.
That said, gaslamp covered London makes for a perfect noir story!
Plot
Of course, with any detective story, there is a victim, a case, and a killer. Kade takes on a new case to find a monster at the heart of a widow’s dead husband and unravel the mystery. Was the husband an unfortunate victim of the rainwights? Or is there more going on? As Kade investigates, he suspects the killer to be more mundane than magical, but as more clues arise, he truly begins to believe in the superstitious. There are a few twists and turns here, and the ending surprised me, as I wasn’t sure where it would end, given Kade’s dilemma about avoiding bloodshed. But the ending fit his character perfectly.
Writing
I was drawn into the writing style, which moves at a pace that doesn’t mess around.
Enjoyment
As a standalone novella, I think Blackcap is a great introduction to the Rainfallen world, but I would have liked more world building around the rainwights. This is definitely a fantastic read for those who have already read Salt in the Wound. That said, Blackcap begins with an incredibly strong opening that instantly dragged me in and wouldn’t let go until I’d devoured the entire book. The mystery kept me interested throughout and put me in a mood for more detective noir!
Cover Art and Formatting
I absolutely love this cover art! It’s one of my favourites from the competition and captures the gaslamp London.
I’ll preface this review by saying I’ve already read the first book in the Rainfallen series, A Salt in the Wound, so I’ve already had an introduction to this world. Blackcap is a prequel set within the Rainfallen universe and bills itself as a gaslamp noir mystery. When a detective struggles with the horrifying reality of his job, how can he make ends meet?
Characters
Blackcap is centered around Kade Blackcap, a detective in gaslamp London. He learned the tricks of the trade from his dad and now pays rent by chasing leads and closing cases. However, his last case ends with a hanging, and while he did great work catching a killer, he feels as though that makes him a killer as well. Kade decides to take a break from sleuthing so he can’t be responsible for any more executions, but the bills still need to be paid. When he hears of a case bordering the supernatural, he decides to investigate – there’s nothing wrong with killing a monster, is there?
Kade is a sensitive soul. Throughout the story, we hear of his internal struggle to stick to what he does best while trying to avoid any cases or leads that would end in a bloody conclusion. His decision making isn’t always the smartest, but his heart is in the right place, and that’s why I loved his character. Kade thinks he’s hunting a monster or a myth, but what he finds may be more than what he bargained for. To explain more of the ‘monster’ would be a spoiler, but I enjoyed learning of their character, too.
Setting
The story is set in a gaslamp medieval England in a post apocalyptic world that has been forced backwards due to literal monsters in the rain. It’s an interesting mix that works. This version of London is permanently enshrouded in darkness, with a canvas sheltering the entire city from rain. This is because rain is deadly in this world, as monstrous creatures known as rainwights appear from inside the rain. Typical England, eh? Locals know to keep safe from the wet weather, though it isn’t featured much in this novella. I had the same problem here as I did with Salt in the Wound – the rainwights are cool, but we never see enough of them or really learn of their origins. That’s more stark here, as they’re not explained in this novella at all, so a reader can be forgiven for not understanding them without reading the first book.
That said, gaslamp covered London makes for a perfect noir story!
Plot
Of course, with any detective story, there is a victim, a case, and a killer. Kade takes on a new case to find a monster at the heart of a widow’s dead husband and unravel the mystery. Was the husband an unfortunate victim of the rainwights? Or is there more going on? As Kade investigates, he suspects the killer to be more mundane than magical, but as more clues arise, he truly begins to believe in the superstitious. There are a few twists and turns here, and the ending surprised me, as I wasn’t sure where it would end, given Kade’s dilemma about avoiding bloodshed. But the ending fit his character perfectly.
Writing
I was drawn into the writing style, which moves at a pace that doesn’t mess around.
Enjoyment
As a standalone novella, I think Blackcap is a great introduction to the Rainfallen world, but I would have liked more world building around the rainwights. This is definitely a fantastic read for those who have already read Salt in the Wound. That said, Blackcap begins with an incredibly strong opening that instantly dragged me in and wouldn’t let go until I’d devoured the entire book. The mystery kept me interested throughout and put me in a mood for more detective noir!
Cover Art and Formatting
I absolutely love this cover art! It’s one of my favourites from the competition and captures the gaslamp London.
June 5, 2023
This is a great novella that blends fantasy with mystery in unique ways. I recommend reading it after "Salt in the Wound" since I think that it is best enjoyed with a more thorough knowledge of the world were it develops.
As was the case with the first book in the Rainfallen series, I was happy with the writing style. In this particular case, I thought that the author did a great job with expanding our understanding of this world. Specifically, I was thrilled with the addition of a new type of "monster" and hope it continues to show up in later works.
I really appreciate the fact that this author never presents lore by just dumping it on the reader. Instead, we get information through characters interactions and through them doing research in libraries, which is very clever and enjoyable.
The bottom line is this, if you read "Salt in the Wound", jump right into this one. If not, what are you waiting for?
As was the case with the first book in the Rainfallen series, I was happy with the writing style. In this particular case, I thought that the author did a great job with expanding our understanding of this world. Specifically, I was thrilled with the addition of a new type of "monster" and hope it continues to show up in later works.
I really appreciate the fact that this author never presents lore by just dumping it on the reader. Instead, we get information through characters interactions and through them doing research in libraries, which is very clever and enjoyable.
The bottom line is this, if you read "Salt in the Wound", jump right into this one. If not, what are you waiting for?
September 10, 2023
Blackcap by Benjamin Aeveryn was a really nice surprise!
I already loved Salt in the Wound, so I eagerly dove into this quick read set in the same world. While the main book feels mostly like an epic fantasy with some technology still being around from before everything went to hell, Blackcap feels more like an urban fantasy with a slightly stranger world, and the contrast between the two was well handled. Instead of seeing the cotswolds more rural setting, this time we are in a big city and life there is quite different!
I enjoyed the main character and the tone and voice worked really well for me. I was immediately interested in what happened and how he might deal with the problem of not being able to afford his current life for longer. The mystery was ok, though not as well as the fantasy and world building aspects, so I'll go with 4,5 stars rounded up.
Definitely a good quick bite in between the big books!
I already loved Salt in the Wound, so I eagerly dove into this quick read set in the same world. While the main book feels mostly like an epic fantasy with some technology still being around from before everything went to hell, Blackcap feels more like an urban fantasy with a slightly stranger world, and the contrast between the two was well handled. Instead of seeing the cotswolds more rural setting, this time we are in a big city and life there is quite different!
I enjoyed the main character and the tone and voice worked really well for me. I was immediately interested in what happened and how he might deal with the problem of not being able to afford his current life for longer. The mystery was ok, though not as well as the fantasy and world building aspects, so I'll go with 4,5 stars rounded up.
Definitely a good quick bite in between the big books!
January 10, 2024
The second novella chosen to finish out 2023 was Blackcap by Benjamin Aeveryn. I read book one Salt in the Wound back in June of 2023 and really enjoyed it. I figured this would be another nice easy way to slide into the end of the year.
This was a solid reminder of how interesting the Rainfallen world is. The constant fear of it's citizens to be caught out in the open during rain is in the forefront. However, this world also includes many other dangers.
The pacing was solid. This was just a nice smooth shorter read. This was a page turner nestled into a novella package. We have a heaping spoonful of mystery and that ever present dread of the dangers in this world and a sprinkling of action here and there.
The world building simply brought me back to Salt in the Wound. I was once again reminded that this world holds many dangers and sometimes not the ones we first anticipate. I'll touch on this more in the character development. Blackcap focuses mostly within the city confines where some dangers are minimized and others or present. We also spend a bit of time in the surrounding more rural area since Blackcap (our protagonist) is one of the few willing to venture out of town.
The character development was done really well for such a short read. Our main arc with Blackcap himself was good as to be expected. But we also had another arc or two in a bit of an abbreviated path but still great for supporting the story. I will just mention again that people and things within this world aren't always as they may first appear, whether good or bad. This was one of the things that interested me both within Salt in the Wound and now Blackcap.
I really do need to work in book two from Rainfallen (Secret of the Thistle) early in 2024.
This was a solid reminder of how interesting the Rainfallen world is. The constant fear of it's citizens to be caught out in the open during rain is in the forefront. However, this world also includes many other dangers.
The pacing was solid. This was just a nice smooth shorter read. This was a page turner nestled into a novella package. We have a heaping spoonful of mystery and that ever present dread of the dangers in this world and a sprinkling of action here and there.
The world building simply brought me back to Salt in the Wound. I was once again reminded that this world holds many dangers and sometimes not the ones we first anticipate. I'll touch on this more in the character development. Blackcap focuses mostly within the city confines where some dangers are minimized and others or present. We also spend a bit of time in the surrounding more rural area since Blackcap (our protagonist) is one of the few willing to venture out of town.
The character development was done really well for such a short read. Our main arc with Blackcap himself was good as to be expected. But we also had another arc or two in a bit of an abbreviated path but still great for supporting the story. I will just mention again that people and things within this world aren't always as they may first appear, whether good or bad. This was one of the things that interested me both within Salt in the Wound and now Blackcap.
I really do need to work in book two from Rainfallen (Secret of the Thistle) early in 2024.
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March 2, 2024I’m a judge on the Before We Go Blog team. We’re in the final round!
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March 11, 2024
A Rainfallen Novella - #0.5
I read this as a finalist in the SFINCs championship series.
This dark fantasy mystery novella had me intrigued throughout with its hints at things to come, monsters to be found, cases to be solved.
CAWPILE Breakdown:
Characters: 6 - The characters were there and they weren't bad, per say. But they just felt a bit flat to me; none of them really stood out.
Atmosphere/Setting: 8.5 - The setting of an urban city - New London - was described well, very detailed. I always had an image of where we were. The atmosphere wasn't as good - but still good, if that makes sense. At times it felt like it lacked and (at least to me) like if Aeveryn explained somethings - like when the rain kept being referred to as "turned" but no explaination of what that meant or why the characters were afraid of it - we'd have a stronger atmosphere to feel. I felt the gloominess of it all, but not the anxiety or fear of a killer on the loose.
Writing Style: 7 - I liked the dark fantasy mystery style of this story. There were some editing misses. And the novella felt a bit predictable to me. It just wasn't quite as exciting as I expected, but the writing was still well done.
Plot: 7 - The plot was a good plot, but predictable for me. As soon as a certain character was introduced, I thought they were the suspect.
Intrigue: 8 - I was definitely intrigued enough to keep reading. I kept reading partly because I was hoping that it would turn out differently than I thought it was going.
Logic/Relationships: 7.5 - Logic: everything made too much sense, it became predictable. Aeveryn's relationships, though, were written really well. They were believable and I enjoyed reading them over this short space.
Enjoyment: 7 - I enjoyed reading the dark fantasy mystery, even if it was a bit predictable. I still hope it would end differently but enjoyed what I did read. I especially enjoyed the nod to Dracula wiht a character named Mina.
CAWPILE Total: 51/7 = 7.2 = 4 stars
I read this as a finalist in the SFINCs championship series.
This dark fantasy mystery novella had me intrigued throughout with its hints at things to come, monsters to be found, cases to be solved.
CAWPILE Breakdown:
Characters: 6 - The characters were there and they weren't bad, per say. But they just felt a bit flat to me; none of them really stood out.
Atmosphere/Setting: 8.5 - The setting of an urban city - New London - was described well, very detailed. I always had an image of where we were. The atmosphere wasn't as good - but still good, if that makes sense. At times it felt like it lacked and (at least to me) like if Aeveryn explained somethings - like when the rain kept being referred to as "turned" but no explaination of what that meant or why the characters were afraid of it - we'd have a stronger atmosphere to feel. I felt the gloominess of it all, but not the anxiety or fear of a killer on the loose.
Writing Style: 7 - I liked the dark fantasy mystery style of this story. There were some editing misses. And the novella felt a bit predictable to me. It just wasn't quite as exciting as I expected, but the writing was still well done.
Plot: 7 - The plot was a good plot, but predictable for me. As soon as a certain character was introduced, I thought they were the suspect.
Intrigue: 8 - I was definitely intrigued enough to keep reading. I kept reading partly because I was hoping that it would turn out differently than I thought it was going.
Logic/Relationships: 7.5 - Logic: everything made too much sense, it became predictable. Aeveryn's relationships, though, were written really well. They were believable and I enjoyed reading them over this short space.
Enjoyment: 7 - I enjoyed reading the dark fantasy mystery, even if it was a bit predictable. I still hope it would end differently but enjoyed what I did read. I especially enjoyed the nod to Dracula wiht a character named Mina.
CAWPILE Total: 51/7 = 7.2 = 4 stars
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February 17, 2024Read for SfiNCS - rating withheld until later in the competition.
Kade Blackcap, the main character in this fantasy/horror novella, is a jaded detective living in a dystopian, gaslamp version of London. He has grown weary of watching the perpetrators of murders he solves hanging from the gallows, and has developed a drinking problem to help him cope. He is unable to retire due to the high taxes he needs to pay, living in his late father’s house in New London. He decides that the way forward for him is to only take on supernatural cases where he will be sentencing monsters to their deaths when he solves a case, but unfortunately such cases are hard to find, and his first case only arrives just at the point when he is about to give up hope.
For this case he has to venture outside the seeming safety of the city into the wilds where during bad weather, rainwights attack and kill anyone not under cover from them. They are not the only monsters in this world and Kade does his research at the library in order to figure out what has caused the oddly shaped bruises on the wrists of his client’s dead husband.
Kade is a pitiable, yet likable character. I found him easy to connect with and enjoyed his determination to make a go of his career in order to keep his family home, despite his lack of an appetite for it anymore. The other characters were supporting castmembers and did not have a lot of page time, but when the monster was revealed it was a creepy and well-written surprise for me.
The eerie, spooky atmospheric style of writing brought the story to life with plenty of tension building as Kade hunted the nighttime streets for his monster. The worldbuilding also helped to build tension and I was waiting for a rainwight to attack the entire time Kade spent outside the city investigating his client’s case.
I was taken by surprise by the twist at the end of this tale, which is always a pleasant experience. Blackcap is a thoroughly enjoyable novella which takes just a couple of hours to read.
Kade Blackcap, the main character in this fantasy/horror novella, is a jaded detective living in a dystopian, gaslamp version of London. He has grown weary of watching the perpetrators of murders he solves hanging from the gallows, and has developed a drinking problem to help him cope. He is unable to retire due to the high taxes he needs to pay, living in his late father’s house in New London. He decides that the way forward for him is to only take on supernatural cases where he will be sentencing monsters to their deaths when he solves a case, but unfortunately such cases are hard to find, and his first case only arrives just at the point when he is about to give up hope.
For this case he has to venture outside the seeming safety of the city into the wilds where during bad weather, rainwights attack and kill anyone not under cover from them. They are not the only monsters in this world and Kade does his research at the library in order to figure out what has caused the oddly shaped bruises on the wrists of his client’s dead husband.
Kade is a pitiable, yet likable character. I found him easy to connect with and enjoyed his determination to make a go of his career in order to keep his family home, despite his lack of an appetite for it anymore. The other characters were supporting castmembers and did not have a lot of page time, but when the monster was revealed it was a creepy and well-written surprise for me.
The eerie, spooky atmospheric style of writing brought the story to life with plenty of tension building as Kade hunted the nighttime streets for his monster. The worldbuilding also helped to build tension and I was waiting for a rainwight to attack the entire time Kade spent outside the city investigating his client’s case.
I was taken by surprise by the twist at the end of this tale, which is always a pleasant experience. Blackcap is a thoroughly enjoyable novella which takes just a couple of hours to read.
January 23, 2024
Kade Blackcap is a broken man on the edge of ruin. He’s a sleuth, half-heartedly trying to solve one last case before he’s forced to sell his house and leave town.
With a little distance, a few days after finishing Blackcap, there are things I could remark upon or complain about. Imperfections. Things I’d have wanted to see done differently. Only, when I think back on the experience of reading the story, my complaints all seem small and petty. The kind of complaints an amateur makes of a masterpiece in order to try and appear clever.
Blackcap is all about the experience. It’s heavy with atmosphere, and the setting feels real enough to reach out and touch. The world of New London is tangible, and even though I’ve got no idea of the backstory, there’s just enough information that I’m able to accept what I’m shown.
It’s dark, gritty, and dirty. Times are tough, life is hard, and the man is out to get you.
Noir is a word that comes to mind. Gaslamp is another. Gothic. There are things in the darkness that will kill you and eat you, and if you’re caught out in the rain, you’ll die.
The writing is spot on, and the plot is tight. There’s a mystery that needs solving, but that’s mostly an excuse to spend time with Kade as he tries to make up his mind about whether to sort his life out or not. In fact, the actual mystery-solving part is one of those things I could complain about, but at the same time, it hardly matters. It’s still a great story, and I’m happy to recommend it to anyone interested in a short noir gaslamp fantasy mystery.
I received a free copy of this book to read for the SFINCs Novella Competition. This review contains my own thoughts and opinions, and it might not reflect my team’s final score.
With a little distance, a few days after finishing Blackcap, there are things I could remark upon or complain about. Imperfections. Things I’d have wanted to see done differently. Only, when I think back on the experience of reading the story, my complaints all seem small and petty. The kind of complaints an amateur makes of a masterpiece in order to try and appear clever.
Blackcap is all about the experience. It’s heavy with atmosphere, and the setting feels real enough to reach out and touch. The world of New London is tangible, and even though I’ve got no idea of the backstory, there’s just enough information that I’m able to accept what I’m shown.
It’s dark, gritty, and dirty. Times are tough, life is hard, and the man is out to get you.
Noir is a word that comes to mind. Gaslamp is another. Gothic. There are things in the darkness that will kill you and eat you, and if you’re caught out in the rain, you’ll die.
The writing is spot on, and the plot is tight. There’s a mystery that needs solving, but that’s mostly an excuse to spend time with Kade as he tries to make up his mind about whether to sort his life out or not. In fact, the actual mystery-solving part is one of those things I could complain about, but at the same time, it hardly matters. It’s still a great story, and I’m happy to recommend it to anyone interested in a short noir gaslamp fantasy mystery.
I received a free copy of this book to read for the SFINCs Novella Competition. This review contains my own thoughts and opinions, and it might not reflect my team’s final score.
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March 10, 2024This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Blackcap
Star rating withheld until after March 31st when round three of SFINCS comes to a close.
Kade is a complex and troubled character. While he is talented with sleuthing, he is also embodied by guilt when his job causes death. Kade chooses to leave the life of sleuthing after people behind and drowns his guilt with alcohol. But drinking will not save his father’s legacy, and it is all Kade has left.
Redefining his talents, Kade decides to hunt monsters instead of people. But it is easy to label something as a monster when reading folklore and myth. While some monsters are well known to the populace such as rainwights, Kade must research and find answers in relation to his case for others. When Kade comes face to face with his first tooth drinker, he will realize the decision to call someone a monster isn’t as clean cut as he imagined.
Blackcap is a great read for those looking for characters who struggle with their inner thoughts and emotions. Watching Kade evolve as a character is extremely satisfying. Throughout the course of the novella, he will rise and fall, engaging readers with his decisions and path forward.
Star rating withheld until after March 31st when round three of SFINCS comes to a close.
Kade is a complex and troubled character. While he is talented with sleuthing, he is also embodied by guilt when his job causes death. Kade chooses to leave the life of sleuthing after people behind and drowns his guilt with alcohol. But drinking will not save his father’s legacy, and it is all Kade has left.
Redefining his talents, Kade decides to hunt monsters instead of people. But it is easy to label something as a monster when reading folklore and myth. While some monsters are well known to the populace such as rainwights, Kade must research and find answers in relation to his case for others. When Kade comes face to face with his first tooth drinker, he will realize the decision to call someone a monster isn’t as clean cut as he imagined.
Blackcap is a great read for those looking for characters who struggle with their inner thoughts and emotions. Watching Kade evolve as a character is extremely satisfying. Throughout the course of the novella, he will rise and fall, engaging readers with his decisions and path forward.
February 28, 2024
3 1/2 stars rounded up.
Nice little side story to the awesome Rainfallen series. I would recommend reading this after at least the first book so you familiarize yourself with the world because it's so unique and original. I like Blackhat as a character, but I can't say I like him as much as the characters from the main series. This is a fun but dark story full of mystery, monster hunting, and murder. It felt like an old Sherlock Holmes story, just with mythical creatures and killer rain. It satisfied my fix while I eagerly await book 3!
Nice little side story to the awesome Rainfallen series. I would recommend reading this after at least the first book so you familiarize yourself with the world because it's so unique and original. I like Blackhat as a character, but I can't say I like him as much as the characters from the main series. This is a fun but dark story full of mystery, monster hunting, and murder. It felt like an old Sherlock Holmes story, just with mythical creatures and killer rain. It satisfied my fix while I eagerly await book 3!
May 16, 2024
The sorta thing you can easily read in one sitting. Kade Blackcap is a great character, if not a little cliche. But I think he’s presented uniquely enough - and the voice is super strong as well - that you can’t help sympathise him. I do love his struggle of not wanting to hurt anyone else, though. That’s a lot of fun.
And the world building!! I want more. I’m very interested in this series now.
And the world building!! I want more. I’m very interested in this series now.
April 17, 2023
4.5
Interesting detective story in old-time-ish London with not-your-run-of-the-mill monsters... just could not put it down.
I am not usually drawn toward detective stories, but this one managed to captivate me with its 100 pages. It has quite sad and somewhat pathetic main detective, how for some reason captured my heart. Can't wait to delve into the world again.
Interesting detective story in old-time-ish London with not-your-run-of-the-mill monsters... just could not put it down.
I am not usually drawn toward detective stories, but this one managed to captivate me with its 100 pages. It has quite sad and somewhat pathetic main detective, how for some reason captured my heart. Can't wait to delve into the world again.
October 4, 2023
A delightful little story, compacting all of Aeveryn's tropes and narrative talents into a single novella. The detective elements and monster hunting were nicely intertwined, as well as the oft-unspoken trauma of being responsible for criminal deaths. I had an excellent time, and continue to love the Rainfallen world very much!
April 9, 2023
3-3.5 stars
Entertaining post-apocalyptic urban fantasy.
Entertaining post-apocalyptic urban fantasy.
December 29, 2024
Great novelette with plenty of action and suspense throughout. Well written with great character development in a mysterious setting. Look forward to reading the first book in this series.
August 13, 2025
Rating - 3.5 Stars!
Didn't enjoy the way it went in the end.
Enjoyed the atmosphere and dread surrounding rain in this world.
Didn't enjoy the way it went in the end.
Enjoyed the atmosphere and dread surrounding rain in this world.
January 9, 2024
I cannot help but be impressed by the sheer versatility of Benjamin Aeveryn's writing. This is the third story I have read from him set in his Rainfallen world and each of them has dealt with different themes and genre notes. Blackcap has the trappings of a Noir thriller, wrapped in Aevryn's impressive neo-Arthurian world.
We follow a PI type character, but one who finds himself emotionally unable to accept the brutal punishments for crimes in his world. He does not want to be generating conflict by investigating adultery and other things PIs typically do, so moves into paranormal investigation. As this world is one where monsters are very much real this is definitely a niche he can work in. But how monstrous are the monsters compared to humans?
A very different story from the rest of Rainfallen with a strong heart too it.
We follow a PI type character, but one who finds himself emotionally unable to accept the brutal punishments for crimes in his world. He does not want to be generating conflict by investigating adultery and other things PIs typically do, so moves into paranormal investigation. As this world is one where monsters are very much real this is definitely a niche he can work in. But how monstrous are the monsters compared to humans?
A very different story from the rest of Rainfallen with a strong heart too it.
November 9, 2024
Kade can’t face the trauma of sending another man to his death, even though he did the crime and therefore must take the punishment. But options in New London are few and far between. He can’t just make a living off finding lost pets. But in a world where creatures stalk in the rain, there must be other creatures stalking the dark. Kade decides that with the dreaded taxman breathing down his neck it’s time to put his well-honed detective skills to the test. But will anyone in the sceptic town of New London believe enough to seek him out?
I’m glad that I read this after at least reading Salt in the Wound as you are already aware of the grittier elements of the danger that the rainwights possess and the true extent of the danger of being caught out in the rain. The fact that our detective is written in a way to as not be a whiter than white hero but a true character with trauma, unhealthy coping mechanisms and worries about money makes him very relatable and real. This novella is more mystery than fantasy, but it works so well that the only criticism I have is that it wasn’t longer. I do like that Blackcap pops up in Secret of the Thistle, even though I read that one before this, it makes it feel that the world is more entwined together than separate. I can’t wait for more stories involving the Blackcap Detective Agency coming in the future.
I’m glad that I read this after at least reading Salt in the Wound as you are already aware of the grittier elements of the danger that the rainwights possess and the true extent of the danger of being caught out in the rain. The fact that our detective is written in a way to as not be a whiter than white hero but a true character with trauma, unhealthy coping mechanisms and worries about money makes him very relatable and real. This novella is more mystery than fantasy, but it works so well that the only criticism I have is that it wasn’t longer. I do like that Blackcap pops up in Secret of the Thistle, even though I read that one before this, it makes it feel that the world is more entwined together than separate. I can’t wait for more stories involving the Blackcap Detective Agency coming in the future.
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