That Which Should Not Be

That Which Should Not Be #1

by Brett J. Talley

Miskatonic University has a long-whispered reputation of being strongly connected to all things occult and supernatural. From the faculty to the students, the fascination with other-worldly legends and objects runs rampant. So, when Carter Weston’s professor Dr. Thayerson asks him to search a nearby village for a book that is believed to control the inhuman forces that rule the Earth, Incendium Maleficarum, The Inferno of the Witch, the student doesn’t hesitate to begin the quest.Weston’s journey takes an unexpected turn, however, when he ventures into a tavern in the small town of Anchorhead. Rather than passing the evening as a solitary patron, Weston joins four men who regale him with stories of their personal experiences with forces both preternatural and damned. Two stories hit close to home as they tie the tellers directly to Weston’s current mission.His unanticipated role as passive listener proves fortuitous, and Weston fulfills his goal. Bringing the book back to Miskatonic, though, proves to be a grave mistake. Quickly, Weston realizes he has played a role in potentially opening the gate between the netherworld and the world of Man. Reversing the course of events means forgetting all he thought he knew about Miskatonic and his professor and embracing an unknown beyond his wildest imagination.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Lovecraftian, Fiction, Paranormal, Weird Fiction, Cthulhu Mythos

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Visit me at www.brettjtalley.com!

Brett J. Talley is the author of several best-selling novels and anthologies, including That Which Should Not Be, He Who Walks in Shadows, and The Fiddle is the Devil’s Instrument. He has been twice nominated for the Bram Stoker Award, the highest honor in horror fiction. He lives in Alabama with his wife, Annie, and their dog, Nyarlathotep, the barking chaos (Nyla for short).

Reviews

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you happen to be a Lovecraft fan or a fan of stories told in Pubs, then this book is perfect for you.

The arching story line is the quest for an ancient book by Carter Weston a student at Miskatonic University - Not the Necronomicon written by Abdul Alhazred - which is discovered (by the way) in one of the four tales in this book, but a more ancient book regarding the secrets of Witchcraft "Incendium Maleficarum" (The Inferno of the Witch). The quest takes us through four tales of Gothic horror/adventure as told to Carter Weston by Jack, Daniel, William and Captain Jonathan Gray, each has a tale to tell that’s related to the occult.

The threat of Cthulhu returning to earth looms large in these tales both ancient and current.

Carter Weston realizes that he has played a role in potentially opening the gate between the netherworld and the world of Man.

Though cleverly told the stories have a faint ring of "I've read this before" feeling to them, especially if the "Cthulhu Mythos" has been visited by the reader.

Brett J. Talley has written his praise to Lovecraft and he has certainly done the genre proud.

[Marvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review has been approved by Cthulhu Kitty...



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Sometimes you just gotta bow to the masters.

In That Which Should Not Be, Brett J Talley's tribute to Lovecraftian horror, he does just that. But he also manages to freshen up the Cthulhu Mythos, rustles some new scares into an old reliable war horse, and gives us what may be the best horror novel of 2011.

Talley's debut novel is a delight of atmospheric horror while not flinching from more violence scenes when it needs to. A Miskatonic University student to sent to retrieve an ancient book that, when combined with the Necronomicon...well...you Lovecraft enthusiasts can see where this is headed but the author leads us there with a flair I have not seen in a new writer for quite some time. He's done his research for there are lots of sly references to Lovecraftian lore and even a few nods to Lovecraft's contemporaries like Algernon Blackwood. But even if you are not familiar with Lovecraft, this novel will give you some original scares and sleepless nights. I especially recommend this book to those who think the horror genre starts and end with vampires and zombies.

P.S. No kitties were harmed in this review or the novel.

[mark monday · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brett J. Talley offers a buffet of Lovecraft-inspired tales in a novel full of stories that are contained in one overarching narrative. the structure often reminded me of old omnibus films from Amicus Productions like Torture Garden and of course that great classic Dead of Night from Ealing Studios. I appreciated the reminder.

the main tale concerns a student of Miskatonic University sent to find an ancient tome in a remote village. the story itself is quite involving and leads to a fun climax set in R'lyeh (a place we should all visit at some point for its architectural attractions alone). but that is really only a part of the novel: while at the village, the student is almost immediately regaled with three supernatural adventures; soon after, he is told another story, and even later he reads an ill-fated ship captain's journal.

for me, familiarity does not breed contempt, so I have no issue with familiar scenarios. I had different feelings about each of the stories. the retread of Algernon Blackwoods' awesome The Wendigo felt unnecessary and did nothing to improve the original; still, even though I thought it was the weakest, it was definitely enjoyable. my favorites were the story set in an insane asylum and especially the captain's journal - the former was quite intriguing and atmospheric, the latter used a nicely unsettling narrator (and I felt it could have gone on even longer than it did, which is always a good sign for me). one of the things I particularly liked was the slight interconnectedness of those stories - I could have used more of that. overall the novel felt like a love letter to the classic writers of Weird Fiction and also a somewhat cocky introduction to the author's skill at writing in that classic vein. I have no problem with cockiness and appreciate it when an author is confident of his abilities.

this was the second novel in a row I've read that linked the Cthulhu mythos to Christian mythology. wait, should I have said "mythology" when talking about Christianity? please, trolls, stay away. anyway, I think that link is really fascinating and I'm surprised it never occurred to me before. I particularly enjoyed the connection to Gog and Magog. those two are always trouble.

oh, and yay Brett J. Talley! here is a comment from him regarding the current Goodreads censorship debacle. or "censorship". I dunno, call it what you will. but it's censorship.

“I don't understand exactly what's going on, but Goodreads shouldn't be deleting reviews, period. People are smart enough to look at them on their own and make up their mind, and deleting reviews undermines the integrity of the site.”

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reviewing a few indie books lately. So far, they've all gotten four to five stars from me. Am I being easy on these writers, sympathizing with their independent ventures? Hell no. Of all the indie books I've read thus far, none have let me down. I'm sure that there is crap out there, crap meaning unedited writing that should is not, and perhaps never was ready for publishing, of which was the fear for small and/or self-published press before eBooks exploded onto the scene.

The latest one I've read is That Which Should Not Be, by Brett J. Talley. Let me tell you, this book is a brilliant mix of not just the Cthulhu Mythos, but many other myths and legends, religions and cults. While reading, I thought of Talley's book as an onion. You keep peeling back layers and layers of detailed, rich stories that's both fascinating and frightening. Yet the onion is one whole story. Talley obviously has a strong grasp upon the things he writes about, with the Cthulhu Mythos taking center stage, and it was a lot of fun to pick out all the Lovecraftian references, such as a boat named "Kadath".

We start the story with Carter (another reference), who is studying at Miskatonic University, of course. One of his professors has an important job for him. He must travel to an old port town called Anchorhead to retrieve a book called The Witch's Fire. This book, like the Necronomicon, is a dangerous tome, to be handled only by the most experienced of sorcerer. This leads Carter into an adventure where he is told tales of wonder and violent death at the hands of the Wengido, a cult, and an alternate universe on the sea. Each story brings us closer to the main story, and when it all comes together, it's like an explosion of tentacles and black, leathery wings.

If you enjoy the old classics by authors like Lovecraft and Blackwood, you will have no problem sinking into this one. It is, in the end, a terribly fun ride.

[Jon Recluse · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the finest additions to the Mythos I've read in years, paying homage not only to Lovecraft himself, but to others who have added to the canon. Told as a series of tales, this novel shines not only a light on the classics, but a ray of hope for the future of cosmic horror in literature. Mr. Talley has earned his place in the Lovecraft Circle, for he has done the Master proud.

Highest recommendation.

[Maciek · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brett J. Talley's That Which Should Not Be is a novel in stories which pays tribute to the classic works of horror fiction, particularly H.P. Lovecraft and his Cthulhu mythos.

Cartwer Weston is a student at the Miskatonic University in Arkham, Massachusets, a place where both the faculty and students have an interest in all things occult and supernatural. So it is no surprise when one day Weston is approached by Dr. Atley Thayerson, his supervisor, who tells him that an incredibly rare book has been rumored to be located in a nearby town. Thayerson claims that the tome in question is The Inferno of the Witch, a book just as powerful as the legendary Necronomicon, and asks Weston to venture to the nearby port town of Anchorhead, find it, and bring it back to the university for safekeeping.

Weston does not need much convincing and sets off to Anchorhead at once. He arrives in the town in the middle of a fierce storm, and after securing a room ventures into the local tavern for supper. There he meets several of the locals, who recognize him as an outsider and begin to tell him their stories - which all consist of their personal experiences with the occult and supernatural.

This is a double edged sword. On one hand, we have several different narrative threads which can potentially save the book from dullness and descending into boredom and can serve as an excellent showcase for the author's imagination; on the other hand, we're largely missing character development of the protagonist - who spends most of the book sitting in a tavern and listening to others, who also have a (very) limited amount of space and time to present themselves and tell their stories.

The problem that I have with most of contemporary horror fiction is not only the lack of original ideas and concepts (which is understandably hard to overcome), but also the lack of atmosphere - the feeling of dread, the uncanny, and pure fear. The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown, wrote Lovecraft in his Supernatural Horror in Literature, all the way back in the 1920's, when most of his works were just starting to be published for the first time. Much water has flown in the rivers since that time. Perhaps horror fiction has reached the point of such saturation where the unknown is simply not possible anymore, leaving us with stories retold and rewritten in different forms?

This is the case here. The stories contained within That Which Should Not Be offer little new spin on the well-known horror tropes. While it's obvious that it's a homage to Lovecraft, who's the creator of Miskatonic, Arkham and the Necronomicon - the basic plot of At the Mountains of Madness is told to Weston by a passing acquaintance - other familiar horror elements are introduced, which don't really mingle. The first story is essentially a retelling of Algernon Blackwood's The Wendigo - an author included by Lovecraft as one of the "Modern Masters" in his Supernatural Horror. It doesn't improve on the original or offer any real variation, and I felt that the trope of a group of men pursued by a dangerous creature deep in the woods was done much better by George R.R. Martin in his prologue for A Game of Thrones, which was much more atmospheric, tense and simply interesting.

Other elements from horror fiction which do not have much in common with Lovecraft get thrown in rather randomly. Elements of Dracula appear - there is a Dr. Harker in one of the stories, while another features a long trek in a carriage in some forgotten eastern European wilderness which is very reminiscent of Stoker's work - but without a vampire in sight. There is a character named Batory, after countess Elizabeth Bathory, the well-known sinister killer and a part of Hungarian folklore; the Scholomance makes an appearance - also known to most readers from Dracula. All this looks more like eye winking to the reader and daring him to spot the cliches, and not a serious attempt at expanding Lovecraft's mythos.

The most controversial addition is the attempt of introducing the Christian religion into Lovecraft's cosmos. Lovecraft was an atheist, and his philosophical stance was the one of cosmic indifferentism - where humans are particularly insignificant in the grand scheme of a meaningless and uncaring universe, which they could not understand - and attempts at doing so would ultimately lead to insanity. This is not the case with this work: Weston ultimately uses a religious symbol - the Cross - and with the power of Christianity kicks back Cthulhu himself into the depths of R'lyeh. This would never happen in a Lovecraft story - who saw humans as being powerless against the Old Ones, and even suggested that they created us as a slave race - but also is a lazy plot device, introduced to solve the situation which would otherwise lead to certain doom (which likely would happen if Lovecraft wrote it) - a textbook example of a deus ex machina.

The book is not completely worthless and the attempts at setting up the atmosphere in its early chapters are admirable, even if trying to emulate Lovecraft's prose (who was known for his penchant of extreme overwriting in order to recreate the language of the time before his birth) can sometimes read like an unintentional parody of the writer - who, to give credit to the author, did read like a parody himself at times. Still, the attempts at setting the eerie atmosphere are not enough to overcome the open borrowing of earlier tropes, which on their own are not developed enough to offer any significant variation on a theme and do not compliment the Cthulhu mythos at all, and readers would be better advised to searching for original works by the old masters - they will be a much better investment of their time.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew! What a ride! Early on it was a bit bumpy, with an overabundance of clichés and, what I originally thought to be a slight or creaky structural start . The main character, Carter Weston, a student at Miskatonic University, is tasked by his professor, Dr. Thayerson, with recovering an evil book, Incendium Maleficarum(“The Inferno of the Witch”). Weston arrives at the sea side town where the book is hidden, during a bad storm, and walks smack dab into a bunch of old guys, who almost seem to have been waiting for him, with stories to tell. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ve seen this set up before, particularly in movies. At this point Talley is really piling it on, both with clichéd language and familiar horror tropes. But I’m still hanging in there, because I love EVIL BOOK stories, and this one, intriguingly, has TWO (the other being the standard Lovecraftian Necromonicon).

What happens next is the old guys start telling their terrible tales. At this point Talley’s story telling takes over, and he’s pretty good at it. He’s also clever, because he connects stories and myths, not normally associated with Cthulhu, in a way that is utterly believable (and darkly fun). For example, the first story is about a bunch of hunters encountering a Wendigo, which happens to be the title of a really great story by Algernon Blackwood. This story is not in that category, but it’s gory fun, with a substantial amount of wilderness dread. Actually, it may even be the weakest story, but Talley is creating threads that will eventually bear fruit by the end of the book. The following stories, one in a Carpathian “convent,” another in a New England asylum, had me recalling Hammer films of old. They also had me recalling the great pulp writers, Howard, Burroughs, Lovecraft (of course), and Poe (in particular, his Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym). All of these allusions, familiar character types, exotic settings, etc., add up, leaving you with the sense, in part at least, that the novel is paying homage to Pulp Horror. But unlike Paul Malmont’s wonderful Chinese Death Cloud Peril, Talley’s effort absorbs the past and makes it his own. Easier said than done, but he pulls it off. Talley’s not just tipping his hat to the past, but taking the stuff he digs, and reinventing it. At one point, late in the book, the evil guy, wrapped in his evil cloak, along with his crew of zombies, invades Charleston Harbor. That’s some crazy and inspired stuff. It had me thinking if there was a lost chapter to Arthur Gordon Pym, this scene would be it. I can’t think of any higher praise.

[ᴥ Irena ᴥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

That Which Should Not Be uses a frame narrative variation to tell a story of Carter Weston, a young student, who was asked by his professor to find a dangerous book and bring it to Miskatonic.
That is the main story.

After Weston arrives in Anchorhead where the book is supposed to be, he finds shelter from a terrible storm in an inn where he is invited to join four men: Jack, Daniel, William and Captain Grey.

'What one can say for sure is each man lost his innocence, his youth, in those days that passed so long ago. One can never truly know when he steps outside his door whether today will be a day that passes without consequence, or if it will be one that changes everything.'

Each has a story to tell and Carter agrees to listen. Most horror readers have already read at least one variation of those stories at one time or another, but I loved the way they are told and how each story adds to Carter's.

There is a story of a wendigo, then there is one that takes place in an isolated asylum, the next is in a Carpathian mountains convent and then you have the one of a wandering ghost ship.

The author uses a lot of names found in Lovecraft's stories (Erich Zahnn, Gray's ship the Kadath, Henry Armitage from The Dunwich Horror is one of the characters here), but from other books too (Dr Seward).

I could be a bit biased, but even with biblical themes (I admit it was a bit distracting to read about God, crosses and stuff) in a lovecraftian story, it was done really well. It is written to make sense in this case.

[Laurie (barksbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Sale for .99 as of today 10/28/14 until November 4, 2014!

Disclaimer: This is a Lovecraftian influenced novel and I have never read H.P. Lovecraft. I have only seen some of the film adaptations made in the 80’s because my boyfriend was silly enough to let me choose the movies we rented back then. Yes, back then when one had to travel to an actual video store to rent a movie. From Beyond, Re-Animator, The Unnamable? How I loved them so but I’m guessing these flicks probably took some liberties with Lovecraft’s work.

This book may take liberties with Lovecraft’s intentions too or it may not. Diehards will know the truth, but me? Hell if I know. What I do know is that, like many a themed short story collection, this one has a few that I enjoyed a little more than the others but there weren’t any duds and the style remains consistent throughout.

It’s written in what I’m assuming is Lovecraftian style (as if I would know). It’s heavy on the descriptive and atmospheric prose, the characters are typically intelligent fellows or hard-laboring types and the cast is almost entirely made up of these men with an occasional woman (usually with bad intentions) making an appearance. It’s all about the men encountering strange, unearthly madness inducing monsters. All of the stories are tied together by a legendary evil and a book that can bring forth the end of times for humankind. Creepy stuff, oh yes, you will find it here.

The basic story wrap-around story that binds them all together, is one of a young, eager scholar who sets out to retrieve a legendary book after he’s asked to do so by a professor he admires. A storm arrives and he’s stranded in a pub with a bunch of men who all have tall tales to tell. Strangely convenient coincidence or Cthulu’s influence? Again, hell if I know.

The men share their tales which are basically retellings of some of these classic horror gems.

*Wendigo
*Insane Asylum
*Creepy Convent
*Ghost Ship

They’re all quietly creeptastic and it’s easy to see where a few of them are going if you read too much horror as a kid. I’d have to say the Wendigo might be my favorite but I also loved the slow build of the asylum tale where the inmates far outnumber the staff and a young newbie is told, most ominously, "They are in charge. We just do what we can." Yikes, you just know some bad shit is going to go down but it doesn’t happen in a predictable way.

All of the stories are enjoyable if you’re in the mood for atmosphere and a slower pace and the wrap around story ties it all together so it never feels like a bunch of shorter stories tossed in for whatever reason. They all interlock together nice and neatly and are genuinely unnerving.

[Amy Eye · Rating 5 out of 5]

The things that go bump in the night, the zombie apocalypse, the amount of money it takes to fill up your gas tank are horrors that may seem truly frightening - until you read what is in store for humanity inside the covers of this book.

Carter, a student at a university known for its dabblings in the occult, the otherwordly, and the possibly demonic, is asked by his professor to undertake a particularly daunting task. A book known as Incendium Maleficarum has been rumored to be nearby, and Carter must go searching for the book. Fate and the book have things worked out just a tad bit differently.

When Carter comes into a lonely little town, a blizzard to take on all other blizzards arrived before him, and he must struggle to find a place to get some hot food and shelter while the storm runs its course. The book starts its move. Carter runs into a motley crew in the pub he is using for a bite to eat and shelter from the bitter winds. These four people have stories to tell that will chill your bones.

The final story comes when the 'leader' of the group invites Carter to stay the night with him in his ocean front mansion. Book - checkmate. The horrors in store for the world are just now being placed to take control of all. And we have never imagined the dreadful things the deepest, darkest places of the world have been hiding.

This is a masterfully written piece of work. There are smaller stories that you get to be a part of while wandering down the adventure with Carter. At first, you may not see the point of these musings, but once you get to the end, everything that you have learned, all of the stories that have been shared, all tie together into one giant puzzle you never realized your were putting together until the last piece falls. Then you sit transfixed thinking, how in the world did I not see that coming, all the while rubbing the goosebumps from your skin from the horrors that you just lay witness to.

This isn't a graphic story, there are a few instances in there where you may have some spilled entrails, but the most horrifying part is the book itself. What it can do, what it can bring forth, what could be lying in wait. If you have an imagination like mine, this book will leave you thinking long into the night, and several days later you will still be thinking of the tales, how each part wove it's way in relation to the others. Brett's debut book is nothing short of superb.

[Anne Petty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caveat - I was sent an advance review copy of this book by the publisher with an invitation to review if I felt it was worthy. I enjoyed the book greatly and admired the skill with which it was written, so I chose to review. This is NOT a paid review.

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For those who like their horror Old School, That Which Should Not Be is a delicious treat. Channeling a potent witches’ brew of H. P. Lovecraft, August Derleth, Algernon Blackwood, and Bram Stoker, Brett J. Talley pulls out all the classic horror tropes to craft a dark foreboding pall of a story that is all his own.

The narrative structure – tales within a tale, framed by the larger narrative told through a “found” manuscript – draws not only from the Lovecraftian heritage, but from Stoker’s Dracula as well. In fact, the book is full of nods to icons of gothic fiction. The setting begins in Lovecraft’s mythical Arkham, Massachusetts, and moves northward up the rocky coast, where our hero meets a quartet of informants in a windswept tavern aptly called The Kraken. Here the novel takes a Boccaccian turn, wherein a group of people trapped in a confined space swap tall tales to pass the time. The main narrator, university student Carter Weston, listens entranced to loosely connected stories from a woodsman, a lawyer, a doctor, and a ship’s captain whose tale comes after the guests have departed the snowbound tavern.

The four tales that make up the core of the book could stand well enough on their own as compelling novellas, but Talley skillfully weaves them into a larger tapestry based on Lovecraft’s premise of the return of the Old Gods. Drawing from the deep well of world folklore and legend, we have a Wendigo legend in the trapper’s tale; the lawyer’s East European story of hidden rituals in a ruined mountain abbey that does not require the presence of vampires; the doctor’s tale set in a Massachusetts hospital for the insane reminiscent of the asylum scenes from Dracula (complete with its own Renfield character as well as a doctor named Harker and a professor named Seward); and, finally, the captain’s tale of a cursed sea voyage.

Talley has the period diction nailed, with very few slippages. Not an easy feat when you have five different narrators to voice. The narrative style takes a page or two of getting used to, but once you’ve settled into the time period, Talley’s stories unfold with a decadent, mist-shrouded 19th century atmosphere worthy of Poe himself. The “found” manuscript or diary style of narration of necessity creates some distance from the reader, but Talley still manages to bring his various narrators vividly to life so that we care what happens to them and feel fully invested in their storylines.

Talley is at his best in setting mood and atmosphere, and his writing style truly shines in the passages describing weather and landscape, whether it’s the mythic Miskatonic woodlands of Massachusetts, a snowy coastal nor’easter, a careening carriage ride through the Carpathians, or moonlit vistas in old Arkham. Especially captivating, and constituting the best written passages in the novel, are the seafaring episodes. These are so well rendered one could easily believe the author’s salty dog credentials come from dire personal experience. It’s no surprise that the final story, Captain Gray’s tale paying homage to the Flying Dutchman legend and Coleridge’s “The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner,” and even Poe’s “Lenore,” is the best of the four and constitutes the book’s gripping climax. Captain Gray’s narrative brings the main storyline back into the present and merges Weston’s immediate quest with the larger premise of the novel: the attempt by misguided humans to reawaken the Old Ones as described in Lovecraft’s Cthulu mythos.

There is much of Blackwood’s style in Talley’s writing. Blackwood was described by his peers as a mystic, naturalist, conservationist, outdoorsman, and genuine intellectual interested perhaps more in the terrors of the mind and the powers of the unseen than the physical acts of horror themselves.

This is not to say that That Which Should Not Be doesn’t have its graphic, pure horror moments – an early image of the Wendigo devouring its prey qualifies nicely, as does the bloody Sisters’ sacrifice in a cursed abbey. But much of the book’s satisfying gothic terror stems from the mind’s contemplation of nighttime frights and what lurks, gibbering, beyond ordinary perception. In old-style gothic novel writing, what the reader congers in his or her imagination, with skillful prompting from the author, produces a much stronger, lingering sense of terror than detailed graphic descriptions, shocking as they may be at the moment of reading. As we all know, the mind is a dark and dangerous place.

That’s why reading Talley’s book just before bedtime is not a good idea. But then, once you’ve started, it’s impossible to stop.

[Kaisersoze · Rating 4 out of 5]

In years to come when I look back on the authors that shaped my recent conversion to the sub-genre of cosmic horror as created by Lovecraft, two names will top that list. The first is Tim Curran. The second is, now, Brett J. Talley.

At first glance That Which Should Not Be seems unwieldy. The book takes the form of a manuscript delivered to those responsible for the estate of the recently disappeared and presumed dead narrator, Dr Carter Weston. In it, Dr Weston details his journey to becoming a true believer in evil that lives just beyond the edge of our senses, one that is greater by far than human kind, and is waiting for its chance to slip back into our world and reclaim it whole. The way this journey is conveyed is through the transcription of tales told to Dr Weston by four others who have survived brushes with various forms of said evil, apparently word-for-word based on what he heard. At times this makes for a flashback within an oral story then transcribed by the listener, who is himself attempting to write his own story around the aforementioned tales. Like I said, unwieldy.

But if you can accept the format within which Talley sets his story, there is quality to be found here. Each of the verbal tales adds something telling to Weston's own journey, and at the end come together in an enjoyable way. In effect, this reads a little like the literary equivalent of an anthology movie: Four short stories told within the context of a wraparound tale. In this case, though, the wraparound is the meat of the novel, rather than the filling to loosely connect the rest together.

Talley is clearly a talented writer, sweeping the reader up in his end of the 19th century tales, and adding a growing sense of menace to proceedings. For me, the stand out was the story set in the insane asylum, but that's likely personal preference, as each tale brings something worthwhile to the table. If anything, the end of the novel comes too quickly, and doesn't quite convey the same sense of impending horror as the first three tales told to Weston.

In the end, That Which Should Not Be is both a fine novel on its own, and an even better entry into the sub-genre created by Lovecraft. Fans of that writer owe it to themselves to pick up Talley's novel and treat themselves.

3.5 to 4 Many-Tentacled Gods for That Which Should Not Be.

[Bandit · Rating 5 out of 5]

After several tries to win this book through GR giveaways, I finally found a copy at the library. Well worth the effort of locating, this book is exactly what an award winning Bram Stoker nominated novel should be. It's a lovecraftian homage at its finest, 5 tales in one (although only 3 of those are really lovecraft inspired), every one as horrifying and compelling as the next. Cosmic horror by nature is one of the most effective kinds there is, because it reduces us to mere specks before the vast overwhelming terror likes of which we can scarcely comprehend, and Talley has done a phenomenal job of utilizing those themes, while maintaining a unique and infinitely less dense and thus more readable style than that of the souce of his inspiration. I've read the author before and Void was a very good book, this is a great one. Highly recommended.

[Malum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many mythos writers try to "one up" Lovecraft by making their fiction really bloody and/or gross (not that there is anything wrong with that!), but Talley has written something that is closer to Lovecraft's original style than I think any other pastiche I have yet read. The monsters aren't always jumping out at you and, often, they are hiding just at the corner of your vision. Madness, too, can claim you just as fast as a monster from beyond the stars. Tension and the unknown are the things you will find here, rather than tons of face-eating monsters (although there is a little of that, too).

This volume is also neat because it pays homage to a lot of classic horror novels and films, such as Dracula and The Thing. (the John Carpenter remake, not the one with the walking plant dude).

The only other thing I would comment on is the style. This is really a short story collection masquerading as a novel. Think of it as a mythos-inspired Canterbury Tales. Normally short story collections are hit or miss with me but, with this volume, it just adds to that traditional Lovecraftian feel.

[Frank Errington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three years ago I purchased a copy of That Which Should Not Be by Brett J. Talley and just never got around to reading it. Sometimes my TBR list just gets out of control.

When the publishers of That Which Should Not Be reached out to me about reviewing the sequel, He Who Walks In Shadow, I figured it would be a good idea to read Talley's first foray into the mythos of H.P. Lovecraft.

As much trouble as I've had reading many of the works of H.P. Lovecraft, I found myself easily engrossed in modern day tale of Lovecraftian horror. Talley covers many of the themes found in the writings of Lovecraft with Carter Weston setting out from Miskatonic University on a mission to obtain an ancient book known as the Incendium Maleficarum, a companion to the Necromonicon.

When Carter Weston travels to the port town of Anchorhead he meets four old timers each with a tale of other worldly horrors to tell.

Brilliant at times, solid story-telling, steeped in Lovecraftian mythos, even if the writer takes some liberties here and there, it all results in a hell of a tale.

There were a few times when the story became bogged down, but they were few and far between, and when the story is hitting on all cylinders it's as good as story-telling can be.

Occasionally the writing was downright poetic. "The night was still, dead. People speak of the calm before the storm, but more truly remarkable is the calm after the blizzard. No birds sang, no dogs barked. Silence has a sound, and I heard it that might."

That Which Should Not Be is available as an e-book, paperback, and hardback from JournalStone Publications.

A joy to read for every horror fan. Recommended.

A native of the South, Brett Talley received a philosophy and history degree from the University of Alabama before moving to witch-haunted Massachusetts to attend Harvard Law School. Brett loves every kind of fiction—from horror to literary to historical to sci-fi—as long as there are fantastic characters with a compelling purpose. There's still magic to be found in fiction, the mysterious and the unknown still beckon there, and the light can always triumph over the darkness, no matter how black the night may be. Brett writes when he can, though he spends most of his time working as a lawyer so that he can put food on the table. That is, until the air grows cool and crisp and fall descends. For then it is football time and Brett lives and dies with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible journey from beginning to end! The poetic writing and "old-style" horror really put this book ahead of so many others. There wasn't a dull point in the story--one which I didn't feel furthered the plot along in some way. The characters were well fleshed out, and easy to follow. Though I think of this as "lovecrafian-themed" horror, Brett Talley has a style all of his own, and a unique interpretation of this sub-genre.

Recently I reviewed a book entitled LIMBUS, INC., and his story contribution was one of my personal favorites. I will certainly be anticipating more from this author! Highest recommendation!

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carter Weston is a student at Miskatonic University (fans of HP Lovecraft will recognize this name), a university which is considered by the superstitious to be 'witch-haunted', a place where nameless rites could be heard echoing through its hallowed halls. Weston is enlisted by one of his professors to retrieve an ancient relic which is believed to be hidden in a neighbouring town. When he arrives at his destination during a blizzard, he seeks shelter at a nearby inn where he is invited to join a table of four men. Here, he is told several tales of horror and he is assured that these stories are all terribly, horribly real. Soon Weston is caught up in his own tale of unimaginable horror; he is swept into a terrifying world of immense danger and ancient gods from which he will be lucky to escape with his mind, soul, and body intact.

This novel is written in the form of a journal and its language evokes both the style and form of Lovecraft. It is well-written and, once started, it is a hard book to put down. I cannot recommend it enough to fans of horror or anyone who enjoys a good story. But be warned, make sure all your doors and windows are locked and never, never read it alone in the dark.

[Rob Twinem · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bartender threw another log on the fire, and as he did, the already burning wood cracked and spat embers into the air. They burned for a moment , lived for only an instant, before vanishing into the night. The wind blew with its greatest intensity, and the snow fell in sheets. The heart of the storm was upon us, revealing that its earlier fury had been only a preview of things to come....what sublime writing...admit it you are curious and are drawn in....

Do you remember when you were a kid and those old black and whites movies came on the telly, Bela Lugosi or Lon Chaney Jr chasing or being chased by some unseen force...do you remember the coach and horses racing through the night, with a headless horseman and the clouds and darkness all around, with mysterious companions heading for some hellish destination and devilish meeting with fate....well if you remember you will love Brett J. Talley's wonderful and evocative "That which should not be."

Carter Weston is on a journey, a journey to discover the journal "Incendium Maleficarum" The Inferno of the Witch and return to Professor Thayerson at Miskatonic University. What are the professor's true intentions and what ancient magic will the book bestow on it's owner. Only if Carter accepts the challenge and, with true diligence searches for the answers, will the nature of this evil be revealed. This book is a diamond in the annals of storytelling, and it's images and stories are Lovecraftian in nature emphasizing the cosmic horror of the unknown.
Carter's journey takes him to a public house "The Kracken" in the township of Anchorhead..."I pushed open the heavy door and stepped inside, letting it slam behind me. The room was lit by oil lamps hung haphazardly from the ceiling. The gust of wind pursuing me had rocked them to and fro, and now their pale light cast grotesque shadows that seemed to gibber and dance on the tavern walls. I looked around the room. It was built like the bow of a ship, the center portion lower than its sides. There were several denizens, regulars of this establishment I would have wagered spread here and there about the place. But it was a particular table, the only one in the center depression that was occupied, that stood out to me the most. At it sat four men, incongruous for their diversity of dress and the mien with which they held themselves"

The four men have a tale to tell and not until the stories are complete do we learn the whereabouts of The Inferno of the Witch. The reader is taken on a magic devilish journey being assaulted with tales of the Wendigo, a demonic half beast and, a giant Gothic Castle in the bowels of eastern Europe with a mysterious Abbess..."May I help you gentlemen?" she asked, in a sing-song timber I couldn't trace but felt instantly entranced by. For a moment we just stood there, mesmerized both by her voice and by the glowing light that seemed to surround her. She was as out of place as she could possibly be. Finally, as was wont, Charles took the lead. Yes Abbess, I believe you may be able to help us. We are travelers. We have come from the village at the base of this mountain on our way to Czernowitz." My own particular favourite tale is William's story and his period of internship at Danvers Asylum!...."Darkness had long fallen on Danvers Asylum, but I knew no matter my misgivings, I could not put off the inevitable. I made my way to the west wing where the male patients were held. The incurables ward was particularly chaotic, and I wondered if they somehow sensed the tension among the doctors, or if Robert's bizarre death still resonated with them. But when the door to the incurables ward closed behind me, the heavy silence of the criminally insane was upon me."

In short I loved this story with it's Lovecraftian style of writing and its depiction of horror in images and stories rather than relying on gore or elements of shock although at times these are present when the story or situation demands. I certainly look forward to discovering more amazing tales from the mind of the talented Mr Talley!

[Gregor Xane · Rating 3 out of 5]

That Which Should Not Be is a literary pastiche that pays loving tribute to the writings and mythos of H.P. Lovecraft. In the author’s attempts to mimic Lovecraft’s style, he sometimes veers unintentionally into the realm of parody (I’m thinking specifically of the writing in the overblown opening chapters). This, of course, is a danger anyone would run into when choosing this particular subject to pay homage to, as Lovecraft himself often seemed like a parody of himself in his worst moments. One thing the reader should keep in mind before picking up this book (and I think you should pick it up) is that it doesn't feel like a novel. It’s really more like a short story collection with a wraparound story that ties it all together. If you know this going in (and I did), you won’t miss the lack of a narrative through line or the absence of any true character development for the protagonist (who spends the bulk of the book sitting in a pub listening to stories). I liked some stories better than others, of course, and felt the wraparound story was successful. My favorite pub tales in the book were the sanitarium and convent stories. If you like Lovecraft and wish there were more mythos stories written in his antiquated style, then you’re the person for whom this book was written.

[Christopher Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miskatonic University has a long-whispered reputation of being strongly connected to all things occult and supernatural. From the faculty to the students, the fascination with other-worldly legends and objects runs rampant. So, when Carter Weston’s professor Dr. Thayerson asks him to search a nearby village for a book that is believed to control the inhuman forces that rule the Earth, Incendium Maleficarum, The Inferno of the Witch, the student doesn’t hesitate to begin the quest.

Weston’s journey takes an unexpected turn, however, when he ventures into a tavern in the small town of Anchorhead. Rather than passing the evening as a solitary patron, Weston joins four men who regale him with stories of their personal experiences with forces both preternatural and damned. Two stories hit close to home as they tie the tellers directly to Weston’s current mission.

His unanticipated role as passive listener proves fortuitous, and Weston fulfills his goal. Bringing the book back to Miskatonic, though, proves to be a grave mistake. Quickly, Weston realizes he has played a role in potentially opening the gate between the netherworld and the world of Man. Reversing the course of events means forgetting all he thought he knew about Miskatonic and his professor and embracing an unknown beyond his wildest imagination.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carter Weston attended Miskatonic University against the wishes of his father, who wanted him to go to Harvard. However, Weston’s fascination with the occult led him to Miskatonic, which had the reputation – albeit only whispered about – of being closely connected with all things occult and supernatural. One day, Weston’s mentor – Dr. Thayerson – sends Weston on a quest to find a very rare book; a quest that leads him to a small fishing village in the middle of a blizzard, where he meets four men with extraordinary tales – and one who has a very rare book. But bringing the book back to Miskatonic is a mistake, because now someone has the ability – with both this book and the “Necronomicon” – to open the gates to the outer spaces, raise R’yleh from the depths, and wake Cthulu.

Written in Lovecraftian style, “That Which Should not Be” is lushly evocative, like black velvet. The uncanny nature of the story builds along with the pressure of the suspense; starting off somewhat normal, but by the end you’re in a completely different world. This book is the book for horror lovers, and fans of Lovecraftian fiction and Cthulu. I am apparently not alone in that feeling, as it won 1st place in Journalstone’s 2011 Horror Fiction category. Highly recommended!

[Panagiotis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ο Τάλλευ με τούτο το βιβλίο κέρδισε μια υποψηφιότητα για το βραβείο Μπραμ Στόκερ και τον σεβασμό των αναγνωστών της λογοτεχνίας τρόμου. Δεν θα μπορούσα να αφήσω μια τέτοια ευκαιρία να πάει χαμένη, καθώς πάντα αναζητώ λίγον καλό τρόμο - ένα είδος που αγαπώ, αλλά και που είναι έρμαιο των επικρατών τάσεων, οι οποίες μπορούν να το ρίξουν στα τάρταρα της λογοτεχνικής ποιότητας και των κλισέ.

Κατ' αρχάς, καθότι ιστορία πάνω στην μυθολογία του Λάβκραφτ, έχει κάτι από fun fiction. Ωστόσο η ποιότητα είναι υψηλοτάτου επιπέδου. Η ανάγνωσή μου κυμάνθηκε από αξιοπρεπής έως, κατά στιγμές, άκρως διασκεδαστική. Όσοι τράφηκαν με τα βιβλία του Λάβκραφτ, αλλά και γενικά με κλασικότροπο τρόμο, καθώς πέρα από αβυσαλλές οντότητες, υπάρχουν κάστρα στην τρανσιλβανία, μυστικές σατανικές σέχτες, ομίχλες που ζώνουν άμαξες, κι άλλες στοιχειωτικές εικόνες, εδώ θα βρουν πολλά πράματα να απολαύσουν. Για μένα, η αναπαραγωγή μοτίβων και το κλείσιμο του ματιού, έχουν μικρή αντοχή στο χρόνο και ύστερα από τα μισά του βιβλίου μάλλον έχασα λίγο από το ενδιαφέρον μου.

Τρία αστέρια, για μια διασκεδαστική, απρόσκοπτη ανάγνωση - ένα κανονικό page turner, που υπόσχεται ένα λαμπρό μέλλον για τον Τάλλευ.

[Cassie McCown · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Which Should Not Be
By: Brett J Talley
ISBN: 9781936564149
Published October 7, 2011 by JournalStone
Available Format: Paperback, ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

That Which Should Not Be is the winner of JournalStone’s 2011 Horror Writing Contest!

As a student at the mysterious Miskatonic University, Carter Weston is accustomed to the well-known reputation of the school’s association in all things occult and supernatural. When Professor Thayerson sends Carter on a secretive search for a dark and powerful book, he doesn’t even blink an eye. Shortly after Weston reaches the seaside town of Anchorhead in pursuit of the Incendium Maleficarum, The Inferno of the Witch, he meets a small group of fascinating men in a local tavern. Deep into the night, the men share their stories with Carter—stories that are chock full of paranormalcy and evil. Two particular stories seem to deal directly with the very item Carter is in search of, proving their chance meeting anything but. Will Weston find what he is looking for, and what could this mean for the fate of the entire world?

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher for proofing and review.

Since this book is the winner of the Horror Writing Contest, it is indeed of the horror genre. I have not read horror in years…YEARS! JournalStone is corrupting me! Nevertheless, this is a fantastic novel and absolutely worth first place!

For starters, I think this is one of my favorite book covers, at least of the JournalStone published books. It really captures one of the pivotal scenes of the novel and puts a face, so to speak, on the evil that threatens the world.

Okay, so it really wasn’t that scary. Actually, a tremendous amount of the “fantasy” out there could be labeled horror but probably would be read less. The worst this did to me was give me some interesting material for some pretty creative dreams! Yes, there are a few rather gruesome parts in Jack’s trapper story, and the whole psychotic professor deal was a bit disturbing, but the overall plot was first class fiction in my opinion. (At least, I hope it is fiction!)

I love how the different stories within the narrative tied the beginning and ending together so perfectly. It was a truly creative and entertaining way to slowly add pieces to the puzzle of Miskatonic and the darkly magical books involved. There were the necessary twists, turns, and deceptions that I feel are essential to a good horror or suspense novel. You will find no objection from me that Mr. Talley is a fantastic writer!

And, Brett, if you read this, I must apologize…but, WAR EAGLE!!!

This review can also be found at www.gatheringleavesreviews.blogspot.com and www.journalstone.com.

[Lisa Reads & Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 5 star horror/fantasy filled with magical rites and bone-chilling folklore--a wonderful homage to H.P. Lovecraft. I was thoroughly immersed in each sub-tale, turning pages with tingly anticipation and foreboding. The style is classic horror, yet not too antiquated or stilted. The characters were fascinating and well written. Some scenes were chilling, others were gory.

My rating dropped to 4.5 stars that I cannot round up, because of the ending --not what happened in the end, rather the sketchy way in which the ending was written. I felt as though I were looking at a painting, masterfully executed, except for the critical center where one sees only a pencil rendering. Again, the plot is fine and wonderful, but Weston, the main character, goes flat and becomes the least interesting of everyone else in the story. The actions become storyboard, leaving description so heavy it weighs down the action and makes the ending a thud instead of the bang it could, and should be. That is why I rate it a 4, but man, I loved this story!

[Bogdan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love it! Brilliant piece of Lovecraftian horrors inspired work!

[Nora Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carter Weston believes even before he knew the name of Miskatonic University...that he was already gravitating toward it, and so much so he never understood what home was until he arrives on the witch-haunted grounds. Located in Arkham, Massachusetts, Miskatonic University’s rich history, including wild rumors of occult activity, soon fascinates Carter to the point he agrees to help Dr. Thayerson retrieve an ancient book called the Incendium Maleficarum...Inferno of the Witch. Thayerson states the Incendium Maleficarum, “means passion, total subjugation of oneself to the dark arts, to turn over body and soul to their devices. It is the most ancient of all books of witchcraft, the grimoire of grimoires.”

And so the adventure into madness begins. Carter Weston’s obsession with all things supernatural, lead him to discover not only secrets about the Incendium Maleficarum, but of another ancient book called the Necromonicon, which is an otherworldly spell book. When brought together, the two books become unbelievably dangerous in the wrong hands...hands that desire to exert untold power over the earth and beyond. In nearby Anchorhead, Carter meets Jack, William, Daniel, and Captain Jonathan Gray. These four men tell great tales saturated by evil that seem too horrible to be true, yet each man transports Carter to the past where bloodshed is found and the terrors are very real. The stories build tension—create an atmosphere of mystery and fantastic horror urging the reader to turn every page faster...and faster to discover what lies ahead for Carter Weston.

"That Which Should Not Be" by Brett Talley is an exciting, fast-paced read. It makes the outer-limits of reality, where dreams and nightmares collide seem alive with wicked mischief that is hungry to feed on the fear of all who encounter its dread. The characters within this marvelous book share frightening stories about ancient evil...legendary beasts, and occult happenings that bring chaos and violent deaths to some, all to set the stage for Carter to meet his fate. The way "That Which Should Not Be" invites the reader to travel along with Carter is smooth, seemingly safe because although Carter knows he has been sent on a risky mission, he is skeptical about the true nature of evil whether it is concealed in a beast...or a man. If the battle between good against evil interests you, and if you ponder at all about how far a man will go to protect others, pick up "That Which Should Not Be."

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carter Weston is a college student at Miskatonic University, where the fascination with legends and the occult run rampant.
One infamous book named the Incendium Maleficarum, The Inferno of the Witch resurfaces and Weston’s professor and mentor asks him to procur the book for him and get it back to him immediately so that it can be locked away forever, Weston jumps on the chance to get the book for his professor.
His journey to find the book won’t take him long in miles but the men he will encounter will tell him stories that will take him back in time to places in their lives that changed everything for them forever.
Carter is a non believer in all of the legends but can’t help but be intrigued by their stories and notice the similarities.
During Carter’s journey, his faith and beliefs will be tested.
Can a hand full of men overcome an unimaginable evil that has been lurking around since before man???
I can not even begin to describe to you how very much this book captivated me!
The very first page in this book piqued my intrest and it was very hard to put down.
I would have read this story in one sitting if real life weren’t always interrupting me!
Brett Talley is a wonderful storyteller!
His depictions of places and events had me so fascinated that I even had to google some of them to see if they did in fact exsist.
That Which Should Not Be covers various legends and religious beliefs about the inevitable end of days and the unholy beings that will try to take over the world.
What made this story so chilling to me was the fact that Talley used many real legends and scriptures.
Unlike a lot of horror stories, Talley doesn’t use gore to scare you.
He uses faith and facts, which makes the story that much more realistic and terrifying.
This is one of the best horror stories that I have read in a very long time and I know that it will stay with me in the back of my mind even longer.
I look forward to more work from this author as he has now gotten another huge fan in me!

[Troy Mccombs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a HUGE fan of H.P. Lovecraft. He's part of the reason I got into writing (especially this genre) in the first place. I've read almost every story he's written. He is my favorite author.

So no wonder I bought this book. Besides, look at the cover--it's freakin' Cthulhu! Gotta love him!

Anyway, I started reading this book with a mixture of excitement and dread. On one hand, I wanted to read a Lovecraftian story. On the other hand, many have ruined his style by writing stories (or making movies) that just don't have IT. At first, I really didn't think this book had IT--that Lovecraft Feel. I almost doubted Brett's skills.

The further I read, though, the more I doubted my first impression. This book got better and better and better as the story (or should I say stories; this book is broken up into somewhat seperate stories, but they come together at the end) went on. I really enjoyed this book. I thought it held up well with Lovecraft's style and ideas. This was, in a way, a combination of his stories, all weaven together beautifully!

Job well done, Brett!

And if anyone here is interested in one of my own 'Lovecraftian' tales, check out 'The House on Mayberry Road'

[Alyosius03 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a contemporary author has written a novel worthy of the appellation "literary horror." Evocative of the work of H.P. Lovecraft, this many-layered story takes the reader from a stormy New England seaport to the mountain ranges of Eastern Europe; from snowy forest to the dreadfully still waters of a dead sea; from the peculiar halls of an ancient university to the infinitely more ancient dangers that lurk beneath the surface of the earth and inside the heart of man. The author's language--reminiscent of Lovecraft, Faulkner, and Melville--paints a series of deeply entrancing pictures. This is a book you will struggle to put down. But Carter Weston's journey is not just a battle of monsters and phantoms; it is a quest that illuminates humanity's deepest truths.

[Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this Lovecraft pastiche a great read and a lot of fun, I’m a huge fan of Lovecraft and this book was written in such a way that it is very close to his work and style. However this also brought along an issue for me as the stories, whilst enjoyable, felt too familiar to pre-existing works and didn’t really add much to what has already been written and established.
I also found the parts referring to the Christian God and his power over the Old Ones a bit odd, it doesn’t really fit it with the nihilism inherent to this book and weird fiction in general.
I would recommend this book, but if you’re familiar with Lovecraft parts of this might make you feel a bit of déjà vu as it did with me.