Sarafina

by Philip Fracassi

During one of the most violent battles of the Civil War, three brothers fighting for the Confederate army decide to go AWOL and make their way home, willing to risk execution rather than be killed in a losing war. After several exhausting weeks of rough terrain, the brothers find a miracle deep in the dark woods: a homestead. Living in this remote cabin is a beautiful woman, Sarafina, and her young son, Titus. She takes the soldiers in, feeds them, offers them a place to rest. But the youngest brother is wary—something seems off. As the days pass, he discovers a mysterious creek, a strange underground cavern, and a strong sense that the cabin and the surrounding fertile land are not what they seem. The brothers soon find themselves in a new battle, an escalation of horrors they must somehow fight to survive.

Genres: Horror, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adult

333 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2024

About the author

PHILIP FRACASSI is the Bram Stoker and British Fantasy Award-nominated author of the novels A Child Alone with Strangers, Gothic, Boys in the Valley, The Third Rule of Time Travel, and The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre. He is also the author of the story collections Behold the Void, Beneath a Pale Sky, and No One is Safe!

His stories have been published in numerous magazines and anthologies, including Black Static, Best Horror of the Year, Nightmare Magazine, Interzone, and Southwest Review.

Philip lives in Los Angeles and is represented by Copps Literary Services, Circle M + P, and WME. You can find him on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, or visit pfracassi.com.

Reviews

[Nikki Lee (Nikkileethrillseeker) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Fuck!!! My dear friends, I believe I have found another favorite Philip Fracassi novel! Holy living Christ on a stick 😱! By gawd this is some straight-out-of-hell MASTERPIECE!

Three brothers are fighting for their lives for the Confederate Army. Then, they decide to go AWOL. At the 20% mark, the story takes a whole different turn. They find a cabin in the woods with a beautiful woman and child. They gladly provide refuge. The only thing is, they just found a new fresh kind of hell.

By gawd this book was every single thing I love within the horror genre! We have historical horror, folklore, religious horror, witchcraft, coming-of-age, and many terrors that follow. I am in awe of this author and his ability to write in a way that leaves you itching for more. He is a MASTER in the horror genre and once again has written another masterful tale not to be missed!

Sell your soul, pawn your xbox…. Do whatever you gotta do to pre-order your copy!

ALL OF THE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Eternally grateful to Clash Books, Philip, and Netgalley for the copy.

Pub Date - 4/7/26

[Matt M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarafina is the terrifying tale of three brothers fighting in the Civil War who desert the Confederacy and while fleeing come across a mysterious house in the middle of the woods, where they meet a woman, Sarafina, and a boy named Titus. War is terrifying enough, but they quickly discover even worse horrors. This novel has fantastic pacing and some of the most horrifying and brutal things that Fracassi has put to page yet, juxtaposed by beautiful prose.

Sarafina is a bruising, bombshell of a novel about brotherhood, family, faith, duty, and horrors both real and supernatural. Fracassi continues to roll on as one of the best genre writers working today.

Thank you to Earthling Publications for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[thevampireslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come in SCREAM magazine.

"A fairytale like no other, Fracassi has crafted a nightmarish story weaving together threads of mythology, history, fantasy and horror that explores the bonds of brotherhood through a terrifying landscape of war, religion, and the supernatural"

[Dave C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philip Fracassi's 'Sararfina' is yet another magnificent novel that packs so much in and does it so the highest standard. It's hard to write anything too in depth without spoiling things but suffice to say, nothing is as it seems and the horror elements are certainly horrific. The character work is superb, the prose on point and the pace unrelenting. There are some familiar fairy-tale tropes, used to great effect and these are wonderfully explained as things come to a climax.

This was an absolute blast to read, and I just wish it was longer! That's not because the story was too short, it's simply down to such enjoyable story-telling. One of my favourite reads of 2025.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and CLASH Books for the ARC!

[unstable.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philip Fracassi's Sarafina is a lean, merciless descent into a fresh blend of historical and folk horror, fusing Civil War brutality and creeping dread. We follow three Confederate army brothers who abandon the blood-soaked battlefield in hopes of surviving. The novel quickly strips away any illusion of safety once they find shelter with a strange woman and her unsettling son in an isolated cabin. What begins as refuge becomes entrapment, as the very land itself seems to reveal a hunger that feels ancient and inescapable. Fracassi excels at atmosphere and this story is no exception. The odd, unnatural creek and the surrounding wilderness pulse with malevolence, creating a setting that feels alive in its own right and ever-watching. The horror is not always loud, but slow, suffocating and rooted in place. Violence, both from Sarafina and other forces at play, feel inevitable. It echoes the moral rot left in the wake of war. What makes Sarafina that much more effective is the emotional weight that these characters shoulder. Guilt, fear, and desperation haunt the young men as relentlessly as the evil closing in around them. Fracassi examines survival at a cost, asking what is worth sacrificing when escape is not an option. Bleak, visceral, and beautifully controlled, Sarafina is a haunting mediation on warfare, sin, and the horrors that await when men believe they can outrun their demons. Thank you so much to CLASH Books for the ARC. This title was previously published in limited supply and will be reissued from CLASH April 07, 2026. Do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR now because you do not want to miss out! HOLY SHIT PHILIP YOU KILLED IT!! A more in-depth review to come in early 2026 from me via The Fandomentals magazine.

[Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

[Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn! That was Fracassi's scariest book since Boys In The Valley dropped in 2021. Y'all are gonna dig this when it gets a wider re-release. But the trade edition probably won't come with the interior artwork, and for the record, one of the drawings is of a hot naked chick, so you're definitely missing out. Actually, I should probably go re-read the page with that drawing right now.

[David Swisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does Fracassi do it!?!? Another absolutely stunning novel. It's damn near perfect. Hopefully this one gets a proper trade release in due time like Boys In The Valley and Gothic, because this story deserves to be read.

[Rachel Drenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

and that, ladies and gents...is how you write a horror novel. Playing tricks on the brain of what's evil and what's good. I live historical fiction with supernatural vibes or magical realism. Fracassi has become a favorite author of mine. He knows how to write what I call Intelligent Horror. It's just plain horror mixed in with actual history or things that seem so real they could happen to anyone, and the prose is something you'd read in a Dostrovesky novel.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarafina begins as a tale of three brothers fighting for the Confederacy who ditch the war and find themselves in a different horror altogether. None of the characters nor the setting are exactly what they seem, and Fracassi unveils the nightmares in his oh-so-perfect-prose way. I felt claustrophobic and short of breath at times, experiencing the terror and despair of each and every well-drawn character, and the dread and suspense are relentless through the very last page.

I have enjoyed all of Fracassi's novels, but I think this is my personal favorite. The blend of horror, fantasy, fairytale, and supernatural checked all of my boxes. Incredible book.

[Ethan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Rounded Up

Honestly, I’m not super sure how I feel about this. There’s a damn good, compelling story, with very cool lore and world building, to be found in what’s here. I just don’t think it’s fully realized due to some of the decisions made.

One of the biggest things working against this book for me is the choice of main character/narrator, which I only realized wasn’t fully working the further I got into the book, especially when we start to get more information about the characters but also, more importantly, about where Fracassi decides to take the story, specifically in how he address and gestures towards the main thematic elements.

I can theoretically see this book working better if there were more than just the one main narrator (with very, very brief inclusions from another character that take a few instances to not feel out of place). I just don’t think Ethan’s character lens is a smart move if he’s going to essentially be the only POV character. Reading him just starts to get really tricky. There’s already the icky bit of him being a Confederate soldier (this and the overall Civil War setting I don’t think is sufficiently explored) that immediately posits me as a reader against him and his brothers. And this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There are plenty of successful books out there with main characters that are far from like-able. The issue here is that I felt very unsure about whether or not I “should’ve” been rooting for him or liking his character. I couldn’t get a clear grasp on Fracassi’s intent with Ethan, and this wasn’t helped by some other characters around him saying he’s “one of the good ones” or “not evil” or that he “has a pure heart” when those aren’t characteristics I would readily use to describe him at all.

Really this book’s saving grace is Sarafina. She captures the spotlight with every single scene she’s in, and I just really, really, really wish the book would’ve flipped expectations and made her the true main character. She’s just so exponentially more interesting than any of the other characters, with the slight exception of Ellie and Father McKee, by far. There’s just so much depth and intrigue in these characters that I just don’t think we’re really given enough of to the point where I think nothing short of a near-complete retooling of the book could save this story, especially if it wanted to really fully deliver on the feminist aspects of the story and ending in particular.

I don’t know. Ultimately, I just ended up wanting this book to really lean into the feminist themes it presents and go so much harder into the female rage and empowerment, but it just feels shackled by its main character/narrator. Just kinda disappointing.

I will say for gore and lore fans, there is plenty on offer here. For those interested in the more mystical and tamped down aspects of the Bible and Christian theology, definitely check this out when it eventually gets a full, wide release in either 2026 or ‘27 (I can’t remember). Maybe we’ll get lucky and some of it will be re-written by then.

[RobynReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

When violence has already shaped you,
what feels like safety? And what feels easy to justify?

Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, the story follows three brothers who desert the violence only to encounter something more insidious. Wounded and desperate, they seek shelter in a remote rural home, isolated, domestic, seemingly generous. Run by the enigmatic Sarafina and her unsettling companion, it feels like a place meant to heal.

Ethan, the youngest brother, narrates. Peripheral in his family, he is observant, attentive. His narration sharpens a sense of enclosure, that the feeling of safety here is conditional. Soon Sarafina’s home becomes intimate and suffocating at once.

Sarafina. She resists definition: witch, demon, angel, something older. Fracassi refuses certainty, and that ambiguity strengthens the horror. Her power is psychological, sexual, devotional. This domestic space becomes the site of control.

Violence precedes the story: war (and home) has already trained these men to justify harm as survival. Sarafina recognizes that, especially in Ethan.

Dread accumulates through observation: a child who isn’t quite a child, a husband who never existed, a home that doesn’t behave like refuge. When the violence arrives, Fracassi strikes hard. The body horror is brutal, intimate and deeply unsettling.

Scope widens: religion and mythology enter as framework. To offer explanation for the violence. Some atmosphere gives way to clarity, but the central tension holds.

Anchor: grounding the story is the bond between Ethan and his twin sister. They are closely connected, have a shared history. But loyalty becomes strained.

Sarafina highlights Fracassi’s strengths: controlled atmosphere, unflinching horror and a sharp understanding of how violence moves through families and the spaces we call home.

Why I loved it:
-rural isolation and domestic enclosure
-slow burn dread rooted in observation
-brutal, intimate horror that is well-described
-ending offers no absolution

Thank you Netgalley and Clashbooks for this ARC.

[William Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

With what I would consider my first experience with truly historical horror, Fracassi writes an enthralling slow burn set during the Civil War. Three brothers desert battle and find what they think is refuge with a mysterious woman and her son. Things are not as they seem though, and things slowly take a turn for the worst as the youngest grows more and more concerned by what is going on.

This book's strongest attribute is its perspective. Told through single POV (mostly) with one character, you think you understand what side of the line Ethan is on. But it's not so cut and dry as "good" and "evil", and the book is at its best when it is contemplating this philosophy.

I would absolutely recommend, as it is a great addition to Fracassi's catalog!

[Joel Sundquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five star book like all of Fracassi's work! I look forward to his books more than any other author. I can't wait for others to experience this when it comes out!

[Mark Hazelden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

Three letters that make such a simple statement. That was my reaction when I finished Sarafina. Wow.

This is my favourite novel from Philip yet.

Sarafina is the tale of three brothers fighting for the Confederate army who decide to go AWOL and make their way home. Philip writes with such beautiful and haunting prose, painting a picture of the brutality of war and the lives of these brothers in 1862. We follow them through some of harshest terrain as they try to make their way back to safety, only to be followed and hunted down by the Confederate Home Guard. It’s whilst traversing through swampland they stumble upon a remote cabin that appears seemingly out of nowhere. Living in the cabin is Sarafina and her young son, Titus, who take the soldiers in, offering them a place to rest.

But all is not what it seems.

To mention anymore would be venturing into spoiler territory, so I’ll stop there. But let me just say, the story goes to places I did not expect at all, blending together mythology, religion, fantasy and horror. The third act of the book left me speechless, raw and visceral, it pulled no punches.

It’s a five star recommendation from me. Philip has done it again, cementing Sarafina as a serious contender for book of the year.

[CaptnSmack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to be honest, I was a little apprehensive going into this one because books that take place during the Civil War aren't exactly what I normally pick up.

However, I really enjoyed this!
Three bothers fighting for the Confederacy decide to run from the horrifying turbulations of war, but in doing so, they stubble upon a new situation that puts them in an even more mysterious and horrifying predicament.

Fracassi always amazes me. His writing style is smooth as butter, descriptive enough to play out like a film in your head, and unsettling enough to keep most horrors lover happy.
This book felt a little slower in places than some of the others I've read, but once the story really started to unravel, it was hard to put down.

Family drama, brotherhood, religion, the supernatural, survival, horror, and this book is packed with it all.
👌🏻

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Supernatural take note. If you decide to come back this would make an amazing season/episodes

[Viktor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarafina is a disturbing exploration of the opprobrium of a confederate brother Ethan and his reprehensible brothers Archie and Mason that end up facing evils previously inconceivable to them in *just* the war. Out of the frying pan and into the fire, as it were. The characters are complex and everyone in this novel - even if they choose their fate willingly but ESPECIALLY if they don't - experiences supernatural consequences that true folk and body horror readers will love. Acts 1, 2, and 4 are a bit slower to set up the suspense but acts 3 and 5 are wild rides that I texted fellow war- and horror-book lover friends about immediately after reading. I liked this one a lot - it's not my typical fare but it shared enough with what I usually read that I really enjoyed this foray into speculative historical fiction and horror crossover!

[April Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a dedicated reader, I have always been drawn to books that possess the power to transport me to another era and location, enveloping me in a rich tapestry of imagination.Sarafina accomplished this hands down! My introduction to Philip Fracassi occurred at the beginning of this year, and I have since read all of his novels, solidifying his position as my absolute favorite author. His writing while truly exceptional that inspires a profound connection with his protagonists. I wholeheartedly endorse Sarafina, which I consider to be the best book I have ever read. I deliberately paced myself while reading it, relishing every word, paragraph, and sentence, and refusing to rush through its beautifully crafted narrative. 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Anna Dupre · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge, huge thanks to Paul over at Earthling Pub for sending an ARC my way!

Sarafina by Philip Fracassi is another stellar addition to his catalog, another story that defies expectations. Set in the war-torn South during the Civil War, three brothers fighting for the Confederacy decide to abandon ship and head home to Natchez, MS. The path there is markedly treacherous with the brothers attempting to avoid injury, illness, and death. When they need it most, they find a cabin in the woods. One that’s seemingly immaculate and occupied by Sarafina, a beautiful woman, and her son, Titus. Of course, not is all as it seems, and the horrors of war seem minuscule following the events that transpire at this cabin in the woods.

Buckle up folks, Fracassi is at it again. I will never get over how casually these stories turn at the flip of a switch, the drop of a casual line. It’s expert writing that constantly takes me by surprise and taking stories in directions I couldn’t fathom. All for the better.

I will say, I did feel slightly apprehensive starting this read; I’m not the biggest fan of historical horror or horror centered around war. However, Fracassi’s previous works have convinced me to read nearly anything he writes, and he does deliver in spades. Sarafina is a novel that revels in the evils of violence both on the home front and the battlefield. What the three brothers encounter is not something that is easily expected, a force of horrific reckoning. This is an incredibly satisfying read, one that utilizes the element of surprise expertly to deliver markedly effective horror. It’s best to go into this one relatively blind, but trust that you’ll leave this story satisfied.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book.

I was really intrigued by the description of this book, however the actual story didn't unfold quite like I expected. This is a story about brothers who become lost and find themselves in a scary situation, however they don't actually become lost until you are more than 25% of the way through the book. Up until that point it is civil war battles and the men travelling. The actual "Sarafina" portion of the story is good, but it takes quite a while to get there between the boys tale and out of place interjections from their sister.

[Tobin Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book.

This one right here...

Between this and Fracassi's BOYS IN THE VALLEY, here's the proof that he's an absolute monster talent in the horror world.

I absolutely loved this novel. I had it in my head that this was just going to be an expanded version of Fracassi's SHILOH novella, but no, this is just a brilliant story of not just the evil that we all do, but the prisons that we put ourselves in...and what we do to try and escape them.

Fracassi has a clear, implacable style of writing that slowly tightens a web around the reader, then pulls you in. With very few exceptions, this has been the case with everything I've read from him.

I'm just going to say, read this novel.

[Reneaue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Mississippi brothers find themselves trapped in the hellscape of the bloody Battle of Shiloh. Faced with the grim choice between death and desertion, they flee south toward their home in Natchez. Their journey is fraught with peril as they struggle to survive while evading capture by the army and the ruthless “Home Soldiers.” Near death, they stumble upon what seems like a sanctuary—a homestead of abundance overseen by the enigmatic Sarafina. But not all is as it appears, and the horrors of war may pale in comparison to what awaits them behind the doors of Sarafina's remote cabin.

If you took parts of Cold Mountain, The Odyssey, and Misery and blended them together, you’d get the overall feel of Sarafina. That’s not to say the book is derivative...far from it. Fracassi’s writing is sharp and immersive, but certain elements will feel familiar to seasoned readers. The titular character doesn’t appear until nearly a quarter of the way in, and any avid reader knows that a beautiful woman thriving in a war-torn land should never be underestimated (or taken for granted). You may think you know what fate awaits Ethan and his brothers, Archie and Mason, but don’t be too sure. Fracassi has a few surprises up his sleeve.

The story unfolds through two points of view: Ethan, the youngest Belle brother, and occasional glimpses from his twin sister Ellie, who remains at home. Yet one could argue this isn’t truly Ethan’s story—it’s Sarafina’s and Ellie’s. It’s a striking contrast between women who wield power over men and those who feel powerless. The novel reminds us that innocence can mask corruption, and that monsters come in many disguises.

The title character draws inspiration from mythological roots (no spoilers here), and the narrative explores themes of morality, power, oppression, and resistance, all while weaving in the influence of religion during the Civil War era.

Conclusion:
Sarafina is more than a survival tale; it’s a haunting meditation on the darkness within human nature. Fracassi delivers a story that lingers long after the last page, leaving readers to question whether the true horrors of war lie on the battlefield or in the hearts of those who survive it. If you’re looking for historical fiction with a sinister twist, this novel will not disappoint.

=======================
Thank you to Netgalley, Clash Books and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three brothers fighting in the Civil War desert their troop to escape the atrocities surrounding them. Hoping to find their way home through inhospitable conditions and without taking any notice because they will surely be shot dead on the spot for abandoning their mission.

Tired, filthy, and hungry the brothers are barely surviving and after a run in with armed bandits one of the brothers is left shot and injured. The situation seems utterly hopeless.

Until Ethan, the youngest brother and our narrator, see's a young boy on the other side of a creek. The boy seems healthy and well dressed. They wave and the boy says he lives in house a little ways away.

Ethan convinces his bothers that this is their best option. They need medical care, food, and sleep. They need time to recuperate or they'll never survive the journey home.

Once they cross the creek it's as if they're in an entirely new world. Fruit trees bare endless fruit, flowers bloom, birds sing. Then they see the farmhouse ahead. There, Sarafina, mother of the young boy, welcomes the soldiers into her home. She agrees to nurture and feed them as long as they help out with chores. The brothers can't believe their luck.

Yet, Ethan, has reservations. Something doesn't seem right. Sarafina, more specifically, isn't like any other woman he has ever met. She seems otherworldly. The house and the grounds seem to shift and change. Is it possible to flee one nightmare only to find yourself in a fresh new hellscape disguised as safety? You'll have to read this to find out!

"I want to open your mind and see it shatter."

Fracassi has outdone himself again. This book is unflinchingly brutal. The despair and helplessness is palpable. The brothers, while I certainly fell sorry for them and their plight, were not exactly likeable, upstanding young men. So when Fracassi cranks up the horror I felt detached from the characters and what they were experiencing but that in no way detracted from my enjoyment. A blend of historical fiction with a biblical horror slant - honestly, not my favorite horror sub genre - but Fracassi makes it work. His talent never ceases to amaze me. He's truly that good of a writer. One that has quickly become a favorite of mine.

I do have to warn future readers that this is very, very violent and gruesomely gory. You've been warned. 💀 4 stars!

Thank you to Edelweiss and Clash Books for my complimentary copy.

[Faith Lavezoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this book, but it really ended taking me on a ride. The story starts out during a battle in the Civil War, which I don't particularly care for, so I'm glad that part was over quickly. Then, we follow Mason, Archie, and Ethan Belle as they dessert the Confederate Army and begin their journey back home through the wilderness of Mississippi. I really enjoyed this running and survival aspect of the story, especially because it was where we began to learn about the three main characters.

Around a third of the way through the book, the three brothers are taken in by Sarafina, a mysterious woman living on a farm hidden deep in the wilderness where everything seems to good to be true. Despite this almost-paradise in the middle of the wilderness seeming almost too perfect, there is a constant sense of things being off. From fruits growing from the trees, despite them being out of season to the house's exterior not quite matching up with its interior, Ethan can tell that something strange is going on. I loved this mysterious period of the book in which the reader can tell that the brothers are likely in danger, but they don't realize that themselves.

Throughout the story, we get hints of things that have happened before the brothers enlisted, which I found to be very compelling. I won't get into those specifics, but we see parts of Ethan's past unfold in these parts and get more insight into his character because the rest of the story is told in his point of view and is therefore biased.

There is also a parallel story of Ellie, Ethan's twin sister, back home with their father. Throughout the story, Ethan is speaking directly to Ellie, and we see that Ellie speaks directly to Ethan during her chapters as well. It felt like they had such a strong connection that the readers are interrupting a conversation between them. She also has an interesting backstory that we learn slowly throughout the story.

The magical elements were not my favorite part of this. I was really disappointed when they were first introduced, but as the story went on they fit really well within the setting and plot. I honestly would have preferred this part of the story to have gone unsaid, or maybe if Ethan put the pieces together after the fact as a theory rather than being told everything.

[Craig Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've made no secret about my love of Philip Fracassi. I've devoured pretty much all of his books that I can get my hands on, but while his short fiction is great, my heart truly belongs to his longer-form work. There are a few modern authors that are simply must-buys for me when they release a novel—Fracassi shares rarefied air on that list with the likes of Stephen Graham Jones and Tananarive Due—and for Sarafina, that meant a (now sold out) limited, deluxe hardback from Earthling. A trade edition is due in Spring 2026, and while it seems early, I'd recommend saving it to your TBR now. I need to let it sit with me for a while, but there's a very good chance that this is his finest book to date.

Set during the American Civil War, the story follows three brothers who abscond from fighting when death begins to look certain, determined to return home to their father and sister. Driven off course by pursuers, they luck upon a house and are taken in by the titular Sarafina and her son, Titus. Given clean clothes, food, and a place to rest, it seems that the Belle's luck is changing—however, perhaps unsurprisingly, things there are not what they seem.

To say any more would be to be giving away the story beats and turns I loved to see unfold. The events lead to some of the most brutal moments Fracassi has put to paper, written with some of his most wonderful prose to date. In many ways a dark fable at heart, Sarafina utilises religion in a disturbing way—yet very differently than in Boys In The Valley—as well as elements of folk horror and mythology. The historical setting gives it a unique twist, and with such vivid imagery and memorable characters, I found myself captivated, reading the entire book in essentially two sittings.

With four horror novels under his belt, each of which feels very much like its own thing, and with two more novels due to be released in 2025—albeit one with at least one foot in sci-fi—Fracassi is more than staking his claim to the title of the modern King of the genre. I can't wait to see what devilishly disturbing tales he will bring us next.

[Raymond Muraida · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had conversations with folks about the movie, Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler and, at times, have been appalled by the comment: “It’s just a vampire movie.” Oh, honey, it’s so much more than a vampire movie. Just as Sarafina by Philip Fracassi is so more than a Hansel and Gretel story. It is much more than a simple horror story as it crosses many genres of fiction: Civil War, Historical, Life on the Mississippi, Folklore, Fairy Tale, Witchcraft, Religion, Cosmic Horror, Coming-of-Age, Family Saga, Survival, and Revenge. Heck, probably a few more could be considered. Yet, everything fits firmly, feels authentic, and never lets the reader go.
Sarafina opens during the Battle of Shiloh, one of the worst of the Civil War. Three brothers, Archie, Mason, and Ethan, have decided that the horrors of war are just too much to bear and have deserted the Confederacy. Their decision comes with consequences that build and build throughout the story. The novel is mainly told by Ethan, the youngest brother.
After a harrowing trip through the woods to avoid being hung as deserters, the brothers come upon a house in the woods, surrounded by a creek. They are met by Sarafina, a beautiful woman in the eyes, who greets them and offers the comforts of her home. She lives with her son, Titus, a quiet boy who enjoys reading, and notes that her husband is off fighting the war. Sarafina also has dogs, very large, very all-seeing, and… very hungry.
One day, Ethan saves Titus’s life. Titus then takes Ethan aside and says, “If you cross the creek, you can leave…. You can go home.” Ethan does not heed Titus’s advice, though soon, very soon, he wishes he had.
Each scene was well-written. All the characters were well-defined, complex, and flawed. Fracassi’s Sarafina is not a story I will soon forget. Fracassi, over a short period of time, has become one of my top favorite authors and a force to be reckoned with, but not just in horror. The man can tell a story!
I highly recommend Sarafina to be added to your must read list.
An E-ARC of Sarafina was provided by NetGalley and CLASH Books in exchange for my honest review.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve long felt that the American Civil War has been neglected in the horror genre, so I was quite excited to read Fracassi’s latest work. The book succeeds quite well in establishing the atmosphere and geography of the book. He excels in establishing the physical and environmental setting, especially in the first part of the book as the three confederate brothers have deserted the army and are trying to escape through the Mississippi backcountry.

However, the book started to become much more static once the horror elements are introduced. I think the main reasons why this one didn’t work for me is that the characters all remained pretty flat and there was a lack of development to show how the events that unfolded were changing them. The horror elements, while featuring an interesting central villain, lacked suspense and tension, and then the book concluded rather quickly with some choices made about the history of our central character that seemed to be included just so we had a twist at the end. There perhaps could have been more chapter from Ellie’s POV to help set the stage for the conclusion, as the ones we do get from her don’t fully show a strong development of her character’s background.

Finally, as it comes to the Civil War, I’m not sure that the book’s horror elements connected well at all with any themes or interpretations related to the Civil War. In having the central characters being soldiers for the confederacy, it seemed to just avoid the question altogether of why the South was fighting and instead made the war into a more universal statement that ordinary people were forced to fight and suffer without explanation as to why. Given that Sarafina herself is a different type of enslaver, there could have been some interesting opportunities to explore an awakening in the central character as to why the South and Mississippi went to fight in the war, but the author seems completely disinterested in trying to interpret the Civil War or have the horror elements speak to larger historical and social importance in bridging the gap between Sarafina and its Civil War setting.

Thanks NetGalley for the advance copy!

[Jensen McCorkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 3.75 rounded up

Sarafina is a quiet, unsettling work of psychological horror that leans heavily into grief, obsession, and emotional decay. It follows a man consumed by grief and obsession after a profound personal losses and war. It centers on his fixation with Sarafina who is a figure that exists somewhere between memory, idealization, and possible supernatural presence. The story unfolds slowly, revealing how unresolved trauma can manifest as obsession and self-destruction. This deliberate pacing may test the patience of some readers, giving a stalled feel in the middle sections. There is an ambiguous resolution that may also frustrate some but I believe it strengthens the psychological horror but the reader will have to draw their own conclusion.

Fracassi excels at unease that seeps rather than shocks. The novel’s tension is slow, claustrophobic, and persistent, built from silences, repetitions, and the sense that something is off long before it becomes explicit. The horror feels personal and invasive, not really cinematic. Fracassi’s language is clean but evocative, occasionally slipping into a poetic register that heightens mood without overwhelming the narrative. He knows how to keep the tone oppressive. At its best, Sarafina is about obsession, guilt, and loss. The emotional weight lends the story its depth, so when the frightening moments finally arrive, they land harder because they are anchored in genuine pain. And arrive they do. This is where Fracassi’s horror truly shines, the visceral body horror is rendered almost poetically, never sacrificing its impact.

Overall, Sarafina is a psychological horror that prioritizes emotional unease over jump scares. Fracassi uses grief and obsession as the true sources of terror, crafting a claustrophobic atmosphere where the line between memory, guilt, and the supernatural steadily erodes.

[Tatiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sarafina by Philip Fracassi is a slow-burn horror story about 3 brothers who find danger in a place of supposed safety. After deserting the confederate army, they find shelter in an Edenic cottage inhabited by a beautiful woman (Sarafina), her son Titus, and Sarafina's pack of dogs. However, as time goes on, the youngest brother - Ethan - becomes more & more aware of uncanny and sinister things around them. The novel ultimately argues that evil is not confined to the unknown or the monstrous; it resides even in spaces of comfort and familiarity, and within ourselves as well.

Things I liked:
1) The overall theme. Evil lurking under a guise of comfort is a terrifying concept.
2) The story. The paranormal aspects sometimes reminded me of The Omen, which I loved. The dogs & the boy were especially creepy in the beginning.
3) Uniqueness. I have not read anything quite like this before.

I think this book would be great for fans of Grady Hendrix & Joe Hill, Civil War buffs, & people who enjoyed The Omen.

My only critiques:
1) The pacing. I wish we had arrived at Sarafina's house sooner. The journey through the woods and swamps felt drawn out, taking up the first 25% of the book. I was really excited to get to the meat & potatoes!
2) The writing style was more simplistic than I usually read. I was hoping for an eerier atmosphere. Although a swamp scene with snakes & alligators really creeped me out, lol!
3) The gore. I don't mind gore or body horror in books, but I enjoy it more when it is sprinkled throughout or limited to one epic scene. This was primarily gorey, which isn't my go-to.

Thank you to Netgalley, Clash Books and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.