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Muse
Inspiration is a living thing and it is hungry...
Terra Desmarais's success as the next big artist in NYC is absolutely inevitable. Her patrons, the associates, Mr. Black, Mr. Silver, and Mr. Green, can practically taste the raw talent dripping from the enigmatic trailer park prodigy's dollar store paints.
Up and coming pastel artist Cedric Fleck is a lucky discovery of the associates. Rescued from oblivion by Mr Green, put up in a studio by Mr. Silver and paraded around on the arm of Mr. Black should be the dream. But within the steady stream of great press and even better parties, Cedric can't shake the sense that something is very wrong. He wants to hate Terra for her overnight success, but he's taken by her earnest love of art.
As the artists around them crash and burn, and Cedric struggles to break free from the toxic seduction of Mr. Black, Terra is only concerned with her strange and compelling paintings. She seems to want nothing of the fame, the money, the sex or the drugs. As greed exposes the true colors of the associates, and Terra is too lost in her art to notice the danger, Cedric discovers that inspiration is a living thing, and it is hungry.
Terra Desmarais's success as the next big artist in NYC is absolutely inevitable. Her patrons, the associates, Mr. Black, Mr. Silver, and Mr. Green, can practically taste the raw talent dripping from the enigmatic trailer park prodigy's dollar store paints.
Up and coming pastel artist Cedric Fleck is a lucky discovery of the associates. Rescued from oblivion by Mr Green, put up in a studio by Mr. Silver and paraded around on the arm of Mr. Black should be the dream. But within the steady stream of great press and even better parties, Cedric can't shake the sense that something is very wrong. He wants to hate Terra for her overnight success, but he's taken by her earnest love of art.
As the artists around them crash and burn, and Cedric struggles to break free from the toxic seduction of Mr. Black, Terra is only concerned with her strange and compelling paintings. She seems to want nothing of the fame, the money, the sex or the drugs. As greed exposes the true colors of the associates, and Terra is too lost in her art to notice the danger, Cedric discovers that inspiration is a living thing, and it is hungry.
- GenresHorror
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2024
2 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
L.C.W. Allingham
17 books14 followersLCW Allingham is a Philadelphia area author, artist, and editor. Her short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies. She is the co-founder and executive editor of the indie press, Speculation Publications. Her horror novella MUSE is coming out in April 2024, and her debut historical novel, LADY, will be out in September, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 3, 2024
this might be the wrong takeaway from this but Mr Black was really hot (toxic immortal men are kinda my thing)
either way i’m just glad i finally finished a book again!!! i don’t really read anymore because everything i touch is boring!! this one was fine. i liked the first half a lot more but… there’s just something about toxic men … listen that’s like really not what this book is about but my brain is broken.
read it if you like art.
*i received an arc*
either way i’m just glad i finally finished a book again!!! i don’t really read anymore because everything i touch is boring!! this one was fine. i liked the first half a lot more but… there’s just something about toxic men … listen that’s like really not what this book is about but my brain is broken.
read it if you like art.
*i received an arc*
March 6, 2024
A dark and frankly scary Debut novella that wasnt at all what i expected! Based upon the idea of a muse for art, we meet three men, thirsty for energy created by the artists they find. For a short book, there was a heck of alot of description. It was dark and engaging, i loved it. I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2024
Full review at Happy Goat Horror:
https://happygoathorror.com/2024/08/1...
This is an interesting take on the concept of the 'Muse', and a reflection on the disparity between art, artists, and those who make money from the talent of other people. I thought it was pretty creative and a quick, fun read of a horror novella (with some deeper feminist themes and analogies - though I might just be reading what I want into that!).
https://happygoathorror.com/2024/08/1...
This is an interesting take on the concept of the 'Muse', and a reflection on the disparity between art, artists, and those who make money from the talent of other people. I thought it was pretty creative and a quick, fun read of a horror novella (with some deeper feminist themes and analogies - though I might just be reading what I want into that!).
March 29, 2024
Holy hells. This book had me feeling all the feels. I could not put it down. I wanted this story to go on, but it is so perfectly told that I'm filled with a feeling of peace and satisfaction at its completion. Brilliant. Can't wait to have a physical copy in my hands.
Thank you, Book Sirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you, Book Sirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 6, 2024
Wow. Wow. Wow. This book absolutely floored me. I was not quite sure what to expect in the terms of the story and characters, but man was this good. I'm not going to give any sort of synopsis at all. Just read it. Seriously. Just read it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 19, 2024
I received a free ARC from BookSirens, and this review is voluntary
As the talent-arm of the art dealer trio, Mr. Green finds artist Terra Desmarais, and uproots her simple life in the country to work, and make art in New York City. With Mr. Silver being the financier, and Mr. Black notable for his oral persuasion, Terra finds herself now engulfed in a world unlike she had back home, with danger lurking around every corner, which is generated by the greed rising within the art dealers. Cedric is another artist caught up within this collective, unsure of his own abilities at times, but with the knowledge that something about this scene he's involved in just isn't right. Something beyond the art is lurking about, waiting for its moment strike.
I don't know much about art, or paintings, but I know what I feel when my four eyes set sight to them, and in comparison, as I've finished this book, I take note of how I feel, and the presence of the energy on the pages. There were underlying themes within the overall narrative that spoke to certain social issues. For example, the treatment of the women that were artists. Their value was tied to their ability to produce. Molded to be like machines with consistent output rather than allowing their soul to mark the blank spaces into something beautiful, which is to take away the very essence of art itself, and to devalue the traits, characteristics and identity of the women sitting behind the canvas. They speak through their art, and that type of value doesn't have a number attached to it.
I didn't expect the ending, but it was what we call just desserts.
As the talent-arm of the art dealer trio, Mr. Green finds artist Terra Desmarais, and uproots her simple life in the country to work, and make art in New York City. With Mr. Silver being the financier, and Mr. Black notable for his oral persuasion, Terra finds herself now engulfed in a world unlike she had back home, with danger lurking around every corner, which is generated by the greed rising within the art dealers. Cedric is another artist caught up within this collective, unsure of his own abilities at times, but with the knowledge that something about this scene he's involved in just isn't right. Something beyond the art is lurking about, waiting for its moment strike.
I don't know much about art, or paintings, but I know what I feel when my four eyes set sight to them, and in comparison, as I've finished this book, I take note of how I feel, and the presence of the energy on the pages. There were underlying themes within the overall narrative that spoke to certain social issues. For example, the treatment of the women that were artists. Their value was tied to their ability to produce. Molded to be like machines with consistent output rather than allowing their soul to mark the blank spaces into something beautiful, which is to take away the very essence of art itself, and to devalue the traits, characteristics and identity of the women sitting behind the canvas. They speak through their art, and that type of value doesn't have a number attached to it.
I didn't expect the ending, but it was what we call just desserts.
February 19, 2024
This was a captivating and unsettling novella that explores the dark side of artistic inspiration. The story revolves around Terra, a talented artist with an enigmatic presence, and Cedric, a pastel artist, struggling to find his place in the art world. As they navigate the treacherous landscape of galleries and patronage, the true nature of their relationships with the mysterious associates - Mr. Black, Mr. Silver, and Mr. Green - is revealed.
In the beginning, right there at the start, the whole “Mr. ‘Color’ said” scared me because I thought it was some kind of eerie children's song or nursery rhyme. It caught me completely off guard.
I felt curious why the three “Mr.” were referred as Mr. ‘Color’ sometimes, and on others they were on a first name basis.
Then the twist at the end and the whole glass and toast scene. I was floating throughout the story until his part, where it all shatters. Perfect!
The story has a dark and twisted trajectory. The exploration of inspiration as a living, hungry force is hauntingly rendered, and the final twist is both surprising and satisfying. The novella's unique blend of psychological horror and art world critique makes for a compelling read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In the beginning, right there at the start, the whole “Mr. ‘Color’ said” scared me because I thought it was some kind of eerie children's song or nursery rhyme. It caught me completely off guard.
I felt curious why the three “Mr.” were referred as Mr. ‘Color’ sometimes, and on others they were on a first name basis.
Then the twist at the end and the whole glass and toast scene. I was floating throughout the story until his part, where it all shatters. Perfect!
The story has a dark and twisted trajectory. The exploration of inspiration as a living, hungry force is hauntingly rendered, and the final twist is both surprising and satisfying. The novella's unique blend of psychological horror and art world critique makes for a compelling read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 26, 2024
Muse
a Novella by LCW Allingham
Was a 5 star read for me hands down without question.
I have no constructive criticism to offer because this Novella checked every box for me that I expect when reading a horror story. Muse kept me thoroughly engaged from the first to the very last page.
The author opens and expands the readers mind with just the right amount of details. This plants the seeds needed to create the pictures of the characters and setting perfectly on your own, an aspect of a book I personally enjoy.
The clever use of colors for the names of the artists “agents” characters is fantastic and added so much to the story. The author captures the artist’s personalities through their mediums, while utilizing the “sell your soul” mentality with everyone and their desires to be famous, in addition to conveying how being true to yourself and others could lead to a beautiful outcome. This is accomplished with the horrifying and creative precision of the author’s storytelling.
I became completely submerged with the authors writing style, the characters and the Novella overall.
This is definitely a Novella I would highly recommend and one I would love to own a print copy of.
Thank you to author LCW Allingham and Book Sirens for the opportunity to read Muse. A FREE Advance Review Copy.
I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
a Novella by LCW Allingham
Was a 5 star read for me hands down without question.
I have no constructive criticism to offer because this Novella checked every box for me that I expect when reading a horror story. Muse kept me thoroughly engaged from the first to the very last page.
The author opens and expands the readers mind with just the right amount of details. This plants the seeds needed to create the pictures of the characters and setting perfectly on your own, an aspect of a book I personally enjoy.
The clever use of colors for the names of the artists “agents” characters is fantastic and added so much to the story. The author captures the artist’s personalities through their mediums, while utilizing the “sell your soul” mentality with everyone and their desires to be famous, in addition to conveying how being true to yourself and others could lead to a beautiful outcome. This is accomplished with the horrifying and creative precision of the author’s storytelling.
I became completely submerged with the authors writing style, the characters and the Novella overall.
This is definitely a Novella I would highly recommend and one I would love to own a print copy of.
Thank you to author LCW Allingham and Book Sirens for the opportunity to read Muse. A FREE Advance Review Copy.
I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
July 20, 2024
Thanks to Book Sirens and the author for providing me with a copy of this novella for review, and my apologies that it has taken me so long to get to it!
An engaging and fairly original novella centered around the art world, this story of a trio of elite patrons struggling to obtain the talents of a *very* unique artist was well written, though a bit more YA oriented in some ways than I’d originally thought. It was easy to read – I finished it in under an hour – and although the naming of the rather large cast of characters was a tad inconsistent at time, I felt it provided a different look around the corruption (and corrupt individuals) of the high-stakes fine art world, underpinned by a couple of good old-fashioned genres that I won’t explain here!
I enjoyed the queer representation throughout the story and was kept interested by the twists and turns of the narrative, and with not too many triggers for the reader (apart from some body horror and occasional mentions of homophobia in context with the story) it is definitely worth reading if you want something different!
4 stars.
An engaging and fairly original novella centered around the art world, this story of a trio of elite patrons struggling to obtain the talents of a *very* unique artist was well written, though a bit more YA oriented in some ways than I’d originally thought. It was easy to read – I finished it in under an hour – and although the naming of the rather large cast of characters was a tad inconsistent at time, I felt it provided a different look around the corruption (and corrupt individuals) of the high-stakes fine art world, underpinned by a couple of good old-fashioned genres that I won’t explain here!
I enjoyed the queer representation throughout the story and was kept interested by the twists and turns of the narrative, and with not too many triggers for the reader (apart from some body horror and occasional mentions of homophobia in context with the story) it is definitely worth reading if you want something different!
4 stars.
May 3, 2024
I would rate this book about 3.5 out of 5.
At the beginning of the book I didn't like the names of the first three introduced characters. I don't know why it bothered me so much but I felt their names were kind of ridiculous. But the more I read the more I like this book. To be honest I didn't really start to enjoy this book until about a third of the way through. In the first third of the book the way some of the characters were portrayed seemed very generic of those types of people. But as I said as the book went on I started to really get into the story and was looking forward to figuring out everything going on. The last third of the book I really enjoyed. Everything that happened that led up to this big point and the wrap up I thought was great. Honestly the last third of the book I couldn't stop reading, I had to finish it. I appreciate the author putting their time and heart into this book. I did enjoy this book and I recommend other people read this book.
At the beginning of the book I didn't like the names of the first three introduced characters. I don't know why it bothered me so much but I felt their names were kind of ridiculous. But the more I read the more I like this book. To be honest I didn't really start to enjoy this book until about a third of the way through. In the first third of the book the way some of the characters were portrayed seemed very generic of those types of people. But as I said as the book went on I started to really get into the story and was looking forward to figuring out everything going on. The last third of the book I really enjoyed. Everything that happened that led up to this big point and the wrap up I thought was great. Honestly the last third of the book I couldn't stop reading, I had to finish it. I appreciate the author putting their time and heart into this book. I did enjoy this book and I recommend other people read this book.
February 22, 2024
This novella was not what I expected at all! I grew up reading Greek mythology so I was interested in reading about muses in our modern era.
On this point, the book did not disappoint. There are artists and there are muses. But that's about it.
I liked the story. It was really well-written but it was also very dark. Even with the synopsis, I did not expect it to be such a grueling story. I believe that if you are a fan of the genre, this is a read that you will most definitely enjoy. I will rate it 4 stars because I reckon that it was greatly done but that's not really the type of things I usually enjoy reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
On this point, the book did not disappoint. There are artists and there are muses. But that's about it.
I liked the story. It was really well-written but it was also very dark. Even with the synopsis, I did not expect it to be such a grueling story. I believe that if you are a fan of the genre, this is a read that you will most definitely enjoy. I will rate it 4 stars because I reckon that it was greatly done but that's not really the type of things I usually enjoy reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 6, 2024
At first I wasn’t sure if I would get into it but that immediately changed. I knew something was OFF but I didn’t really know what exactly it was until the last like 15% and that changed everything!! The story was a skin prickling kind of eerie and you literally can feel that things aren’t what they appear to be..but you can’t quite figure it out. I wouldn’t say this was scary but definitely creepy and a concept that was refreshing to experience. Loved the symbolism throughout the story and the GOT references/scenes I LOVEDD.
Definitely would recommend giving Muse a try. And if the author’s acknowledgment/note doesn’t pull a new perspective from you after completing then you missed the entire message.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Definitely would recommend giving Muse a try. And if the author’s acknowledgment/note doesn’t pull a new perspective from you after completing then you missed the entire message.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 10, 2024
I have to start this review off by saying that Muse is one of the more original books that I have read in quite some time, but it is also one that might be a bit of an acquired taste.
You have three wealthy art patrons who love to discover fresh new talent, only to essentially suck them dry until they are little more than a living husk with no talent remaining.
The men seem to have the world at their feet until their latest find arrives on the scene and shakes things up. There is a fantastic reveal near the end that helps explain how these men rose to prominence.
This novella is not going to be for everyone, but I thought is was really well written and a fresh entry into the horror genre.
You have three wealthy art patrons who love to discover fresh new talent, only to essentially suck them dry until they are little more than a living husk with no talent remaining.
The men seem to have the world at their feet until their latest find arrives on the scene and shakes things up. There is a fantastic reveal near the end that helps explain how these men rose to prominence.
This novella is not going to be for everyone, but I thought is was really well written and a fresh entry into the horror genre.
March 11, 2024
Immensely intelligent and imaginative, Muse is a collage of art, artists, and the supernatural beings that control the successes and failures of both fictional and famous artists.
Replete with sex, drugs, greed, and jealousy, the story unfolds in both the present and the dark mucky past. Who are Mr. Green, Mr. Black, and Mr. Silver—the mysterious men who literally feed off the artists they nurture, draining them dry, and discarding them for the next? And what is the other force, even stronger than those three.
I dare you not to tear through this novella in one sitting.
And don’t miss the acknowledgements, which include the touching story of the author’s relationship with her mother.
Replete with sex, drugs, greed, and jealousy, the story unfolds in both the present and the dark mucky past. Who are Mr. Green, Mr. Black, and Mr. Silver—the mysterious men who literally feed off the artists they nurture, draining them dry, and discarding them for the next? And what is the other force, even stronger than those three.
I dare you not to tear through this novella in one sitting.
And don’t miss the acknowledgements, which include the touching story of the author’s relationship with her mother.
April 9, 2024
"These men of mud have sucked her dry."
I love horror, and I love art. Also, the creative process has always fascinated me. So, when I found out about MUSE, I thought it'd be right up my alley. I loved this book. The author offers an insanely imaginative story about artists and a nefarious system by predatory patrons who take as much as they can until there's nothing left. That's an apt description for so much in our world these days.
The writing is gorgeous, the characters feel real, and there's one particular scene in the book where the author shows their horror chops in visceral detail. I still can't stop thinking about it.
MUSE is a lovely, horrible, beautiful book about the intersections of art, suffering, and predatory profit. But it's about so much more than that.
I love horror, and I love art. Also, the creative process has always fascinated me. So, when I found out about MUSE, I thought it'd be right up my alley. I loved this book. The author offers an insanely imaginative story about artists and a nefarious system by predatory patrons who take as much as they can until there's nothing left. That's an apt description for so much in our world these days.
The writing is gorgeous, the characters feel real, and there's one particular scene in the book where the author shows their horror chops in visceral detail. I still can't stop thinking about it.
MUSE is a lovely, horrible, beautiful book about the intersections of art, suffering, and predatory profit. But it's about so much more than that.
December 23, 2024
This was a unique story. I really enjoyed the premise of three men tasked by a witch to cultivate artistic talent and they can get immortality from it. Unfortunately absolute power corrupts absolutely, and they end up destroying the lives they are supposed to help. Throughout this story the trailer park girl they are currently cultivating slowly reveals a secret and turns out to be the witch who gave them their powers all those years ago. She takes away their powers and makes them live as normal humans, though one dies of a heart attack right away.
This was beautiful and really different. I definitely enjoyed this and would love a collection of different stories like this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was beautiful and really different. I definitely enjoyed this and would love a collection of different stories like this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2024
This book definitely was not what I was expecting, even with the synopsis. This is definitely a darker horror book and has really good themes laid out into it. I found the story easy to read as I definitely enjoyed it as a reader. I don't think I would read this again though. I think my biggest issue with this was the ending, I did not find it believable as a reader and hard to connect it to what the rest of the story brought. Other than that, the storyline was great and I think there should be more like this, something very realistic to what has happened in this world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 29, 2024
What an interesting read. Our main art curators while cut from the same cloth are skilfully set apart from one another despite being vampires in their own way.
This short, captivating novella paints a picture almost as beautiful as those described in its pages and I’m excited to read more from this world. It definitely felt like I wanted another 50 pages when I got to the end, and I think fleshing out the ending more could have made this a 4 star read for me.
Thanks so much to the author and book sirens for my ARC of this book.
This short, captivating novella paints a picture almost as beautiful as those described in its pages and I’m excited to read more from this world. It definitely felt like I wanted another 50 pages when I got to the end, and I think fleshing out the ending more could have made this a 4 star read for me.
Thanks so much to the author and book sirens for my ARC of this book.
March 3, 2024
Mr. Black Mr. Silver and Mr. Green know an up and coming artist when they see one. The three partners can smell raw talent. Once they discover your talent, the world's your oyster. Enjoy it while you can because talent comes with a price. And everyone wants a piece of your success.
A send up of the art world and the consequences of being a talented artist.
Loved this little gem of horror/dark fantasy.
3.5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A send up of the art world and the consequences of being a talented artist.
Loved this little gem of horror/dark fantasy.
3.5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 15, 2024
A compelling and riveting story centered around the art world in NYC. This novella focuses on three talented artists who are caught in a web of deceit by their benefactors. A fast paced read that is steeped in horror and was impossible to put down with an ending that you won't see coming.
What I loved most about this book were the diverse characters, some innocent and full of promise while others hid the darkest of souls. Their lives intertwining within the colorful backdrops of art galleries and the wealthiest addresses in Manhattan.
What I loved most about this book were the diverse characters, some innocent and full of promise while others hid the darkest of souls. Their lives intertwining within the colorful backdrops of art galleries and the wealthiest addresses in Manhattan.
May 2, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A short book that has a lot going on. I love anything that mixes horror and art, and this also has a dash of the ugly side of the glamourous NYC life, so there was a lot for me to enjoy!
This has a fairytale vibe about it, as well as a bit of occult and folk horror. There is lots of creepiness and darkness in the story, as well as the human side of things - like how predatory people are over creatives and their work.
I lost track of things at the end a bit, and I got a mixed up with what was going on, but overall this was an enjoyable short book.
A short book that has a lot going on. I love anything that mixes horror and art, and this also has a dash of the ugly side of the glamourous NYC life, so there was a lot for me to enjoy!
This has a fairytale vibe about it, as well as a bit of occult and folk horror. There is lots of creepiness and darkness in the story, as well as the human side of things - like how predatory people are over creatives and their work.
I lost track of things at the end a bit, and I got a mixed up with what was going on, but overall this was an enjoyable short book.
June 10, 2024
I really liked this book, because it was different. Not always is it good to read a different book that you are used to, but I feel like this one did good for me. But I felt like you got introduced to a lot of people already from the start, which can be a bit overwhelming, but not too much later on it made a lot more sense. I really enjoyed the plot twist and just how the story was written, and how it made me feel. Read it if you enjoy a good short mysterious book, or if you want to try something new
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 11, 2024
Thank you, L.C.W. Allingham
This is a powerful, quick palette cleanser that packs a punch. With very talented people come the wolves of the industry, those longing to be able to exploit the artists without much recognition. Love the way the main character handles the glitter. I really enjoy female heroines that show a lot of moxie, i.e., courageous spirit and determination; perseverance.
This was the writers debut novel into horror. Her mom would have been proud to see it released.
This is a powerful, quick palette cleanser that packs a punch. With very talented people come the wolves of the industry, those longing to be able to exploit the artists without much recognition. Love the way the main character handles the glitter. I really enjoy female heroines that show a lot of moxie, i.e., courageous spirit and determination; perseverance.
This was the writers debut novel into horror. Her mom would have been proud to see it released.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2024
A great take on the predatory nature of the art world and creative individuals through the lens of a horror novella. The perfect length to read in one sitting, while on the edge of your seat for what comes next. Each character feels fully formed, even though the story spans only about one hundred pages. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys horror. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 20, 2024
A riveting combination of horror in a gothic, supernatural form correlating with Dorian Gray in a mild sense towards the crux of the story.
The story centres around art and either struggling or budding artists who are promised the world by greedy, lustful men to suit their own agenda and immortality.
It made for an immersive story with a fast paced plot, diverse characters and a multi layered setting and was a thrilling one sitting read.
The story centres around art and either struggling or budding artists who are promised the world by greedy, lustful men to suit their own agenda and immortality.
It made for an immersive story with a fast paced plot, diverse characters and a multi layered setting and was a thrilling one sitting read.
March 22, 2024
Thank you to BookSirens for providing a review copy.
Having been familiar with LCW Allingham's short fiction, I jumped at the chance to review Muse. I devoured this little novella in one sitting, and it was delicious. Coming from the perspective of being a "failed" artist myself, the concept of this book is as thought-provoking as it is sad. It managed to surprise me and hurt my feelings and I have a feeling I'll be thinking about it for a while. 4.75 stars
Having been familiar with LCW Allingham's short fiction, I jumped at the chance to review Muse. I devoured this little novella in one sitting, and it was delicious. Coming from the perspective of being a "failed" artist myself, the concept of this book is as thought-provoking as it is sad. It managed to surprise me and hurt my feelings and I have a feeling I'll be thinking about it for a while. 4.75 stars
December 21, 2024
Mr. Black Mr. Silver and Mr. Green know an up and coming artist when they see one. The three partners can smell raw talent. Once they discover your talent, the world's your oyster. Enjoy it while you can because talent comes with a price.
A send-up of the art world and the consequences of being a talented artist.
Loved this little gem of horror/dark fantasy.
3.5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A send-up of the art world and the consequences of being a talented artist.
Loved this little gem of horror/dark fantasy.
3.5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2024
This is a mysterious story set in the art world that left me unsettled. The ending was horrific & the reveals were interesting. It's definitely a nice quick read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 9, 2024
Stunning in concept and content, MUSE is a literary cornucopia of feasting evils. This blew me away. Art, horror, fantasy. Impossible to put down. Highly recommend.
April 27, 2024
Charismatic characters amid a glamorous setting; fantastical yet grounded in realism, a page turner which leaves you wanting more—such a story is Muse, the novella by LCW Allingham.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews