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Nell'Ombra della Loro Morte
IL TERZO MIGLIOR ASSASSINO.
UNA MEDIOCRE SQUADRA DI MERCENARI.
UN DEMONE SPAVENTOSO.
Mentre Sharaam sta per crollare sotto assedio, una squadra di mercenari assolda un sicario, affidandogli la missione di uccidere il re. Per Tash, è un’opportunità di gloria per diventare la migliore lama nel buio che Sharaam abbia mai conosciuto. Per Pitt e i suoi tagliagole, è un modo di eludere l’assedio, riuscire a scamparla da quell’inferno e magari portarsi dietro perfino un po’ d’oro. Per Iananr la Vincolata, è un sogno di ombre e sangue umano.
—
“Una lezione magistrale di grimdark fantasy da parte di due tra gli autori più eminenti del genere. Nell’Ombra della Loro Morte è un lavoro scritto con maestria, che si contraddistingue per uno stile e una caratterizzazione dei personaggi tra i più vibranti di quelli di cui hanno finora dato prova sia Michael R. Fletcher che Anna Smith Spark nei loro rispettivi lavori. Una lettura obbligatoria per ogni appassionato di grimdark.” - John Mauro, Beforewegoblog
“Il duo grimdark formato da Michael R. Fletcher e Anna Smith Spark tratteggia sulla pagina quello che succederebbe se un abominevole Halloween oscuro generasse un feroce, corrotto figlio infernale dal cadavere de La Leggenda dei Drenai di David Gemmell. E poi lo ricoprisse di interiora.” - Spells and Spaceships
UNA MEDIOCRE SQUADRA DI MERCENARI.
UN DEMONE SPAVENTOSO.
Mentre Sharaam sta per crollare sotto assedio, una squadra di mercenari assolda un sicario, affidandogli la missione di uccidere il re. Per Tash, è un’opportunità di gloria per diventare la migliore lama nel buio che Sharaam abbia mai conosciuto. Per Pitt e i suoi tagliagole, è un modo di eludere l’assedio, riuscire a scamparla da quell’inferno e magari portarsi dietro perfino un po’ d’oro. Per Iananr la Vincolata, è un sogno di ombre e sangue umano.
—
“Una lezione magistrale di grimdark fantasy da parte di due tra gli autori più eminenti del genere. Nell’Ombra della Loro Morte è un lavoro scritto con maestria, che si contraddistingue per uno stile e una caratterizzazione dei personaggi tra i più vibranti di quelli di cui hanno finora dato prova sia Michael R. Fletcher che Anna Smith Spark nei loro rispettivi lavori. Una lettura obbligatoria per ogni appassionato di grimdark.” - John Mauro, Beforewegoblog
“Il duo grimdark formato da Michael R. Fletcher e Anna Smith Spark tratteggia sulla pagina quello che succederebbe se un abominevole Halloween oscuro generasse un feroce, corrotto figlio infernale dal cadavere de La Leggenda dei Drenai di David Gemmell. E poi lo ricoprisse di interiora.” - Spells and Spaceships
196 pages, Hardcover
First published March 21, 2024
72 people are currently reading
1640 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Fletcher
51 books1,324 followersMichael R. Fletcher is a science fiction and fantasy author, a grilled cheese aficionado, and a whiskey-swilling reprobate. He spends his days choreographing his forklift musical (titled "Get Forked"), and using caffeine as a substitute for sanity. Any suggestions that he is actually Dyrk Ashton in disguise are all lies.
Blog (kinda): http://michaelrfletcher.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRFlet...
Twitter: @FletcherMR
Instagram: fletcher_michael_r
Blog (kinda): http://michaelrfletcher.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRFlet...
Twitter: @FletcherMR
Instagram: fletcher_michael_r
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April 14, 2024
Check out my all-new interview with Anna Smith Spark.
My complete review of In the Shadow of Their Dying is published at Before We Go Blog.
“The stench of spilled entrails and the rot of death followed them everywhere, filled their every moment, haunted their dreams.”
Two of the most prominent voices in grimdark fantasy, Michael R. Fletcher and Anna Smith Spark, join forces on In the Shadow of their Dying, the most anticipated new grimdark novella of 2024.
Tash is the third-best assassin in a city under siege, within a week of being conquered by an invading army. Although there is not much demand for assassins in the midst of all-out war, Tash is hired by a mercenary leader, Pitt, to end the siege by killing their own king and fleeing the city toward the safety of the south.
But Tash encounters an unexpected problem when he crosses paths with a demon, Iananr the Bound One, occupying a woman’s body. Iananr thrives on blood and destruction and has sworn to defend the king in order to maximize bloodshed. But what Iananr really desires is freedom from her bondage.
Michael R. Fletcher and Anna Smith Spark’s unique voices both shine in alternating point-of-view chapters. Fletcher holds nothing back with his fierce prose and incisive humor. Anna Smith Spark shines with the voice she has given to Iananr. Her writing is so darkly poetic, with a rhythmic cadence that I couldn’t help but read aloud:
“But the dead… the dead… She had swum through them without feeling. Her molten tears eating into rotted skin. Her touch a corrosion, left them ragged. Skin and bones fretted, filigreed, fine-finger-spun cobwebbed lace. They stumbled after her, reaching. Yearned for her, as she yearned fearful hopeful longing for the thing Tash. The rustle they made around her a comfort. The sounds of bodies broken that was the sound of her world snatched from her.”
Fletcher and Smith Spark have crafted a menacing, mystical, and labyrinthine feel in In the Shadow of their Dying that evokes the best of Gustav Meyrink, specifically his masterwork, The Golem. I especially enjoyed reading overlapping scenes from both human and demon perspectives.
In the Shadow of their Dying is full of unexpected twists and turns as Tash, Pitt, and Iananr grapple to gain the upper hand. All of this is set against the backdrop of a war with mass, indiscriminate casualties, where true victory may be unattainable. The story also features plenty of necromancy, blurring the line between the living and the dead.
The Dripping Bucket, Michael R. Fletcher’s interdimensional grimdark tavern, features prominently throughout In the Shadow of their Dying. The sights, sounds, and smells of the Dripping Bucket are exactly what you would expect from Fletcher’s infamous pub. Let’s just say that it’s a health inspector’s worst nightmare. There are also several more subtle allusions to previous works by both Fletcher and Smith Spark, which longtime readers will enjoy.
In the Shadow of their Dying is a masterclass in grimdark fantasy from two of the most distinguished authors in the genre. This is an expertly crafted novella, featuring some of the most vibrant writing and character work from both Michael R. Fletcher and Anna Smith Spark. In the Shadow of their Dying is a must-read for grimdark fans everywhere.
My complete review of In the Shadow of Their Dying is published at Before We Go Blog.
“The stench of spilled entrails and the rot of death followed them everywhere, filled their every moment, haunted their dreams.”
Two of the most prominent voices in grimdark fantasy, Michael R. Fletcher and Anna Smith Spark, join forces on In the Shadow of their Dying, the most anticipated new grimdark novella of 2024.
Tash is the third-best assassin in a city under siege, within a week of being conquered by an invading army. Although there is not much demand for assassins in the midst of all-out war, Tash is hired by a mercenary leader, Pitt, to end the siege by killing their own king and fleeing the city toward the safety of the south.
But Tash encounters an unexpected problem when he crosses paths with a demon, Iananr the Bound One, occupying a woman’s body. Iananr thrives on blood and destruction and has sworn to defend the king in order to maximize bloodshed. But what Iananr really desires is freedom from her bondage.
Michael R. Fletcher and Anna Smith Spark’s unique voices both shine in alternating point-of-view chapters. Fletcher holds nothing back with his fierce prose and incisive humor. Anna Smith Spark shines with the voice she has given to Iananr. Her writing is so darkly poetic, with a rhythmic cadence that I couldn’t help but read aloud:
“But the dead… the dead… She had swum through them without feeling. Her molten tears eating into rotted skin. Her touch a corrosion, left them ragged. Skin and bones fretted, filigreed, fine-finger-spun cobwebbed lace. They stumbled after her, reaching. Yearned for her, as she yearned fearful hopeful longing for the thing Tash. The rustle they made around her a comfort. The sounds of bodies broken that was the sound of her world snatched from her.”
Fletcher and Smith Spark have crafted a menacing, mystical, and labyrinthine feel in In the Shadow of their Dying that evokes the best of Gustav Meyrink, specifically his masterwork, The Golem. I especially enjoyed reading overlapping scenes from both human and demon perspectives.
In the Shadow of their Dying is full of unexpected twists and turns as Tash, Pitt, and Iananr grapple to gain the upper hand. All of this is set against the backdrop of a war with mass, indiscriminate casualties, where true victory may be unattainable. The story also features plenty of necromancy, blurring the line between the living and the dead.
The Dripping Bucket, Michael R. Fletcher’s interdimensional grimdark tavern, features prominently throughout In the Shadow of their Dying. The sights, sounds, and smells of the Dripping Bucket are exactly what you would expect from Fletcher’s infamous pub. Let’s just say that it’s a health inspector’s worst nightmare. There are also several more subtle allusions to previous works by both Fletcher and Smith Spark, which longtime readers will enjoy.
In the Shadow of their Dying is a masterclass in grimdark fantasy from two of the most distinguished authors in the genre. This is an expertly crafted novella, featuring some of the most vibrant writing and character work from both Michael R. Fletcher and Anna Smith Spark. In the Shadow of their Dying is a must-read for grimdark fans everywhere.
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August 19, 2024
You can vote on how grimdark you think this and other books are here:
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
(remember - the polls on that page aren't about how much you enjoyed the books, just how grimdark you thought they were)
So, to me this book (it qualifies as a book, being over 40,000 words long) is pretty much peak grimdark, though leaning signifcantly towards the dark humour side of things.
Our main point of views are a young man and a demon. The young man - who we are REPEATEDLY told is the 3rd best assassin in the city - is a boastful, shallow, waste of space who we sympathise with primarily because of his desperate situation and for his basic shallow lust for affirmation, praise, and success (which many of us share). His instincts align with many of our own less noble ones, and it's always nice to read about someone and think, "honestly, that's probably what I'd do".
Having read books written individually by Fletcher and by Smith Spark, I'm convinced that Fletcher wrote the young man and Smith Spark the demon. The demonic PoV, with very different perceptions of the world, lends itself to Smith Spark's rather distinctive literary, stream-of-conciousness, warped view writing.
A city is enduring a long siege and is about to fall. An assassin is being chased by a demon and is leading it back towards the gang that hired him. Said gang comprises a mix of individuals, all more dangerous than our hapless assassin.
In addition to the demon's strangeness and ability to generate industrial scale horrific carnage, the besieging army are using all sorts of alchemical nastiness, climaxing in some fine necromancy.
In peak-grimdark style, the main character finds himself wading through excrement and entrails, with the intestines trying to throttle him from beyond the missing grave. There is a LOT of splatter in this book. Bring overalls, a welding mask, and plenty of wetwipes.
The characters in the gang are varied and fun, covering the archetypes but also giving us a warrior wife with a house husband + children. There are nods to other works by the authors, including a song whose lyrics reference a bunch of them. Clearly both Fletcher and Smith Spark were having fun writing this.
There is, in the MC's shallowness, a degree of insulation from the horrors of the story. He's scared alright, and that can infect the reader, but he really doesn't dwell on the losses or have any empathy - he's just worried about how it will impact him personally. And his ambitions, while they range from grand (everyone must bow before me) to petty (my ex-girlfriend will be sorry) are never very imaginative, just grabs at things off the list of "markers of success". That's not saying the authors aren't imaginative (they clearly are)- just that they have successfully drawn this type of character for us.
The necromantic magic was impressive and highly atmospheric. The demon was strange and scary. The characters were fun.
In many senses this really was peak-grimdark.
It's a short book, about as short as a book can technically be before you have to call it a novella, and that brevity, combined with the scale of the story being told (the fall of a city, multiple characters) mean that there wasn't perhaps the space to dig down into that more introspective, often nihlistic, sometimes literary-edged vibe that characterises the other wing of grimdark.
We're reminded of that in the dying chapters of the book where quite comedic, summary, almost cartoonish interjections let us know that the city's irrepressible merchants are reconfiguring their business model for the new normal. The brevity here quite possibly due to the need to keep the wordcount low.
In the end we get more grimdark hallmarks, where the number of happy ever afters is severely curtailed and a number of our characters follow their natures into repetition or sticky ends.
In short: this is a fun, exciting, dark, gory, imaginative tale that is well worth a read if anything I've said here sparks your interest!
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March 9, 2024
4.0 Stars
This is a short but well drawn piece of grimdark fantasy.
The story is not particularly original but the narrative voice is so strong that it really caught my attention.
As you would expect, the world is dark and, well, grim. Again, the worldbuilding was not unique but I appreciate a story that nails it's genre.
This is my first time reading both authors but I would definitely read more in the future. I definitely recommend this one to anyone obsessed with this subgenre.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This is a short but well drawn piece of grimdark fantasy.
The story is not particularly original but the narrative voice is so strong that it really caught my attention.
As you would expect, the world is dark and, well, grim. Again, the worldbuilding was not unique but I appreciate a story that nails it's genre.
This is my first time reading both authors but I would definitely read more in the future. I definitely recommend this one to anyone obsessed with this subgenre.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
January 25, 2024
This was in equal parts fun and harrowing. There is a looooooot of blood within these pages but come on, it's the collab of the decade, and what do we expect from the Grimdark Giants?
This is a short and quick read with a plot that runs full steam ahead. It is part chase, part escape novel with all sorts of fantastical goodness, cursing and destruction thrown in for good measure.
Here we have Fletcher's quippy prose that carries the story along with pace, his parts focusing on the third-best assassin Tash and the goings on around him. And then we have Anna Smith Spark's ferocious demon that is hunting Tash. These sections are full of beautifully gory and almost scary prose, as we have come to expect from Smith Spark.
It's great - read it!
Also, shoutout to Grimdark Magazine for publishing this - they are a fantastic group.
This is a short and quick read with a plot that runs full steam ahead. It is part chase, part escape novel with all sorts of fantastical goodness, cursing and destruction thrown in for good measure.
Here we have Fletcher's quippy prose that carries the story along with pace, his parts focusing on the third-best assassin Tash and the goings on around him. And then we have Anna Smith Spark's ferocious demon that is hunting Tash. These sections are full of beautifully gory and almost scary prose, as we have come to expect from Smith Spark.
It's great - read it!
Also, shoutout to Grimdark Magazine for publishing this - they are a fantastic group.
January 31, 2024
Let me start off by saying I am not usually a fan of novellas. I would much rather sit down with a nice meaty tome of 500 pages or more as a reader (don't ask me why it's just always been my preference). But when it's a novella that is authored by two of my favorite writers in the genre, Michael R. Fletcher and Anna Smith Spark, well let's just say I'll make an exception. Mostly because I know they are going to pack a ton of story and action into that economy of pages. And IN THE SHADOW OF THEIR DYING did just that and more.
A brief warning to anyone who decides to give this one a go - it's bloody, violent, and well just flat-out bloody violent. But I expect no less when these two brilliant dark fantasy authors converge. So just be prepared as you embark on this journey, it's Grimdark AF and not a feel-good tale. What it is though is an absolute whirlwind of a story that involves an assassination plot set smack dab in the middle of the sacking and siege of a city. So there's a lot going on and none of it is depicted in a half-hearted way, it's all pedal to the floor with furiously quick-hitting alternating chapters that fly by in the blink of an eye due to the unbelievably engaging characters and setting.
This really is a cool way to tell a story, there's almost a ticking clock the entire time as the hunter is also being hunted (in this case by a pretty vile demon). Whose mission will prevail is the big question and what ramifications will that have to everything that is going on around them? Very intriguing questions and on the way to getting that answer Fletcher and Smith Spark hit you in the face with intense battles and treachery that is of the lowest and most vile. My only complaint is that it wasn't a few hundred pages more so that I could bask further in this world and among these characters.
In the end I walked away from this having an even bigger appreciation for how gifted both of these authors are at storytelling. I also couldn't really tell which sections of the book were written by which author (believe me I tried), it was all rather seamless and felt like one wonderfully cohesive story. I highly recommend IN THE SHADOW OF THEIR DYING if you are looking for a shorter fantasy read that still packs an incredible punch when it comes to an amazing plot. So pull up a stool at the legendary and notoriously shady Dripping Bucket Tavern and get ready to be dazzled by two masters at the height of their craft right now. This one will rarely give you an opportunity to take a breath.
A brief warning to anyone who decides to give this one a go - it's bloody, violent, and well just flat-out bloody violent. But I expect no less when these two brilliant dark fantasy authors converge. So just be prepared as you embark on this journey, it's Grimdark AF and not a feel-good tale. What it is though is an absolute whirlwind of a story that involves an assassination plot set smack dab in the middle of the sacking and siege of a city. So there's a lot going on and none of it is depicted in a half-hearted way, it's all pedal to the floor with furiously quick-hitting alternating chapters that fly by in the blink of an eye due to the unbelievably engaging characters and setting.
This really is a cool way to tell a story, there's almost a ticking clock the entire time as the hunter is also being hunted (in this case by a pretty vile demon). Whose mission will prevail is the big question and what ramifications will that have to everything that is going on around them? Very intriguing questions and on the way to getting that answer Fletcher and Smith Spark hit you in the face with intense battles and treachery that is of the lowest and most vile. My only complaint is that it wasn't a few hundred pages more so that I could bask further in this world and among these characters.
In the end I walked away from this having an even bigger appreciation for how gifted both of these authors are at storytelling. I also couldn't really tell which sections of the book were written by which author (believe me I tried), it was all rather seamless and felt like one wonderfully cohesive story. I highly recommend IN THE SHADOW OF THEIR DYING if you are looking for a shorter fantasy read that still packs an incredible punch when it comes to an amazing plot. So pull up a stool at the legendary and notoriously shady Dripping Bucket Tavern and get ready to be dazzled by two masters at the height of their craft right now. This one will rarely give you an opportunity to take a breath.
January 14, 2024
In the Shadow of Their Dying is such an evocative title. It suggests a story that touches themes of mortality. But whose dying the title refers to?
Well, everyone’s, of course. It’s Fletcher’s and Smith Spark’s book, after all. And if they specialize in anything, it’s in beautifully written death, chaos, and mayhem.
The narrative almost literally swims in blood and gore. In hands of lesser authors it could have easily turned into something gratuitous. Here, though, it’s visceral and immersive. Definitely dark, but also sad, despite excellently timed moments of humor.
The story unfolds in a city under siege where the third-best (available) assassin, Tash, takes on a job to kill the king. Things go south when it turns out named Iananr is guarding the king's chambers. Calling the demon bloodthirsty would be an understatement of the year. Yet, its chapters are poetically brutal and expertly written by Anna.
Tash’s POV carries Fletcher’s trademark dark humor and wit, and the combination of the two makes the novella a treat to follow. The pace is breakneck, and with everything constantly in motion, there's never a dull moment.
I won't dive into the plot or characters too much—it's a novella that zips by, and all the reveals come in due time. Suffice it to say that both authors have done a stellar job with the concept of the attacked city, and people acting petty for monetary gain despite their reality crumbling around them.
Iananr's point of view is something else, a unique experience that takes you on a wild, gore-soaked ride. If you enjoy dark fantasy and concise storytelling, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. Just be prepared to see your “goremeter” explode.
Well, everyone’s, of course. It’s Fletcher’s and Smith Spark’s book, after all. And if they specialize in anything, it’s in beautifully written death, chaos, and mayhem.
The narrative almost literally swims in blood and gore. In hands of lesser authors it could have easily turned into something gratuitous. Here, though, it’s visceral and immersive. Definitely dark, but also sad, despite excellently timed moments of humor.
The story unfolds in a city under siege where the third-best (available) assassin, Tash, takes on a job to kill the king. Things go south when it turns out named Iananr is guarding the king's chambers. Calling the demon bloodthirsty would be an understatement of the year. Yet, its chapters are poetically brutal and expertly written by Anna.
Tash’s POV carries Fletcher’s trademark dark humor and wit, and the combination of the two makes the novella a treat to follow. The pace is breakneck, and with everything constantly in motion, there's never a dull moment.
I won't dive into the plot or characters too much—it's a novella that zips by, and all the reveals come in due time. Suffice it to say that both authors have done a stellar job with the concept of the attacked city, and people acting petty for monetary gain despite their reality crumbling around them.
Iananr's point of view is something else, a unique experience that takes you on a wild, gore-soaked ride. If you enjoy dark fantasy and concise storytelling, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. Just be prepared to see your “goremeter” explode.
February 21, 2024
This review was originally published on Before We Go Blog
Anna Smith Spark and Michael R. Fletcher combine their wildly disturbing imaginations in the exceptional novella In The Shadow of Their Dying; the grimdark sensation of the year.
The set-up of In the Shadow of Their Dying is quite simple, if slightly insane. Tash, the third best assassin in the city, gets hired by a second rate mercenary crew to kill the king. Easy task, really, if only the city wasn’t crumbling under siege and the king weren’t protected by a deranged demon who will stop at nothing to get her freedom back. Cue the bloodshed, gore, murder, betrayal, death, and dying; oh and throw some zombies in for good measure, because, you know… chaos!
Now, I’ll admit that I was nervous going into this one. I mean, I love me some dark messed up shit, but In the Shadow of Their Dying sounded exceptionally dark and disturbing. Looking back, I knew I never should have doubted Fletcher and Spark; these two are absolute masters of their craft.
The way that they both capture and establish the oppressively dark mood and atmosphere of the besieged city is superb, and the intensity of this story simply cannot be overstated. Everthing about In the Shadow of their Dying is filthy, gory, visceral, gruesome, vulgar, feverish, frantic, and just utterly unhinged. Yet at the same time, it’s also ridiculously fun and I honestly found myself revelling in the chaotic madness of it all.
Fletcher and Spark just absolutely wrote their asses off in this story, and I loved their alternating chapters between the human and demon perspectives. At first it took me a bit to adjust to the almost fever dream haze quality that Spark created in her demon’s POV, but ultimately I came to really appreciate the crazed poetic beauty of her prose. And by some weird miracle, I even started to get emotional over the demon’s journey as her vulnerability started to show, which was just about the last thing I was expecting.
Combine all that with the delightfully dark wit and hysterical irony in Fletcher’s human chapters, making In The Shadow of Their Dying just an unputdownable tour de force of grimdark goodness. Yes, at times it did almost veer into the realm of satire with how over-the-top it got, but I knew what I signed up for here and just chose to sit back and enjoy the wild ride.
I devoured this story in one day and then immediately took a good long shower afterwards to at least try to cleanse myself of its filth and grime. This novella might be short, but I can guarantee it will leave a big impact; whether you like it or not. Deliciously dark, gloriously grim, and unapologetically unhinged, In the Shadow of Their Dying is just the perfect treat for your black hole of a soul.
Thank you to Grimdark Magazine for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. In the Shadow of Their Dying is scheduled for release on 19 March, 2024.
Anna Smith Spark and Michael R. Fletcher combine their wildly disturbing imaginations in the exceptional novella In The Shadow of Their Dying; the grimdark sensation of the year.
The set-up of In the Shadow of Their Dying is quite simple, if slightly insane. Tash, the third best assassin in the city, gets hired by a second rate mercenary crew to kill the king. Easy task, really, if only the city wasn’t crumbling under siege and the king weren’t protected by a deranged demon who will stop at nothing to get her freedom back. Cue the bloodshed, gore, murder, betrayal, death, and dying; oh and throw some zombies in for good measure, because, you know… chaos!
Now, I’ll admit that I was nervous going into this one. I mean, I love me some dark messed up shit, but In the Shadow of Their Dying sounded exceptionally dark and disturbing. Looking back, I knew I never should have doubted Fletcher and Spark; these two are absolute masters of their craft.
The way that they both capture and establish the oppressively dark mood and atmosphere of the besieged city is superb, and the intensity of this story simply cannot be overstated. Everthing about In the Shadow of their Dying is filthy, gory, visceral, gruesome, vulgar, feverish, frantic, and just utterly unhinged. Yet at the same time, it’s also ridiculously fun and I honestly found myself revelling in the chaotic madness of it all.
Fletcher and Spark just absolutely wrote their asses off in this story, and I loved their alternating chapters between the human and demon perspectives. At first it took me a bit to adjust to the almost fever dream haze quality that Spark created in her demon’s POV, but ultimately I came to really appreciate the crazed poetic beauty of her prose. And by some weird miracle, I even started to get emotional over the demon’s journey as her vulnerability started to show, which was just about the last thing I was expecting.
Combine all that with the delightfully dark wit and hysterical irony in Fletcher’s human chapters, making In The Shadow of Their Dying just an unputdownable tour de force of grimdark goodness. Yes, at times it did almost veer into the realm of satire with how over-the-top it got, but I knew what I signed up for here and just chose to sit back and enjoy the wild ride.
I devoured this story in one day and then immediately took a good long shower afterwards to at least try to cleanse myself of its filth and grime. This novella might be short, but I can guarantee it will leave a big impact; whether you like it or not. Deliciously dark, gloriously grim, and unapologetically unhinged, In the Shadow of Their Dying is just the perfect treat for your black hole of a soul.
Thank you to Grimdark Magazine for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. In the Shadow of Their Dying is scheduled for release on 19 March, 2024.
March 21, 2024
I just finished In the Shadow of their Dying by Michael R. Fletcher and Anna Smith Spark.
Oh, how do I describe this novella?
A delicious grimdark work of chaos, that’s how.
The chaos starts on page one. The scene is set. We have a siege. A city on the verge of collapse. What could expediate the fall of this city? The death of the king, of course.
Enter the third best assassin in the city. Tash. Highly regarded by himself, less so by others. He is left to briefly wonder why he was chosen for this well-compensated task. Where, for example, are the best and second-best assassins in the city? Indeed, there is a reason Tash has been hired…
But I won’t go into that reason, because with the scene set so quickly, a siege scene which we can all conjure so well, the story begins immediately. And thus, this is the allure of this novella. It packs a lot of story into those pages.
In the Shadow of their Dying felt like a very meaty novella, if you know what I mean. Like a proper story rather than a snippet of one, and it moves along at a brisk pace. Don’t get me wrong, there is description. The city is a character, but not one we need to linger on. We don’t need to. What we are given are a bunch of characters trying to flee this falling city and whose POV we skip between.
I knew as soon as I read the first sentence of chapter 2 that I had Anna Smith Spark writing for me. Iananr was such a cool character, with a voice and powers so horrific that it immediately gave the story a heightened sense of tension, even with all the bombs flying overhead. As the story progresses and the tactics to ruin the city become more and more sinister, we learn there are many gruesome ways for our pack of assassins and thieves to die if they’re not careful.
This is a fantastical story. We have shrouds, demons, and necromancy. And as I said, this is grimdark – and I haven’t read something this grimdarky in quite some time. That’s code for prepare yourself for blood and guts and death.
I’d highly recommend In the Shadow of their Dying for all those who want a delicious slice of anarchy, demon fights, backstabbing and the undead. Anna Smith Spark and Michael R. Fletcher have served up a treat. It would be rude to refuse.
Oh, how do I describe this novella?
A delicious grimdark work of chaos, that’s how.
The chaos starts on page one. The scene is set. We have a siege. A city on the verge of collapse. What could expediate the fall of this city? The death of the king, of course.
Enter the third best assassin in the city. Tash. Highly regarded by himself, less so by others. He is left to briefly wonder why he was chosen for this well-compensated task. Where, for example, are the best and second-best assassins in the city? Indeed, there is a reason Tash has been hired…
But I won’t go into that reason, because with the scene set so quickly, a siege scene which we can all conjure so well, the story begins immediately. And thus, this is the allure of this novella. It packs a lot of story into those pages.
In the Shadow of their Dying felt like a very meaty novella, if you know what I mean. Like a proper story rather than a snippet of one, and it moves along at a brisk pace. Don’t get me wrong, there is description. The city is a character, but not one we need to linger on. We don’t need to. What we are given are a bunch of characters trying to flee this falling city and whose POV we skip between.
I knew as soon as I read the first sentence of chapter 2 that I had Anna Smith Spark writing for me. Iananr was such a cool character, with a voice and powers so horrific that it immediately gave the story a heightened sense of tension, even with all the bombs flying overhead. As the story progresses and the tactics to ruin the city become more and more sinister, we learn there are many gruesome ways for our pack of assassins and thieves to die if they’re not careful.
This is a fantastical story. We have shrouds, demons, and necromancy. And as I said, this is grimdark – and I haven’t read something this grimdarky in quite some time. That’s code for prepare yourself for blood and guts and death.
I’d highly recommend In the Shadow of their Dying for all those who want a delicious slice of anarchy, demon fights, backstabbing and the undead. Anna Smith Spark and Michael R. Fletcher have served up a treat. It would be rude to refuse.
January 4, 2024
An Assassin, a Knife, an Axe, a Sword, a Shield, a Shroud, an undead kraken, a demon off her leash.
The third best assassin is hired by a second-rate mercenary crew to kill the king in the midst of a siege. Instead, he finds a demon bound to protecting the king.
Expect wading through intestines, so much blood, death, dying, and oh, so much more dying. Mix this up with no morally redeemable characters. Then throw in zombies.
This would be an extremely hard book to recommend. Not because it’s bad, but because it’s so bloody gory, violent, bleak, hopeless, and dark.
But the writing for this genre and mood was impeccable.
I might go take a steaming shower now to get rid of the feeling of bodies clambering over me.
The big secret, that you boys seem to be failing to grasp here, the big secret is that you need to kill them before they can kill you. Waiting till it's the other way round.. that's not really much use.
Thank you to Grimdark Magazine for sending me a physical proof in exchange for a review!
Bookstagram
The third best assassin is hired by a second-rate mercenary crew to kill the king in the midst of a siege. Instead, he finds a demon bound to protecting the king.
Expect wading through intestines, so much blood, death, dying, and oh, so much more dying. Mix this up with no morally redeemable characters. Then throw in zombies.
This would be an extremely hard book to recommend. Not because it’s bad, but because it’s so bloody gory, violent, bleak, hopeless, and dark.
But the writing for this genre and mood was impeccable.
I might go take a steaming shower now to get rid of the feeling of bodies clambering over me.
The big secret, that you boys seem to be failing to grasp here, the big secret is that you need to kill them before they can kill you. Waiting till it's the other way round.. that's not really much use.
Thank you to Grimdark Magazine for sending me a physical proof in exchange for a review!
Bookstagram
March 24, 2024
Everything about the premise of this novella sounded right up my alley. Grimdark, great authors, fast paced, non-stop action.... Unfortunately however, this surprisingly just did not click with me for a number of reasons.
My main issue with the book is the writing style decision. The way the dialogue is portrayed, especially with the "demons" just did not make sense, and was very hard to read through. The characters were also a bit cut and dry. You kind of know who is going to make it, and who is there to be killed off.
The setting, while effective, is also a bit overdone. Set within a city under siege has just been done to death, especially within the grimdark sub-genre that it just is starting to feel a little stale to me.
I will have to confess, the pacing and action was top-notch. I loved the blood and guts, in your face style action here, and really is the only reason I think I didn't end up DNF-ing this.
Although this didn't work for me, it looks like reviews have been overwhelmingly positive so far, so if you're a hardcore grimdark fan like me, maybe you will enjoy this more than I did. Amazing authors that I still cannot wait to read more of their work:)
My main issue with the book is the writing style decision. The way the dialogue is portrayed, especially with the "demons" just did not make sense, and was very hard to read through. The characters were also a bit cut and dry. You kind of know who is going to make it, and who is there to be killed off.
The setting, while effective, is also a bit overdone. Set within a city under siege has just been done to death, especially within the grimdark sub-genre that it just is starting to feel a little stale to me.
I will have to confess, the pacing and action was top-notch. I loved the blood and guts, in your face style action here, and really is the only reason I think I didn't end up DNF-ing this.
Although this didn't work for me, it looks like reviews have been overwhelmingly positive so far, so if you're a hardcore grimdark fan like me, maybe you will enjoy this more than I did. Amazing authors that I still cannot wait to read more of their work:)
February 24, 2024
Unpredictable and delightfully dark
(Full review to come in upcoming video)
(Full review to come in upcoming video)
March 30, 2024
A deranged, bloody, and psychotic journey. It screams, it kills, it’ll make you giggle. Fun times.
February 14, 2025
This is a good novella that’s extremely grimdark… blood, guts, assassins, demons, zombies… really has it all… throws in a touch of humor… just didn’t quite grab me and pull me in or make me care for the characters like some grimdark stories I love…
February 19, 2025
Putrid, corrupted tendrils slither their way through all of Anna Smith Spark’s work, so it’s surprising that we can only now experience an actual demon POV from the Undead Demon Queen of Grimdark.
And what a devilishly depraved POV it is!
The Grimdark duo of Michael R Fletcher and Anna Smith Spark spray onto the page what would happen if a dark Halloween abomination spawned a feral, corrupted hell-child from the corpse of Gemmell’s ‘Legend’. And then covered it in entrails.
The story all takes place in one besieged city, but you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s in the bowels of hell. Bodily fluids ooze, vile magic bombards the city and the inhabitants are waiting for their inevitable demise – before or after the invading army decides to breach the walls. Oh and there’s also a demon on the loose.
The main protagonist of the book is Tash, the apparent third best assassin in the city. He’s been tasked by Pitt (leader of a morally ambiguous mercenary crew) with assassinating the besieged king, soon discovering best assassins one and two have been eliminated, with him next. He comes face to face with the aforementioned demon, embodied by a dumpy looking young woman. This may sound more light hearted than you were perhaps expecting, but Tash’s narrative voice provides comic relief in a book that is incredibly deep into Grimdark territory. He’s not actually a good guy – there are no real heroes in this book. Just one of many morally grey characters in this city trying to survive and enjoy whatever they can before doom descends. His chapters (assumedly the creation of Fletcher), provide some real gems – such as this incredible description of a penis:
“Hauling out that war-hammer of a cock, he unleashed a torrent of urine that would leave a warhorse with a crushing inferiority complex”
Iananr is Smith Spark’s demon and with this POV she takes off the shackles and launches them into oblivion. Depravity, brutality, corruption and utter debased vileness smother the character, bound by a human master to protect the king above all else. The demon’s use of the word ‘it’ to describe the humans encountered helps add to the contempt towards them with some of the grisly deaths they suffer so excellently and gruesomely written.
Being a novella, there isn’t much time for world building and this strengthens the story. It gives us immediacy and ensures the events get our full attention, dropping us right into the chaotic, apprehensive and volatile setting of this city under siege, threats within and without.
Despite the Grimdark throughout, there is a really beautiful chapter towards the end of the book that really juxtaposes all the depravity that comes before it.
I hope the authors had fun writing this – I get the impression they did – it’s a really unique book and I commend Fletcher and Smith Spark for experimenting and coming out with something very different that was probably very liberating to produce. Hats off to Adrian at Grimdark for providing the platform to showcase writing talent from two fantastic authors in this type of novella. A novella that hits you like a freight train powered by corpses.
Read it!
Thankyou to Grimdark for providing me with a limited edition ARC in exchange for my honest review, I will treasure it. This has no bearing on the content of my review.
And what a devilishly depraved POV it is!
The Grimdark duo of Michael R Fletcher and Anna Smith Spark spray onto the page what would happen if a dark Halloween abomination spawned a feral, corrupted hell-child from the corpse of Gemmell’s ‘Legend’. And then covered it in entrails.
The story all takes place in one besieged city, but you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s in the bowels of hell. Bodily fluids ooze, vile magic bombards the city and the inhabitants are waiting for their inevitable demise – before or after the invading army decides to breach the walls. Oh and there’s also a demon on the loose.
The main protagonist of the book is Tash, the apparent third best assassin in the city. He’s been tasked by Pitt (leader of a morally ambiguous mercenary crew) with assassinating the besieged king, soon discovering best assassins one and two have been eliminated, with him next. He comes face to face with the aforementioned demon, embodied by a dumpy looking young woman. This may sound more light hearted than you were perhaps expecting, but Tash’s narrative voice provides comic relief in a book that is incredibly deep into Grimdark territory. He’s not actually a good guy – there are no real heroes in this book. Just one of many morally grey characters in this city trying to survive and enjoy whatever they can before doom descends. His chapters (assumedly the creation of Fletcher), provide some real gems – such as this incredible description of a penis:
“Hauling out that war-hammer of a cock, he unleashed a torrent of urine that would leave a warhorse with a crushing inferiority complex”
Iananr is Smith Spark’s demon and with this POV she takes off the shackles and launches them into oblivion. Depravity, brutality, corruption and utter debased vileness smother the character, bound by a human master to protect the king above all else. The demon’s use of the word ‘it’ to describe the humans encountered helps add to the contempt towards them with some of the grisly deaths they suffer so excellently and gruesomely written.
Being a novella, there isn’t much time for world building and this strengthens the story. It gives us immediacy and ensures the events get our full attention, dropping us right into the chaotic, apprehensive and volatile setting of this city under siege, threats within and without.
Despite the Grimdark throughout, there is a really beautiful chapter towards the end of the book that really juxtaposes all the depravity that comes before it.
I hope the authors had fun writing this – I get the impression they did – it’s a really unique book and I commend Fletcher and Smith Spark for experimenting and coming out with something very different that was probably very liberating to produce. Hats off to Adrian at Grimdark for providing the platform to showcase writing talent from two fantastic authors in this type of novella. A novella that hits you like a freight train powered by corpses.
Read it!
Thankyou to Grimdark for providing me with a limited edition ARC in exchange for my honest review, I will treasure it. This has no bearing on the content of my review.
March 25, 2024
Non avevo ancora letto nulla di Anna... Ma lo farò!!! Ha una prosa dirompente..
Adoro tutto quello che ha scritto Fletcher.. ma qui credo si sia spinto oltre..
Per me insieme hanno scritto un piccolo capolavoro!!
Quello che tanti autori non riescono a fare in centinaia e centinaia di pagine, qui è costruito in meno di 190 pagine!! (Sono poche perché ne volevo ancora e ancora e ancora...)
Un Worldbuilding che può prestare il fianco a decine di romanzi!! E spero lo farà..
Cosa prova un essere non umano di un altro piano esistenziale, che vede l'emozioni si nutre di dolore e anime e piange piombo fuso? Ecco, la resa del suo personaggio è pura follia creativa resa letteratura!!!!
E poi Wint il Sudario, miglior personaggio di sempre!!! La creatività del duo è irrefrenabile e efferata..
Preparatevi a attraversare un mattatoio col sangue alto fino alle anche, liquami e fluidi, ironia e divertimento... È solo debolezza!!
Adoro tutto quello che ha scritto Fletcher.. ma qui credo si sia spinto oltre..
Per me insieme hanno scritto un piccolo capolavoro!!
Quello che tanti autori non riescono a fare in centinaia e centinaia di pagine, qui è costruito in meno di 190 pagine!! (Sono poche perché ne volevo ancora e ancora e ancora...)
Un Worldbuilding che può prestare il fianco a decine di romanzi!! E spero lo farà..
Cosa prova un essere non umano di un altro piano esistenziale, che vede l'emozioni si nutre di dolore e anime e piange piombo fuso? Ecco, la resa del suo personaggio è pura follia creativa resa letteratura!!!!
E poi Wint il Sudario, miglior personaggio di sempre!!! La creatività del duo è irrefrenabile e efferata..
Preparatevi a attraversare un mattatoio col sangue alto fino alle anche, liquami e fluidi, ironia e divertimento... È solo debolezza!!
February 11, 2025
Oggi vi parlo del romanzo breve “Nell’ombra della loro morte”, scritto a quattro mani da Michael R. Fletcher e Anna Smith Spark.
La città di Sharaam sta per cadere, bombardata da magia e alchimia. Una banda di mercenari assolda un assassino per uccidere il re e porre fine al conflitto, mentre un demone vincolato farà di tutto per proteggere il sovrano.
La struttura narrativa è molto semplice e le vicende si svolgono in un arco temporale brevissimo. Tuttavia, “Nell’ombra della loro morte” non ha nulla da invidiare a libri più corposi e complessi. Dal mio punto di vista, il libro possiede tutte le caratteristiche necessarie a rendere una storia valida e avvincente. I personaggi vengono ben caratterizzati in poche righe, l’ambientazione è sufficientemente approfondita, fa emergere tutto l’amore per gli RPG Dark Fantasy degli anni ’80-’90 ed è un ottimo palcoscenico per le peripezie di una notte: inseguimenti, sortilegi, scontri, tradimenti, eruzioni ematiche e violenza. Tutto questo testimonia la bravura di Fletcher & Spark nel dar vita a un canovaccio solido, divertente e dal ritmo serrato. L’impressione avuta quando ho girato l’ultima pagina è stata quella di aver letto un soulslike, condito da dialoghi e battute spumeggianti.
Ho trovato davvero riuscita l’alternanza stilistica tra le due penne. Il POV scritto dalla Spark lo riconoscerete subito, è poetico, musicale e ricercato. Questo si contrappone perfettamente ai punti di vista portati avanti da Fletcher, caratterizzati da uno stile più classico, diretto e dinamico. Due voci diverse che si intrecciano e si completano a vicenda. Esperimento pienamente riuscito.
La città di Sharaam sta per cadere, bombardata da magia e alchimia. Una banda di mercenari assolda un assassino per uccidere il re e porre fine al conflitto, mentre un demone vincolato farà di tutto per proteggere il sovrano.
La struttura narrativa è molto semplice e le vicende si svolgono in un arco temporale brevissimo. Tuttavia, “Nell’ombra della loro morte” non ha nulla da invidiare a libri più corposi e complessi. Dal mio punto di vista, il libro possiede tutte le caratteristiche necessarie a rendere una storia valida e avvincente. I personaggi vengono ben caratterizzati in poche righe, l’ambientazione è sufficientemente approfondita, fa emergere tutto l’amore per gli RPG Dark Fantasy degli anni ’80-’90 ed è un ottimo palcoscenico per le peripezie di una notte: inseguimenti, sortilegi, scontri, tradimenti, eruzioni ematiche e violenza. Tutto questo testimonia la bravura di Fletcher & Spark nel dar vita a un canovaccio solido, divertente e dal ritmo serrato. L’impressione avuta quando ho girato l’ultima pagina è stata quella di aver letto un soulslike, condito da dialoghi e battute spumeggianti.
Ho trovato davvero riuscita l’alternanza stilistica tra le due penne. Il POV scritto dalla Spark lo riconoscerete subito, è poetico, musicale e ricercato. Questo si contrappone perfettamente ai punti di vista portati avanti da Fletcher, caratterizzati da uno stile più classico, diretto e dinamico. Due voci diverse che si intrecciano e si completano a vicenda. Esperimento pienamente riuscito.
February 23, 2024
This is about as grim and grimy as it gets. Blood soaked intestines flying everywhere. It's a romp through a nightmare and it's fun as hell. I haven't read Sparks works before but I will definitely be putting her at the top of my list. Her chapters inside the head of a Demon are fabulous and well written and new, intriguing. It's a dark book but there always is a streak of dark humor throughout. This is one of the reasons I enjoy Fletcher's work so much. It's a quick read and totally worth every word.
March 10, 2024
Thank you to Grimdark Magazine for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy!
This story is action-packed and gritty with a good dose of horror and an overall fun time! It’s the perfect grimdark novella!
Smith Spark and Fletcher have done a wonderful job of giving the characters distinct personalities and touch on some dark and relevant themes. It’s a MUST READ for any dark fantasy/grimdark/horror fan!
This is my first dose of either of these authors and I can’t wait for more!
This story is action-packed and gritty with a good dose of horror and an overall fun time! It’s the perfect grimdark novella!
Smith Spark and Fletcher have done a wonderful job of giving the characters distinct personalities and touch on some dark and relevant themes. It’s a MUST READ for any dark fantasy/grimdark/horror fan!
This is my first dose of either of these authors and I can’t wait for more!
March 17, 2024
I was given an advance copy of this novella by the publisher. Here is the quote I provided:
'Awash with bloody brio and dark humour, In the Shadow of Their Dying sparks with relentless narrative energy as it tells the story of a siege-gone-wrong, and an assassin who can do no right.'
'Awash with bloody brio and dark humour, In the Shadow of Their Dying sparks with relentless narrative energy as it tells the story of a siege-gone-wrong, and an assassin who can do no right.'
March 18, 2024
Review originally on
JamReads
In The Shadow of Their Dying is a grimdark standalone novella, written by two of the most prominent voices in the genre, as Anna Smith Spark and Michael R. Fletcher are, and published by Grimdark Magazine. Beautifully written, we find ourselves immersed in the siege of Sharaam, a city that is close to crumble under the pressure, in a matter of days.
Tash, the third best assassin of the city, is hired to get rid of the king of Sharaam, a way to prove his value and that will probably end with the war; however, he didn't expect to find the king guarded by a demon bound in the body of a woman, Iananr. She thrives in blood and destruction, and while her bonding forces her to protect the king, she yearns for freedom; her bond forces her to find Tash and get rid of him.
Pitt is leading a mercenary crew; hiring Tash to kill the king was the plan to get his crew out of the Tsaril siege and leave the hellhole Sharaam has become. But if something is clear, is that plans and reality don't macerate well together.
The atmosphere of Sharaam is masterfully crafted, transmitting the gore and the desperation that comes as a result of the prolonged siege; citizens are literally fighting for the last resources and trying to get some coins, even if that means deceiving and robbing other people. Desperation is the word that defines the situation, something perfectly captured by the prose of Fletcher and Smith Spark.
In this context, we are spectators of the race between Tash, Pitt and Iananr to get the upper hand, fighting to get advantage, even at the cost of destruction and more death.
Being a collaborative project, it is interesting to see how the personal touch of each one of the authors shapes some details. Tash's voice is definitely a result of Fletcher's writing, fast-paced and snarky, dark humoured; and you can totally recognize Smith Spark's writing in the voice of Ianarn, almost rhythmical writing, obsessing over the words and the ideas.
In The Shadow of Their Dying is an excellent and intense grimdark novella; a collaborative effort that has produced an incredible book. If you are a fan of the genre, or want to try both authors, this is an excellent taster!
In The Shadow of Their Dying is a grimdark standalone novella, written by two of the most prominent voices in the genre, as Anna Smith Spark and Michael R. Fletcher are, and published by Grimdark Magazine. Beautifully written, we find ourselves immersed in the siege of Sharaam, a city that is close to crumble under the pressure, in a matter of days.
Tash, the third best assassin of the city, is hired to get rid of the king of Sharaam, a way to prove his value and that will probably end with the war; however, he didn't expect to find the king guarded by a demon bound in the body of a woman, Iananr. She thrives in blood and destruction, and while her bonding forces her to protect the king, she yearns for freedom; her bond forces her to find Tash and get rid of him.
Pitt is leading a mercenary crew; hiring Tash to kill the king was the plan to get his crew out of the Tsaril siege and leave the hellhole Sharaam has become. But if something is clear, is that plans and reality don't macerate well together.
The atmosphere of Sharaam is masterfully crafted, transmitting the gore and the desperation that comes as a result of the prolonged siege; citizens are literally fighting for the last resources and trying to get some coins, even if that means deceiving and robbing other people. Desperation is the word that defines the situation, something perfectly captured by the prose of Fletcher and Smith Spark.
In this context, we are spectators of the race between Tash, Pitt and Iananr to get the upper hand, fighting to get advantage, even at the cost of destruction and more death.
Being a collaborative project, it is interesting to see how the personal touch of each one of the authors shapes some details. Tash's voice is definitely a result of Fletcher's writing, fast-paced and snarky, dark humoured; and you can totally recognize Smith Spark's writing in the voice of Ianarn, almost rhythmical writing, obsessing over the words and the ideas.
In The Shadow of Their Dying is an excellent and intense grimdark novella; a collaborative effort that has produced an incredible book. If you are a fan of the genre, or want to try both authors, this is an excellent taster!
January 17, 2024
La città di Sharaam è sotto aşşedio, il porto è stato occupato e gli invasori bersagliano le mura ogni notte con munizioni di stregoneria alchemica. Una banda di mercenari decide di assoldare Tash, il “terzo miglior aşşaşşino del luogo” (perché, in fondo, se gli altri hanno fallito a qualcuno bisogna pur rivolgersi) per eliminare il re e porre fine a una resistenza che pare ormai un inutile spargimento di sanguẽ.
Il compito, tuttavia, non sarà per niente semplice: il sovrano è infatti protetto da Iananr, un demone legato da un patto che l’obbligherà a difendere la vita del monarca a qualunque costo.
In the Shadow of their Dying è una novella scritta a quattro mani da due maestri del (grim)dark fantasy, e l’unione delle due penne è riuscita a generare un lavoro divertente, ben scritto e condito da una buona dose di black humour.
I personaggi, come nella più classica tradizione del genere, sono un gruppo di figure grigie, la cui mentalità contorta e i pensieri burrascosi nascondono con mestiere una profondità che sarà un piacere esplorare.
Gli autori decidono di focalizzarsi principalmente sui due protagonisti citati poco sopra, ma non solo. L'alternanza dei punti di vista aiuta a mantenere un ritmo di per sé già molto alto, e tutti risultano ben caratterizzati anche quando dispongono di poche pagine.
È tuttavia Iananr il personaggio meglio tratteggiato, grazie a una scrittura originale e visionaria.
Il worldubuilding, per quanto non sia l’aspetto più rilevante della vicenda, emerge quel tanto che basta per risultare convincente e ospitare scene di scontri e battaglie, inseguimenti, dialoghi frizzanti e in grado di soddisfare, soprattutto, gli estimatori di un certo Joe Abercrombie (anche grazie alla capacità di dar vita a espressioni singolari per diversi degli individui in campo).
Questa breve prova è, in definitiva, un esperimento pienamente riuscito: non posso che augurarmi di rivedere, in futuro, il protrarsi di questa collaborazione.
Il compito, tuttavia, non sarà per niente semplice: il sovrano è infatti protetto da Iananr, un demone legato da un patto che l’obbligherà a difendere la vita del monarca a qualunque costo.
In the Shadow of their Dying è una novella scritta a quattro mani da due maestri del (grim)dark fantasy, e l’unione delle due penne è riuscita a generare un lavoro divertente, ben scritto e condito da una buona dose di black humour.
I personaggi, come nella più classica tradizione del genere, sono un gruppo di figure grigie, la cui mentalità contorta e i pensieri burrascosi nascondono con mestiere una profondità che sarà un piacere esplorare.
Gli autori decidono di focalizzarsi principalmente sui due protagonisti citati poco sopra, ma non solo. L'alternanza dei punti di vista aiuta a mantenere un ritmo di per sé già molto alto, e tutti risultano ben caratterizzati anche quando dispongono di poche pagine.
È tuttavia Iananr il personaggio meglio tratteggiato, grazie a una scrittura originale e visionaria.
Il worldubuilding, per quanto non sia l’aspetto più rilevante della vicenda, emerge quel tanto che basta per risultare convincente e ospitare scene di scontri e battaglie, inseguimenti, dialoghi frizzanti e in grado di soddisfare, soprattutto, gli estimatori di un certo Joe Abercrombie (anche grazie alla capacità di dar vita a espressioni singolari per diversi degli individui in campo).
Questa breve prova è, in definitiva, un esperimento pienamente riuscito: non posso che augurarmi di rivedere, in futuro, il protrarsi di questa collaborazione.
March 24, 2024
This creation is a novella, but don’t worry about the length, as personally guarantee your thirst for grimdark will be quenched. Two of my favorite humans/writers/authors team up to birth this creation; Michael R. Fletcher and Anna Smith Spark. This novella reshaped my opinion of what grimdark “is”. Throughout this story, feelings ranged from dark, ominous, disturbing, grotesque, with a sprinkle of disgust and vileness, all of which were captured in the best possible way. The characters, particularly the “demon” that Anna Smith Spark wrote, blew my mind. The plot is brilliant and is curated brilliantly. The characters and plot are great, sure, BUT nothing beats the themes and atmosphere presented in this book. As incredible as I found this book to be, I also have to recognize that it is NOT for everyone. If you don’t enjoy treading darker than what a “romantasy” novel might bring, you’ll not enjoy this one. It is, of course, published by the amazing Grimdark Magazine, which time and time again brings incredible stories and authors together to create masterpieces like the novella I’m currently gushing about. Great job guys!
December 5, 2023
I'll be doing a reread with a full review to come closer to date of publication
That being said, this is one of the most disgusting, vile worlds ever. And that's said lovingly. The demon POV especially is gut churning. Told like nothing I've read before. Very very unique
My only minor gripe is that the characters don't get as much time to develop in just 160 pages.
As far as novellas goes, this might just be my favorite.
I can't wait to reread this, and to see everyone's responses to what I think will be on many grimdark fans best of 2024 list!
That being said, this is one of the most disgusting, vile worlds ever. And that's said lovingly. The demon POV especially is gut churning. Told like nothing I've read before. Very very unique
My only minor gripe is that the characters don't get as much time to develop in just 160 pages.
As far as novellas goes, this might just be my favorite.
I can't wait to reread this, and to see everyone's responses to what I think will be on many grimdark fans best of 2024 list!
March 23, 2025
This was very interesting. Written by two authors and you can really see the differences in writing styles. I was really into Tash, the third best assassin in the city. It was funny, pathetic, power lusting, coward of a character who wanting to be iced but went about it so wrongly.
January 2, 2024
Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this as a Patreon supporter of Michael Fletcher.
Michael Fletcher and Anna Smith Spark are two titans of grimdark and so I was super excited to see what they would combine to create. Spoiler: It does not disappoint! This is hands down one of the best Novellas I have read, packing so much into such a condensed story, yet feeling complete.
As you would expect from these two names, the setting is the bleakest of grimdark. We are in a city under siege, where the third best assassin has been tasked with killing the governor not knowing that he is under the protection of a powerful demon. The siege conditions are viscerally described - the hardship, the numbness, the constant fear - all of it feels very claustrophobic and real. The depredations of war are present in all their gruesomeness.
The characters are all perfectly flawed, like all good grimdark characters. From our assassin Tash (whose amusing vanity and ego help to lighten the darkest of setting - there are shades of Flashman in this character) to the demon Iananr (a seething ball of anger - it is very interesting to be given a POV of this!) to the task masters who set Tash on the job, everyone here is ultimately trying to survive in a truly horrific environment.
Then we have the prose, and this is so perfectly done. Both Anna and Michael have very distinctive prose, but they combine in this sublime way. I just want more - I hope this collaboration continues!
Unpleasant, uncomfortable and just downright amazing as a read!
Michael Fletcher and Anna Smith Spark are two titans of grimdark and so I was super excited to see what they would combine to create. Spoiler: It does not disappoint! This is hands down one of the best Novellas I have read, packing so much into such a condensed story, yet feeling complete.
As you would expect from these two names, the setting is the bleakest of grimdark. We are in a city under siege, where the third best assassin has been tasked with killing the governor not knowing that he is under the protection of a powerful demon. The siege conditions are viscerally described - the hardship, the numbness, the constant fear - all of it feels very claustrophobic and real. The depredations of war are present in all their gruesomeness.
The characters are all perfectly flawed, like all good grimdark characters. From our assassin Tash (whose amusing vanity and ego help to lighten the darkest of setting - there are shades of Flashman in this character) to the demon Iananr (a seething ball of anger - it is very interesting to be given a POV of this!) to the task masters who set Tash on the job, everyone here is ultimately trying to survive in a truly horrific environment.
Then we have the prose, and this is so perfectly done. Both Anna and Michael have very distinctive prose, but they combine in this sublime way. I just want more - I hope this collaboration continues!
Unpleasant, uncomfortable and just downright amazing as a read!
December 4, 2024
Your third favorite Goodreads reviewer is here to say that this novella is a lot of fun. It feels like a Three Stooges sketch, only one where the characters die rather than bouncing back from their comical injuries. Mass pandemonium on a Superjail level. Also, what's with you only making me your third favorite reviewer? Who are one and two? I bet you lied about me being number three to drive my prices down. I want their names!
April 9, 2024
Have to admit I've never read either of these authors before and this novella was an easy way to address that. This felt like a bigger story but when you peel it back I think you could summarise it very quickly, that to me is the sign of good storytelling.
Tash is the humourously and quite numerously professed, third-best assassin in Sharaam, a city under siege. His latest score is a big one and could end the siege bombardment, the only problem, his target has a bound protector.
Iananr is a demon and is bound by word chains to protect the king, she takes it to its word and pursues a failed assassin. The demons POV character is eloquently told by Ann Smith Spark in darkly expressive prose.
She had trampled a world filled with screams once, when all was younger. Human voices pleading, and she had danced over them, filled herself with them, soaked them into her skin. Garbed herself in human screams.
So the demon seeks Tash, Tash looks to escape via Pitt the mercenary and his crew, all amidst a rapidly escalating battle encompassing both enemy spies and the dead.
Overall great magic system, characters and setting, very well written and a running over hot coals kind of pace. Interesting take, repeating several scenes via different perspectives. The atmosphere was grim with a few twists and turns, a few unexpected endings and countless demon foraging.
Tash is the humourously and quite numerously professed, third-best assassin in Sharaam, a city under siege. His latest score is a big one and could end the siege bombardment, the only problem, his target has a bound protector.
Iananr is a demon and is bound by word chains to protect the king, she takes it to its word and pursues a failed assassin. The demons POV character is eloquently told by Ann Smith Spark in darkly expressive prose.
She had trampled a world filled with screams once, when all was younger. Human voices pleading, and she had danced over them, filled herself with them, soaked them into her skin. Garbed herself in human screams.
So the demon seeks Tash, Tash looks to escape via Pitt the mercenary and his crew, all amidst a rapidly escalating battle encompassing both enemy spies and the dead.
Overall great magic system, characters and setting, very well written and a running over hot coals kind of pace. Interesting take, repeating several scenes via different perspectives. The atmosphere was grim with a few twists and turns, a few unexpected endings and countless demon foraging.
November 30, 2024
You can tell which parts Fletcher wrote by the count of the word "cock".
Seriously now.
A gory, grimy novella with rich prose and clever worldbuilding.
Whips up a fresh take on fantasy zombies and uses beautiful prose intertwined with parodic moments to humor and darken the horrors and idiocies of war.
I especially loved the POV of Iananr, the pain-loving demon suffering an unjust binding. All the POVs balance each other out, each painting the world in different strokes of guts, darkest humor, and backstabbing.
I didn't much like the jarring mix of modern speech with mystic lyricism but otherwise, really enjoyed it!
Seriously now.
A gory, grimy novella with rich prose and clever worldbuilding.
Whips up a fresh take on fantasy zombies and uses beautiful prose intertwined with parodic moments to humor and darken the horrors and idiocies of war.
I especially loved the POV of Iananr, the pain-loving demon suffering an unjust binding. All the POVs balance each other out, each painting the world in different strokes of guts, darkest humor, and backstabbing.
I didn't much like the jarring mix of modern speech with mystic lyricism but otherwise, really enjoyed it!
December 13, 2024
Would probably have been a 4 star had it been longer. TBH only read it because it has Anna Smith Sparks name on it.
December 30, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Every time I read Michael R. Fletcher I immediately want to break my TBR, I'm trying to be disciplined. His short story in Evil is a Matter of Perspective is my occasional Roman Empire.
I haven’t read anything by Miss Queen of Grim-dark, Anna Smith Spark yet but she’s been on my radar for some time now, I’m glad this was my intro to her work.
A grim-dark, violent, atmospheric, gross but yummy novella soooo Christmas came early for me then. This is easily a fave! Action-packed and fast-paced but didn’t feel rushed. It was as long as it needed to be. The descriptions in this 🤌🏽, the world building as well! The fact that mythical creatures and monsters were included enhanced my experience. The dialogue was so good, so so good actually! And I loved the characters.
I loved Mr. 3rd Best Assassin, and I appreciate him, I am grateful. Iykyk. I routed for Pitt and dem. Lash surprised me! Me and Feylash 🤞🏽same person. I didn’t really feel for Inan, just didn’t care about her situation. If I were her, I’d have handled it differently, but that’s me. I respect her.
My main grievance was that there was a bit of repetition when it came to Inan’s thoughts. I would skim over it sometimes.
My mini grievance was that there wasn’t a lot of dialogue in the beginning. I would look forward to every time Tash, Pitt, or Gert would talk instead of think. Oh wait, and Tash was so obsessed with lips…like what was that about 🤣 But none of these take away from the quality of this book.
The number of woahs, wtfs, omgs, and omfgs I have gasped…And that last chapter took my breath away.
This was short and sweet. Anotherrr!!! *Thor’s voice*
Thank you to Grimdark Magazine for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏽
Every time I read Michael R. Fletcher I immediately want to break my TBR, I'm trying to be disciplined. His short story in Evil is a Matter of Perspective is my occasional Roman Empire.
I haven’t read anything by Miss Queen of Grim-dark, Anna Smith Spark yet but she’s been on my radar for some time now, I’m glad this was my intro to her work.
A grim-dark, violent, atmospheric, gross but yummy novella soooo Christmas came early for me then. This is easily a fave! Action-packed and fast-paced but didn’t feel rushed. It was as long as it needed to be. The descriptions in this 🤌🏽, the world building as well! The fact that mythical creatures and monsters were included enhanced my experience. The dialogue was so good, so so good actually! And I loved the characters.
I loved Mr. 3rd Best Assassin, and I appreciate him, I am grateful. Iykyk. I routed for Pitt and dem. Lash surprised me! Me and Feylash 🤞🏽same person. I didn’t really feel for Inan, just didn’t care about her situation. If I were her, I’d have handled it differently, but that’s me. I respect her.
My main grievance was that there was a bit of repetition when it came to Inan’s thoughts. I would skim over it sometimes.
My mini grievance was that there wasn’t a lot of dialogue in the beginning. I would look forward to every time Tash, Pitt, or Gert would talk instead of think. Oh wait, and Tash was so obsessed with lips…like what was that about 🤣 But none of these take away from the quality of this book.
The number of woahs, wtfs, omgs, and omfgs I have gasped…And that last chapter took my breath away.
This was short and sweet. Anotherrr!!! *Thor’s voice*
Thank you to Grimdark Magazine for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏽
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