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Lost Carcosa #3
The Dreams of Demhe
Our dreams can carry us to new heights, or utterly destroy us…
Cali has escaped the Screaming Pit and fled across the deserts of Demhe. Seeking to finally bring her to justice, Alan, LeBarron, Cassilda, Petruccio, and Roland pursue, but soon heroes and villains alike are embroiled in the power of the dreaming desert.
Fantasies and nightmares come to life, traumas and memories resurface in the form of phantom eidolons, and each soul finds themself trapped in a dream without solution.
Meanwhile, Haercus, unleashed from the prison of his armour, roams the treacherous sands, seeking out the talisman that once belonged to him.
Only in discovering the secret of the desert can Alan and his companions escape Demhe’s clutches and find Cali. But soon they will discover that unearthing Demhe’s secret will bring to light a truth about one of their own, which will shake the very foundations of Carcosa itself…
Cali has escaped the Screaming Pit and fled across the deserts of Demhe. Seeking to finally bring her to justice, Alan, LeBarron, Cassilda, Petruccio, and Roland pursue, but soon heroes and villains alike are embroiled in the power of the dreaming desert.
Fantasies and nightmares come to life, traumas and memories resurface in the form of phantom eidolons, and each soul finds themself trapped in a dream without solution.
Meanwhile, Haercus, unleashed from the prison of his armour, roams the treacherous sands, seeking out the talisman that once belonged to him.
Only in discovering the secret of the desert can Alan and his companions escape Demhe’s clutches and find Cali. But soon they will discover that unearthing Demhe’s secret will bring to light a truth about one of their own, which will shake the very foundations of Carcosa itself…
- GenresFantasy
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2024
About the author
Joseph Sale
62 books64 followersJoseph Sale is an author and filmmaker. He has published more than 30 books, including The Book of Thrice Dead, Virtue’s End, Dark Hilarity, and The Claw of Craving. He is drawn to the baroque, the spiritual, and the mythic like a moth to flame.
He lives in the south of England with his wonderful family, where he obsesses over table-top RPGs, trading card games, book bindery, esoteric Christianity, and anime.
He lives in the south of England with his wonderful family, where he obsesses over table-top RPGs, trading card games, book bindery, esoteric Christianity, and anime.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 20, 2024
When we last left, protagonist Alan Chanbers and his companions had won a great victory over the forces of darkness, but the evil Princess Cali had escaped after killing her father. The Dreams of Demhe covers their pursuit of Cali through the fabled Desert of Demhe, to stop her before she can join forces with the Demon King.
Not surprisingly, the book stacks up well against the previous two installments. No doubt, Joseph Sale is a superbly gifted writer, and his prose is strong, as always. The story does have a somewhat different feel from the prior two. It’s more introspective, and focuses more on the inner strengths and weaknesses of the characters themselves, as opposed to having them surmount various obstacles in the Carcosa world. This is facilitated in the story by the Desert of Demhe, where most of the book takes place. It’s a place of visions, where the apparitions seen are all tailored to each character, and prey upon their deepest fears.
The setting is what gives the book its unique flavor, and is also likely to divide readers of the series. Those that prefer stories that focus on what makes the main characters tick will likely have this ranked as the best in the series, while readers that prefer more ‘physical’ stories will probably have the other two volumes ahead of this one. It’s a very good read, but an altered direction for the series. There’s plenty of internal conflict built into the story, especially in Alan’s case. He has to contend with the Claw he bears on his arm, which has an intelligence of its own, and is often in opposition to what Alan’s heart tells him. Also, the visions of the Desert cause Alan to learn some things about his companions that would have been better left hidden, in the interest of keeping the companions unified in their purpose of stopping Cali. The viewpoint of the others also factors in: can they keep supporting Alan, although he knows their worst fears and failings? People in the book (and real life) keep secrets for a reason, and when the veil of secrecy is lifted, it has the potential to tear the group apart, and the cracks start to show by the end of the story. That’s the main focus of the story, and there are also two notable twists to the narrative that are likely to become pivotal in the series, one concerning Alan, another concerning LeBarron, the actor in the group. It’s an inward-looking book, and an entertaining one it is.
It’s another good entry in one of the best dark fantasy series to come out in a long time, Now, when do we get the next one?
Not surprisingly, the book stacks up well against the previous two installments. No doubt, Joseph Sale is a superbly gifted writer, and his prose is strong, as always. The story does have a somewhat different feel from the prior two. It’s more introspective, and focuses more on the inner strengths and weaknesses of the characters themselves, as opposed to having them surmount various obstacles in the Carcosa world. This is facilitated in the story by the Desert of Demhe, where most of the book takes place. It’s a place of visions, where the apparitions seen are all tailored to each character, and prey upon their deepest fears.
The setting is what gives the book its unique flavor, and is also likely to divide readers of the series. Those that prefer stories that focus on what makes the main characters tick will likely have this ranked as the best in the series, while readers that prefer more ‘physical’ stories will probably have the other two volumes ahead of this one. It’s a very good read, but an altered direction for the series. There’s plenty of internal conflict built into the story, especially in Alan’s case. He has to contend with the Claw he bears on his arm, which has an intelligence of its own, and is often in opposition to what Alan’s heart tells him. Also, the visions of the Desert cause Alan to learn some things about his companions that would have been better left hidden, in the interest of keeping the companions unified in their purpose of stopping Cali. The viewpoint of the others also factors in: can they keep supporting Alan, although he knows their worst fears and failings? People in the book (and real life) keep secrets for a reason, and when the veil of secrecy is lifted, it has the potential to tear the group apart, and the cracks start to show by the end of the story. That’s the main focus of the story, and there are also two notable twists to the narrative that are likely to become pivotal in the series, one concerning Alan, another concerning LeBarron, the actor in the group. It’s an inward-looking book, and an entertaining one it is.
It’s another good entry in one of the best dark fantasy series to come out in a long time, Now, when do we get the next one?
August 7, 2024
*Huge thanks to Joseph Sale for sending me a digital ARC!*
Apologies, first off, to Joseph. He sent me a digital ARC a while back, but between the number of books I’ve been reading and the diminished reading time I have currently with summer in full effect, I simply didn’t get to this one until now.
I honestly can’t think of a current, modern-day author who is as ambitious as Joseph Sale. Don’t believe me? Or rather, you’ll throw out fantasy writers who write 1,000 page books and put out one every five years. Sale has created wholly unique worlds while also creating interconnected mythology and released epic-poems and developed characters so deep, you can practically see each of the pores on their skin. And then. And then he goes and decides to tackle the King in Yellow mythology. This is book three of his Lost Carcosa series and judging from the build up of books one and two and what we encounter in book three, he’s just getting started. These books fully lean into the erotic-horror side of things, and not so much the fantasy aspect, but Sale still tells us this tale of yearning, love, seeking and whimsical friendships all buried in the rotting corpses of the darkest, most brutal prose that Barker himself ever conceived. In fact, many moments in here will have you wondering if The Hellbound Heart itself was a PG13 read when compared to the onslaught of brutality Joseph unleashes.
And, as this is book three, if you’ve not read the first two, tread carefully going forward, as I’ll try and stay spoiler free, but can’t guarantee that for books one and two.
What I liked: Picking up after the events in book two, we find Alan, the princess and his lover, Cassilda, LeBarron, Petruccio, and Roland in pursuit of Cali, wanting to put an ending to her betrayal once and for all.
Sale’s set things up nicely at this point. We know somethings off with Alan, that he’s beginning to question who he is and where he’s from. We know that the Claw that has taken over his hand speaks to him, wanting him to do unto others horrible things. And we know that Petruccio still is seeking the pigment that creates all.
The majority of the book takes place with the group dealing with dreams and the issues around the dreams there are having as they make their way across the deserts of Demhe.
As this is the third book in the series, we get to see the interpersonal conflict become more of the front and centre aspect, especially as Demhe grabs hold and more of Alan’s history is revealed.
It all leads to the ultimate show down, where Petruccio takes centre stage and his character arc arrives at some answers. It works really well to answer questions, but also ask some that I’m sure book four will address.
What I didn’t like: I found that Cali’s part within this story was minimized compared to the previous two books. Her character is so multi-layered and important to Alan and Cassilda’s narrative, that having her part limited felt like a gap in pushing the narrative forward. Saying that, Sale still does advance Cali’s portion and I’m sure book four will really bring us back around to her role.
Why you should buy this: The scope of these three books is second to none. I know at some point Sale will be doing an omnibus (he’s got a history of them!) and while it’ll probably clock in around 2,000 pages, the reading experience will make you feel like it’s only 200. The prose is silky smooth, the atmosphere heightened and tense, the characters fantastic and engaging and the actual story that Sale is telling is commanding of your attention wholly.
So far, these three books have delivered a bloody mix of action, gore and erotica and throughout every single book, I’ve had a wicked smile on my face.
Now, we patiently wait for the next book in the series.
Apologies, first off, to Joseph. He sent me a digital ARC a while back, but between the number of books I’ve been reading and the diminished reading time I have currently with summer in full effect, I simply didn’t get to this one until now.
I honestly can’t think of a current, modern-day author who is as ambitious as Joseph Sale. Don’t believe me? Or rather, you’ll throw out fantasy writers who write 1,000 page books and put out one every five years. Sale has created wholly unique worlds while also creating interconnected mythology and released epic-poems and developed characters so deep, you can practically see each of the pores on their skin. And then. And then he goes and decides to tackle the King in Yellow mythology. This is book three of his Lost Carcosa series and judging from the build up of books one and two and what we encounter in book three, he’s just getting started. These books fully lean into the erotic-horror side of things, and not so much the fantasy aspect, but Sale still tells us this tale of yearning, love, seeking and whimsical friendships all buried in the rotting corpses of the darkest, most brutal prose that Barker himself ever conceived. In fact, many moments in here will have you wondering if The Hellbound Heart itself was a PG13 read when compared to the onslaught of brutality Joseph unleashes.
And, as this is book three, if you’ve not read the first two, tread carefully going forward, as I’ll try and stay spoiler free, but can’t guarantee that for books one and two.
What I liked: Picking up after the events in book two, we find Alan, the princess and his lover, Cassilda, LeBarron, Petruccio, and Roland in pursuit of Cali, wanting to put an ending to her betrayal once and for all.
Sale’s set things up nicely at this point. We know somethings off with Alan, that he’s beginning to question who he is and where he’s from. We know that the Claw that has taken over his hand speaks to him, wanting him to do unto others horrible things. And we know that Petruccio still is seeking the pigment that creates all.
The majority of the book takes place with the group dealing with dreams and the issues around the dreams there are having as they make their way across the deserts of Demhe.
As this is the third book in the series, we get to see the interpersonal conflict become more of the front and centre aspect, especially as Demhe grabs hold and more of Alan’s history is revealed.
It all leads to the ultimate show down, where Petruccio takes centre stage and his character arc arrives at some answers. It works really well to answer questions, but also ask some that I’m sure book four will address.
What I didn’t like: I found that Cali’s part within this story was minimized compared to the previous two books. Her character is so multi-layered and important to Alan and Cassilda’s narrative, that having her part limited felt like a gap in pushing the narrative forward. Saying that, Sale still does advance Cali’s portion and I’m sure book four will really bring us back around to her role.
Why you should buy this: The scope of these three books is second to none. I know at some point Sale will be doing an omnibus (he’s got a history of them!) and while it’ll probably clock in around 2,000 pages, the reading experience will make you feel like it’s only 200. The prose is silky smooth, the atmosphere heightened and tense, the characters fantastic and engaging and the actual story that Sale is telling is commanding of your attention wholly.
So far, these three books have delivered a bloody mix of action, gore and erotica and throughout every single book, I’ve had a wicked smile on my face.
Now, we patiently wait for the next book in the series.
April 2, 2024
Absolute Madness 🔥
Every time I read a book in this series I go, that’s it, that was the best one! And every time, Joseph moves the goalpost with the next book.
The Dreams of Demhe is absolutely incredible. I was so enthralled with the storytelling, the character developments and the absolute madness that ties in the last 40% of this book.
Joseph writes like a man possessed, you can feel it in his prose that he is so engrossed in his work. Every sentence flows flawlessly to the next, as if the story is just writing itself. I found it to be such a smooth reading experience, everything is just falling into place.
I’m absolutely chomping at the bit already to read the next book! The Dreams of Demhe left off on ANOTHER cliffhanger, set up with so much tension and anticipation for what’s to come next.
If you are a fan of Clive Barker, you will absolutely jive with Joseph Sale! Absolutely recommend this series to all horror fantasy lovers.
I’m so grateful to Blood Bound Books for another ARC opportunity with this series. I’ll be ordering the paperback as soon as it’s available!
Every time I read a book in this series I go, that’s it, that was the best one! And every time, Joseph moves the goalpost with the next book.
The Dreams of Demhe is absolutely incredible. I was so enthralled with the storytelling, the character developments and the absolute madness that ties in the last 40% of this book.
Joseph writes like a man possessed, you can feel it in his prose that he is so engrossed in his work. Every sentence flows flawlessly to the next, as if the story is just writing itself. I found it to be such a smooth reading experience, everything is just falling into place.
I’m absolutely chomping at the bit already to read the next book! The Dreams of Demhe left off on ANOTHER cliffhanger, set up with so much tension and anticipation for what’s to come next.
If you are a fan of Clive Barker, you will absolutely jive with Joseph Sale! Absolutely recommend this series to all horror fantasy lovers.
I’m so grateful to Blood Bound Books for another ARC opportunity with this series. I’ll be ordering the paperback as soon as it’s available!
January 8, 2025
More Fleshed Out King in Yellow Tale
This is the 3rd book and continues with it's very addicting storyline.
These books have taken the Carcosa narrative to another level altogether!
Great for King in Yellow fans!
This is the 3rd book and continues with it's very addicting storyline.
These books have taken the Carcosa narrative to another level altogether!
Great for King in Yellow fans!
October 1, 2024
Loved it. Joseph has created such a wildly intense and disturbing world, and the characters are much the same. I'm loving how they're all evolving, for better or worse. Like with the other two in the series so far, this was gifted to me from Blood Bound Books and I'm still super grateful for being turned on to this series and to Joseph Sale. I cannot wait for the next installment!
February 8, 2025
This is the 3rd book in the Lost Carcosa series, and you really need to read the others first, of this book won’t make any sense.
This book has a slightly different feel to the first two, because most of it takes place via the character’s dream visions, giving it a much stronger fantasy feel with less horror and action.
In saying that, this whole books feels like the calm before the store, sort of like the bit of a roller-coaster ride when you are slowly climbing up the very large ramp.
This is also a lot of great character and story development, revealing more about all the character’s, adding depth and complexity to each.
I find Joseph Sale’s writing has a similar feel to H.P. Lovercraft’s fantasy stories, like The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath, and The Music of Erich Zann, so If you like them, you will love this one,
This is a great addition to the series, and I’m really looking forward to the next two books.
This book has a slightly different feel to the first two, because most of it takes place via the character’s dream visions, giving it a much stronger fantasy feel with less horror and action.
In saying that, this whole books feels like the calm before the store, sort of like the bit of a roller-coaster ride when you are slowly climbing up the very large ramp.
This is also a lot of great character and story development, revealing more about all the character’s, adding depth and complexity to each.
I find Joseph Sale’s writing has a similar feel to H.P. Lovercraft’s fantasy stories, like The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath, and The Music of Erich Zann, so If you like them, you will love this one,
This is a great addition to the series, and I’m really looking forward to the next two books.
May 7, 2024
Arc from netgalley.
Not as enjoyable as the previous title. The book seemed truncated. There were parts that were distasteful.
Not as enjoyable as the previous title. The book seemed truncated. There were parts that were distasteful.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews