Late Night Testament

by Sirius .

Deep in a Virginia holler, the devil runs the cursed town of Withering. There are silver mines and streams of healing water, yet its desperate residents are kept sick and poor. It could have been a town for miracles, but the heavy heel of the greedy Crain family stands too firmly on its neck.

Sunday Wyatt is running from his debts. He spends his nights working at a bar trying to save up enough money to start a new life anywhere else. It seems like divine intervention when his creditor, the youngest Crain, turns up at the bar with a vampire on his heels.

This vampire has a chip on his shoulder and a harrowing if Sunday is willing to honor his 'commandments' without question, they can both have their revenge. Greed, desire, and betrayal have left them starved, and blood is all there is left to consume.

93 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2024

About the author

Sirius is a lover of glory, gore, and monsters. They are a queer, nonbinary artist living in the hot and bothered South; currently residing in a little spot that has been dubbed ‘Halloweentown’, North Carolina. They are the writer of The Draonir Saga, The Gentlemen Demon Series, and The Dread South Series.

When they are not writing, they work as a professional drag performer, weaving the characters from their stories into visual art for the stage.

Reviews

[Stitching Ghost · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure why it took me so long to review this book. It's not like I didn't enjoy it, I did, that's my main gripe with it, my greedy ass wanted more of it. The vibes were vibing, the atmosphere was there, and the grittiness was delectable but as soon as the characters were established it was over and there I was left wanting it to linger.

Read it for the vibes.

[Valentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in one sitting, no notes, just vibes 💅🏻

[JekyllReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Late Night Testament is a bloody story of greed, desire, and revenge that I thoroughly enjoyed. The framing of this novella is perfect, shifting perspectives effortlessly to master the southern gothic atmosphere. Sirius’ incredible writing skill is on full display here, conjuring visceral images that hold the reader witness to a twisted display.

I would more than happily read a full series following directly on from Late Night Testament. That being said, it must be commended how Sirius is able to conjure up such compelling characters and stories within a relatively short piece. I was entirely entranced by this book, and in the days between finishing it and this review have revisited it multiple times.

If you hear southern vampire horror calling your name, pick up this book. And if it’s your first introduction to The Dread South: welcome, you are in for a ride.

[Book Fae · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dread south will always have me in a choke hold but this one hit so hard. I loved every second of it and beau<333