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Discreet Eliminators #2
The Flesh King
Tilda, Ford and Neuland hit NYC to hunt a flesh-eating monster in this bloody, macabre and witty supernatural noir packed twists, turns, betrayals and showdowns. Perfect for fans of Cassandra Khaw, Nat Cassidy and Chuck Tingle.
Ford, Neuland and Tilda return home after the events of The Pale House Devil to try and make peace with the NYC crime syndicates. Then they’ll only be welcomed back if they take on a job for free – hunting down, and killing, The Flesh King, a gruesome killer who is stalking the city, leaving a macabre and bloody trail wherever he goes. Caught up in a twisted set of conspiracies and bloodletting, the monster hunters step up to do what they do best once more – take down the unstoppable evil.
Ford, Neuland and Tilda return home after the events of The Pale House Devil to try and make peace with the NYC crime syndicates. Then they’ll only be welcomed back if they take on a job for free – hunting down, and killing, The Flesh King, a gruesome killer who is stalking the city, leaving a macabre and bloody trail wherever he goes. Caught up in a twisted set of conspiracies and bloodletting, the monster hunters step up to do what they do best once more – take down the unstoppable evil.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2025
33 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Richard Kadrey
131 books3,572 followersRichard Kadrey is a writer and freelance musician living in Pittsburgh, best known for his Sandman Slim novels. His work has been nominated for the Locus and BSFA awards. Kadrey's newest books are The Secrets of Insects, released in August 2023; The Dead Take the A Train (with Cassandra Khaw), released in September 2023; The Pale House Devil, released in September 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 10, 2025
The Flesh King
by Richard Kadrey
This continues from book #1 and the three become a team of assassins of evil. The world is full of various undead, magic, and creatures. The main characters are two undead and one living. They made a home in an abandoned missile silo. The adventures they have are exciting and thrilling. Never a dull moment! Can't wait for the next book!
by Richard Kadrey
This continues from book #1 and the three become a team of assassins of evil. The world is full of various undead, magic, and creatures. The main characters are two undead and one living. They made a home in an abandoned missile silo. The adventures they have are exciting and thrilling. Never a dull moment! Can't wait for the next book!
October 21, 2025
The Flesh King
by Richard Kadrey
The Discreet Eliminators #2
Light Horror
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Oct 7, 2025
Titan Books
Ages: 16+
The trio from the previous book are back home in New York City, trying to find work, but their past activities still have them on the 'black list' with the other crime syndicates. But if they do a job for free, one that involves finding and killing The Flesh King, a serial killer who is leaving mutilated corpses around the city, they might be able to get some paying jobs.
I didn't realize this was the second book in the series until I started to read it, wondering why the characters were sounding familiar, and when it dawned on me, I was like Oh, cool... but that's pretty much as good as it got.
As this is part of a series, I don't want to give too much away, but I found myself bored. Short stories tend to do that to me because there's no depth to the characters, plot, or settings, but at least this 'killer' had some personality.
Overall, this just seemed cobbled together, and I'm calling it light horror because it's not horror. Sure, the killer is unique, and there is ...Spoiler... but there's nothing scary or suspenseful. One could almost call this a Cozy Horror!
The idea is great, but the execution is lacking because it's a short story. I don't know if I'll read any more of this series. Like I said, there is ...spoiler... and violence, making it suitable for readers sixteen and older.
2 Stars
by Richard Kadrey
The Discreet Eliminators #2
Light Horror
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Oct 7, 2025
Titan Books
Ages: 16+
The trio from the previous book are back home in New York City, trying to find work, but their past activities still have them on the 'black list' with the other crime syndicates. But if they do a job for free, one that involves finding and killing The Flesh King, a serial killer who is leaving mutilated corpses around the city, they might be able to get some paying jobs.
I didn't realize this was the second book in the series until I started to read it, wondering why the characters were sounding familiar, and when it dawned on me, I was like Oh, cool... but that's pretty much as good as it got.
As this is part of a series, I don't want to give too much away, but I found myself bored. Short stories tend to do that to me because there's no depth to the characters, plot, or settings, but at least this 'killer' had some personality.
Overall, this just seemed cobbled together, and I'm calling it light horror because it's not horror. Sure, the killer is unique, and there is ...Spoiler... but there's nothing scary or suspenseful. One could almost call this a Cozy Horror!
The idea is great, but the execution is lacking because it's a short story. I don't know if I'll read any more of this series. Like I said, there is ...spoiler... and violence, making it suitable for readers sixteen and older.
2 Stars
August 13, 2025
Ford, Neuland and Tilda are back — and oh my god, they come in swinging.
This one is fast, bloody, and just pure chaos in the best way. I seriously love this trio. Ford and Neuland have slid into this weird but kind of adorable “dad mode” with Tilda, while still being total badasses.
The Flesh King? Absolutely revolting… and I couldn’t get enough of it. Some of the descriptions had me physically squirming but I was living for it.
After the events of The Pale House Devil, they head back to NYC to try and make peace with the crime syndicates. Of course, it’s not that easy — they have to take on a job for free: hunt down and kill The Flesh King, a gruesome killer leaving bodies everywhere. And naturally, things spiral into conspiracies, corruption, and supernatural mayhem.
It’s non-stop. No fluff, no boring bits, just full-throttle gore, banter, creepy monsters, and a touch of character growth that has me begging for book three right now.
Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC — this one was such a ride.
This one is fast, bloody, and just pure chaos in the best way. I seriously love this trio. Ford and Neuland have slid into this weird but kind of adorable “dad mode” with Tilda, while still being total badasses.
The Flesh King? Absolutely revolting… and I couldn’t get enough of it. Some of the descriptions had me physically squirming but I was living for it.
After the events of The Pale House Devil, they head back to NYC to try and make peace with the crime syndicates. Of course, it’s not that easy — they have to take on a job for free: hunt down and kill The Flesh King, a gruesome killer leaving bodies everywhere. And naturally, things spiral into conspiracies, corruption, and supernatural mayhem.
It’s non-stop. No fluff, no boring bits, just full-throttle gore, banter, creepy monsters, and a touch of character growth that has me begging for book three right now.
Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC — this one was such a ride.
October 17, 2025
Fake Sam and Dean are back for more corny dialogue and poorly written action sequences. Remind me not to read book 3 when it comes out.
December 15, 2025
Huge thanks to Titan for the physical ARC of this one. This is book 2 in the Discreet Eliminators series, and I think that is just about the most perfect name ever.
Ford and Neuland are back and better than ever…because they’ve brought Tilda back from California with them! There’s still this kind of buddy-cop feel to the way they behave, but I enjoyed how Tilda was immediately accepted in and they because a family unit. She offers them an edge they didn’t have before, and the author did well to make her a necessity, rather than an accessory character.
Back in NYC, they’re still being ostracized for the moral decision they made in book one…apparently killing the person that hires you is bad for business. But then several of the crime bosses show up with a proposition: find and stop the flesh king and be welcomed back into the fold with open arms. A job is a job, and one that also cleaned the slate for them was a big win, but something seemed off. Still, it wasn’t exactly an offer they could refuse.
The interlude chapters that I ended up loving in book one continued here and were even better. While this is a kind of body horror-y creature feature still, the flesh king is at least humanoid. They can blend in and disappear (though they were creepy as hell). That made this feel a lot more like a detective story, which I love, although the author did great on keeping up on the otherworldly too. Readers learn even more about the undead, magic, and some of the possible creatures at large. One of my favorites being a tainted/poisoned undead person being driven to madness in a much more familiar version of a zombie.
The author really does well with his main characters here. Somehow all three mains are super nice and considerate, and yet they stand apart as their own creation still, there’s separate personalities. They continue to bump into this abrasive underground world of criminals and killing, yet they remain the same and steadfast in their, “that’s not how we do things.” There is also a continued level of humor throughout the book that allowed for it to be a tad less serious in a way that I feel is beneficial. I would read 15 more novellas written in this style to be honest.
Again though, its shortcoming is the ending. This one handled the mystery and research side better than the last one in my opinion, but the ending still felt a little short. It truncates how climactic it can feel, and also makes the big bad once again not feel all that dangerous. Not that I need any of these characters I love to die or anything, but a longer struggle would help push these just that bit further into being a full 5 star read for me.
Perfect fans for lighter horror, mystery, urban fantasy and creature features. Quick, fun, and easy to dive into.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-the-fl...
Ford and Neuland are back and better than ever…because they’ve brought Tilda back from California with them! There’s still this kind of buddy-cop feel to the way they behave, but I enjoyed how Tilda was immediately accepted in and they because a family unit. She offers them an edge they didn’t have before, and the author did well to make her a necessity, rather than an accessory character.
Back in NYC, they’re still being ostracized for the moral decision they made in book one…apparently killing the person that hires you is bad for business. But then several of the crime bosses show up with a proposition: find and stop the flesh king and be welcomed back into the fold with open arms. A job is a job, and one that also cleaned the slate for them was a big win, but something seemed off. Still, it wasn’t exactly an offer they could refuse.
The interlude chapters that I ended up loving in book one continued here and were even better. While this is a kind of body horror-y creature feature still, the flesh king is at least humanoid. They can blend in and disappear (though they were creepy as hell). That made this feel a lot more like a detective story, which I love, although the author did great on keeping up on the otherworldly too. Readers learn even more about the undead, magic, and some of the possible creatures at large. One of my favorites being a tainted/poisoned undead person being driven to madness in a much more familiar version of a zombie.
The author really does well with his main characters here. Somehow all three mains are super nice and considerate, and yet they stand apart as their own creation still, there’s separate personalities. They continue to bump into this abrasive underground world of criminals and killing, yet they remain the same and steadfast in their, “that’s not how we do things.” There is also a continued level of humor throughout the book that allowed for it to be a tad less serious in a way that I feel is beneficial. I would read 15 more novellas written in this style to be honest.
Again though, its shortcoming is the ending. This one handled the mystery and research side better than the last one in my opinion, but the ending still felt a little short. It truncates how climactic it can feel, and also makes the big bad once again not feel all that dangerous. Not that I need any of these characters I love to die or anything, but a longer struggle would help push these just that bit further into being a full 5 star read for me.
Perfect fans for lighter horror, mystery, urban fantasy and creature features. Quick, fun, and easy to dive into.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-the-fl...
November 6, 2025
What a blast! A great second book that just rolls full throttle on action and suspense.
The return of paranormal investigators, Ford & Neuland and their new apprentice, Tilda, ratchets up the excitement.
The trio’s communication, while serious in its topic, does read as somewhat light hearted and snarky-cloaked with deadpan dark humor.
The bunker, seems like an amped version of the Ghostbuster’s firehouse, but with a complete secret lab and a gun range.
The creativity in the monsters is pretty far out with full on grotesque crime scenes.
Just an absolute rock and roll, guns blazing read!!
Hope to see more of this trio!
The return of paranormal investigators, Ford & Neuland and their new apprentice, Tilda, ratchets up the excitement.
The trio’s communication, while serious in its topic, does read as somewhat light hearted and snarky-cloaked with deadpan dark humor.
The bunker, seems like an amped version of the Ghostbuster’s firehouse, but with a complete secret lab and a gun range.
The creativity in the monsters is pretty far out with full on grotesque crime scenes.
Just an absolute rock and roll, guns blazing read!!
Hope to see more of this trio!
October 9, 2025
I’m a little conflicted after finishing this. I picked it up because I read & enjoyed The Pale House Devil earlier this year, and wanted to read more about Ford/Neuland/Tilda. But it just didn’t have the same kinda vibes to me?
I think this story worked better for me than the last one. But the writing seems… simple. And Ford and Neuland seemed so much more badass in the first book. I liked that this book seemed to kinda let Tilda shine, but aside from saying ‘fuck’ a lot, I never got that badass feeling from Ford and Neuland like I wanted to feel from them again like I previously did.
Not bummed that I picked this up, but I am glad I borrowed it from the library vs purchased it because it was a quick read that I don’t think I’ll ever really think about again after today.
Oh, and I think that it’s helpful to have read The Pale House Devil before picking this up, but not totally necessary if someone didn’t want to.
I think this story worked better for me than the last one. But the writing seems… simple. And Ford and Neuland seemed so much more badass in the first book. I liked that this book seemed to kinda let Tilda shine, but aside from saying ‘fuck’ a lot, I never got that badass feeling from Ford and Neuland like I wanted to feel from them again like I previously did.
Not bummed that I picked this up, but I am glad I borrowed it from the library vs purchased it because it was a quick read that I don’t think I’ll ever really think about again after today.
Oh, and I think that it’s helpful to have read The Pale House Devil before picking this up, but not totally necessary if someone didn’t want to.
September 17, 2025
3/5 stars
When fleshless bodies start turning up in New York City, Ford, Nueland and Tilda, a pack of supernatural monster-hunters, are called in to catch the heinous killer.
I enjoyed some aspects of this book, such as the interesting supernatural take on New York City and its urban nightlife. What I didn’t realise is that this is book 2 of a series, something that wasn’t obvious to me on NetGalley :’( However, it was still enjoyable, despite not having all the background of the characters. I really liked the 3 central characters, especially Tilda.
There are some negatives: the dialogue felt incredibly stilted. I couldn’t fathom anybody talking this, to their friends or even strangers. It just didn’t work. The mystery was very simple, with minimal twists and a bland killer with seemingly no motive other than “be evil and live forever” (slay king). I would’ve liked more info or background on the Skinner and some mystery on who he is. The mystery all wrapped up too easily and quickly. This felt like a 40-minute show on tv, which isn’t a bad thing per se, but not what I expected from a novella.
Overall a pretty fun and really easy read, one you could do in one sitting since it’s a short book. The characters are cool and the world-building is interesting, but the rest of the mystery and atmosphere leaves something to be desired.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Titan Books for an ARC! Releases October 7th, 2025.
When fleshless bodies start turning up in New York City, Ford, Nueland and Tilda, a pack of supernatural monster-hunters, are called in to catch the heinous killer.
I enjoyed some aspects of this book, such as the interesting supernatural take on New York City and its urban nightlife. What I didn’t realise is that this is book 2 of a series, something that wasn’t obvious to me on NetGalley :’( However, it was still enjoyable, despite not having all the background of the characters. I really liked the 3 central characters, especially Tilda.
There are some negatives: the dialogue felt incredibly stilted. I couldn’t fathom anybody talking this, to their friends or even strangers. It just didn’t work. The mystery was very simple, with minimal twists and a bland killer with seemingly no motive other than “be evil and live forever” (slay king). I would’ve liked more info or background on the Skinner and some mystery on who he is. The mystery all wrapped up too easily and quickly. This felt like a 40-minute show on tv, which isn’t a bad thing per se, but not what I expected from a novella.
Overall a pretty fun and really easy read, one you could do in one sitting since it’s a short book. The characters are cool and the world-building is interesting, but the rest of the mystery and atmosphere leaves something to be desired.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Titan Books for an ARC! Releases October 7th, 2025.
January 10, 2026
i read the pale house devil last spring after a friend recommended it to me. i was so excited to hear that a second novella was coming and preordered it immediately. unfortunately, while i enjoyed the witty banter and horror elements in that book, i was a little disappointed by the flesh king for lack there of.
i loved the focus on tilda and the feeling of her being so involved with ford and neuland. the boys are very eager to teach her about weapons, alchemy, and even giving her a role when they’re out on missions. but the banter between characters and the horror elements just didn’t deliver like the first novella in the series. the ending felt incredibly rushed and i even had to reread the *big end scene* because i thought i missed it. i think the concept of the monster was genius, but i wish we got a bit more from it.
i do like richard kadrey’s writing style, and i plan to pick up other books of his in the future, but im not sure if i’ll continue this series if anymore books come out.
i loved the focus on tilda and the feeling of her being so involved with ford and neuland. the boys are very eager to teach her about weapons, alchemy, and even giving her a role when they’re out on missions. but the banter between characters and the horror elements just didn’t deliver like the first novella in the series. the ending felt incredibly rushed and i even had to reread the *big end scene* because i thought i missed it. i think the concept of the monster was genius, but i wish we got a bit more from it.
i do like richard kadrey’s writing style, and i plan to pick up other books of his in the future, but im not sure if i’ll continue this series if anymore books come out.
October 2, 2025
Ford, Neuland, and Tilda are back and make the best team! I seriously wanted a sequel after loving the Pale House Devil and this did not disappoint!
This is a quick, noir-filled horror novella filled to the brim with magic, weird baddies, and now a tough chick. I was here for it.
My only complaint for these books is that they are too short. I always am left wanting more.
Highly recommend! And I honestly think this can be read without the first - but why would you want to do that? They are both great.
Thanks so much to Titan Books for offering me an arc in exchange of a review. All opinions are my own.
This is a quick, noir-filled horror novella filled to the brim with magic, weird baddies, and now a tough chick. I was here for it.
My only complaint for these books is that they are too short. I always am left wanting more.
Highly recommend! And I honestly think this can be read without the first - but why would you want to do that? They are both great.
Thanks so much to Titan Books for offering me an arc in exchange of a review. All opinions are my own.
October 4, 2025
This was entertaining and easy to read. I don't think this is bad, but it definitely could have been better. The dialog is very disjointed. and doesn't flow smoothly. It just sounded very unnatural. The characters were interesting and likable, but there was very little background given and not much character development. I thought the plot was great and kept me interested, but there was very little mystery, tension, and suspense. I definitely think it has potential, and I'm curious to see what comes next.
November 11, 2025
why is everyone having a drink every 5 seconds
why is the monster such a….. loser
why are both twists in both books “it’s dead but alive”
why did this book go on forever but also only take me an hour to read
so many more questions but the only good for me was that it felt like an old scooby doo episode (derogatory)
why is the monster such a….. loser
why are both twists in both books “it’s dead but alive”
why did this book go on forever but also only take me an hour to read
so many more questions but the only good for me was that it felt like an old scooby doo episode (derogatory)
December 27, 2025
The cover tho.. 👌
August 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Richard Kadrey for the ARC opportunity.
My opinions are my own
It was a 3.5/5 (4 star round up for goodreads)
I read the Pale House Devil and absolutely loved it, then I read The Flesh King and felt it could’ve been more? The banter was there, but I wished it focused on the villain more, they also call him ‘The Skinner’ instead of the title The Flesh King
My opinions are my own
It was a 3.5/5 (4 star round up for goodreads)
I read the Pale House Devil and absolutely loved it, then I read The Flesh King and felt it could’ve been more? The banter was there, but I wished it focused on the villain more, they also call him ‘The Skinner’ instead of the title The Flesh King
August 9, 2025
Thank you Richard Kadrey, Titan and NetGalley for this ARC!
Do you like the found family trope? Witty banter? Urban fantasy? Well the, the second instalment of the The Discreet Eliminators series IS THE NOVELLA FOR YOU!
Look, I can’t say much without spoiling the first novella, and honestly? it’s better to go in blind.
Do you like the found family trope? Witty banter? Urban fantasy? Well the, the second instalment of the The Discreet Eliminators series IS THE NOVELLA FOR YOU!
Look, I can’t say much without spoiling the first novella, and honestly? it’s better to go in blind.
August 2, 2025
Good but not as good as the Pale House Devil. Maybe a little too short.
January 28, 2026
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Books are subjective. I said what I said. You can disagree, but arguing with me won’t change my opinion — or make me care. Read on, or don’t.
🏃💨 The Quick and Dirty:
The Flesh King is a blood-soaked, no-brakes hellride through mob territory, meat horror, and magical chaos. Kadrey doesn’t ease you in. He kicks the door down, tosses in two seasoned killers with heavy baggage, a young woman finally finding her footing, and a flesh-eating immortal freak, then lights the whole thing on fire. If you’re here for violence, rot, and surprisingly tender moments buried in gore, welcome home. This one’s for you.
🕵️♀️ The Non-Spoilery Situation Report:
Ford, Neuland, and Tilda roll back into NYC hoping to smooth things over with the local crime syndicates — because nothing says “diplomacy” like three killers-for-hire with monster guts on their boots. The plan? Kiss the ring, play nice, maybe secure a future that doesn’t end in gunfire. But New York wants blood. And if they want back in, they’ve gotta earn it — no pay, no mercy, just one hellish job: find and kill a nightmare wrapped in meat, known only as the Flesh King.
This thing isn’t just another freak in the shadows. He’s tearing through the city like a walking autopsy. Bodies pile up. Secrets rot in alleyways. Everyone’s lying. No one’s safe. And the deeper this crew digs, the more it’s clear they’ve stepped into something way bigger than a hit job. Conspiracies stretch out like tendrils. Betrayals bubble up. And beneath it all is something ancient, hungry, and not nearly done yet.
This is supernatural noir soaked in blood and bile — fast, filthy, and stitched together with sarcasm and survival instincts. You want clean lines and clear morals? Look elsewhere. You want mobsters, monsters, and magic that smells like rot? You’re home.
🤔💭 The Review:
Let’s just get this out of the way first: Richard Kadrey is my “We’re not worthy” author. If I ever saw him in person, I’d fall to my knees like Wayne Campbell and pray he doesn’t file a restraining order.
That’s a lie, obviously. I don’t fangirl. I’m way too emotionally reserved and deadpan for that shit. I’d probably nod once, say “Nice book,” and then walk into traffic before showing a single shred of enthusiasm. I respect the craft and Kadrey’s characters manage to reach into my cold, bitter little soul and find the part of me that still wants connection. Somehow, he does this while layering in sarcasm so dry it could desiccate a cactus. That’s range.
I’ve been screaming about him online for years, haunting his socials like a sleep-deprived ghost who only speaks in memes and knife emojis. I’m pretty sure he knows me by name at this point. I imagine him seeing my comments and groaning, “Oh god, not her again.” And you know what? I’m fine with that. Because every time he drops a new book — whether it’s full-length or a novella like The Flesh King — it delivers exactly what I crave: grit, gore, gallows humor, and characters who are all some combination of broken, badass, and emotionally unavailable. My people.
So yeah — I came into this one biased. Fully prepared to love it. And The Flesh King still managed to blow my rotting little mind.
What Kadrey accomplishes here in such a compact space is honestly witchcraft. The story doesn’t unfold — it detonates. There’s no exposition dump. No gentle reintroduction to the characters. He trusts you to keep up or get out. It’s noir with blood clots. Paranormal pulp with literary teeth. We hit the ground already bruised and running, and I loved that. No handholding. No filler. Just monster hunters with trauma, hitmen with heart, and one of the nastiest villains Kadrey’s ever given us.
And let’s talk about that villain for a second. The Flesh King is a fucking nightmare. I don’t even want to describe him because I don’t want those words living rent-free in my brain any longer than they already have. Just know this: if body horror makes you squeamish, you might want to read this with the lights on and a trash can nearby. But if you’re like me and you live for that blend of disgust and awe, welcome to your new obsession. The descriptions are nasty in that perfect way — not gratuitous, but precise. Every detail serves the horror. Every moment is meant to make you squirm. And I did. Multiple times. Delightfully.
But as much as I came for the gore, I stayed — as always — for the characters. Ford and Neuland are like if your trauma bonded with your nihilism and then took a job cleaning up supernatural messes. They’re both jaded and rough around the edges, but never flat. There’s texture to their pain. History in every glare. And then there’s Tilda. She’s not sassy. She’s not quirky. She’s real. There’s this understated strength to her — not in a “girlboss” way, but in the way someone slowly stops flinching every time the world punches them in the teeth. She’s finding her footing, and the men around her (monsters or not) give her the room to do that without softening who she is. It's respect without paternalism, and that dynamic? It fucks.
Kadrey’s been writing strong female leads since Sandman Slim, and he’s never once done it with a wink or a checklist. His women are messy, complicated, angry, smart, and dangerous — and that’s why I feel seen by his work. Not in some generic “girl power” way. But in the “oh shit, this author understands rage, and humor as defense, and why silence is sometimes the only weapon you have” kind of way. That’s rare. That’s precious. That’s why I keep coming back.
And the prose? Un-fucking-touchable. Kadrey’s writing is a scalpel. There’s not a single wasted word. Every line has a job — either to push the story forward or punch you in the gut. His pacing is relentless without feeling rushed. He can set a scene in three words, shatter your nerves in one paragraph, and still find space for a line that makes you laugh out loud because someone just called a monster “a second-rate meat puppet with an ego problem.”
The world he’s built here is rich and nasty in the best way. This version of NYC feels like a haunted wound. It pulses with violence, secrets, and deals made in back alleys that smell like sulfur and bad decisions. You’re never sure who’s lying, who’s dying, or what’s waiting around the corner — and that’s the fun of it. The setting isn’t just background. It’s a threat. And every scene adds to that creeping sense that the world itself might just eat you alive if you look at it wrong.
What really wrecked me, though, was the emotional undertow. Kadrey doesn’t write feelings the way other authors do. He doesn’t telegraph them. He lets them bleed through — subtle, haunting, undeniable. Ford and Neuland are both carrying shit they’ll never unpack in polite conversation, and you feel it. You feel it when they look at Tilda and see something they never thought they’d get again — purpose, maybe. Family, maybe. Hope, but the kind that comes with a knife in its boot.
And look, I know I’m gushing. I’m a known fan. But that doesn’t mean this review is just noise. I hype Kadrey because he’s earned it — every. single. time. He doesn’t pander. He doesn’t repeat himself. And The Flesh King proves that he can still surprise me, still disgust me, still make me pause mid-sentence just to mutter “holy shit” to no one in particular. That’s talent. That’s craft. That’s what happens when someone understands not just how to write, but why we read.
So yeah — I loved it. I’ll keep hyping it. I’ll keep popping up in his comments like a gremlin with literary Stockholm syndrome. And if you’re the kind of reader who wants emotional depth wrapped in gore and gallows humor? This one’s already waiting for you.
Books are subjective. I said what I said. You can disagree, but arguing with me won’t change my opinion — or make me care. Read on, or don’t.
🏃💨 The Quick and Dirty:
The Flesh King is a blood-soaked, no-brakes hellride through mob territory, meat horror, and magical chaos. Kadrey doesn’t ease you in. He kicks the door down, tosses in two seasoned killers with heavy baggage, a young woman finally finding her footing, and a flesh-eating immortal freak, then lights the whole thing on fire. If you’re here for violence, rot, and surprisingly tender moments buried in gore, welcome home. This one’s for you.
🕵️♀️ The Non-Spoilery Situation Report:
Ford, Neuland, and Tilda roll back into NYC hoping to smooth things over with the local crime syndicates — because nothing says “diplomacy” like three killers-for-hire with monster guts on their boots. The plan? Kiss the ring, play nice, maybe secure a future that doesn’t end in gunfire. But New York wants blood. And if they want back in, they’ve gotta earn it — no pay, no mercy, just one hellish job: find and kill a nightmare wrapped in meat, known only as the Flesh King.
This thing isn’t just another freak in the shadows. He’s tearing through the city like a walking autopsy. Bodies pile up. Secrets rot in alleyways. Everyone’s lying. No one’s safe. And the deeper this crew digs, the more it’s clear they’ve stepped into something way bigger than a hit job. Conspiracies stretch out like tendrils. Betrayals bubble up. And beneath it all is something ancient, hungry, and not nearly done yet.
This is supernatural noir soaked in blood and bile — fast, filthy, and stitched together with sarcasm and survival instincts. You want clean lines and clear morals? Look elsewhere. You want mobsters, monsters, and magic that smells like rot? You’re home.
🤔💭 The Review:
Let’s just get this out of the way first: Richard Kadrey is my “We’re not worthy” author. If I ever saw him in person, I’d fall to my knees like Wayne Campbell and pray he doesn’t file a restraining order.
That’s a lie, obviously. I don’t fangirl. I’m way too emotionally reserved and deadpan for that shit. I’d probably nod once, say “Nice book,” and then walk into traffic before showing a single shred of enthusiasm. I respect the craft and Kadrey’s characters manage to reach into my cold, bitter little soul and find the part of me that still wants connection. Somehow, he does this while layering in sarcasm so dry it could desiccate a cactus. That’s range.
I’ve been screaming about him online for years, haunting his socials like a sleep-deprived ghost who only speaks in memes and knife emojis. I’m pretty sure he knows me by name at this point. I imagine him seeing my comments and groaning, “Oh god, not her again.” And you know what? I’m fine with that. Because every time he drops a new book — whether it’s full-length or a novella like The Flesh King — it delivers exactly what I crave: grit, gore, gallows humor, and characters who are all some combination of broken, badass, and emotionally unavailable. My people.
So yeah — I came into this one biased. Fully prepared to love it. And The Flesh King still managed to blow my rotting little mind.
What Kadrey accomplishes here in such a compact space is honestly witchcraft. The story doesn’t unfold — it detonates. There’s no exposition dump. No gentle reintroduction to the characters. He trusts you to keep up or get out. It’s noir with blood clots. Paranormal pulp with literary teeth. We hit the ground already bruised and running, and I loved that. No handholding. No filler. Just monster hunters with trauma, hitmen with heart, and one of the nastiest villains Kadrey’s ever given us.
And let’s talk about that villain for a second. The Flesh King is a fucking nightmare. I don’t even want to describe him because I don’t want those words living rent-free in my brain any longer than they already have. Just know this: if body horror makes you squeamish, you might want to read this with the lights on and a trash can nearby. But if you’re like me and you live for that blend of disgust and awe, welcome to your new obsession. The descriptions are nasty in that perfect way — not gratuitous, but precise. Every detail serves the horror. Every moment is meant to make you squirm. And I did. Multiple times. Delightfully.
But as much as I came for the gore, I stayed — as always — for the characters. Ford and Neuland are like if your trauma bonded with your nihilism and then took a job cleaning up supernatural messes. They’re both jaded and rough around the edges, but never flat. There’s texture to their pain. History in every glare. And then there’s Tilda. She’s not sassy. She’s not quirky. She’s real. There’s this understated strength to her — not in a “girlboss” way, but in the way someone slowly stops flinching every time the world punches them in the teeth. She’s finding her footing, and the men around her (monsters or not) give her the room to do that without softening who she is. It's respect without paternalism, and that dynamic? It fucks.
Kadrey’s been writing strong female leads since Sandman Slim, and he’s never once done it with a wink or a checklist. His women are messy, complicated, angry, smart, and dangerous — and that’s why I feel seen by his work. Not in some generic “girl power” way. But in the “oh shit, this author understands rage, and humor as defense, and why silence is sometimes the only weapon you have” kind of way. That’s rare. That’s precious. That’s why I keep coming back.
And the prose? Un-fucking-touchable. Kadrey’s writing is a scalpel. There’s not a single wasted word. Every line has a job — either to push the story forward or punch you in the gut. His pacing is relentless without feeling rushed. He can set a scene in three words, shatter your nerves in one paragraph, and still find space for a line that makes you laugh out loud because someone just called a monster “a second-rate meat puppet with an ego problem.”
The world he’s built here is rich and nasty in the best way. This version of NYC feels like a haunted wound. It pulses with violence, secrets, and deals made in back alleys that smell like sulfur and bad decisions. You’re never sure who’s lying, who’s dying, or what’s waiting around the corner — and that’s the fun of it. The setting isn’t just background. It’s a threat. And every scene adds to that creeping sense that the world itself might just eat you alive if you look at it wrong.
What really wrecked me, though, was the emotional undertow. Kadrey doesn’t write feelings the way other authors do. He doesn’t telegraph them. He lets them bleed through — subtle, haunting, undeniable. Ford and Neuland are both carrying shit they’ll never unpack in polite conversation, and you feel it. You feel it when they look at Tilda and see something they never thought they’d get again — purpose, maybe. Family, maybe. Hope, but the kind that comes with a knife in its boot.
And look, I know I’m gushing. I’m a known fan. But that doesn’t mean this review is just noise. I hype Kadrey because he’s earned it — every. single. time. He doesn’t pander. He doesn’t repeat himself. And The Flesh King proves that he can still surprise me, still disgust me, still make me pause mid-sentence just to mutter “holy shit” to no one in particular. That’s talent. That’s craft. That’s what happens when someone understands not just how to write, but why we read.
So yeah — I loved it. I’ll keep hyping it. I’ll keep popping up in his comments like a gremlin with literary Stockholm syndrome. And if you’re the kind of reader who wants emotional depth wrapped in gore and gallows humor? This one’s already waiting for you.
October 17, 2025
I picked this novella up straight after enjoying the first so much. As it is the second, there’s less need for a setup and more about developing the characters.
Ford and Neuland are paranormal mercenaries—one living (Ford), one undead (Neuland); one of them kills the undead, the other kills the living. Now with Tilda Rosenbloom, after work in California (told in the previous book, The Pale House Devil), the three are in New York City, where previously Ford and Neuland had to leave after a ‘job’ went wrong.
They are given an opportunity to redeem themselves in NYC if they take on a job for free – hunting down, and killing, The Flesh King, a gruesome killer who is stalking the city, leaving a macabre and bloody trail wherever he goes. Of course, there’s a time limit - the underworld powers-that-be want the problem sorted in a week before it draws attention to themselves, and of course by using Ford, Neuland and Tilda there’s no link back to them should things go wrong.
Caught up in a twisted set of conspiracies and bloodletting, the monster hunters step up to do what they do best once more – take down the unstoppable evil.
As this is the second novella, there’s less need for a setup and more about developing the characters. (Having said that. I think that you can read this one without having read the first. Kadrey’s a skilful enough writer to give you enough background detail as you go along without slowing down the plot.)
In this one Tilda really comes in to her own, progressing from the rather shy young innocent of the first novella to a character who is an important part of the team. The other two are expanded upon too – here Neuland becomes more analytical and experimental, a near-version of the tropish mad scientist, working on the poisons, spells and potions that they use in their work.
As before there are some scenes from the point of view of the horror lurking in the New York streets, but this time (unlike in The Pale House Devil) I was much less sympathetic towards them. Someone that kills people by leeching their flesh from them is not a nice person to know, and Kadrey shows this effectively.
The horror element is not subtle, yet skilfully done and actually not quite as gruesome as it could have been. There’s enough ick to give you a memorable impression without extraneous detail – this is a novella so there’s no room for excess, but there’s enough creepiness to possibly make you look twice if you go outside at night…
The sign of a good novella for me is if they are memorable and don’t outstay their welcome - perhaps even making the reader want more. This was certainly the case here – the trio are a likable group who I engaged with quickly and soon wanted to do well.
All in all, this is another good read, also read in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyable. Like before with the first novella, think of it as a rather gruesome version of The X-Files, with a nicely paced plot, engaging characters, humour and icky bits.
I’d definitely read more of these – I hope there will be some more to follow.
Ford and Neuland are paranormal mercenaries—one living (Ford), one undead (Neuland); one of them kills the undead, the other kills the living. Now with Tilda Rosenbloom, after work in California (told in the previous book, The Pale House Devil), the three are in New York City, where previously Ford and Neuland had to leave after a ‘job’ went wrong.
They are given an opportunity to redeem themselves in NYC if they take on a job for free – hunting down, and killing, The Flesh King, a gruesome killer who is stalking the city, leaving a macabre and bloody trail wherever he goes. Of course, there’s a time limit - the underworld powers-that-be want the problem sorted in a week before it draws attention to themselves, and of course by using Ford, Neuland and Tilda there’s no link back to them should things go wrong.
Caught up in a twisted set of conspiracies and bloodletting, the monster hunters step up to do what they do best once more – take down the unstoppable evil.
As this is the second novella, there’s less need for a setup and more about developing the characters. (Having said that. I think that you can read this one without having read the first. Kadrey’s a skilful enough writer to give you enough background detail as you go along without slowing down the plot.)
In this one Tilda really comes in to her own, progressing from the rather shy young innocent of the first novella to a character who is an important part of the team. The other two are expanded upon too – here Neuland becomes more analytical and experimental, a near-version of the tropish mad scientist, working on the poisons, spells and potions that they use in their work.
As before there are some scenes from the point of view of the horror lurking in the New York streets, but this time (unlike in The Pale House Devil) I was much less sympathetic towards them. Someone that kills people by leeching their flesh from them is not a nice person to know, and Kadrey shows this effectively.
The horror element is not subtle, yet skilfully done and actually not quite as gruesome as it could have been. There’s enough ick to give you a memorable impression without extraneous detail – this is a novella so there’s no room for excess, but there’s enough creepiness to possibly make you look twice if you go outside at night…
The sign of a good novella for me is if they are memorable and don’t outstay their welcome - perhaps even making the reader want more. This was certainly the case here – the trio are a likable group who I engaged with quickly and soon wanted to do well.
All in all, this is another good read, also read in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyable. Like before with the first novella, think of it as a rather gruesome version of The X-Files, with a nicely paced plot, engaging characters, humour and icky bits.
I’d definitely read more of these – I hope there will be some more to follow.
July 12, 2025
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐊𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐲
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"𝑫𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍?" 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅.
𝑻𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕. "𝑰'𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆. 𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒘 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒕 𝑷𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘."
Ford, Neuland and Tilda are back! And boy oh boy are they back with a BANG! 💥
This was a fast paced gory novella with the same banter we loved from the first book and ever more gruesome.
I absolutely love this trio, seeing Ford and Neuland ease into becoming two father figures for Tilda is actually so beautifully weird. The Flesh King as our main villain is absolutely horrifying and completely revolting, I LOVED IT. The descriptions of his gruesome kills genuinely made me squirm 🤢
The trio return home after the events of The Pale House Devil to try and make peace with the NYC crime syndicates. Then they’ll only be welcomed back if they take on a job for free – hunting down, and killing, The Flesh King, a gruesome killer who is stalking the city, leaving a macabre and bloody trail wherever he goes. Caught up in a twisted set of conspiracies and bloodletting, the monster hunters step up to do what they do best once more – take down the unstoppable evil.
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐊𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐲
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"𝑫𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍?" 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅.
𝑻𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕. "𝑰'𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆. 𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒘 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒕 𝑷𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘."
Ford, Neuland and Tilda are back! And boy oh boy are they back with a BANG! 💥
This was a fast paced gory novella with the same banter we loved from the first book and ever more gruesome.
I absolutely love this trio, seeing Ford and Neuland ease into becoming two father figures for Tilda is actually so beautifully weird. The Flesh King as our main villain is absolutely horrifying and completely revolting, I LOVED IT. The descriptions of his gruesome kills genuinely made me squirm 🤢
The trio return home after the events of The Pale House Devil to try and make peace with the NYC crime syndicates. Then they’ll only be welcomed back if they take on a job for free – hunting down, and killing, The Flesh King, a gruesome killer who is stalking the city, leaving a macabre and bloody trail wherever he goes. Caught up in a twisted set of conspiracies and bloodletting, the monster hunters step up to do what they do best once more – take down the unstoppable evil.
July 29, 2025
I loved this fast paced story of revenants, humans, immortals, and mobsters. It has all the noir-ish elements of the author's previous books and is an easy book to get into.
It's about a trio of people who are basically hitmen...guns for hire. One is a revenant, a dead man who appears as human and interacts with the world with a few differences. Tilda is a woman who's just joined the group and is learning the ropes. The third is a living man. But they only kill things who deserve it, whether that thing is human or monster.
When a group of mob heads offer them a dangerous job, things are going to get complicated. The Skinner is an immortal man who has to feed his flesh in order to keep living. The process is quite gruesome. These mobsters want him dead but a detective wants them to kill another target, a wealthy art collector. This is going to lead to danger, bloodshed, and lots of natural and supernatural action.
Being a shorter book (about 115 pages) the narrative zings along and there's never a dull moment. The writing is crisp, sharp, and to the point and you'll want to read all the way through once you start. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
It's about a trio of people who are basically hitmen...guns for hire. One is a revenant, a dead man who appears as human and interacts with the world with a few differences. Tilda is a woman who's just joined the group and is learning the ropes. The third is a living man. But they only kill things who deserve it, whether that thing is human or monster.
When a group of mob heads offer them a dangerous job, things are going to get complicated. The Skinner is an immortal man who has to feed his flesh in order to keep living. The process is quite gruesome. These mobsters want him dead but a detective wants them to kill another target, a wealthy art collector. This is going to lead to danger, bloodshed, and lots of natural and supernatural action.
Being a shorter book (about 115 pages) the narrative zings along and there's never a dull moment. The writing is crisp, sharp, and to the point and you'll want to read all the way through once you start. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
October 5, 2025
"People like us don't register to people like you until the world is on fire."
Richard Kadrey's second book in this series brings together Ford, Neuland and Tilda after the events of The Pale House Devil. They return home to try and make peace with the NYC crime syndicates. Unfortunatly for them they will only be welcomed back if they take on a job for free. They are tasked to hunt down and kill The Flesh King, a gruesome killer who is stalking the city, leaving a macabre and bloody trail wherever he goes. Caught up in a twisted set of conspiracies and bloodletting, the monster hunters step do what they do best, take down the unstoppable evil.
I really enjoyed The Pale House Devil, since finishing it I was looking forward to seeing where the story of Ford, Neuland and Tilda would lead.
Although they are assigned another task in the name of being accepted back home, the story does manage to look deeper in these characters and show a growing bond between them. There is much more to learn and I love that the reader is able to do that while actively trying to solve the riddle of The Flesh King.
This was a quick and exciting read and once again I'm left looking forward another story in this series.
Many thanks to @titanbooks for the copy.
Richard Kadrey's second book in this series brings together Ford, Neuland and Tilda after the events of The Pale House Devil. They return home to try and make peace with the NYC crime syndicates. Unfortunatly for them they will only be welcomed back if they take on a job for free. They are tasked to hunt down and kill The Flesh King, a gruesome killer who is stalking the city, leaving a macabre and bloody trail wherever he goes. Caught up in a twisted set of conspiracies and bloodletting, the monster hunters step do what they do best, take down the unstoppable evil.
I really enjoyed The Pale House Devil, since finishing it I was looking forward to seeing where the story of Ford, Neuland and Tilda would lead.
Although they are assigned another task in the name of being accepted back home, the story does manage to look deeper in these characters and show a growing bond between them. There is much more to learn and I love that the reader is able to do that while actively trying to solve the riddle of The Flesh King.
This was a quick and exciting read and once again I'm left looking forward another story in this series.
Many thanks to @titanbooks for the copy.
August 19, 2025
This is the sequel to The Pale House Devil which I really enjoyed and rated 4 stars. This one, I didn't like as much...
What I did like about this one was the squad that has grown from two to three. Tilda is a fun addition to the dynamic. The plot was solid and the set up for the storyline was a fun time.
But it didn't fulfil. The climatic moment was rushed, and resolved very quickly and easily. Ford became a useless character too many times. It was trying so hard to make sure Tilda was never a damsel in distress that the other two didn't really do much.
The simplistic writing worked for me in book 1 with all the characterisation and world building. This time it felt too simple and unemotional for me to invest in the story.
I still really like the idea of two assassins, one undead and one living. But as the world was already established in book 1, this didn't build on what we knew or expand things in any way. Which was a bit disappointing to me, as the concept / world was one thing I really enjoyed from the first book.
What I did like about this one was the squad that has grown from two to three. Tilda is a fun addition to the dynamic. The plot was solid and the set up for the storyline was a fun time.
But it didn't fulfil. The climatic moment was rushed, and resolved very quickly and easily. Ford became a useless character too many times. It was trying so hard to make sure Tilda was never a damsel in distress that the other two didn't really do much.
The simplistic writing worked for me in book 1 with all the characterisation and world building. This time it felt too simple and unemotional for me to invest in the story.
I still really like the idea of two assassins, one undead and one living. But as the world was already established in book 1, this didn't build on what we knew or expand things in any way. Which was a bit disappointing to me, as the concept / world was one thing I really enjoyed from the first book.
September 17, 2025
Ford, Neuland, and Tilda are back in action and back on the East Coast. A pretty gnarly serial killer is afoot, and the Discreet Eliminators are put on the case as a way to earn their way back into being allowed to work in New York City.
Tilda gets a ton of character growth in this one, as does Neuland. Ford stays the most static, but not in a way that does the book a disservice. I love that Kadrey gives you exactly what you expect here with direct and pulpy writing, world building that is seamless, and excellent characters. The action is great, and the big bad is pretty rad.
All in, I could read like 100 more of these stories. These are the exact kind of horror-charged urban fantasy novels that are hard to put down. I also think that this was a natural progression and improvement from The Pale House Devil, which I already thought was a fantastic novella.
I received this ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tilda gets a ton of character growth in this one, as does Neuland. Ford stays the most static, but not in a way that does the book a disservice. I love that Kadrey gives you exactly what you expect here with direct and pulpy writing, world building that is seamless, and excellent characters. The action is great, and the big bad is pretty rad.
All in, I could read like 100 more of these stories. These are the exact kind of horror-charged urban fantasy novels that are hard to put down. I also think that this was a natural progression and improvement from The Pale House Devil, which I already thought was a fantastic novella.
I received this ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2025
[ARC REVIEW]
Full disclosure, I went into this not knowing this was a sequel. I must’ve glossed over that when I read the synopsis. So that’s on me.
However! This was still an interesting book. I really enjoyed the kind of mystery/monster-of-the-week vibe in this. I loved how the main characters worked and their dynamics. Honestly, great characters all around, I didn’t feel like any of them were there to simply fill a space. Setting this story in a place like NYC was a great move, I do wish we got a bit more of the urban setting instead of the characters going out for a bit and then the bulk happening at their base. I think it could’ve been neat to see them interact more with the setting, but then again, I know why they necessarily didn’t.
The villain/monster was fascinating and I wish I got just a bit more time with him before it all came to an intense end. (And what an ending that was, I don’t think I could have guessed that).
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! I’ll have to go back and check the first book.
Full disclosure, I went into this not knowing this was a sequel. I must’ve glossed over that when I read the synopsis. So that’s on me.
However! This was still an interesting book. I really enjoyed the kind of mystery/monster-of-the-week vibe in this. I loved how the main characters worked and their dynamics. Honestly, great characters all around, I didn’t feel like any of them were there to simply fill a space. Setting this story in a place like NYC was a great move, I do wish we got a bit more of the urban setting instead of the characters going out for a bit and then the bulk happening at their base. I think it could’ve been neat to see them interact more with the setting, but then again, I know why they necessarily didn’t.
The villain/monster was fascinating and I wish I got just a bit more time with him before it all came to an intense end. (And what an ending that was, I don’t think I could have guessed that).
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! I’ll have to go back and check the first book.
November 1, 2025
This was a really fun take on a paranormal noir. Even though I was thrust into the second book in the series, I could make sense of the unique world and characters. I enjoyed following the amateur trio of hunters on their quest to take down the formidably creepy flesh king, who would absorb others flesh to stay energised and immortal. I enjoyed the witty banter between the trio, which made it lighthearted amidst the grimness. It was also a unique concept that one of the characters is what’s called a ‘revenant’ or dead person who by all means appears alive. I would have like this part explained a bit more as it must have been set up in the first book. Otherwise, everything was interesting. I also enjoyed the gory or gruesome scenes too. Overall, such a unique flavour of novella.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced readers copy.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced readers copy.
September 1, 2025
I will start off by saying that I have not read the first book in this series, The Pale House Devil, but that didn’t stop me from liking this chaotic trio. This story is a fast-pace crime thriller that I could have easily read in one sitting if I didn’t have to sleep. Some parts wrapping up so quick that it gave me whiplash and I had to flip back pages to make sure I didn’t skip something. I like how full of action it was and I really enjoy the family dynamic feel between Ford, Tilda, and Neuland. It left me wanting more of them. Thankfully I now have another book I need to read that includes them.
Thank you Netgalley and Titan books for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and Titan books for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2025
I don't know what else to say - I love this new Richard Kadrey series! You've got noir, you've got zombies (but not in a "yawn, more zombies" kind of way), you've got monsters, and you've got a team of kick-ass protagonists.
Plenty of adventures and laughs in this installment of "The Discreet Eliminators" series. Not entirely necessary to read the Pale House Devil beforehand, but why wouldn't you?! I read it when it first came out in 2023 so I did look up a synopsis, but come on folks, if you're here for Kadrey-style fun, why not read both in one sitting?!
Thanks to Titan books and Netgalley for the eARC.
Plenty of adventures and laughs in this installment of "The Discreet Eliminators" series. Not entirely necessary to read the Pale House Devil beforehand, but why wouldn't you?! I read it when it first came out in 2023 so I did look up a synopsis, but come on folks, if you're here for Kadrey-style fun, why not read both in one sitting?!
Thanks to Titan books and Netgalley for the eARC.
October 3, 2025
Thanks to Titan books and Net Galley for an arc!
The Flesh King is a fun ride full of snappy dialogue and characters who are entertaining and worm their way into your heart.
Our fun trio is back at it again with jobs that remind you maybe your 9-5 isnt quite so bad.
Kadreys dialog really is the star here but i do find that the titular flesh king (who by the way goes by a way less coon name in the book) kinda gets shafted. The bits about him left me hungry for more about him.
I feel like this series would have worked a tad better in a visual medium but had fun along the way.
I would pick up the rest of the series
The Flesh King is a fun ride full of snappy dialogue and characters who are entertaining and worm their way into your heart.
Our fun trio is back at it again with jobs that remind you maybe your 9-5 isnt quite so bad.
Kadreys dialog really is the star here but i do find that the titular flesh king (who by the way goes by a way less coon name in the book) kinda gets shafted. The bits about him left me hungry for more about him.
I feel like this series would have worked a tad better in a visual medium but had fun along the way.
I would pick up the rest of the series
August 2, 2025
The Pale House Devil (first novella in this series) was incredible and I just knew I'd love the sequel!
The Flesh King is a gory novella still following our favourite paranormal PIs - they team up with Tilda and take on the NYC crime scene in this sequel. It was a great addition to the storyline and showcases the development of these characters even in the short 116 pages. The novella is full of whit, supernatural entities, corrupt police and crazy crime lords - loved everything about this and need the third novella like now!
The Flesh King is a gory novella still following our favourite paranormal PIs - they team up with Tilda and take on the NYC crime scene in this sequel. It was a great addition to the storyline and showcases the development of these characters even in the short 116 pages. The novella is full of whit, supernatural entities, corrupt police and crazy crime lords - loved everything about this and need the third novella like now!
January 2, 2026
Neuland, a dead revenant, kills the living while his partner Ford (who is alive), takes care of the dead. They've reshuffled their team to include Tilda, whom they rescued from her evil grandfather in "The Pale House Devil". Tilda is thrilled to learn how to shoot guns, use knives, and create mystical potions that only sometimes cause her harm (wolves' eyes, anyone?).
The new team has been told they must kill the Skinner, an unknown creature that sloughs off the flesh of its victims to easily become its prey and maintain its immortality. The Skinner is possibly unkillable so they come up with a plan B.
While I think the big boss fight was underwhelming, I enjoyed seeing what would happen next throughout this story. I would suggest reading "The Pale House Devil" first so you know who Tilda is and then sit back to read more in this world.
The new team has been told they must kill the Skinner, an unknown creature that sloughs off the flesh of its victims to easily become its prey and maintain its immortality. The Skinner is possibly unkillable so they come up with a plan B.
While I think the big boss fight was underwhelming, I enjoyed seeing what would happen next throughout this story. I would suggest reading "The Pale House Devil" first so you know who Tilda is and then sit back to read more in this world.
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