Sarafina

by Philip Fracassi

During one of the most violent battles of the Civil War, three brothers fighting for the Confederate army decide to go AWOL and make their way home, willing to risk execution rather than be killed in a losing war. After several exhausting weeks of rough terrain, the brothers find a miracle deep in the dark woods: a homestead. Living in this remote cabin is a beautiful woman, Sarafina, and her young son, Titus. She takes the soldiers in, feeds them, offers them a place to rest. But the youngest brother is wary—something seems off. As the days pass, he discovers a mysterious creek, a strange underground cavern, and a strong sense that the cabin and the surrounding fertile land are not what they seem. The brothers soon find themselves in a new battle, an escalation of horrors they must somehow fight to survive.

Genres: Horror, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction

354 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2024

About the author

PHILIP FRACASSI is the Bram Stoker and British Fantasy Award-nominated author of the novels A Child Alone with Strangers, Gothic, Boys in the Valley, The Third Rule of Time Travel, and The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre. He is also the author of the story collections Behold the Void, Beneath a Pale Sky, and No One is Safe!

His stories have been published in numerous magazines and anthologies, including Black Static, Best Horror of the Year, Nightmare Magazine, Interzone, and Southwest Review.

Philip lives in Los Angeles and is represented by Copps Literary Services, Circle M + P, and WME. You can find him on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, or visit pfracassi.com.

Reviews

[thevampireslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come in SCREAM magazine.

"A fairytale like no other, Fracassi has crafted a nightmarish story weaving together threads of mythology, history, fantasy and horror that explores the bonds of brotherhood through a terrifying landscape of war, religion, and the supernatural"

[Dave C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philip Fracassi's 'Sararfina' is yet another magnificent novel that packs so much in and does it so the highest standard. It's hard to write anything too in depth without spoiling things but suffice to say, nothing is as it seems and the horror elements are certainly horrific. The character work is superb, the prose on point and the pace unrelenting. There are some familiar fairy-tale tropes, used to great effect and these are wonderfully explained as things come to a climax.

This was an absolute blast to read, and I just wish it was longer! That's not because the story was too short, it's simply down to such enjoyable story-telling. One of my favourite reads of 2025.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and CLASH Books for the ARC!

[Matt M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarafina is the terrifying tale of three brothers fighting in the Civil War who desert the Confederacy and while fleeing come across a mysterious house in the middle of the woods, where they meet a woman, Sarafina, and a boy named Titus. War is terrifying enough, but they quickly discover even worse horrors. This novel has fantastic pacing and some of the most horrifying and brutal things that Fracassi has put to page yet, juxtaposed by beautiful prose.

Sarafina is a bruising, bombshell of a novel about brotherhood, family, faith, duty, and horrors both real and supernatural. Fracassi continues to roll on as one of the best genre writers working today.

Thank you to Earthling Publications for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[unstable.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come but holy shit Philip!

[Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

[Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn! That was Fracassi's scariest book since Boys In The Valley dropped in 2021. Y'all are gonna dig this when it gets a wider re-release. But the trade edition probably won't come with the interior artwork, and for the record, one of the drawings is of a hot naked chick, so you're definitely missing out. Actually, I should probably go re-read the page with that drawing right now.

[Rachel Drenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

and that, ladies and gents...is how you write a horror novel. Playing tricks on the brain of what's evil and what's good. I live historical fiction with supernatural vibes or magical realism. Fracassi has become a favorite author of mine. He knows how to write what I call Intelligent Horror. It's just plain horror mixed in with actual history or things that seem so real they could happen to anyone, and the prose is something you'd read in a Dostrovesky novel.

[Ethan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Rounded Up

Honestly, I’m not super sure how I feel about this. There’s a damn good, compelling story, with very cool lore and world building, to be found in what’s here. I just don’t think it’s fully realized due to some of the decisions made.

One of the biggest things working against this book for me is the choice of main character/narrator, which I only realized wasn’t fully working the further I got into the book, especially when we start to get more information about the characters but also, more importantly, about where Fracassi decides to take the story, specifically in how he address and gestures towards the main thematic elements.

I can theoretically see this book working better if there were more than just the one main narrator (with very, very brief inclusions from another character that take a few instances to not feel out of place). I just don’t think Ethan’s character lens is a smart move if he’s going to essentially be the only POV character. Reading him just starts to get really tricky. There’s already the icky bit of him being a Confederate soldier (this and the overall Civil War setting I don’t think is sufficiently explored) that immediately posits me as a reader against him and his brothers. And this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There are plenty of successful books out there with main characters that are far from like-able. The issue here is that I felt very unsure about whether or not I “should’ve” been rooting for him or liking his character. I couldn’t get a clear grasp on Fracassi’s intent with Ethan, and this wasn’t helped by some other characters around him saying he’s “one of the good ones” or “not evil” or that he “has a pure heart” when those aren’t characteristics I would readily use to describe him at all.

Really this book’s saving grace is Sarafina. She captures the spotlight with every single scene she’s in, and I just really, really, really wish the book would’ve flipped expectations and made her the true main character. She’s just so exponentially more interesting than any of the other characters, with the slight exception of Ellie and Father McKee, by far. There’s just so much depth and intrigue in these characters that I just don’t think we’re really given enough of to the point where I think nothing short of a near-complete retooling of the book could save this story, especially if it wanted to really fully deliver on the feminist aspects of the story and ending in particular.

I don’t know. Ultimately, I just ended up wanting this book to really lean into the feminist themes it presents and go so much harder into the female rage and empowerment, but it just feels shackled by its main character/narrator. Just kinda disappointing.

I will say for gore and lore fans, there is plenty on offer here. For those interested in the more mystical and tamped down aspects of the Bible and Christian theology, definitely check this out when it eventually gets a full, wide release in either 2026 or ‘27 (I can’t remember). Maybe we’ll get lucky and some of it will be re-written by then.

[William Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

With what I would consider my first experience with truly historical horror, Fracassi writes an enthralling slow burn set during the Civil War. Three brothers desert battle and find what they think is refuge with a mysterious woman and her son. Things are not as they seem though, and things slowly take a turn for the worst as the youngest grows more and more concerned by what is going on.

This book's strongest attribute is its perspective. Told through single POV (mostly) with one character, you think you understand what side of the line Ethan is on. But it's not so cut and dry as "good" and "evil", and the book is at its best when it is contemplating this philosophy.

I would absolutely recommend, as it is a great addition to Fracassi's catalog!

[Joel Sundquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five star book like all of Fracassi's work! I look forward to his books more than any other author. I can't wait for others to experience this when it comes out!

[David Swisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does Fracassi do it!?!? Another absolutely stunning novel. It's damn near perfect. Hopefully this one gets a proper trade release in due time like Boys In The Valley and Gothic, because this story deserves to be read.

[Mark Hazelden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

Three letters that make such a simple statement. That was my reaction when I finished Sarafina. Wow.

This is my favourite novel from Philip yet.

Sarafina is the tale of three brothers fighting for the Confederate army who decide to go AWOL and make their way home. Philip writes with such beautiful and haunting prose, painting a picture of the brutality of war and the lives of these brothers in 1862. We follow them through some of harshest terrain as they try to make their way back to safety, only to be followed and hunted down by the Confederate Home Guard. It’s whilst traversing through swampland they stumble upon a remote cabin that appears seemingly out of nowhere. Living in the cabin is Sarafina and her young son, Titus, who take the soldiers in, offering them a place to rest.

But all is not what it seems.

To mention anymore would be venturing into spoiler territory, so I’ll stop there. But let me just say, the story goes to places I did not expect at all, blending together mythology, religion, fantasy and horror. The third act of the book left me speechless, raw and visceral, it pulled no punches.

It’s a five star recommendation from me. Philip has done it again, cementing Sarafina as a serious contender for book of the year.

[CaptnSmack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to be honest, I was a little apprehensive going into this one because books that take place during the Civil War aren't exactly what I normally pick up.

However, I really enjoyed this!
Three bothers fighting for the Confederacy decide to run from the horrifying turbulations of war, but in doing so, they stubble upon a new situation that puts them in an even more mysterious and horrifying predicament.

Fracassi always amazes me. His writing style is smooth as butter, descriptive enough to play out like a film in your head, and unsettling enough to keep most horrors lover happy.
This book felt a little slower in places than some of the others I've read, but once the story really started to unravel, it was hard to put down.

Family drama, brotherhood, religion, the supernatural, survival, horror, and this book is packed with it all.
👌🏻

[April Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a dedicated reader, I have always been drawn to books that possess the power to transport me to another era and location, enveloping me in a rich tapestry of imagination.Sarafina accomplished this hands down! My introduction to Philip Fracassi occurred at the beginning of this year, and I have since read all of his novels, solidifying his position as my absolute favorite author. His writing while truly exceptional that inspires a profound connection with his protagonists. I wholeheartedly endorse Sarafina, which I consider to be the best book I have ever read. I deliberately paced myself while reading it, relishing every word, paragraph, and sentence, and refusing to rush through its beautifully crafted narrative. 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Anna Dupre · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge, huge thanks to Paul over at Earthling Pub for sending an ARC my way!

Sarafina by Philip Fracassi is another stellar addition to his catalog, another story that defies expectations. Set in the war-torn South during the Civil War, three brothers fighting for the Confederacy decide to abandon ship and head home to Natchez, MS. The path there is markedly treacherous with the brothers attempting to avoid injury, illness, and death. When they need it most, they find a cabin in the woods. One that’s seemingly immaculate and occupied by Sarafina, a beautiful woman, and her son, Titus. Of course, not is all as it seems, and the horrors of war seem minuscule following the events that transpire at this cabin in the woods.

Buckle up folks, Fracassi is at it again. I will never get over how casually these stories turn at the flip of a switch, the drop of a casual line. It’s expert writing that constantly takes me by surprise and taking stories in directions I couldn’t fathom. All for the better.

I will say, I did feel slightly apprehensive starting this read; I’m not the biggest fan of historical horror or horror centered around war. However, Fracassi’s previous works have convinced me to read nearly anything he writes, and he does deliver in spades. Sarafina is a novel that revels in the evils of violence both on the home front and the battlefield. What the three brothers encounter is not something that is easily expected, a force of horrific reckoning. This is an incredibly satisfying read, one that utilizes the element of surprise expertly to deliver markedly effective horror. It’s best to go into this one relatively blind, but trust that you’ll leave this story satisfied.

[Craig Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've made no secret about my love of Philip Fracassi. I've devoured pretty much all of his books that I can get my hands on, but while his short fiction is great, my heart truly belongs to his longer-form work. There are a few modern authors that are simply must-buys for me when they release a novel—Fracassi shares rarefied air on that list with the likes of Stephen Graham Jones and Tananarive Due—and for Sarafina, that meant a (now sold out) limited, deluxe hardback from Earthling. A trade edition is due in Spring 2026, and while it seems early, I'd recommend saving it to your TBR now. I need to let it sit with me for a while, but there's a very good chance that this is his finest book to date.

Set during the American Civil War, the story follows three brothers who abscond from fighting when death begins to look certain, determined to return home to their father and sister. Driven off course by pursuers, they luck upon a house and are taken in by the titular Sarafina and her son, Titus. Given clean clothes, food, and a place to rest, it seems that the Belle's luck is changing—however, perhaps unsurprisingly, things there are not what they seem.

To say any more would be to be giving away the story beats and turns I loved to see unfold. The events lead to some of the most brutal moments Fracassi has put to paper, written with some of his most wonderful prose to date. In many ways a dark fable at heart, Sarafina utilises religion in a disturbing way—yet very differently than in Boys In The Valley—as well as elements of folk horror and mythology. The historical setting gives it a unique twist, and with such vivid imagery and memorable characters, I found myself captivated, reading the entire book in essentially two sittings.

With four horror novels under his belt, each of which feels very much like its own thing, and with two more novels due to be released in 2025—albeit one with at least one foot in sci-fi—Fracassi is more than staking his claim to the title of the modern King of the genre. I can't wait to see what devilishly disturbing tales he will bring us next.

[Chris Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beautifully book (I have an edition signed by Fracassi and Cutter, who wrote an introduction. And this edition is gorgeously illustrated), was more than just a pretty face, as is the main antagonist, Sarafina. Fracassi has not let me down yet, but this book is a masterpiece in storytelling, that may surpass his other excellent works. It is told primarily from the point of view of Ethan, the youngest of three brothers who wore the gray of the Confederacy until the horror of battle led them to desert. The first part of the book reads like a Lansdale novel, something close to The Thicket. Or perhaps reminiscent of McMurtry's westerns. The three brothers all see their part of the war as being hopeless and deadly so they decide to make their way home to their sister and grieving, angry father. The road home is itself deadly, and the ease that the older brothers kill and justify their decisions often frightens Ethan, as it did his twin sister Emily they left behind. On the way, they encounter a mysterious landscape, where in its center sits the home of Sarafina and her "son," Titus, both of which are much more than they seem, and who help the brothers heal and rest. However, because they are deserters being chased by the home guard, they have little option but to become dependent on Sarafina in more ways than they wanted. The reveal of who this mysterious, beautiful, woman is leads Ethan and the brothers into greater danger and horrifically transforms them, and illuminates their darker natures. Where it leads Ethan and begins to involve his sister will take readers to a conclusion that is heartbreaking and satisfying. I highly recommend this one.

[Constant_reader_UK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarafina by Philip Fracassi

Pages - 331
Read time -  10 hours
Rating - 4 stars

This is my first foray into the writings of Fracassi and now I entirely understand why he gets all the plaudits; winner of multiple literary awards, recommended by acclaimed authors such as Stephen King and Nick Cutter, he even has a fan group known as the Fracassi Freaks...I am well and truly on board.

Serafina is his newest offering, available exclusively from Earthling publications, released in September 2025. In Serafina, we follow a trio of brothers who, whilst going AWOL from the civil war, come across a remote cabin in which lives a beautiful woman and her son. The house and land it sits on is an idyllic oasis which seemingly popped out of nowhere in the harshest of environments. But all is not as it seems, will the men figure out what is wrong with this place and will they survive yet another war.

Expertly written with scares, a smidgeon of gore and beautifully swathed with historic allegories, Sarafina is sure to satiate any horror genre enthusiast and satisfy the Fracassi Freaks.

A solid 4 star read.

[C.I.I. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarafina proves a couple things about Philip Fracassi. First, it continues to reinforce the fact that he knows exactly how to scare the hell out of an audience. This book holds its own with Boys in the Valley in its incredible ability to grip the reader with chill-inducing moments. What the book also does is show that, as a writer, Fracassi is a chameleon. He can manage to maintain his unique writing style while weaving between all imaginable subgenres. He is just as effective in this book, spinning a compelling folk horror tale, as he is the wide variety of other tropes we've read him handle deftly. Sarafina, a witch tale, feels steeped in the tradition of folk - a witch story that balances well between a flat out horror and a fable. But one of those dark ones, like a fable is supposed to be before getting Disney-fied. You'll have a blast getting lost in the woods with this book. Just try to leave a trail of crumbs to find your way out.

[Tobin Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book.

This one right here...

Between this and Fracassi's BOYS IN THE VALLEY, here's the proof that he's an absolute monster talent in the horror world.

I absolutely loved this novel. I had it in my head that this was just going to be an expanded version of Fracassi's SHILOH novella, but no, this is just a brilliant story of not just the evil that we all do, but the prisons that we put ourselves in...and what we do to try and escape them.

Fracassi has a clear, implacable style of writing that slowly tightens a web around the reader, then pulls you in. With very few exceptions, this has been the case with everything I've read from him.

I'm just going to say, read this novel.

[Joseph Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

*A ARC was provided by the publisher*
Sarafina by Philip Fracassi was an amazing read and gives off similar vibes to his novel Boys in the Valley. After deserving the Confederste army we follow the Belle brothers on their journey home where they are pursued by the home guard to claim their bounty. During the pursuit there are injuries and they come across the farm of Sarafina and her son Titus. It is here things take a turn for the worst and things begin to change. The book features forced transformation body horror, the Apocrypha, fallen Angels and demons all coming together within a revenge story. It is well worth a read and has jumped to one of the best stories I have read this year. Philip Fracassi has definitely become a must read author for me.

[Gary Mantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I continue to become more picky with the authors/novels from the horror genre, this guy is one that will always make the cut. This was a thoroughly enjoyable novel that tends to blend all the pieces together incredibly well, and delivers just enough within each topic to leave you satisfied while also making you curious as to what could happen next. Strong family values (or lack there of), some pretty cool religious history that comes to life in an occult-like Hansel and Gretel setting, all taking place during an important historical event. All of this makes the novel feel more “real” and substantive than paths a lesser author would have taken. Keep the great work coming!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book.

I was really intrigued by the description of this book, however the actual story didn't unfold quite like I expected. This is a story about brothers who become lost and find themselves in a scary situation, however they don't actually become lost until you are more than 25% of the way through the book. Up until that point it is civil war battles and the men travelling. The actual "Sarafina" portion of the story is good, but it takes quite a while to get there between the boys tale and out of place interjections from their sister.

[Clayton Gallaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read so glad I grabbed this book. Any Earthling publication is always a good read. This was a wonderful, moving, dark, coming of age story with supernatural elements. I highly recommend it and it is the second of his books I have read, Boys in the valley being the other. Very different from Boys but similar in certain ways. I could not put it down and if you can get your hands on this book you will devour it.

[Brandon Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing fast paced read that I finished in 3 days. The characters in this story are the most memorable ones I can remember from any recent books I have read. I have been reading Fracassi for several years now and love how his books keep getting better and better.

[Erin McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

This reminded me a lot of Slewfoot by Brom, in a really great way. It had a great mix of pacing, tension and world building, especially the details about Sarafina herself. Also, the new cover is just absolutely gorgeous, it really draws you in.

[B. Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book of the year by far. If you like horror in any way then you will love this. I won’t even say anything else.

[Alex V · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Fracassi book, but not my last! Absolutely read this book if you have the chance, it gets 5/5 stars from me.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me right in from the first page. Very good story. I liked the ending. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.

[Danny Benoit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fracassi really has a way of making it impossible to put this book down at the end of a chapter.
I was hooked from start to finish. Wow!
The Master has done it again. And are we surprised?