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Prepare For Me A Shallow Grave
The first chapter in a grimdark confession...
A man’s ego is the prophet of his downfall…
Cursed by a goddess to be the desire of every eye, Gahlahan of Ohlin has trudged through centuries of blood, ruin and hollow adoration. Immortal yet unseen, he drifts between empires that rise and crumble, searching for a path away from her.
The legends of his name echo still, but only as a dull, broken note. Behind him lie ghosts, mistakes, and empires in ashes; buried, or so he thought.
But the past does not stay buried.
The hand that bound him still stalks his every step. Each breath she grants leaves him emptier than the last. In a world of collapsing empires, fickle gods, and hungering shadows, Gahlahan must choose the only path left to a blade in his hand and a shallow grave awaiting.
What price can a man pay, when even his soul is not his own?
The first novel in The Curse of Ohlin trilogy, Prepare For Me A Shallow Grave takes a dark look at the naivety of youth and the hollow burden of beauty. A novel that takes inspiration from grimdark epics and children's' fairy tales, Prepare For Me A Shallow Grave is a bleak, lyrical and unflinching dark fantasy novel that explores what it means to be the ideal of another.
Complete with banter, violence and grit, this novel is a dark fantasy gut-punch.
"Genuinely there are so many moments of such profound, gruesome beauty in this story..." — Meghan Davis, author of The Memoir of Johnny DayWalker
‘Prepare for me a shallow grave,
I fear I’ll not be long.
I have walked the paths beyond
And I have sung their song.
So, when she deigns to send me back
And have her nightmares made,
Just lay my blade beside my boots
And prepare a shallow grave.’
A man’s ego is the prophet of his downfall…
Cursed by a goddess to be the desire of every eye, Gahlahan of Ohlin has trudged through centuries of blood, ruin and hollow adoration. Immortal yet unseen, he drifts between empires that rise and crumble, searching for a path away from her.
The legends of his name echo still, but only as a dull, broken note. Behind him lie ghosts, mistakes, and empires in ashes; buried, or so he thought.
But the past does not stay buried.
The hand that bound him still stalks his every step. Each breath she grants leaves him emptier than the last. In a world of collapsing empires, fickle gods, and hungering shadows, Gahlahan must choose the only path left to a blade in his hand and a shallow grave awaiting.
What price can a man pay, when even his soul is not his own?
The first novel in The Curse of Ohlin trilogy, Prepare For Me A Shallow Grave takes a dark look at the naivety of youth and the hollow burden of beauty. A novel that takes inspiration from grimdark epics and children's' fairy tales, Prepare For Me A Shallow Grave is a bleak, lyrical and unflinching dark fantasy novel that explores what it means to be the ideal of another.
Complete with banter, violence and grit, this novel is a dark fantasy gut-punch.
"Genuinely there are so many moments of such profound, gruesome beauty in this story..." — Meghan Davis, author of The Memoir of Johnny DayWalker
‘Prepare for me a shallow grave,
I fear I’ll not be long.
I have walked the paths beyond
And I have sung their song.
So, when she deigns to send me back
And have her nightmares made,
Just lay my blade beside my boots
And prepare a shallow grave.’
540 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2025
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Ainy Cormac
7 books16 followersAiny Cormac is an Australian author of dark fantasy and horror. He enjoys stories that blur the line between myth and nightmare, always chasing the strange, bleak and beautifully broken. When not devouring dark works laced with dread and banter, he is smashing iced lattes and teaching primary school. He is the author of Prepare For Me A Shallow Grave, the first volume in the grimdark trilogy The Curse of Ohlin.
You can follow him on Instagram at @ainycormac.
You can follow him on Instagram at @ainycormac.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 23, 2025
A top read of the year for me. So many moments of such profound, gruesome beauty that I will be thinking about for a long time to come.
“You must learn to love your misery, the same as any dream or aspiration.”
This grimdark fantasy story is told from the perspective of Gahlahan, a cursed man who we get to know intimately as he tells his tale. The main character’s curse serves as an engaging backdrop to not only pull at your heartstrings, but also explore existential themes around finding meaning, wrestling with the divine, and overcoming ego. Gahlahan’s quest leads him all around the world, where he serves as both a catalyst and a pawn for forces much larger than himself. On the way, he bonds with a varied and fascinating cast of characters, including a young monk and a sorcerer with half a head to name a few.
“The land of Ohlin had grown sick since before my birth. And all I had known of Ohlin was a shadow of its former self. But it was the home I carried with me and cherished and, as all true homes do, caused me an unceasing grief.”
The dark, gritty world of Sahul is slowly revealed through context as the main character speaks to you as if you already live there. It’s an ingenious technique that Cormac executes flawlessly, cleverly avoiding info-dumping or clunky exposition.
The prose is a delight to read. It is richly layered and engaging while still being clear and not overly-flowery. It perfectly balances a character and plot-driven narrative and maintains a steady pace throughout.
“I’ve read the epics and when now I consider them, I find their events have mingled with my own memories, entwined like vines through stonework so that the structure needs both to stand. And there we have that word again, memory. That relentless taint which undermines you, goads and prods, and in the end abandons you.”
This is absolutely grimdark, so only plan to pick this up if you are comfortable with horror and gore. Sort of a grittier version of The Name of the Wind. I think fans of Empire of the Vampire would absolutely love this book, but even if you didn’t like EOTV I don’t want the comparison to turn you off. If you are a fan of grimdark fantasy, this absolutely NEEDS to be on your TBR.
“You must learn to love your misery, the same as any dream or aspiration.”
This grimdark fantasy story is told from the perspective of Gahlahan, a cursed man who we get to know intimately as he tells his tale. The main character’s curse serves as an engaging backdrop to not only pull at your heartstrings, but also explore existential themes around finding meaning, wrestling with the divine, and overcoming ego. Gahlahan’s quest leads him all around the world, where he serves as both a catalyst and a pawn for forces much larger than himself. On the way, he bonds with a varied and fascinating cast of characters, including a young monk and a sorcerer with half a head to name a few.
“The land of Ohlin had grown sick since before my birth. And all I had known of Ohlin was a shadow of its former self. But it was the home I carried with me and cherished and, as all true homes do, caused me an unceasing grief.”
The dark, gritty world of Sahul is slowly revealed through context as the main character speaks to you as if you already live there. It’s an ingenious technique that Cormac executes flawlessly, cleverly avoiding info-dumping or clunky exposition.
The prose is a delight to read. It is richly layered and engaging while still being clear and not overly-flowery. It perfectly balances a character and plot-driven narrative and maintains a steady pace throughout.
“I’ve read the epics and when now I consider them, I find their events have mingled with my own memories, entwined like vines through stonework so that the structure needs both to stand. And there we have that word again, memory. That relentless taint which undermines you, goads and prods, and in the end abandons you.”
This is absolutely grimdark, so only plan to pick this up if you are comfortable with horror and gore. Sort of a grittier version of The Name of the Wind. I think fans of Empire of the Vampire would absolutely love this book, but even if you didn’t like EOTV I don’t want the comparison to turn you off. If you are a fan of grimdark fantasy, this absolutely NEEDS to be on your TBR.
October 13, 2025
Beneath all our curses and afflictions, we all still exist; the children we once were before the world corrupted us.
"Prepare For Me A Shallow Grave" is the grimdark debut novel of Ainy Cormac. The story is told by and revolves largely around Gahlahan, a man cursed to a very long life where everyone around him perceives him as someone they most desire. And this first book starts as many do, with the main character going off on a quest.
Per the standard for quests, this one also brings together a group of colourful characters who accompany the main character on the journey. Their interactions throughout add both humour as well as emotional depth to Gahlahan's story. Oh and it's possible that one of them is literally missing half a head.
As the tale unfolds, the reader learns about Gahlahan's past and present and gets to see how the curse has moulded him into the person he is. This means everything from using and discarding people for his own ends, taking advantage of his curse, to deeply traumatic events that form the core of a person.
The world in which all of this takes place was also fascinating to discover. Now, to be fair, I already got an introduction to Sahul in the related short story "The Land Herself", so this wasn't my first introduction to the land, but it was exciting to see other places in this world and to get a better understanding of this world that's made of the body of a long-dead goddess.
To survey a battlefield on a map and make decisions from afar is to see only strategies and think yourself a god; to be knee deep among the dead with their gaze haunting you, lathered in their gore is to see the truth and know that war means carnage and the loss of all meaning.
Story-wise, this is a classic fantasy adventure wrapped up in all kinds of grimdark goodness. The atmosphere leans heavily towards the bleaker side, there are many gruesome and gory battles, there is magic and various magical species and creatures and, something that felt a bit unexpected and different, even some science-inspired elements.
I also found myself comparing the feeling (vibe, if you will) and atmosphere of this book to the Witcher video games multiple times (I can't speak to the books as I haven't got around to those yet), specifically the pervasively grey morality everywhere. And it is something that I absolutely adored.
I highly recommend this to grimdark fantasy fans who are looking for a mix of adventure, battles, wonderful character work and, of course, some banter and humour.
Thank you Ainy for the eARC of this book!
"Prepare For Me A Shallow Grave" is the grimdark debut novel of Ainy Cormac. The story is told by and revolves largely around Gahlahan, a man cursed to a very long life where everyone around him perceives him as someone they most desire. And this first book starts as many do, with the main character going off on a quest.
Per the standard for quests, this one also brings together a group of colourful characters who accompany the main character on the journey. Their interactions throughout add both humour as well as emotional depth to Gahlahan's story. Oh and it's possible that one of them is literally missing half a head.
As the tale unfolds, the reader learns about Gahlahan's past and present and gets to see how the curse has moulded him into the person he is. This means everything from using and discarding people for his own ends, taking advantage of his curse, to deeply traumatic events that form the core of a person.
The world in which all of this takes place was also fascinating to discover. Now, to be fair, I already got an introduction to Sahul in the related short story "The Land Herself", so this wasn't my first introduction to the land, but it was exciting to see other places in this world and to get a better understanding of this world that's made of the body of a long-dead goddess.
To survey a battlefield on a map and make decisions from afar is to see only strategies and think yourself a god; to be knee deep among the dead with their gaze haunting you, lathered in their gore is to see the truth and know that war means carnage and the loss of all meaning.
Story-wise, this is a classic fantasy adventure wrapped up in all kinds of grimdark goodness. The atmosphere leans heavily towards the bleaker side, there are many gruesome and gory battles, there is magic and various magical species and creatures and, something that felt a bit unexpected and different, even some science-inspired elements.
I also found myself comparing the feeling (vibe, if you will) and atmosphere of this book to the Witcher video games multiple times (I can't speak to the books as I haven't got around to those yet), specifically the pervasively grey morality everywhere. And it is something that I absolutely adored.
I highly recommend this to grimdark fantasy fans who are looking for a mix of adventure, battles, wonderful character work and, of course, some banter and humour.
Thank you Ainy for the eARC of this book!
October 14, 2025
Prepare for Me a Shallow Grave is a gruesome and gritty dark fantasy that is utterly refreshing. This isn't your regular "medieval fantasy where magic in the land has faded" where the author holds your hand. The author trusts us, through his excellent prose, to experience the utterly unique world of Sahul as we follow along the cursed main character. The story and characters are exciting, fascinating and at times downright disgusting (in a good way). While dark fantasy, there is humour and funny moments in the murk.
If you like grimdark you're going to love this
If you like grimdark you're going to love this
September 21, 2025
Prepare for Me a Shallow Grave is the first instalment in Ainy Cormac's The Curse of Ohlin trilogy. A grimdark gore de brute-force recounting the viscera-splattered exploits of Gahlahan of Ohlin - a centuries old, half-chewed morsel of man burdened by the aforementioned curse.
Let's address the curse first. I have to say, it's handled incredibly deftly. Without going into spoilers, as a man cursed to be the desire of every eye, this aspect of the story could easily be dismissed as the author living a lurid sexual fantasy vicariously through his main character, especially if approached without a cautious pen. Let me stress - this is absolutely not the case. Cormac does an absolutely fantastic job in highlighting Gahlahan's curse as a rotting albatross around his neck. Even the more pleasurable aspects. I think 9 out of 10 authors wouldn't have managed to strike the right balance with this curse. I think it's a true testament to Cormac's writing that despite all of his actions, you can still sympathise with his main character.
Don't get me wrong, this story is grimdark to its marrow. There is plenty of grotesque imagery, brutal violence, vile characters and unspeakable depravity throughout. This is not a story for those seeking a light-hearted jaunt across a kingdom brimming with sparkly unicorns and pixies. If grimdark isn't your bag (the book does include a list of the numerous trigger warnings) then other books are available. If you don't mind a book leaving you feeling like you've just been mugged down a grotty alley by a gang of thugs, then PfMaSG is a one-stop shop for all your bloodthirsty needs.
Told via a first-person narrative, Gahlahan reveals his story as if a tapestry of scars upon his flesh. Some deeper than others, a handful worth the pain and a few even fatal. To counter the stark barbarity of the world, the story is liberally peppered with witty banter, sharp humour and hilarious cultural references to the author's Australian heritage. Some of Gahlahan's exchanges had me in stitches (with the awesome fight sequences and epic battle scenes, I wasn't the only one!) with the various side characters being uniquely bizarre and downright comedic gold. Many are also unapologetic bastards, deserving nothing more than a blade between the ribs.
Blade to throat, I'd describe Prepare for Me a Shallow Grave like a mix between a Malazan novel (if you separated the wheat from the excess philosophical chaff - don't get me wrong, I love the Malazan series, but they sometimes do get a smidge confusing) and The Witcher (think the games more than the books), seasoned with a sprinkling of The First Law. I absolutely loved the read and would certainly recommend it to any grimdark fan!
Out October 10th.
Let's address the curse first. I have to say, it's handled incredibly deftly. Without going into spoilers, as a man cursed to be the desire of every eye, this aspect of the story could easily be dismissed as the author living a lurid sexual fantasy vicariously through his main character, especially if approached without a cautious pen. Let me stress - this is absolutely not the case. Cormac does an absolutely fantastic job in highlighting Gahlahan's curse as a rotting albatross around his neck. Even the more pleasurable aspects. I think 9 out of 10 authors wouldn't have managed to strike the right balance with this curse. I think it's a true testament to Cormac's writing that despite all of his actions, you can still sympathise with his main character.
Don't get me wrong, this story is grimdark to its marrow. There is plenty of grotesque imagery, brutal violence, vile characters and unspeakable depravity throughout. This is not a story for those seeking a light-hearted jaunt across a kingdom brimming with sparkly unicorns and pixies. If grimdark isn't your bag (the book does include a list of the numerous trigger warnings) then other books are available. If you don't mind a book leaving you feeling like you've just been mugged down a grotty alley by a gang of thugs, then PfMaSG is a one-stop shop for all your bloodthirsty needs.
Told via a first-person narrative, Gahlahan reveals his story as if a tapestry of scars upon his flesh. Some deeper than others, a handful worth the pain and a few even fatal. To counter the stark barbarity of the world, the story is liberally peppered with witty banter, sharp humour and hilarious cultural references to the author's Australian heritage. Some of Gahlahan's exchanges had me in stitches (with the awesome fight sequences and epic battle scenes, I wasn't the only one!) with the various side characters being uniquely bizarre and downright comedic gold. Many are also unapologetic bastards, deserving nothing more than a blade between the ribs.
Blade to throat, I'd describe Prepare for Me a Shallow Grave like a mix between a Malazan novel (if you separated the wheat from the excess philosophical chaff - don't get me wrong, I love the Malazan series, but they sometimes do get a smidge confusing) and The Witcher (think the games more than the books), seasoned with a sprinkling of The First Law. I absolutely loved the read and would certainly recommend it to any grimdark fan!
Out October 10th.
September 16, 2025
"Under a sky pregnant with blood-red clouds, I awoke, already wandering in that bleak chasm."
Lines like this is an abundance and truly had me hooked from page 1.
I’d like to firstly thank Ainy Cormac for an ARC of his debut grimdark novel.
We follow Gahlahan (written in 1st person), a (mysterious) prince who has lived for centuries, burdened by a dark past. In a vile, unforgiving world, he constantly battles against the pull of ghoul-riddled shadows, striving still to carve out some semblance of good. The prose used by Cormac is raw, unfiltered, dark and yet beautiful. This makes for a read where you feel right beside Gahlahan the whole way.
My personal favourite character was Mern the Monk. His arc felt like a metaphorical pillar of the story, and quite literally a steadying one for Gahlahan on his journey to Halas.
The purpose of this book is clear: to confront the reader with the inevitability of trauma, the gnawing grip of memory, and the haunting truth that not all lives resolve with meaning, redemption, or happiness. Prepare For Me A Shallow Grave is a story designed to disturb, unsettle, and force us to reflect on the grim pasts that shape and forever live with us.
This was such a change of genre for me personally. What a brutal, poetic, and surprisingly heartfelt read it turned out to be, set in such a vividly demonstrative fantasy world.
Congratulations Ainy, on bringing your first novel into the world. What a debut.
Lines like this is an abundance and truly had me hooked from page 1.
I’d like to firstly thank Ainy Cormac for an ARC of his debut grimdark novel.
We follow Gahlahan (written in 1st person), a (mysterious) prince who has lived for centuries, burdened by a dark past. In a vile, unforgiving world, he constantly battles against the pull of ghoul-riddled shadows, striving still to carve out some semblance of good. The prose used by Cormac is raw, unfiltered, dark and yet beautiful. This makes for a read where you feel right beside Gahlahan the whole way.
My personal favourite character was Mern the Monk. His arc felt like a metaphorical pillar of the story, and quite literally a steadying one for Gahlahan on his journey to Halas.
The purpose of this book is clear: to confront the reader with the inevitability of trauma, the gnawing grip of memory, and the haunting truth that not all lives resolve with meaning, redemption, or happiness. Prepare For Me A Shallow Grave is a story designed to disturb, unsettle, and force us to reflect on the grim pasts that shape and forever live with us.
This was such a change of genre for me personally. What a brutal, poetic, and surprisingly heartfelt read it turned out to be, set in such a vividly demonstrative fantasy world.
Congratulations Ainy, on bringing your first novel into the world. What a debut.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews