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Bloody Aubade
Son of brimstone. Son of plague. Cassius was a prince once. Borne of sickly yellow hatred and old magic, Cassius was made to serve the throne of Hell. He left it all for Finlo. A year has passed since he abandoned his homeland, and Cassius now lives in the ruin of the life he once created. He wanders through burned houses, still sticky with aching-sweet memory, and sits with Finlo's bones, picked clean by vultures in the tall, dry grass. But the dead need not stay dead for long. When Muninn, the messenger of Hell, comes with news of a bargain from the King—Cassius' return in exchange for the resurrection of the only man who has ever made him feel wanted—Cassius cannot refuse. With Muninn at his side, he wanders the sun-scorched Thranthian wastelands and waits for Finlo's soul to resurface. But what of all the possibilities he cannot see? Those that loom wild, dipped just below the horizon—fear, and doubt, and love. What awaits him in that bloody dawn?
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 13, 2026
RTC just know: if you read and liked rafael nicolas, mars adler, lucien burr or tyler battaglia this book is made for you.
September 14, 2025
A four star rating is pretty much a five star rating from me, seeing as I reserve my five stars for books that change the very fabric of my being; and therefore, they come very very rarely. All that to say, this book was so good it pulled me out of my reading slump!
“Bloody Aubade” is a beautifully striking journey into a Texan-pilled hellscape, where the trauma of your past is never far behind. Following the main characters: Cassius, our grieving prince of hell, and Muninn, our magus, servant of Erzo the king of hell. Cassius makes a deal with his father to bring his lover back from the dead, and Muninn has no choice but to aid him on his journey.
Larkin's prose is undeniably gorgeous, with unique visceral descriptions that had me highlighting the text over and over.
While sometimes biblical elements in stories can feel a little overdone and contrived, Larkin really took these aspects and made them his own—he made them feel fresh and compelling, which was so lovely to see.
I also really loved the casual rep (queerness, trans!mc, chronic pain, autistic!mc) spread throughout the story, and how it never really stuck out, per se, but was written just like any other aspect of a story you'd find, and not as something "other".
And the potential content warnings: religious trauma, abuse, rape were all handled with a careful hand, nothing was unnecessary or gratuitous, put an integral part of the story being told.
I only really had two main issues, and even those probably lean more towards personal taste than anything else:
i. I felt like Cassius and Muninn’s relationship progressed a little too fast? I felt like they needed more time/interactions before they got together, it seemed to me that they went from slightly hostile > curious > in love without much build-up between. This may simply be due to the shortness of the book, being a novella, but I do wish we had more moments showing how their feelings progressed.
ii. The POV difference was kinda jarring each time (Cassius’ chapters are written in 1st person POV, and Muninn’s in 3rd person POV), and I personally think it would have flowed better if they were written in the same point-of-view.
I don’t know if that was a stylistic choice, but for me it didn’t come across like it was a necessary one. But, again, this didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story at all.
TAKE-AWAY:
Read this book!! Larkin is a beyond talented writer and if you want to read about gay cowboys learning to heal from their trauma with the background of angels and demons, earth and hell, death and guilt, then you won't be disappointed!
“Bloody Aubade” is a beautifully striking journey into a Texan-pilled hellscape, where the trauma of your past is never far behind. Following the main characters: Cassius, our grieving prince of hell, and Muninn, our magus, servant of Erzo the king of hell. Cassius makes a deal with his father to bring his lover back from the dead, and Muninn has no choice but to aid him on his journey.
Larkin's prose is undeniably gorgeous, with unique visceral descriptions that had me highlighting the text over and over.
While sometimes biblical elements in stories can feel a little overdone and contrived, Larkin really took these aspects and made them his own—he made them feel fresh and compelling, which was so lovely to see.
I also really loved the casual rep (queerness, trans!mc, chronic pain, autistic!mc) spread throughout the story, and how it never really stuck out, per se, but was written just like any other aspect of a story you'd find, and not as something "other".
And the potential content warnings: religious trauma, abuse, rape were all handled with a careful hand, nothing was unnecessary or gratuitous, put an integral part of the story being told.
I only really had two main issues, and even those probably lean more towards personal taste than anything else:
i. I felt like Cassius and Muninn’s relationship progressed a little too fast? I felt like they needed more time/interactions before they got together, it seemed to me that they went from slightly hostile > curious > in love without much build-up between. This may simply be due to the shortness of the book, being a novella, but I do wish we had more moments showing how their feelings progressed.
ii. The POV difference was kinda jarring each time (Cassius’ chapters are written in 1st person POV, and Muninn’s in 3rd person POV), and I personally think it would have flowed better if they were written in the same point-of-view.
I don’t know if that was a stylistic choice, but for me it didn’t come across like it was a necessary one. But, again, this didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story at all.
TAKE-AWAY:
Read this book!! Larkin is a beyond talented writer and if you want to read about gay cowboys learning to heal from their trauma with the background of angels and demons, earth and hell, death and guilt, then you won't be disappointed!
September 10, 2025
This is an ARC review. Thanks to the author for giving me this opportunity.
Bloody Aubade is many things. Beautiful, creepy, poetic and confusing among other things. I really enjoyed the story, the characters are well written and the prose very powerful, although a little too much at times.
Muninn and Cassius had a very interesting dynamic, each struggling with their own burdens and traumas while navigating a hostile environment and their reluctant alliance. I found myself fascinated with the eerie atmosphere, the interludes in the style of holy scriptures and the aesthetic in general. It reads beautifully apocalyptic and offers glimpses of horrors I hope future books, if there'll be any, will expand on.
What makes the book a little hard to get into is the amount of detail about the world the book is set in and I don't mean that it is too much, but too little imo, especially combined with the poetic and metaphor-laden style. Don't get me wrong, I love poetic styles, but there is only so much a text can carry without it being confusing. It is, at the same time, one of the book's greatest strengths and most prominent weakness, which is all the more obvious in scenes where poetry veils action in a way that makes it hard to understand what is going on. Many things leave room for interpretation, stay unclear and confusing, which can be really powerful, but is at times used way too much, obscuring the characters, the world and how they interact with each other.
I also think a few more pages to develop the story would have greatly improved the experience, which is most prominent near the end when things seem extremely rushed and therefore miss out on the great impact they could have had.
Would I still recommend it?
As you can probably take from my 4-star rating: Yes! Although it has its weaknesses, Bloody Aubade is well worth a read for everyone who is into weird fiction, horror and accompanying poetic styles.
Bloody Aubade is many things. Beautiful, creepy, poetic and confusing among other things. I really enjoyed the story, the characters are well written and the prose very powerful, although a little too much at times.
Muninn and Cassius had a very interesting dynamic, each struggling with their own burdens and traumas while navigating a hostile environment and their reluctant alliance. I found myself fascinated with the eerie atmosphere, the interludes in the style of holy scriptures and the aesthetic in general. It reads beautifully apocalyptic and offers glimpses of horrors I hope future books, if there'll be any, will expand on.
What makes the book a little hard to get into is the amount of detail about the world the book is set in and I don't mean that it is too much, but too little imo, especially combined with the poetic and metaphor-laden style. Don't get me wrong, I love poetic styles, but there is only so much a text can carry without it being confusing. It is, at the same time, one of the book's greatest strengths and most prominent weakness, which is all the more obvious in scenes where poetry veils action in a way that makes it hard to understand what is going on. Many things leave room for interpretation, stay unclear and confusing, which can be really powerful, but is at times used way too much, obscuring the characters, the world and how they interact with each other.
I also think a few more pages to develop the story would have greatly improved the experience, which is most prominent near the end when things seem extremely rushed and therefore miss out on the great impact they could have had.
Would I still recommend it?
As you can probably take from my 4-star rating: Yes! Although it has its weaknesses, Bloody Aubade is well worth a read for everyone who is into weird fiction, horror and accompanying poetic styles.
September 19, 2025
I received this book for free as an ARC reader.
Bloody Aubade is a rather quick read, but a very good one. Larkin does an amazing job at establishing the setting and the characters in a way that feels natural even with the book's short length. The romance between Muninn and Cassius is expertly written and developed upon and doesn't feel rushed. The relationship between Finlo and Cassius, despite never being shown directly on page and only in memories or dialogue, is incredibly emotional and deep.
Similarly the bond between Muninn and Boon is beautifully shown even though they're only seen having 2-3 on page interactions.
The way Larkin shows each of the boys' conditions and neurodivergence is also extremely well developed. Cassius' autistic tendencies are notable but not so much so as to appear stereotyped, while Muninn's chronic pain is never forgotten or overshadowed but not overly in your face either. For a debut novel this book shines bright, and I'm happy to give it a 5 star rating :)
Bloody Aubade is a rather quick read, but a very good one. Larkin does an amazing job at establishing the setting and the characters in a way that feels natural even with the book's short length. The romance between Muninn and Cassius is expertly written and developed upon and doesn't feel rushed. The relationship between Finlo and Cassius, despite never being shown directly on page and only in memories or dialogue, is incredibly emotional and deep.
Similarly the bond between Muninn and Boon is beautifully shown even though they're only seen having 2-3 on page interactions.
The way Larkin shows each of the boys' conditions and neurodivergence is also extremely well developed. Cassius' autistic tendencies are notable but not so much so as to appear stereotyped, while Muninn's chronic pain is never forgotten or overshadowed but not overly in your face either. For a debut novel this book shines bright, and I'm happy to give it a 5 star rating :)
January 18, 2026
"Muninn is his name. I remember it, shiny in the sand, and pick it up to roll the syllables between my fingers before tucking the name into my back pocket. I resolve not to use it—things will be easier that way. You don’t name things you don’t want to become attached to."
...if blood meridian had hell magic and was gay...
queer grimdark western fantasy horror, grief, trauma, angels and demons, cannibalism, autistic, trans, bi, demi ace rep // mm trans cowboy magus x autistic demon prince
a short read with gritty atmosphere and prose, i love the fantasy elements rooted in hell and demons and magic // the relationship between cassius and muninn writhes with tension and it's satisfying to watch them grow together // feverishly horrifying at times in a fantastical mythical biblical kinda way // explores abuse, trauma, healing // definitely check the content warnings!! // the imagery is visceral // that ending... im so ready for more!!
(review in exchange for an ARC copy)
...if blood meridian had hell magic and was gay...
queer grimdark western fantasy horror, grief, trauma, angels and demons, cannibalism, autistic, trans, bi, demi ace rep // mm trans cowboy magus x autistic demon prince
a short read with gritty atmosphere and prose, i love the fantasy elements rooted in hell and demons and magic // the relationship between cassius and muninn writhes with tension and it's satisfying to watch them grow together // feverishly horrifying at times in a fantastical mythical biblical kinda way // explores abuse, trauma, healing // definitely check the content warnings!! // the imagery is visceral // that ending... im so ready for more!!
(review in exchange for an ARC copy)
October 16, 2025
I received this ARC from the author, and i could not be more glad to have gotten the chance to read because this book single-handedly cured my reading slump. The writing style, and the way Larkin Bryne weaves words into such beautiful poetic description is truly an art. The book pulled me in with it's mysterious world, that tugged you on, never dumping too much, the author has clearly mastered the art of show-dont-tell. The world opened up to me, and it felt so rich, without being overwhelming. It was the perfect read to start the autumn with, and the kind of book I have been waiting for.
now, the characters stole my heart, Muninn and Cassius slowly learning about each other, their easy banter, how they slowly melt around each other, is so soft and beautiful to witness. The character were always the center of the narrative, never leaving a single dull moment for me. I finished this book in two days, I just couldn't put it down. It's pacing, and build up delivers exactly what it promised. GOD, i LOVED IT SM.
now, the characters stole my heart, Muninn and Cassius slowly learning about each other, their easy banter, how they slowly melt around each other, is so soft and beautiful to witness. The character were always the center of the narrative, never leaving a single dull moment for me. I finished this book in two days, I just couldn't put it down. It's pacing, and build up delivers exactly what it promised. GOD, i LOVED IT SM.
September 5, 2025
Wow. Wow wow wow. Horrific and poetic with a touch of divine cowboy. Larkin Bryne has created a deeply dark fantasy where Hell is Texas and the main character is Trauma.
Bryne does not disappoint with his beautiful prose. So lyrical. So... holy?
Bro (gender neutral), this shit is wild.
This is one you have to read.
Bryne does not disappoint with his beautiful prose. So lyrical. So... holy?
Bro (gender neutral), this shit is wild.
This is one you have to read.
September 20, 2025
Larkin Bryne manages to suck you in with poetic prose and strong characters that you will root for no matter their wrongdoings. Cassius and Muninn are wonderfully flawed and I enjoyed watching them both grow. The twists and turns leave you wanting more with every chapter and I absolutely adored the ending.
September 22, 2025
I received this book as a free e-arc and all my opinions are my own.
Y'all this book is AMAZING!! It's atmospheric and creepy and dark, but it was so fun to read!
Everything about Bloody Aubade is gloriously atmospheric and dark! Set in a Texas-inspired hellscape, we follow Cassius, a prince of Hell, and Muninn as they work together to resurrect someone close to Cassius, growing closer despite their mutual brokenness.
The atmospheric setting is really well done. The prose and descriptions were very vivid. There were several moments that I could perfectly imagine the world, which is difficult for me, personally. Outside of the imagery, I could almost hear the slow banjo playing in the background! If you read with background music, definitely listen to the RDR ost!
As much as I love the setting, the characters were definitely my favorite aspect! Cassius' autism and grief was very well done! There were several moments that I paused reading to nod and say, "Mood." And Muninn is, in fact, the Best! His whole arc and story is extremely sad, and how his pain was always there made my heart break for him. Seeing him grow closer and more comfortable with Cassius took my breath away.
The writing style was compelling. It combines 1st and 3rd POV depending on the character POV. It also adds in segments that are written like bible scriptures, further illustrating the allegory of this story.
All in all, I can not wait to see what Larkin does with the rest of the series.
Y'all this book is AMAZING!! It's atmospheric and creepy and dark, but it was so fun to read!
Everything about Bloody Aubade is gloriously atmospheric and dark! Set in a Texas-inspired hellscape, we follow Cassius, a prince of Hell, and Muninn as they work together to resurrect someone close to Cassius, growing closer despite their mutual brokenness.
The atmospheric setting is really well done. The prose and descriptions were very vivid. There were several moments that I could perfectly imagine the world, which is difficult for me, personally. Outside of the imagery, I could almost hear the slow banjo playing in the background! If you read with background music, definitely listen to the RDR ost!
As much as I love the setting, the characters were definitely my favorite aspect! Cassius' autism and grief was very well done! There were several moments that I paused reading to nod and say, "Mood." And Muninn is, in fact, the Best! His whole arc and story is extremely sad, and how his pain was always there made my heart break for him. Seeing him grow closer and more comfortable with Cassius took my breath away.
The writing style was compelling. It combines 1st and 3rd POV depending on the character POV. It also adds in segments that are written like bible scriptures, further illustrating the allegory of this story.
All in all, I can not wait to see what Larkin does with the rest of the series.
December 27, 2025
I am blown away by this book. I think I could write essays in the margins. BLOODY AUBADE is steeped in metaphor and full of powerful, beautiful prose. It feels like a masterpiece, only made better by the diverse representation (queer/trans, disability, neurodiversity, chronic pain+). It rips your heart out and then stitches you back together. I feel like I need to carry it around in my bag just so I know it’s there.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews