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Culling of the House of Boars: A horror novelette of the Strigoi
For fans of Empire of the Vampire, The Passage, and Game of Thrones.
Culling of the House of Boars is a descent into darkness where ancient vampire clans wage brutal wars among themselves, their hunger for power rivaling their thirst for human blood.
Strigoi.
Living dead monstrosities haunting the villages and byways of Romania and Eastern Europe for over two millennia, shunning the sun and preying upon the blood of the living. They are a thing of nightmare, born of ancient dark arts and created to instill fear in the hearts of the invaders of their ancestral lands.
What you see is only a hateful remnant of what once incited such terror in the heart of Rome that Emperor Aurelian withdrew his legions from the frontier for fear of them. They hunt in the shadows of your world now, but once they roamed these lands like vengeful gods.
You see, the strigoi are an invasive species and have no natural predators. They are the locust in the wheat field of humanity.
I know this, for I am Adaric, Culling Master of the House of Boars.
And I am strigoi.
Culling of the House of Boars is a descent into darkness where ancient vampire clans wage brutal wars among themselves, their hunger for power rivaling their thirst for human blood.
Strigoi.
Living dead monstrosities haunting the villages and byways of Romania and Eastern Europe for over two millennia, shunning the sun and preying upon the blood of the living. They are a thing of nightmare, born of ancient dark arts and created to instill fear in the hearts of the invaders of their ancestral lands.
What you see is only a hateful remnant of what once incited such terror in the heart of Rome that Emperor Aurelian withdrew his legions from the frontier for fear of them. They hunt in the shadows of your world now, but once they roamed these lands like vengeful gods.
You see, the strigoi are an invasive species and have no natural predators. They are the locust in the wheat field of humanity.
I know this, for I am Adaric, Culling Master of the House of Boars.
And I am strigoi.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 19, 2025
Culling of the House of Boars brings us a thrilling and vicious alternate history for my home country. The author paints a more dramatic, almost whimsical, albeit ferocious version of our old wars when Dacia was struggling against the Romans.
I absolutely loved the idea of the vampires (strigoi) being created/brought into existence by the dark arts of some priestesses (the Voal Negru) as a means to gain an advantage against Dacia’s enemies. A very interesting and powerful detail that enriched the lore was that only these priestesses could undo them with a single command, which is why these women were held in high regard and were feared and respected above all.
Our narrator, a strigoi himself, has a very captivating tone, instantly pulling us into the story as if we are some children waiting around a bonfire for the wise man to tell us stories we never heard of, his stories, his past and his misery. You would think he might be a ruler or something, a glorious original strigoi, but he admits that he was turned much later and has no desire to remember his past life. He does aspire to become more within his House, but he practices a ‘saint’s’ patience and picks his time wisely. He is however the Culling Master of the House of Boars. What that title entails? You’ll find out rather soon in the story, no spoilers.
The world building is incredible for such a small novelette, it taps into the history, it explains the strigoi’s hierarchy, their Houses, their laws and rules. The setting is also enthralling, instantly lulling us into it and never letting us go.
We also have a secret, forbidden love and lust between our strigoi, Adaric, and Sura, a priestess of the Voal Negru (Black Veil). I never expected to see some romance in here, but I was so happy to read about it. After all, what fantasy book is ever exciting and intriguing if there are no dirty secrets amongst the Houses and within the halls of a House? Every little glance, every smile, every touch, was charged and brought more meaning and value to our characters and the story. It makes us care and relate.
I loved how pragmatic and levelheaded Adaric was in a time of gods worshipping and strange rituals done in the name of unseen forces. He simply does not believe in anything to happen after his death, but he does not judge those around him that dedicate their lives to religious acts either.
The action, though you won't actually witness killings and slaughtering in some gory voracious attacks in a grand hall under the mountain, is so suspenseful that I found myself holding my breath now and then. That being said, we will receive our dose of adrenaline when we listen to Adaric’s flashbacks.
The descriptions of the scenes and environment are so well detailed you can simply picture the whole thing like a movie reeling in your head, like you can see the world clearly through Adaric’s eyes.
This all starts with some sort of a trial. In this trial, Adaric must speak before the lords of each House and the priestesses of the Voal Negru about what transpired during the last Culling in the House of Boars (trust me, all these concepts will make sense in the story and are explained). The whole scene is like a game of chess, we have the devised Houses, the animosities between the Lords (can be physically observed even in they way they sit in the grand room), the secrets shared between some of them, this is Game of Thrones scheming style and I just devoured it page after page. The politics mixed with their ‘human’ (even though they're not humans) drama is too delicious, the tension can be cut with a knife. I was hooked.
For a moment we're transported back to witness the Culling that triggered the trial and WOW, just wow, not only do we get to witness some badass action similar to Spartacus arena fights, but even the dialogue and the twists are incredibly alluring. I thought something weird was going on there (especially with a certain lady called Zinna and her almost obsessive need to pour wine), but I never expected the unfolding massacre and betrayal. Believe me, this might be a novelette, however, it's incredible how much politics and world building is happening within a few pages. The twists are non-stop, one after another, in the shortest span of time and I just couldn't help myself but hold my breath, smile, and wonder.
With all the information offered to us on a silver platter by Adaric, like an epic flashback, we return to the trial room where the surviving aspirants stand accused and are brought forward to be judged. With that out of the way, you’d think we’ll return to learn more about Adaric’s life in court, but not so fast. In fact, three rival Houses accuse Adaric now for doing his job rather poorly during the Culling. Now things get intense, Sura is worried for Adaric, Adaric himself is annoyed and bothered, and the enemies are grinning in a sick pleasure of sowing discord within the House of Boars. While the freshly named ruler of the House of Boars claims Adaric will be dealt with internally, the three rival houses are not happy with that resolution. They want Adaric to pay the ultimate price– a gruesome and utterly agonizing death for a strigoi, a punishment called The Golden Eagle.
The ending is incredibly touching, offering us sweet and sad moments. I can’t wait for more, I need more of this world and I’m excited for the future books. I have high hopes for this series.
Many, many thanks to Jack Finn for offering me an ARC for this book.
I absolutely loved the idea of the vampires (strigoi) being created/brought into existence by the dark arts of some priestesses (the Voal Negru) as a means to gain an advantage against Dacia’s enemies. A very interesting and powerful detail that enriched the lore was that only these priestesses could undo them with a single command, which is why these women were held in high regard and were feared and respected above all.
Our narrator, a strigoi himself, has a very captivating tone, instantly pulling us into the story as if we are some children waiting around a bonfire for the wise man to tell us stories we never heard of, his stories, his past and his misery. You would think he might be a ruler or something, a glorious original strigoi, but he admits that he was turned much later and has no desire to remember his past life. He does aspire to become more within his House, but he practices a ‘saint’s’ patience and picks his time wisely. He is however the Culling Master of the House of Boars. What that title entails? You’ll find out rather soon in the story, no spoilers.
The world building is incredible for such a small novelette, it taps into the history, it explains the strigoi’s hierarchy, their Houses, their laws and rules. The setting is also enthralling, instantly lulling us into it and never letting us go.
We also have a secret, forbidden love and lust between our strigoi, Adaric, and Sura, a priestess of the Voal Negru (Black Veil). I never expected to see some romance in here, but I was so happy to read about it. After all, what fantasy book is ever exciting and intriguing if there are no dirty secrets amongst the Houses and within the halls of a House? Every little glance, every smile, every touch, was charged and brought more meaning and value to our characters and the story. It makes us care and relate.
I loved how pragmatic and levelheaded Adaric was in a time of gods worshipping and strange rituals done in the name of unseen forces. He simply does not believe in anything to happen after his death, but he does not judge those around him that dedicate their lives to religious acts either.
The action, though you won't actually witness killings and slaughtering in some gory voracious attacks in a grand hall under the mountain, is so suspenseful that I found myself holding my breath now and then. That being said, we will receive our dose of adrenaline when we listen to Adaric’s flashbacks.
The descriptions of the scenes and environment are so well detailed you can simply picture the whole thing like a movie reeling in your head, like you can see the world clearly through Adaric’s eyes.
This all starts with some sort of a trial. In this trial, Adaric must speak before the lords of each House and the priestesses of the Voal Negru about what transpired during the last Culling in the House of Boars (trust me, all these concepts will make sense in the story and are explained). The whole scene is like a game of chess, we have the devised Houses, the animosities between the Lords (can be physically observed even in they way they sit in the grand room), the secrets shared between some of them, this is Game of Thrones scheming style and I just devoured it page after page. The politics mixed with their ‘human’ (even though they're not humans) drama is too delicious, the tension can be cut with a knife. I was hooked.
For a moment we're transported back to witness the Culling that triggered the trial and WOW, just wow, not only do we get to witness some badass action similar to Spartacus arena fights, but even the dialogue and the twists are incredibly alluring. I thought something weird was going on there (especially with a certain lady called Zinna and her almost obsessive need to pour wine), but I never expected the unfolding massacre and betrayal. Believe me, this might be a novelette, however, it's incredible how much politics and world building is happening within a few pages. The twists are non-stop, one after another, in the shortest span of time and I just couldn't help myself but hold my breath, smile, and wonder.
With all the information offered to us on a silver platter by Adaric, like an epic flashback, we return to the trial room where the surviving aspirants stand accused and are brought forward to be judged. With that out of the way, you’d think we’ll return to learn more about Adaric’s life in court, but not so fast. In fact, three rival Houses accuse Adaric now for doing his job rather poorly during the Culling. Now things get intense, Sura is worried for Adaric, Adaric himself is annoyed and bothered, and the enemies are grinning in a sick pleasure of sowing discord within the House of Boars. While the freshly named ruler of the House of Boars claims Adaric will be dealt with internally, the three rival houses are not happy with that resolution. They want Adaric to pay the ultimate price– a gruesome and utterly agonizing death for a strigoi, a punishment called The Golden Eagle.
The ending is incredibly touching, offering us sweet and sad moments. I can’t wait for more, I need more of this world and I’m excited for the future books. I have high hopes for this series.
Many, many thanks to Jack Finn for offering me an ARC for this book.
November 11, 2025
📚 Review: The Culling of the House of Boars by Jack Finn
This is easily one of the most enjoyable books I've read this year, and it certainly gets points for being different. I will start by saying it is a novella. I have a love hate relationship with novellas; often they simply aren't long enough for me and I'm left wanting more. I felt this way about House of Boars. The beginning of the book might throw you *a bit* unless you're a fan of high fantasy. There is a fairly heavy section of world building/story telling, but seeing as I'm a high fantasy girl at heart, I was not bothered by this, and found the world Finn built quite unique as far as vampires go. From there, the story picks up and the writing style draws you into the present moment and the intrigue between rival houses of Strigoi.
The part I found the most interesting was the narrator's assertion that his kind have basically no empathy or emotions other than ambition or hunger. This is stated early on, and I found this extremely intriguing. To create in the reader feelings of empathy and a deep connection to characters, especially a narrator, who have none themselves, is a pretty arduous task. I will say that Finn remained up to the challenge, managing to engage the reader, and all without breaking his initial promise so far as the nature of the characters went.
There is bloodshed and a few gruesome deaths, but as the author states in his pitch, fans of Game of Thrones will enjoy this quick read for the intrigue alone. There was a scene in Chapter V that had my jaw dropping open, several times in a row with unforeseen plot twists.
I wanted that same feeling again at the conclusion of the novella, and there was some hinting that I might get my wish, but alas, the ending, while prudent, did not have the same mind reeling plot twists. I was left hoping to re-visit the world of the Strigoi, and I'll be keeping an eye out for any returns to this intriguing world.
This is easily one of the most enjoyable books I've read this year, and it certainly gets points for being different. I will start by saying it is a novella. I have a love hate relationship with novellas; often they simply aren't long enough for me and I'm left wanting more. I felt this way about House of Boars. The beginning of the book might throw you *a bit* unless you're a fan of high fantasy. There is a fairly heavy section of world building/story telling, but seeing as I'm a high fantasy girl at heart, I was not bothered by this, and found the world Finn built quite unique as far as vampires go. From there, the story picks up and the writing style draws you into the present moment and the intrigue between rival houses of Strigoi.
The part I found the most interesting was the narrator's assertion that his kind have basically no empathy or emotions other than ambition or hunger. This is stated early on, and I found this extremely intriguing. To create in the reader feelings of empathy and a deep connection to characters, especially a narrator, who have none themselves, is a pretty arduous task. I will say that Finn remained up to the challenge, managing to engage the reader, and all without breaking his initial promise so far as the nature of the characters went.
There is bloodshed and a few gruesome deaths, but as the author states in his pitch, fans of Game of Thrones will enjoy this quick read for the intrigue alone. There was a scene in Chapter V that had my jaw dropping open, several times in a row with unforeseen plot twists.
I wanted that same feeling again at the conclusion of the novella, and there was some hinting that I might get my wish, but alas, the ending, while prudent, did not have the same mind reeling plot twists. I was left hoping to re-visit the world of the Strigoi, and I'll be keeping an eye out for any returns to this intriguing world.
November 12, 2025
4.5 / 5
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy Culling of the House of Boars as much as I did—especially since I don’t usually gravitate toward high fantasy (granted, I also know this is a horror novelette too...) but this story completely pulled me in. Dark, elegant, and deeply immersive, it blends horror and historical fantasy in a way that feels both mythic and unsettlingly human.
Adaric’s voice is mesmerizing, like sitting by firelight, listening to an immortal confess truths no history dares to record. The lore of the strigoi and the priestesses of the Voal Negru is rich, brutal, and believable. The political intrigue, forbidden romance, and vivid atmosphere weave together with cinematic precision - all three things that I do love in an average story. And with this being a novelette, it was executed so well.
The story’s sense of history, deliberate pacing, and quiet moments of tragedy made it impossible to put down. Culling of the House of Boars is a beautifully written descent into ancient horror; one that will stay with me for a long time.
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy Culling of the House of Boars as much as I did—especially since I don’t usually gravitate toward high fantasy (granted, I also know this is a horror novelette too...) but this story completely pulled me in. Dark, elegant, and deeply immersive, it blends horror and historical fantasy in a way that feels both mythic and unsettlingly human.
Adaric’s voice is mesmerizing, like sitting by firelight, listening to an immortal confess truths no history dares to record. The lore of the strigoi and the priestesses of the Voal Negru is rich, brutal, and believable. The political intrigue, forbidden romance, and vivid atmosphere weave together with cinematic precision - all three things that I do love in an average story. And with this being a novelette, it was executed so well.
The story’s sense of history, deliberate pacing, and quiet moments of tragedy made it impossible to put down. Culling of the House of Boars is a beautifully written descent into ancient horror; one that will stay with me for a long time.
November 8, 2025
4.5 ⭐ rounded up
Jack Finn packed such a rich, compelling story into such a limited page count, giving us a taste of lore in an alternate history, political intrigue, and brutal descriptions of gore.
I was immediately intrigued by the take on the origins of the strigoi. Learning about their society and political structure during a time when strigoi held power before being relegated to the shadows was a fresh change. Our MC Adaric (a high ranking strigoi in the House of Boars) is recounting the events that brought him to testifying in front of the House Lords and priestesses. While there is some info dumping it makes sense in the way that Adaric is providing context to us, the reader, so that we have a better understanding of the dynamics between different individuals.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jack Finn packed such a rich, compelling story into such a limited page count, giving us a taste of lore in an alternate history, political intrigue, and brutal descriptions of gore.
I was immediately intrigued by the take on the origins of the strigoi. Learning about their society and political structure during a time when strigoi held power before being relegated to the shadows was a fresh change. Our MC Adaric (a high ranking strigoi in the House of Boars) is recounting the events that brought him to testifying in front of the House Lords and priestesses. While there is some info dumping it makes sense in the way that Adaric is providing context to us, the reader, so that we have a better understanding of the dynamics between different individuals.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 23, 2025
Once again Jack has been able to mix history and fiction together to pull off a great and powerful story. In this one, he brings us the Strigol or vampires that are culling the population. Our narrator, Adaric, is one of these and shows us the world through the eyes of the undead. The world building is phenomenal in this novelette and is densely packed with all the rules and laws of the time. The love story with Sura and the ending both land so well, it's hard to put into words. If you liked Game of Thrones, then this short and action-packed read is the one for you. Can't wait to see what else Jack has coming out next.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews