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The Artist
Some gifts should never be tested.
Arthur Brennan could paint the truth in a human face. It was more than talent. It was a gift, one that brought beauty into the world and meaning into his life.
Then a woman asked him a question that changed
"But don't you find beauty… limiting?"
Three years later, Arthur stands alone in his SoHo studio, surrounded by paintings that made him famous and a fortune that cost him everything. Tonight, he will try one more time to paint the only face that ever mattered. Tonight, he will find out what his gift has become.
Arthur Brennan could paint the truth in a human face. It was more than talent. It was a gift, one that brought beauty into the world and meaning into his life.
Then a woman asked him a question that changed
"But don't you find beauty… limiting?"
Three years later, Arthur stands alone in his SoHo studio, surrounded by paintings that made him famous and a fortune that cost him everything. Tonight, he will try one more time to paint the only face that ever mattered. Tonight, he will find out what his gift has become.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2026
11 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 20, 2026
I received this novella as an ARC in exchange for a honest review!
"Oh, come now, darling, don't be shy. I'm just asking what could you paint if you stopped reassuring people? If you showed them the thing they can't look away from, and didn't give them an exit?"
This novella was devastating and my eyes were filled with tears by the end. It's so raw, so human, so beautiful and so tragic all perfectly combined into this incredible writing. The images and feelings I experienced while reading The Artist were visceral as if I were both the art and artist in this story.
I have found a new favorite indie author and I need more.
"Oh, come now, darling, don't be shy. I'm just asking what could you paint if you stopped reassuring people? If you showed them the thing they can't look away from, and didn't give them an exit?"
This novella was devastating and my eyes were filled with tears by the end. It's so raw, so human, so beautiful and so tragic all perfectly combined into this incredible writing. The images and feelings I experienced while reading The Artist were visceral as if I were both the art and artist in this story.
I have found a new favorite indie author and I need more.
March 6, 2026
A Breathtaking Story of Creation and Obsession
Definitely worth the read! This novella gripped me from the very beginning, and I’m sure will be one I continue to think about long after I finished it. In less than 100 pages, Rhino crafted a story that is both intimate and expansive, exploring the price of artistic devotion and the fine line between genius and madness.
I was a bit surprised at how I wanted root for the main character, but at the same time, felt unsettled by him. And that ending! It was shocking, but also felt inevitable. The epilogue definitely has me curious to read the next book. I have a feeling that it’ll be something I’m not at all expecting.
Definitely worth the read! This novella gripped me from the very beginning, and I’m sure will be one I continue to think about long after I finished it. In less than 100 pages, Rhino crafted a story that is both intimate and expansive, exploring the price of artistic devotion and the fine line between genius and madness.
I was a bit surprised at how I wanted root for the main character, but at the same time, felt unsettled by him. And that ending! It was shocking, but also felt inevitable. The epilogue definitely has me curious to read the next book. I have a feeling that it’ll be something I’m not at all expecting.
March 10, 2026
This 90 page novella that is the prequel to the Battaglia Trilogy is a quick and easy read that I flew through. It carries a surprisingly deep and haunting message. The story follows a wildly, talented artist by the name of Arthur, whose alcohol and drug fueled psychological descent, pulls them into a dark world where the fame and wealth that he seeks will come at a cost. It is gritty. It is graphic. And it is unapologetically dark in exploring the price of ambition and the fragile line between genius and self-destruction. It is a powerful and unsettling introduction to the series.
March 11, 2026
Haunting
I don’t think another book like this exists. A dive into the tortured mind and soul of an artist, yet somehow relatable to any passion… a haunting tale that warns you of the madness you may find, yet prods one to push through towards greatness. Pretty sure this one will stick with me for some time!
I don’t think another book like this exists. A dive into the tortured mind and soul of an artist, yet somehow relatable to any passion… a haunting tale that warns you of the madness you may find, yet prods one to push through towards greatness. Pretty sure this one will stick with me for some time!
February 23, 2026
Great psychological horror novella about loss through self destruction. This story is told through the past and the present and the tone of the novella changes between timelines. This is one of my favorite parts of this story and it keeps you wanting to continue to find out what creates that shift in tone. Brutal, dark and tragic. Will be reading more from this author.
February 22, 2026
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Here it is:
“The Artist” by A. J. Rhino is a gripping blend of Psychological Drama and Gothic Horror that illuminates the shattered-mirror reflections of a talented-but-tortured artist desperately trying to regain a part of himself that has been lost. This tightly-written story is darkly compelling and leads you effortlessly down his road of torture and darkness and his desperate search for redemption in light.
Strong recommend.
“The Artist” by A. J. Rhino is a gripping blend of Psychological Drama and Gothic Horror that illuminates the shattered-mirror reflections of a talented-but-tortured artist desperately trying to regain a part of himself that has been lost. This tightly-written story is darkly compelling and leads you effortlessly down his road of torture and darkness and his desperate search for redemption in light.
Strong recommend.
February 26, 2026
Can’t wait for more! Left me on the edge of my seat!
February 23, 2026
This book feels like watching someone slowly trade their soul for greatness and knowing exactly when the moment happens that they can never get it back.
Arthur’s character arc was easily the strongest part for me. He starts as someone who genuinely believes in beauty, not just aesthetically, but morally. Beauty as hope. Beauty as meaning. Beauty as something worth protecting. Watching that belief get dismantled piece by piece as he’s pulled deeper into ambition, validation, and the art world’s hunger for darkness was honestly heartbreaking.
What I loved most is that his downfall never feels forced. He isn’t manipulated in a simplistic way, he chooses it. Every step makes emotional sense. The success, the praise, the feeling of finally being seen… it becomes addictive. By the time he realizes what he’s lost, it’s already too late.
The tension between the people in his life was also incredibly well done, the competing voices of “this isn’t you” versus “this is the real you” created such a strong psychological conflict. It really captures how easy it is to justify destructive choices when they align with our ambition.
The themes about beauty vs. truth, art vs. identity, and what we’re willing to sacrifice for greatness gave this a very literary, almost tragic feel. It reminded me of a classical tragedy where the fatal flaw isn’t evil … it’s human vulnerability.
And that ending emotional collapse? Brutal in the best way.
Arthur’s character arc was easily the strongest part for me. He starts as someone who genuinely believes in beauty, not just aesthetically, but morally. Beauty as hope. Beauty as meaning. Beauty as something worth protecting. Watching that belief get dismantled piece by piece as he’s pulled deeper into ambition, validation, and the art world’s hunger for darkness was honestly heartbreaking.
What I loved most is that his downfall never feels forced. He isn’t manipulated in a simplistic way, he chooses it. Every step makes emotional sense. The success, the praise, the feeling of finally being seen… it becomes addictive. By the time he realizes what he’s lost, it’s already too late.
The tension between the people in his life was also incredibly well done, the competing voices of “this isn’t you” versus “this is the real you” created such a strong psychological conflict. It really captures how easy it is to justify destructive choices when they align with our ambition.
The themes about beauty vs. truth, art vs. identity, and what we’re willing to sacrifice for greatness gave this a very literary, almost tragic feel. It reminded me of a classical tragedy where the fatal flaw isn’t evil … it’s human vulnerability.
And that ending emotional collapse? Brutal in the best way.
March 8, 2026
Book Review: The Artist: A Battaglia Novella by AJ Rhino
AJ Rhino's debut novella, The Artist: A Battaglia Novella, published in February 2026, serves as a compelling prequel to the forthcoming Battaglia Trilogy. This concise work, approximately 100 pages in length and available through Kindle Unlimited, introduces one of the trilogy's central antagonists while establishing a foundation in psychological horror and thriller elements.
The narrative follows an artist's gradual descent into madness, triggered by an insidious seduction toward creating dark and grotesque works. What begins as artistic exploration devolves into a profound psychological unraveling, blending themes of obsession, corruption, and the boundary between inspiration and destruction. Rhino skillfully weaves an eerie atmosphere, drawing readers into the protagonist's deteriorating mental state through precise, unsettling prose that amplifies the sense of inevitable decline.
The author's background in fine art enriches the story, lending authenticity to depictions of the creative process and the visceral impact of producing forbidden imagery. The novella excels in building tension through subtle escalation rather than overt action, allowing the horror to emerge organically from the character's internal conflict and external influences. This approach results in a tightly constructed tale that maintains momentum despite its brevity, culminating in revelations that effectively foreshadow the larger institutional conspiracy, spiritual warfare, and psychological horror promised in the Battaglia Trilogy.
Rhino's writing demonstrates remarkable mastery for a debut effort. The language is evocative yet restrained, avoiding excess while delivering vivid, haunting imagery that lingers with the reader. Character development, though limited by the novella format, feels authentic and layered, particularly in portraying the seductive pull of darkness. Early reader responses consistently praise the work's eerie quality, well-crafted prose, and ability to captivate within a compact structure.
In summary, The Artist: A Battaglia Novella stands as a masterful introduction to AJ Rhino's literary voice. It is a 5/5 achievement in psychological horror, offering a chilling, intellectually engaging experience that will particularly appeal to readers who appreciate introspective thrillers and character-driven descent narratives. This novella not only succeeds independently but also heightens anticipation for the Battaglia Trilogy, marking Rhino as a promising talent in the genre.
AJ Rhino's debut novella, The Artist: A Battaglia Novella, published in February 2026, serves as a compelling prequel to the forthcoming Battaglia Trilogy. This concise work, approximately 100 pages in length and available through Kindle Unlimited, introduces one of the trilogy's central antagonists while establishing a foundation in psychological horror and thriller elements.
The narrative follows an artist's gradual descent into madness, triggered by an insidious seduction toward creating dark and grotesque works. What begins as artistic exploration devolves into a profound psychological unraveling, blending themes of obsession, corruption, and the boundary between inspiration and destruction. Rhino skillfully weaves an eerie atmosphere, drawing readers into the protagonist's deteriorating mental state through precise, unsettling prose that amplifies the sense of inevitable decline.
The author's background in fine art enriches the story, lending authenticity to depictions of the creative process and the visceral impact of producing forbidden imagery. The novella excels in building tension through subtle escalation rather than overt action, allowing the horror to emerge organically from the character's internal conflict and external influences. This approach results in a tightly constructed tale that maintains momentum despite its brevity, culminating in revelations that effectively foreshadow the larger institutional conspiracy, spiritual warfare, and psychological horror promised in the Battaglia Trilogy.
Rhino's writing demonstrates remarkable mastery for a debut effort. The language is evocative yet restrained, avoiding excess while delivering vivid, haunting imagery that lingers with the reader. Character development, though limited by the novella format, feels authentic and layered, particularly in portraying the seductive pull of darkness. Early reader responses consistently praise the work's eerie quality, well-crafted prose, and ability to captivate within a compact structure.
In summary, The Artist: A Battaglia Novella stands as a masterful introduction to AJ Rhino's literary voice. It is a 5/5 achievement in psychological horror, offering a chilling, intellectually engaging experience that will particularly appeal to readers who appreciate introspective thrillers and character-driven descent narratives. This novella not only succeeds independently but also heightens anticipation for the Battaglia Trilogy, marking Rhino as a promising talent in the genre.
February 22, 2026
A Novela with so much more to come, I hope🤞
At its surface, this is a story about a painter struggling through a single sleepless night. Beneath that, it becomes something far more unsettling.
Rhino writes with precision and restraint, focusing less on spectacle and more on internal fracture.
The tension does not come from explosive moments. It comes from recognition.
You read a talented man who still possesses skill, opportunity, and praise, and slowly realize that something far more important has slipped away.
What makes this novella compelling is its understanding of influence. The antagonist does not operate through force or overt cruelty. Instead, power is exercised through validation, opportunity, and subtle direction.
The horror here is gradual. It is the kind that builds through small adjustments that feel justified in the moment.
The character's erosion is what lingers long after you finish.
Rhino’s prose is sensory and immersive without becoming indulgent.
The atmosphere feels heavy but intentional, and the structure keeps the story tight while allowing emotional depth.
As a prequel, it works beautifully. It stands on its own while clearly opening the door to a larger world and deeper conflicts ahead.
If you enjoy thrillers that focus on psychological tension rather than shock value, The Artist delivers.
It is reflective, uncomfortable in the right ways, and deeply aware of how easily ambition can begin to reshape identity.
This is a teaser of what is to come. I highly recommend following Rhino Writes on TikTok. I look forward to his full-length novels.
At its surface, this is a story about a painter struggling through a single sleepless night. Beneath that, it becomes something far more unsettling.
Rhino writes with precision and restraint, focusing less on spectacle and more on internal fracture.
The tension does not come from explosive moments. It comes from recognition.
You read a talented man who still possesses skill, opportunity, and praise, and slowly realize that something far more important has slipped away.
What makes this novella compelling is its understanding of influence. The antagonist does not operate through force or overt cruelty. Instead, power is exercised through validation, opportunity, and subtle direction.
The horror here is gradual. It is the kind that builds through small adjustments that feel justified in the moment.
The character's erosion is what lingers long after you finish.
Rhino’s prose is sensory and immersive without becoming indulgent.
The atmosphere feels heavy but intentional, and the structure keeps the story tight while allowing emotional depth.
As a prequel, it works beautifully. It stands on its own while clearly opening the door to a larger world and deeper conflicts ahead.
If you enjoy thrillers that focus on psychological tension rather than shock value, The Artist delivers.
It is reflective, uncomfortable in the right ways, and deeply aware of how easily ambition can begin to reshape identity.
This is a teaser of what is to come. I highly recommend following Rhino Writes on TikTok. I look forward to his full-length novels.
March 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‼️Check Trigger Warnings‼️
Arthur feels beauty, sees beauty in a way that others cannot. He devotes his life to putting that beauty onto canvas. Beauty made by stroke and paint. He is well on his way to having everything he ever wanted when a temptation is put in front of him. Temptation for more. More fame. More money. And more money MUST mean more happiness. Even if it means forsaking the very thing that drew him to art in the first place. Even if it means trading out his ability to see the beauty in this world for the hideousness that hides in people’s hearts. Hideousness they need to displayed to feel better about themselves and how ugly they are on the inside. But it’s just a few paintings, it’s not like it’s going to change Arthur as a person, right?..right?
This was a slow, artistic descent into madness. It’s one of those stories that you as the reader can see what’s happening to the main character and it makes you feel powerless because you can’t stop what’s coming. The psychological aspect of this was on point and the writing style added to the claustrophobic feeling of being stuck in the mind of a person who is slowly and almost determinedly losing their sanity.
I look forward to reading more by this author!
‼️Check Trigger Warnings‼️
Arthur feels beauty, sees beauty in a way that others cannot. He devotes his life to putting that beauty onto canvas. Beauty made by stroke and paint. He is well on his way to having everything he ever wanted when a temptation is put in front of him. Temptation for more. More fame. More money. And more money MUST mean more happiness. Even if it means forsaking the very thing that drew him to art in the first place. Even if it means trading out his ability to see the beauty in this world for the hideousness that hides in people’s hearts. Hideousness they need to displayed to feel better about themselves and how ugly they are on the inside. But it’s just a few paintings, it’s not like it’s going to change Arthur as a person, right?..right?
This was a slow, artistic descent into madness. It’s one of those stories that you as the reader can see what’s happening to the main character and it makes you feel powerless because you can’t stop what’s coming. The psychological aspect of this was on point and the writing style added to the claustrophobic feeling of being stuck in the mind of a person who is slowly and almost determinedly losing their sanity.
I look forward to reading more by this author!
March 5, 2026
Wow… what a book that was. The Artist by A. J. Rhino completely pulled me in from the very first page and didn’t let go.
This story is dark, haunting, and incredibly atmospheric. The way the author explores obsession, ambition, and the darker side of creativity was fascinating to read. The writing felt vivid and immersive, making it easy to picture every scene and emotion as the story unfolded.
Arthur’s journey is both compelling and unsettling in the best way. Watching his relationship with art evolve—and the price that comes with it—made the story feel intense and unforgettable. Even though it’s a shorter read, it packs a serious punch and leaves a lasting impression.
I finished this in one sitting because I simply couldn’t put it down. It’s one of those books that lingers in your mind long after the final page.
If you enjoy darker, thought-provoking stories with a slightly eerie edge, I’d definitely recommend giving The Artist a read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An easy 5-star read for me.
This story is dark, haunting, and incredibly atmospheric. The way the author explores obsession, ambition, and the darker side of creativity was fascinating to read. The writing felt vivid and immersive, making it easy to picture every scene and emotion as the story unfolded.
Arthur’s journey is both compelling and unsettling in the best way. Watching his relationship with art evolve—and the price that comes with it—made the story feel intense and unforgettable. Even though it’s a shorter read, it packs a serious punch and leaves a lasting impression.
I finished this in one sitting because I simply couldn’t put it down. It’s one of those books that lingers in your mind long after the final page.
If you enjoy darker, thought-provoking stories with a slightly eerie edge, I’d definitely recommend giving The Artist a read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An easy 5-star read for me.
February 23, 2026
Wow!!! The Artist is a gorgeous and brutal exhibition of art, passion, darkness, and the psychological warfare adjacent to genius. AJ Rhino is nothing short of a poet, bringing the reader into the complicated world and experience of a novice painter’s journey upwards toward greatness. It is a subject I admittedly know little about and can hardly directly relate to, but I almost immediately because obsessed.
In the absolute best way, this is not an easy read, but you will be utterly fascinated by the journey and Rhino will almost certainly become a must-buy author for you. My hard copy is already incoming. A book like this needs to be on your shelf, not hidden on your device!
In the absolute best way, this is not an easy read, but you will be utterly fascinated by the journey and Rhino will almost certainly become a must-buy author for you. My hard copy is already incoming. A book like this needs to be on your shelf, not hidden on your device!
March 8, 2026
A top-tier psychological thriller. Rhino grips his audience from page one in this super short, gritty novella. In the story, an accomplished painter anguishes about the path his life and work has taken, reflecting on pivotal moments while frenziedly trying to rediscover the beauty and beliefs he sacrificed along the way. THE ARTIST exposes humanity's fascination with wickedness and the grotesque, painting the darkness born from quiet manipulation and questioning why society often correlates despair with honesty and corruption with truth. Here again is the damning belief that hope and light belong only to childlike wonder and maturing is to see the cracks in the facade... but who wants to live in a world like that?
This is an amazingly quick read for the enduring thoughts it provokes, and it's ability to manipulate readers' emotions in so few words highlights the author's understanding and command of the genre in a way that makes me excited for what's next.
This is an amazingly quick read for the enduring thoughts it provokes, and it's ability to manipulate readers' emotions in so few words highlights the author's understanding and command of the genre in a way that makes me excited for what's next.
March 6, 2026
Wow.
A dark and twisted gothic drama about self-destruction with so much depth!
This was a short but extremely deep & meaningful novella about an artist who finds success & fame- but for an irreparable price, tragically loosing himself & everything truly important to him.
The amount of pure emotion & vivid imagery that the author portrayed in such few pages was exceptional. It amazed me how much he was able to say. Alternating between flashbacks & his present state it had the perfect balance of backstory & development but still progressing the story along seamlessly.
The novella exemplifies the dangers of success & how much people are willing to sacrifice to be prominent & memorable.
This was a prequel introductory novella for his pending trilogy & I cannot wait to read more from this author. If he can bring out such raw emotion & visceral reactions in less than 100 pages, I can’t imagine what he can do with a full length novel!
4.5⭐️📖
(Kindle unlimited)
A dark and twisted gothic drama about self-destruction with so much depth!
This was a short but extremely deep & meaningful novella about an artist who finds success & fame- but for an irreparable price, tragically loosing himself & everything truly important to him.
The amount of pure emotion & vivid imagery that the author portrayed in such few pages was exceptional. It amazed me how much he was able to say. Alternating between flashbacks & his present state it had the perfect balance of backstory & development but still progressing the story along seamlessly.
The novella exemplifies the dangers of success & how much people are willing to sacrifice to be prominent & memorable.
This was a prequel introductory novella for his pending trilogy & I cannot wait to read more from this author. If he can bring out such raw emotion & visceral reactions in less than 100 pages, I can’t imagine what he can do with a full length novel!
4.5⭐️📖
(Kindle unlimited)
February 24, 2026
So lucky to have read an arc of this!! Not all art is pretty, it exists to tell a story or make you feel an emotion, and not all emotions are positive. The main character explores this in his paintings and the author explores this in his writing. Not every story is a bedtime story; some art can make you sad or uncomfortable or afraid and that still can be beautiful.
March 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 Stars)
The Artist by AJ Rhino isn’t typically the genre I gravitate toward, but I actually found this novella really interesting. The story is heavily centered around art and the mindset of being an artist, which gave it a unique perspective that kept me engaged the whole way through.
For a novella, I thought the length was perfect. It moved quickly but still managed to tell a complete story without feeling rushed. I appreciated how immersive the artistic themes were and how the author explored the obsession and passion that can come with creative ambition.
At its core, this ends up being a pretty tragic story about a man who ultimately chooses fame and fortune over the people who love him. That aspect gave the story a heavier emotional weight than I expected.
Overall, while it’s outside my usual thriller/suspense comfort zone, I’m glad I gave it a chance. It was a thoughtful and engaging short read.
The Artist by AJ Rhino isn’t typically the genre I gravitate toward, but I actually found this novella really interesting. The story is heavily centered around art and the mindset of being an artist, which gave it a unique perspective that kept me engaged the whole way through.
For a novella, I thought the length was perfect. It moved quickly but still managed to tell a complete story without feeling rushed. I appreciated how immersive the artistic themes were and how the author explored the obsession and passion that can come with creative ambition.
At its core, this ends up being a pretty tragic story about a man who ultimately chooses fame and fortune over the people who love him. That aspect gave the story a heavier emotional weight than I expected.
Overall, while it’s outside my usual thriller/suspense comfort zone, I’m glad I gave it a chance. It was a thoughtful and engaging short read.
February 25, 2026
This story is painful in the best way. It is so deep, and a little dark. Its a short read but the writing is so good that I felt like I was immersed in the story with him.
February 23, 2026
The Artist is a great read for a novella. Has mental illness and substance abuse that everyone goes through in life. Love Author and Elani.
February 25, 2026
This isn’t a genre I usually gravitate toward, but I’m so glad I gave this one a chance. The writing is distinctive, intentional, and completely immersive. I loved how the author effortlessly wove together elements of horror, thriller, and mystery into one gripping, atmospheric story.
I’m definitely looking forward to continuing the series. My only suggestion would be adding a trigger warning for readers who may need it.
A.J. Rhino has quickly become one of my favorite authors—thank you for the opportunity to read this incredible book!
I’m definitely looking forward to continuing the series. My only suggestion would be adding a trigger warning for readers who may need it.
A.J. Rhino has quickly become one of my favorite authors—thank you for the opportunity to read this incredible book!
February 20, 2026
By the time I'm writing this review the novella The Artist by the author known as Rhino hasn't been published yet. “It’s going to be around 19k words after the final edit and will be available on Amazon by the end of February. I’m going to set up a pre order soon,” Rhino informs me.
This is a dark tale belonging to a genre Rhino himself would call psychological horror/spiritual warfare. It really is a side story to a trilogy currently ‘under construction’ which serves as an introduction to the character of Victoria Caldwell, the antagonist in the main arc.
PLOT
The story centers around Arthur, a talented painter who's had a passion for capturing the light in his paintings ever since he noticed the light around his sister Sara, when they went on a hiking trip with the family. As his painting endeavors develop, meets his future wife in school, and begins to display his works of art at various art galleries. He is introduced to the enigmatic Victoria Caldwell, a beautiful and mysterious woman belonging to the upper echelon of art collectionists and promoters. Victoria plants seeds of doubt in Arthur's mind regarding what he is painting and why—convincing him that as good as his current paintings may be, he is destined to accomplish much more. His style of painting begins to change, resulting in a dark and grotesque style which however seems to mesmerize the entire art society:
“This was what sold. This was what they wanted. The collectors, the critics, the people who mattered. This was what would give them everything. The apartment. The security. (page 65)”
WHAT GOOD?
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” - Matthew 16:26
The famous biblical verse comes to mind as we follow the transformation of Arthur. He's made it. He's not a working artist anymore. He's a COLLECTIBLE, with his work selling quick and at exorbitant price tags:
“The figure that emerged was a catalogue of his doubts made flesh. The twisted spine was his own artistic frustration. The silent, open mouth was every critique he'd ever swallowed. It was pathetic. It was monstrous. (page 51).”
But in the process he loses the ‘light’ which gave life to his early days of painting, begins to drink and do cocaine, secluding himself in his apartment for days at a time. He gets divorced and even his parents and sister Sara can't stand him anymore.
PROSE
I think the simplistic nature of the plot is well met by a prose that is very much character-driven. The descriptions of the wretched paintings is not over the top, though quite efficient:
“A figure bent backward, spine snapped, vertebrae pressing through skin like teeth. Flesh pulled so taut you could count every rib. The face was a smeared void, mouth open in a scream that never ended.”
CHARACTERS
To me, the mysterious Victoria Caldwell was the most compelling character, a name I mentioned earlier and the antagonist of the trilogy that would follow this novella. She is beautiful (and smells good!), dark, and VERY convincing (I really can't blame Arthur for falling for her smooth-talking.) Is she human, demon, or high priestess of a secret society that rules this world? Rhino knows and your Strange Girl knows, but you will have to read this novella and the trilogy to find out. It will be worth it!
CONCLUSIONS
The Artist is a well written novella which serves as kind of an introduction or prequel to a trilogy I predict will shock a few readers.
It's a character-driven psychological horror story skillfully presented via a solid prosaic style that is simple, direct, and effective. There is a mystery involved that never falls into the far-fetched, and THAT is the factor that made me want to keep reading. If this is a forecast of what's ahead, Rhino is quickly establishing himself as one of my favorite psychological horror writers in the indie circles.
💜
This is a dark tale belonging to a genre Rhino himself would call psychological horror/spiritual warfare. It really is a side story to a trilogy currently ‘under construction’ which serves as an introduction to the character of Victoria Caldwell, the antagonist in the main arc.
PLOT
The story centers around Arthur, a talented painter who's had a passion for capturing the light in his paintings ever since he noticed the light around his sister Sara, when they went on a hiking trip with the family. As his painting endeavors develop, meets his future wife in school, and begins to display his works of art at various art galleries. He is introduced to the enigmatic Victoria Caldwell, a beautiful and mysterious woman belonging to the upper echelon of art collectionists and promoters. Victoria plants seeds of doubt in Arthur's mind regarding what he is painting and why—convincing him that as good as his current paintings may be, he is destined to accomplish much more. His style of painting begins to change, resulting in a dark and grotesque style which however seems to mesmerize the entire art society:
“This was what sold. This was what they wanted. The collectors, the critics, the people who mattered. This was what would give them everything. The apartment. The security. (page 65)”
WHAT GOOD?
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” - Matthew 16:26
The famous biblical verse comes to mind as we follow the transformation of Arthur. He's made it. He's not a working artist anymore. He's a COLLECTIBLE, with his work selling quick and at exorbitant price tags:
“The figure that emerged was a catalogue of his doubts made flesh. The twisted spine was his own artistic frustration. The silent, open mouth was every critique he'd ever swallowed. It was pathetic. It was monstrous. (page 51).”
But in the process he loses the ‘light’ which gave life to his early days of painting, begins to drink and do cocaine, secluding himself in his apartment for days at a time. He gets divorced and even his parents and sister Sara can't stand him anymore.
PROSE
I think the simplistic nature of the plot is well met by a prose that is very much character-driven. The descriptions of the wretched paintings is not over the top, though quite efficient:
“A figure bent backward, spine snapped, vertebrae pressing through skin like teeth. Flesh pulled so taut you could count every rib. The face was a smeared void, mouth open in a scream that never ended.”
CHARACTERS
To me, the mysterious Victoria Caldwell was the most compelling character, a name I mentioned earlier and the antagonist of the trilogy that would follow this novella. She is beautiful (and smells good!), dark, and VERY convincing (I really can't blame Arthur for falling for her smooth-talking.) Is she human, demon, or high priestess of a secret society that rules this world? Rhino knows and your Strange Girl knows, but you will have to read this novella and the trilogy to find out. It will be worth it!
CONCLUSIONS
The Artist is a well written novella which serves as kind of an introduction or prequel to a trilogy I predict will shock a few readers.
It's a character-driven psychological horror story skillfully presented via a solid prosaic style that is simple, direct, and effective. There is a mystery involved that never falls into the far-fetched, and THAT is the factor that made me want to keep reading. If this is a forecast of what's ahead, Rhino is quickly establishing himself as one of my favorite psychological horror writers in the indie circles.
💜
March 19, 2026
Trigger Warning - drug and alcohol use
This is a shorter read, under 100 pages, but in that short amount of pages we are given a lot of depth to Arthurs character. We get to experience his current day mental state while also seeing how he went from having such light within him, to someone who has succumb to the darkness inside him. The memory flash backs had me a bit confused at first but as I started to grasp what we were being shown I was able to lock in to see the character being built through those flashes.
I feel like this is a very interesting way to show just what happens when you sell out to make it to the top. No matter what industry, career path, you will end up losing yourself and those around you if you give up your morals and go with what is the new hot item or fad of the world. Arthur was a happy kid, who was able to see and capture the light of the world, who had it all going for him, but he give that all up for a piece of being "known". In the end, was it even worth it to lose yourself?
February 24, 2026
This book completely sucked you in! An artist just trying to become something, giving his family something. His drawings were happy-of loving family-happier times. The darkness aka Victoria. We dont like her btw! She ruins it all and Arthur cant find a way out. His drawings become dark and something hes not. Hes succeeding but at what expense? His life. The eyes finally get him.
February 24, 2026
AJ Rhino paints an emotional canvas of a story with The Artist. Rhino seamlessly transitions the story back and forth through time to mirror the details of the artwork presented as part of the plot and integrates each brush stroke into the emotional state of the compelling drama.
James Voorhees, author of The Ambassador Chronicles series
James Voorhees, author of The Ambassador Chronicles series
March 2, 2026
This is not the type of book I normally read, but I read this as a favor to someone. It was a good book. I don't have an interest in art, so a lot of the references I didn't understand. But the torture of the Artist was understood. In this book, you see the Artist struggle between light and dark. You'll have to read it to find out which wins. But its a struggle that most people can relate to on a smaller caliber. I am rating it 3 stars because it is not something I would reread, but it is attention grabbing and you want to find out how it ends as you read it. I was shocked by the ending, and the epilogue. I am glad that AJ Rhino is planning to continue the series.
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