Wergild: A Heartwarming Tale of Coldblooded Vengeance

by Boris L. Slocum

Tormented, robbed, and murdered by their Gheet neighbors, the Surrey folk of the County of Blenheim are a battered and cowed people in their own land. It's what happens when you lose a war. Deirdre is just a Surrey farm-girl, but when the Gheet murder those she holds most dear, she refuses to sit around and wait for her own slaughter. She wants justice, she wants vengeance, she wants blood, and she's willing to do anything to get it, even if that means selling her soul to the fiend, a dark and malevolent creature that lurks in the far-off barrow in the blackest woods of the forest. One way or the other, she'll have her vengeance.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy

97 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2019

About the author

B.L. Slocum is a lawyer and former intelligence officer who writes to quell the various voices that beset him. His many professions have ranged from short-order cook to truck driver to writer and editor. He once even had the crackpot idea of becoming a college professor. The foolish things he writes and silly ideas he holds are all his own.

He has this to say about himself:

I never found my grandmother's old typewriter as a youngster, so I didn't become infected by the writing bug as precocious young beasties sometimes do. (No, that all came much later.) Either way, writing is not, and likely never will be, a full-time gig for me. But in between trips to the courthouse, I scratch out stories for my amusement and for the entertainment of others.

Always, I live the family motto, "Volo pecuniam pre." And I believe in my heart there are few things better than a good story well told. I hope you all enjoy mine.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do I have your attention? You need something fresh, with hidden (or not so hidden) message(s) buried in a fantasy that is full of life and completely engaging? Boris Slocum has it with WERGILD and I was almost stunned speechless…and have re-read it once, already, because yes, it is THAT good!

Deirdre wanted retribution for murder. She wanted to seek revenge, make the Gheet pay for what they did and she was willing to do anything, including forsaking her family to do it. She was even willing to sell her soul to the monster that lived in the woods.

When she found her fiend, she never bargained that the vengeance she sought with his help would come with a shocking price tag cleverly hidden until he earned the debt she now owed.

Boris Slocum delivers pure fantasy entertainment, brilliantly colored characters with a soul-deep depth that become so realistic, you can almost reach out and touch them as you begin to travel alongside. Deirdre is determined, a little broken and in search of what she thinks will bring her peace. The Fiend is a multifaceted character, a chameleon and a charmer. Sure, he has his less than desirable traits, but I do believe he has the whole hero/anti-hero thing down pat!

A short read that is long on story with no wasted fluff, you may need sunglasses for this blindingly bright hidden gem in the treasure chest of reading!

I received a complimentary copy from Boris Slocum!

Publisher: 3B Independent Publishers; 1 edition (March 16, 2019)
Publication Date: March 16, 2019
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Print Length: 104 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[〰️Beth〰️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Folklore,Fairytale,Horror,Humor,Morality Tale?

Folklore, Fairytale, Horror,Humor, Morality Tale, Fantasy....all rolled into one novella.

This story lives up to the title, heartwarming but cold blooded vengeance. A wonderful read from start to finish. As a newly published author, I hope he might make this a series. I will not go into details, get yourself a copy and follow “Tuppence” and The Fiend on the quest for vengeance.

[Jason Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today, I am reviewing the Dark Fantasy novella Wergild: A Heartwarming Tale of Coldblooded Vengeance by Boris L. Slocum. This story speaks to my heart, incorporating many of the elements I love in my own writing, and it made me laugh and smile in several places.

I give this book a 4.75/5. Here is my breakdown.

Characters: 5/5. This novella focuses on a very few characters, but it does so expertly. Slocum creates a world primarily through the perspective of his characters, and each is distinct and easy to identify with, from the vengeance-starved Tuppence (I loved that nickname!), the fish-out-of-water Isabel, and the Fiend...the worldy, enigmatic, but completely understandable Fiend. So well done.

Plot/Storyline: 5/5. You got me. A story about granting a wish, with far-reaching consequences? Hidden motivations and a deep desire to do the right thing...whatever that might be? Questions of free will, something that I literally wrote into my current WIP? I love everything about this story. Everything made sense, everything had a place, and I thought it was a unique telling. Thank you so much, Boris!

Flow: 5/5. As a novella, this book moved faster than a novel might, but it suffered none for that. The pacing kept the hits coming, with the evolution of characters moving at just the right speed for me. I kept reading, never bored, never skipping to see what would happen next. Every action and every paragraph progressed the story, just as they should.

Spelling/Grammar: 4/5. There were a few typographical errors, but it was otherwise expertly edited. The language was fantastic and Slocum obviously has skill as a writer, both creatively and technically. A treat to read!

Overall: 4.75/5. This book made me smile because it’s the exact kind of book I love to read. I am so glad that Boris submitted to Beyond the Curtain of Reality, because it alerted me to a talented author that I hope keeps writing for years to come.

Reviewed by Beyond the Curtain of Reality Book Reviews
Original Review posted at:
https://curtainofreality.blogspot.com...

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wergild is a story about a girl who seeks revenge and vengeance towards the people that have murdered her family. She runs away and sells her soul to a local barrow fiend in exchange for the power to kill. Deirdre is just a girl from a farm in Surrey, but what she becomes, due to seeking justice is one to watch as she turns dark with anger and nothing can stop her.


At first, the story is hard to understand and to follow, but once the pace picks up, things begin to make sense. The literature is suitable for the genre is dark fantasy. It does contain some humor which effected in lightening the mood. There was not a wild amount of characters introduced in the novel, and that allowed the author to give each character enough depth to intensify the storyline.



The literature was descriptive and well written for a fantasy novel. There were twists in the story which were not predicted. The work contained bloodshed, monsters, and wittiness. The book was well written, and the chapters had good connectivity. It wasn’t something you could read in one sitting but defiantly made you think after you put the book down.

I look forward to reading more from this author.


I recommend it to people who like to read dark fantasy novels.

[Marjory Kaptanoglu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wonderful subtitle of this book -- A Heartwarming Tale of Coldblooded Vengeance -- is in fact an accurate description of the story itself. Dierdre’s quest for vengeance leads her to the Fiend, who aids her in the most unexpected ways. This classic morality tale structured around the seven deadly sins has a great deal of both humor and heart. A scifi-based subplot adds further dimension and excitement to the story. Very well-written in a style that fits the time period, Wergild delivers a thought-provoking adventure with a satisfying twist.

[Ada Lavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be careful what you wish for.

Wergild by Boris Slocum is a fantasy. From the beginning of this cleverly written novella I found myself deeply drawn into the tale of Deirdre and her quest for revenge. So consumed with hated and revenge she seeks out the help of the of someone who no more than a whispered rumor in her village, The Fiend who lives deep in the forest. One so cruel, so evil that no one who has went to seek his help has ever returned. But Deirdre is desperate and has no where else to turn.

When she finds him she's surprised by what she finds. The Fiend wasn't wasn't what she expected. Though through time with the Fiend a deal is struck to exact her revenge. During the travels to make her dream come true Boris Slocum takes us on a ride that will shock you, make you laugh, smile, then make you come to realize that things aren't what your eyes and ears would have you believe. Not should they be, because then life would be far too complacent and safe.

I hope that we will be hearing more from this new talented writer and soon. Thank you Boris Slocum.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed the storyline and read

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the subtitle of this book, and it’s so appropriate: “A Heartwarming Tale of Coldblooded Vengeance.” This is a tale in which the monster may not be the most monstrous character, and the lines between good and evil are intriguingly blurred.

Slocum’s descriptions are truly fantastic, and he strikes a funny, light tone, even during violent scenes.

This is a worthwhile read that addresses ethical issues in a light, interesting way.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, exciting, couldn't stop!

What a marvelous tale! Fun, whitey, and charming while also rather disgusting in parts. Exactly my type of story. Well done!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did really enjoy the dark humor. It was so unexpected in places, caught you off guard. It heads in a direction I didn’t expect, which kept the story fresh and interesting.

(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)

[☾❥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Due to the not so well done cover and its short length I was on the fence with this story before diving in but I wanted to live on the side of danger, I suppose. The begging had me for a second but I pushed through, mainly because it is only 97 pages, and as I continued I found myself sinking into the short world of the Irish folklore of war and vengeance. The story follows Deirdre, a simple Surrey farm-girl set on enacting her revenge for an atrocious crime committed against her and her people. Even if it means selling her all to a monster in the woods.

The plotline has so much prowess and reasoning with each puzzle pieces fitting in place. Nothing was out of order and the pacing fit perfect with the length of the story. Though few, each character presented had more soul than many I have read in most 400-page novels, and through each of their individual perspective, the world of Wergild was depicted so visually. I believe that the length of the story contributed to the attributes that made Wergild so engaging. It was short without any fluff of the sort. Every word contributed to the masterpiece fantasy entertainment created by the author.

Deirdre is a determined soul that is willing to go whatever length necessary to get the revenge she wanted. Her willingness show what great tenacity, motivation, and stubbornness she has.
The Fiend reminds me why villains are the true protagonist of any story. His character is mystifying. A mystery you are unable to solve but somehow you understand him.

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[Lex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an interesting and short story. It is disturbing and fascinating. The main character makes a deal with the fiend and through him seeks revenge and finds freedom. I was very surprised by the turn of events occurring through this book. It is full of blood guts and dark scenes.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[C.V. Vobh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is set in Albion—a sort of mythical version of medieval Britain, melding elements from Arthurian legend and various British folklore.

The lead protagonist is Deirdre, a teenage girl from Albion. The story opens with the funeral of her raped and murdered sister. Deirdre is wroth with the world and everyone around her for failing to recognize the severity of this injustice. At the center of her rage is the idea that her sister’s death could be atoned for by payment of a sheep as “wergild”— the amount of payment that was considered just compensation for such a killing under early medieval law. To seek help in avenging her sister, Deirdre goes to “the Fiend,” a sort of Mephistophelian local entity, whom she entreats to kill her sister’s murderers in exchange for her soul.

The other protagonist is Isabel, a young woman from our world who was transported across time and place into Albion. This book doesn’t get into the hows and whys of it. She’s the only other character whose perspective we get. She eventually runs into Deirdre and joins her journey.

This was ostensibly a book about Deirdre and Isabel. In fact, though, the Fiend stole the show.

From the start, it’s clear we don’t have Goethe’s Mephistopheles here, let alone Marlowe’s. The Fiend is eloquent, mild-mannered, and generally genial. He tries to coax Deirdre out of vengeance. When he finally and grudgingly gives in, he rejects the offer of her soul, noting that he’s never found human souls worth much. Instead, he asks only for a lifetime of comfortable menial service in his household. She accepts, and off they go.

This is where Part I ends and Part II begins—and where this book begins to shine. The seven chapters in this Part are named Lust, Gluttony, Sloth, Greed, Wrath, Envy and Pride, which are the seven deadly sins under the medieval Christian scheme of things.

One by one, the Fiend and Deirdre (and sometimes Isabel) pay a visit to someone emblematic of each of those sins. Each time, the Fiend takes on an appealing human form of some sort. Upon arrival, he is an utter class act, and begins to socialize with those present in the most appealingly medieval and amiable mode possible. And, each time, it ends with the sinful individual in question falling to the Fiend in the most astonishingly gruesome and vindictive way imaginable.

I’ll spare you the details so you can be as shocked and delighted as I was. “A Heartwarming Tale of Coldblooded Vengeance,” indeed. On a macro level, this clever premise makes the book.

On a micro level, what impressed me most was how the Fiend takes on the personas of various archetypical medieval figures. It’s all in the execution here. The knight, the priest, the page—the Fiend pulls them all off in a way that Geoffrey of Monmouth and Geoffrey Chaucer alike would have found familiar and approved of, right down to some quaint nuances that distinguish Middle English from Modern English. And the Fiend is so charming and masterful that you can’t help rooting for him, as he undoes one enemy after another.

I was surprised how much I liked this book. After the first scene—centered on Deirdre’s shrill ferocity in accusing those around her of an insufficient response to her sister’s death—I had concerns that the author was the sort who mistook “characters being more emotional” for “affecting the reader more emotionally.” I had concerns that I’d be sitting through a whole book’s worth of screaming tears.

Boy, was I wrong. What a pleasant surprise this little story was—as was the fact that there’s a considerably longer sequel. For readers of fantasy that’s versed in medieval lore and “wears its fantasy lightly,” so to speak, Wergild is highly recommended.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Wergild: A Heartwarming Tale of Coldblooded Vengeance
Author: Boris L. Slocum

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 5/5

Of the 17 readers:
18 would read another book by this author.
17 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
19 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
17 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
18 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“A nasty, grim story of vengeance. If that´s not your thing, don´t read it. Personally, I loved it.” Male reader, aged 26
“The most impressive aspect of this novel is the author´s ability to keep up the pacing all the way till the end. He´s pretty good at suspense too. Perfect for readers who enjoy a bit of a shocker. I loved the sub-title too!” Female reader, aged 33
“A good shocker. The author´s talented particularly as it´s such a short book. I will read another story by him.” Female reader, aged 61
“This is a very short read and, although I enjoyed it, I felt it could have been longer. I was just getting into it, and it was all over. I loved the title, the cover, the plot, and the characters. Deirdre is a determined lass despite her name which reminded me of a rather limp character off Coronation Street, a popular British soap opera. If I was to sum up this book, I´d say, never do a deal with the devil!” Female reader, aged 41

To Sum It Up:
‘A fast-paced horror that´ll keep you turning the page. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Jennifer Peer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book! I loved the characters so much. Diedre aka Tuppence, and the Fiend (who has too many terrific aliases to list) have such an interesting dynamic. The transition of their relationship from the beginning of the tale to the end is wonderful to read about.
When we meet Diedre, she is reeling from the violent and heartless murder of her sister. She wants vengeance against all the Gheet who have treated her kind so shabbily, murdering and taking whatever they want. Storming off to a portion of the woods where none dare to go, she has one purpose in mind, to sell her soul to the Fiend to have him get her revenge. While he is vicious when he needs to be, he has a code of honor. Throughout the story, which reminds me of The Canterbury Tales with a violent twist, we learn, as does Diedre, that there is much more to the Fiend than anyone thinks.
As Fiend takes on different personas as needed throughout their travels, his actions are deliberate steps to reach his master plan. Isabel joins the two for some time and we see that the Fiend overall is a generous benefactor to those he cares about or those in need. That he dotes on Diedre and will protect her at all costs left me satisfied, knowing the two have become fast friends who will continue to share the path at the end.
There is humorous dialogue, unexpected plot twists, and great relationships between characters.. Solid five star read.

[Hanif · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A book is a friend that doesn't judge us for our neglect and that always greets us warmly when we return."

That was probably the most memorable and interesting line in this novella. Wergild is a short story about a girl named Deirdre parnters with a supernatural Fiend to seek venegeance after the tragic death of her brother and sister. The Book is short, easy to read and yet poetic and full of depth at the same time. Its an easy reccomend for the plot and theme alone. There were a few hiccups in the script here and there. There were a few slow and confusing moments but its all held together by Deirdre, she is a very compelling rage filled protagonist, who impressed and endured me from the first page. I also really enjoyed the Fiend thought he was a very colorful character.
I love that many of the chapters are titled after the seven deadly sins and each chapter begins with a thought provoking quote concerning them. Isabel's character was a little flat to me and was probably my least favorite character but she was still mostly okay. The writing style is very old english, proper and poetic, which I love. The ending is pretty much what you might expect but its pretty satisying. Overall I enjoyed this novella and would definitely consider reading more.

[Sheldon Peart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hooked me from start to finish

So I bought this book for two reasons: I had never met the word “Wergild” and a young girl obsessed with revenge for the vicious act of rape and murder of her sister peeked my interest. I started reading with the hope that I would fall asleep. Four hours later, I was re-reading interesting paragraphs.

The author did a fantastic job . He writes with a golden pen and kept me hooked from the very first page. This is truly a cleverly written fantasy tale that shows the depth of the author’s vivid imagination. I eagerly followed the main character and quite unlike my quiet personality, I wanted revenge for her. I sighed as I read: “ She shivered and suddenly was breathless. It was all so magnificent and frightful at the same time. All that blood, all that death. It was her revenge, and she was gripped with an overwhelming urge both to laugh and to cry.”

This is one book I wished had twice the number of pages. It was good ...but could have been longer.

[James Hockley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun; dark; fabulous

What a fantastic story this is! I wasn’t quite sure what to expect of this book, but I came away loving it. It is wonderfully unique; full of fun; but also dark and thought provoking. What a combination…

Wergild is the story of Deidre and her quest for vengeance, which brings her into the company of the Fiend. The Fiend is just as dark and frightening as you might imagine, but he is also an incredibly fun character - you’ll have to read the book to find out how that makes any sense! This is a well thought out story, which develops nicely and in a clever thought provoking way. Very pleasing.

Part of me hopes that Deidre and the Fiend have more crazy adventures together, but I don’t know whether Deidre will be up for that - I’m sure she could do with a bit of a rest after this one! Great read.

[Tricia Gardella · Rating 5 out of 5]

well worth the read

I’m not sure what to say about Wergild. Not at all what I usually read but so glad I did. I have no idea what Wergild means but really like it as the title which sort of sets us up for what we are in for. The book begins in some far off land, maybe medieval, where a young sister finds her beloved sister who has been molested and killed. And our young heroine decides to do something about it— unlike the rest of the community. Along the way she meets Laura who just happens to be a radio DJ from Savanna, Georgia. What? This review is growing longer than the book, a mere 99 pages. So read it! Well-written and a page turner.

[Michail Tsikerdekis · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wergild" is a gripping and atmospheric journey into a dark and mysterious world. Boris L. Slocum crafts a suspenseful narrative that revolves around Deirdre's unrelenting quest for vengeance. The enigmatic character of the Fiend adds depth and intrigue, with transformations that challenge your understanding of good and evil.

The writing is evocative, immersing you in a vividly described setting filled with tension and suspense. The story's exploration of morality and the consequences of revenge keeps you engaged and reflective throughout. "Wergild" is a thought-provoking and intense read, making it a compelling choice for those who enjoy fantasy with moral complexities.

[Andrew Kopacz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm usually not too interested in fantasy stories, not since I was a kid, but I found this story pretty interesting. It's a story of a girl named Dierdre who wants to seek vengeance on those who killed her family. She comes across a fiend to help get her revenge. I liked the dynamic between the two characters as they go on their journey for revenge. I enjoyed the fact that this story blends fantasy with spirituality. It also shows the different depths that humans take in this world. I did enjoy this read, and if you're interested in fantasy with a touch of spirituality, then I would definitely recommend this book.

[K.E. Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comical and satirical dark fantasy

A delightfully dark fantasy novel about the lengths someone will take to enact revenge. Deidre is an angry young woman eager for revenge on those who murdered her sister. When her community refuses to help, she is forced to make a deal with the dastardly Fiend. Along their journey they encounter a woman from our world who has been pulled into theirs - she comically struggles to understand the commonplace violence of this world, in sharp contrast to Diedre’s growing acceptance of it.

A good read if you’re in the mood for a dark fantasy take on common fantasy tropes.

[Arthur Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deirdre, of the Surreys who had lost a war against the Gheets, had also lost her borther and sister due to murder. Unable to find peace in church, she seeks out a fiend, and after careful consideration by both, agree to murder 7 people to give Deirdre vengeance.
Aligned to the major sins, the pair head out and more than vengeance is given: an opportunity is given to help the Surreys right a wrong that was done to them.
But who is this fiend?
Well written, with some swearing. Devout religious readers may find this story disturbing.
I give it 5 stars all the way.

[Mickey White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

I started to leave a 4 star review because the phrasing can be a bit awkward. The phrases are archaic in some places and just awkward. "Lass," for example. It pulled me out of the immersion. But... the story is simply too good for me to leave anything but a 5-star. It questions the meaning of good and evil, order and chaos. I LOVE IT! Even the occasional awkward phrasing didn't pull me out of the story for long!

[Harley D]

Yes

The story is well-written, entertaining, surprising, funny, clever and certainly worth the read. Deirdre is grumpy and often unable to hold her tongue, while the fiend dances with the wind, wearing different faces, always charming and warm-hearted towards those he cares for. Isabel is the great mystery. Slocum created a riveting tale, and despite just finishing the book I find myself already wanting more.

[G. Gaynor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dish Best Served Cold!!!

The overall read was a refreshing surprise. A well told tale about revenge and all of its twists and turns. I especially liked the approach to the fiend. Setting the stage by naming it such and then having the assumed disposition questionable with every exchange.

It got a little thick with the time travel and I didn't really see it advancing the storyline and the pacing was a little off for me, but I strongly recommend this work and this author!

[J. Rose Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiendish vengeance

A fantastic tale of a young woman who makes an alliance with a “fiend” to attain vengeance for the loss of a loved one. It’s well-written and has its lighthearted moments, some heartwarming (?) moments. And moments of terror and fear.

I’m not sure if the ending is supposed to be positive or the most frightening line in the entire tale. But either way, solid storytelling. An enjoyable read.

[E.W. Crandall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful walk in Vengeance

I absolutely loved this book! The wit of going over the 7 deadly sins in such a fun dark humored fashion was a joy. The slight touch of our world and its connection to Albion was a nice touch. Then there is the fiend, so kind in his murderous ways. If you are looking for a light yet dark-toned read you'll love this book.

[Marvin Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiendishly Good

Funny and ribald, this tale of a deal with the devil, so to speak is fantastic. Enthralling set pieces of vivid action surround a mythical world no different from the round table stories told before it. There is a tenor to this told through this story that makes this more than just a tale of vengeance. Lots of fun.