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Pernicious: True Evil
“Not all of us are evil,” Astra said with a heaving chest. “You will not destroy my species.”“No,” the demon whispered as a smile crossed her lips. “But you will.” Astra has seen demons her entire life. In the shadows, in her sleep, in her imagination. But now… they are real. Creatures she thought only existed in her worst nightmares come in the night and tear her away from her home and everyone she loves. In a faraway land, she has to adapt quickly. Unknown dangers lurk around every corner, and in order to live, she must question her every step and the intentions of everyone around her. The odds are stacked against her. Between the ferocious beasts, unpredictable weather, and bloodthirsty plants, her chances are slim. To survive in this strange place takes everything she’s got. Can she make it back home? Or will she die fighting?
202 pages, Paperback
Published December 7, 2019
3 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 29, 2020
A lot of unexpected twists with well written characters and an intriguing plot. As a big fan of all things fantasy, I really, really enjoyed this book!
February 9, 2020
Astra has always seen demons, spirits and shadows. Until this point, she’s never considered they were real.
Great for people who loved The Protector of the Small and White Stag!
Initially the novel is centred on Earth - a present time earth, by the descriptions of the author - before Astra, is taken by creatures of a shadow world, watchers.
These watchers, having traipsed the line between Earth and this alternative world, were manipulated by religion and figures of power into the demons of modern legend. It is the watchers who moved from their world into our own that now threaten Astra, and in turn the entire world.
Ripping Astra from the very fabric of her own reality, these creatures believe her to be the destroyed of her own world - or so they tell her.
The descriptive power of the author is highlighted here, as the demons were being led to believe as only ever bad, take shape as such. Quickly, we’re thrust into themes of race wars and tolerance, as well as Astra having to face her own preconceptions and fight her initial desire toward racism.
Yes, that’s right, racism. It seems subliminal, they’re demons after all. But we quickly learn that they are their own race, on their own world threatened by humans. And while yes, Astra’s need to despise these creatures seems well-founded (they kidnapped her, dragged her across dimensions and injured her after all) her introductions to other native species, and creatures on the world throws Astra (and the reader) in flux.
I enjoyed the realistic dynamic this offered the reader, it shared many semblances to our own current Political climate.
The introduction of this “good demon” (Voljin), was an interesting addition to the otherwise stereotypical fantasy genre. It related us to the prologue (where foreshadowing becomes apparent circa. Chapter 8), whilst also offering Astra a crutch of sorts - this world wasn’t perhaps, that bad.
Further in the relationship dynamics of the characters continue to progress meaningfully, with themes of bravery, honesty, and trust being woven throughout effective and gripping dialogue.
Other notable areas where the authors talent shined was in the descriptive few pages where we came to know this new world. It was language we saw as deliberate, linguistically adaptive and effective, whilst also delicate enough so as not to create an “in your face” vibe. All of the important aspects of world building were utilised and shown within the pages the world was first described. The author also dropped breadcrumbs of world building throughout the plot with key events adding another way this world differed to her Astras own.
As the novel continued to progress some of the themes grew pointedly heavier, and the dialogue more poignant. Where some of the themes seemed harsh and pointless at first, it served a greater purpose and to build trust amongst characters.
Along with this, other characters relationships disintegrated - this seemed forced and confusing at first, but as it continued on it grew to make more sense. Apologies were made, seemingly genuine, however the relationship will never really repair.
Due to to theme which caused the above reactions, we also grew to understand a character more intensely, and in doing so we began to see him emulate what we wish we could see in real life.
And finally, the ending while seemingly abrupt was also very open ended and delightfully tantalising - what is next for these people?
Hopefully, we’ll find out very soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2020
To say that Angelika Koch is our modern William Shakespeare can lead some minds to believe her work is hard to absorb, but that’s not her case, she is a modern poet that can lure anyone into her story. She has a precious gift of taking the mind of the reader into the intensity of this novel. I was tempted to describe the highpoints of some of these chapters since it is very easy to get involved with the sentiments that are experienced by of each character, but I am not giving away any spoilers. You must read this great novel yourself, and don’t feel alone that you will be trying to figure out the next chapter, I sincerely believe it is a natural reaction when the author has been able to achieve her purpose, to get the mind of her readers so immersed in the lives of the characters that you cannot put the book down. Angelika, you are an extra-ordinary author! You have the passion of a great composer that can give life to anything you put your hands on. I adore your style, and the bravery you have to drive the minds of the readers crazy.
February 1, 2020
Wow! This one is scary fantasy for sure. Add it to your list.
March 1, 2020
I would say this is for fans of dark, supernatural, fantasy, thriller type stories. I think that the characters and the world of Pannotia are cleverly created. I loved learning about the creatures and plants that live in this world. It’s completely unique, and also creepy, that the plants and even the ground seem to be alive.
There is so much detail put into each character and each aspect of the planet. But not too much that it loses you or takes away from the story.
This books ends on a cliffhanger, with the assumption that there will be another one. I wish that this book was longer, but I’m sure the stopping point is within reason for what comes next. We can finally start to understand some characters, and start to see the connection of the characters in the prologue to the main characters.
This was a real page-turner. I found myself constantly needing to know what happens next. I will eagerly be waiting for the next book to see how the story continues!
**As a note or warning, there is some strong language used throughout. There is also mentions of drug addiction, rape, and suicide, which even though is not explained in full, lengthy detail, could still be hard for some readers.
There is so much detail put into each character and each aspect of the planet. But not too much that it loses you or takes away from the story.
This books ends on a cliffhanger, with the assumption that there will be another one. I wish that this book was longer, but I’m sure the stopping point is within reason for what comes next. We can finally start to understand some characters, and start to see the connection of the characters in the prologue to the main characters.
This was a real page-turner. I found myself constantly needing to know what happens next. I will eagerly be waiting for the next book to see how the story continues!
**As a note or warning, there is some strong language used throughout. There is also mentions of drug addiction, rape, and suicide, which even though is not explained in full, lengthy detail, could still be hard for some readers.
February 19, 2020
Fantasy fiction that finds you eating, breathing, sleeping, fearing, and feeling everything the characters feel, it was brilliant. I couldn't put it down!
April 5, 2020
This book is excellent! I loved Astra as a character and how she grows during her journey. She is not a Mary-Sue and that is really refreshing. Also, Angelika writes really well, making Pernicious a pleasure to read. I cannot wait for the next part of Astra's journey to come out!
April 3, 2020
I feel I have to explain my rating (many will undoubtedly rate this higher). I bought this book because I had read several posts by the author that were so brilliantly written I just had to buy her book. To think that she could carry that level of prose off for a complete novel was probably not realistic. Nonetheless there are portions of this book the do indeed meet that level of wordsmithing and I applaud her for it. But other areas got a little wordy for me and slowed the book's progress. I found myself rooting for the main character, Astra, to succeed and that certainly is a plus. Still, it is a pretty good book that I'm sure many people will like. Without spoilers, I have to say that the ending left me with questions and wondering if there was a sequel planned.
March 7, 2020
Thank you to the author for letting me read and review her book!
I loved the world building in this book, but I think it was maybe not quite a fit for me. I felt a little disconnected from the dialogue and the main character, but I really enjoyed the scenery and interesting creatures that were created for this book. I'm sometimes thrown off by an astonishingly different world, though, and I think this book is definitely for a lot of people who love fantasy and being transported to another planet.
I loved the world building in this book, but I think it was maybe not quite a fit for me. I felt a little disconnected from the dialogue and the main character, but I really enjoyed the scenery and interesting creatures that were created for this book. I'm sometimes thrown off by an astonishingly different world, though, and I think this book is definitely for a lot of people who love fantasy and being transported to another planet.
March 2, 2021
Great story! Author, Angelika Koch, has produced a wonderful dark fantasy. I was immediately captivated by the storyline and the pace of the action kept me constantly engaged. All the main characters were well developed. I loved the detailed descriptions of the faraway land of Pannotia. What a fascinating place! I also loved all the conflict the main character, Astra, experienced throughout the story. The ending left me wanting more!
I look forward to the next book from this author.
I look forward to the next book from this author.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews