Mother, Dearest

by Patrick Scattergood

For Naz there is nothing more reassuring than the warm blanket of normality, where he finds great comfort in the walls he has built around himself.

But nothing was going to stop the chain of events that were about to befall him when he is thrown into a fantastical realm, full of magic and mythical creatures that is set to change his world entirely.

Is he ready to face the demons that have been lurking behind those walls for all these years and discover the truth?

ebook

Published December 13, 2019

About the author

Leicester based, award-nominated nonbinary/pansexual author of 'gay shit with magic' that people appear to enjoy reading.

Creator of the award-nominated dark, urban fantasy series Mother, Dearest.

Co-Writer, with Golda Evans, of the science fiction adventure Time to Burn.

Reviews

[Sarah Huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this today and immediately started book two. I absolutely adored this. The only disappointing thing about the book was when I finished it.
The author has that rare ability to take your mind out of your own head and transport you into another world entirely. Perfect

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a thriller enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. ¡Great book!

[Victoria Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very start of the novel, I found it very easy to get drawn into the main protagonist and the storyline. The authors writes in such a way that you are compelled to bound from one chapter to the next, making it an extremely enjoyable and slightly addictive read. A wonderful mix of supernatural, thriller and a twist of dry humour. A great read and I would highly recommend it.

[Catherine McCarthy]

Please note, I do not rate on goodreads.

I believe this is the author's debut, so I must say, he did a good job here. An engaging story, and I particularly liked the genre mash-up. Supernatural horror, well-drawn characters, with twists and turns along the way that will keep you guessing. Well done, Patrick!

[Golda Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not once did I know what to expect from this story and I absolutely loved that. A seamless blend of fantasy, urban, horror, fairy tale and the bizarre weave together and create this beautifully unique book. The only way I can describe it is to say it was like reading an hourglass that would turn and turn and turn. I read it in one sitting because I was just chasing this story, wanting to know what would happen next and the characters quick became friends and people I cared about in my head. This story has opened a portal in my mind, rummaged around and has stayed with me after I've finished reading it. Peculiar, distinctive and charming.

[M.G. Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naz has just got back from the funeral of his recently deceased mother. Yet almost from the moment the funeral ends, it appears she still hasn't quite gone. He can hear her voice in his head tormenting him just as she had done in life.

Naz is about to find himself thrust into a world he never imagined - one that he can't quite believe is real - one he never expected.

This had me hooked from the first chapter and when it morphed from family drama into intriguing dark fantasy, I knew I'd see this through to the end. Through most of the book there's a sense of the reader asking themselves "is this real or is this Naz's trauma?" until the thrilling conclusion.

This will appeal to fans of Neil Gaiman as it has the same dark fantasy tones and exploration of real people in real settings. There could have been a bit more character development and Naz is just so-so as a protagonist.

A solid 4/5 and well worth continuing with the series.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is excellent for fans of plot-based dark fantasy horror. The pacing of the novel was excellent- there was down time included in the plot, but it was well used to focus on introspection and the themes of the book. I absolutely loved the theme(s) of dark family trauma, but if this is a sensitive topic for you I would steer clear. My only complaint is that I wish the book went into more detail about each character and showed more development in the main character, Naz. That being said, I was really pleased with the representation amongst the characters. I liked that I was forced to check my assumptions about the gender and sexuality of some characters. A few of the tags I would list for this book are dark fantasy, horror, trauma, family, found family, urban, LGBT+, non-binary, and high stakes.

[Eli B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive

I am not a major fan of gore, but there was something so alluring and addictive about Mother, Dearest. I had a hard time understanding the beginning, but the more I read and was pulled further into the madness of this world the clearer everything became. It felt like it ended too soon, but then again it is only book one. If you like horror and dark fantasy this is the book for you.

[Abbie Fozzard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping read from beginning to end. Brilliantly written with character depth that compels you to invest. Never knowing what road the story would take, it is an easy page turner. I would highly recommend Mother, Dearest and would like to read more from the author.

[Katy Stamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has beautifully written imaginative characters in a really dark setting. It's unsettling as well as being difficult to put down! Can't wait to see what the author does next, this is such a brilliant debut novel.

[Sharon Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a unique and darkly twisted fantasy horror debut. It has an unsettling way of tipping the world upside down just when you think you know what's going on and adding another layer to the story each time. Highly recommended for fans of dark fantasy.

[Patty Gilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

5. Hard to believe this is the first book for an author but here we are. Wonderful approach to a genre without using all of the common tropes. There are a few stumbles however they are quickly forgot about as the story keeps its pace from start to finish.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be the first to admit that I don't read horror novels often, but this book pulled me in from the very beginning and I was immediately hooked. It's a story that will get into your head and not leave you alone until you've read the very last page. The characters are so well-developed that they invaded my dreams on a number of occasions, so lifelike and so real! And just when you think you might have things figured out, you'll be wrong. And surprised. And shocked. And never fear... there's a sequel! Thank you, Patrick, for scaring the living daylights out of me!

[Judy Ferrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could the paranormal take over.

With uncanny descriptions of fairies and other creatures, the author has built a world that is very different. The mother is very hungry to destroy all human life. I found this book both fascinating and disturbing. Fascinating in that it was so well written. Disturbing in that I could imagine it actually happening.

[Chloe-Paige Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This didnt take me long to read at all as i couldnt put it down. Had me hooked from beginning to end.
100% would recommend to read.

[Joseph Souza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

I loved this book. Very gripping. A horror/supernatural take that is relentlessly violent and mythic! Great read! Be prepared for blood and terror!

[Aoann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger warnings aren't kidding

Absolutely great writing. It is first person. However, heed the warnings. They are not joking around with those. Definitely dark!