It was in the depth of winter and Christmas was just around the corner. Ordinarily a time of joy...but not necessarily for everyone. As the familiar song says, “You better watch out, You better not cry, You better not pout”…. because you never know who is coming to town. Have you already made your Christmas wish...
A. Drew is a happily married Turkish Australian writer. She writes paranormal, contemporary romance, including LGBT. She also writes supernatural thriller.
This very short story of Krampus punishing wrong-doers had a good central idea and some decent horror imagery, but felt rather cursory both as to prose and structure. It wasn't scary and Krampus' inner reflections (which to me was the most interesting part) needed to be elaborated. Basically, a solid draft of something that needs to be reworked at a slightly longer length and polished up a bit. Would try something else by this author.
Krampus, the half-demon and half-goat son of a powerful deity who ruled the underworld in another realm, is the darkness to Santa’s light. Krampus roams the earth on Christmas Eve to deliver the innocent from evil, and dispense justice as he sees fit. Should he crush and collect bones in the process, so be it.
A most gratifying read on many levels. I highly recommend following in Krampus’ footsteps as he navigates the dark, slithering streams to where they lead.
Awakening after a long state of hibernation, Krampus started his mission in search of adults who harmed the vulnerable with no emotion or mercy, seeing their actions through memories. A yearly task, he was about to wreak havoc, skins and scalps his trophies. The good are visited by santa, the bad by Krampus. A great short story by this talented author. It's the second I've read of Lily Lamb and it didn't disappoint. Great descriptions gives you a clear picture of Krampus and his surroundings in your minds eye which really helps pulls you into the story. From a dark side, this character gives no second thought to the people he seeks. He is increasingly angered by their cruelty and disregard for human life but shows a lighter side, displaying actions of compassion for the vulnerable. Very well written, this story could go on and on, if only we had something similar in real life to deal with the monstrous actions of cruel and uncaring humans. Great job!
The dark side of Christmas, and a peek at Krampus. I enjoyed this short look at the punisher who balances consequences. The prose is off from what is normal for a story (following one POV) but the all-knowing voice gives a good insight. And I'm grumbling a bit at the end here because the beginning laid out a spectacular character, and I want him in a novel. Full length with room for him to really grow and put the horror in the genre. So much potential! And this short little thing just made me want more. It's like an appetizer. I hope it's just an appetizer.
Basic Details: Book Title: Krampus Subtitle: (Tales from Myth and Lore) Author: Lily Lamb Genre: Mythical Part of a series? Order in series: Best read after earlier books in series? Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5... Overall score: I scored this book 5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Short Summary of the book: Old mythical story retold. 2 brothers, Santa and Krampus. Where Santa brings presents to those who have been good, Krampus punishes those who have been bad. What I liked about the book: I really enjoyed this book and its outcome. To tell you what I liked would be giving away the plot. What I didn’t like about the book: I liked the entire book. My favourite bits in the book: Punishing those that are bad and standing up for the oppressed. My least favourite bits in the book: There were none. Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author? I have read a few books by this author and enjoyed all. What books could this be compared to and why? This is a great book on a mythical subject. Recommendation: In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:
Children No Young Adult Probably Adult Yes
If you like mythical stories with a love angle, this book may be the book for you Book Description by Author: It was in the depth of winter and Christmas was just around the corner. Ordinarily a time of joy...but not necessarily for everyone. As the familiar song says, “You better watch out, You better not cry, You better not pout”…. because you never know who is coming to town. Have you already made your Christmas wish... About the Author: A. Drew is a happily married Turkish Australian writer. She writes paranormal, contemporary romance, including LGBT. She also writes supernatural thriller.
This book is billed as part of ‘Tales from Myth and Lore’ and, having begun to read it, I did recall having heard of Krampus, Santa’s darker sidekick, when I was a child. The West, or the United Kingdom, at any rate, seems to have dispensed with this figure who personifies the darker side of Christmas and concentrated on the positives. But having been a child who understood the possibility of getting a piece of coal, rather than a present, on Christmas Day if I hadn’t been good throughout the year, I think that’s a shame. I’d have no problem reading the first episode of this book, that of the brother who mistreats his little sister, to a child to remind them of the need to behave kindly to others.
The other episodes of Krampus’s role of Christmas demonstrate the need for adults as well as children to behave well, and of the desirability of inclusivity; in all, a moral tale for all, and well-written. I shall be checking out more of these engaging stories as I recommend this one highly.
The story is a fresh take on the classic Christmas narrative, focusing on Krampus, the sinister counterpart to Santa Claus. This isn't your typical merry holiday story; it's filled with eerie suspense and thrilling moments that keep you hooked from start to finish. The author does a fantastic job of bringing Krampus to life, depicting him not just as a terrifying figure but also exploring his deeper, more complex nature. His interactions with the shifter he rescues add a surprising layer of warmth and humanity to the otherwise chilling narrative. It adds a unique twist to the usual Christmas lore.
Not by any means my first novel by Lily Lamb but, in my opinion, her finest. The level of detail in every sentence gives you a feeling of being in the novel and living next to the character of the immortal, Krampus and his victims.
Krampus, brother of St. Nicholas, wakes at the same time as his brother to deal with evil, while his brother deals with good. This is no children's tale though and is a good, adult read that I would recommend to all.
The author invented a Christmas tale that is so different than others. Don’t expect to read the usual. This is as creative as one can imagine. I would not be surprised if that becomes a full novel. As a matter of fact I hope the author develops this to a story that never ends. Surely, it’s dark and raw but underneath it there is a sincere sweetness and even love. Well done!!!
Wow!!! I sure wasn't expecting an ending like that. Growing up in the South, I had never heard of golly St. Nicks evil brother. This past year, after my daughter and I watched a Krampus movie on Netflix, and finishing reading Lily Lamb's Krampus, I was surprised that there was someone who actually took care of the bad ones on Santa's list. The ending I would have never guessed. Some Christmas tale alright.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! The story revolves around Krampus as we learn about his true nature and go along for the ride as he punishes the wicked children and killing the terrible adults. What happens when he's pretty much done for his part during Christmas night will catch you by surprise, so no spoilers. Just read this creepy Christmas horror story and enjoy it for yourself!I highly recommend this one!
This short book puts a spin on Christmas. Everyone knows of Santa but Krampus? Who knew. Few had any idea that Santa had a brother who also went out Christmas eve, only this brother, Krampus, gave out punishment to naughty children and death to very bad adults. We learn that this is a lonely life but on his Christmas journey he finds a partner making this Christmas a happy time for him. I recommend reading this short book as, on top of being a bit scary, it is certainly entertaining.
While Santa is notorious for bringing joy, Krampus's presence strikes fear in those who encounter him. He's there to punish the wicked. The Punisher scenes were frightening to read; I can only image what it'd look like on TV or at the cinema.
Krampus's scenes weren't all doom and gloom. He had his moment to step out of the darkness. Very sweet exchanges. 🙂
This was brilliantly written. I loved how this began and I liked the character development of Krampus. I just wished there was more of his story with Mani. I felt it ended way too soon. If only there was a promise of a sequel to follow on the development of their relationship. However I still enjoyed it and is worth it if you're in the mood for a quick read.
I've always loved the tales of Krampus and this was an interesting take on that theme. The writing could have used a bit tightening up - there were parts that ran on or repeated the same words over and over - but it was able to keep my attention and I was fairly entertained. Not too bad for a short and worth reading!
There is someone else who awakens and visits at Christmas time. Krampus is back and ready to avenge the victims of those on the naughty list. This is a short story that will delight anyone looking for an alternative Christmas tale. I wish there were more!
I've never read anything about Krampus before, but I knew a little about him from a show on the telly. This story was really cool, and I'm glad he won't spend eternity alone. No spoilers because it's short.
Krampus searches and punishes those who harm children. He is a contrast for a Christmas story. He is a dark character and yet he meets a suitable match which he is content with.
Yes Krampus has a duty he must fulfill but he deserves happiness too. And sweet Mani…oh my heart hurt for him. I’m so glad that Krampus got there in time. This is a very honest look at the beauty and ugliness that surrounds us.
Not being as familiar with the Krampus lore as with other folklore, I can't speak to that aspect. I deeply appreciated the sense of justice throughout the story. The complicated feelings of Krampus were well-invoked. The ending of the story was also satisfying.
an anti-Santa out there beating the brakes off evildoers on Christmas Eve! funny how some thing that coal in the stocking is a punishment! what if you have a furnace? nah, gimme an 8-ft tall blue man with dreadlocks!
A great new take on a possible dark side of Christmas. The primary character is new and unique. Loved the way the story opened especially. Good characterization and pacing. It's a nice quick read.