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She Who Rules the Dead
Henry has received a message: he needs to sacrifice five people to the demon that's been talking to him in his nightmares. He already has four, and number five, Claire, is currently bound in the back of his van.
Too bad Claire isn't exactly human.
Too bad Claire isn't exactly human.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2021
3 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Maria Abrams
6 books101 followersMaria Abrams is a mystery novelist who lives in Colorado with her rescue frogs and dogs. Her favorite color is orange.
www.mariaabrams.com
www.mariaabrams.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 28, 2021
Henry has received a message. He doesn't know why, but he's the chosen one. A demonic (or possibly divine) being needs sacrifices, and it's chosen him to collect five for it. Well he's already taken care of four and the fifth is tied up in vehicle now. Problem for him is that Claire is not going to be an easy sacrifice… not at all.
Well, this was a delightful debut work. Maria Abrams has created something truly unique. It's a horror story, sure, but I couldn't tell you what sub-genre to classify it as. It's very much its own thing while taking elements of various styles. I find it actually difficult to write a review as the less one knows going into this the better. Honestly, the publisher's plot description says too much for my liking and is one of my few complaints about the book (not the author's fault though, so I'll not complain too much there).
While I feel I can't say much about the plot, I can still offer praise. This is a quick paced read, full of interesting ideas and quite a few unexpected developments. Abrams balances her plot perfectly while playing with a non-linear format (we begin with the Claire already kidnapped and we get backstory as we move along). It packs so much into its short page count that I can't help but be extremely impressed. Given that this is Abrams debut, it shows so much promise of what's to come. I hope she has a long career full of new and inventive horror. Definitely an author to look out for. 4/5 stars.
Well, this was a delightful debut work. Maria Abrams has created something truly unique. It's a horror story, sure, but I couldn't tell you what sub-genre to classify it as. It's very much its own thing while taking elements of various styles. I find it actually difficult to write a review as the less one knows going into this the better. Honestly, the publisher's plot description says too much for my liking and is one of my few complaints about the book (not the author's fault though, so I'll not complain too much there).
While I feel I can't say much about the plot, I can still offer praise. This is a quick paced read, full of interesting ideas and quite a few unexpected developments. Abrams balances her plot perfectly while playing with a non-linear format (we begin with the Claire already kidnapped and we get backstory as we move along). It packs so much into its short page count that I can't help but be extremely impressed. Given that this is Abrams debut, it shows so much promise of what's to come. I hope she has a long career full of new and inventive horror. Definitely an author to look out for. 4/5 stars.
January 18, 2025
So this was an ugly little tale, but so well done. The writing itself is beautifully crafted and gives plenty of details, without going overboard with it. The banter between Henry and this entity was very entertaining, being the highlight of the story. Her dry humor was woven into the thoughts and conversations, keeping me chuckling throughout. I thought each of the victims was also given a good amount of time and backstory, and even with a fast pace, the story flowed well. I wasn’t sure if I was going to fully enjoy the jumping around from past to present to the news reports, but it won me over. With a few twists and turns, and a strong conclusion, I finished this book wanting to read more from this author.
February 8, 2025
There's a Killer on the Road...
SHE WHO RULES THE DEAD
by Maria Abrams
No spoilers. 4 1/2 stars. This was an excellent novella that reminded me of a song from the 70s by The Doors...
There's a killer on the road...
Claire stopped off at a dive bar called the Lamplight for a quick drink before continuing on to her destination...
She's sitting alone at the bar when...
... Henry appears in the seat next to her. Henry's already killed 4 people, and he has chosen Claire as his 5th victim...
His brain is squirmin' like a toad...
Something about Henry raises the hairs on the back of Claire's neck... he's fairly good-looking, but when she looks deep into his eyes, his facade drops...
Five drinks later...
Claire wakes up in Henry's van. She's bound, and in the back of the van are the bodies of his previous 4 victims...
Although Claire is next in line...
Henry tells her she should be grateful because the others weren't nearly as important as she...
Into this world, we're born
Into this world, we're thrown...
Riders on the storm...
Fantastic story! It's definitely different from anything else out there. If you think you know where this tale is headed... you're wrong!
SHE WHO RULES THE DEAD
by Maria Abrams
No spoilers. 4 1/2 stars. This was an excellent novella that reminded me of a song from the 70s by The Doors...
There's a killer on the road...
Claire stopped off at a dive bar called the Lamplight for a quick drink before continuing on to her destination...
She's sitting alone at the bar when...
... Henry appears in the seat next to her. Henry's already killed 4 people, and he has chosen Claire as his 5th victim...
His brain is squirmin' like a toad...
Something about Henry raises the hairs on the back of Claire's neck... he's fairly good-looking, but when she looks deep into his eyes, his facade drops...
Five drinks later...
Claire wakes up in Henry's van. She's bound, and in the back of the van are the bodies of his previous 4 victims...
Although Claire is next in line...
Henry tells her she should be grateful because the others weren't nearly as important as she...
Into this world, we're born
Into this world, we're thrown...
Riders on the storm...
Fantastic story! It's definitely different from anything else out there. If you think you know where this tale is headed... you're wrong!
April 24, 2021
This debut novella from Maria Abrams is a horror story that defies both description and definition, but most certainly one that should be on genre fans radars and will no doubt mark its author as a talent to watch.
Claire has stopped at a rundown roadside bar as a respite on her journey, hoping to grab a quick drink and avoid unwanted conversation.
There she will meet Henry, a man on a mission from a higher power, one who is demanding great sacrifice in return for great power. It is a calling that Claire has a big part to play in, although she doesn’t know it yet…
I have kept my synopsis purposefully vague, as ‘She Who Rules The Dead’ is one of those books where the less you know going in, the better. The opening chapter drops the reader right in on the action, being told from the perspective of an as-yet-unnamed woman who is bound in the back of a moving van, held prisoner by an equally mysterious male driver. For somebody who appears to have been kidnapped, and is most certainly there against her will, the captive seems strangely blasé about her predicament. So begins a wildly unpredictable and wholly gripping story that never goes in the direction you expect, and is never less than completely absorbing and wholly entertaining.
Abrams isn’t content to simply focus on this, admittedly intriguing, opening story and the book then switches perspectives multiple times to a number of different characters, or to transcripts of police statements or news articles, each giving the reader a piece of the puzzle, many of which tease things to come, but don’t all come together as a cohesive whole until the end. Although the time spent with most of these characters is limited to a chapter, they all make a big impact, both in terms of the books narrative and as a well developed and memorable person, not all of whom have a happy ending in store.
The book is a short one (95 pages) and moves along at a brisk pace and, once you have a good idea of the direction the story is going in, things begin to get a little tense. We know full well what Henry’s intentions are, as he has made them overtly clear, but there is more to Claire than meets the eye and you wonder whether she is going to turn the tables on him at some point. While I thought I knew the direction the book was going in, my expectations were subverted at every turn and although the answers we get are ultimately satisfying ones, they aren’t ones you can expect to be given until the final page.
‘She Who Rules The Dead’ is an electrifying book, packed with unpredictable characters and masterful misdirection, and is incredibly accomplished when you consider this is the author's first book. I can’t wait to see what other horrors Maria Abrams has in store for us in the future.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/horror-li...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter and Instagram - @RickReadsHorror
Claire has stopped at a rundown roadside bar as a respite on her journey, hoping to grab a quick drink and avoid unwanted conversation.
There she will meet Henry, a man on a mission from a higher power, one who is demanding great sacrifice in return for great power. It is a calling that Claire has a big part to play in, although she doesn’t know it yet…
I have kept my synopsis purposefully vague, as ‘She Who Rules The Dead’ is one of those books where the less you know going in, the better. The opening chapter drops the reader right in on the action, being told from the perspective of an as-yet-unnamed woman who is bound in the back of a moving van, held prisoner by an equally mysterious male driver. For somebody who appears to have been kidnapped, and is most certainly there against her will, the captive seems strangely blasé about her predicament. So begins a wildly unpredictable and wholly gripping story that never goes in the direction you expect, and is never less than completely absorbing and wholly entertaining.
Abrams isn’t content to simply focus on this, admittedly intriguing, opening story and the book then switches perspectives multiple times to a number of different characters, or to transcripts of police statements or news articles, each giving the reader a piece of the puzzle, many of which tease things to come, but don’t all come together as a cohesive whole until the end. Although the time spent with most of these characters is limited to a chapter, they all make a big impact, both in terms of the books narrative and as a well developed and memorable person, not all of whom have a happy ending in store.
The book is a short one (95 pages) and moves along at a brisk pace and, once you have a good idea of the direction the story is going in, things begin to get a little tense. We know full well what Henry’s intentions are, as he has made them overtly clear, but there is more to Claire than meets the eye and you wonder whether she is going to turn the tables on him at some point. While I thought I knew the direction the book was going in, my expectations were subverted at every turn and although the answers we get are ultimately satisfying ones, they aren’t ones you can expect to be given until the final page.
‘She Who Rules The Dead’ is an electrifying book, packed with unpredictable characters and masterful misdirection, and is incredibly accomplished when you consider this is the author's first book. I can’t wait to see what other horrors Maria Abrams has in store for us in the future.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/horror-li...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter and Instagram - @RickReadsHorror
March 24, 2022
This novella is told by several different people in the early chapters as well as some news reports and I wasn’t sure how it would all tie in but soon enough it does. The less said about the plot the better - just know it starts out as your standard dumb but murderous bastard thinking he can go around killing innocents to gain himself some power. As if men don’t have enough already 😒 Anyhow . . . he picks up the wrong woman and his plans, which I can’t tell you about, go awry and things get grisly for this evil dumbass and I loved it.
May 9, 2021
Another great release from Weird Punk Books deep library.
This is a fast paced right from the beginning.
We have Claire, or at least that is what she allows us to think her name is. Claire is supposed to be sacrifice number 5 to Henry. Henry is this weird sleazy dude who has been preying on the unexpected. He says he’s been contacted by some higher being, some sort of demon, telling him “Hey, you need to kill 5 people to serve me.” This demon has apparently been chatting it up with Henry in his nightmares.
That is what we get. Henry goes on a killing spree, and this spree brings him to Claire.
The book drops us right smack dab in the middle of the action, where Claire has already been captured, but we get the feeling she isn’t your normal unsuspecting kidnapping victim. You get the sense from Claire’s thoughts and the way the story is presented she is a total bad ass.
As they travel, the books takes us through some flashbacks with the supporting cast of the story, and their history on how we’ve made it this far. All the while, Claire has these thoughts in her head. You get the feeling she is just playing the game with Henry.
Maria Abrams does a great job bringing the characters to life, making us get attached to each of the victims. They are all characters we invest in, all the while knowing Claire must have some sort of plan she’s playing out in her head.
The stench of the dead bodies literally comes off the pages so be prepared for that.
There is this gas station scene where the book just becomes total chaos. Complete bonkers. Just when you think the story is going one way, there is a shift in action with a what the fuck moment.
It seems like Abrams is purposely leading us away from the obvious answers to the many questions that immediately pop in our heads as we go on this ride. Oh you sly devil you. I enjoyed the police statements sprinkled in to help fill in a few of the blanks.
The overall feel of the book consists of a great pace of flow for both the prose and the narrative, almost lyrical at times.
We get to the ending, and again a twist is thrown in making you think really what the hell? This is all part of the game. Who is controlling who? Who really has the power? It goes in a direction I definitely did not expect.
Curve ball after curve ball, Maria Abrams takes us on this journey, masterfully taking our emotions by the hand and weaving us in and out of traffic as we make our final destination, leaving us to ponder our thoughts on what just happened.
Final verdict, this is a great mix of a horror and sarcastic humor.
4.5/5
This is a fast paced right from the beginning.
We have Claire, or at least that is what she allows us to think her name is. Claire is supposed to be sacrifice number 5 to Henry. Henry is this weird sleazy dude who has been preying on the unexpected. He says he’s been contacted by some higher being, some sort of demon, telling him “Hey, you need to kill 5 people to serve me.” This demon has apparently been chatting it up with Henry in his nightmares.
That is what we get. Henry goes on a killing spree, and this spree brings him to Claire.
The book drops us right smack dab in the middle of the action, where Claire has already been captured, but we get the feeling she isn’t your normal unsuspecting kidnapping victim. You get the sense from Claire’s thoughts and the way the story is presented she is a total bad ass.
As they travel, the books takes us through some flashbacks with the supporting cast of the story, and their history on how we’ve made it this far. All the while, Claire has these thoughts in her head. You get the feeling she is just playing the game with Henry.
Maria Abrams does a great job bringing the characters to life, making us get attached to each of the victims. They are all characters we invest in, all the while knowing Claire must have some sort of plan she’s playing out in her head.
The stench of the dead bodies literally comes off the pages so be prepared for that.
There is this gas station scene where the book just becomes total chaos. Complete bonkers. Just when you think the story is going one way, there is a shift in action with a what the fuck moment.
It seems like Abrams is purposely leading us away from the obvious answers to the many questions that immediately pop in our heads as we go on this ride. Oh you sly devil you. I enjoyed the police statements sprinkled in to help fill in a few of the blanks.
The overall feel of the book consists of a great pace of flow for both the prose and the narrative, almost lyrical at times.
We get to the ending, and again a twist is thrown in making you think really what the hell? This is all part of the game. Who is controlling who? Who really has the power? It goes in a direction I definitely did not expect.
Curve ball after curve ball, Maria Abrams takes us on this journey, masterfully taking our emotions by the hand and weaving us in and out of traffic as we make our final destination, leaving us to ponder our thoughts on what just happened.
Final verdict, this is a great mix of a horror and sarcastic humor.
4.5/5
August 2, 2021
Review to come, but LOVED
April 23, 2022
Phenomenal!
SHE WHO RULES THE DEAD is a brutal, fast-paced, beautifully written novella, and it's also an exciting debut. I'm looking forward to reading more from Abrams in the future. Highly recommended!
SHE WHO RULES THE DEAD is a brutal, fast-paced, beautifully written novella, and it's also an exciting debut. I'm looking forward to reading more from Abrams in the future. Highly recommended!
July 5, 2021
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
Holy wow!
Weirdpunk Books has really been delivering some of the best reads over the last few years. For some reason, I’d kind of missed the news regarding ‘She Who Rules the Dead’ arriving. I’d seen it shared on Twitter etc, but I thought it wasn’t out until fall and lo and behold, to my surprise, this already came out back in April.
But, having read this now, holy wow. This was an unexpected novella that really knocked me for a loop.
What I liked: ‘She Who Rules the Dead’ is a brutal read. It picks up with a woman bound and restrained in the back seat while the guy she met at the bar is driving. From there, Abrams recounts some horrific events, how these two met and how little the man, Henry, actually knows about what he’s gotten himself into.
This one takes a few twists and turns which makes reviewing it tough. The kidnapped character really has some fascinating ‘things’ that surround her and her backstory. The other characters that are involved also offer a unique narrative and how they ultimately are involved in the ending was perfect.
Abrams left this with the potential for more and I for one would love to see further entries in this fascinating world.
What I didn’t like: The character of Henry discusses the ‘why’ of his actions but I would’ve loved to see more, especially regarding the end goal or the final aspect. I can’t say much more, but that was a very intriguing plot point.
Why you should buy this: This novella hums along and Abrams deftly crafts a story that really knocked my socks off. ‘She Who Rules the Dead’ starts at 100mph and never slows down, speeding up and adding bits and bites to the story that really amped it up even more.
This was a phenomenal read and one I hope more people discover.
Holy wow!
Weirdpunk Books has really been delivering some of the best reads over the last few years. For some reason, I’d kind of missed the news regarding ‘She Who Rules the Dead’ arriving. I’d seen it shared on Twitter etc, but I thought it wasn’t out until fall and lo and behold, to my surprise, this already came out back in April.
But, having read this now, holy wow. This was an unexpected novella that really knocked me for a loop.
What I liked: ‘She Who Rules the Dead’ is a brutal read. It picks up with a woman bound and restrained in the back seat while the guy she met at the bar is driving. From there, Abrams recounts some horrific events, how these two met and how little the man, Henry, actually knows about what he’s gotten himself into.
This one takes a few twists and turns which makes reviewing it tough. The kidnapped character really has some fascinating ‘things’ that surround her and her backstory. The other characters that are involved also offer a unique narrative and how they ultimately are involved in the ending was perfect.
Abrams left this with the potential for more and I for one would love to see further entries in this fascinating world.
What I didn’t like: The character of Henry discusses the ‘why’ of his actions but I would’ve loved to see more, especially regarding the end goal or the final aspect. I can’t say much more, but that was a very intriguing plot point.
Why you should buy this: This novella hums along and Abrams deftly crafts a story that really knocked my socks off. ‘She Who Rules the Dead’ starts at 100mph and never slows down, speeding up and adding bits and bites to the story that really amped it up even more.
This was a phenomenal read and one I hope more people discover.
July 30, 2021
I don't want to give anything away, but this book is a genre mashup of horror/thriller/ sci-fi and you'll never guess the twists.
Short and delightful bloody romp!
Definitely would recommend!
Short and delightful bloody romp!
Definitely would recommend!
August 11, 2024
i <3 women
May 10, 2022
This was so fun! I loved the way the story is told with alternating perspectives in a way that allows the reader to get a little bit of each side character's viewpoints, and how they all end up with the main character. There are some brutal bits - also some really gross stuff, not gonna lie, some of those descriptions of the smells & "escaped gas" and ahhh lol YUCK in the best way!
The story has a super tense, fast pace that's held throughout - I was on the edge of my seat from chapter to chapter, wondering how everything would play out. Along with the alternating POVs are things like news articles and other snippets that tie the bits together, fully fleshing it out in a unique way -- I LOVE when stories include police transcripts & stuff, so fun!
Loved this, and love a badass MC - even if she's not a badass human MC!
The story has a super tense, fast pace that's held throughout - I was on the edge of my seat from chapter to chapter, wondering how everything would play out. Along with the alternating POVs are things like news articles and other snippets that tie the bits together, fully fleshing it out in a unique way -- I LOVE when stories include police transcripts & stuff, so fun!
Loved this, and love a badass MC - even if she's not a badass human MC!
February 18, 2022
Yes, please! SHE WHO RULES THE DEAD is the debut novella from Maria Abrams and she comes out swinging. This novella is so unique, both in plot and formatting. Switching from a few POVs as well as news articles, interviews/transcripts, etc, it is not totally clear what is going on the whole time. Each chapter is another piece of the puzzle that is complete at the end. The story is extremely fast-paced and the writing is sharp. This is an example of a story where less is more in terms of upfront knowledge of the actual plot. With that being said, I think everyone should pick this one up and find out for themselves exactly what I am refusing to divulge with this review.
August 17, 2023
Such a fun novella that captured my attention from the very first page. The story reminded me of the many Goosebumps books I had read and loved as a child; a fast-paced, engaging story leading to the perfect twist.
July 3, 2021
Don't mind me, just put away another Weird Punk Books banger.
Henry is a guy who has been on a bit of a shopping spree as of late, but he's not going for clothes, cars, or shoes. He's stacking bodies. And Claire, if that really is her name, is his fifth. But Claire is unique and won't go down without a fight.
I loved this damn book. It is a short romp, but it follows in true WPB fashion. Thats a shipment on the weird, and the blood, and the gore, the cringe, and whatever else makes splatter punk. Claire is an outstanding MC and I must have more of her in my life. And yes that is a plea to make that happen.
Henry is a guy who has been on a bit of a shopping spree as of late, but he's not going for clothes, cars, or shoes. He's stacking bodies. And Claire, if that really is her name, is his fifth. But Claire is unique and won't go down without a fight.
I loved this damn book. It is a short romp, but it follows in true WPB fashion. Thats a shipment on the weird, and the blood, and the gore, the cringe, and whatever else makes splatter punk. Claire is an outstanding MC and I must have more of her in my life. And yes that is a plea to make that happen.
September 10, 2021
A fun, fast-paced, one-sitting horror novella by a new (to me) author is just the thing for the #lohfreadathon!
I enjoyed Abrams's tale, which seems like a straightforward serial killer kidnapping tale, but is in fact much, much more. Abrams's take on a horror subgenre that is generally a bit tired and played out will definitely have you on your toes—especially toward the end. If I told you anything else, I'd have to kill you!
While the plot is quite inventive and kept me interested by swerving off in unexpected directions, I wasn't as sold on the structure of the story. It flashes back and forth to the killer's previous victims and other moments in a way that interrupted the flow of the story for me and made it feel a bit disjointed.
I have not read many Weirdpunk books, but I'm excited to see what else they have to offer as they seem interested in strange stories and unique writers. Just the thing for me!
I enjoyed Abrams's tale, which seems like a straightforward serial killer kidnapping tale, but is in fact much, much more. Abrams's take on a horror subgenre that is generally a bit tired and played out will definitely have you on your toes—especially toward the end. If I told you anything else, I'd have to kill you!
While the plot is quite inventive and kept me interested by swerving off in unexpected directions, I wasn't as sold on the structure of the story. It flashes back and forth to the killer's previous victims and other moments in a way that interrupted the flow of the story for me and made it feel a bit disjointed.
I have not read many Weirdpunk books, but I'm excited to see what else they have to offer as they seem interested in strange stories and unique writers. Just the thing for me!
May 6, 2021
Fair warning, you will get to know and like characters whose lives end abruptly and terribly. At the end of “She Who Rules the Dead,” I was left with a lot of questions. Just who, and what, is the main character “Claire?” Without giving anything away, she very clearly “isn’t exactly human.” Claire fits into some sort of hierarchy of other beings who aren’t “exactly human” who may not be happy with her actions at the end of the novella. You, the reader, really won’t be able to blame her though. Henry was the worst! None of these questions are bad. It would be great if future stories expanded upon the universe created in “She Who Rules the Dead” because I want to read them. If you like stories about revenge, with a side of the supernatural, check out “She Who Rules the Dead.”
September 8, 2024
Strange, messy, and ultimately unsatisfying.
This gross, gory novella was simultaneously unsettling and disappointing. Told in a disjointed style, the narrative intersperses a present timeline with flashbacks and police statements, which while occasionally clunky works surprisingly well. The plot however leaves something to be desired with the writing focusing more on the gritty, gruesome details of each scene and less on the actual storyline. Like many novellas, it suffers from its awkward length; too long to be a cohesive short story and yet not long enough to satisfactorily answer many of the questions it raises. While I did find this tale intriguing overall, I don't know that I'd be interested in reading more from this author.
This gross, gory novella was simultaneously unsettling and disappointing. Told in a disjointed style, the narrative intersperses a present timeline with flashbacks and police statements, which while occasionally clunky works surprisingly well. The plot however leaves something to be desired with the writing focusing more on the gritty, gruesome details of each scene and less on the actual storyline. Like many novellas, it suffers from its awkward length; too long to be a cohesive short story and yet not long enough to satisfactorily answer many of the questions it raises. While I did find this tale intriguing overall, I don't know that I'd be interested in reading more from this author.
May 24, 2021
I was all in when I saw the cover and read the synopsis. A quick, fun novella. Full of suspense, dead stinky bodies and some humor.
You don’t get much of the demon. The little bit you get seemed creepy. The story focuses on Henry and how he killed the four people and his journey with Claire.
Claire is the best part of the book...her sarcasm, wit and humor. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
You don’t get much of the demon. The little bit you get seemed creepy. The story focuses on Henry and how he killed the four people and his journey with Claire.
Claire is the best part of the book...her sarcasm, wit and humor. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
June 6, 2021
Wow! Wow! Wow! That was one hell of a ride! Love the concept. This was one of my easiest reads. It never lost my attention. Throughly enjoy it and only wish it was longer.
July 28, 2021
The Maria Abrams novella, She Who Rules the Dead, starts with a semi-conscious, drugged woman, Claire, in a van being driven by a serial killer, Henry. Henry already has four dead bodies in the back of the van and killing Claire fulfills a dream he had. If this is not enough to give this novella a try, are you even a reader? The next 100 or so pages move at a breakneck speed, and prepare yourself to sit down and read this entire book in one sitting.
I love the story because it does go in unexpected directions. There is not so much twist and turns as much as unpredicted directions. There is as much story and plot in this novella as there are in some 400 and 500 tomles, but this story fits perfectly to the pace. We feel the adrenaline and the anxiety from both Claire, the and Henry as the final solution comes. Without a wasted page, Abrams brings this tension to the reader. When there is only 20 pages left, then 15, then 10, and we know as the reader the countdown is happening even if we do not know what the final direction is going to be. This could be much longer, but this length gives the story the anxiety that it needs.
I love the story, but I also love the writing. There is a simplicity to it that makes it read fast and clearly, even when there are some concepts that are a little trickier than others. I did not have any problem following the action, what Henry and Claire are really up to, and what the ramifications are for their actions. Abrams uses strong sentences and word choices that really makes this story sing.
Like everyone published by Weirdpunk Books, She Who Rules the Dead has a quality that I have come to expect from this publisher, and I cannot recommend reading their entire catalog enough. For anyone who is hesitant on where to start, She Who Rules the Dead is a great place to start your obsession.
I love the story because it does go in unexpected directions. There is not so much twist and turns as much as unpredicted directions. There is as much story and plot in this novella as there are in some 400 and 500 tomles, but this story fits perfectly to the pace. We feel the adrenaline and the anxiety from both Claire, the and Henry as the final solution comes. Without a wasted page, Abrams brings this tension to the reader. When there is only 20 pages left, then 15, then 10, and we know as the reader the countdown is happening even if we do not know what the final direction is going to be. This could be much longer, but this length gives the story the anxiety that it needs.
I love the story, but I also love the writing. There is a simplicity to it that makes it read fast and clearly, even when there are some concepts that are a little trickier than others. I did not have any problem following the action, what Henry and Claire are really up to, and what the ramifications are for their actions. Abrams uses strong sentences and word choices that really makes this story sing.
Like everyone published by Weirdpunk Books, She Who Rules the Dead has a quality that I have come to expect from this publisher, and I cannot recommend reading their entire catalog enough. For anyone who is hesitant on where to start, She Who Rules the Dead is a great place to start your obsession.
December 12, 2023
This is a short little novella, coming in at just over 100 pages, and it tells the story of a serial killer who’s ritually sacrificing his victims in an attempt to gain power from some demonic force. But he doesn’t realize that his next would-be victim, the woman he’s just kidnapped, isn’t human. Rather, she’s some kind of supernatural entity in human form and she’s none too happy about what he’s been up to.
It’s actually a really fun read as well, though I don’t think it’s as good as the other Abrams book I’ve read (The Doctor's Demons). It suffers a little bit in that pretty much all of the human characters in the book are either dead, bit players, or completely reprehensible. And the lead character, who is at least somewhat likable, isn’t particularly relatable in that she’s an inhuman being. So I found myself struggling to really emotionally bond with any of the characters on a deep level. Perhaps if the story were expanded a bit to give us some more of some of the other characters, I would have liked it even more.
However, don’t get me wrong. I’m not really complaining because despite that criticism, the book is nevertheless a delight to read. It captures your attention immediately and will keep you going until you turn the last page and leave you wanting more, and I think that’s really all most of us want from a novel most of the time.
It’s actually a really fun read as well, though I don’t think it’s as good as the other Abrams book I’ve read (The Doctor's Demons). It suffers a little bit in that pretty much all of the human characters in the book are either dead, bit players, or completely reprehensible. And the lead character, who is at least somewhat likable, isn’t particularly relatable in that she’s an inhuman being. So I found myself struggling to really emotionally bond with any of the characters on a deep level. Perhaps if the story were expanded a bit to give us some more of some of the other characters, I would have liked it even more.
However, don’t get me wrong. I’m not really complaining because despite that criticism, the book is nevertheless a delight to read. It captures your attention immediately and will keep you going until you turn the last page and leave you wanting more, and I think that’s really all most of us want from a novel most of the time.
July 9, 2021
5/5 stars.
This is Abrams most recent novella and my first exposure to her work. I want to say this is her first novella. But it doesn’t really matter to me. First or just the most recent I will devour her writing from here on out.
This was a one sitting read for me - a rarity. The 112 page length helped but it was really Abrams writing style that kept my eyes glued to the page.
With Claire, Abrams has created an instantly likable protagonist. While put into an untenable situation from the outset, Claire’s interactions with her captor Henry tease out the main story as the pages turn. This book is short so I won’t spoil much but the ending is novel and left me hungry for more.
While Claire shined I was also pleasantly surprised at how well fleshed out the supporting cast was. Abrams provides the side characters with their own chapters dedicating just enough page space to form them into fully realized people. A less talented writer might run the risk of watering down the main characters but not here.
This is one novella all horror fans should pick up. I for one can’t wait to read more from Abrams.
This is Abrams most recent novella and my first exposure to her work. I want to say this is her first novella. But it doesn’t really matter to me. First or just the most recent I will devour her writing from here on out.
This was a one sitting read for me - a rarity. The 112 page length helped but it was really Abrams writing style that kept my eyes glued to the page.
With Claire, Abrams has created an instantly likable protagonist. While put into an untenable situation from the outset, Claire’s interactions with her captor Henry tease out the main story as the pages turn. This book is short so I won’t spoil much but the ending is novel and left me hungry for more.
While Claire shined I was also pleasantly surprised at how well fleshed out the supporting cast was. Abrams provides the side characters with their own chapters dedicating just enough page space to form them into fully realized people. A less talented writer might run the risk of watering down the main characters but not here.
This is one novella all horror fans should pick up. I for one can’t wait to read more from Abrams.
August 3, 2021
Ok this one had some really cool things going for it. I enjoyed seeing the victims stories leading up to their death and I enjoyed the kidnapping timeline as well. But after a bit it became too weird for me to understand and the ending was just blah.
If you like stalking, kidnapping, quick deaths, supernatural beings, and zombie vibes you should give this one a go. It's a quick read so why not?
If you like stalking, kidnapping, quick deaths, supernatural beings, and zombie vibes you should give this one a go. It's a quick read so why not?
February 10, 2022
Dark and engaging
A gruesome, intense read. The opening is strong and kept me reading quickly to the ending. The death scenes are excellent and scary. Each victim is developed well, adding impact to their deaths.
Mild spoilers
I would have liked more development of the main character's motives and powers. I feel like she stays trapped in her situation longer than needed and could fight back sooner and harder.
A gruesome, intense read. The opening is strong and kept me reading quickly to the ending. The death scenes are excellent and scary. Each victim is developed well, adding impact to their deaths.
Mild spoilers
I would have liked more development of the main character's motives and powers. I feel like she stays trapped in her situation longer than needed and could fight back sooner and harder.
September 1, 2021
Short and tense, the pressure in this book boils until the very end where I felt it didn't hit as hard as I'd hoped.
I loved the premise, the dynamics between hostage and captor, and Maria Abrams' writing. She keeps it quick and vivid and I love her descriptions.
I wanted to feel all the rage and darkness through the main character but I didn't quite feel it. Still a fun, creepy time.
I loved the premise, the dynamics between hostage and captor, and Maria Abrams' writing. She keeps it quick and vivid and I love her descriptions.
I wanted to feel all the rage and darkness through the main character but I didn't quite feel it. Still a fun, creepy time.
July 9, 2021
Disturbing, unsettling...and hilarious. I love the voice Maria Abrams gives to her narrator “Claire.” She’s got this Atwood-sarcasm that makes light of all the horrific things happening around her. This was an absolute joy to read.
October 4, 2021
This book was good but I kept waiting for something even crazier to happen and it didn’t. Kind of fell short. The story was decent though and I read it in less than an hour so it’s short and a quick read.
September 30, 2022
20% in, and the writing did not interest me at all. I tried keeping up with this for a book group, but this book did absolutely nothing for - the story, at least 20% in, was just too dull for me to keep reading.
DNF.
DNF.
May 3, 2021
Review forthcoming
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