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Salvation Spring: A Novella
She doesn’t know where she’s been, these last few years, or how she came by the scars that mark her body. She can barely remember who she is, a lot of the time.
But Sasha knows Salvation Spring, the tiny nowhere town out in the middle of the desert that calls to her in dreams and haunts her waking life.
Getting there is hard. But what she’ll find there - and what the place will ask of her - will be much, much harder.
Because the Spring isn’t what it seems - far from it. And neither, for that matter, is Sasha.
Not by a long way.
But Sasha knows Salvation Spring, the tiny nowhere town out in the middle of the desert that calls to her in dreams and haunts her waking life.
Getting there is hard. But what she’ll find there - and what the place will ask of her - will be much, much harder.
Because the Spring isn’t what it seems - far from it. And neither, for that matter, is Sasha.
Not by a long way.
Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2021
8 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
T.C. Parker
16 books142 followersI'm a writer and researcher based in the fox-ravaged wilds of Leicestershire.
I've been a copywriter, a lecturer and, very briefly, an academic; now I run a semiotics and cultural insight agency by day and dream up horror and crime fiction at night, when the kids are asleep.
I write mostly horror and crime, skeet enthusiastically as @tcparker.bsky.social, and post the occasional poorly-composed photo on Instagram (as @writestc).
For stories, serialised novels and other thoughts about the universe, visit/subscribe to my Substack - tcparker.substack.com
I've been a copywriter, a lecturer and, very briefly, an academic; now I run a semiotics and cultural insight agency by day and dream up horror and crime fiction at night, when the kids are asleep.
I write mostly horror and crime, skeet enthusiastically as @tcparker.bsky.social, and post the occasional poorly-composed photo on Instagram (as @writestc).
For stories, serialised novels and other thoughts about the universe, visit/subscribe to my Substack - tcparker.substack.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 13, 2024
Wow, this was so much bigger than I expected. When I went in, I assumed it was going to be one of those typical horror westerns, where the main character is either dead themselves or whatever else involving spooky mines, artifacts, etc. But then this did a hard pivot and we're now in this huge, post-apocalyptic situation, jumping to different time periods, and there's giant bugs! Like my mind was blown at how wrong my initial thoughts were. And I'm coming at this from someone who really dislikes westerns, and ghost stories/hauntings are kinda meh, and I'm not much into science fiction either. So technically, I should have hated this book and skewered it in my review. And I noticed quite a few of those types of reviews coming before mine. But, alas, I enjoyed what T.C. Parker brought to the table here. It was written very well, the characters were interesting, it was short enough to not lose my attention, and it took some big risks. So kudos to the author for making such a unique experience here. I do feel that certain areas could have been fine-tuned a bit for non-science fiction types, like myself, but, otherwise, I liked this quite a bit.
March 7, 2022
The story started as a kind of western with a woman named Sasha coming to a little mining town named Salvation Springs. There she comes to know the local "doctor" Jess (also a woman). When she's starting to see apparitions the story becomes a bit too fantastic for my liking. Then it tends to science fiction and difficult human relationships (nothing new under the sun). The story started strong and very interesting but after the intriguing opening it lost itself in confusing time leaps and strange characters and their interaction. Maybe the author should have told a horror western and not a strange brew like this. Not my cup of tea to be honest. For fans only!
December 23, 2025
➥ 3.25 Stars *:･ﾟ✧
I feel...underqualified to review this. Parker has clearly put in the work when it comes to research, considering the vivid historical and literary references. The writing is really great. The plot twist was fun and unpredictable. The atmosphere and setting was really really amazing. And it was overall a very unique and creative book.
Though this is tagged as horror on goodreads, I wouldn't go in really expecting true horror (whatever that is, because idk shit, really). It wasn't that gruesome or horrifying, but that's not what I think Parker was going for anyway.
This almost felt...mythological? Granted, I wasn't familiar with the historical/mythological context which definitely could have enabled me to appreciate this book more.
And, after the main plot twist, I wasn't that big a fan of the turns this book took. The twist itself was really cool (wow, go you Gloria, top commentary right there), but what happened after got a little messy and...dramatic in a way I didn't really enjoy. Especially the ending.
Obviously, it's ultimately up to the author to chose how they want to write a book, so I suppose the end of it just "didn't work for me". Maybe I'm just a tad too naive and , but I'd have liked to see .
On that note I did enjoy the inherent yet unemphasised queerness in this novella. It was refreshing and, if I'm being honest, sprinkled in a bit of what I'm familiar with. Now, this is definitely not a romance book, that's not what I'm trying to say, but it did make it more digestible for my embarrassingly uncultured self.
I feel silly to be most appreciative of the romantic moments between the characters, but I just thought it was a really enjoyable sort of...side plot? I'm not sure if that's exactly what I'd call it but yeah. Go gays!
Though the writing was eloquent as FUCK (I was googling every other word) (I'm exaggerating but it was some professional stuff), I did feel like it could be a little bit dense at times *shields myself*. There were some moments where it was paragraph after paragraph of explanation of the mythology and it was a little too much for my barely-capable brain to handle. If I were to have chosen how to do it, I'd have broken it up by a little dialogue and character interaction.
Overall, this was a pretty fun, really unique and super atmospheric novella! It was a bit out of my comfort zone, as I don't really know what kind of genre this falls into (I usually just tear romance books apart, as one does) so I feel like my less shiny rating is due to my own disorientation. Though I do still think that it was kind of a lot: Again, my own confusion is my downfall.
Thank you T.C. Parker for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
“And then she was there - she and the Mustang walking slow-footed under the hanging sign bidding them Welcome to Salvation Spring, Population 300.”
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
I feel...underqualified to review this. Parker has clearly put in the work when it comes to research, considering the vivid historical and literary references. The writing is really great. The plot twist was fun and unpredictable. The atmosphere and setting was really really amazing. And it was overall a very unique and creative book.
Though this is tagged as horror on goodreads, I wouldn't go in really expecting true horror (whatever that is, because idk shit, really). It wasn't that gruesome or horrifying, but that's not what I think Parker was going for anyway.
This almost felt...mythological? Granted, I wasn't familiar with the historical/mythological context which definitely could have enabled me to appreciate this book more.
And, after the main plot twist, I wasn't that big a fan of the turns this book took. The twist itself was really cool (wow, go you Gloria, top commentary right there), but what happened after got a little messy and...dramatic in a way I didn't really enjoy. Especially the ending.
Obviously, it's ultimately up to the author to chose how they want to write a book, so I suppose the end of it just "didn't work for me". Maybe I'm just a tad too naive and , but I'd have liked to see .
On that note I did enjoy the inherent yet unemphasised queerness in this novella. It was refreshing and, if I'm being honest, sprinkled in a bit of what I'm familiar with. Now, this is definitely not a romance book, that's not what I'm trying to say, but it did make it more digestible for my embarrassingly uncultured self.
“She just wrapped a clean red rag around Sasha’s neck to keep the dust from her face; pushed a fresh canteen of water into Sasha’s hands, and dropped a small, sad kiss to Sasha’s cheek as she walked outside to collect the Mustang from the stable.”
I feel silly to be most appreciative of the romantic moments between the characters, but I just thought it was a really enjoyable sort of...side plot? I'm not sure if that's exactly what I'd call it but yeah. Go gays!
Though the writing was eloquent as FUCK (I was googling every other word) (I'm exaggerating but it was some professional stuff), I did feel like it could be a little bit dense at times *shields myself*. There were some moments where it was paragraph after paragraph of explanation of the mythology and it was a little too much for my barely-capable brain to handle. If I were to have chosen how to do it, I'd have broken it up by a little dialogue and character interaction.
Overall, this was a pretty fun, really unique and super atmospheric novella! It was a bit out of my comfort zone, as I don't really know what kind of genre this falls into (I usually just tear romance books apart, as one does) so I feel like my less shiny rating is due to my own disorientation. Though I do still think that it was kind of a lot: Again, my own confusion is my downfall.
Thank you T.C. Parker for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
May 10, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads
If you enjoy weird Westerns like THE DARK TOWER SERIES by Stephen King you might want to pick up WALK THE DARKNESS DOWN by John Boden and a few books from the Splatter Western Series published by Death's Head Press (THE MAGPIE COFFIN, RED STATION, THE NIGHT SILVER RIVER RUN RED and THE THIRTEENTH KOYOTE)
You're also going to want, SALVATION SPRING by T. C. Parker which leans into the cosmic more than the other works I previously mentioned, aligning itself more closely to that DARK TOWER brand King delivers.
Sasha arrives in SALVATION SPRING a stranger to herself and its citizens. She gets room and board with one of the locals and they strike up a friendship. As their relationship deepens, Sasha's mysterious past begins to surface.
The pace of this story is fast and urgent; the emphasis pointing to Sasha's inevitable journey to a mineshaft where she believes she was abducted and augmented many years ago. The twists and turns are unexpected and unsettling. There were times where I suspended disbelief in an effort to follow the author's lead and I'm glad I did. I enjoyed familiarizing myself with Parker's unique storytelling and imagination. Quite a different voice than that of my first T. C. Parker read, SALT BLOOD. Take note of Parker's career, she has chops.
If you enjoy weird Westerns like THE DARK TOWER SERIES by Stephen King you might want to pick up WALK THE DARKNESS DOWN by John Boden and a few books from the Splatter Western Series published by Death's Head Press (THE MAGPIE COFFIN, RED STATION, THE NIGHT SILVER RIVER RUN RED and THE THIRTEENTH KOYOTE)
You're also going to want, SALVATION SPRING by T. C. Parker which leans into the cosmic more than the other works I previously mentioned, aligning itself more closely to that DARK TOWER brand King delivers.
Sasha arrives in SALVATION SPRING a stranger to herself and its citizens. She gets room and board with one of the locals and they strike up a friendship. As their relationship deepens, Sasha's mysterious past begins to surface.
The pace of this story is fast and urgent; the emphasis pointing to Sasha's inevitable journey to a mineshaft where she believes she was abducted and augmented many years ago. The twists and turns are unexpected and unsettling. There were times where I suspended disbelief in an effort to follow the author's lead and I'm glad I did. I enjoyed familiarizing myself with Parker's unique storytelling and imagination. Quite a different voice than that of my first T. C. Parker read, SALT BLOOD. Take note of Parker's career, she has chops.
May 22, 2023
This book was such an adventure and I loved it from start to finish. There were more than a few times I had to pause and backtrack because I couldn’t believe what had just happened, this story keeps you guessing until the very end. The breadcrumb trail here is expertly laid, and kept me invested but wasn’t so obvious that I correctly guessed any of the surprises along the way. Sasha comes to town looking for answers about herself and finds even more mystery. I loved Saltblood but this tops it and is my new favorite horror story that I already want to read again. It is a quick read that you won’t be able to put down and these characters will stick with you. Though it’s a novella it really packs a punch, you won’t be sorry you read it.
May 2, 2023
2023 Review (second read)
No lie, I enjoyed it even more the second time around! A must-read!
What to expect if you join Sasha on her Wild West adventure:
* An unpredictable plot all the way through
* A sweet sapphic romance
* Unexpected mythology
* A crazy, nonlinear timeline that will throw you for a loop (in the best way) more than once!
* A compelling MC that you'll root for (and want to learn about her past just as much as she does)!
* A perfect ending
* Strange creatures with an intriguing origin
* A bit of not-quite-gore, but overall, the book is neither particularly gory, nor scary.
* I would say that it reads/feels like a dark mystery
TC Parker has a unique voice and writing style, such that her writing is an experience in itself. I can honestly say that there is no writer whose words I've enjoyed reading more than hers; it's like a candy store for my brain, with so many delicious and tantalizing words, bright and beautiful metaphors, and glittery and exotic grammar. The only thing I need now is her words coming from Abby Craden's mouth 😅
Past the writing, there's a creative mind that never ceases to amaze with intricate, seamless plots that twist and turn in ways you could never predict. Her stories are an absolute treat to experience and I can guarantee I'll keep coming back to them time and time again (I have every one of them in paperback AND e-book).
Salvation Spring, specifically, is a surprisingly wild ride. You'll never guess where this story leads and every moment of it kept me completely enthralled (both times)! The ending was perfect, just the right amount of satisfaction and implication to have me going "Awwww!" and "Serves you right, you crazy b*tch!"
10/5 - I absolutely recommend this!
2022: Original Review
Salvation Spring was a unique, interesting, and well-paced story. The thing I love most about T.C. Parker's writing is how unpredictable her storylines are. While I've seen some reviews that term the story outlandish or unrealistic - in which case I'd say, if you like realism you should consider a different genre - I find her plots (this one included) highly creative and intriguing and I always enjoy the journey and the impossibility of predicting where we'll be by the end of it. Salvation Spring starts out as a mysterious Western, but every revelation (of which there are numerous) will take you somewhere unexpected and completely alter your perception of the story and its events.
Parker's writing skill is, as always, top notch. It is so rare for me to need a dictionary, particularly within the sapphic literature world, but I always learn something new when I pick up a book by T.C. Parker and I love that! She is definitely among the ranks of my absolute favourite authors and I cannot recommend her books enough!
No lie, I enjoyed it even more the second time around! A must-read!
What to expect if you join Sasha on her Wild West adventure:
* An unpredictable plot all the way through
* A sweet sapphic romance
* Unexpected mythology
* A crazy, nonlinear timeline that will throw you for a loop (in the best way) more than once!
* A compelling MC that you'll root for (and want to learn about her past just as much as she does)!
* A perfect ending
* Strange creatures with an intriguing origin
* A bit of not-quite-gore, but overall, the book is neither particularly gory, nor scary.
* I would say that it reads/feels like a dark mystery
TC Parker has a unique voice and writing style, such that her writing is an experience in itself. I can honestly say that there is no writer whose words I've enjoyed reading more than hers; it's like a candy store for my brain, with so many delicious and tantalizing words, bright and beautiful metaphors, and glittery and exotic grammar. The only thing I need now is her words coming from Abby Craden's mouth 😅
Past the writing, there's a creative mind that never ceases to amaze with intricate, seamless plots that twist and turn in ways you could never predict. Her stories are an absolute treat to experience and I can guarantee I'll keep coming back to them time and time again (I have every one of them in paperback AND e-book).
Salvation Spring, specifically, is a surprisingly wild ride. You'll never guess where this story leads and every moment of it kept me completely enthralled (both times)! The ending was perfect, just the right amount of satisfaction and implication to have me going "Awwww!" and "Serves you right, you crazy b*tch!"
10/5 - I absolutely recommend this!
2022: Original Review
Salvation Spring was a unique, interesting, and well-paced story. The thing I love most about T.C. Parker's writing is how unpredictable her storylines are. While I've seen some reviews that term the story outlandish or unrealistic - in which case I'd say, if you like realism you should consider a different genre - I find her plots (this one included) highly creative and intriguing and I always enjoy the journey and the impossibility of predicting where we'll be by the end of it. Salvation Spring starts out as a mysterious Western, but every revelation (of which there are numerous) will take you somewhere unexpected and completely alter your perception of the story and its events.
Parker's writing skill is, as always, top notch. It is so rare for me to need a dictionary, particularly within the sapphic literature world, but I always learn something new when I pick up a book by T.C. Parker and I love that! She is definitely among the ranks of my absolute favourite authors and I cannot recommend her books enough!
October 13, 2022
With spooky season coming up, I really wanted to sink my teeth into this one, and I'm so glad I did! Beautifully written, with mythological horror, a little gore, and lots of bugs... Dead men, wild west mines, creatures not of this world (and some that are, but no longer considered as such)... I absolutely binged this book and couldn't put it down. I'm moving straight on to another by this author!
May 8, 2021
Sasha has spent weeks travelling across the country toward the mines at Salvation Spring, a place she often dreams of but has no recollection of visiting, but hopes will help fill in the gaps of long-lost memories of a traumatic event that her mind has blocked out.
Upon her arrival, she meets Jess, a well-respected local medicine woman who offers her room and board during her visit. Upon learning of Sasha’s intention to visit the local mines she does her best to dissuade her, regaling her with awful tales of hideously disfigured bodies found at the site, with no discernible explanation for their presence. Will Sasha heed Jess’s warnings or will she be the next victim of the horrors that call Salvation Spring home?
Horror westerns are, without a doubt, the big thing in independent horror publishing at the moment. Popularised by Deaths Head Press’s ‘Splatter Western’ line, it seems everyone’s favourite horror authors are all currently in various stages of their own western story with a horror twist, and why not? Westerns and horror go together so well! The tough conditions and desolate plains of the American Old West in the latter part of the 1800s lend themselves to all manner of terrors, both human and monster. TC Parker’s new novella, ‘Salvation Spring’, makes some truly unique use of the melding of these two seemingly disparate genres.
The author has described the book as a ‘weird, queer, cosmic horror western’ so any horror readers in the market for something unique, it’s not as if there are a plethora of books out there that can make the same boasts. It’s also fitting that the word ‘weird’ is first and foremost in that sentence because this was a wildly unpredictable and crazy ride.
The story starts off fairly grounded, as Sasha rides into Salvation Spring and finds the town oddly quiet. Parker drops a few hints that everything may not be quite as it seems and we quickly start to feel the tension build as you get the sense that this is just the calm before the storm. There are further clues as to the more sinister goings-on at this remote little outpost when we first meet Jess, who we immediately realise is going to have a pivotal role in proceedings.
It’s at this point this review gets a little difficult to write because, to say that things take an unexpected turn would be a whopper of an understatement. I won't spoil anything here but, needless to say, if you think you know how things are going to end, you would be wrong. Weird doesn’t even come close to covering it.
A large part of the novella is spent with Sasha and Jess as their relationship develops, and I really enjoyed how this played out on the page. The pair appear to have fairly different personalities at the outset, Sasha being far more introverted and troubled than the confident, intelligent Jess, but they share a lot of common traits that cements their bond that grows organically. It’s a beautifully written and executed progression from strangers to couple that doesn’t feel forced, or overly exaggerated, but rather grounded and natural and their relationship is both the heart of the book and its highlight.
Without delving into spoiler territory, I will say that the direction the book goes in may lose some readers. It is both strange and completely and utterly unpredictable, and the surprises keep coming even when we learn early on to expect the unexpected. I personally loved the different elements that were introduced and the ‘weird’ element of Parker’s ‘weird, queer, cosmic horror western’ totally worked for me. Besides which, by the time things took a turn for the strange, I was so totally invested in Sasha and Jess and the mystery of Salvation Spring that I was more than willing to just strap myself in and see where the book took me. If you are reading the book and the twist revelation at the midway point throws you, persevere. It is worth it, trust me.
‘Salvation Spring’ has taken the current trend of horror infused Westerns and used it as a springboard for something genuinely new and original. Its standout characters and manic plot twists will keep even the most jaded horror reader gripped until the final page.
This review was initially written for and published by Horroroasis.com
Check out their site for horror book and movie reviews, articles, giveaways and more.
Upon her arrival, she meets Jess, a well-respected local medicine woman who offers her room and board during her visit. Upon learning of Sasha’s intention to visit the local mines she does her best to dissuade her, regaling her with awful tales of hideously disfigured bodies found at the site, with no discernible explanation for their presence. Will Sasha heed Jess’s warnings or will she be the next victim of the horrors that call Salvation Spring home?
Horror westerns are, without a doubt, the big thing in independent horror publishing at the moment. Popularised by Deaths Head Press’s ‘Splatter Western’ line, it seems everyone’s favourite horror authors are all currently in various stages of their own western story with a horror twist, and why not? Westerns and horror go together so well! The tough conditions and desolate plains of the American Old West in the latter part of the 1800s lend themselves to all manner of terrors, both human and monster. TC Parker’s new novella, ‘Salvation Spring’, makes some truly unique use of the melding of these two seemingly disparate genres.
The author has described the book as a ‘weird, queer, cosmic horror western’ so any horror readers in the market for something unique, it’s not as if there are a plethora of books out there that can make the same boasts. It’s also fitting that the word ‘weird’ is first and foremost in that sentence because this was a wildly unpredictable and crazy ride.
The story starts off fairly grounded, as Sasha rides into Salvation Spring and finds the town oddly quiet. Parker drops a few hints that everything may not be quite as it seems and we quickly start to feel the tension build as you get the sense that this is just the calm before the storm. There are further clues as to the more sinister goings-on at this remote little outpost when we first meet Jess, who we immediately realise is going to have a pivotal role in proceedings.
It’s at this point this review gets a little difficult to write because, to say that things take an unexpected turn would be a whopper of an understatement. I won't spoil anything here but, needless to say, if you think you know how things are going to end, you would be wrong. Weird doesn’t even come close to covering it.
A large part of the novella is spent with Sasha and Jess as their relationship develops, and I really enjoyed how this played out on the page. The pair appear to have fairly different personalities at the outset, Sasha being far more introverted and troubled than the confident, intelligent Jess, but they share a lot of common traits that cements their bond that grows organically. It’s a beautifully written and executed progression from strangers to couple that doesn’t feel forced, or overly exaggerated, but rather grounded and natural and their relationship is both the heart of the book and its highlight.
Without delving into spoiler territory, I will say that the direction the book goes in may lose some readers. It is both strange and completely and utterly unpredictable, and the surprises keep coming even when we learn early on to expect the unexpected. I personally loved the different elements that were introduced and the ‘weird’ element of Parker’s ‘weird, queer, cosmic horror western’ totally worked for me. Besides which, by the time things took a turn for the strange, I was so totally invested in Sasha and Jess and the mystery of Salvation Spring that I was more than willing to just strap myself in and see where the book took me. If you are reading the book and the twist revelation at the midway point throws you, persevere. It is worth it, trust me.
‘Salvation Spring’ has taken the current trend of horror infused Westerns and used it as a springboard for something genuinely new and original. Its standout characters and manic plot twists will keep even the most jaded horror reader gripped until the final page.
This review was initially written for and published by Horroroasis.com
Check out their site for horror book and movie reviews, articles, giveaways and more.
April 28, 2021
When Sasha stumbles into town on her worn out steed, you are fully enveloped in this dry, savage world that may take you back (as it did me) to weekend matinée showings of spaghetti westerns. Through the sort of stunning prose I've come to expect from T. C. Parker, we meet the tight-knit cast of the small town of Salvation Spring, all the while knowing that Sasha's quest to reach the mines is one she'd perhaps best forget.
There are clues and hints woven throughout this opening segment of what lies beyond, but to say more than that is to leave spoilers which may sully your enjoyment.
Suffice to say, this is my favourite of T. C. Parker's work to date. The emotional toll it takes is somehow heavier than in the previous two excellent novels.
If you enjoy the other worldly in your horror, sprinkled with grotesquely described human remains and bent around an utterly compelling mystery, then look no further.
There are clues and hints woven throughout this opening segment of what lies beyond, but to say more than that is to leave spoilers which may sully your enjoyment.
Suffice to say, this is my favourite of T. C. Parker's work to date. The emotional toll it takes is somehow heavier than in the previous two excellent novels.
If you enjoy the other worldly in your horror, sprinkled with grotesquely described human remains and bent around an utterly compelling mystery, then look no further.
May 2, 2023
It’s rather remarkable how much “body” TC Parker was able to put in this 140 page novella.
It’s a compelling story that could have so many labels and none would really do this story justice. Parker knows how to spin a story and keep you on your toes, always wanting more and, most of all, keep you guessing. I feel like the tagline that is slapped on another edition of this novella (a weird, queer, western novella) does it some justice, but it isn’t just that, it’s more and you’d need to read it for yourself to experience what I’m trying to say.
Parker’s writing style isn’t my personal favourite. It has to do with focus, on my part. I space out/get distracted (because I do multiple things at once)a lot of the time and Parker’s writing style doesn’t allow this. It will have me rereading sections multiple times, I would be totally lost if I didn’t. That’s not a bad thing, not at all, it’s just me being a bit of dreamer.
I would recommend this if your looking for a different read and want a story that keeps you guessing and wondering.
It’s a compelling story that could have so many labels and none would really do this story justice. Parker knows how to spin a story and keep you on your toes, always wanting more and, most of all, keep you guessing. I feel like the tagline that is slapped on another edition of this novella (a weird, queer, western novella) does it some justice, but it isn’t just that, it’s more and you’d need to read it for yourself to experience what I’m trying to say.
Parker’s writing style isn’t my personal favourite. It has to do with focus, on my part. I space out/get distracted (because I do multiple things at once)a lot of the time and Parker’s writing style doesn’t allow this. It will have me rereading sections multiple times, I would be totally lost if I didn’t. That’s not a bad thing, not at all, it’s just me being a bit of dreamer.
I would recommend this if your looking for a different read and want a story that keeps you guessing and wondering.
April 18, 2021
I loved this short and snappy Western horror novella. Such a great concept that keeps you guessing until the end.
We join Sasha on her journey as she tries to piece together fragments of her past, to remember who she is and where she needs to get to. She stumbles across a few characters along the way, some out to help her, some, not.
TC Parker has an innate ability to immerse her readers in a given time and place. (Be it 90’s England in The Debt or imprisoned on an island in Saltblood). Her descriptive prose makes it so easy to see and (sometimes unfortunately) feel everything the characters go through. But it is such an incredible story! If you think you have it figured out, you don’t.
Really enjoyable read from start to finish and the ending will leave you both satisfied but probably also wondering, “Who the hell comes up with this stuff?!’
We join Sasha on her journey as she tries to piece together fragments of her past, to remember who she is and where she needs to get to. She stumbles across a few characters along the way, some out to help her, some, not.
TC Parker has an innate ability to immerse her readers in a given time and place. (Be it 90’s England in The Debt or imprisoned on an island in Saltblood). Her descriptive prose makes it so easy to see and (sometimes unfortunately) feel everything the characters go through. But it is such an incredible story! If you think you have it figured out, you don’t.
Really enjoyable read from start to finish and the ending will leave you both satisfied but probably also wondering, “Who the hell comes up with this stuff?!’
January 28, 2022
This story of body horror went places I wasn’t expecting. There’s a lovely believable romance that develops which I always LOVE and appreciate and then things go off in a wild and unexpected direction. There’s so much happening in this novella that it could’ve easily broken my brain but all the weirdness is explained so as not to confuse so I’m still here with two brain cells intact 😝.If you like your horror weird and adventurous I think this is one you won’t want to miss.
April 22, 2021
Salvation Spring is such an impressive piece of work. It felt like I was reading some classic Western story at first. It was that good. Everything was so well realised.
From the environment, to the fashion, to the way people communicated. The whole damn thing felt spot on to me. No spoilers here, but things do change direction. If you've read her novel Salt Blood you'll probably expect something along those lines anyway, but it's how Natalie has a knack for blending genres, how she works it seamlessly. Things that shouldn't work somehow do, and this one blends way more than one. There's a ton going on in this little book. So much to appreciate. I'm convinced there's nothing that Natalie can't write.
Salvation Spring shoots from the hip. It'll leave you standing gobsmacked in its dust trails. Trust me.
An absolute deserving five stars.
From the environment, to the fashion, to the way people communicated. The whole damn thing felt spot on to me. No spoilers here, but things do change direction. If you've read her novel Salt Blood you'll probably expect something along those lines anyway, but it's how Natalie has a knack for blending genres, how she works it seamlessly. Things that shouldn't work somehow do, and this one blends way more than one. There's a ton going on in this little book. So much to appreciate. I'm convinced there's nothing that Natalie can't write.
Salvation Spring shoots from the hip. It'll leave you standing gobsmacked in its dust trails. Trust me.
An absolute deserving five stars.
May 11, 2023
This was a very imaginative story. Lots of time leaps that you don’t expect or understand in the beginning but make sense as you get to the last part of the book.
I loved the ending, so satisfying!
I loved the ending, so satisfying!
May 27, 2021
I’m a huge fan of westerns, they remind me of lazy Sunday afternoons with my father, we’d watch them all - the good, the bad and the ugly (pun intended).
Some of my favourite were High Noon, True Grit, High Plains Drifter, Bad Day at Black Rock, Shane, The Searchers, Bone Tomahawk, Unforgiven, The Magnificent Seven, Stagecoach, The Quick and The Dead, Tombstone, Young Guns - even more recently The Sisters Brothers, The Hateful Eight and the quite brilliant TV show Godless.
I’d say I’m versed in the genre of film, I studied it at university, I dissected them, found the meaning under the skin of the conventions and fluff and what I can tell you is that TC Parker knows westerns too.
This book starts off wonderfully with our protagonist Sasha riding into a town, and Parker wastes no time at putting us smack bang into this beautifully crafted town of Salvation Spring - it a feast for all the senses. It’s something akin to True Grit in tone that opening and also had me thinking of Donald Ray Pollock’s ‘The Heavenly Table’ which for me is the closet thing to perfect a book can be. Anyway Parker paints this place wonderfully and we soon find ourselves at home with this small cast of characters and Salvation Spring.
But things are not quite what they seem and if you’ve read Parker’s work before you know that, you should know that - things are going to get crazy and weird and a bit (especially this book) cosmic - also this book is written in a different style than her previous books, the structure of the prose is not like her other offerings and in places it didn’t sound like her at all - but that is a huge compliment because Parker has the chops to change things up, a masterful way of telling a story a completely different way and that should be applauded.
I’m not going to say much more, because if I do I’m likely to give away some spoilers and because this is such a small book I don’t want to do that and I also want you, the reader to discover this truly magical western.
I will say this though - there are some disgusting scenes in this, mutilated bodies, bodies with things growing out of them, things covering them and Parker made me squirm - and if you’ve read my work you know I’m usually the one making people squirm! These descriptions are fabulous and it only serves in causing you to imagine the horrors that our protagonists are seeing and you can’t get them out of your head once they’re in there - I need soap to wash my eyes out!
There are little breadcrumbs sprinkled throughout and with our protagonist unable to remember why she has come to this town and for what purpose apart from a longing to return we know that certain things can’t be trusted - is she mad or is there something else afoot - it’s like a western come horror Memento - where at the stories conclusion all roads lead home!
Weird horror westerns have never had it so good - and with Salvation Spring Parker’s visceral writing sets her apart from the growing crowd - a fierce talent that needs to be read, in fact adored!
(Also full disclosure I did design the cover and internal illustration)
Some of my favourite were High Noon, True Grit, High Plains Drifter, Bad Day at Black Rock, Shane, The Searchers, Bone Tomahawk, Unforgiven, The Magnificent Seven, Stagecoach, The Quick and The Dead, Tombstone, Young Guns - even more recently The Sisters Brothers, The Hateful Eight and the quite brilliant TV show Godless.
I’d say I’m versed in the genre of film, I studied it at university, I dissected them, found the meaning under the skin of the conventions and fluff and what I can tell you is that TC Parker knows westerns too.
This book starts off wonderfully with our protagonist Sasha riding into a town, and Parker wastes no time at putting us smack bang into this beautifully crafted town of Salvation Spring - it a feast for all the senses. It’s something akin to True Grit in tone that opening and also had me thinking of Donald Ray Pollock’s ‘The Heavenly Table’ which for me is the closet thing to perfect a book can be. Anyway Parker paints this place wonderfully and we soon find ourselves at home with this small cast of characters and Salvation Spring.
But things are not quite what they seem and if you’ve read Parker’s work before you know that, you should know that - things are going to get crazy and weird and a bit (especially this book) cosmic - also this book is written in a different style than her previous books, the structure of the prose is not like her other offerings and in places it didn’t sound like her at all - but that is a huge compliment because Parker has the chops to change things up, a masterful way of telling a story a completely different way and that should be applauded.
I’m not going to say much more, because if I do I’m likely to give away some spoilers and because this is such a small book I don’t want to do that and I also want you, the reader to discover this truly magical western.
I will say this though - there are some disgusting scenes in this, mutilated bodies, bodies with things growing out of them, things covering them and Parker made me squirm - and if you’ve read my work you know I’m usually the one making people squirm! These descriptions are fabulous and it only serves in causing you to imagine the horrors that our protagonists are seeing and you can’t get them out of your head once they’re in there - I need soap to wash my eyes out!
There are little breadcrumbs sprinkled throughout and with our protagonist unable to remember why she has come to this town and for what purpose apart from a longing to return we know that certain things can’t be trusted - is she mad or is there something else afoot - it’s like a western come horror Memento - where at the stories conclusion all roads lead home!
Weird horror westerns have never had it so good - and with Salvation Spring Parker’s visceral writing sets her apart from the growing crowd - a fierce talent that needs to be read, in fact adored!
(Also full disclosure I did design the cover and internal illustration)
May 19, 2021
Y'all. T.C. Parker is a solid insta-buy author for me at this point. Salvation Spring is a tightly written tale, written with an economy of language that somehow manages to slow the reader at the perfect opportunities too. Setting the stage perfectly, honing in our gaze on the hairs caught in an empty noose (such a perfect, shivery snapshot). It's a short, quick read, made more so by the pitch perfect pacing. Horror, romance, western, fantasy - something here for every reader.
April 21, 2021
This book absolutely frickin' rips.
I'm a sucker for weird westerns and this western was certainly weird. I found the writing engaging and the style addictive, with vivid, brutal descriptions and characters I became quickly attached to.
A fantastic novella, and one well worth going into completely blind.
I'm a sucker for weird westerns and this western was certainly weird. I found the writing engaging and the style addictive, with vivid, brutal descriptions and characters I became quickly attached to.
A fantastic novella, and one well worth going into completely blind.
May 7, 2021
I just finished SALVATION SPRING by T.C. Parker and where do I even begin? With the writing - which is beautiful, descriptive, and carried the mystery and tension the whole story. The stage is definitely set from scenery to dialogue within the first few pages and I was easily able to place myself in this world. But then we start seeing mangled faces, dead bodies, loads of bugs, etc and I WANTED OUT! Our main character is in a bit of a conundrum, not knowing where she's been, why her body has some scars, or why she feels undeniably called to this town in the middle of the desert. I think it is fair for me to quit any sort of extra summary here as to not rob you of any firsthand experiences. But this novella has a whole lot going on - and I mean A WHOLE LOT! I highly recommend this fun, twisted, weird western story and I hope you love the characters like I did!
April 29, 2021
Wow! Loved this!! So many surprises and leaving me wanting to devour it and not wanting it to end so soon. a solid 5 stars! Thanks so much Nat!
May 8, 2021
This is the first time I've read T.C. Parker, so I didn't know what to expect. Expect the unexpected, I suppose...and that's exactly what I got.
I knew as soon as I read the first page that this was going to be good. The quality was there straight away: the hook, the ease of the prose, the atmosphere.
Salvation Spring is a genre blending paradox of a story that you wouldn't expect to work, but somehow it all comes together and just does.
It's difficult to explain the reasons for this without giving away the plot, so you'll have to take my word for it. The opening segment immersed me in the old world of a western, a movie genre I loved as a kid. Yet for some reason I couldn't pin down the time frame. Little did I understand the reason for this...not until later.
The whole thing flows smoothly and feels like a journey. The sense of place is well executed, evocative, and the relationship between Sasha and Jess is tender but not sentimental.
As the story progresses, the supernatural elements develop through unexpected twists and turns that lead you out of your comfort zone and in a different direction, forcing the reader to ask questions along the way. There are times when you might wonder how on earth the author is going to bring it back. All I will say here is the loose ends are eventually woven into a fine piece of cloth.
Unpredictable, original... a very clever piece of writing!
I knew as soon as I read the first page that this was going to be good. The quality was there straight away: the hook, the ease of the prose, the atmosphere.
Salvation Spring is a genre blending paradox of a story that you wouldn't expect to work, but somehow it all comes together and just does.
It's difficult to explain the reasons for this without giving away the plot, so you'll have to take my word for it. The opening segment immersed me in the old world of a western, a movie genre I loved as a kid. Yet for some reason I couldn't pin down the time frame. Little did I understand the reason for this...not until later.
The whole thing flows smoothly and feels like a journey. The sense of place is well executed, evocative, and the relationship between Sasha and Jess is tender but not sentimental.
As the story progresses, the supernatural elements develop through unexpected twists and turns that lead you out of your comfort zone and in a different direction, forcing the reader to ask questions along the way. There are times when you might wonder how on earth the author is going to bring it back. All I will say here is the loose ends are eventually woven into a fine piece of cloth.
Unpredictable, original... a very clever piece of writing!
May 11, 2021
Thank you to T.C. Parker for providing me with an e-ARC of Salvation Spring in exchange for an honest review!
I’ve been wanting to explore the Western Horror sub-genre for a while now and I’m so glad that I started with T.C. Parker’s Salvation Spring. For someone who really only knows Red Dead Redemption when it comes to Westerns, this weird novella was a perfect starting point.
Parker brought the GORE with this one. Along with some creepy crawlers! We do NOT do bugs in this house. My stomach twisted up a few times & for that, I thank you, T.C. Parker, for using your words to crawl underneath my skin. It’s all I could ever ask for.
I don’t think anyone knows what to expect once picking up this book. There are twists & definitely some turns. I had a blast reading this novella in a sub-genre outside of my comfort zone.
I’ve been wanting to explore the Western Horror sub-genre for a while now and I’m so glad that I started with T.C. Parker’s Salvation Spring. For someone who really only knows Red Dead Redemption when it comes to Westerns, this weird novella was a perfect starting point.
Parker brought the GORE with this one. Along with some creepy crawlers! We do NOT do bugs in this house. My stomach twisted up a few times & for that, I thank you, T.C. Parker, for using your words to crawl underneath my skin. It’s all I could ever ask for.
I don’t think anyone knows what to expect once picking up this book. There are twists & definitely some turns. I had a blast reading this novella in a sub-genre outside of my comfort zone.
July 26, 2021
Another winner from Parker - with an ending that shouldn’t have worked but totally sings. No small feat, that. In Parker we have a storyteller with more than capable hands. Can’t wait to watch her craft continue to grow.
June 8, 2021
Wonderful weird
I've read all of T.C. Parker's published works to-date and this one continues to demonstrate her skill and versatility as a writer. Whilst certainly different to those tales, Salvation Spring is just as enjoyable and as entertaining. An unusual story line, it goes in unexpected directions distorting time and perspectives leaving the reader to navigate a Wild West of a different kind - a West where humans have forgotten their place and dare to challenge old gods.
I've read all of T.C. Parker's published works to-date and this one continues to demonstrate her skill and versatility as a writer. Whilst certainly different to those tales, Salvation Spring is just as enjoyable and as entertaining. An unusual story line, it goes in unexpected directions distorting time and perspectives leaving the reader to navigate a Wild West of a different kind - a West where humans have forgotten their place and dare to challenge old gods.
May 30, 2021
This is my third read by T.C.Parker and now I'm a huge fan! Each book is so different yet all have that gripping urgency where you want to read the book cover to cover in one sitting.
In this tale, Salvation Spring, we meet Sasha who has braved great hardship fighting her way through the hot lifeless desert. Her only concern is making it back to the mines. A place she has dreamt of many times, it calls to her and she knows she needs to return to find the answers.
On horseback she comes riding into a small out of the place town that seems very distrustful of outsiders. She desperately needs to get out of the deadly heat and find shelter but the only hotel is unable to take her in.
Instead she is forced to stay with Jess, another outsider who lives on the edge of town where she is tolerated by the locals. Sasha finds a friend in Jess and soon she is telling her of her dire need to reach the mines to find the answers she is searching for.
T.C Parker is a master at creating intrigue after only a few chapters I was completely enthralled. This is no ordinary town, no one and nothing is who they seem. I don't want to say too much and ruin it for future readers but the tale takes an unexpected turn which illustrates T.C.Parker's exceptional imagination and writing skills.
In this tale, Salvation Spring, we meet Sasha who has braved great hardship fighting her way through the hot lifeless desert. Her only concern is making it back to the mines. A place she has dreamt of many times, it calls to her and she knows she needs to return to find the answers.
On horseback she comes riding into a small out of the place town that seems very distrustful of outsiders. She desperately needs to get out of the deadly heat and find shelter but the only hotel is unable to take her in.
Instead she is forced to stay with Jess, another outsider who lives on the edge of town where she is tolerated by the locals. Sasha finds a friend in Jess and soon she is telling her of her dire need to reach the mines to find the answers she is searching for.
T.C Parker is a master at creating intrigue after only a few chapters I was completely enthralled. This is no ordinary town, no one and nothing is who they seem. I don't want to say too much and ruin it for future readers but the tale takes an unexpected turn which illustrates T.C.Parker's exceptional imagination and writing skills.
April 22, 2022
Listen, Westerns aren’t really my thing. But, I will read anything by TC Parker. And I am glad I read Salvation Spring. Because I think I can get behind Horror Westerns. Salvation Spring brings together a beautiful blend of Science Fiction, Mythology, Horror, Westerns, genre bending that TC does so well. This novella has it all. The world building is excellent, the story is compelling. What horrors are drawing Sasha to the desert? What siren call is Salvation Spring using to lure Sasha back? Come to the Spring and find out.
January 20, 2022
Never in a million years did I think I'd pick up a Western Horror, but having read and enjoyed Saltblood and seeing all the positive buzz on Twitter I picked it up.
I'm so glad I did!
I won't go too into it for fear of spoilers, but Salvation Spring refuses to be contained within the limits of the genres on the cover.
A fantastic, mind bending read, with realistic sapphic rep.
I'm so glad I did!
I won't go too into it for fear of spoilers, but Salvation Spring refuses to be contained within the limits of the genres on the cover.
A fantastic, mind bending read, with realistic sapphic rep.
May 16, 2023
T.C. Parker is soaring up the chart as a favorite author. The story she wraps around my brain has me feeling all the Stephen King vibes and let me tell you how much I love King. I'm living for the world she builds, so descriptive. I smell the rotting corpse and feel the desert sun so much I need chapstick. Once again I think I have a grasp where this story is going and Parker rips the wheel out of my hands and drives us off this cliff. And yet I love the ride. This is a 5+ stars book and if you love horror that is a twisted road please give this book a try.
April 17, 2021
A cosmic western power punch from the praised author of SALTBLOOD and A PRESS OF FEATHERS.
Something is pulling a lone wanderer to the outskirts of the desert. The hot wind blowing through the red mountains brings dim memories and a longing for answers.
A dusty town awaits among the rocks and deadwood, corpses keeping the undertaker busy while the few surviving ghosts seeks shadow in the crippling heat.
Stay put or seek the horrific truth before life itself goes down in a blaze of glory.
.....welcome to the Spring.
Something is pulling a lone wanderer to the outskirts of the desert. The hot wind blowing through the red mountains brings dim memories and a longing for answers.
A dusty town awaits among the rocks and deadwood, corpses keeping the undertaker busy while the few surviving ghosts seeks shadow in the crippling heat.
Stay put or seek the horrific truth before life itself goes down in a blaze of glory.
.....welcome to the Spring.
November 15, 2022
Kindle Unlimited, mystery, suspense, drama, thriller!
There's so many other genres I feel I could say are part of this story, but I feel it would ruin the surprises therein. If you're a fan of mysterious and unique happenings with a thrilling suspenseful plot, and likable yet intriguing characters - you're gonna love this! I tentatively say there are horror and fantasy almost sci-fi elements, but saying any further would ruin the surprises, and I really encourage you to go in as blind as possible! It's an excellent, immersive and emotive story, that I think fans of these genres would love.
I've really admired a lot of this authors works so far, and they have blown me away each time. I'm fascinated with how they come up with the ideas for their stories and make the reveals so surprising and yet believable, too.
You could call this lesfic, in the sense that it does feature a woman-loving-woman who had been with other women-loving-women in her dating history - which we get some insight into - and ends up in a relationship with another woman - but it's a small part of who she is and the plot overall. So I would hesitate to ever really call it romance. (I only state this because most of my reviews are lesfic romances, so I didn't want anyone assuming and being disappointed.)
I do absolutely highly recommend it to people who are after something different, substantial and keeps you guessing. My one complaint is I would have liked a bit more epilogue. Just a few tiny loose ends, but at the same time it's not unrealistic to come to your own conclusion, and the author need not spoon feed us everything, so it leaves it slightly open to interpretation. But definitely still resolved overall. Hope that makes any sense, and I have piqued your interest.
This reminded me a little bit of two books I read: Feral and also: Radio Apocalypse - so if you liked those, you may like this one. I hope this helps!
There's so many other genres I feel I could say are part of this story, but I feel it would ruin the surprises therein. If you're a fan of mysterious and unique happenings with a thrilling suspenseful plot, and likable yet intriguing characters - you're gonna love this! I tentatively say there are horror and fantasy almost sci-fi elements, but saying any further would ruin the surprises, and I really encourage you to go in as blind as possible! It's an excellent, immersive and emotive story, that I think fans of these genres would love.
I've really admired a lot of this authors works so far, and they have blown me away each time. I'm fascinated with how they come up with the ideas for their stories and make the reveals so surprising and yet believable, too.
You could call this lesfic, in the sense that it does feature a woman-loving-woman who had been with other women-loving-women in her dating history - which we get some insight into - and ends up in a relationship with another woman - but it's a small part of who she is and the plot overall. So I would hesitate to ever really call it romance. (I only state this because most of my reviews are lesfic romances, so I didn't want anyone assuming and being disappointed.)
I do absolutely highly recommend it to people who are after something different, substantial and keeps you guessing. My one complaint is I would have liked a bit more epilogue. Just a few tiny loose ends, but at the same time it's not unrealistic to come to your own conclusion, and the author need not spoon feed us everything, so it leaves it slightly open to interpretation. But definitely still resolved overall. Hope that makes any sense, and I have piqued your interest.
This reminded me a little bit of two books I read: Feral and also: Radio Apocalypse - so if you liked those, you may like this one. I hope this helps!
June 4, 2021
Salvation Spring is an amazing book that took me completely by surprise. I'm a huge fan of "weird west" stories (westerns with a horror or sci-fi slant to them), so I expected this to be right up my alley. As a western, it starts off strong, with horror elements that kept me in suspense. Then the book takes a turn that flips everything upside down and it becomes a different kind of story entirely, as if Stephen King jumped in and started directing the plot. I was blown away at the twists and turns, and I loved every minute of it. This is one of my favorite reads of the year so far.
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