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Goddess of Filth
“Five of us sat in a circle doing our best to emulate the girls in The Craft, hoping to unleash some power to take us all away from our home to the place of our dreams. But we weren’t witches. We were five Chicanas living in San Antonio, Texas, one year out of high school.”
One hot summer night, best friends Lourdes, Fernanda, Ana, Perla, and Pauline hold a séance. It’s all fun and games at first, but their tipsy laughter turns to terror when the flames burn straight through their prayer candles and Fernanda starts crawling toward her friends and chanting in Nahuatl, the language of their Aztec ancestors.
Over the next few weeks, shy, modest Fernanda starts acting strangely—smearing herself in black makeup, shredding her hands on rose thorns, sucking sin out of the mouths of the guilty. The local priest is convinced it's a demon, but Lourdes begins to suspect it’s something else—something far more ancient and powerful.
As Father Moreno's obsession with Fernanda grows, Lourdes enlists the help of her “bruja Craft crew” and a professor, Dr. Camacho, to understand what is happening to her friend in this unholy tale of possession-gone-right.
One hot summer night, best friends Lourdes, Fernanda, Ana, Perla, and Pauline hold a séance. It’s all fun and games at first, but their tipsy laughter turns to terror when the flames burn straight through their prayer candles and Fernanda starts crawling toward her friends and chanting in Nahuatl, the language of their Aztec ancestors.
Over the next few weeks, shy, modest Fernanda starts acting strangely—smearing herself in black makeup, shredding her hands on rose thorns, sucking sin out of the mouths of the guilty. The local priest is convinced it's a demon, but Lourdes begins to suspect it’s something else—something far more ancient and powerful.
As Father Moreno's obsession with Fernanda grows, Lourdes enlists the help of her “bruja Craft crew” and a professor, Dr. Camacho, to understand what is happening to her friend in this unholy tale of possession-gone-right.
4 pages, Audiobook
First published March 30, 2021
About the author
V. Castro
80 books1,279 followersHi ! Thank you so very much for picking up my books. You can also check out www.lamuertemarket.com
Wishing you Blessings and Abundance!
Wishing you Blessings and Abundance!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,995 reviews
October 28, 2021
this was so good!!!! The Craft meets Jennifer's Body
April 23, 2021
Oh, man. Where to start with this one? I had such high expectations for this novella when I first read about the premise. I was so excited to read a sort of Mexican spin on The Craft. I really wanted a novel playing up Mexican folklore as well as the occult, which is what the book led me to believe this would be. It was also printed by a very pro-feminism publisher, so I thought I was in for a really fun ride. I was very wrong.
I think the biggest problem with Goddess of Filth is that V. Castro wanted to write a scary story that symbolized a coming of age metaphor, but missed pretty much every mark she needed to hit. On top of that, she pushed aside the more interesting factors of her story, like the occult practices, in order to focus more on the premise those practices set up. That sounds a little confusing, but let me explain. Everything that happens in this novella is the result of a séance gone wrong, however, even though this is arguably the most pivotal scene in the entire novel, it has no build up whatsoever (it's the opening scene) and takes place so quickly and so poorly that I was stunned these girls were able to summon anything at all. Then, what comes forth from this séance is what I believe to function as V. Castro's big metaphor for growing up, but when taken at face value translates to something completely polar to her initial intent. In other words, allowing an ancient being to possess you is supposed to represent a main character coming into herself, but at the end of the day it just reads as if a woman can only reach her full potential if she gives someone else control of her body. Which is basically the most anti-feminist concept out there. Like it goes against all the principals women have been fighting for over the last several centuries.
So that's the major root of the issue with this novella, however, there's more. What's the first thing you would do if you thought your best friend was possessed by a demon? Some people may go to a doctor, others may seek out a priest, but I don't think anyone in their right mind would say "Let's sneak this 19 year old girl into a 21+ night club!" Not only do the characters in Goddess of Filth do this, but then they lose their friend and she ends up in a sleazy situation with a predatory guy. Just where was the common sense in all of this?
There was just so much blatantly wrong with this novel and so many more scenes of main characters making stupid decisions that made no logical sense, but I'll overlook that in favor of speaking about the absurd, unnecessary side plot that takes place during the majority of this story. Just about every scene with that scumbag priest was a joke. It felt so forced and unhinged and the big reveal about him was gross and cliché. In fact this storyline hinged so closely on a stereotypical caricature that it actually made me start paying more attention to the stereotypes Castro implemented in her novella. Constantly she has main characters saying they are more than a stereotype, and constantly she introduces characters who are literally defined by a negative cultural interpretation. Every time I met a new character I would roll my eyes at how undeveloped they were.
I wanted to enjoy this novella. I had high hopes for it, but it strayed away from all of the major topics that initially made this storyline intriguing. There was a really interesting concept buried deep inside this tale, but it was never dug up and fleshed out enough to carry this story beyond a low 2-star rating.
I think the biggest problem with Goddess of Filth is that V. Castro wanted to write a scary story that symbolized a coming of age metaphor, but missed pretty much every mark she needed to hit. On top of that, she pushed aside the more interesting factors of her story, like the occult practices, in order to focus more on the premise those practices set up. That sounds a little confusing, but let me explain. Everything that happens in this novella is the result of a séance gone wrong, however, even though this is arguably the most pivotal scene in the entire novel, it has no build up whatsoever (it's the opening scene) and takes place so quickly and so poorly that I was stunned these girls were able to summon anything at all. Then, what comes forth from this séance is what I believe to function as V. Castro's big metaphor for growing up, but when taken at face value translates to something completely polar to her initial intent. In other words, allowing an ancient being to possess you is supposed to represent a main character coming into herself, but at the end of the day it just reads as if a woman can only reach her full potential if she gives someone else control of her body. Which is basically the most anti-feminist concept out there. Like it goes against all the principals women have been fighting for over the last several centuries.
So that's the major root of the issue with this novella, however, there's more. What's the first thing you would do if you thought your best friend was possessed by a demon? Some people may go to a doctor, others may seek out a priest, but I don't think anyone in their right mind would say "Let's sneak this 19 year old girl into a 21+ night club!" Not only do the characters in Goddess of Filth do this, but then they lose their friend and she ends up in a sleazy situation with a predatory guy. Just where was the common sense in all of this?
There was just so much blatantly wrong with this novel and so many more scenes of main characters making stupid decisions that made no logical sense, but I'll overlook that in favor of speaking about the absurd, unnecessary side plot that takes place during the majority of this story. Just about every scene with that scumbag priest was a joke. It felt so forced and unhinged and the big reveal about him was gross and cliché. In fact this storyline hinged so closely on a stereotypical caricature that it actually made me start paying more attention to the stereotypes Castro implemented in her novella. Constantly she has main characters saying they are more than a stereotype, and constantly she introduces characters who are literally defined by a negative cultural interpretation. Every time I met a new character I would roll my eyes at how undeveloped they were.
I wanted to enjoy this novella. I had high hopes for it, but it strayed away from all of the major topics that initially made this storyline intriguing. There was a really interesting concept buried deep inside this tale, but it was never dug up and fleshed out enough to carry this story beyond a low 2-star rating.
August 21, 2025
Ehhhh. This felt more like a Ted Talk on masturbation than an actual horror novella. I did enjoy the feminine rage-y bits, but the both the characters and plot were shallow and the audiobook narrator was unnecessarily peppy. Lots of my Goodreads friends have loved this one so take my review with a grain of salt, but … meh. Dos estrellas. ⭐️⭐️
February 11, 2021
4.5 Stars
Fierce and feminist… this is exactly the kind of horror I love to read!
This is a sharp novella that captures so many of the elements I look for in horror fiction. Written by an author of Mexican descent, I trust that this own voices story captured the cultural complexities of growing up in America as young Mexican women.
The story is also decidedly feminist, exploring themes surrounding sexuality and identity. This story could certainly be considered a female coming of age for older teenage girls transitioning into women.
I am a huge fan of the possession subgenre so naturally I've read a lot. It was wonderful to find one that manages to play into the classic tropes of the genre while also subverting them. This is a must read for anyone who loves the possession genre as much as I do.
At times, I found the narrative to be a bit disjointed in places, particularly during some of the shifts in perspective. That being said, I would absolutely love to read more by this author. She has a powerful authorial voice and has potential to become a new favourite author of mine.
I would highly recommend this horror novella. This is easily one of the best 2021 releases I have read so far this year.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Creature Publishing.
Fierce and feminist… this is exactly the kind of horror I love to read!
This is a sharp novella that captures so many of the elements I look for in horror fiction. Written by an author of Mexican descent, I trust that this own voices story captured the cultural complexities of growing up in America as young Mexican women.
The story is also decidedly feminist, exploring themes surrounding sexuality and identity. This story could certainly be considered a female coming of age for older teenage girls transitioning into women.
I am a huge fan of the possession subgenre so naturally I've read a lot. It was wonderful to find one that manages to play into the classic tropes of the genre while also subverting them. This is a must read for anyone who loves the possession genre as much as I do.
At times, I found the narrative to be a bit disjointed in places, particularly during some of the shifts in perspective. That being said, I would absolutely love to read more by this author. She has a powerful authorial voice and has potential to become a new favourite author of mine.
I would highly recommend this horror novella. This is easily one of the best 2021 releases I have read so far this year.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Creature Publishing.
November 18, 2024
3.5 I wish this had been a full length novel 😭
May 23, 2021
Review originally published at Cemetery Dance Online:
https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/...
This is a possession story with a twist. A few friends gather together to channel their inner witch vibes and unintentionally conjure up an ancient goddess. This sudden presence in the friend group causes some concern among the girls and their parents. A priest is summoned which only manages to make the situation worse and more dangerous.
V. Castro does a remarkable job bringing all the characters to life on the page. The friends, Fernanda, Perla, Lourdes, Ana, and Pauline have individual personalities that really shine in dramatic sections of dialog.
A few times this book had me laughing out loud — Lourdes is sassy and spirited. Toward the middle of the story, one part made me gasp in surprise! A tantalizing revelation. Castro clearly enjoys keeping her readers on their toes. I especially enjoyed the backstory of the goddess and her mission. The cultural aspects of ancient folklore, religion, and sexuality play a strong role in enriching the intricacies of character development.
So many times I found my heart responding to everything the girls were experiencing. In one part, a quiet young woman is harassed in the bathroom by her female peers, and it felt so realistic and authentic. There is some intense, vivid imagery here to entertain all horror fans from all walks of life. Castro’s storytelling voice is strong and memorable.
https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/...
This is a possession story with a twist. A few friends gather together to channel their inner witch vibes and unintentionally conjure up an ancient goddess. This sudden presence in the friend group causes some concern among the girls and their parents. A priest is summoned which only manages to make the situation worse and more dangerous.
V. Castro does a remarkable job bringing all the characters to life on the page. The friends, Fernanda, Perla, Lourdes, Ana, and Pauline have individual personalities that really shine in dramatic sections of dialog.
A few times this book had me laughing out loud — Lourdes is sassy and spirited. Toward the middle of the story, one part made me gasp in surprise! A tantalizing revelation. Castro clearly enjoys keeping her readers on their toes. I especially enjoyed the backstory of the goddess and her mission. The cultural aspects of ancient folklore, religion, and sexuality play a strong role in enriching the intricacies of character development.
So many times I found my heart responding to everything the girls were experiencing. In one part, a quiet young woman is harassed in the bathroom by her female peers, and it felt so realistic and authentic. There is some intense, vivid imagery here to entertain all horror fans from all walks of life. Castro’s storytelling voice is strong and memorable.
May 2, 2021
The book started off well. The seance scene was pretty creepy. Unfortunately, I didn’t care for much beyond that. The characters were extremely one dimensional and the writing lacked any type of nuance.
There was also a surprising number of scenes that could have been cut out completely. This fact was especially concerning when you consider the fact that the book is extremely short.
The worst part,however, was how the book’s message was conveyed. The message is a good one but it felt like the whole thing was really heavy handed to the point that I felt like I was being preached at
I was honestly really disappointed by this book. After seeing all the glowing reviews I was so excited to read it. Unfortunately, i didn’t care for it at all.
There was also a surprising number of scenes that could have been cut out completely. This fact was especially concerning when you consider the fact that the book is extremely short.
The worst part,however, was how the book’s message was conveyed. The message is a good one but it felt like the whole thing was really heavy handed to the point that I felt like I was being preached at
I was honestly really disappointed by this book. After seeing all the glowing reviews I was so excited to read it. Unfortunately, i didn’t care for it at all.
July 20, 2021
4.5 rounding up. These Ladies of Horror Fiction are killing it with their new releases! Check it out, it's hard to put down once you start. I loved the friendship here I think as much as the horror. And trust me, there are all kinds of horrors in this story.
Goddess of Filth is a story about a group of friends who drink a little booze and perform a séance. What follows is a bloody, ugly, rage-filled and also hopeful story about expectations, perseverance and a refusal to let others determine your future all amidst an unthinkable horror inhabiting their lives. It mostly follows two of the friends as they deal with the consequences of that fateful drunken night.
It's one you shouldn't miss and that's all I'm saying.
Goddess of Filth is a story about a group of friends who drink a little booze and perform a séance. What follows is a bloody, ugly, rage-filled and also hopeful story about expectations, perseverance and a refusal to let others determine your future all amidst an unthinkable horror inhabiting their lives. It mostly follows two of the friends as they deal with the consequences of that fateful drunken night.
It's one you shouldn't miss and that's all I'm saying.
October 8, 2022
What I was hoping for was a suspense filled horror pulling on thousands of years of mexican folklore. What I got was a book with all the ambition in the world but none of the tools to deliver on those ambitions.
This book looks to tackle issues of race, gender, class even climate change. It tackles none of them because as a work of fiction it fails.
The characters are bland. Dialogue reads like an email exchange between solicitors. Character reactions to events are completely disproportionate and unrealistic. As soon as one element of suspense or mystery is aroused it is instantly doused. There is no tension or excitement. It's just a sequence of events.
The one thread that lasted more than a few pages was the cause of the disappearing girls. This was handled with such a lack of tact that the first breadcrumb we got gave the entire plot arch away. (If the author was expecting a dramatic unveiling with the sports cap reveal it failed miserably. The game was up when we saw a "familiar looking couple" stealing photos from the vigil.)
At one point the protagonist is rushing to save her friend from a man who had just moments earlier shot two other acquaintances. The author feels the need to tell us "I parked hastily, not caring if I got a ticket". One friend kidnapped, one dead, one injured, and we are talking about parking tickets.
Crap.
Genuinely so bad that I'm going to have to re-evaluate other books that I have given 1* to as this isn't fair on Muriel Sparks and Peter Handle the only two authors I can remember ever giving a 1* review to.
Edit: I've given Sparks and Handle an extra star just to keep some daylight between them and this.
This book looks to tackle issues of race, gender, class even climate change. It tackles none of them because as a work of fiction it fails.
The characters are bland. Dialogue reads like an email exchange between solicitors. Character reactions to events are completely disproportionate and unrealistic. As soon as one element of suspense or mystery is aroused it is instantly doused. There is no tension or excitement. It's just a sequence of events.
The one thread that lasted more than a few pages was the cause of the disappearing girls. This was handled with such a lack of tact that the first breadcrumb we got gave the entire plot arch away. (If the author was expecting a dramatic unveiling with the sports cap reveal it failed miserably. The game was up when we saw a "familiar looking couple" stealing photos from the vigil.)
At one point the protagonist is rushing to save her friend from a man who had just moments earlier shot two other acquaintances. The author feels the need to tell us "I parked hastily, not caring if I got a ticket". One friend kidnapped, one dead, one injured, and we are talking about parking tickets.
Crap.
Genuinely so bad that I'm going to have to re-evaluate other books that I have given 1* to as this isn't fair on Muriel Sparks and Peter Handle the only two authors I can remember ever giving a 1* review to.
Edit: I've given Sparks and Handle an extra star just to keep some daylight between them and this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2021
"Be smart, but not too smart. Be beautiful, but not so pretty as to make other females mad. Be successful, but not bossy or overly ambitious. Nobody likes a mouthy brown woman. Be a declawed kitten."
Loved this quick little feminist read about a great group of friends and their experience with a goddess who has a penchant for sin eating!
Loved this quick little feminist read about a great group of friends and their experience with a goddess who has a penchant for sin eating!
October 19, 2023
Very interesting take on the "possession " trope, with a godess and religious trauma. Really enjoyed the audiobook and was very addictive to listen to. Very Creepy with the prest and loved the friendship between the women.
February 15, 2023
first time I read a book where the mc has my name and the audiobook narrator didn't mispronounce it sO maybe it wasn't the most enjoyable read but it had that....
April 29, 2021
3.5 stars
The Craft had a big impact on me during my teenage years and because this book has been compared to that film I knew I had to read it. I found it to be a well written and absorbing read but unfortunately I thought some of the elements in the story were underdeveloped and the ending felt somewhat rushed. This was a shame since there are a lot of strong points here otherwise. The themes of feminism and sexuality are brilliantly done and I really appreciated this being a female coming of age story and one featuring a culture that is underrepresented in the horror genre.
One aspect that I expected to see more of was that of friendship. From the premise I thought the story would revolve around this group of friends and explore their relationship as they deal with the results of the séance. But it really only focuses on two of the friends while the others fade into the background and are not involved for a large portion of the story.
I'm still glad I picked this one up and I would still a) recommend it and b) read more of the author's work.
The Craft had a big impact on me during my teenage years and because this book has been compared to that film I knew I had to read it. I found it to be a well written and absorbing read but unfortunately I thought some of the elements in the story were underdeveloped and the ending felt somewhat rushed. This was a shame since there are a lot of strong points here otherwise. The themes of feminism and sexuality are brilliantly done and I really appreciated this being a female coming of age story and one featuring a culture that is underrepresented in the horror genre.
One aspect that I expected to see more of was that of friendship. From the premise I thought the story would revolve around this group of friends and explore their relationship as they deal with the results of the séance. But it really only focuses on two of the friends while the others fade into the background and are not involved for a large portion of the story.
I'm still glad I picked this one up and I would still a) recommend it and b) read more of the author's work.
February 16, 2024
This is my first V. Castro book, though I've read some of her comics (which were excellent). I enjoyed her fresh spin on possession. The characters were interesting and relatable, and the pacing quick. The main theme was female empowerment and women taking care of other women, which is always fantastic, but I think I was looking for a little more 'horror'.
I wished the subplot with the priest was more in-depth - had a little more bite in it. But overall I'd definitely recommend.
4 out of 5 goddesses squatting in the flowers.
I wished the subplot with the priest was more in-depth - had a little more bite in it. But overall I'd definitely recommend.
4 out of 5 goddesses squatting in the flowers.
May 3, 2021
I enjoyed this one from start to finish. My only complaint, if you could even call it that, is that I wish this story was longer. I would have loved to read more of these wonderful characters.
September 3, 2022
a somewhat cheesy but good feminist chicana horror novella!
May 4, 2021
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants with a sprinkle of Jennifer's Body??
This was wickedly fun! A group of friends play a game that seemingly goes too far on the night of graduation and their most accomplished friend is possessed by something that's making her act out of character. It's important that this coming of age story follows a group of Mexican young women in Texas at this point in their lives. V. Castro tapped into not only angst, but the rage of what it means to be a brown woman, and she did it well.
If I had any complaints, it would be that I wish we spent more time with the other women in the friend group, but a fun way to spend an afternoon. A great addition to the possession genre
This was wickedly fun! A group of friends play a game that seemingly goes too far on the night of graduation and their most accomplished friend is possessed by something that's making her act out of character. It's important that this coming of age story follows a group of Mexican young women in Texas at this point in their lives. V. Castro tapped into not only angst, but the rage of what it means to be a brown woman, and she did it well.
If I had any complaints, it would be that I wish we spent more time with the other women in the friend group, but a fun way to spend an afternoon. A great addition to the possession genre
December 17, 2023
I loved the Mexican culture and folklore in this one, especially with our group of badass ladies and community in Goddess of Filth.
The idea of the possession was a new and original idea and I loved that as well!
Two things that could have worked better for me.
✔️ I wish the ending had not been rushed.
✔️ I would have liked more development with the character of Father Moreno and Fernanda’s possession.
Besides those small issues, this was a blast to read and I loved the feminist themes in this one!
The idea of the possession was a new and original idea and I loved that as well!
Two things that could have worked better for me.
✔️ I wish the ending had not been rushed.
✔️ I would have liked more development with the character of Father Moreno and Fernanda’s possession.
Besides those small issues, this was a blast to read and I loved the feminist themes in this one!
November 3, 2022
She raised her shot of tequila with tears in her eyes and pupils vibrating. Tlazoltéotl was with us.
“And to the goddess for her teachings. May her words show us the way.” I raised my shot.
“To Dr. Camacho,” said Ana.
Pauline and Perla looked at each other. “To us.”
With tears streaming down our cheeks, we necked the smooth and smoky alcohol and then turned on The Craft one last time.
“And to the goddess for her teachings. May her words show us the way.” I raised my shot.
“To Dr. Camacho,” said Ana.
Pauline and Perla looked at each other. “To us.”
With tears streaming down our cheeks, we necked the smooth and smoky alcohol and then turned on The Craft one last time.
April 22, 2021
To anyone who has ever felt they don't belong, you will find your place in the pages of Goddess of Filth.
January 15, 2024
this was everything that My Best Friend's Exorcism couldn't be
November 5, 2022
I'm clearly in the minority for this, but the book did nothing for me.
The writing is as stilted and stiff as it goes, so none of the events have any weight to them. The seance scene is the opening one and written to be so wooden I didn't even realize the most important event was already over and done with. The characters are paper thin and horror-movie-stupid, the kind that's dumb as bricks just to further the plot along () The blurb promises a "Bruja craft crew", but besides the opening scene, we never get any of that since every girl is off in her own little world and barely anyone besides Lourdes cares about Fernanda. I had to struggle through all 150 pages of this tiny little book.
In the end, the book was just a run of the mill coming of age story. The possession thing was barely a footnote, just a cute little metaphor to spice things up a bit.
The writing is as stilted and stiff as it goes, so none of the events have any weight to them. The seance scene is the opening one and written to be so wooden I didn't even realize the most important event was already over and done with. The characters are paper thin and horror-movie-stupid, the kind that's dumb as bricks just to further the plot along () The blurb promises a "Bruja craft crew", but besides the opening scene, we never get any of that since every girl is off in her own little world and barely anyone besides Lourdes cares about Fernanda. I had to struggle through all 150 pages of this tiny little book.
In the end, the book was just a run of the mill coming of age story. The possession thing was barely a footnote, just a cute little metaphor to spice things up a bit.
September 6, 2022
I listened to the audiobook and I loved it! It had similar vibes to My Best Friend’s Exorcism which I also enjoyed. The narrator was great and the book wasn’t too long. It was creepy, atmospheric, and overall a good time.
Lourdes, Fernanda, Ana, Perla, and Pauline are best friends who’s lives are turned upside down after a séance gone wrong. They suspect their friend Fernanda begins exhibiting strange behavior. She’s wearing dark makeup, acting promiscuously and doing a bunch of other things that are out if character for her.
The priest thinks Fernanda is possessed by a demon. Her friends begin to think something bigger is at work and with the help of Dr. Camacho, they are determined to figure out what.
Goddess of Filth is available now!
March 19, 2023
I don’t know why but reading this book annoyed me so much, I’m a bit disappointed 🫥
June 9, 2024
I swear everything that makes San Antonio San Anto (except the Alamo) was mentioned in this story. Good vs. evil and the bad guy got what he deserved. ¡Puro San Antonio!
September 16, 2024
Audio - 4 Stars
Story - 2.25 Stars
Story - 2.25 Stars
October 12, 2023
Stripped to the essentials, crystalized characters and electric plot. What a novella.
Pacing: ★★★★
Sense of horror: ★★
Charisma: ★★★★★
Some stories just have that "it" factor, you know?
Goddess of Filth is one of those. A group of young women get together one night. They host a seance of sorts, inviting the "old gods" to join them.
One of them does, and it possesses one of the young women. She writhes on the ground, totally unknown, and from that night on another being walks within her skin, showing itself with its caiman eyes (crocodile relative) and its odd ways.
And when the young women/demonic hybrid starts to showcase disturbing trends of femininity and agency mixed with revengeful actions against those with deepest sins...
Yeah. Things are about to get interesting.
Goddess of Filth was a very unique novella with a simple pitch: Girl gets possessed.
But then, with its bare-bones writing style mixed with a blend of the macabre and the mundane, this novella shone. I found myself gripped, wanting to know what would happen and how it would go down.
Super unique. Looking forward to exploring more from this author and more short horror from Creature Publishing.
Blog | Instagram | Libro.fm Audiobooks
Pacing: ★★★★
Sense of horror: ★★
Charisma: ★★★★★
Some stories just have that "it" factor, you know?
Goddess of Filth is one of those. A group of young women get together one night. They host a seance of sorts, inviting the "old gods" to join them.
One of them does, and it possesses one of the young women. She writhes on the ground, totally unknown, and from that night on another being walks within her skin, showing itself with its caiman eyes (crocodile relative) and its odd ways.
And when the young women/demonic hybrid starts to showcase disturbing trends of femininity and agency mixed with revengeful actions against those with deepest sins...
Yeah. Things are about to get interesting.
Goddess of Filth was a very unique novella with a simple pitch: Girl gets possessed.
But then, with its bare-bones writing style mixed with a blend of the macabre and the mundane, this novella shone. I found myself gripped, wanting to know what would happen and how it would go down.
Super unique. Looking forward to exploring more from this author and more short horror from Creature Publishing.
Blog | Instagram | Libro.fm Audiobooks
November 9, 2022
If you want unhinged, badass, female fuelled rage and power; this one is for you!
November 11, 2024
“If anyone says you can’t hold a dream in your hands you can show them that. No one can take it away” Fuck anyone that says reading isn’t political
April 6, 2021
I would have given this book a 1.5 star, but on this site I don't give anything I've been able to finish reading lower than a 2.
I noticed a lot of reviewers that have been posted so far bring up that there is good feminism, which truthfully, kind of is. While yes the book does bring up women's issues and empowerment it almost felt shooed in. The characters are very one dimensional, and the only one that could be quoted as changing only did so because of the goddess taking control and not the character changing herself. The rest of the characters ae just gen-z/millennial stereotypes with pretty much any big news worthy headline incorporated into their character or setting.
The writing itself is mediocre bordering terrible, which I surprised myself when I looked and found that she had written many books before this one. There were many flashbacks that honestly didn't need to be in the book at all, and the book jumped around to a point where I couldn't tell if it was a flashback or in the present time. Even though I believe this is a novella and supposed to be short, the story felt rushed but at the same time nothing really happened.
On to the possession part of the story. Which frankly might have been the worst part of the whole book. When the scene happens all of the friends see this terrible thing happening to their friend, but then go on to deny that their friend is possessed. Then when they finally realize she is, they just take her out clubbing instead of ya know, helping their friend get rid of the goddess.
The prized winner of the worst part of the book is the reveal of the other big bad in the book. I could go on and on about this side plot, but I'll just end on it the author should have just erased it from the whole book.
I noticed a lot of reviewers that have been posted so far bring up that there is good feminism, which truthfully, kind of is. While yes the book does bring up women's issues and empowerment it almost felt shooed in. The characters are very one dimensional, and the only one that could be quoted as changing only did so because of the goddess taking control and not the character changing herself. The rest of the characters ae just gen-z/millennial stereotypes with pretty much any big news worthy headline incorporated into their character or setting.
The writing itself is mediocre bordering terrible, which I surprised myself when I looked and found that she had written many books before this one. There were many flashbacks that honestly didn't need to be in the book at all, and the book jumped around to a point where I couldn't tell if it was a flashback or in the present time. Even though I believe this is a novella and supposed to be short, the story felt rushed but at the same time nothing really happened.
On to the possession part of the story. Which frankly might have been the worst part of the whole book. When the scene happens all of the friends see this terrible thing happening to their friend, but then go on to deny that their friend is possessed. Then when they finally realize she is, they just take her out clubbing instead of ya know, helping their friend get rid of the goddess.
The prized winner of the worst part of the book is the reveal of the other big bad in the book. I could go on and on about this side plot, but I'll just end on it the author should have just erased it from the whole book.
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