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The Relict
The discovery of skeletal remains opens old wounds in a quiet Midwestern community decades after multiple young women had vanished without a trace from the area. Russell Stander returns to the wooded site of his big sister’s crude burial filled with foreboding and hoping for closure. But, near the grim visage known locally as Skull Rock, more badly decomposed human remains are soon discovered.
Gunnar, a Norseman settler, comes face to face with the evil that slaughtered his family. To save his clan, Gunnar undertakes a harrowing odyssey across the untamed wilderness of North America. Desperate to stay one step ahead of the malevolent force that stalks him.
Two men, born a thousand years apart, their destinies bound together by a timeless evil. Can either man unravel the mystery of the monstrous thing lurking unseen before it consumes them and everyone they love…?
Gunnar, a Norseman settler, comes face to face with the evil that slaughtered his family. To save his clan, Gunnar undertakes a harrowing odyssey across the untamed wilderness of North America. Desperate to stay one step ahead of the malevolent force that stalks him.
Two men, born a thousand years apart, their destinies bound together by a timeless evil. Can either man unravel the mystery of the monstrous thing lurking unseen before it consumes them and everyone they love…?
- GenresHorror
285 pages, Paperback
Published October 25, 2022
10 people are currently reading
2724 people want to read
About the author
D.M. Gritzmacher
7 books75 followersDavid M. Gritzmacher spends much of his time unwinding the knots his twisted narratives bind him in. Plotting out his escape (and next dark tale), while cruising along the backroads near his home in Illinois. Married to his high school sweetheart for more than 35 years and with five grown children, he remains baffled by the state of the world around him. Retreating into his own writing where the dark things that slither, creep, haunt, and betray are not merely the folly of man…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 2, 2023
Man, this was an exciting thrill ride from the first to last page. Bouncing between two timelines, 10th Century, and present day, this is a folk horror...my most favourite sub genre of horror.
Present Day:
Russell Stander (whom I pictured looking like the gorgeous older actor Sam Elliott), is the main character from Michigan, who has been mourning the loss of his older half sister, who disappeared 40 years previously. When skeletal remains are found during an archaeological study, they are found to be that of his sister, Sherry Stander.
10th Century:
Gunnar, part of a Norse clan, while out hunting one day, comes across a village which has been destroyed, and all the villagers’ have been brutally killed, with their eyes removed.
This is a very clever, exciting, creepy horror story which will have you turning each page so fast, you’ll probably scorch your fingers. Also there’s references to a number of classic rock tunes throughout (‘present day’), which, being a rock fan made me super happy 🤘🏼
This is the first book in a series, and I will be reading the second book immediately, though they are standalone and not linked, so I suppose it doesn’t matter which order you read them.
I was fortunate to receive both books from the author, in exchange for an honest review, which I’m more than happy to provide. Now, onto Book 2 in The Skulldiggery Series: The Quarry, which was released this week.
Highly recommended and
a rating of no less than...
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Present Day:
Russell Stander (whom I pictured looking like the gorgeous older actor Sam Elliott), is the main character from Michigan, who has been mourning the loss of his older half sister, who disappeared 40 years previously. When skeletal remains are found during an archaeological study, they are found to be that of his sister, Sherry Stander.
10th Century:
Gunnar, part of a Norse clan, while out hunting one day, comes across a village which has been destroyed, and all the villagers’ have been brutally killed, with their eyes removed.
This is a very clever, exciting, creepy horror story which will have you turning each page so fast, you’ll probably scorch your fingers. Also there’s references to a number of classic rock tunes throughout (‘present day’), which, being a rock fan made me super happy 🤘🏼
This is the first book in a series, and I will be reading the second book immediately, though they are standalone and not linked, so I suppose it doesn’t matter which order you read them.
I was fortunate to receive both books from the author, in exchange for an honest review, which I’m more than happy to provide. Now, onto Book 2 in The Skulldiggery Series: The Quarry, which was released this week.
Highly recommended and
a rating of no less than...
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 10, 2024
The story is told from 2 vastly different points in the timeline, something that's very touch and go for a reader like me (bad with names, extremely limited interest for historical fiction) but here the tones and characters were very distinctive, so it worked.
The characters were solid and Gritzmacher managed to infuse just enough humor in the story to add a bit of campiness and prevent the bleakness from becoming overwhelming or a drag on the story.
The characters were solid and Gritzmacher managed to infuse just enough humor in the story to add a bit of campiness and prevent the bleakness from becoming overwhelming or a drag on the story.
April 18, 2023
I went into D.M. Gritzmacher's The Relict uncertain of what to expect. Sometimes that's the best way to read a book! The Relict accomplished something that very few books can do - switch timelines and character perspective without completely annoying me. Gritzmacher handled the time and perspective jumps smoothly throughout this dual-timeline book!
I immediately fell into the story of a grad student searching for Native American artefacts in the woods of Michigan. Instead of treasure, he found the remains of a long-lost girl, a victim of a serial killer, killed decades earlier. This girl ended up being the sister of one of the book's main characters, Stander.
Just as I was growing attached to the characters in the current timeline, the book threw me into the way-back machine and dumped me in the tenth century. "Oh no," I thought. "I don't know if I can handle this." But I had no reason to worry. I soon met and absolutely fell in love with our tenth century leading character, Gunnar. This was when I knew I was going to love this book!
The Relict plays out with adventure and some serious trials for our main characters in both timelines. Everything ties together perfectly at the end of the book. Well, almost perfectly. A few unanswered questions need to remain to lead us into the next book in the series, after all! Which I'm now more than ready to jump into.
The Relict is a fun book with plenty of action, a fair share of gore, and even a bit of spice that made me blush up to my ears - something for everyone! I give it four out of five stars.
I immediately fell into the story of a grad student searching for Native American artefacts in the woods of Michigan. Instead of treasure, he found the remains of a long-lost girl, a victim of a serial killer, killed decades earlier. This girl ended up being the sister of one of the book's main characters, Stander.
Just as I was growing attached to the characters in the current timeline, the book threw me into the way-back machine and dumped me in the tenth century. "Oh no," I thought. "I don't know if I can handle this." But I had no reason to worry. I soon met and absolutely fell in love with our tenth century leading character, Gunnar. This was when I knew I was going to love this book!
The Relict plays out with adventure and some serious trials for our main characters in both timelines. Everything ties together perfectly at the end of the book. Well, almost perfectly. A few unanswered questions need to remain to lead us into the next book in the series, after all! Which I'm now more than ready to jump into.
The Relict is a fun book with plenty of action, a fair share of gore, and even a bit of spice that made me blush up to my ears - something for everyone! I give it four out of five stars.
March 28, 2023
Well that was a pretty good solid horror \thriller\mystery. This book felt like a old-school horror with a good amount of gore but not over the top. I really dug how this switched between time periods and it does so awesomely everything flowed from The 13th century to the present. The characters and development were awesome. I was surprised by this one I was engaged every time I picked it up I wanted to read a little more to see how it was all going to come together. All in all for a debut this was damn good. D.M. Gritzmacher is a awesome writer and I will definitely be checking more out from him in the future.
May 19, 2023
Ethan is scouting the forest floor in Michigan with his GPR machine, searching for anomalies and indigenous artifacts that might be hidden underground. What he actually uncovers though is something altogether more sinister.
Secrist is a retired Detective who is called on to break the news to Stander, retired boxer and proud bar owner, that his missing sister of over 40 years, has finally been found, but the circumstances are slightly off, just what did happen to her, and how is it related to what is happening now? And where does local landmark Skull Rock fit into all of this?
Back to the 10th century and Gunner and Erik have stumbled upon a strange and disturbing massacre near their home, a whole tribe wiped out. It doesn't end there though, it creeps closer and closer to their settlement. But what is it? And what does it have to do with the stone found in a wanderer's bag? What horror has been brought upon them!
Could this being, this evil, bloodthirsty presence be here now, in the modern world?
This tale of folk horror was chilling, creepy, blood-soaked, gory and completely gripping! With a great descriptive narrative and plenty of action and intrigue to keep your interest and keep you guessing, I really enjoyed how the story unfolded, bringing past and present together. Gunner's struggles to come to terms with what has and is happening to him were fascinating and also emotional too.
Luckily there are sequels to this book, and I for one, will be diving in asap. 💀
Secrist is a retired Detective who is called on to break the news to Stander, retired boxer and proud bar owner, that his missing sister of over 40 years, has finally been found, but the circumstances are slightly off, just what did happen to her, and how is it related to what is happening now? And where does local landmark Skull Rock fit into all of this?
Back to the 10th century and Gunner and Erik have stumbled upon a strange and disturbing massacre near their home, a whole tribe wiped out. It doesn't end there though, it creeps closer and closer to their settlement. But what is it? And what does it have to do with the stone found in a wanderer's bag? What horror has been brought upon them!
Could this being, this evil, bloodthirsty presence be here now, in the modern world?
This tale of folk horror was chilling, creepy, blood-soaked, gory and completely gripping! With a great descriptive narrative and plenty of action and intrigue to keep your interest and keep you guessing, I really enjoyed how the story unfolded, bringing past and present together. Gunner's struggles to come to terms with what has and is happening to him were fascinating and also emotional too.
Luckily there are sequels to this book, and I for one, will be diving in asap. 💀
May 29, 2023
I love me some folk horror and I’ll be adding this one to my list of favs!! There was a decent amount of gore, which you know I love! Dual timelines, creepy and chilling atmosphere, and great characters that held my interest.
I’d say this was a page turner but I read it on my kindle so it’s a page booper! I booped my screen pretty rapidly as the story unfolded.
I’d say this was a page turner but I read it on my kindle so it’s a page booper! I booped my screen pretty rapidly as the story unfolded.
September 14, 2022
** I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review **
If you are a fan of any thriller/horror/ suspense then you have got to read this book!
This book caught my attention from chapter 1, and held it through the last page of the book. This book seriously consumes you! - like catching yourself reading it while at the bar consumes you!- It transcends you back and forth from the present day to the 10th Century, and literally covers all aspects. You have your thriller/horror, sad, funny, happy, creepy, awe, you name it! The gore attention detail were frickin awesome! A few spots could be considered a **trigger warning** to some, but absolutely so so awesome! Parts were graphic, but still room to use your imagination as well. You are able to relate to many characters whether it be from Stander’s story or Gunnar’s. (I would totally go have a beer with Stander) Definitely more of a thriller/horror than a "fantasy" - whatever happens in the story, no matter whose perspective, you could totally see it. -Not that fairytale super make believe crap!- The descriptive writing and attention to details made you feel like you were watching everything play out in your mind while reading. The crazy plot twist (that I def did not see coming!) and the ending chapters were so frickin epic you catch yourself spouting to yourself out loud! Honestly, My only complaint with this book was that I finished it! Def did not want the story to be over and cannot wait to dive back in when the next book comes out! This is for sure a book that stays in your Reread folder!
If you are a fan of any thriller/horror/ suspense then you have got to read this book!
This book caught my attention from chapter 1, and held it through the last page of the book. This book seriously consumes you! - like catching yourself reading it while at the bar consumes you!- It transcends you back and forth from the present day to the 10th Century, and literally covers all aspects. You have your thriller/horror, sad, funny, happy, creepy, awe, you name it! The gore attention detail were frickin awesome! A few spots could be considered a **trigger warning** to some, but absolutely so so awesome! Parts were graphic, but still room to use your imagination as well. You are able to relate to many characters whether it be from Stander’s story or Gunnar’s. (I would totally go have a beer with Stander) Definitely more of a thriller/horror than a "fantasy" - whatever happens in the story, no matter whose perspective, you could totally see it. -Not that fairytale super make believe crap!- The descriptive writing and attention to details made you feel like you were watching everything play out in your mind while reading. The crazy plot twist (that I def did not see coming!) and the ending chapters were so frickin epic you catch yourself spouting to yourself out loud! Honestly, My only complaint with this book was that I finished it! Def did not want the story to be over and cannot wait to dive back in when the next book comes out! This is for sure a book that stays in your Reread folder!
November 20, 2022
Creepy and compelling cover: ✅
Dark, gritty and terrifying story: ✅
Right away we stumble into a cold case mystery complete with a skeleton.
The story goes back and forth in time, from Norse settlers to present day.
I also loved that the author used GPR in their story, it’s a science that I find so fascinating!
Favourite Line(s): “Rudolf Schenker’s head bursting out of the glass with forks bent over his eyes?”
Feedback: An eerie story, and really captivating. The only thing I noticed were a few areas where it seemed like sentences got a bit jumbled up. Since I was reading an ARC, I’m sure this will be fixed up before the final copy.
The ending I was a little puzzled by, will there be a sequel?
Thank you to NetGalley, Piqued Publishing, Xpresso Book Tours, and the author DM Gritzmacher for a copy!
Dark, gritty and terrifying story: ✅
Right away we stumble into a cold case mystery complete with a skeleton.
The story goes back and forth in time, from Norse settlers to present day.
I also loved that the author used GPR in their story, it’s a science that I find so fascinating!
Favourite Line(s): “Rudolf Schenker’s head bursting out of the glass with forks bent over his eyes?”
Feedback: An eerie story, and really captivating. The only thing I noticed were a few areas where it seemed like sentences got a bit jumbled up. Since I was reading an ARC, I’m sure this will be fixed up before the final copy.
The ending I was a little puzzled by, will there be a sequel?
Thank you to NetGalley, Piqued Publishing, Xpresso Book Tours, and the author DM Gritzmacher for a copy!
November 8, 2022
This book was written in a descriptive style that reminded me of reading Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood. Kudos to the author who took much care in choosing words that were so descriptive and perfect that they made me picture what was happening or the landscape even. This book had me hooked from the beginning and I was unable to put it down. It had me on edge most of the time and and I cannot wait for the next book in the series. If you are up for a good horror mystery that transports you into the place and the situation, please read this book! Great writing DM Gritzmacher! Bravo 👏
June 26, 2025
This horror novel is the first of a series, but stands on its own as a tense and macabre story. It is told as two complementary storylines ten centuries apart, centered on a creepy mountain in Michigan that looks like a skull.
In the present day, a graduate student studying long-vanished Native Americans uncovers bones from the far more recent past, tied to a grisly serial killer. He and the brother of one of the victims search for answers, unaware of the peril they have unleashed.
In the tenth century, a Viking warrior seeks to save his fledgling community from unspeakable evil. But can he save himself?
The characters are well-drawn and relatable, the plot and pacing drew me in to its shocking conclusion. It's gory, but not to excess. I did struggle with the writing style at times: inconsistent user of present and past tense, run on sentences I stumbled over. But overall, this is a solid introduction to a horrifying series.
In the present day, a graduate student studying long-vanished Native Americans uncovers bones from the far more recent past, tied to a grisly serial killer. He and the brother of one of the victims search for answers, unaware of the peril they have unleashed.
In the tenth century, a Viking warrior seeks to save his fledgling community from unspeakable evil. But can he save himself?
The characters are well-drawn and relatable, the plot and pacing drew me in to its shocking conclusion. It's gory, but not to excess. I did struggle with the writing style at times: inconsistent user of present and past tense, run on sentences I stumbled over. But overall, this is a solid introduction to a horrifying series.
April 26, 2025
Fantastic!!
October 3, 2022
I enjoyed this book, loved the two timelines, good characters and pacing. Though it horror it could have been a thriller.
I received this book from Piqued Publishing and Netgalley for a review.
I received this book from Piqued Publishing and Netgalley for a review.
August 15, 2025
very interesting horror story. good buildup, surprising, well written.
November 5, 2022
It's fun, as well as disturbing, and that's how it should be, goddamnit. Excellent read.
September 1, 2025
What a gut wrenching thrill ride of folk horror!!!
Enjoyed it from beginning to end. Do yourself a favor and give The Relict a read!!!
Enjoyed it from beginning to end. Do yourself a favor and give The Relict a read!!!
March 30, 2023
Put on your seatbelt, you’re going for a ride!
This was not at all what I was expecting! This jumps back and forth between present day and 10th century, between two different points of view.
Both are tied together by this entity that consumes people, both figuratively and literally, by making the victim consume others. I will let your imagination figure that out.
I wasn’t quite sure how this was all going to tie together at the end, but I was pleasantly surprised how it turned out. Mixing Norse mythology/ history with Native American folklore was brilliant. Everything was done respectfully and with special attention to the research involved, regarding accuracy of native names and historical locations.
This is definitely a mystery, horror, thriller and I highly recommend reading this! Check the trigger warnings before diving in. There’s some graphic scenes, but nothing scarring.
This was not at all what I was expecting! This jumps back and forth between present day and 10th century, between two different points of view.
Both are tied together by this entity that consumes people, both figuratively and literally, by making the victim consume others. I will let your imagination figure that out.
I wasn’t quite sure how this was all going to tie together at the end, but I was pleasantly surprised how it turned out. Mixing Norse mythology/ history with Native American folklore was brilliant. Everything was done respectfully and with special attention to the research involved, regarding accuracy of native names and historical locations.
This is definitely a mystery, horror, thriller and I highly recommend reading this! Check the trigger warnings before diving in. There’s some graphic scenes, but nothing scarring.
September 20, 2022
A tale that takes us to Vinland where Norsemen and Natives are blighted by a cursed skin-walker. In the present day, a serial killer's victim is found by a student who may be a bit more than he seems.
More thriller-mystery-monster than horror.
More thriller-mystery-monster than horror.
July 6, 2023
Wendigo.
Sound familiar? If not, I got you. Wendigo comes from the Algonquian word for Evil Spirit. This is commonly represented in folklore as “A spirit who has possessed a human being and made them monstrous. It is historically associated with cannibalism, murder, and insatiable greed” (legendsofamerica.com).
That’s also a good explanation of the themes in this book. The story follows two men in two time periods, both experiencing the effects of a mystical rock that influences those who touch or spend time around it.
First is Gunnar, a Viking in North America in the 10th Century. If you are also a fan of the t.v. show Ghosts; you’ll understand when I say I couldn’t stop picturing Gunnar as Thor, which made me even more sympathetic to his character. I loved this part of the book and couldn’t get through it fast enough.
Besides the compelling plot, Gritzmacher knows how to write around the action of the story. It’s not just bare bones, full-time action. I found beautiful, expressive quotes throughout the book peppered between the lines that add so much life to the book. The layers this book utilizes make it hard to believe this is a debut novel.
For example:
“The moon slid silently behind the gathering dark clouds above the village. As if it had suddenly grown ashamed.
Or afraid.”
I want to read the book again now that I’m not desperately trying to figure out the mystery, just to appreciate the language.
The present-day character is Stander, who lost his sister to a serial killer when he was a child, but her bones suddenly show up at the beginning of the story. The rest of the narrative revolves around a serial killer, a skull-shaped rock, and Stander’s relationship with a woman who may not be what she seems.
My only criticism is I felt like the ending was a little rushed. It wrapped up quickly and with very little effort from Stander. It seemed like it wrapped up too nicely, simply to move the story along and set up for future books in the series. 4.5 Stars
Sound familiar? If not, I got you. Wendigo comes from the Algonquian word for Evil Spirit. This is commonly represented in folklore as “A spirit who has possessed a human being and made them monstrous. It is historically associated with cannibalism, murder, and insatiable greed” (legendsofamerica.com).
That’s also a good explanation of the themes in this book. The story follows two men in two time periods, both experiencing the effects of a mystical rock that influences those who touch or spend time around it.
First is Gunnar, a Viking in North America in the 10th Century. If you are also a fan of the t.v. show Ghosts; you’ll understand when I say I couldn’t stop picturing Gunnar as Thor, which made me even more sympathetic to his character. I loved this part of the book and couldn’t get through it fast enough.
Besides the compelling plot, Gritzmacher knows how to write around the action of the story. It’s not just bare bones, full-time action. I found beautiful, expressive quotes throughout the book peppered between the lines that add so much life to the book. The layers this book utilizes make it hard to believe this is a debut novel.
For example:
“The moon slid silently behind the gathering dark clouds above the village. As if it had suddenly grown ashamed.
Or afraid.”
I want to read the book again now that I’m not desperately trying to figure out the mystery, just to appreciate the language.
The present-day character is Stander, who lost his sister to a serial killer when he was a child, but her bones suddenly show up at the beginning of the story. The rest of the narrative revolves around a serial killer, a skull-shaped rock, and Stander’s relationship with a woman who may not be what she seems.
My only criticism is I felt like the ending was a little rushed. It wrapped up quickly and with very little effort from Stander. It seemed like it wrapped up too nicely, simply to move the story along and set up for future books in the series. 4.5 Stars
May 29, 2023
This is an amazing story that is part historical fiction, part thriller, and part horror. It isn’t too heavy on the horror, but there is still lots of blood and gore. I do think many of us would enjoy this story.
The Relict is part one of the Skulldiggery collection. Book two, The Quarry, I read a couple months ago and loved it. Both books can be read in either order, but they do relate to each other. For these two books, there isn’t a wrong place to start, in my opinion.
“Monsters in human masks walk among us.” - page 75
The story alternates between two timelines, one set in the 10th century and the other set in the present day. Both timelines alternate throughout the book and I never once got confused. I think the stories work well together.
In the 10th century, Gunnar, a Norseman settler, experiences some awful events in his young adult life. He sets out to save his village after a couple of tragic events are assumed to be the work of something dark and evil.
In the present day, Russell Stander is a former boxer, current bar owner, and all around good guy. Despite a hard childhood, he has done well, given the circumstances. Now, as an older adult, one of the tragic events of his childhood has come back to the forefront of his life.
Gritmacher has a gift of pulling you into his stories and holding your attention all the way to the end. I was sad this book ended. I wish I was still be reading the story of Gunnar and Russell. They both have so much in common.
Girtmacher knows how to be subtle with twists and turns in his stories. Book one and two have a few connections that once you read them both, you will have some “uh oh” and “ah ha” moments. Sentences are sprinkled throughout the book that are ominous and possibly foretell us what’s coming in future books. It’s like a puzzle right now. There are pieces spread out and as a reader, if we catch them, we can connect these pieces later, and I’m guessing the conclusion will be epic.
The Relict is part one of the Skulldiggery collection. Book two, The Quarry, I read a couple months ago and loved it. Both books can be read in either order, but they do relate to each other. For these two books, there isn’t a wrong place to start, in my opinion.
“Monsters in human masks walk among us.” - page 75
The story alternates between two timelines, one set in the 10th century and the other set in the present day. Both timelines alternate throughout the book and I never once got confused. I think the stories work well together.
In the 10th century, Gunnar, a Norseman settler, experiences some awful events in his young adult life. He sets out to save his village after a couple of tragic events are assumed to be the work of something dark and evil.
In the present day, Russell Stander is a former boxer, current bar owner, and all around good guy. Despite a hard childhood, he has done well, given the circumstances. Now, as an older adult, one of the tragic events of his childhood has come back to the forefront of his life.
Gritmacher has a gift of pulling you into his stories and holding your attention all the way to the end. I was sad this book ended. I wish I was still be reading the story of Gunnar and Russell. They both have so much in common.
Girtmacher knows how to be subtle with twists and turns in his stories. Book one and two have a few connections that once you read them both, you will have some “uh oh” and “ah ha” moments. Sentences are sprinkled throughout the book that are ominous and possibly foretell us what’s coming in future books. It’s like a puzzle right now. There are pieces spread out and as a reader, if we catch them, we can connect these pieces later, and I’m guessing the conclusion will be epic.
April 16, 2025
I just finished reading The Relict, the first in the five-book Skulldiggery series, by DM Gritzmacher. These books are described as stand-alone books offering breadcrumbs and Easter Eggs that tie into the other books in this series.
The Relict is a dual timeline story, taking place in both the 10th century and the present day, weaving together a story of a timeless evil surrounding a certain stone. The first follows a Norseman trying to save his clan from an evil that destroyed his family. In the present, the evil is reawakened, needing to be stopped before it kills even more innocent people. There are loose connections to serial killings, in their brutality, as well as discoveries in an ancient cave that refer to the much earlier period of horror.
It started off well-paced enough, then slowed in order to build the characters and storyline, only to quicken its pace as you get closer to the end. However, it did leave some unanswered questions for me, but I’m not sure if they’ll be answered in a future book in the series or if they were meant to remain a mystery. All I know is that I will now be sure to avoid entering any caves or caverns that haven’t seen the light of day for many years…or even those that have. All in all, it was a good read, and I gave it a 4 out of 5.
The Relict is a dual timeline story, taking place in both the 10th century and the present day, weaving together a story of a timeless evil surrounding a certain stone. The first follows a Norseman trying to save his clan from an evil that destroyed his family. In the present, the evil is reawakened, needing to be stopped before it kills even more innocent people. There are loose connections to serial killings, in their brutality, as well as discoveries in an ancient cave that refer to the much earlier period of horror.
It started off well-paced enough, then slowed in order to build the characters and storyline, only to quicken its pace as you get closer to the end. However, it did leave some unanswered questions for me, but I’m not sure if they’ll be answered in a future book in the series or if they were meant to remain a mystery. All I know is that I will now be sure to avoid entering any caves or caverns that haven’t seen the light of day for many years…or even those that have. All in all, it was a good read, and I gave it a 4 out of 5.
May 6, 2024
I really enjoyed The Relict a lot! It's a bit of a departure from my recent horror selections, but it's so atmospheric and does a great job of setting up the next book. I'm a little confused as to what happened with Liz and Stander, but I'm guessing that'll be answered in the coming books.
The characters were an interesting set, for sure! You don't often see older characters being the focal point of any novel, but especially not a horror novel (unless they're dying in some horrifically gruesome manner), so it was a nice change to see people in their 40s and 50s being the stars. Stander made for a great mix of serious action and comic relief, though I did keep reading his name as Standler for some reason.
There were a few mistakes that another pass through editing could've fixed, but nothing overly glaring that made me enjoy the book less. It did take a little while to get to the action, but David did such a great job of setting the scene and giving me atmosphere that, before I knew it, I'd already flown through the first half of the book!
I'm really looking forward to reading the next one!
The characters were an interesting set, for sure! You don't often see older characters being the focal point of any novel, but especially not a horror novel (unless they're dying in some horrifically gruesome manner), so it was a nice change to see people in their 40s and 50s being the stars. Stander made for a great mix of serious action and comic relief, though I did keep reading his name as Standler for some reason.
There were a few mistakes that another pass through editing could've fixed, but nothing overly glaring that made me enjoy the book less. It did take a little while to get to the action, but David did such a great job of setting the scene and giving me atmosphere that, before I knew it, I'd already flown through the first half of the book!
I'm really looking forward to reading the next one!
February 28, 2024
📚Book review📚
💀The Relict💀
DM Gritzmacher
5☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
Wow, this was a stunning read. The story follows two pov.. Gunners from the 10th century and Standers from the current time. The time jumps flowed very well. And keeps the reader wanting more and more.
This story was beautifully written.
Gunner is haunted by a creature in his dreams. Gunners story broke my heart. He was just trying to do the right thing.
Stander finds himself having nightmares after his sisters body was found near skull rock... but it's not her remains that are haunting him.
A creature with many names hides with in skull rock.
If you have ever read the series Agent Pendagrast ( Relic book 1) by Preston and Child...you will love this.
💀The Relict💀
DM Gritzmacher
5☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
Wow, this was a stunning read. The story follows two pov.. Gunners from the 10th century and Standers from the current time. The time jumps flowed very well. And keeps the reader wanting more and more.
This story was beautifully written.
Gunner is haunted by a creature in his dreams. Gunners story broke my heart. He was just trying to do the right thing.
Stander finds himself having nightmares after his sisters body was found near skull rock... but it's not her remains that are haunting him.
A creature with many names hides with in skull rock.
If you have ever read the series Agent Pendagrast ( Relic book 1) by Preston and Child...you will love this.
March 27, 2024
I wasn't quite sure what to expect going in, but it turned out to be a great read!
The author did a great job switching between the perspectives of characters in the present day, and characters from the 10th century. I was pretty invested in both sets of characters and the switching back and forth was well done. I was eager to see how both of their interconnected tales turned out.
One thing that kind of bothered me was that I felt like the author struggled to stay in the same tense and it threw me off a little bit but really did not detract from the awesome storyline.
Overall and awesome read!
The author did a great job switching between the perspectives of characters in the present day, and characters from the 10th century. I was pretty invested in both sets of characters and the switching back and forth was well done. I was eager to see how both of their interconnected tales turned out.
One thing that kind of bothered me was that I felt like the author struggled to stay in the same tense and it threw me off a little bit but really did not detract from the awesome storyline.
Overall and awesome read!
April 16, 2024
First of all, this is not the genre of book I prefer. That being said I enjoyed the back and forth to the past and present. I liked the characters and their development and found myself disliking how “bad” things happened to them!!
This is a different theory on the wendigo and I am intrigued and liked the idea of it.
If there is a person that likes the creepy sacred object causes bad things to happen to good people books- this is for them. It wasn’t really scary and there weren’t things jumping out at you. It was just creepy.
Overall I enjoyed the book. It was a quick and easy if not colorful read!
This is a different theory on the wendigo and I am intrigued and liked the idea of it.
If there is a person that likes the creepy sacred object causes bad things to happen to good people books- this is for them. It wasn’t really scary and there weren’t things jumping out at you. It was just creepy.
Overall I enjoyed the book. It was a quick and easy if not colorful read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2023
The Relict is a thrill ride that delivers on the promise of the content warning at the beginning of violence and gore. It also delivers on fascinating writing and a breathtaking ending, or should I say "ending for now" (air quotes). I was shocked and amazed in the best possible way for a reader. Needless to say, I will be starting book #2, The Quarry asap.
April 24, 2024
First time of reading D M Gritzmacher work and I loved it! Set over two time lines, the 10th Century and present day. This terrifying read hits the spot. The events within the story, covering centuries, are affected by pure evil. Dark and horrifyingly compelling I was hooked from beginning to end. I would Highly Recommend The Relict and will be buying the rest of this series.
May 4, 2023
I'm pretty new to the horror genre, and this book was full of twists and turns that kept me guessing. A few times I thought I knew what was coming just to be surprised by something else. I can't wait to see how this series progresses.
June 22, 2024
Very Mediocre
Pros:
- Interesting premise
- Some new interesting ideas in mythos
- Nice Gore
Cons:
- Flat and boring characters
- Untapped concept potential
- Lackluster ending
Pros:
- Interesting premise
- Some new interesting ideas in mythos
- Nice Gore
Cons:
- Flat and boring characters
- Untapped concept potential
- Lackluster ending
December 17, 2025
Mystery and ancient dread collide in The Relict, a story where grief and obsession are as haunting as anything in the woods. This horror story stays with you because it understands the true dread of human loss. And it's written by one of the nicest, coolest guys I know-- way to go Gritzmonster!
November 16, 2023
What do a cave in Michigan and a Viking have in common? Legendary Native American cryptids, that's what!
There was a lot going on in this book: serial killers, missing women, a jump back to the 10th Century to a Viking settlement, and discovered Native American artifacts. It all makes sense in the end, and it is written in a way that you can easily follow along. Chapters are divided between present day and the 10th Century, so you can remember where you are in the story.
For me, this one drug on for a bit, but then about half way through, I was like "Cool!" and got into the story line. I appreciated how 2 different cultures' folklore intertwined into one being. Kinda makes you think twice about picking up shiny rocks you find in the woods.
While this is Book 1 of a series, you can read it as a stand-alone. The connection of the characters makes a little more sense if you read them in order (which I have not done). I will say, reading the last bit of this book while having a fever added a new dimension of horror. Don't try this at home, kids!
There was a lot going on in this book: serial killers, missing women, a jump back to the 10th Century to a Viking settlement, and discovered Native American artifacts. It all makes sense in the end, and it is written in a way that you can easily follow along. Chapters are divided between present day and the 10th Century, so you can remember where you are in the story.
For me, this one drug on for a bit, but then about half way through, I was like "Cool!" and got into the story line. I appreciated how 2 different cultures' folklore intertwined into one being. Kinda makes you think twice about picking up shiny rocks you find in the woods.
While this is Book 1 of a series, you can read it as a stand-alone. The connection of the characters makes a little more sense if you read them in order (which I have not done). I will say, reading the last bit of this book while having a fever added a new dimension of horror. Don't try this at home, kids!
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