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The Book of Zog
What were the Great Old Ones like before they were old?
In the shadow of cosmic horrors, newly-birthed entity Zogrusz must come to understand his true nature, learn how to wield his dreadful powers, and search for meaning in the mad spaces between the stars. Hopefully, he’ll make some friends along the way.
Also, there’s a cat.
A Lovecraftian cozy fantasy.
In the shadow of cosmic horrors, newly-birthed entity Zogrusz must come to understand his true nature, learn how to wield his dreadful powers, and search for meaning in the mad spaces between the stars. Hopefully, he’ll make some friends along the way.
Also, there’s a cat.
A Lovecraftian cozy fantasy.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2022
23 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 23, 2022
"A Lovecraftian cozy fantasy" is how this book is described, and I'm happy to report that this is a accurate label for this odd, entertaining and original story.
Zog is a young Eldritch Horror who finds his way to a human-populated planet. Although Horrors feast on fear, Zog becomes quickly enamored with humans and attempts to survive without the usual Horror-led rampage and murder. Along the way, he gains companionship with a worshipper-stealing Phoenix goddess, a world-mind cat, and other exotic creatures and beings from distant galaxies. But the nature of the Old Ones threaten t upend everything Zog has built, so he must find a way to change his destiny or all will be lost.
The Book of Zog raises some interesting themes, such as how looks can be deceiving, but one of its biggest focal points is the nature of destiny. The story posits if one can avoid becoming their destined self, what will it take to hold on to one's true nature?
In a book chock full of flapping tendrils and gaping maws, there's an underlying sweetness that flavors the tale. It's a weird dichotomy, but somehow Hutson pulls it off with endearing characters and kind dialogue, even whilst dealing with themes of genocide, fear, and tough philosophical and moral choices.
If you're looking for a fresh take on horror / sci-fi / fantasy wrapped in a warm towel, give this odd and unique story a spin.
Zog is a young Eldritch Horror who finds his way to a human-populated planet. Although Horrors feast on fear, Zog becomes quickly enamored with humans and attempts to survive without the usual Horror-led rampage and murder. Along the way, he gains companionship with a worshipper-stealing Phoenix goddess, a world-mind cat, and other exotic creatures and beings from distant galaxies. But the nature of the Old Ones threaten t upend everything Zog has built, so he must find a way to change his destiny or all will be lost.
The Book of Zog raises some interesting themes, such as how looks can be deceiving, but one of its biggest focal points is the nature of destiny. The story posits if one can avoid becoming their destined self, what will it take to hold on to one's true nature?
In a book chock full of flapping tendrils and gaping maws, there's an underlying sweetness that flavors the tale. It's a weird dichotomy, but somehow Hutson pulls it off with endearing characters and kind dialogue, even whilst dealing with themes of genocide, fear, and tough philosophical and moral choices.
If you're looking for a fresh take on horror / sci-fi / fantasy wrapped in a warm towel, give this odd and unique story a spin.
June 22, 2023
3.5 stars
This book meanders through subgenre shifts in much the same way as our protagonist and loveable Eldritch Horror Zog meanders through various worlds at the beginning of this story. At one moment warm and wholesome, with themes of found family and self-discovery, the story also brings elements of the grotesque and horrific into play as the "Earth" and the world of cosmic horror collide.
The little misfit crew of main characters adventure through the novel and endear themselves to the reader as they begin to endear themselves to each other. Found family plays a major role in this story, and I always appreciate when an author leans into it.
It was difficult to figure out how to review and rate this story, because there are so many unique elements and genre blends in it. There were elements of sci-fi, horror, and fantasy all wrapped up in a 229 page contained story. There were even some points where it reminded me of a dark superhero narrative, only the superheroes are creatures, not humans. I enjoyed a lot of the concepts that the author was utilizing.
I enjoyed the characters, the plot moved at a decent pace throughout, and Alec Hutson is able to portray a lot in a relatively short space of pages. There were a few sections of the story, particularly toward the end, where things felt a bit more jarring or I felt needed more fleshing out.
And there is a cat. A world-avatar cat. If nothing else, read it for that.
This book meanders through subgenre shifts in much the same way as our protagonist and loveable Eldritch Horror Zog meanders through various worlds at the beginning of this story. At one moment warm and wholesome, with themes of found family and self-discovery, the story also brings elements of the grotesque and horrific into play as the "Earth" and the world of cosmic horror collide.
The little misfit crew of main characters adventure through the novel and endear themselves to the reader as they begin to endear themselves to each other. Found family plays a major role in this story, and I always appreciate when an author leans into it.
It was difficult to figure out how to review and rate this story, because there are so many unique elements and genre blends in it. There were elements of sci-fi, horror, and fantasy all wrapped up in a 229 page contained story. There were even some points where it reminded me of a dark superhero narrative, only the superheroes are creatures, not humans. I enjoyed a lot of the concepts that the author was utilizing.
I enjoyed the characters, the plot moved at a decent pace throughout, and Alec Hutson is able to portray a lot in a relatively short space of pages. There were a few sections of the story, particularly toward the end, where things felt a bit more jarring or I felt needed more fleshing out.
And there is a cat. A world-avatar cat. If nothing else, read it for that.
August 19, 2025
A very fun and inventive read!
November 6, 2022
Read full review over at Fantasy Book Critic
OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: This is a fascinating new fantasy story from an author whom I consider to be one of the three best epic fantasy authors currently writing. The first thing that drew me to this book was the description “Lovecraftian Cozy Fantasy”, now that’s a fun oxymoron that I couldn’t wait to see how it would hold up.
The book begins with Zogrusz’s birth is one of the darkest corners of the universe. Zogrusz doesn’t quite know who or what he is. But he sees several sleeping Great Ones who don’t acknowledge him or his cries for knowledge. Forced to take a journey to find out his identity, he comes across several planets, which leave him cold & hungry. Finally he finds a lush planet teeming with life and its herein where he might find the answers to all off the mysteries. But first he must find out who he truly is? Monster or merely a mundane entity.
Thus begins The Book Of Zog which introduces us to Zogrusz an Eldritch Horror who might just be different and wants to explore sentient life without wanting to destroy everything. Zog as a narrator is a fascinating entity who is brimming with curiosity and enthusiasm that is infectious. We get to read how he interacts with the denizens of the planet and causes much progress in a wild way.
What I found fascinating was how the author presented Zogrusz who will being entirely inhuman still shared some fascinating humane qualities. Besides Zogrusz, we also get to meet some other fascinating characters who are funny and intriguing. One cat in particular is sure to become a fan favourite. Zogrusz is an alien but he’s not vicious and his explorations of self are the kind that draw the readers in and make us root for him.
This book being a cozy fantasy definitely stays true to its roots, and then the author brilliantly introduces some high fantasy and science fantasy concepts within the story. I loved how this book plays to the same potential that The Shadows Of Dust showcased and in fact that there’s a small but significant clue that these two standalones might be inhabiting the same universe.
The story moves at a brisk pace as we get time skips (this is explained properly within the story) and the plot scope expands from cozy to high fantasy quite effortlessly. The author introduces some fascinating Lovecraftian as well as Celestial concepts. I enjoyed what the author was exploring over here and there’s a solid vein of science fantasy that gets showcased as well. Lastly the comic tone is kept pretty evenly throughout the story. It isn’t the slapstick type but more of understated kind (a La PG Wodehouse) and this works terrifically.
Overall this is a unique book and hence I didn’t have much complaints as I read it in a single afternoon. It was charming, the stakes while high didn’t stress me out and Zorgusz as a character was a complete delight. Objectively one can make the argument that there’s a lot of background explanation about the universe that’s missing. There are quite a few mysteries introduced and the author purposely never explains them. So this might be an issue for some.
CONCLUSION: The Book Of Zog is a cozy, pleasant story about an eldritch horror who doesn’t know what it is and tries to be nice to the inhabitants of the planet it lives on. I don’t know about you but for me, this story provided the same mental exhilaration as a cup of warm chocolate milk. The Book Of Zog is an inexplicable mix of high fantasy, science fantasy & Lovecraftian horror and it’s topped off with a solid dollop of charm. Jump in and find out why The Book Of Zog is the future evolution of the cozy fantasy genre.
November 13, 2024
2,5 Sterne
- Abgebrochen bei 65 %
Die Idee Lovecraft mit Cozy Fantasy zu verbinden ist eigentlich so dämlich, dass es nicht funktionieren sollte. Aber das tut es. Und wenn sich die Geschichte genau auf diesen Erzählstil fokussiert macht sie richtig Spaß. Ein Eldritch Horror, der einfach nur sein Handwerk verbessern will und sich an den Begegnungen mit Menschen erfreut. Relativ absurd und man darf es nicht zu ernst nehmen, aber es funktioniert. Zu Schade, dass wir nach einem Drittel das Cozy Genre komplett vergessen und es wird eine eigene, nicht wirklich tolle, Geschichte erzählt. Die ganzen Side Quest haben mich gar nicht interessiert…
(+)
- Zog hat eine geile Perspektive und sein Charakter macht am Anfang extremen Spaß
- Es ist cool die Geburtsgeschichte eines so mächtigen Wesens zu lesen
(-)
- Ich mochte die Richtung in die es gegangen ist überhaupt nicht. War mehr eine kosmische Göttergeschichte
- Ich bin kein Lovecraft Experte, aber für mich hat es sich so gar nicht nach dem Mythos angefühlt
Mein Booktube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWsL...
Mein Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nico_fantas...
- Abgebrochen bei 65 %
Die Idee Lovecraft mit Cozy Fantasy zu verbinden ist eigentlich so dämlich, dass es nicht funktionieren sollte. Aber das tut es. Und wenn sich die Geschichte genau auf diesen Erzählstil fokussiert macht sie richtig Spaß. Ein Eldritch Horror, der einfach nur sein Handwerk verbessern will und sich an den Begegnungen mit Menschen erfreut. Relativ absurd und man darf es nicht zu ernst nehmen, aber es funktioniert. Zu Schade, dass wir nach einem Drittel das Cozy Genre komplett vergessen und es wird eine eigene, nicht wirklich tolle, Geschichte erzählt. Die ganzen Side Quest haben mich gar nicht interessiert…
(+)
- Zog hat eine geile Perspektive und sein Charakter macht am Anfang extremen Spaß
- Es ist cool die Geburtsgeschichte eines so mächtigen Wesens zu lesen
(-)
- Ich mochte die Richtung in die es gegangen ist überhaupt nicht. War mehr eine kosmische Göttergeschichte
- Ich bin kein Lovecraft Experte, aber für mich hat es sich so gar nicht nach dem Mythos angefühlt
Mein Booktube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWsL...
Mein Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nico_fantas...
February 21, 2025
I really enjoy this tale.
This tale is tagged with "Horror" & "Lovecraftian" and it's not. Yes there is a Eldritch Horror but the book goes another place. Imagine that you have a Lovecraftian being called a Eldritch Horror and instead of coming to a world to consume it grows accustomed and even love it's inhabitants - although his sustenance is an emotion we know as "Fear".
It's quite funny how Alec tries to convey is thoughts on religion, emotions and gods.
I really enjoy the interactions between Zogrusz , Rhas, Qala & Anecoya (mainly this one and Zog).
If you want a fast paced, witty, funny and really different take on Great Old Ones read this book. It's a Lovecraftian Cozy Fantasy. I am going to rate 92/100
This tale is tagged with "Horror" & "Lovecraftian" and it's not. Yes there is a Eldritch Horror but the book goes another place. Imagine that you have a Lovecraftian being called a Eldritch Horror and instead of coming to a world to consume it grows accustomed and even love it's inhabitants - although his sustenance is an emotion we know as "Fear".
It's quite funny how Alec tries to convey is thoughts on religion, emotions and gods.
I really enjoy the interactions between Zogrusz , Rhas, Qala & Anecoya (mainly this one and Zog).
If you want a fast paced, witty, funny and really different take on Great Old Ones read this book. It's a Lovecraftian Cozy Fantasy. I am going to rate 92/100
October 25, 2022
What an incredibly unique book. Wonderful writing and characterizations.
Read
June 6, 2024Personally, I think the stakes were a little too high to be considered “cozy” fantasy. However, I loved this novel and it’s characters deeply.
September 16, 2022
I've enjoyed reading books by Alec Hutson. So, when I got a chance to read an ARC for "The Book of Zog", it was an easy decision to make. I also happened to note that every title by the author so far has always begun with `The`.
This was a nice mix of cozy and powerful cosmic beings. Zog is an Eldritch Horror, but grows outside the influence of Old Ones. With experimentation and experiences, he adapts to the world he landed in. Along the way, he gets to meet and become companions with other kinds of cosmic beings.
Good things rarely last. Zog and friends have to work together and get help to avoid the destruction of this planet. Though things get dark a few times, overall the book is lighthearted. It even ends with a nice laugh.
What I liked most were the introductions of the various cosmic beings and their interactions with Zog. I would've liked a little more depth for certain events, but with events moving on a cosmic scale, perhaps that wouldn't have fit the plot.
This was a nice mix of cozy and powerful cosmic beings. Zog is an Eldritch Horror, but grows outside the influence of Old Ones. With experimentation and experiences, he adapts to the world he landed in. Along the way, he gets to meet and become companions with other kinds of cosmic beings.
Good things rarely last. Zog and friends have to work together and get help to avoid the destruction of this planet. Though things get dark a few times, overall the book is lighthearted. It even ends with a nice laugh.
What I liked most were the introductions of the various cosmic beings and their interactions with Zog. I would've liked a little more depth for certain events, but with events moving on a cosmic scale, perhaps that wouldn't have fit the plot.
September 19, 2022
The book of Zog was a fun and exciting ride that delivered exactly what it says on the tin. I devoured this book in less than two days, enjoying every second of it. This book is light-hearted and humorous when it wants to be, serious when it needs to be and engaged me the whole way through. The characters are all enjoyable and relatable (which, given that the main character is a cosmic horror is a rather amusing thing to say).
The book is on the short side, which made me a little sad because I blasted through it less than two days and I was having such fun with it. However, it also means the narrative is tight and cleaned up, not allowing for too much meandering, instead sticking to the main narrative it's telling.
Enjoyed every part of it :)
The book is on the short side, which made me a little sad because I blasted through it less than two days and I was having such fun with it. However, it also means the narrative is tight and cleaned up, not allowing for too much meandering, instead sticking to the main narrative it's telling.
Enjoyed every part of it :)
February 11, 2023
Rather dull
I have read a trilogy by this author and it was excellent. But I found this book’s plot simplistic and unexciting. It is also not fantasy as one would associate with The Wheel of Time, The Game of Throne or Tolkien’s LOTR. Rather it is about four supernatural beings. Ridiculously, they can defy the laws of physics by travelling faster than the speed of light to distant stars and planets, e.g. by using their wings, even though space is a vacuum. It would have been more credible if the author described how this was done, but this story is not science fiction. When reading the book, I even wondered whether it was a children’s fairytale. Definitely not my cup of tea!
I have read a trilogy by this author and it was excellent. But I found this book’s plot simplistic and unexciting. It is also not fantasy as one would associate with The Wheel of Time, The Game of Throne or Tolkien’s LOTR. Rather it is about four supernatural beings. Ridiculously, they can defy the laws of physics by travelling faster than the speed of light to distant stars and planets, e.g. by using their wings, even though space is a vacuum. It would have been more credible if the author described how this was done, but this story is not science fiction. When reading the book, I even wondered whether it was a children’s fairytale. Definitely not my cup of tea!
September 14, 2022
Fun space fantasy that will appeal to fans of Futurama or Chris Fox's Dark Lord Bert.
This book is about a young Eldritch Horror with the sensibilities of a human and the mouth tendrils of a squid. He joins up with a motley crew of space weirdos. Do they have to save a planet from destruction? Maybe they'll be the ones destroying the planet. You'll have to read it to find out.
The book is a bit slow to start, but really picks up after the 30% mark. It's well worth the effort for the creativity, writing quality, and humor.
I received an advanced readers copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
This book is about a young Eldritch Horror with the sensibilities of a human and the mouth tendrils of a squid. He joins up with a motley crew of space weirdos. Do they have to save a planet from destruction? Maybe they'll be the ones destroying the planet. You'll have to read it to find out.
The book is a bit slow to start, but really picks up after the 30% mark. It's well worth the effort for the creativity, writing quality, and humor.
I received an advanced readers copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
August 18, 2024
This is a delightful fairly cozy coming of age story of an Eldritch Horror. Zog is a wonderful being. When he first wakes, he doesn't get imprinted with all the horror-ness of a regular Horror.
So he travels, finds a planet with humans, and he enjoys it. His visage may inspire terror, but he's actually quite friendly. I marked this as coming of age, and I mean it. It is book where a young being discovers both the world and who he is as a person/cosmic being.
So he travels, finds a planet with humans, and he enjoys it. His visage may inspire terror, but he's actually quite friendly. I marked this as coming of age, and I mean it. It is book where a young being discovers both the world and who he is as a person/cosmic being.
April 5, 2024
As The Hobbit was to Lord of the Rings, so is Zog to today's modern, lengthy fantasy. A wonderful, fairy -tale like book about an Eldritch Horror and his cat. Very enjoyable and satisfying read. Couldn't put it down.
abandoned
February 21, 2023DNF @ 50%
idk man, i have no other reason for dnfing other than i was bored and wasn't feeling it
idk man, i have no other reason for dnfing other than i was bored and wasn't feeling it
dnf
March 30, 2023It's definitely hard to write about non-humans learning about their world for the first time. Wasn't a fan of this one. Creative idea, but plot and prose aren't quite there.
May 18, 2023
A quick and fun read. Well worth your time if you're craving for something different.
June 25, 2023
4.5 stars
So fun and creative! I loved learning about the cosmic beings and see human society develop through Zog’s eyes.
So fun and creative! I loved learning about the cosmic beings and see human society develop through Zog’s eyes.
no-dice
August 31, 2023read a few pages but wasn't drawn in. I might have a thing against 3rd person writing
November 6, 2023
Lettura divertente.
August 5, 2024
Cozy Lovecraftian story with found family elements.
Alec has not yet written anything I haven’t loved.
Alec has not yet written anything I haven’t loved.
February 14, 2025
Excellent, excellent, excellent.
Traditional Lovecraftian horror meets Hero's Journey of redemption. Well worth a read.
Traditional Lovecraftian horror meets Hero's Journey of redemption. Well worth a read.
September 24, 2025
Read this review or all of my reviews on my site!
The man scowled, but Zogrusz sensed a slight softening in his mood.
“I understand, stranger. I remember my first time in this room, when I felt His presence looming over me. But you cannot so blithely stroke the visage of our dread lord! Such disrespect might summon His wrath, and all of Xochintl would suffer.”
“What delightful nonsense!” Zogrusz exclaimed, clapping his hands together. “Did you make it up yourself?”
Zogrusz is an Eldrich Horror, a being from beyond time and space. But… a nice one? That just wants to do the right thing?
The book follows Zog and the quasi-Earth (it’s never entirely clear) he settles on through thousands of years (mostly with large time jumps) and the rise and fall of various religions up to (and through) and approaching cosmic horror style end of the world.
I greatly enjoy the characters (Zog especially, but also Rhas the ‘cat’ and rival Anecoya). The plot was great when it was going through the growth of the world, but got more than a touch weird as the book went on, so your mileage may vary there. The universe building and digging just a bit into what religions can mean?
“You felt saved . . . because the gods did not care?”
“Yes!” Izel cried, and the fervor in his voice sent a thrill through Zogrusz. “If the gods truly loved and cared for us, then it was my fault that my wife and son had died. Because I was not worthy, they had suffered terribly! This was punishment for my failure! But if the universe was uncaring . . . then I was not to blame. The words of Zogrusz untied the blindfold from my eyes. I saw that there is nothing greater that will descend to save us . . . if we wish to live in a better world, we must strive to create it ourselves! Zogrusz is my god because He is the only one who presents the truth of the universe honestly. All the others lie for our devotion . . . but not Him!”
It’s certainly an interesting take on it!
In my opinion, worth a read for the premise alone. I’m curious to see what else the author has in store.
With some effort, Zogrusz finally managed a coherent thought. “The Wanderer is a fish?”
“A world I visited in my youth had an old saying: ‘Teach a man to fish, and you’ll feed him for a lifetime. Give a man a fish, and he’ll swim between the stars.’”
July 23, 2024
I read The Book of Zog as part of my SPFBO9 reading journey. Not for me but had its high points.
“Lovecraftian cozy fantasy” is a new one for me! The Book of Zog is basically a reverse first-encounter story. At first, this seems like a science fiction story. Out of the cosmos, an ancient creature named Zogrusz is birthed. He is driven by a hunger and existential longing and eventually finds Earth. We find out in the first chapter that while he wants community with the humans, he also needs to feed on human fear. So we follow Zog and his fumbling adventures, using his god-monster status among the humans and exercising unexplained, fantastical powers. But other cosmic creatures take an interest in earth and throw a wrench in things!
The book alternated between being thrilling and slow-to-boring. There were plenty of surprises in the plot; however, Zogrusz’s non-human nature sometimes led to repetition and observation mode. The narrative does sometimes stick in Zog’s head and examines him as an outsider, a spectator of human civilization. The interactions between Zog and other characters—Rhas and Annie in particular—are entertaining veering on cute, hence the “cozy” and best parts of this fantasy.
I think the root of my frustrations popped up at the 40ish% point, when a mini quest was launched. The more non-human main characters I got, the harder time I had emotionally investing. The more cosmic events we got, the harder time I had visualizing exactly what was going on.
Note another possible critique—not a problem for me. This book is SOFT fantasy. You get some answers piecemeal but plenty mystery left. (I'm not a Lovecraft buff so maybe those answers are built into the genre/lore.)
While neither Lovecraftian horror nor cozy fantasy are for me, Hutson presents a novel filled with polished writing, an intriguing plot, and enjoyable cozily quirky characters. Definitely worth the read. Warning though, it really is a blend of the Lovecraftian horror and cozy and doesn’t go full throttle with either.
“Lovecraftian cozy fantasy” is a new one for me! The Book of Zog is basically a reverse first-encounter story. At first, this seems like a science fiction story. Out of the cosmos, an ancient creature named Zogrusz is birthed. He is driven by a hunger and existential longing and eventually finds Earth. We find out in the first chapter that while he wants community with the humans, he also needs to feed on human fear. So we follow Zog and his fumbling adventures, using his god-monster status among the humans and exercising unexplained, fantastical powers. But other cosmic creatures take an interest in earth and throw a wrench in things!
The book alternated between being thrilling and slow-to-boring. There were plenty of surprises in the plot; however, Zogrusz’s non-human nature sometimes led to repetition and observation mode. The narrative does sometimes stick in Zog’s head and examines him as an outsider, a spectator of human civilization. The interactions between Zog and other characters—Rhas and Annie in particular—are entertaining veering on cute, hence the “cozy” and best parts of this fantasy.
I think the root of my frustrations popped up at the 40ish% point, when a mini quest was launched. The more non-human main characters I got, the harder time I had emotionally investing. The more cosmic events we got, the harder time I had visualizing exactly what was going on.
Note another possible critique—not a problem for me. This book is SOFT fantasy. You get some answers piecemeal but plenty mystery left. (I'm not a Lovecraft buff so maybe those answers are built into the genre/lore.)
While neither Lovecraftian horror nor cozy fantasy are for me, Hutson presents a novel filled with polished writing, an intriguing plot, and enjoyable cozily quirky characters. Definitely worth the read. Warning though, it really is a blend of the Lovecraftian horror and cozy and doesn’t go full throttle with either.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews