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Girl of Dust and Smoke
In the heart of America’s Second Dust Bowl, amid drought and raging heat, Isobel Walsh weaves a web to survive.
There is a strange new girl at Happy Hearts.
The strange new girl says strange new things.
“Daddy’s ashes. Mommy’s ashes. Sissy and Buddy both fell down,” she says.
“There’s something wrong with Isobel,” they all say.
Isobel has behaved, though. She hasn’t hurt anyone since she arrived. She hurt many before she arrived, but so have all those here. They’re murder babies, parent killers. Happy Hearts is a homeless shelter for little girls and boys who never grew up.
“Play with me. I like games,” Isobel says.
So the residents play her games. She makes them jump. She makes them dance. She makes them laugh, and she makes them cry. They think they’re winning, but nobody wins Isobel’s games. It’s fun for her. They pretend it’s fun for them, too.
Yes, Isobel Walsh is a strange new girl in a strange new world saying strange new things. Though she’s more gun than girl, more weapon than woman, twenty-five years old in a world made of clay.
CONTENT WARNING: GIRL OF DUST AND SMOKE is a disturbing novella intended for mature audiences. It is a low-plot character study of a lonely and broken individual. As such, it includes murder, death, violence, sex, incest, rape, sexual assault, underage sex, child abuse, and prostitution. This list is not comprehensive. Please read at your own risk.
There is a strange new girl at Happy Hearts.
The strange new girl says strange new things.
“Daddy’s ashes. Mommy’s ashes. Sissy and Buddy both fell down,” she says.
“There’s something wrong with Isobel,” they all say.
Isobel has behaved, though. She hasn’t hurt anyone since she arrived. She hurt many before she arrived, but so have all those here. They’re murder babies, parent killers. Happy Hearts is a homeless shelter for little girls and boys who never grew up.
“Play with me. I like games,” Isobel says.
So the residents play her games. She makes them jump. She makes them dance. She makes them laugh, and she makes them cry. They think they’re winning, but nobody wins Isobel’s games. It’s fun for her. They pretend it’s fun for them, too.
Yes, Isobel Walsh is a strange new girl in a strange new world saying strange new things. Though she’s more gun than girl, more weapon than woman, twenty-five years old in a world made of clay.
CONTENT WARNING: GIRL OF DUST AND SMOKE is a disturbing novella intended for mature audiences. It is a low-plot character study of a lonely and broken individual. As such, it includes murder, death, violence, sex, incest, rape, sexual assault, underage sex, child abuse, and prostitution. This list is not comprehensive. Please read at your own risk.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2022
1 person is currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Halo Scot
14 books154 followersHalo Scot is a dark fiction author of book monsters, many of which bite. Reviews and press are available on HaloScot.com. Halo has been featured in Publishers Weekly and BookLife. Also, as a founding member of QueerIndie.com, Scot has appeared at Brooklyn Book Festival, TBRCon, and Pop Pride Week, an event hosted by ReedPop, BookCon, and New York Comic Con.
Halo pretends to be cool, dark, and mysterious, when in reality, Scot is a clumsy and awkward creature who eats shadows and harbors a severe distrust of ladybugs. Prone to chaos, this nightmare-dwelling beast aims to achieve galactic domination through a void-screaming expertise, dormant telekinesis, and aggressive cackling. To summon this obscure and skittish writer, one must align the following items in a circle as an offering: three shots of whiskey, two bowls of jelly beans, something shiny or lit on fire, and a printed photo of Nicolas Cage as a duck.
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WEBSITE: haloscot.com
SOCIAL: @halo_scot (Twitter + Instagram)
NEWSLETTER: haloscot.com/news
Subscribe to chaos, and receive a free copy of THE HEARTBEAT OF A MILLION DREAMS.
Halo pretends to be cool, dark, and mysterious, when in reality, Scot is a clumsy and awkward creature who eats shadows and harbors a severe distrust of ladybugs. Prone to chaos, this nightmare-dwelling beast aims to achieve galactic domination through a void-screaming expertise, dormant telekinesis, and aggressive cackling. To summon this obscure and skittish writer, one must align the following items in a circle as an offering: three shots of whiskey, two bowls of jelly beans, something shiny or lit on fire, and a printed photo of Nicolas Cage as a duck.
▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
WEBSITE: haloscot.com
SOCIAL: @halo_scot (Twitter + Instagram)
NEWSLETTER: haloscot.com/news
Subscribe to chaos, and receive a free copy of THE HEARTBEAT OF A MILLION DREAMS.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 22, 2022
I think the Acknowledgements section at the end describes this book perfectly. It is utterly nauseating at times, mainly because even though you know that our anti-heroine, Isobel, is a very disturbed character you don't realise quite how disgusting she can be until maybe halfway through the book.
I've read weird, I've read disgusting, I've read nauseating and this book fits all three camps. However it is also utterly compelling and even as I felt the gorge rising I carried on reading. In fact I finished the bulk of it in an afternoon.
We are plunged into a dystopian world where every member if the human race is struggling to live. The Walsh family prey on people's fears by fortune telling as they travel from market to market. Ma and Pa Walsh use their children to make money and Isobel, is used most of all.
But Isobel can fight back.
This is not a nice book. It defies labels but it is one of those books that I couldn't put down, probably for all the wrong reasons.
My advice - if you don't mind weird and disturbing then read it. It might surprise you. But don't be surprised if it makes you feel quite sick at the sane time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I've read weird, I've read disgusting, I've read nauseating and this book fits all three camps. However it is also utterly compelling and even as I felt the gorge rising I carried on reading. In fact I finished the bulk of it in an afternoon.
We are plunged into a dystopian world where every member if the human race is struggling to live. The Walsh family prey on people's fears by fortune telling as they travel from market to market. Ma and Pa Walsh use their children to make money and Isobel, is used most of all.
But Isobel can fight back.
This is not a nice book. It defies labels but it is one of those books that I couldn't put down, probably for all the wrong reasons.
My advice - if you don't mind weird and disturbing then read it. It might surprise you. But don't be surprised if it makes you feel quite sick at the sane time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 12, 2022
3.5/5
This is an incredibly dark novella and should not be read if any of the following trigger warnings make you uncomfortable. If dark, gritty fiction is something you enjoy, I would say Halo Scot is an author for you.
TW for the book:
This novella is very well written and the language used throughout is fascinating. The writing style was very fluid and easy to follow the story, and showed the depravity and brokenness of the main character. One issues I did have was with the plot itself, I was confused about where the story was going. The book is more a character study than anything else and should be considered as such. The in depth analysis of the different characters, their motivations, and the need for love, acceptance and belonging are all very clear. The shift and change in people and how situations - and people - can change them was highlighted in this piece.
This is not a book I would read if you're looking for a happy ending. This is dark from start to finish and highlights various levels of abuse that Isobell faces. The lack of paternal love from all sides was obvious and consistent, and the way she was used by her family - parents and siblings - is really awful. The book brings out a gut wrenching feeling because all Isobell wanted was to be loved.
The book flows from past to present, but I'm still confused about the Happy Hearts home. I assumed it was for children, but Isobell was already 18 in parts of the flash backs. This was something I kept thinking on but maybe I just misread something from the beginning.
Overall, I would definitely read more from Scot in the future and the writing skill possessed is amazing.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is an incredibly dark novella and should not be read if any of the following trigger warnings make you uncomfortable. If dark, gritty fiction is something you enjoy, I would say Halo Scot is an author for you.
TW for the book:
This novella is very well written and the language used throughout is fascinating. The writing style was very fluid and easy to follow the story, and showed the depravity and brokenness of the main character. One issues I did have was with the plot itself, I was confused about where the story was going. The book is more a character study than anything else and should be considered as such. The in depth analysis of the different characters, their motivations, and the need for love, acceptance and belonging are all very clear. The shift and change in people and how situations - and people - can change them was highlighted in this piece.
This is not a book I would read if you're looking for a happy ending. This is dark from start to finish and highlights various levels of abuse that Isobell faces. The lack of paternal love from all sides was obvious and consistent, and the way she was used by her family - parents and siblings - is really awful. The book brings out a gut wrenching feeling because all Isobell wanted was to be loved.
The book flows from past to present, but I'm still confused about the Happy Hearts home. I assumed it was for children, but Isobell was already 18 in parts of the flash backs. This was something I kept thinking on but maybe I just misread something from the beginning.
Overall, I would definitely read more from Scot in the future and the writing skill possessed is amazing.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 31, 2022
I have to rate this book from Halp five stars. He is very talented writer as the emotions and personalities of Isabelle, her family, her friends, and acquaintances came alive on the page. I cried for Isabelle. She had a hard life during a hard time. A dystopian time and I cried because all she wanted was to be normal, to belong, to have her family love her and not use her. They called her their employee and looked at her with disgrace because of who she was and how she looked. In her future her family is worshipped while she knew the real dark truth and wanted their monument to burn like they did. I absolutely loved this book for its dark story but also for the brilliant writing and detail Halo gave. Halo I am so glad you gave me a chance to read this book. I look forward to reading more of your work.
November 27, 2022
I have to qualify my 3 stars. This is really a disturbing book. There’s a warning with it, and I’m not easily disturbed, but when there’s raped, incest, incestous rape, and more I have to say that I’m not sure this needs to be written. The story was weird written and the main character well developed but it just goes beyond what I think is something anyone needs to read. Make up your own mind, I know there are some people for whom nothing goes too far so you might enjoy this, just be forewarned.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 24, 2022
Let me open by saying I went into this book knowing it'd be way outside my wheelhouse, and that's okay, because I think Scot writes with something of an intent to break apart everyone's wheelhouse, including her own, and that's the best way to go about creating true raw art. Optimist and idealist that I am, I hold out hope for happy endings. In my little world, everyone recovers, learns, grows, blossoms. But that's not necessarily real life now, is it? This book marks the first time I ever agreed with the notion of death as a kind release.
No subject, no emotion, no primal urge is off limits here, and even in the darkest moments, Scot shies away from nothing. Kiddy gloves are off and disdainfully disposed of, and tar is crystal compared to the darkness achieved in these pages. And despite the extremism, the story and its characters don't really feel farfetched. Isobel's believability lies in the familiarity of that frustration you feel watching someone else make obvious but ultimately unavoidable mistakes. The character study plunges so deep, and the plot so gradually descends into depravity that while one isn't numbed to the carnage and cruelty, one is able to empathize with Isobel despite it all. Her choices aren't choices I would make, but I've never been in her shoes, and I hope to god I never will be.
Plot and characters aside, the writing is vivid and evocative–an unnerving poetic pendulum slowly but surely lulling you into the savage crannies of your mind only accessible via nightmare.
*I received a free ARC of this book, and this is my honest, voluntary review.
No subject, no emotion, no primal urge is off limits here, and even in the darkest moments, Scot shies away from nothing. Kiddy gloves are off and disdainfully disposed of, and tar is crystal compared to the darkness achieved in these pages. And despite the extremism, the story and its characters don't really feel farfetched. Isobel's believability lies in the familiarity of that frustration you feel watching someone else make obvious but ultimately unavoidable mistakes. The character study plunges so deep, and the plot so gradually descends into depravity that while one isn't numbed to the carnage and cruelty, one is able to empathize with Isobel despite it all. Her choices aren't choices I would make, but I've never been in her shoes, and I hope to god I never will be.
Plot and characters aside, the writing is vivid and evocative–an unnerving poetic pendulum slowly but surely lulling you into the savage crannies of your mind only accessible via nightmare.
*I received a free ARC of this book, and this is my honest, voluntary review.
October 12, 2022
ARC review- Where to start, to be honest, I had no idea what I was getting into with this one. This is a totally new author for me. I gave this one a 3/5 and I did that due to the writing itself, this author has a way with words for sure. When it comes to the book, things I liked: I like the writing itself and the book went pretty quickly and flowed really well. With that being said, I honestly could not figure out the actual storyline here, maybe it is just me. The beginning set up really well introducing Happy Hearts, a homeless shelter for little girls and boys who basically were parent killers, runts, odd and weird. The new girl Isobel being the main character, was different.
The author did a really good job of introducing her past and how much her parents hated her and only kept her as an additional body in the home. She was never accepted and never felt loved or wanted. The book went back and forth between her past and her present. The more I read, the less I was able to find the real plot of the story. There were some definite gag-worthy situations, literally had to keep myself from gagging. Was definitely not my cup of tea and I wanted to DNF this a lot, however, I stuck it out and finished. I am glad I did, at the end, there is a note from the author half explaining that they did not set out to write some of what they did, but there it was. All in all, not for me, but maybe for some others. I hope that you take a chance on it, especially if you love dark fiction. I would be interested to read more from this author.
The author did a really good job of introducing her past and how much her parents hated her and only kept her as an additional body in the home. She was never accepted and never felt loved or wanted. The book went back and forth between her past and her present. The more I read, the less I was able to find the real plot of the story. There were some definite gag-worthy situations, literally had to keep myself from gagging. Was definitely not my cup of tea and I wanted to DNF this a lot, however, I stuck it out and finished. I am glad I did, at the end, there is a note from the author half explaining that they did not set out to write some of what they did, but there it was. All in all, not for me, but maybe for some others. I hope that you take a chance on it, especially if you love dark fiction. I would be interested to read more from this author.
October 15, 2022
I usually LOVE dark fiction and while I liked parts of this one, there we’re definitely scenes that were borderline too dark for my personal taste and for that, I had to stop reading it for my sanity. I thought I could handle the trigger warnings, but I was wrong and I
Highly suggest you think about them before starting this novella.
I loved Halo’s writing style and thought their prose was beautiful and eerie. The way they describe things is very gritty, visceral, and realistic which makes for some pretty unsettling scenes, which I’m sure was the intention.
The main character, Isobel, is extremely broken and left to her own devices and thoughts all throughout her life which leads to why she’s the way that she is, and rightly so with the “family” (if you can even call them that) she was dealt.
That being said, you should try it out for yourself and see what you think. I’m very glad I tried reading this even if I couldn’t finish as, again, it is beautifully done. Halo Scott has serious talent no doubt and I wouldn’t mind trying their books againv when I’m more mentally prepared for a darker tone.
I received an Arc of this novella in exchange for my honest opinion and review!
Highly suggest you think about them before starting this novella.
I loved Halo’s writing style and thought their prose was beautiful and eerie. The way they describe things is very gritty, visceral, and realistic which makes for some pretty unsettling scenes, which I’m sure was the intention.
The main character, Isobel, is extremely broken and left to her own devices and thoughts all throughout her life which leads to why she’s the way that she is, and rightly so with the “family” (if you can even call them that) she was dealt.
That being said, you should try it out for yourself and see what you think. I’m very glad I tried reading this even if I couldn’t finish as, again, it is beautifully done. Halo Scott has serious talent no doubt and I wouldn’t mind trying their books againv when I’m more mentally prepared for a darker tone.
I received an Arc of this novella in exchange for my honest opinion and review!
October 18, 2022
(Actual rating: 4.5 stars)
Girl of Dust and Smoke is a character study steeped in sadness and misery.
Scot writes with her usual poetic flair, painting the dismal life of Isobel in a back and forth manner that allows us to learn of her traumatic past and how that has affected her future situation.
Although Isabel’s story is anything but a happy one, I still was enthralled by her life and was eager to learn more about this broken girl.
Scot once again crafts a dark masterpiece that I for one think deserves to be called a literary triumph.
*I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens and this is my honest, voluntary review.*
Girl of Dust and Smoke is a character study steeped in sadness and misery.
Scot writes with her usual poetic flair, painting the dismal life of Isobel in a back and forth manner that allows us to learn of her traumatic past and how that has affected her future situation.
Although Isabel’s story is anything but a happy one, I still was enthralled by her life and was eager to learn more about this broken girl.
Scot once again crafts a dark masterpiece that I for one think deserves to be called a literary triumph.
*I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens and this is my honest, voluntary review.*
December 12, 2022
This book should have nothing going for it. It has unlikeable characters, dark themes, murder, rape, incest, prostitution.
But the author has woven the tale so beautifully, with such language, that it is quite the work of art. Isobel is not a hero. Perhaps she isn't a villain. An anti villain?
You empathise with her much like you do with Lekter. Or maybe that's just me and I am a bit of a weirdo.
A dark dark book, beautifully written. It's very good.
But the author has woven the tale so beautifully, with such language, that it is quite the work of art. Isobel is not a hero. Perhaps she isn't a villain. An anti villain?
You empathise with her much like you do with Lekter. Or maybe that's just me and I am a bit of a weirdo.
A dark dark book, beautifully written. It's very good.
January 28, 2023
I went into this book expecting “dark fiction” and honestly skipped the warnings. I was surprised at how dark the fiction was, but it was beautifully written and I enjoyed reading about Isobel and how she managed to survive The Walsh family brand.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 14, 2023
A Dark and Sinister Tale of a Very Broken Soul
Isobel is the broken soul, and if you are seeking a story that explores the psyche of the broken, then this is it. Because Isobel was abused. And this story, set in the near future in the midst of the Second Great Midwest Dust Storms, is less about where the broken girl is going and more about why she is where she is.
It's not pretty. Nor is Isobel, as her appearance literally pays homage to the girl from The Ring. There is a grotesque and heartbreaking nature to the things Isobel endures, a twisted wreck on the side of the road from which we can’t avert our eyes. The story explores Isobel's vulnerability and the lengths she will go to to survive.
This story is not fun. But it is well written. A deeply explored character piece for sure. I cringed while reading this. But I can’t shake the depth it holds. Well done.
Isobel is the broken soul, and if you are seeking a story that explores the psyche of the broken, then this is it. Because Isobel was abused. And this story, set in the near future in the midst of the Second Great Midwest Dust Storms, is less about where the broken girl is going and more about why she is where she is.
It's not pretty. Nor is Isobel, as her appearance literally pays homage to the girl from The Ring. There is a grotesque and heartbreaking nature to the things Isobel endures, a twisted wreck on the side of the road from which we can’t avert our eyes. The story explores Isobel's vulnerability and the lengths she will go to to survive.
This story is not fun. But it is well written. A deeply explored character piece for sure. I cringed while reading this. But I can’t shake the depth it holds. Well done.
December 1, 2022
Have you ever read or watched anything that left you feeling like you need a complete mind cleansing afterwards? Are you like me and enjoy that material? Well, then I have the book for you.
Girl of Dust and Smoke is a wonderful character study into a strange, twisted family, and the effects it has on the children. It's only a novella, but the effects of this story will linger with me for a long time yet.
One of my favorite lines from the book is "A storm is always coming. Life is always dying."
Based on the blurb, I was expecting the Happy Hearts home to be filled with children, but that's not the case. The residents are adults, who's loss of their parents caused them to never fully grow up, mentally or socially. Well, considering the entire book takes place in a second dust bowl and economic depression, socially is kind of thrown out the window for everyone.
The author doesn't leave us in the dark as to what led our main character to Happy Hearts though. An intriguing aspect to this book is that each chapter alternates between present time and our main character, Isobel's childhood in an easy to follow, connecting way. Each chapter dealing with Isobel's childhood leads into a present-day chapter with particular relevance to the memories we just experienced.
In a nutshell, we learn of Isobel's childhood and family dynamics. She lives with her parents and twin older siblings in an RV, hopping from caravan to caravan, market to market through the drought stricken, economy collapsing Midwest. Her parents are traveling con artist fortune tellers and the twins are successful vloggers in the RV life genre, so this dynamic pretty much leaves Isobel on the sidelines to fend for herself. Frail, ugly, deformed, and left to her own devices, Isobel's mind is left to mature on its own in dark, twisted ways. As bad as that may sound, the interactions that she has with her family causes her dark maturing to be 100 times worse.
The chapters dealing with Isobel's childhood gives us glimpses of her life from early childhood up through eighteen years of age. Those chapters follow Isobel as a neglected child to becoming old enough to have to pull her own weight with the family, to ultimately becoming their financial leader and the dark power that gives Isobel over those she hates.
The chapters dealing in present time at Happy Hearts finds Isobel at age 25, roughly the same age as the other occupants. By this time, Isobel is a manipulative, conniving, mentally dark and imposing character, and her growth isn't over yet.
If I had to find a way to safely explain the story to someone and give a basis of comparison, I'd say imagine a mix of Girl, Interrupted and Gone Girl.
The story itself is low-plot. It's more of a follow of Isobel herself, and the things that make her tick. As far as the other residents of Happy Hearts, we slowly find out the circumstances that landed each one there, but Isobel never shares in group therapy. The flip back and forth between her current chapters and her childhood chapters does that for us, and it's a slow burn to an inevitable conclusion that the reader is chomping at the bit to finally see happen.
Back in current times, the ending here comes charging at you out of left field, and as soon as it hits you, you realize it makes perfect sense. For anyone that reads this book and says they saw that ending coming, I'm calling out your lies right here and now.
Not only does the author create some melancholy, grim, and even evil characters, but the world she created with a state of emergency, both climate and economically, adds to the bleakness of the story in such a way that you realize Isobel never had a chance to grow up in any other way.
This story is an extremely dark fall into chaos and would not be a read for everyone, but for those like me that can handle and enjoy that type of genre, I can promise that this story will last with you for a long time after you are done with it.
Author Halo Scot definitely stands alone in the way she writes and the stories she crafts. I can guarantee this will not be the last story of hers that I read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Girl of Dust and Smoke is a wonderful character study into a strange, twisted family, and the effects it has on the children. It's only a novella, but the effects of this story will linger with me for a long time yet.
One of my favorite lines from the book is "A storm is always coming. Life is always dying."
Based on the blurb, I was expecting the Happy Hearts home to be filled with children, but that's not the case. The residents are adults, who's loss of their parents caused them to never fully grow up, mentally or socially. Well, considering the entire book takes place in a second dust bowl and economic depression, socially is kind of thrown out the window for everyone.
The author doesn't leave us in the dark as to what led our main character to Happy Hearts though. An intriguing aspect to this book is that each chapter alternates between present time and our main character, Isobel's childhood in an easy to follow, connecting way. Each chapter dealing with Isobel's childhood leads into a present-day chapter with particular relevance to the memories we just experienced.
In a nutshell, we learn of Isobel's childhood and family dynamics. She lives with her parents and twin older siblings in an RV, hopping from caravan to caravan, market to market through the drought stricken, economy collapsing Midwest. Her parents are traveling con artist fortune tellers and the twins are successful vloggers in the RV life genre, so this dynamic pretty much leaves Isobel on the sidelines to fend for herself. Frail, ugly, deformed, and left to her own devices, Isobel's mind is left to mature on its own in dark, twisted ways. As bad as that may sound, the interactions that she has with her family causes her dark maturing to be 100 times worse.
The chapters dealing with Isobel's childhood gives us glimpses of her life from early childhood up through eighteen years of age. Those chapters follow Isobel as a neglected child to becoming old enough to have to pull her own weight with the family, to ultimately becoming their financial leader and the dark power that gives Isobel over those she hates.
The chapters dealing in present time at Happy Hearts finds Isobel at age 25, roughly the same age as the other occupants. By this time, Isobel is a manipulative, conniving, mentally dark and imposing character, and her growth isn't over yet.
If I had to find a way to safely explain the story to someone and give a basis of comparison, I'd say imagine a mix of Girl, Interrupted and Gone Girl.
The story itself is low-plot. It's more of a follow of Isobel herself, and the things that make her tick. As far as the other residents of Happy Hearts, we slowly find out the circumstances that landed each one there, but Isobel never shares in group therapy. The flip back and forth between her current chapters and her childhood chapters does that for us, and it's a slow burn to an inevitable conclusion that the reader is chomping at the bit to finally see happen.
Back in current times, the ending here comes charging at you out of left field, and as soon as it hits you, you realize it makes perfect sense. For anyone that reads this book and says they saw that ending coming, I'm calling out your lies right here and now.
Not only does the author create some melancholy, grim, and even evil characters, but the world she created with a state of emergency, both climate and economically, adds to the bleakness of the story in such a way that you realize Isobel never had a chance to grow up in any other way.
This story is an extremely dark fall into chaos and would not be a read for everyone, but for those like me that can handle and enjoy that type of genre, I can promise that this story will last with you for a long time after you are done with it.
Author Halo Scot definitely stands alone in the way she writes and the stories she crafts. I can guarantee this will not be the last story of hers that I read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 21, 2022
It breaks my heart to give Girl of Dust and Smoke only 3 stars, but I can’t justify any more. I loved plenty about the book; its adult theme, complex characters, dual timeline, and the sense of continuous melancholia that tell you something is amiss.
Moreover, Halo Scot’s writing is wonderful at times, almost lyrical, and suits the protagonist and her personality. I also enjoyed the ending and the few revelations that came up towards the end.
I should also clarify that the content didn’t bother me. It’s unabashed, horrific at times, hard to read/imagine, and breaks through several societal morals, but I’ve read enough for it not wholly terrify me. At the same time, although a couple of things could have been mentioned in the trigger warnings, I suggest you take all the ones listed seriously before picking the book.
My issue with the story is that its middle part is just too damn dull. Often repetitive, it moved at a snail's pace and left me wanting to stop reading further. The dystopian-like dust bowl also feels forced, leading to unnecessary tangents from the main story. Such a catastrophe could have had a significant supporting part, but I think it doesn’t. Had the events happened without the oncoming doom in the background, the plot would have had more of an impact.
Nevertheless, the story is a brave attempt by the author at something that I’m sure won’t please everyone. However, the book’s complexities, insight into family dynamics, and references to modern-day fascinations and lifestyles would make for an interesting debate.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Moreover, Halo Scot’s writing is wonderful at times, almost lyrical, and suits the protagonist and her personality. I also enjoyed the ending and the few revelations that came up towards the end.
I should also clarify that the content didn’t bother me. It’s unabashed, horrific at times, hard to read/imagine, and breaks through several societal morals, but I’ve read enough for it not wholly terrify me. At the same time, although a couple of things could have been mentioned in the trigger warnings, I suggest you take all the ones listed seriously before picking the book.
My issue with the story is that its middle part is just too damn dull. Often repetitive, it moved at a snail's pace and left me wanting to stop reading further. The dystopian-like dust bowl also feels forced, leading to unnecessary tangents from the main story. Such a catastrophe could have had a significant supporting part, but I think it doesn’t. Had the events happened without the oncoming doom in the background, the plot would have had more of an impact.
Nevertheless, the story is a brave attempt by the author at something that I’m sure won’t please everyone. However, the book’s complexities, insight into family dynamics, and references to modern-day fascinations and lifestyles would make for an interesting debate.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 1, 2023
This wasn't what I expected to read in February.
Happy Hearts is an orphanage where parent-killers reside, whether they're an awful accident or not. One of these orphans is Isobel. The unremarkable Walsh member can make you do what she asks you to, and that leads to the trauma and revenge she brought out on her infamous toxic family.
Talking further than that was already spoiling, so I have to end that incoherent, short introduction. This novella surprised me in both good and bad ways. By good, I refer to how immersive this novella is. The sentence structure of the author was quite short yet engaging, at least for me. The back and forth between the two timeframes was also a good approach to holding my attention. However, I didn't see the gross and traumatic events in the second half. I was wondering what the author had been thinking when she wrote those parts. Those were disgusting and may trigger some of the readers, so check the warning first before getting into it.
What I thought was missing in the novella was the depth of background on other characters, especially Ula's. I wanted to get into her story more. There are just bombshells that don't make sense and come completely out of nowhere.
Overall, I enjoyed this. I was reading the latter part on my way home from school, and the last chapter had me staring at nothing for a good two minutes because, what in the hell was that? It was quite an experience, though. Also, this reminds me of the movie Orphan, but more messed up.
[I received an advance review copy from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
Happy Hearts is an orphanage where parent-killers reside, whether they're an awful accident or not. One of these orphans is Isobel. The unremarkable Walsh member can make you do what she asks you to, and that leads to the trauma and revenge she brought out on her infamous toxic family.
Talking further than that was already spoiling, so I have to end that incoherent, short introduction. This novella surprised me in both good and bad ways. By good, I refer to how immersive this novella is. The sentence structure of the author was quite short yet engaging, at least for me. The back and forth between the two timeframes was also a good approach to holding my attention. However, I didn't see the gross and traumatic events in the second half. I was wondering what the author had been thinking when she wrote those parts. Those were disgusting and may trigger some of the readers, so check the warning first before getting into it.
What I thought was missing in the novella was the depth of background on other characters, especially Ula's. I wanted to get into her story more. There are just bombshells that don't make sense and come completely out of nowhere.
Overall, I enjoyed this. I was reading the latter part on my way home from school, and the last chapter had me staring at nothing for a good two minutes because, what in the hell was that? It was quite an experience, though. Also, this reminds me of the movie Orphan, but more messed up.
[I received an advance review copy from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
October 19, 2022
Thank you to BookSirens and Halo Scot for an eARC of this novella! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I feel like I should be disappointed in myself for liking this book, but that wouldn't be particularly productive.
Girl of Dust and Smoke is a provocative telling of one girl's cruel survival tactics in an even more cruel world. It is the time of The Greater Depression, there is dust everywhere, food and water are scarce and people would do anything to survive. Sometimes they would even do anything to feel alive.
Read the TWs. Consider them carefully, because everything mentioned on that list is graphic in on those 154 pages. This book describes some of the filthiest, inhumane, immoral acts, but for some reason I couldn't help but laugh at it all, because it's just so bizarre and dehumanizing and absolutely blasphemous. This is what conservatives imagine queer people do. All that being said, I loved it. Maybe I'm weird and gross for that, but that's not the first time I've considered myself weird and gross. I feel like it's very specific with it's target audience: you need a good stomach and a certain appreciation for body/extreme horror, but you also have to stop taking yourself seriously for a while and just enjoy this shitshow (endearing).
I will definitely dive into some more of Scot's works, I really want to see what else is boiling in their cauldron of a brain.
I feel like I should be disappointed in myself for liking this book, but that wouldn't be particularly productive.
Girl of Dust and Smoke is a provocative telling of one girl's cruel survival tactics in an even more cruel world. It is the time of The Greater Depression, there is dust everywhere, food and water are scarce and people would do anything to survive. Sometimes they would even do anything to feel alive.
Read the TWs. Consider them carefully, because everything mentioned on that list is graphic in on those 154 pages. This book describes some of the filthiest, inhumane, immoral acts, but for some reason I couldn't help but laugh at it all, because it's just so bizarre and dehumanizing and absolutely blasphemous. This is what conservatives imagine queer people do. All that being said, I loved it. Maybe I'm weird and gross for that, but that's not the first time I've considered myself weird and gross. I feel like it's very specific with it's target audience: you need a good stomach and a certain appreciation for body/extreme horror, but you also have to stop taking yourself seriously for a while and just enjoy this shitshow (endearing).
I will definitely dive into some more of Scot's works, I really want to see what else is boiling in their cauldron of a brain.
March 23, 2023
From the very first page, Author Halo Scot grabs your heart and immerses you into Isobel’s grim world in "Girl of Dust and Smoke." To survive her upbringing, Isobel is forced to use her psychic abilities to earn money for her family's survival. She is exploited and abused by her parents and siblings, but as the story progresses, she begins to discover her own inner strength and power.
This brilliantly written novella gave me soul-quenching goosebumps with vivid descriptions of the settings and characters that transport you into the story's world. Isobel's struggle is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as she fights to break free from the cycle of abuse and oppression that she has been trapped in her whole life. The plot moves quickly, with plenty of action and suspense to keep you engaged. The themes of trauma, manipulation, and the search for freedom and identity are woven throughout the story, making it a thought-provoking read.
The prose is lyrical and poetic, painting a vivid picture of the world Isobel inhabits. The characters are well-drawn and feel real, and the relationships between them are complex and nuanced. "Girl of Dust and Smoke" is a powerful and well-crafted story that will leave a lasting impression on readers. It is a dark and haunting tale, but one that ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. Another brilliant masterpiece by the incredibly talented and creative Author Halo Scot! A must-read!
This brilliantly written novella gave me soul-quenching goosebumps with vivid descriptions of the settings and characters that transport you into the story's world. Isobel's struggle is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as she fights to break free from the cycle of abuse and oppression that she has been trapped in her whole life. The plot moves quickly, with plenty of action and suspense to keep you engaged. The themes of trauma, manipulation, and the search for freedom and identity are woven throughout the story, making it a thought-provoking read.
The prose is lyrical and poetic, painting a vivid picture of the world Isobel inhabits. The characters are well-drawn and feel real, and the relationships between them are complex and nuanced. "Girl of Dust and Smoke" is a powerful and well-crafted story that will leave a lasting impression on readers. It is a dark and haunting tale, but one that ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. Another brilliant masterpiece by the incredibly talented and creative Author Halo Scot! A must-read!
December 22, 2022
Halo Scot's latest is as much an experiment in psychological damage as it is daring storyline. Girl of Dust and Smoke presents a truly deep dive into the dark psyche of a tortured mind, and only Scot can weave such a tale into something rational and compassionate.
It won’t take long for you to discover that something is very wrong, not only with Isobel Walsh, but also the world in which she lives. A desperate population ravaged by the extremes of a climate crisis does unthinkable things. Even to their own children. Even with their own siblings. These circumstances and actions come together to create one very broken individual.
Scot skillfully alternates between past and present to give the reader the current situation while painting a dark past that eventually intersects with the now in an explosive ending. Shorter than her other novels, this book still manages to pack a big bunch, both to the gut and the heart of the reader.
As always with Scot, heed the content warnings, but if you can get past that, Girl of Dust and Smoke delivers an outstanding story on every ring of hell in which it was created.
It won’t take long for you to discover that something is very wrong, not only with Isobel Walsh, but also the world in which she lives. A desperate population ravaged by the extremes of a climate crisis does unthinkable things. Even to their own children. Even with their own siblings. These circumstances and actions come together to create one very broken individual.
Scot skillfully alternates between past and present to give the reader the current situation while painting a dark past that eventually intersects with the now in an explosive ending. Shorter than her other novels, this book still manages to pack a big bunch, both to the gut and the heart of the reader.
As always with Scot, heed the content warnings, but if you can get past that, Girl of Dust and Smoke delivers an outstanding story on every ring of hell in which it was created.
June 19, 2023
Book started off intense and made you feel for the main character. It progressed nicely with a good seamless flow between present and past. The writing really painted a picture of what was going on… a little too well. The content about half ways is not my cup of tea and if this was not something I promised an honest review, I would have DNF’d. It was tragic in the direction it went and the feeling of lonliness was apparent. That was a twist in itself but kind of fizzled out in intensity of where I thought the author was taking it. The loss of innocence before it could be innocent was a good plot. The ending was quick but introduced a twist too close to the end that I think would have made a great cat and mouse type of plot. It did end in a way that was forced and felt like it was trying to leave an opening to a sequel. Not a spoiler as last minute plots were introduced but not brought fully into fruition. Almost was something I would recommend but missed it’s mark with my expectation. Three stars because it it does make you think what is capable with a sharp tongue and wit let alone beauty. Interesting read if you are not abhorrent to lewd subjects.
November 1, 2022
This novella was a tumble down the rabbit hole of generational trauma. The cruelties Isobel suffers are absolutely heartbreaking, and the desire to be wanted, loved, and cherished turn from simply that, into twisted, almost-unrecognizable versions of their origins as Isobel learns how to turn them on humanity, preying in the shadows, and gradually becoming bolder and hungrier for the power she’s never had. The “sins” run deep in this family, and the ways they unfold are both horrifying and riveting. Scot is a genius author and paints the story in a way I can’t look away from. No matter how dark, I am lured deeper, searching for answers. This book—this character study— was phenomenal!
November 17, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love the writing style of this author. It's a story of a girl name Isobel that lives at a homeless shelter called happy hearts and what brought her there. it's a shelter for parent killers who have mentally never grown up. This short story was quite thought provoking, leaving me with sympathy for the main character Isobel
I love the writing style of this author. It's a story of a girl name Isobel that lives at a homeless shelter called happy hearts and what brought her there. it's a shelter for parent killers who have mentally never grown up. This short story was quite thought provoking, leaving me with sympathy for the main character Isobel
October 21, 2022
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily**
Short, easy read that, in my opinion, wasn't as dark as I thought. But it was still great! I just expected much more darkness. I pity Isobel, but happy things went the way they did in regards to her family.
Great job, Halo!
Short, easy read that, in my opinion, wasn't as dark as I thought. But it was still great! I just expected much more darkness. I pity Isobel, but happy things went the way they did in regards to her family.
Great job, Halo!
December 31, 2022
This is a very disturbing and chilling book, definitely not for the faint of heart. I've read a few of Scot's works before and this one did not disappoint! I'd definitely give this one a read, (but do listen to the content warning, it isn't lying when it lists the deeply disturbing things in the book)
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
March 8, 2023
Well written, but very dark.
TW: incest, rape, murder/gore, mental illness.
This book was way more dark than I was expecting and I wasn't sure I could finish it, but I did. The writing was haunting & traumatic to the point where I was afraid to read what would happen next and I was left unsettled many times. Trauma can last & warp someone into a monster and that was shown here.
TW: incest, rape, murder/gore, mental illness.
This book was way more dark than I was expecting and I wasn't sure I could finish it, but I did. The writing was haunting & traumatic to the point where I was afraid to read what would happen next and I was left unsettled many times. Trauma can last & warp someone into a monster and that was shown here.
Read
January 13, 2023I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was not my normal style of reading, however, it was a very compelling read. If you enjoy a little mystery with your "horror," this is the book for you.
This was not my normal style of reading, however, it was a very compelling read. If you enjoy a little mystery with your "horror," this is the book for you.
April 2, 2025
Absolutely gripping
This book had me on the edge of my seat, figuratively and literally. I loved the mixed timelines and the mix between character's thoughts and emotions and what they actually say.
This book had me on the edge of my seat, figuratively and literally. I loved the mixed timelines and the mix between character's thoughts and emotions and what they actually say.
February 12, 2023
That was f*cked
4.5 Stars. .5 off cause I wanted it to be longer.
4.5 Stars. .5 off cause I wanted it to be longer.
December 27, 2024
The style of writing was beautiful but this was too disturbing for me, particularly towards the end.
April 12, 2023
Girl of Dust and Smoke is a dark fiction novella written by Halo Scot. It is a psychological and horror LGBTQ+ thriller intended for mature readers. This book is a low-plot character study including disturbing elements, so be advised to read the trigger warnings at the end of this review.
Isobel Walsh, the main character and narrator of this story, is the strange new girl at Happy Hearts, a homeless shelter for orphans who have gone through extensive trauma. The narration alternates between two different timelines: Isobel´s childhood with her family living in an RV, and her experience in the present as a 25-year-old at Happy Hearts. She experiences poverty in both settings. During her childhood as a part of a nomadic family, Isobel and her siblings, the twins Bridget and Brodie, are expected to provide income to their parents who make a living by fortune telling at dust markets in the Midwest. Although she is not expected to make money for the shelter, she still has a set of chores and obligations that do not distract her from the same dust, drought and poverty she experienced in her early years. The story guides you through her experiences, revealing how her behaviour is influenced by them.
This book grips you from the very start; even when you still do not know much about the characters, you already care enough about them and the devastatingly real setting they are a part of that you have to keep reading. The diversity of the characters is beneficial for the story since it makes it more believable. Since the characters are well-designed, you can relate to and understand their actions even when you disagree with them. Not only are the characters skillfully created, but also the trauma they have experienced is accurately portrayed. The complexity of trauma is effectively written, the author manages to make the reader feel fear and disgust when describing traumatizing experiences, as well as showing the reasons why the characters might feel comforted by them because of their familiarity, and this complexity often leads to the conflicting thoughts and feelings so commonly related to trauma and this confliction is also well represented through the writing.
Furthermore, the writing style improves this portrayal of trauma because even when the narrator can be unreliable, whether it is because Isobel is too young or because her trauma runs so deep the reader is not sure if she is lying, readers are able to read between the lines in a way that allows them to consciously understand the opposite of what the narrator is saying or thinking since it can be obvious she does not mean what is written or she does not completely believe it herself.
(The next paragraph might contain spoilers, read at your own risk)
As much as I enjoyed reading this novella, the ending chapters left me a little disappointed because I believe too much was left unexplained. I think the ending could have been executed differently in a way that still felt true to the story but also to the characters since the ending scenes seemed rushed and somewhat out of character and as traumatized as the characters were, I did not fully comprehend it. I also feel like more background was needed for the secondary characters, as well as more interactions with Isobel, although that might just be my personal preference, I believe it would have benefitted the story.
I would rate this story 3,75 out of 5 stars overall, and here is the rating broken down into categories:
- overall enjoyment: 4
- writing quality: 4,5
- characterisation: 3,5
- world-building/setting: 4
- plot development: 3,5
- ending satisfaction: 3,5
As disturbing as the story was, I truly enjoyed reading this novella.
This book can be a great reading choice for anyone who enjoys dark fiction and is not easily triggered by gruesome plots. Do not expect this story to be pleasant to read, do expect to be disgusted and uncomfortable, but go ahead if that is what you enjoy reading.
Age recommendation: Psychological Horror Thriller, Dark Fiction (18+).
Trigger warnings: Profanity, Sex, Underage Sex, Incest, Rape, Sexual Assault, Prostitution, Abuse, Child Abuse, Violence, Death, Murder, and Suicide.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Isobel Walsh, the main character and narrator of this story, is the strange new girl at Happy Hearts, a homeless shelter for orphans who have gone through extensive trauma. The narration alternates between two different timelines: Isobel´s childhood with her family living in an RV, and her experience in the present as a 25-year-old at Happy Hearts. She experiences poverty in both settings. During her childhood as a part of a nomadic family, Isobel and her siblings, the twins Bridget and Brodie, are expected to provide income to their parents who make a living by fortune telling at dust markets in the Midwest. Although she is not expected to make money for the shelter, she still has a set of chores and obligations that do not distract her from the same dust, drought and poverty she experienced in her early years. The story guides you through her experiences, revealing how her behaviour is influenced by them.
This book grips you from the very start; even when you still do not know much about the characters, you already care enough about them and the devastatingly real setting they are a part of that you have to keep reading. The diversity of the characters is beneficial for the story since it makes it more believable. Since the characters are well-designed, you can relate to and understand their actions even when you disagree with them. Not only are the characters skillfully created, but also the trauma they have experienced is accurately portrayed. The complexity of trauma is effectively written, the author manages to make the reader feel fear and disgust when describing traumatizing experiences, as well as showing the reasons why the characters might feel comforted by them because of their familiarity, and this complexity often leads to the conflicting thoughts and feelings so commonly related to trauma and this confliction is also well represented through the writing.
Furthermore, the writing style improves this portrayal of trauma because even when the narrator can be unreliable, whether it is because Isobel is too young or because her trauma runs so deep the reader is not sure if she is lying, readers are able to read between the lines in a way that allows them to consciously understand the opposite of what the narrator is saying or thinking since it can be obvious she does not mean what is written or she does not completely believe it herself.
(The next paragraph might contain spoilers, read at your own risk)
As much as I enjoyed reading this novella, the ending chapters left me a little disappointed because I believe too much was left unexplained. I think the ending could have been executed differently in a way that still felt true to the story but also to the characters since the ending scenes seemed rushed and somewhat out of character and as traumatized as the characters were, I did not fully comprehend it. I also feel like more background was needed for the secondary characters, as well as more interactions with Isobel, although that might just be my personal preference, I believe it would have benefitted the story.
I would rate this story 3,75 out of 5 stars overall, and here is the rating broken down into categories:
- overall enjoyment: 4
- writing quality: 4,5
- characterisation: 3,5
- world-building/setting: 4
- plot development: 3,5
- ending satisfaction: 3,5
As disturbing as the story was, I truly enjoyed reading this novella.
This book can be a great reading choice for anyone who enjoys dark fiction and is not easily triggered by gruesome plots. Do not expect this story to be pleasant to read, do expect to be disgusted and uncomfortable, but go ahead if that is what you enjoy reading.
Age recommendation: Psychological Horror Thriller, Dark Fiction (18+).
Trigger warnings: Profanity, Sex, Underage Sex, Incest, Rape, Sexual Assault, Prostitution, Abuse, Child Abuse, Violence, Death, Murder, and Suicide.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 15, 2022
The reader is taken on a journey through a disturbed girl’s past to discover what happened to her family and why she is where she is today. I really enjoyed the story—really dark, even made me gasp out loud at a particular part, but that’s what I like out of a dark book. If you’re sensitive to any content warnings I would definitely check them out because it can get a little graphic. I absolutely loved the author’s writing style for this story and I think it made it that much better!
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2023
*Disclaimer: I received a Free Advanced Readers Copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. Thank you Halo Scot and BookSirens for the free ARC of The Girl of Dust and Smoke.*
I would highly recommend this book to anybody who enjoys dark novels that explore what happens to the individuals we may not always think about; the story of the person behind the tragedy. The Girl of Dust and Smoke is not a story about an anti-hero, or how somebody triumphed over their circumstances. Instead, it is a story of survival at any cost in a cutthroat family and world that never wanted you. I would also recommend this book to anybody who loves to read a poetic and beautifully written novella. The Girl of Dust and Smoke can be difficult to read, but it is a beautiful nightmare. Anybody who loves to read an abstract critique of specific elements of society would also enjoy this book, as there is an excellent exploration of Family Vlogging and the difference between what you see on the screen and what is actually happening behind the scenes.
Check out my full review at: https://thelastchapter.ca/2023/01/16/...
I would highly recommend this book to anybody who enjoys dark novels that explore what happens to the individuals we may not always think about; the story of the person behind the tragedy. The Girl of Dust and Smoke is not a story about an anti-hero, or how somebody triumphed over their circumstances. Instead, it is a story of survival at any cost in a cutthroat family and world that never wanted you. I would also recommend this book to anybody who loves to read a poetic and beautifully written novella. The Girl of Dust and Smoke can be difficult to read, but it is a beautiful nightmare. Anybody who loves to read an abstract critique of specific elements of society would also enjoy this book, as there is an excellent exploration of Family Vlogging and the difference between what you see on the screen and what is actually happening behind the scenes.
Check out my full review at: https://thelastchapter.ca/2023/01/16/...
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