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Vial Thoughts
Balanced on a thin wire between horror and steampunk, Van Essler’s debut novel is an acrobatic performance at the darkest of circuses. Lenora Leahill has recently inherited her father’s estate and is ready to take her place in the enlightened Age of Awareness where books can be instantly consumed as injections using an Aqua Peritia cuff. She has grand plans for securing her legacy, but navigating these new responsibilities alone is not easy, especially when it’s impossible to see clearly under the city’s ashfall.
When an old colleague of her father’s demands fulfillment of a promise Lenora knows nothing about, she discovers this new Age of Awareness is haunted by a dark history. Lenora must wade through the shadows of the past and gain her footing in the present if she has any hope of a future—unless death or madness finds her first.
When an old colleague of her father’s demands fulfillment of a promise Lenora knows nothing about, she discovers this new Age of Awareness is haunted by a dark history. Lenora must wade through the shadows of the past and gain her footing in the present if she has any hope of a future—unless death or madness finds her first.
- GenresHorror
200 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2023
1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Van Essler
2 books2 followersVan Essler is an author and storyteller with an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. Essler uses her lyrical voice to craft cross-genre fiction, blending horror, sci-fi, and fantasy with a dark political edge. Essler’s love of story started at a young age with her introduction to Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, which inspired her to stay up far past bedtime writing her own spooky stories. This late-night tinkering grew into an art form. Essler received the Founder’s Award from the Professional Writers of Prescott for her short story “The Photograph.” That and other works of short fiction led to publications in Story Emporium Magazine, Zimbell House anthologies, and Like Sunshine After Rain. Currently, Essler is working on novel-length cross-genre works with a dark flavor.
When she isn’t reading, writing, or researching for her next book, Essler enjoys experimenting with new recipes (with hit or miss results), yoga, and afternoon cat naps. She collects tarot card decks and has been known to give a reading or two. She would rather plan a dream vacation than do the dishes. Residing in the Seattle area, she is always striving to take her coffee obsession to the next level. Essler’s a Pisces, foodie, and pluviophile. Find her on Instagram at VanPunkAuthor.
When she isn’t reading, writing, or researching for her next book, Essler enjoys experimenting with new recipes (with hit or miss results), yoga, and afternoon cat naps. She collects tarot card decks and has been known to give a reading or two. She would rather plan a dream vacation than do the dishes. Residing in the Seattle area, she is always striving to take her coffee obsession to the next level. Essler’s a Pisces, foodie, and pluviophile. Find her on Instagram at VanPunkAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 26, 2023
The unique premise of this book intrigued me, I thought it was well executed, the world building was a little labourious at times and a bit confusing (for me anyway) but I absolutley loved the characters and was fully invested in their story, if you enjoy character driven books with a vast and unique universe this is the book for you!
March 15, 2023
I’m not kidding when I say READ THIS BOOK!
This steampunk horror of a story was so much fun to read.
This story is about Lenora, who has recently taken over her fathers estate after his death and is trying to get things in order, when a man her father used to work with comes to her wanting something she can’t give him…yet.
In a world where you can read an entire book by injecting it and ash is falling from the skies, pure and utter chaos begins. Lenora is seeking questions about her father and The Age of Awareness. With a loyal friend and driver, Jacob, she navigates this insane world full of strange people and a circus! Oh, and Harold. HAROLD! I love Harold.
There is an insane moment towards the end that had me cringing because it was described SO WELL. I could almost feel it.
Well written and character driven, this was a great read and I highly recommend it!
This steampunk horror of a story was so much fun to read.
This story is about Lenora, who has recently taken over her fathers estate after his death and is trying to get things in order, when a man her father used to work with comes to her wanting something she can’t give him…yet.
In a world where you can read an entire book by injecting it and ash is falling from the skies, pure and utter chaos begins. Lenora is seeking questions about her father and The Age of Awareness. With a loyal friend and driver, Jacob, she navigates this insane world full of strange people and a circus! Oh, and Harold. HAROLD! I love Harold.
There is an insane moment towards the end that had me cringing because it was described SO WELL. I could almost feel it.
Well written and character driven, this was a great read and I highly recommend it!
Read
April 16, 2023I'm dnfing at 30%.
This book just isn't for me unfortunately. It has an intriguing premise but ultimately not something I would typically read or gravitate towards. Thanks to Erin and RDS for thinking of me, but wrong reader for the book.
This book just isn't for me unfortunately. It has an intriguing premise but ultimately not something I would typically read or gravitate towards. Thanks to Erin and RDS for thinking of me, but wrong reader for the book.
April 3, 2023
Themes:🎭
This book reminded me of almost a steampunk limitless dystopia. If I had to describe this book in three words or less that is what I would choose.
Quotes: 🧐
“ I could nip that pretty little nose off in a single bite, and that would be but an hors d'oeuvre of the agony I could unleash on you. I can introduce you to a whole new spectrum of suffering a veritable rainbow of torture. Do you hear me?”
“ Be furious. Books had shown her that warriors turned to rage to overcome unfathomable odds. That’s precisely what she needed.”
“It has occurred to me that you, my dear, are unaware of your role. Look where you are: the stage. This is where we all are. The acts unfolding around us. Some we play an active part in, while others we stand at the sidelines waiting for our entrance cue. The performance is only a successful, coherent piece if everyone assumes their roles properly. You aren't playing your part. Naughty, naughty.”
Review:🚨📰
Now this book is not the type that I would typically read. I am not usually a fan of any historical reads however this book kept me guessing the whole time. In an attempt to not spoil the plot I will say that I really liked the gusto of the main character Lenora, It is repeatedly stated throughout the book that she is doing things that a woman should not do including simply taking over the estate of her father. But more than that I definitely feel like she represents some underlying strength that is constantly underestimated. The characters in this book have their faults but I can not express my adoration for Jacob enough he is loyal literally to a fault. This review would also not be complete without giving my love to the character Beef, he reminds me of someone I know who has a special place in my heart. Additionally Dr. Brechin or as he prefers to be called Elliot, reminds me that we are all just a little weird, his office of taxidermy, his lizard Harold, His lacking people skills, and his painted fingernails remind me a little of myself and truly bring his character to life.
This book reminded me of almost a steampunk limitless dystopia. If I had to describe this book in three words or less that is what I would choose.
Quotes: 🧐
“ I could nip that pretty little nose off in a single bite, and that would be but an hors d'oeuvre of the agony I could unleash on you. I can introduce you to a whole new spectrum of suffering a veritable rainbow of torture. Do you hear me?”
“ Be furious. Books had shown her that warriors turned to rage to overcome unfathomable odds. That’s precisely what she needed.”
“It has occurred to me that you, my dear, are unaware of your role. Look where you are: the stage. This is where we all are. The acts unfolding around us. Some we play an active part in, while others we stand at the sidelines waiting for our entrance cue. The performance is only a successful, coherent piece if everyone assumes their roles properly. You aren't playing your part. Naughty, naughty.”
Review:🚨📰
Now this book is not the type that I would typically read. I am not usually a fan of any historical reads however this book kept me guessing the whole time. In an attempt to not spoil the plot I will say that I really liked the gusto of the main character Lenora, It is repeatedly stated throughout the book that she is doing things that a woman should not do including simply taking over the estate of her father. But more than that I definitely feel like she represents some underlying strength that is constantly underestimated. The characters in this book have their faults but I can not express my adoration for Jacob enough he is loyal literally to a fault. This review would also not be complete without giving my love to the character Beef, he reminds me of someone I know who has a special place in my heart. Additionally Dr. Brechin or as he prefers to be called Elliot, reminds me that we are all just a little weird, his office of taxidermy, his lizard Harold, His lacking people skills, and his painted fingernails remind me a little of myself and truly bring his character to life.
March 31, 2023
A big thank you to Erin Al-Mehairi and Raw Dog Screaming Press for the e-book version of "Vial Thoughts" that reminded me of how much I love a story that mixes genres.
It follows Lenora Leahill in a dystopian world where you can purchase a contraption that connects to your wrist and veins to directly inject literature for mental processing. A sought after cosmetic that is pushed from the Council above to help usher in the 'Age of Awareness,' it seems like a huge leap for mankind to learn and grow. Yet something is amiss, and the price of the vials is higher than imagined.
Lenora finds herself swept up in managing the estate of her dead father amongst men who don't believe women should have to do such things, and she begins a new relationship with a doctor whom her father was well-acquainted. Upon the start of this friendship, Lenora is accosted by a nightmarish circus ringleader who claims she has something her father had meant to share with him, some research papers that could change the course of the future for their ashen city, and possibly the world. In the search for truth and justice, Lenora finds out who her friends are and what the world expects her to be.
"Vial Thoughts" binds together science fiction, fantasy, and horror in a way that enraptures. Van Essler addresses political and societal issues with a focus on a female trying to come into her own without relying on men. The flourish of the unreal, but still possible, is what makes this book extra entertaining and well worth injecting into your mind.
With a publishing date of May 11th, 2023, I recommend you set a reminder to pick up a copy!
It follows Lenora Leahill in a dystopian world where you can purchase a contraption that connects to your wrist and veins to directly inject literature for mental processing. A sought after cosmetic that is pushed from the Council above to help usher in the 'Age of Awareness,' it seems like a huge leap for mankind to learn and grow. Yet something is amiss, and the price of the vials is higher than imagined.
Lenora finds herself swept up in managing the estate of her dead father amongst men who don't believe women should have to do such things, and she begins a new relationship with a doctor whom her father was well-acquainted. Upon the start of this friendship, Lenora is accosted by a nightmarish circus ringleader who claims she has something her father had meant to share with him, some research papers that could change the course of the future for their ashen city, and possibly the world. In the search for truth and justice, Lenora finds out who her friends are and what the world expects her to be.
"Vial Thoughts" binds together science fiction, fantasy, and horror in a way that enraptures. Van Essler addresses political and societal issues with a focus on a female trying to come into her own without relying on men. The flourish of the unreal, but still possible, is what makes this book extra entertaining and well worth injecting into your mind.
With a publishing date of May 11th, 2023, I recommend you set a reminder to pick up a copy!
April 7, 2023
Thank you to the author and publisher for a copy of the book for review.
I loved this crazy steampunk/dystopian horror story. I’ve never read anything like it. In fact, I think this is my first book in a steampunk world.
The world building is immersive and I immediately felt like I was there; shuffling through piles of ash with my trusty iguana on my shoulder. This is a book about knowledge and books…and how those in power seek to control who has that knowledge and how it’s delivered.
Definitely a book about classism and even the kindest of us are sometimes thwarted in trying to change the system.
The characters were genuine and engrossing. The main villain, a terrifying circus ringmaster with half a face, was not only scary on the outside but insane with hunger for power.
Lenora, the main character, is a strong woman, or someone who strives to be a strong woman in a world where women are perceived as less. She’s brave and chaotic, constantly making choices that put her in extreme danger. Elliot, her unlikely business partner, is worthy of a book crush.
I’m only hoping that this will be a series and the second book will lead me down more dark streets in this intriguing world!
I loved this crazy steampunk/dystopian horror story. I’ve never read anything like it. In fact, I think this is my first book in a steampunk world.
The world building is immersive and I immediately felt like I was there; shuffling through piles of ash with my trusty iguana on my shoulder. This is a book about knowledge and books…and how those in power seek to control who has that knowledge and how it’s delivered.
Definitely a book about classism and even the kindest of us are sometimes thwarted in trying to change the system.
The characters were genuine and engrossing. The main villain, a terrifying circus ringmaster with half a face, was not only scary on the outside but insane with hunger for power.
Lenora, the main character, is a strong woman, or someone who strives to be a strong woman in a world where women are perceived as less. She’s brave and chaotic, constantly making choices that put her in extreme danger. Elliot, her unlikely business partner, is worthy of a book crush.
I’m only hoping that this will be a series and the second book will lead me down more dark streets in this intriguing world!
April 26, 2023
Though a bit slow to start, once the gears start whirring in Van Essler's cross-genre lovely monstrosity of a novel, they don't stop. Thrilling, fascinating, and surprisingly fun, this story of a world ravaged by both ash-laden skies and a horrifying dementia and the heiress seeking to discover the government's dark secrets, and the cause of said dementia has every thing one could want from this kind of story. A likable, multi-faceted protagonist, a dastardly, memorable villain, even a cadre of lovable side kicks (and a cute mascot to boot!) Of course, don't take this for your usual fantasy fair, for at its heart this is pitch black, with horrific nightmare circuses and asylums full of horrifying cyborg patients, giving the novel a unique edge that keeps it from straying too far into well-worn tropes. It's the perfect combination of the thrills and frights, and should be a nice down-the-middle choice for both fantasy/steampunk and horror/mystery fans.
Read
May 18, 2023Vial Thoughts reads like a dystopic science fiction novel where people are given injections containing knowlege on every topic imaginable. This is in hopes that "The Age of Awareness" will get ushered in where everyone regardless of their social class with access to massive amounts of human knowledge. It would not be a thrilling book to read without the downfalls being alluded to, starting with access to all of the knowledge in the world and the ability to master none of it. Esslers exquisitely beautiful writing makes this a purely delightful read. Yet it still manages to veer in the direction of social commentary with the way topics like religion and the accumulation of knowledge are portrayed. Vial Thoughts is definitely a worthwhile novella!
Thank you Raw Dog Screaming Press for my review copy.
I am also posting this review on my blog: http://glamorousbookgal.blogspot.com/...
Thank you Raw Dog Screaming Press for my review copy.
I am also posting this review on my blog: http://glamorousbookgal.blogspot.com/...
March 27, 2023
Eloquent, suspenseful, and elegant.
The story was beautifully written and brings you into the a different world., where things work different than our world. The capability to inject stories into our minds is an interesting and unique way of establishing how the world works and where it is headed. The main protagonist is a a young lady who has high aspirations for herself but is thrown into a world in which she know very little about. She wants to save the world and make a name for herself but she doesn’t understand how truly dangerous and evil the world is. The mystery of her father’s death leads you through a series of twist and turns and you can’t help but fall in love with the characters. The ending leaves you wanting more and I can’t wait for a sequel. If you love mysteries, and steampunk this is the book for you.
The story was beautifully written and brings you into the a different world., where things work different than our world. The capability to inject stories into our minds is an interesting and unique way of establishing how the world works and where it is headed. The main protagonist is a a young lady who has high aspirations for herself but is thrown into a world in which she know very little about. She wants to save the world and make a name for herself but she doesn’t understand how truly dangerous and evil the world is. The mystery of her father’s death leads you through a series of twist and turns and you can’t help but fall in love with the characters. The ending leaves you wanting more and I can’t wait for a sequel. If you love mysteries, and steampunk this is the book for you.
June 1, 2023
Balanced on a tight wire between horror, steampunk, and dark fantasy, Van Essler’s debut novel Vial Thoughts is a chillingly and fascinating examination of one Lenora Leahill. An heiress who has recently inherited her father’s estate, Lenora lives in a world where knowledge can be delivered and absorbed via injection. Determined to make her way in a difficult environment, Lenora is bound by a promise of her forebear, left to claw her way to a future.
You can read Zachary Rosenberg's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Zachary Rosenberg's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
May 22, 2023
I have really struggled with what to say in this review, especially since I tend to over explain 3 stars. The premise of Vial Thoughts means I should have just been over the moon about it; horror and steampunk are two of my favorite genres. This might have been a hindrance to how I approached this novel, in the end. I think that Vial Thoughts would work really well for someone just starting out in Steampunk, who likes the mechanics and the aesthetics of Steampunk. Personally, I just. Wanted more. More history of this place (the glimpses I got made it seem very interesting), more of the other characters, more steampunk. There are so many cool elements in this novel, but they didn't coalesce for me.
May 8, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I was excited about the combination of steampunk horror and circuses, and this did not disappoint! It was genuinely upsetting in parts, from the body horror to the protagonist's realizations of the evils of capitalism, which was a pleasant surprise for such a short work. I wasn't fully on board for the romance, partially because I think it took away from the other subplots and partially because I just didn't see the connection between the two, but that was my only minor gripe. I'll be thinking about the torture scene for a long, long time.
I was excited about the combination of steampunk horror and circuses, and this did not disappoint! It was genuinely upsetting in parts, from the body horror to the protagonist's realizations of the evils of capitalism, which was a pleasant surprise for such a short work. I wasn't fully on board for the romance, partially because I think it took away from the other subplots and partially because I just didn't see the connection between the two, but that was my only minor gripe. I'll be thinking about the torture scene for a long, long time.
May 28, 2023
This book is super interesting, existing at the border of steampunk and horror, with a world that could fascinate fans of either.
The main character Lenora is one you can't help but root for even as she goes against the grain in the setting. She begins by taking over the estate of her late father, and that leads to an encounter with a horrific circus and it's ringleader, an interesting doctor her father used to be friends with, and finding out where she sits in the world.
The writing is beautiful and the world comes alive in all its sometimes terrible glory.
Thank you Raw Dog Screaming Press for my review copy.
The main character Lenora is one you can't help but root for even as she goes against the grain in the setting. She begins by taking over the estate of her late father, and that leads to an encounter with a horrific circus and it's ringleader, an interesting doctor her father used to be friends with, and finding out where she sits in the world.
The writing is beautiful and the world comes alive in all its sometimes terrible glory.
Thank you Raw Dog Screaming Press for my review copy.
April 26, 2023
The font size of this book make it hard to read and hard to focus (sigh..im old) then the book leave with clifhanger (flip the table) hope Leonora can reunite with Eliot.
Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.
#VialThoughts #VanEssler #RDSPublishing #RawDogScreamingPress #NetGalley #ARCs
Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.
#VialThoughts #VanEssler #RDSPublishing #RawDogScreamingPress #NetGalley #ARCs
May 20, 2025
Really intrigued by the world in this one. Steampunk with a dark, creepy edge. The idea of injecting books is so strange but cool, and I’m curious to see how Lenora handles all the secrets her father left behind. Feels like it’s going to be a wild, atmospheric ride.
June 22, 2023
Enjoyed Van Essler, first time reading her. The book had well developed characters, and a good plot/pacing. Will need to read more from her. #VialThoughts #NetGalley
October 16, 2023
A more twisted, body horror take on steampunk and dystopian fiction.
January 4, 2025
This was. Not great. Characterization was all over the place, and I feel like the pacing was inconsistent. Definitely not my thing.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews