Status Updates From TORMENT: A Gothic Anthology

Best and Brightest:
I am, once again, utterly confused after reading Payne's work. Which is honestly what I love about them. Visceral, mind twisting, and this time, with creepy children

Where The Stars Have No Reach:
Surprisingly different. Space and aliens? Fascinating!

Nothing But The Blood:
This was hard to read. Which means, very well written. Misogynistic oppression clad in religious "devotion" is extremely hard to read for me

Dance Macabre:
Exquisite gothic vibes, just as expected. Yes, please

Ichor:
Love this. The setting. The eeriness. The whole relationship and regrets

Just Like Old Times:
Not sure what to think yet. Quite different to the previous stories. Begs to be interpreted?

I am hooked. 😅

Omen:
Love how there's nothing truly named. Not the soldier, the omen, or the battle. It's all ominous and yet so clear

Emerge:
My favourite piece from the Bailey yet! Edith is a fascinating character, and I love how the reader can't be sure what's real and what's not

The Rot Beneath:
F Abaś (he does not deserve the "Master") - diary recount of how life led to being turned is perfection

Our Cavalier Consecrate: Sesteranth deserves better 😭 Love the setting & prose