William Nesdale’s Reviews > Lovecraft Country > Status Update

The storytellers make one final mission.

Ok, this is a supernatural finale if I ever saw one. Sure, it’s not as visually impressive compared to the other chapters, and it may be a bit too familiar to the finale of the first story, but I did enjoy how each “storytellers” stories have hints of a plan for them to use. Mark of Cain rating: 7/10

Onto our final story, entitled “The Mark of Cain”, where our storytellers hatch plan.

Looks like it all comes down to this, as each story is a different piece of the puzzle, and when it is put together, it makes it into a whole. I appreciate the “anthology format” disguise that the book a
Accomplished, and I’m eager to see how the story, as a whole, ends.

Onto our second to last story: “Horace and the Devil Doll” where Horace is infected with a terrible itch.

Well, I think this book touches upon racism in the Mid 50’s with the supernatural events that coincides with the events happening to Atticus and his companions. This story in particular is different, in that Horace is a victim of both racism & supernatural horror. I’m sure each story is connected though.

Montrese learns more about the Winthrop lineage & opens up about his dad.

Well, this is a rather emotionally resonant chapter isn’t it. Sure, Monstrese is no good dad, having a certain disdain for a few authors that his son Atticus reads, but we do know the struggles that he goes through, including a fatal attack on his father. In short, a pretty good chapter. Rating: 8/10

Onto “The Narrow House”, where Montrose and Atticus go to Aken, suggested by Caleb Braithwhite, and goes on a quest to find a house on Elm Street.

Here’s something interesting, while this story has a bit of realism, it soon turns into something dramatically immersive. I do like the way that the story doesn’t shy away from racial issues, and I can feel the story has a bit of drama to it.

After hearing Caleb Braithwhite’s master plan, Ruby gets to run a few jobs for him, learns about”Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde”, and discovers a disturbing secret about her alter ego.

Ok, well this was an interesting chapter, if I say so myself. Despite the fact that it borrows elements from the classic “Two-Face” story, this story really details the endgame, and the set up. Let’s see how it ends. Hyde Park: 7/10

Ruby’s enchantment wears off & Caleb Braithwhite hatches his master plan.

Ok, so a simple story about changing the outlook of oneself became a prelude to the endgame of the book, thanks to Caleb’s monologue and Ruby’s investigative power. Caleb’s plan may be convoluted, but it looks like the pieces are coming together, from the beginning story about the Braithwhite manor, to now, this book sure is cooking.

Onto our next story: “Jekyll in Hyde Park”, where Ruby experiences a change.

Ok, I get that one of our characters, connected to Atticus, George, and/or Letitia, would come near one of the Beiathwhites and strike up an uneasy friendship with them, but this story take a look at and African-American woman’s life in another woman’s shoes, or race in this case. I’m pretty sure it has elements of Jekyll and Hyde

Hippolyta is given a parting gift.

Well, this story sure is more immersively moody than the previous chapters. Sure, the story is more exposition than cosmic/horror danger, but it’s a nicely written story that explores the cosmos & would make a great CGI set with Lucius cinematography. Anyway, we have a bit of rivalry between the two shady white families now. Hipolyta’s story rating: 7/10

Hippolyta’s trip to the observatory takes an otherworldly turn.

Well, I’m halfway through the book, which means I will keep my synopsis to a minimum. Anyway, this is a very interesting chapter as, without spoiling anything big, has an intriguing set piece, while also taking a step towards cosmic fantasy. Which makes sense, considering the name shares the last name of one of the classic sci-fi writers.