The Modern Prometheus: An Existential Body Horror Novel by Jayson Robert Ducharme

A Man Reborn into Hell


Peter Murphy, a college professor and family man, has lost everything. Following a tragic series of events, he awakens to discover that parts of his body have been replaced with parts from corpses, and his creator is not giving him all the answers he needs. With little to lose, Peter begins an odyssey to reclaim his old life and come to terms with his new one. Finding a world that has long since moved on without him, he descends into destructive madness, leaving blood and death wherever he goes.

THE MODERN PROMETHEUS is a 300 page “existential body horror” novel about a man reanimated from death, who discovers horrific truths about the nature of his death that will bring about a crescendo of violence and catastrophe.

This is a re-read for me as it is one of my favorites and I still stand by this review.

"Humans are abstract and find their essence after they are born---their existence precedes their essence, in other words. We are brought into this world, we learn who we are, how we function, what we like, and we try to find purpose for why we were born based on those characteristics."

Birth-The Modern Prometheus, Doctor Jacob Abbott, wants to reanimate and preserve life. He is driven by his own experience and his fascination with life and death. He takes all possible measures to achieve his goal no matter how abhorrent or unlawful it is. Living as a reclusive, hiding his secrets, he succeeds at creating new life. This is the beginning of Peters rebirth.

Life-Peter searches for answers as his memories are somewhat intact, something the Doctor did not expect. Peter learns of his past demise and slowly discovers that he will never be accepted as he is. A monstrous creation that should not be in existence. He was created against his will, and as he discovers all the hurt and pain, the monster in him begins to come to the surface. He is angry and craves revenge.

Family-A family torn apart by grief and loss. Peters demise causes his family to descend into their own self destruction. As Peter learns more of what happened, he becomes obsessed with wanting to reunite with his family. His rage turns into vengeance and he will do the unthinkable to have his family back, to be together no matter the cost.

Death-Peter descends deeper and deeper into the darkness as he discovers that this body the Doctor has created is slowly decomposing. He is desperate and as his anger grows, he leaves nothing but death in his path. He will not allow anyone to get in his way of his desire to gather and reclaim his family.

My thoughts: From beginning to end, I was completely enthralled. The descriptive writing is impeccable. Even through the grief and the monstrosities that occur, there is an undeniable connection with the characters. The ending was heartbreaking and although I never expected it to be otherwise, it was so heart-rending and severely tragic.

Beautifully horrific in the best possible way! It has all the elements and depth of a terrific horror novel!

Format: Purchased Paperback

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Song Pairing: Believe by David Tolk

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Secrets Taken to the Grave (The Strathbairn Trilogy Book 2) by Isobel Blackthorn

 

The Scottish Highlands, 1893. Ingrid Barker arrives back at Strathbairn to attend the funeral of her old employer, Charles McCleod.

Every bone in Ingrid's body screams for her to leave, and as she walks from the graveside, she can’t shake the suspicion that Charles was murdered. As she hurries to uncover the truth and get away from Strathbairn, another murder takes place - one that traps her in the very place she is desperate to escape from.

Running out of time and clues, can Ingrid evade the truth of that terrible night up at the abbey the last time she was here, and can she solve the mystery of Charles’ death before his ghost does away with her?

Isobel and her daughter Sarah have returned to Strathbairn by a request from Miles to attend the funeral of his father Charles. Her apprehension to return to a place she once was treated so poorly as a staff member, has her questioning why she would agree. Once again, she finds herself among the darkness of the land, dissention among the family members, and the secrets of the past.

Once a housekeeper, now a guest, Ingrid still does not seem to fit. She is still treated the same as before. There is much mistrust and resentment lies within her heart as she tries to navigate being back at this place she never thought she would ever return to. 

"The camaraderie, the unity, the affection they all display to one another is extraordinary. I feel like an outsider, a stray, an orphan looking in on a happy family. And none of their behaviour is false. None of it is for show. They are genuinely happy in each other’s company, celebrating the moment, the togetherness. Thinking of the cool ambience in the main house—the dark moods of Gertrude and Miles, the tensions, the squabbles and fights—I can only conclude that the antics and the joy in the kitchen are a kind of foil, a contrast that only serves to draw attention to that very difference. And I wonder who has the better deal in life. When I put the two side by side, in this house at least, it is far, far better to be a servant."

Ingrid wants to get back to her home as soon as possible, but circumstances continue to stop her, and now she is finding herself being haunted by the ghost of Charles McCleod. He is trying to lead her to solve the mystery of his death and as she is trying, so many more dark secrets are revealed.

It was such a joy to return to Strathbairn with Ingrid. Even though the place always has a sense of foreboding with all the lingering memories of the past, Ingrid's story is what keeps me engaged. She is a character that one can't help but root for. She has been through some dark times, and I can't wish for nothing less than for her to experience more light in her life. She does not give up on the challenges she faces, and she remains steadfast to her character. 

Once again, Isobel Blackthorn has created a dark Gothic novel filled with mystery, intrigue, and suspense. Characters to like and some to dislike considerably which adds to the tension. A place that often feels cursed. 

Another captivating gothic story sure to entertain fans of the genre.

Format: Purchased eBook

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Song Pairing: Morning Light by David Tolk

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The Lurkers (Haunchies) by Kristopher Rufty

They’re waiting for you in the woods.

They’ve lived in the woods and cornfields for as long as anyone can remember. Small, humanoid creatures with sharp teeth and grasping hands. The people in what’s left of the small town Doverton live in fear. They’ve learned that if they let the creatures take what they want, they won’t be attacked. An uneasy peace has reigned. But no more. The leader of the creatures has decided his kind will be dormant no longer. To survive, they must kill. They will satisfy their unholy hunger with their favorite prey—humans.

But some humans—females—will be kept alive in captivity…to breed.

"We've done our part, kept to ourselves, let you take whatever the hell you wanted from the barns and sheds. We did nothing wrong!"

There was once an agreement between the humans and the Lurkers. The Lurkers could build their community and take what they wanted to ensure their survival. They would leave the humans alone and live in peace. Slowly over time, things began to change. Sustainability was dying, people were leaving, except for a small few. The Lurkers needed to find another way to survive, and they will stop at nothing to fulfill their wants and needs. The people now live in fear.

There is much more to this story, but I do not want to take a chance on revealing too much. Just know there are many characters involved including lots of graphic violence, sex, and death. Love, jealousy, and some assholery. Likable characters and unlikeable characters. 

There isn't anything too deep here, just a fun, campy, blood-soaked romp in the woods. Plenty of descriptive writing to spark the imagination and provide an overall fun reading experience. 

One more thing Mr. Rufty. I want to know, how it is that you know, what old pantyhose feel like that have been sitting in a damp basement for many years?

Format: Purchased Paperback (Signed)

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Song Pairing: Now That We're Dead by Metallica

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