“Blessed Virgin,” I whispered, even though I couldn’t even hear myself. “Why must you keep sending me innocent monsters?”
Another atmospheric, creepy, entertaining and delightful novella in the Sworn Soldier universe.
Sworn soldier Alex Easton has invited mycologist Eugenia Potter to stay at their father’s old hunting lodge in Gallacia to study the local mushrooms. They arrive to find the lodge in disarray, as it turns out the caretaker has recently died, although folk from the local village are hesitant to say what killed him – natural causes, or supernatural ones? What is superstition and folklore, and what is a very real threat? The story also touches on subjects such as war and PTSD.
Soldier’s heart doesn’t know the difference between terrible things. Fungus or cannon fire, it’s all just the war.
As always, Kingfisher’s writing made me laugh out loud at times, while also being perfectly spooky and evocative.
Miss Potter gave him a much warmer smile over her shoulder than I’d ever seen her give to anything that didn’t have spores.
This is Gothic writing at its finest, with a healthy sprinkling of Eastern European folktales, humor, and admirable messages. You love to see it!
“May we always have the choice to err on the side of mercy,” I said, lifting my wine.
Jessica Crawford 