Sequel's Book Nook

  In Rituals , Lorcán Black crafts a deeply evocative and unsettling collection of poetry that challenges readers to confront the stark realities of existence, the ache of monotony, and the enduring search for meaning. Black’s work is both haunting and illuminating, painting vivid pictures of despair and hope intertwined in a surreal, almost hypnotic dance. The collection’s use of mental institutions, Egyptian mythos, and stark portrayals of modern disillusionment feels like an intricate tapestry, each thread pulling you deeper into its world. Through these symbols, Black holds a mirror to the suffocating repetition of daily life—the "rituals" we all perform to survive—and the yearning to break free from them. His exploration of love, or perhaps the hope of love, emerges as a faint yet persistent light amidst the darkness, a fragile thread binding us to our humanity. Tim Durham’s illustrations serve as a haunting counterpart to Black’s poetry, enhancing the macabre and et...

  Gigi Griffis’ We Are the Beasts offers a chilling look into the dark, oppressive world of 18th-century rural France, blending historical horror with a feminist undercurrent. Inspired by the true mystery of the Beast of Gévaudan, the novel crafts a daring narrative centered on two teenage girls desperate to escape the cages of their lives. The premise is gripping: Joséphine and Clara use the chaos caused by a mysterious beast to stage their friends’ “deaths” and orchestrate their freedom from abusive homes. The story’s strength lies in its concept, where the girls’ courage and ingenuity shine through as they defy societal norms and challenge the brutality of their existence. Griffis deftly captures the bleakness of the era, weaving it with moments of dark humor and camaraderie that make the girls’ plight both heartbreaking and inspiring. However, while the foundation of the story is solid, the execution sometimes falters. At times, the pacing feels sluggish, and the narrative...