Synopsis
Monster hunters tangle with court politics in this horror adventure by the critically acclaimed author of Leech.
Enter the decadent, deadly city of Tiliard.
In a complex, chaotic metropolis, Guy Moulène has a simple goal: keep his sister out of debt. For her sake, he’ll take on any job, no matter how vile.
As an exterminator, Guy hunts the uncanny pests that crawl up from the river. These vermin are all strange, and often dangerous. His latest quarry is different: a worm the size of a dragon with a deadly venom and a ravenous taste for artwork. As it digests Tiliard from the sewers to the opera houses, its toxin reshapes the future of the city. No sane person would hunt it, if they had the choice.
Guy doesn’t have a choice.
Review
This had some of the most visceral writing I have read.
Is this horror, fantasy, sci fi, mystery, dystopian? Or a story about familiar love?
Guy is an exterminator living in the under city desperately trying to pay off his impossible debts, intent on keeping his younger sister free. Only thing is, the bugs are crazy big, dangerous, and full of deadly toxins.
Aster is the perfumer for the Chancellor in the overcity, able to imbue loyalty, fear, resilience with the right scents.
First of all, I am a sucker for sibling relations. Guy’s love and fear for his sister is admirable, frustrating, and touching all at once.
Guy has a flair for the theatre and the descriptions from his perspective will transport you.
Aster wasn’t as strong a character in comparison, but I was intrigued by the political turmoil around her as well as the intricacies of her work. Very imaginative. Imagine perfume able to change your persona, mood, influence others, protect you…
This world is shocking and grim and gory and horny and beautiful. I loved how easily queer it was. I admired how the satire was hidden beneath layers of both grime and beauty.
It reminded me of Perdido Street Station by China Miéville.
“Revenge is such a sad attempt to stay relevant.”
I did guess the big reveal, but I adored how it played out even if I thought the climax was slightly rushed and easy. Especially in comparison to the previous mind-bending, deliberate, slow prose.
An easy YES recommendation for your spooky reading list.
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