Evil in Me
"Evil in Me" by Brom is a wild, visceral ride that blends punk rock energy with dark fantasy and horror, showcasing the acclaimed author and artist's signature style. Published in September 2024 by Tor Nightfire, this novel follows Ruby Tucker, an aspiring musician trapped in a stifling small rural town with a dysfunctional family. Ruby's dreams of escaping to Atlanta's punk scene with her best friend and bandmate have crumbled after a falling-out, leaving her stuck doing community service. Her life takes a sharp turn when, while helping an eccentric neighbor sort through religious relics, an ancient ring fuses to her finger, unleashing a bloodthirsty demon that possesses her. This isn’t just any possession tale—the ring becomes a beacon, drawing a grotesque mob of evil entities straight to Ruby, all eager to claim her flesh.
What sets "Evil in Me" apart is its fusion of gritty 1980s punk culture with supernatural chaos. Ruby’s only hope for salvation lies in reuniting her band and harnessing the power of music—a spell that requires hundreds to chant along to free her soul. The novel barrels forward with a relentless pace, mixing gore, humor, and a rebellious spirit into a concoction that feels like a punk anthem brought to life. Brom, a master of dark fantasy known for works like "Slewfoot" and "Krampus," infuses the story with his vivid imagination, bolstered by nearly two dozen of his haunting, immersive paintings that punctuate the narrative and deepen its eerie atmosphere.
The characters are a highlight—Ruby is flawed, raw, and endearing, battling her inner demons as much as the literal ones chasing her. Supporting players, like the demonic drummer Vutto, add a quirky charm to the mayhem. Brom weaves in Jewish mythology to ground the supernatural elements, giving the story a fresh twist that elevates it beyond a typical possession plot. The punk rock backdrop isn’t just set dressing; it’s the heartbeat of the tale, culminating in a climax that’s as much a concert as it is a showdown with hellish forces.
While the novel’s breakneck speed and maximalist vibe are strengths, some might find the ending a tad rushed, as if the encore comes too soon. Still, "Evil in Me" delivers a unique, entertaining experience—think "Daisy Jones & the Six" meets "Hellraiser," but with more leather and less romance. It’s not Brom’s deepest work, nor the scariest, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun, especially for fans of horror, music, and his unmistakable artistic flair. Whether you’re drawn in by the prose, the illustrations, or the promise of a demonic mosh pit, this book is a testament to Brom’s ability to blend art and storytelling into something unforgettably wicked.
You can buy Evil in Me by Brom with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/427m6FU
What sets "Evil in Me" apart is its fusion of gritty 1980s punk culture with supernatural chaos. Ruby’s only hope for salvation lies in reuniting her band and harnessing the power of music—a spell that requires hundreds to chant along to free her soul. The novel barrels forward with a relentless pace, mixing gore, humor, and a rebellious spirit into a concoction that feels like a punk anthem brought to life. Brom, a master of dark fantasy known for works like "Slewfoot" and "Krampus," infuses the story with his vivid imagination, bolstered by nearly two dozen of his haunting, immersive paintings that punctuate the narrative and deepen its eerie atmosphere.
The characters are a highlight—Ruby is flawed, raw, and endearing, battling her inner demons as much as the literal ones chasing her. Supporting players, like the demonic drummer Vutto, add a quirky charm to the mayhem. Brom weaves in Jewish mythology to ground the supernatural elements, giving the story a fresh twist that elevates it beyond a typical possession plot. The punk rock backdrop isn’t just set dressing; it’s the heartbeat of the tale, culminating in a climax that’s as much a concert as it is a showdown with hellish forces.
While the novel’s breakneck speed and maximalist vibe are strengths, some might find the ending a tad rushed, as if the encore comes too soon. Still, "Evil in Me" delivers a unique, entertaining experience—think "Daisy Jones & the Six" meets "Hellraiser," but with more leather and less romance. It’s not Brom’s deepest work, nor the scariest, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun, especially for fans of horror, music, and his unmistakable artistic flair. Whether you’re drawn in by the prose, the illustrations, or the promise of a demonic mosh pit, this book is a testament to Brom’s ability to blend art and storytelling into something unforgettably wicked.
You can buy Evil in Me by Brom with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/427m6FU
Comments
Post a Comment