S. E. Lindberg

A return to the highly accomplished world of S.E. Lindberg’s Dyscrasia fiction. This novella length addition begins hauntingly, as the story eyes two young girls. Soon their world is overcome by nefarious outside forces and their travels begin. Lindberg is phenomenally gifted at creating a distinctive universe for his characters, one of seething landscapes infused with enchantments and corruption. Especially notable is the chimeric nature of his creature creations, the like of which take the body and flesh terrain of the horror genre and meld that with the uncanny and beautiful decomposition of dark magics.

There is much grace in the grand narrative of the Dyscrasia fiction series. From what I’ve read about previous books in the series these writings are atypical for the genres that are most frequently applied to them. Pleading a certain amount of ignorance in relation to these areas of fiction I’ll accept that general conclusion until I’m in a position to state an opinion. This novella has a more ephemeral feel than the other books in the series, which had greater story weight to them. I enjoyed this difference in approach, and reading out of order with the narrative of the series as a whole was of no detriment whatsoever. The world is so strongly envisioned and vividly described that I was plunged back into the world instantly, the characters that recur from my readings of other books taking form like the wraiths populating the dreamscape of the novella itself.

Lindberg has a lightness of touch amid his darkly fantastical realm, with a playfulness on display frequently. The reanimated mix with the spectral, distressed dolls inhabit macabre scenes, and pussy cats play with spirit light. Familiar characters from the Dyscrasia series appear to add further depths of intrigue to their individual stories.

The strongest impression I’m left with is of the world built. So imaginative and immersive. It is obvious the author lives this terrific and weirdly beautiful place. I have a particular fondness for the strange magnificence and compelling power of decay, and how captivating the intermingling of flesh and flora, blood and land, can be. Whilst this aspect is the draw for me, there is an overwhelming amount of lore and mythology created for this world, more than enough to satisfy those with more traditional fantasy narrative requirements. The language is highly descriptive, which fits the tone perfectly, adding a lyrical leaning, as well as a fine rhythmic momentum to the moments of action. A very pleasing extension to the Dyscrasia fiction universe.… (mere)

Spawn of Dyscrasia is the enthusiastic and hugely enjoyable follow-up to Lords of Dyscrasia. You do not need to be a fan of the Sword and Sorcery genre to enjoy this book. The world built is one of a startling clarity and vision. What a world it is! Here we have a more focused vista in contrast to the panoramic scene setting of the first in the series. Where there is beauty, there is the horrific, the sublime, the repulsive. It is as if Hieronymous Bosch has taken a day off and decided to marry Georgia O'Keefe. I'm not saying this is overly lofty; indeed, it could be enjoyed for it's pure adventure. This is packed with ideas and action, and I loved the uncensored relish with which the battling was delivered. The writing deserves a mention for it's fluid and lavish style. Perfectly fitting the story, this is a joy to read.

A world this fully realised, with such a dense psychological framework, could easily have become confusing and overwhelming. This was avoided deftly, for the most part, as the story unfolds at a pace forgiving of the reader's capability to digest the wider elements of the narrative whilst never straying from the central momentum. There is so much going on!

The characters are well drawn, with their interactions compelling. It is intriguing to follow them and discover their reactions governed by the alien culture in which they have been created.
Full of searing imaginative flourishes and a stark visual energy, this is so much fun.… (mere)

Lords of Dyscrasia reads like a descent into a mania induced visionary night terror. Superficially presented under the 'Sword and Sorcery' umbrella fans of the genre will be taken on a gloriously twisted ride. Whilst the main narrative is one of traditionally breathless action, the underlying psychological back-drop weaves it's way into the reader's imagination. It is a novel that will stay with you, whether you like it or not.
The landscape created for you to endure along with the characters is one of acrid putridity and horrendous suffering. You have been warned. However, there is a transcendent quality to the writing which is rare. There is imagery here that borders on the ecstatically religious. This is juxtaposed with an old-fashioned yarn so joyously told that at several moments I had to grin with the sheer gusto of it all.
I'd recommend this to fantasy and horror fans who are interested in extremes of behaviour and the subconscious. There is a lot of blood, guts and gore here also. When I say a lot, I mean oodles. The reader is plunged into a world created with flesh and rancid fluids. I was reminded of Clive Barker, and even the body horror of David Cronenberg.
Lords of Dyscrasia is worth taking a risk on. There is a lot more going on here than shock and awe. Several images will are extremely memorable and I feel I will revisit this book in the future. All in all, hugely intriguing and revelatory.… (mere)