
Who Would Like This Book:
If you love literary horror packed with unsettling, cosmic weirdness, and deep dives into the theme of betrayal, this collection is for you. Langan is a master at blending mythology, supernatural suspense, and raw human emotion. Fans of Laird Barron, M.R. James, and Lovecraftian vibes will definitely find a lot to savor. The stories are especially appealing if you're after intricate, slow-building dread and appreciate a thoughtful approach to horror.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Readers who prefer fast-paced, tightly plotted tales might find some stories too meandering or over-explained. If you’re hoping for the same magic as The Fisherman in every story, you could be let down by uneven pacing or characters’ quirks. Those who dislike wordy prose or need quick resolutions may struggle, and some found a few characters or plot elements distracting or even off-putting.
About:
John Langan's 'Sefira and Other Betrayals' is a collection of masterful horror stories that intertwines literary fiction with mythological gods and demonic deities, as well as weird and unexpected setups. The stories delve deep into characters, exploring various forms of betrayal in different times and settings. From succubi to vampires to old gods like Kronos, each story offers a unique and chilling perspective on betrayal and horror. The writing style is described as uncannily weird, with surprising twists and turns that keep readers engaged until the very end.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of guilt, trauma, addiction, and moral ambiguity, which may be distressing for some readers.
From The Publisher:
2019 THIS IS HORROR AWARDS WINNER: Short Story Collection of the Year
2019 BRAM STOKER AWARD® NOMINEE: Superior Achievement in a Fiction Collection
"This book is a treasure trove for lovers of literary horror fiction."-Publishers Weekly Starred Review
From the award-winning writer of The Fisherman comes a new collection of stories. A pair of disgraced soldiers seek revenge on the man who taught them how to torture. A young lawyer learns the history of the secret that warped her parents' marriage. A writer arrives at a mansion overlooking the Hudson River to write about the strange paper balloons floating through its grounds. A couple walks a path that shows them their past, present, and terrible future. A woman and her husband discover a cooler on the side of the road whose contents are decidedly unearthly. A man driving cross country has a late-night encounter with a figure claiming to be the Devil. And in the short novel that gives the collection its title, a woman chases a monster in a race against time.
Ratings (3)
Loved It (3) |
Reader Stats (7):
Read It (3) | |
Want To Read (4) |
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.










