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Sefira and Other Betrayals

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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.

A must for fans of literary and cosmic horror - brimming with moody atmosphere and inventive scares. Not every story is a hit, but the standouts make it worth a read!

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.

Characters:

The characters are complex, morally ambiguous, and often deal with significant personal struggles.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is vivid, intricate, and blends cosmic horror with a focus on character depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot includes interconnected themes of betrayal, supernatural elements, and strong character-driven narratives.

Setting:

The settings are diverse, combining everyday locales with supernatural and mythological elements.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with some stories feeling prolonged while the novella maintains an engaging tempo.
The process had started a week ago, her second day on the road. She’d been washing her hands in the ladies’ room of a rest stop on I-80, somewhere in the sprawling middle of Pennsylvania, and when she...

Notes:

Sefira and Other Betrayals is John Langan's third book in six years, after The Fisherman and The Wide Carnivorous Sky.
The collection features a mix of supernatural elements, mythology, and complex characters dealing with betrayal.
The titular story, Sefira, is about a succubus and has been praised for its vivid and fast-paced writing.
Readers have compared Langan's style to Laird Barron, noting influences in cosmic horror and gritty noir elements.
The story In Paris In the Mouth of Kronos focuses on soldiers confronting their past actions during the Iraq War, leading to disastrous outcomes.
Langan's stories often explore themes like revenge, addiction, and the darker sides of human nature.
Some stories, such as The Unbearable Proximity of Mr Dunn's Balloons, leave readers curious with unexpected twists that resonate long after reading.
Langan's work is regarded as more unsettling than gory, focusing on psychological horror.
The collection has received mixed reviews, with some finding the writing compelling while others feel certain stories are overly lengthy.
Readers appreciate the depth of Langan's characters and their struggles with betrayal in various forms.

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.

April 2019
360 pages

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