One Dark Scribe

THE NOCTUARY by Greg Chapman (2011 Damnation Books / 56 pp / tp)


Chapman's latest novella is a sort-of homage to Clive Barker, but unlike other "homages" this one has its own voice and style.


Struggling writer Simon Ryan falls into the hands of creatures who are the incarnations of dark muse: they offer him a chance to re-write his abusive life story, but things don't turn out the way Simon had intended.


And just when Simon thinks he'll forever be a scribe for the underworld, a former captive of these creatures helps him escape...although his new-found reality could be darker than ever before.


THE NOCTUARY blends supernatural and real-life horrors quite well.  Kudos to Chapman for dealing with a side-plot of child abuse in a non-exploitative (but still chilling) manner.