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Dyscrasia Fiction #3
Spawn of Dyscrasia
Sharon died serving the undead. Will you take her place?
Spawn of Dyscrasia is dark fantasy by S.E. Lindberg (c) 2014. Cover art by master oil painter Ken Kelly (c) 2013.
Dyscrasia Fiction™ explores the choices humans and their gods make as a disease corrupts their souls, shared blood, and creative energies.
Spawn of Dyscrasia follows Helen’s abrupt promotion from neophyte curer to Lord Echo’s personal healer, replacing her friend who died mysteriously. She struggles to keep Echo alive as contagious phantoms corrupt his soul. While Lord Lysis fights a sudden invasion from a grotesque army, Helen’s humanity is tested to its limits: she contacts the original source of dyscrasia, and emerges transformed…
Spawn of Dyscrasia is dark fantasy by S.E. Lindberg (c) 2014. Cover art by master oil painter Ken Kelly (c) 2013.
Dyscrasia Fiction™ explores the choices humans and their gods make as a disease corrupts their souls, shared blood, and creative energies.
Spawn of Dyscrasia follows Helen’s abrupt promotion from neophyte curer to Lord Echo’s personal healer, replacing her friend who died mysteriously. She struggles to keep Echo alive as contagious phantoms corrupt his soul. While Lord Lysis fights a sudden invasion from a grotesque army, Helen’s humanity is tested to its limits: she contacts the original source of dyscrasia, and emerges transformed…
236 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2014
3 people are currently reading
1003 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Lindberg
22 books209 followersS.E. Lindberg resides near Cincinnati, Ohio working as a microscopist, employing his skills as a scientist and artist to understand the manufacturing of products analogous to medieval paints. Two decades of practicing chemistry, combined with a passion for the Sword and Sorcery genre, spurred him to write Lords of Dyscrasia, a graphic adventure fictionalizing the alchemical humors. The dark saga continues with Helen's Daimones (cover art by Daniel Landerman) and Spawn of Dyscrasia (cover art by Ken Kelly).
New to the series? Start with the novella Helen's Daimones.
He also publishes with Persied Press in their Heroes in Hell series (Pirates in Hell, Lovers in Hell) and Heroika 1: Dragon Eaters. All contributions are inspired by alchemy.
S.E. Lindberg co-moderates a Goodreads group focused on Sword & Sorcery and invites you to participate (link).
Dyscrasia Fiction on youtube
S E Lindberg Author Blog
New to the series? Start with the novella Helen's Daimones.
He also publishes with Persied Press in their Heroes in Hell series (Pirates in Hell, Lovers in Hell) and Heroika 1: Dragon Eaters. All contributions are inspired by alchemy.
S.E. Lindberg co-moderates a Goodreads group focused on Sword & Sorcery and invites you to participate (link).
Dyscrasia Fiction on youtube
S E Lindberg Author Blog
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 13, 2015
Spawn of Dyscrasia is a darkly-surreal novel that mingles strange adventures with the philosophy of aesthetics for an extremely satisfying read. Lindberg uses exquisite descriptions to depict bizarre congeries of insectoid philosopher-artist-warriors, demons, and golems, all striving for mastery over themselves and the world in which they live. As you can imagine, this is a grim work, but a beautiful work, nonetheless. I found myself quite happily wrapped up in the world of Dyscrasia and it left me thinking for a long time after I finished it.
Lindberg is an artist, as well as an excellent writer. But he's gone one step beyond his own substantial talent by working with narrator Kathy Bell Denton, whose ethereal voice is reminiscent of the voice in the opening scenes of the movie Wizards. Denton's reading of the prose of Spawn of Dyscrasia is exquisite. I couldn't be more pleased with her voice speaking Lindberg's words. You'd do well to get both the audiobook (for the reading) and the physical book (for the words and art), if you want a fully-immersive experience. But be warned, one you let this world take you in, it's pretty difficult to come back to reality, despite the "heavy" themes and the character's suffering. We are compelled to go along for the ride in this existentialist work of dark fantasy. Enjoy the ride!
Lindberg is an artist, as well as an excellent writer. But he's gone one step beyond his own substantial talent by working with narrator Kathy Bell Denton, whose ethereal voice is reminiscent of the voice in the opening scenes of the movie Wizards. Denton's reading of the prose of Spawn of Dyscrasia is exquisite. I couldn't be more pleased with her voice speaking Lindberg's words. You'd do well to get both the audiobook (for the reading) and the physical book (for the words and art), if you want a fully-immersive experience. But be warned, one you let this world take you in, it's pretty difficult to come back to reality, despite the "heavy" themes and the character's suffering. We are compelled to go along for the ride in this existentialist work of dark fantasy. Enjoy the ride!
December 18, 2018
Spawn of Dyscrasia is another great instalment in this extremely intriguing series, although it took me far too long to read it.
The so-called Dyscrasia Fiction series is overall one of the most innovative and groundbreaking new fantasy series I have read in recent years, and it keeps providing something different to a seasoned fantasy-reading mind.
With three books now complete, and a lot of interesting plot threads building up, I am very interested to see where it goes next. And I'd recommend every fantasy fan to give the series a chance, the ideal starting point being the novella Helen's Daimones.
The so-called Dyscrasia Fiction series is overall one of the most innovative and groundbreaking new fantasy series I have read in recent years, and it keeps providing something different to a seasoned fantasy-reading mind.
With three books now complete, and a lot of interesting plot threads building up, I am very interested to see where it goes next. And I'd recommend every fantasy fan to give the series a chance, the ideal starting point being the novella Helen's Daimones.
September 26, 2014
A very good well written novella, the author has the great knack of painting with words when he is describing his world and what is happening to it and the characters with the effects from the various magic systems he has devised in this book.
It ended in a very strange way, but when I found theres more to come it made sense.
its very short but the author really squeeze a lot in, the story is set in such a short space of time maybe a day or 2.
It ended in a very strange way, but when I found theres more to come it made sense.
its very short but the author really squeeze a lot in, the story is set in such a short space of time maybe a day or 2.
January 4, 2021
Spawn of Dyscrasia is the final book in the Dyscrasia series, tying up a story about the Age of Illness. Death and disease stalk the land like...two giant stalking things. (pardon my Black Addering)
The entire book felt like one long dream about insect hybrid lords. The nightmarish scenes and setting are splattered across every page. Decay feeds upon the characters' ennui like maggots cleaning a corpse.
Some will find the language difficult to follow. However, any fan of Lovecraft will slip this on like a comfortable shoe. For me, it moved a little slow until the spectacular end, because there is a tremendous amount of well-crafted world-building herein. But stick around for that satisfying and creepy-as-hell finish!
The entire book felt like one long dream about insect hybrid lords. The nightmarish scenes and setting are splattered across every page. Decay feeds upon the characters' ennui like maggots cleaning a corpse.
Some will find the language difficult to follow. However, any fan of Lovecraft will slip this on like a comfortable shoe. For me, it moved a little slow until the spectacular end, because there is a tremendous amount of well-crafted world-building herein. But stick around for that satisfying and creepy-as-hell finish!
September 6, 2014
Spawn of Dyscrasia, by S.E. Lindberg, IGNIS Publishing LLC, Dyscrasia Fiction ™ 235 pages. Front cover by Ken Kelly.
Well, I’m impressed. This is an entertaining fantasy novel that—I would argue—rises to the level of art. I judge that in a couple of ways. First, the actual prose here is simply lovely. It has the kind of poetry and descriptiveness to it that I constantly seek for but seldom find. Note: by lovely I don’t mean that it is sweet and bucolic. Quite the reverse. There are plenty of gore-rich scenes, enough to do a horror novel proud. But the language is so vivid and rich that you can just revel in it. At least, I did.
Second, the thing that really raises this book to the level of art is the fact that the author creates an almost entirely alien world, with many surrealistic elements, and yet never lets the imaginative veil of the story slip. There’s never a moment when you see through the strangeness of the created world to catch a glimpse of the mundane world behind it. This is the equivalent of an actor maintaining a character they are playing even outside the world of a particular film. But, a book typically takes a lot longer to write than an actor would spend living inside a character for a movie. Maintaining the illusion in a novel is hard enough even when the story is much more realistic than the fantasy world Lindberg has created here. I can imagine that doing so took a tremendous amount of focus and attention during the actual writing process. That in itself suggests an artist at work.
The world itself is endlessly fascinating and—in my experience—unique. Although there are beings in the world that resemble insects, and reptiles, and birds, none of them is quite what they seem. You can’t simple file one of the creatures under the label “ant,” or “dragon,” for example, and then feel you’ve captured its essence. They may resemble such beings, but they are not such beings. They are something different, although completely consistent within themselves throughout the story.
Although I enjoyed the book immensely, there is a caveat for the reader that I also want to mention. I would suggest that this book is not one that readers can “toss off casually.” In other words, it demands concentration and focus. Because the author never makes a slip in world building, it means that if you try to read it with half a mind you’ll probably miss something important. I can pick up the typical thriller or western, for example, skip a page here and there, or let it lay for a week and then pick it up again, without any problem. I quickly found that I couldn’t do this with Spawn of Dyscrasia. I needed to immerse myself in the work in order to truly appreciate it.
All in all, I rate this book very highly. I read it in paperback form and am glad I did because I really like this cover as well and will be happy to see it on my shelves. (The cover is by Ken Kelly, who will be no stranger to readers of fantasy fiction.) There is also a Kindle version of the book, though. The paperback is available from both Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and will run you a little less than $14.00 bucks at either site. The Kindle version is $4.99. There is currently no Nook version available.
Well, I’m impressed. This is an entertaining fantasy novel that—I would argue—rises to the level of art. I judge that in a couple of ways. First, the actual prose here is simply lovely. It has the kind of poetry and descriptiveness to it that I constantly seek for but seldom find. Note: by lovely I don’t mean that it is sweet and bucolic. Quite the reverse. There are plenty of gore-rich scenes, enough to do a horror novel proud. But the language is so vivid and rich that you can just revel in it. At least, I did.
Second, the thing that really raises this book to the level of art is the fact that the author creates an almost entirely alien world, with many surrealistic elements, and yet never lets the imaginative veil of the story slip. There’s never a moment when you see through the strangeness of the created world to catch a glimpse of the mundane world behind it. This is the equivalent of an actor maintaining a character they are playing even outside the world of a particular film. But, a book typically takes a lot longer to write than an actor would spend living inside a character for a movie. Maintaining the illusion in a novel is hard enough even when the story is much more realistic than the fantasy world Lindberg has created here. I can imagine that doing so took a tremendous amount of focus and attention during the actual writing process. That in itself suggests an artist at work.
The world itself is endlessly fascinating and—in my experience—unique. Although there are beings in the world that resemble insects, and reptiles, and birds, none of them is quite what they seem. You can’t simple file one of the creatures under the label “ant,” or “dragon,” for example, and then feel you’ve captured its essence. They may resemble such beings, but they are not such beings. They are something different, although completely consistent within themselves throughout the story.
Although I enjoyed the book immensely, there is a caveat for the reader that I also want to mention. I would suggest that this book is not one that readers can “toss off casually.” In other words, it demands concentration and focus. Because the author never makes a slip in world building, it means that if you try to read it with half a mind you’ll probably miss something important. I can pick up the typical thriller or western, for example, skip a page here and there, or let it lay for a week and then pick it up again, without any problem. I quickly found that I couldn’t do this with Spawn of Dyscrasia. I needed to immerse myself in the work in order to truly appreciate it.
All in all, I rate this book very highly. I read it in paperback form and am glad I did because I really like this cover as well and will be happy to see it on my shelves. (The cover is by Ken Kelly, who will be no stranger to readers of fantasy fiction.) There is also a Kindle version of the book, though. The paperback is available from both Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and will run you a little less than $14.00 bucks at either site. The Kindle version is $4.99. There is currently no Nook version available.
February 1, 2022
A worthy third instalment combining the best aspects of the first two books.
Lords of Dyscrasia offered an epic tale of apocalyptic dimensions steeped in extreme strangeness. Helen’s Daimones dialled back the scope, providing a more intimate story with more relatable characters. Spawn of Dyscrasia balances these two extremes, alternating between the earth-shattering battles of inhuman sorcerers and the earthier perspectives of mortal protagonists. The result feels perfectly balanced, as does the cast of characters. We get to see Lord Lysis, the transcendent undead demi-god, unleash his freakish might against a new eldritch enemy. At the same time, we also get to witness the trials of the very human Helen as she struggles to find a place for herself in a diseased world ruled by weird magic and plagued by monsters. We also get to see a lot more of Echo, one of the more mysterious but weirdly compelling characters in the series. The result is a tightly-woven tale offering a compelling mix of intrigue, horror, weirdness, and genuine human drama.
The weirdness, as usual, is pretty much off the scale. We get to see diseased orchards where the hearts of golems grow from fleshy trees. The psychic mating rituals of regal insectoid hybrid monsters. Skulls blown apart by animate blood known as Lapis Elixir. And just wait till you see what a Behemal Centimani is! The weirdness here is so intense it makes most books I’ve read in the Bizarro genre feel like realist lit fic in comparison.
Really looking forward to the next instalment.
Lords of Dyscrasia offered an epic tale of apocalyptic dimensions steeped in extreme strangeness. Helen’s Daimones dialled back the scope, providing a more intimate story with more relatable characters. Spawn of Dyscrasia balances these two extremes, alternating between the earth-shattering battles of inhuman sorcerers and the earthier perspectives of mortal protagonists. The result feels perfectly balanced, as does the cast of characters. We get to see Lord Lysis, the transcendent undead demi-god, unleash his freakish might against a new eldritch enemy. At the same time, we also get to witness the trials of the very human Helen as she struggles to find a place for herself in a diseased world ruled by weird magic and plagued by monsters. We also get to see a lot more of Echo, one of the more mysterious but weirdly compelling characters in the series. The result is a tightly-woven tale offering a compelling mix of intrigue, horror, weirdness, and genuine human drama.
The weirdness, as usual, is pretty much off the scale. We get to see diseased orchards where the hearts of golems grow from fleshy trees. The psychic mating rituals of regal insectoid hybrid monsters. Skulls blown apart by animate blood known as Lapis Elixir. And just wait till you see what a Behemal Centimani is! The weirdness here is so intense it makes most books I’ve read in the Bizarro genre feel like realist lit fic in comparison.
Really looking forward to the next instalment.
January 22, 2019
Review to follow
Read
December 18, 2018No rating, since I am the author. I use this platform to communicate that the Spawn of Dyscrasia Audiobook (2015) was just released with narration by actress Kathy Bell Denton, whose eerie voice will haunt you!
Sharon died serving the undead. Will you take her place? Spawn of Dyscrasia is dark fantasy by S.E. Lindberg (c) 2014. Cover art by master oil painter Ken Kelly (c) 2013.
Dyscrasia Fiction™ explores the choices humans and their gods make as a disease corrupts their souls, shared blood, and creative energies. Spawn of Dyscrasia follows Helen’s abrupt promotion from neophyte curer to Lord Echo’s personal healer, replacing her friend who died mysteriously. She struggles to keep Echo alive as contagious phantoms corrupt his soul. While Lord Lysis fights a sudden invasion from a grotesque army, Helen’s humanity is tested to its limits: she contacts the original source of dyscrasia, and emerges transformed…
Enjoy the Underworld! Cheers, S.E. Lindberg
Video Trailer
Audiobook Sample
S E Lindberg Author Blog
S.E. Lindberg co-moderates a Goodreads group focused on Sword & Sorcery and invites you to participate.
Sharon died serving the undead. Will you take her place? Spawn of Dyscrasia is dark fantasy by S.E. Lindberg (c) 2014. Cover art by master oil painter Ken Kelly (c) 2013.
Dyscrasia Fiction™ explores the choices humans and their gods make as a disease corrupts their souls, shared blood, and creative energies. Spawn of Dyscrasia follows Helen’s abrupt promotion from neophyte curer to Lord Echo’s personal healer, replacing her friend who died mysteriously. She struggles to keep Echo alive as contagious phantoms corrupt his soul. While Lord Lysis fights a sudden invasion from a grotesque army, Helen’s humanity is tested to its limits: she contacts the original source of dyscrasia, and emerges transformed…
Enjoy the Underworld! Cheers, S.E. Lindberg
Video Trailer
Audiobook Sample
S E Lindberg Author Blog
S.E. Lindberg co-moderates a Goodreads group focused on Sword & Sorcery and invites you to participate.
September 11, 2014
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.
I'd like to thank the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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.
I'd like to thank the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
February 10, 2015WOOHOO! So excited to read these. Thank you S.E. Lindberg for sending a free copy for review.
Buddy read with Markus
November 10, 2014
SE LINDBERG
Spawn of Dyscrasia
This book scared the wee-wadded out of me. What a great second novel.
When I read this story it was like I was transported into it. Lindberg is such a strong writer that when you start reading you need to ensure that you will have plenty of time to leave this world and go on a journey. It is so descriptive and vivid that I can't help but slip into Dyscrasia and become part of the story. This story is about a place and time when God's ruled and magic was all around you. Not your fairy tale magic but old twisted dark, take your soul, bring you back from death magic. This is a book that gave me nightmares. Yes, NIGHTMARES and I don't scare easily but there is a place in this book that Mr Lindberg's narration is so graphic and powerful about a journey into a great rock craven far, far below the surface getting deeper and deeper. He tells it thought the minds eye of the new care giver. She knows the tunnels that go deeper to a secret chamber because she grew up here, playing and exploring the tunnels in the dark so she wouldn't be seen and get in trouble for being there. She is now injured, her eyes are bound, she is being carried and as she goes she is thinking and remembering about the surrounding by the smell and feel of the rock walls. I am claustrophobic and as I read, I started getting cold sweats and then nightmares for two nights...the way it was told, how it started getting tighter and tighter until they were almost stuck, well I went into panic mode. Just remembering it now will probably give me nightmares again.
I am recommending this book not only for a innovative story-line, but also for the fast pace/on going horror it delivers. For an example, if something as trivial as a quick escape to a secret chamber is depicted in such realistic fervent that it gave me nightmares. If you like blood, destruction, cannibalism, magic and Gods...Sci-Fi meets Horror meets Fantasy meets, Spatter Punk then this book is for you. This is one terrifing story and I can't wait for the next one. I guarantee you, there is not anything like it out there.
It has took me longer to write this review then any other book I have read in a long time. I respect Lindberg's writing (Book One, Lords of Dyscrasia a must read) and wanted to make sure to do it justice. When a great story is told it needs a really good review so people won't miss it in this hurry up, hustle bustle world of today. A flag that let's them know to stop and enjoy a dark demented odyssey, that it will be worth the time given up.
Sit back, relax and Welcome to S.E. Lindberg's HELL.
Spawn of Dyscrasia
This book scared the wee-wadded out of me. What a great second novel.
When I read this story it was like I was transported into it. Lindberg is such a strong writer that when you start reading you need to ensure that you will have plenty of time to leave this world and go on a journey. It is so descriptive and vivid that I can't help but slip into Dyscrasia and become part of the story. This story is about a place and time when God's ruled and magic was all around you. Not your fairy tale magic but old twisted dark, take your soul, bring you back from death magic. This is a book that gave me nightmares. Yes, NIGHTMARES and I don't scare easily but there is a place in this book that Mr Lindberg's narration is so graphic and powerful about a journey into a great rock craven far, far below the surface getting deeper and deeper. He tells it thought the minds eye of the new care giver. She knows the tunnels that go deeper to a secret chamber because she grew up here, playing and exploring the tunnels in the dark so she wouldn't be seen and get in trouble for being there. She is now injured, her eyes are bound, she is being carried and as she goes she is thinking and remembering about the surrounding by the smell and feel of the rock walls. I am claustrophobic and as I read, I started getting cold sweats and then nightmares for two nights...the way it was told, how it started getting tighter and tighter until they were almost stuck, well I went into panic mode. Just remembering it now will probably give me nightmares again.
I am recommending this book not only for a innovative story-line, but also for the fast pace/on going horror it delivers. For an example, if something as trivial as a quick escape to a secret chamber is depicted in such realistic fervent that it gave me nightmares. If you like blood, destruction, cannibalism, magic and Gods...Sci-Fi meets Horror meets Fantasy meets, Spatter Punk then this book is for you. This is one terrifing story and I can't wait for the next one. I guarantee you, there is not anything like it out there.
It has took me longer to write this review then any other book I have read in a long time. I respect Lindberg's writing (Book One, Lords of Dyscrasia a must read) and wanted to make sure to do it justice. When a great story is told it needs a really good review so people won't miss it in this hurry up, hustle bustle world of today. A flag that let's them know to stop and enjoy a dark demented odyssey, that it will be worth the time given up.
Sit back, relax and Welcome to S.E. Lindberg's HELL.
September 12, 2014
Fresh from re-reading Lord of Dyscrasia, I am impressed with how much Lindberg improved in his storytelling. The book starts off a while after the events of the first book. Endenken and Echo have become the center of a new power which utilizes creative energy. As plot rules go, new power also means new enemies. While SoD primarily focuses on Echo and Helen's adventure, we do get some perspective scenes on Doctor Grave and Endenken.
Spawn of Dyscrasia was a great read. Compared to the first book, the story was easier to follow. As awesome as Endenken is, it's not easy to relate to a burning magical skeleton after all! I enjoyed reading about Helen and Echo. Echo didn't get a lot of screentime in the last book and it was interesting to see his thoughts. He is basically going through the worst puberty ever and struggles with both guilt and an identity crisis. Helen tries her best to help him but there's only so much you can do when no one tells you anything. Really, I like Helen. She's probably one of the nicest characters in this series. However, she doesn't really do much after a while. I know why but I still can't help wishing she was more impactful and less of a damsel. She gets saved. A lot.
As always, the descriptions are vivid and detailed. The magic system also gets fleshed out more. Some of the rules are explained but the plausibility is still a stretch. The gore level has gone down but there's enough so that it might still gross some people out.
I would recommend it to readers who likes dark fantasy and don't mind gore. There is enough details about the first book so that readers new to the story can pick it up without much trouble, once they adjust to the fantastical setting. Overall, this was a great read. For such a short book, the pacing and amount of plot is awesome. I'm liking where the story is going and I eagerly await the next one!
Spawn of Dyscrasia was a great read. Compared to the first book, the story was easier to follow. As awesome as Endenken is, it's not easy to relate to a burning magical skeleton after all! I enjoyed reading about Helen and Echo. Echo didn't get a lot of screentime in the last book and it was interesting to see his thoughts. He is basically going through the worst puberty ever and struggles with both guilt and an identity crisis. Helen tries her best to help him but there's only so much you can do when no one tells you anything. Really, I like Helen. She's probably one of the nicest characters in this series. However, she doesn't really do much after a while. I know why but I still can't help wishing she was more impactful and less of a damsel. She gets saved. A lot.
As always, the descriptions are vivid and detailed. The magic system also gets fleshed out more. Some of the rules are explained but the plausibility is still a stretch. The gore level has gone down but there's enough so that it might still gross some people out.
I would recommend it to readers who likes dark fantasy and don't mind gore. There is enough details about the first book so that readers new to the story can pick it up without much trouble, once they adjust to the fantastical setting. Overall, this was a great read. For such a short book, the pacing and amount of plot is awesome. I'm liking where the story is going and I eagerly await the next one!
March 30, 2015
Sequel to Lords of Dyscrasia, Spawn of Dyscrasia carries over all of the strengths of the first book and none of its flaws.
The world portrayed in this novel remains every bit as strange and intriguing. Powered by blood magic, undead sorcerer-king Lord Lysis continues to rule his corner of the world, and his adopted insect hybrid "son" Echo has matured considerably. Spawn of Dyscrasia focuses on what happens when Lysis encounters a threat to his kingdom, and the growing pains—figurative and literal—experienced by Echo when he comes into contact with this mysterious interloper.
While fascinating, the god-like Lysis proved to be a difficult character to relate to in the first book. Thankfully, "Spawn" introduces Helen, a healer/attendent serving Echo, as the primary viewpoint character. While far from average herself, she provides a much more human perspective on the events in the story.
The prose as a whole was much stronger in this book. Here the author displayed the confidence to allow the exciting passages in the story stand on their own, rather than be highlighted with onomatopoeia and abundant exclamation points. The motivations of Lysis, Doctor Grave, and Echo still remained a little obscure, but this time I got the sense that it was due to their alien natures, rather than a lack of communication on the author's part.
The only real issue I had with this book is that it feels like the middle volume in a trilogy. While there is a climax, Spawn doesn't so much conclude as stop once the chess board has been set up for the finale. That being said, I was left eager to see what happens next, especially with respect to the illusive Doctor Grave.
Spawn of Dyscrasia is that rare sequel that exceeds its predecessor. It doesn't quite stand on its own, however; readers will need familiarity with the first book in order to understand the events of the second. Hopefully the author will release a revised version of Lords of Dyscrasia someday, now that he's grown so much as a writer.
(Disclosure: I was provided with a review copy of this book.)
The world portrayed in this novel remains every bit as strange and intriguing. Powered by blood magic, undead sorcerer-king Lord Lysis continues to rule his corner of the world, and his adopted insect hybrid "son" Echo has matured considerably. Spawn of Dyscrasia focuses on what happens when Lysis encounters a threat to his kingdom, and the growing pains—figurative and literal—experienced by Echo when he comes into contact with this mysterious interloper.
While fascinating, the god-like Lysis proved to be a difficult character to relate to in the first book. Thankfully, "Spawn" introduces Helen, a healer/attendent serving Echo, as the primary viewpoint character. While far from average herself, she provides a much more human perspective on the events in the story.
The prose as a whole was much stronger in this book. Here the author displayed the confidence to allow the exciting passages in the story stand on their own, rather than be highlighted with onomatopoeia and abundant exclamation points. The motivations of Lysis, Doctor Grave, and Echo still remained a little obscure, but this time I got the sense that it was due to their alien natures, rather than a lack of communication on the author's part.
The only real issue I had with this book is that it feels like the middle volume in a trilogy. While there is a climax, Spawn doesn't so much conclude as stop once the chess board has been set up for the finale. That being said, I was left eager to see what happens next, especially with respect to the illusive Doctor Grave.
Spawn of Dyscrasia is that rare sequel that exceeds its predecessor. It doesn't quite stand on its own, however; readers will need familiarity with the first book in order to understand the events of the second. Hopefully the author will release a revised version of Lords of Dyscrasia someday, now that he's grown so much as a writer.
(Disclosure: I was provided with a review copy of this book.)
December 22, 2018
Dark, Fascinating Fantasy
S.E. Lindberg’s “Spawn ofDyscrasia” is the second book to appear in the world of Dyscrasia. I haven’t read “Lords of Dyscrasia,” but after having spent some time with “Spawn,” it’s definitely a work that has made its way to my ‘to-read’ list. Although “Spawn” stands alone, there were some times I wished I was a little more familiar with the world, and I think reading “Lords” first would have helped.
Dyscrasia is a pretty fascinating place, and you have to give this novel your full attention while reading. “Spawn” is a dark fantasy novel, but there are elements that provoke emotions that are similar to what you feel from other genres. Some of the early scenes involving artificial life forms reminded me of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”--but not the mindless slasher films the character has inspired, I’m talking about the philosophical, gothic masterpiece of a novel that started it all.
Energy is a major discussion point early on and these conversations reach beyond the scope of the novel. Some characters draw their energy from other characters and I was reminded of the magical system in The Darksword Trilogy that involved all magic users drawing their power through people referred to as Catalysts (it was the only interesting thing in that novel—and the idea wasn’t explored adequately, so read “Spawn of Dyscrasia” instead).
There is also a skull-faced character that reminded me a little bit of Garth the Overman from Lawrence Watt-Evans’s “Lords of Dus” trilogy. Both that series and “Spawn of Dyscracia” manage to generate the same sense of ominous foreboding. The characters are competent and powerful, but it seems like the elements of nature are too indomitable and inherently sadistic to ever be overcome.
I was impressed by S.E. Lindberg’s writing, his words are precise and intelligent. There is a definite purpose here, and you can tell that Lindberg is a well-educated man. Perhaps there are passages that become too didactic at times, but overall it worked very well for me.
This novel really goes beyond the fantasy genre, although I think it will take a few subsequent readings on my part to formulate an idea as to what comments the author intends. I like that kind of subtlety. I’ll probably revisit it again after reading the first volume and update my thoughts. In the meantime, grab your own copies of both of these!
S.E. Lindberg’s “Spawn ofDyscrasia” is the second book to appear in the world of Dyscrasia. I haven’t read “Lords of Dyscrasia,” but after having spent some time with “Spawn,” it’s definitely a work that has made its way to my ‘to-read’ list. Although “Spawn” stands alone, there were some times I wished I was a little more familiar with the world, and I think reading “Lords” first would have helped.
Dyscrasia is a pretty fascinating place, and you have to give this novel your full attention while reading. “Spawn” is a dark fantasy novel, but there are elements that provoke emotions that are similar to what you feel from other genres. Some of the early scenes involving artificial life forms reminded me of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”--but not the mindless slasher films the character has inspired, I’m talking about the philosophical, gothic masterpiece of a novel that started it all.
Energy is a major discussion point early on and these conversations reach beyond the scope of the novel. Some characters draw their energy from other characters and I was reminded of the magical system in The Darksword Trilogy that involved all magic users drawing their power through people referred to as Catalysts (it was the only interesting thing in that novel—and the idea wasn’t explored adequately, so read “Spawn of Dyscrasia” instead).
There is also a skull-faced character that reminded me a little bit of Garth the Overman from Lawrence Watt-Evans’s “Lords of Dus” trilogy. Both that series and “Spawn of Dyscracia” manage to generate the same sense of ominous foreboding. The characters are competent and powerful, but it seems like the elements of nature are too indomitable and inherently sadistic to ever be overcome.
I was impressed by S.E. Lindberg’s writing, his words are precise and intelligent. There is a definite purpose here, and you can tell that Lindberg is a well-educated man. Perhaps there are passages that become too didactic at times, but overall it worked very well for me.
This novel really goes beyond the fantasy genre, although I think it will take a few subsequent readings on my part to formulate an idea as to what comments the author intends. I like that kind of subtlety. I’ll probably revisit it again after reading the first volume and update my thoughts. In the meantime, grab your own copies of both of these!
September 3, 2022
Wow. It's hard to believe it's been almost 3 years since I read Lords of Dyscrasia, the first Dyscrasia book from S.E. Lindberg. Stylistically, that was a very interesting read, one with a mix of high fantasy, pulp adventure, and visceral horror. It worked as well as I could have hoped, if not better, and immediately came flooding back to the forefront of my memories when I sat down to Spawn of Dyscrasia.
I didn't think it was possible, but this is an even darker fantasy than the novel that opened the saga. It's a story full of death and decay, of pain and pressure. In a post-apocalyptic sort of fantasy world where the 'good' guys are undead necromancers and hybrid monsters, the remaining humans must make difficult choices to ensure that there's a future for any of them.
Just to give you an idea of what you're getting into here, the story opens with a dying young woman, her body and soul slowly being consumed by the necromancer she serves. Her own ghost picks a replacement from out of the crowd, damning one of her oldest friends to the same sort of helpless, hopeless, inevitable doom. That friend, Helen, dutifully accepts the charge laid upon her and prepares to embark upon a future of sacrificing herself to save Lord Echo, the necromancer, in an effort to preserve her people.
Like the first volume, this is a very dark, very bleak, very sort of hopeless future, one in which the monsters have already won. It's all very well-constructed, with an interesting system of magic to drive the plot forward, but it's hardly what one would call your typical heroic, uplifting fantasy. In fact, it's as much a horror novel as it is a fantasy novel, but it's in that clash of genres that Lindberg distinguishes himself. This reads very much like an epic fantasy novel in terms of language and imagery, but one dealing with a dark, gruesome, horrific sort of subject matter. It's a gorgeous, textured, intricately layered story where every word counts, and where no phrase is wasted. Make no mistake, it makes for heavy reading, but you feel the weight of every word.
While I would have liked to see Helen play more of a heroic role, rather than serve as damsel in distress or sidekick, this is not really a world where humans have a significant role to play. It is a world filled with hybrid monsters and ruled by god-like beings, a world in which power is infected by an insidious sort of disease. Having said that, she's an admirable character, for all the flaws of her situation, and she does have her moments, especially as we approach the climax.
Overall, I found the pacing and flow much stronger, compared to Lords of Dyscrasia. It's a clearer, more consistent tale, one with those narrative bridges that I felt were lacking in the first book. As sequels or follow-ups go, Spawn of Dyscrasia is one of those rare novels that tops its predecessor in almost every way, which definitely bodes well for future installments. If you're open to something new, and have the patience to really pay attention to the narrative as much as the plot, then by all means pay Lindberg's world a visit - you'll be impressed at what he's able to accomplish in so few carefully chosen words, and you'll certainly appreciate the visit.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
I didn't think it was possible, but this is an even darker fantasy than the novel that opened the saga. It's a story full of death and decay, of pain and pressure. In a post-apocalyptic sort of fantasy world where the 'good' guys are undead necromancers and hybrid monsters, the remaining humans must make difficult choices to ensure that there's a future for any of them.
Just to give you an idea of what you're getting into here, the story opens with a dying young woman, her body and soul slowly being consumed by the necromancer she serves. Her own ghost picks a replacement from out of the crowd, damning one of her oldest friends to the same sort of helpless, hopeless, inevitable doom. That friend, Helen, dutifully accepts the charge laid upon her and prepares to embark upon a future of sacrificing herself to save Lord Echo, the necromancer, in an effort to preserve her people.
Like the first volume, this is a very dark, very bleak, very sort of hopeless future, one in which the monsters have already won. It's all very well-constructed, with an interesting system of magic to drive the plot forward, but it's hardly what one would call your typical heroic, uplifting fantasy. In fact, it's as much a horror novel as it is a fantasy novel, but it's in that clash of genres that Lindberg distinguishes himself. This reads very much like an epic fantasy novel in terms of language and imagery, but one dealing with a dark, gruesome, horrific sort of subject matter. It's a gorgeous, textured, intricately layered story where every word counts, and where no phrase is wasted. Make no mistake, it makes for heavy reading, but you feel the weight of every word.
While I would have liked to see Helen play more of a heroic role, rather than serve as damsel in distress or sidekick, this is not really a world where humans have a significant role to play. It is a world filled with hybrid monsters and ruled by god-like beings, a world in which power is infected by an insidious sort of disease. Having said that, she's an admirable character, for all the flaws of her situation, and she does have her moments, especially as we approach the climax.
Overall, I found the pacing and flow much stronger, compared to Lords of Dyscrasia. It's a clearer, more consistent tale, one with those narrative bridges that I felt were lacking in the first book. As sequels or follow-ups go, Spawn of Dyscrasia is one of those rare novels that tops its predecessor in almost every way, which definitely bodes well for future installments. If you're open to something new, and have the patience to really pay attention to the narrative as much as the plot, then by all means pay Lindberg's world a visit - you'll be impressed at what he's able to accomplish in so few carefully chosen words, and you'll certainly appreciate the visit.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
January 31, 2015
It took a minute for the book to get going. But, once it did, I kept wanting to know what was happening. It is a unique story with interesting characters. And, it didn't go as I expected so that was intriguing. I look forward to reading the next installment to see what happens with the characters brought forward in this book. And, to see if Lysis truly succeeds in what he wants. I was sad to see one of the characters no longer going forward. Guess I will have to wait for the next one to see if it remains that way. In this series, anything is possible.
Edit: I forgot to mention here that the cover is definitely and eye catcher. As a matter of fact, it took so long for me to read it because my son grabbed it from me first. Then, he allowed his friends to read as well. So, by the time I got it back it had been read four times. So, this book is not only intriguing for adults but as well as young adult boys. It does seem hopeless for the characters in this series. I guess we will see if hope arises in the hopelessness of the situations these characters are in. The question is now, in this fantasy world, who really is losing..the hybrids or humans; whose world is destroyed? Is it as the Empress says or did it belong to the humans?
Edit: I forgot to mention here that the cover is definitely and eye catcher. As a matter of fact, it took so long for me to read it because my son grabbed it from me first. Then, he allowed his friends to read as well. So, by the time I got it back it had been read four times. So, this book is not only intriguing for adults but as well as young adult boys. It does seem hopeless for the characters in this series. I guess we will see if hope arises in the hopelessness of the situations these characters are in. The question is now, in this fantasy world, who really is losing..the hybrids or humans; whose world is destroyed? Is it as the Empress says or did it belong to the humans?
October 13, 2015
A copy of the book was provided to me by its author in exchange for an honest review. (thanks!)
I was so excited when I heard I won the book. And excitement remained when I was reading the book :) I loved the characters,I loved writing style,and I loved the story ❤ Even though I didn't read the Lords of Dyscrasia,I fell in love with the book.
If you love fantasy,try it out,you will not regret it,I promise :D
I was so excited when I heard I won the book. And excitement remained when I was reading the book :) I loved the characters,I loved writing style,and I loved the story ❤ Even though I didn't read the Lords of Dyscrasia,I fell in love with the book.
If you love fantasy,try it out,you will not regret it,I promise :D
April 21, 2017
Know yourself.
Once again, that expression provides the subtle undertone that permeates the life-threads of our protagonists in the decades following the ending of the Ill Age, where Dyscrasia was vanquished.
The Chromlechon now serves as a bastion to a new society of survivors who serve the two grey Lords, Lysis and the foundling, Lord Echo.
Conceived during genetic splicing of eldritch creatures and man at the end of Lords of Dyscrasia, Echo was one of the monstrous litter that ensued, all of which expressed a hideous combination of avian, insectian and human traits. All, that is, except for Echo himself who appears predominantly human. As time passes, however, and the hybrid undergoes a number of pupate stages, the gradual shedding of his fleshly shells seemed to suggest a steady manifestation toward a different state. But what?
It is during this time that one of Lord Echo’s personal retinue, the inker Sharon, dies in battle against a new threat: the white queen and her vast horde of mutants.
A replacement needs to be selected, and against all the odds, Helen – a quiet and withdrawn young woman, someone shunned by the other neophytes – is chosen to be his personal healer. Thrust into the limelight, Helen proves herself more than capable.
However, vital question remain:
Just who is this white queen that dares to challenge Lysis’ seemingly unanswerable might? Where did she come from and how did she manage to gather such a vast army without either Grey Lord's knowledge. What is her agenda, and why does it seem to be – in some unfathomable way – linked to Lord Echo himself as he continues to undergo a personal metamorphosis toward his final true state.
One thing’s for sure, it spells a whole new era of trouble for an already troubled land struggling to recover from an age of genetic meddling.
I have to say that, once again, I was captivated by the wonderful blend of high action and deep, meaningful – almost poetic prose – that Lindberg manages to weave throughout his narrative. It is an extremely engaging tale, and one I thoroughly enjoyed. I really would recommend you take the time to discover more about the land ruled by Dyscrasia, as it is one of the most evocative empyreal worlds you will ever enter.
I can’t wait for the next stage of the adventure. As I’ve said before, it provides the perfect environment to let your imagination unfold.
Know yourself.
Will YOU accept the continuing invitation?
Once again, that expression provides the subtle undertone that permeates the life-threads of our protagonists in the decades following the ending of the Ill Age, where Dyscrasia was vanquished.
The Chromlechon now serves as a bastion to a new society of survivors who serve the two grey Lords, Lysis and the foundling, Lord Echo.
Conceived during genetic splicing of eldritch creatures and man at the end of Lords of Dyscrasia, Echo was one of the monstrous litter that ensued, all of which expressed a hideous combination of avian, insectian and human traits. All, that is, except for Echo himself who appears predominantly human. As time passes, however, and the hybrid undergoes a number of pupate stages, the gradual shedding of his fleshly shells seemed to suggest a steady manifestation toward a different state. But what?
It is during this time that one of Lord Echo’s personal retinue, the inker Sharon, dies in battle against a new threat: the white queen and her vast horde of mutants.
A replacement needs to be selected, and against all the odds, Helen – a quiet and withdrawn young woman, someone shunned by the other neophytes – is chosen to be his personal healer. Thrust into the limelight, Helen proves herself more than capable.
However, vital question remain:
Just who is this white queen that dares to challenge Lysis’ seemingly unanswerable might? Where did she come from and how did she manage to gather such a vast army without either Grey Lord's knowledge. What is her agenda, and why does it seem to be – in some unfathomable way – linked to Lord Echo himself as he continues to undergo a personal metamorphosis toward his final true state.
One thing’s for sure, it spells a whole new era of trouble for an already troubled land struggling to recover from an age of genetic meddling.
I have to say that, once again, I was captivated by the wonderful blend of high action and deep, meaningful – almost poetic prose – that Lindberg manages to weave throughout his narrative. It is an extremely engaging tale, and one I thoroughly enjoyed. I really would recommend you take the time to discover more about the land ruled by Dyscrasia, as it is one of the most evocative empyreal worlds you will ever enter.
I can’t wait for the next stage of the adventure. As I’ve said before, it provides the perfect environment to let your imagination unfold.
Know yourself.
Will YOU accept the continuing invitation?
November 27, 2014
I did not understand this book at all. It made no sense to me. I couldn't get into the characters or the story. At certain points my stomach was having a hard time staying put during the fight scenes. It was a difficult book to read. I rarely give up on a book and i almost did on this one. Since it was a book I received on Librarything in return for a review I didn't feel right giving up. Not a book I liked at all.
November 7, 2015
I received this free from the author cause he is awesome like that.
I liked this book better then be previous one.
Loads of action and some pretty gory stuff as well. I did miss the various illustrations that were in the 1st one. If you liked the 1st book definitely pick this one up.
I liked this book better then be previous one.
Loads of action and some pretty gory stuff as well. I did miss the various illustrations that were in the 1st one. If you liked the 1st book definitely pick this one up.
October 28, 2015
*Received free via Goodreads First Reads*
A well written and intriguing book. Perhaps a little too dark for me, but all-in-all very pleased to have read it.
A well written and intriguing book. Perhaps a little too dark for me, but all-in-all very pleased to have read it.
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