Portraits of Decay

by J.R. Blanes

Up-and-coming young artist Jefferson Fontenot has everything going for The hot New Orleans art scene has noticed him, and he's finally found his true love, Nevaeh Parker. But Fontenot’s bright future hides a darkness known as Gemma Landry— the artist’s lover and art scene influencer. Gemma believes Jefferson's talent holds the key to her seizing control of the popular Carondelet Street Gallery. But when Gemma discovers Jefferson's infidelity, she enslaves the artist with a poison she acquired from swamp-dwelling witch Mirlande St. Pierre.

Now trapped in a rotting body and plagued by hellish visions, Jefferson finds himself reduced to a zombie-like servant for his unhinged ex, while Nevaeh is forced to embrace her past, hoping to save the man she loves. As the dark curse courses through Jefferson’s veins, everyone involved soon discovers—in the most brutal of fashions—the terror that awaits when you cross Gemma Landry.

Genres: Horror

388 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2025

Reviews

[Rhea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portraits of Decay by J.R. Blanes is a fascinating and perhaps uncomfortable dive into a deeply toxic relationship. The story immediately introduces us to Angelique, a woman teetering on the edge, tormented by a voice in her head and the constant criticism from her husband, Lyle. Eventually the voice in her head causes her to do the unthinkable. This dark setup establishes a grim atmosphere from the start.

The narrative quickly shifts to the manipulative relationship between Gemma and Jefferson, revealing the disturbing lengths someone will go to for control. The story can feel a bit repetitive at times, focusing on their dynamic and Gemma's constant need for control. This, along with the fact that the horror elements weren't as 'disgusting' or scary as they perhaps intended to be, kept it from being a full five-star read for me.

However, the supernatural aspects of the story are fantastic. Once Gemma's dark magic and voodoo come into play, the book really picks up the pace. The descriptions of the bayou and the home of the witch are so vividly eerie they gave me goosebumps. The dialogue also feels incredibly realistic, at times a bit snobbish, which perfectly suits the characters' social circle I suppose.

I absolutely loved to see how Gemma's plan to control Jefferson backfires in an unexpected way. Her desire for him to obey becomes a frustratingly empty victory when his responses are too perfect and robotic even. Honestly, it felt satisfying. Another thing I loved was the character of Nevaeh; despite her own issues, her wholesome connection with Jefferson felt like a genuine spark in an otherwise dark story. His non-judgmental acceptance of her past and scars was quite touching.

Got this from NetGalley, much appreciated.

[Jess Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an incredible and devastating journey this was. This was my first ever voodoo/Bayou/black magic story and my first read from this author and neither disappointed. At first I really was not sure where the story was going because the preface felt disjointed from our main characters, but the strings tied together quite nicely and made complete sense in the end. It was kind of like when all of the puzzle pieces are put together and you step back and see the full picture and feel satisfied with the work. There was an atmosphere of swamp lands and unique architecture that the author did an amazing job bringing to life and etching out in great detail. His prose is very descriptive and precise and has a smooth flow that allows the transition of points of views to feel more natural rather than choppy and confusing. It has been quite a long time since I hated a main character this much and I honestly wanted to keep reading to see what would become of them and if they would be met with justice in the end.
Oh and that ending..that ending was so bittersweet you could taste it. This book had me feeling all of the emotions and the experience as a whole was so enjoyable. I caught myself wanting to see the scenes play out with actors rather than just in my head. This book is amazing and I highly recommend it! I cant wait to read more from this author!

[Spring (Infinite Ink Society) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blurb (Spoiler-Free):
Reading Portraits of Decay feels like wading chest-deep into a swamp at midnight while something brushes your leg and you’re 80% sure it isn’t a fish. 🌙🐊 It’s Southern Gothic rot, folklore, and blood served humid and heavy.

⸻

Review:
This book had me sweating like I was actually stuck in the bayou—mosquitoes, swamp fog, and all. The culture and language are so sharp you can practically hear the cicadas scream while the story gnaws on your ankles. 🦟🩸

At first, I thought I’d wandered into a horror version of a family reunion—so many characters, I was just waiting for someone to pass me a plate of potato salad. But then the story tightens, and suddenly every character hits like a gator bite. Snap, crunch, unforgettable. 🐊

The prologue? Oh, that thing slaps. Hard. Later on, it comes back around in ways that made me mutter “oh, hell no” out loud. Honestly, it deserved to haunt the main narrative more because it’s that nasty and effective.

The gore is like the perfect hot sauce—burns enough to make your eyes water, but not so much you’re sprinting to the bathroom. 🌶️💀 It’ll make you squirm, but not in a “I need to bleach my brain” kind of way. Blanes knows how to get under your skin without tearing it completely off… well, most of the time.

Overall, Portraits of Decay is Louisiana Gothic horror that sticks to you like swamp mud. It’s atmospheric, violent, and a little too fun for a book this gross. Honestly, if the swamp doesn’t kill you, this story will. In the best way. 🪦✨

⸻

ARC Thanks:
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Ruadán Books for the advanced copy of this swamp-soaked nightmare. I regret nothing… except maybe reading it alone at night. 📖⚰️

[Alenna Burleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this story we follow Jefferson, Naveah, and Gemma. Jefferson is an up and coming artist with absolutely beautiful pieces. Gemma his girlfriend, has single handily helped launch Jefferson’s career. Then there’s Naveah, An old friend from Jefferson’s past, whom Jefferson is seeing on the side. When Gemma finds out about her boyfriend’s cheating she decides to take a trip to the bayou and consult a which deep in the woods to make her beau pay.

This was such a whirlwind of emotions, Jefferson and Neveah you were rooting for the whole time even though what they were doing was wrong in the first place. I absolutely loved all of the ties to New Orleans. Hoodoo and Voodoo in this book were written so well and genuinely brought such a fun vibe to this bleak story.

The characters were all very well written and detailed. All of the characters were hate them or love them ( with more reason to hate them) but it didn’t make the book hard to read or connect to. Overall this was a really fun read!

[Brandon Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart, character-driven horror sprouting from the fraught romance of an couple working to escape traumas that formed them and heal through creating meaningful art.

[Marc Kniola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portraits of Decay not only reflects the dark relationships of the art scene and the supernatural scene bubbling below the fetid galleries and bayous of J.R. Blanes's New Orleans, but also it paints a series of professional and personal relationships rotted by the decay that can grow between people. The complex characters and their histories of large and small hurts received and given made me forget I was reading a horror novel, engrossing me in their lives. And then ... like a fly buzzing around your head, the horror creeps in and does not let you rest, as the story builds to an ending I had to get to, as I was so invested in the characters. J.R. Blaines leaves you guessing at what portrait he will paint by the end, and that makes the novel thrive in its horror and suspense. Plus, along the way, his unique metaphors tied to each character's profession or focus as well as tied to the city he clearly loves draw you in and along. Highly recommend.

[Bepis.・✫・゜・。. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.

I don’t think I quite understood what I was getting into with this book, but I really enjoyed it! Portraits of Decay almost gives me a “Layers of Fear” vibe which is probably why I had such a great time reading this with all the body horror and rituals.

The horror does take a while to come through but when it does, it’s full throttle gnarly descriptions and horrific imagery.

Portraits of Decay does deal with a few hard hitting topics including challenges with mental health which do play quite a large part within the story, so please make sure you check the trigger warnings before picking this up.

[Laurie Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for a voluntary book review.

Portraits of Decay, by J.R Blanes, is a surrealist work of horror that descends into the realms of voodoo, neglect, and false promises to illustrate just how terrifying regret can be.

Jefferson is an up-and-coming muralist who has long since grown tired of his work. The passion he once shared with his girlfriend, the well-meaning but controlling Gemma, has long since died. Instead, he finds his muse in a fellow artist, a free-spirited photographer named Nevaeh who struggles with demons of her own. After being pressured by Nevaeh, he decides to end things with Gemma and follow his muse on what shapes up to be an illuminating collaboration. But what begins as a questionable fight for freedom morphs into a struggle for his afterlife when Jefferson realizes just how far Gemma would go to ensure her success. Whether he wants to or not.

I’m going to play devil’s advocate here; I understand where Gemma is coming from. Not that it excuses any of the horrible things she’s done, but trying to prove her parents wrong, to break free from a safety net to pursue your independence, is admirable. Her character flaws are very much my own; while I don’t struggle with it now, it’s hard to accept accountability for your actions when you feel you’re very much in the right. You attempt to justify hurting the people who once loved you. Who cared for you in spite of all of your mistakes. Gemma couldn’t handle that. It’s easier to think that everyone else is in the wrong, that you’re backed into a corner and now you’ve got to fight your way out, almost like a trapped mouse. No, she’s just making sure Jefferson is a triumph. Because his victories are hers, right?

That was sarcasm, by the way.

I can also empathize with Jefferson. It takes a brave person to pursue a career in the arts; there’s a reason they call them, “starving artists.” Even so, he fearlessly pursued his inspirations and developed talents that go far beyond Gemma or Marcel, or even Nevaeh. And he was on the cusp of that success until Gemma had to go and ruin it for him.

Ironically, Nevaeh is the guiding light between the two. Despite her status as “the other woman”, she has her head on straight. She allows her past to develop her identity as a photographer. Her passion, loyalty, and genuineness are reasons why she was able to get as far as she did in life, and even though Gemma sought to trample over her, Nevaeh continued. She lived a full, passionate life, something Jefferson clearly admired and Gemma envied.

Mental illness and voodoo are intertwined. I remember reading about the curse once, and for the sake of not spoiling anything, it appears that the most horrifying aspect of curses is still humans. Both Jefferson and Angelique suffered under the hands of their controlling spouses, and though Gemma and Lyle wanted to force a happily ever after, unfortunately, Death gets their due. There is something to be said about how magic will hold a mirror to your face and amplify what was already there. Similar to Jefferson’s condition, and eventually Gemma’s, you’ll get what’s coming to you. It’s just a matter of time.

The book reminds me of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. In the book, an artist paints a portrait of a young man whom he comes to admire. However, the man who’s innocence the artist came to fall in love, is corrupted. The more he falls into said corruption, the uglier the portrait becomes. Eventually, when the man sees just how grotesque said portrait is, he dies, and the portrait goes back to the way it was before the madness. There are similar ideas that Blanes evoked in his depiction of the characters; Death will reveal their true selves, regardless of how famous they are, or how admired, or forgotten, they’ll be in the end.

I loved every part of this book. Barnes uses the relationships to develop a rich, decaying world filled with beauty, lies, and a foreboding sense that, again, your true self will be revealed in Death. As such, I would give this book a 5 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the aforementioned Oscar Wilde. For similar themes, check out Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain.

[Roo Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Kindle version of this advanced reader copy was provided to me via NetGalley by Ruadán Books.

Portraits of Decay is the Southern Gothic occult debut novel by J.R. Blanes. It follows Jefferson Fontenot through his art journey in the cut-throat world of the New Orleans art scene and how quickly everything can fall apart. It’s a wonderful combination of art and body horror, which in a way is its own art.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book, because, if I’m remembering correctly, I thought it was an expose on 32 struggling artists and what they would do to make a name for themselves in New Orleans. Now, I do not know where I got that idea; it is nowhere in the book or description, but I’m glad I got to surprise myself with what this novel is because it’s definitely one of those I think everyone should read. There is significant body horror and self-harm mentioned throughout, so proceed with caution.

Blanes captures the Southern Gothic feel in an incredible way. Especially as the author doesn’t live in New Orleans but is still able to make us feel like this way of living is his day-to-day. Blanes is able to execute the absolute descent into madness that Jefferson goes through in a way that made me think of magic. Gemma’s descent into madness is one I think we’ve seen before in media, but the way that Blanes is able to paint it (see what I did there) doesn’t detract from the overall story or make it feel overly repetitive. Nevaeh is a brilliantly built character who is the other woman, but she’s Jefferson’s true love. The way her chapters written with Jefferson after his change are a stark contrast with Gemma. Gemma only seems to see Jefferson as a prize and as soon as she breaks her ‘prize’ she doesn’t want it anymore.

That being said I will say Gemma’s breakdown is more abrupt than I feel like it could have been. There is very little to allude to the fact that she’s capable of what she’s capable of, which can been seen as how a real psychotic break would deliver itself onto a person, but Gemma comes across as a spoiled brat struggling with not getting her way, and somehow that turns into her being absolutely okay with murdering other people. There do seem to be parts of the characters that are hidden from the reader, and while that can be okay, it is a sudden change. I will say I respect the lack of forethought on Gemma’s part as well. If you’re going to sell the breakdown, Blanes sells it. Gemma doesn’t every consider what will actually happen to Jefferson once she uses the poison on him, and in her self-obsessed, self-centeredness it does work. It’s just the lengths she is willing to go, seemingly all of a sudden, that threw me.

There is a subplot that introduces the poison and Mirlade St. Pierre that I’m not sure was needed. Had it been more involved in the story it might have felt less “this is here so our hero can find the solution”. Obviously that’s a bit of a nitpick on my side, as it does work in the story, it’s just that the subplot only exists to advance the story and the story within that subplot doesn’t really hold much of a candle to the overall story. It’s engaging, but again, feels like it only serves as a stepping stone for the rest of the end of the book.

One other note I have is that we spent a lot of time reading about Gemma’s downfall, but ultimately, I felt that the book ended too quickly. The pacing was just a little to quick at the end. Obviously, all books have to end, but the culmination sets in in the last like 7% of the Kindle version. The rest of the pacing felt pretty decent; it was just the long Gemma sections and then the rush at the end. The book, my edition, is 390 pages, and I had to stop myself from reading it all in one sitting (I would, but I have ‘adult’ responsibilities).

For a debut novel, this is a stunner. I think it’s perfect for anyone who’s looking to get into Southern Gothic or those who are super into body horror. It’s also a great read for someone who appreciates a story that doesn’t rely on overly convoluted plots or confusing the reader for the finishing payoff. I’m looking forward to more from this author.

#PortraitsofDecay #NetGalley

[Marianne Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portraits of Decay immerses the reader in a vividly realized setting, where atmosphere functions as a character in its own right. The novel’s precise use of regional culture and vernacular creates a sensory density that evokes the oppressive heat, persistent insects, and omnipresent dampness of the New Orleans landscape, fostering an environment of sustained unease. The prologue is particularly effective, establishing thematic and tonal foundations that resonate powerfully throughout the work. Its later reemergence within the narrative framework is both unsettling and conceptually cohesive.

As the plot progresses, the text imposes increasing structural discipline, and each character acquires distinct narrative weight. By the later stages of the novel, these figures exert a sharp and lasting impact, contributing decisively to the story’s tension and momentum. Characterization constitutes one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Gemma emerges as a profoundly disturbing figure whose manipulation of art, beauty, and intimacy exposes the corrosive dynamics of power and control. Jefferson’s physical transformation operates simultaneously as visceral horror and as a symbolic representation of trauma, abuse, and psychological erosion. Nevaeh’s arc, by contrast, introduces a counterpoint of resilience and emotional growth, lending the narrative a degree of moral and emotional complexity that elevates it beyond genre convention.

Blanes’s handling of graphic violence is deliberate and restrained, calibrated to provoke discomfort without descending into gratuitous excess. The body horror functions not merely to shock but to externalize internal states, reinforcing the novel’s exploration of toxic relationships, mental health struggles, manipulation, and the destructive costs of ambition. This balance between grotesque imagery and emotional vulnerability demonstrates a high degree of narrative control.

Ultimately, Portraits of Decay exemplifies Southern Gothic horror with both aesthetic rigor and thematic depth. It is atmospheric, violent, and psychologically resonant, lingering with the reader long after its conclusion. By fusing regional specificity, disciplined pacing, and emotionally charged characterization, the novel delivers a work that is as unsettling as it is compelling, marking Blanes as an author of significant promise within the genre.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ Rating: 5/5 ⭐
📝 Short Summary

An up and coming artist in the New Orleans art scene becomes trapped in a decaying body after his obsessive ex uses a dark occult curse to control him. As his new love fights to save him, secrets, madness, and gothic horror unfold with brutal consequences.

💭 Full Review:

Wow. I did not expect this book to hit me emotionally the way it did. I went in thinking I was getting a body horror/occult novel (which it IS), but underneath all the gore and decay, this story is deeply human and painfully raw. The southern gothic atmosphere was incredible humid, unsettling, and haunting in the best way. 🖤

The pacing? Absolutely flawless. There wasn’t a single dull moment. I felt anxious, uncomfortable, invested, horrified… and I LOVED it. The author balances grotesque body horror with emotional vulnerability, exploring themes like toxic relationships, manipulation, mental health, and the cost of ambition.

Gemma is one of the most unhinged, terrifying characters I’ve read in a while. The way she weaponizes art, beauty, and love? CHILLING. Jefferson’s transformation is physically horrifying but also symbolic of trauma and abuse. And Nevaeh… her strength and emotional arc surprised me in the best way.

The writing style is dark, vivid, and cinematic. This is my first read by this author but it will NOT be my last. If you love gothic horror with depth, emotional stakes, and absolutely wild body horror, this book delivers.

✨ Favorite Element:

The way mental health and trauma were woven into the horror. It made everything feel real beneath the supernatural.

🧠 Trigger Warnings:

Graphic: Body horror, death, gore
Moderate: Domestic abuse, emotional abuse, infidelity
Minor: Child abuse, racism

✅ Would I Recommend?

Absolutely. 5 stars. If you love gothic horror and don’t shy away from disturbing imagery, READ THIS.

🎭 Tropes / Genre Tags:

Body Horror

Southern Gothic

Occult Rituals

Toxic Relationships

Emotional Trauma

Dark Magic

Mental Health Themes

🙏 Thank You:

Thank you to NetGalley and Ruadan Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[The Noire Anthology · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portraits of Decay merges body horror, occult ritual, and Southern Gothic atmosphere into a narrative that unsettles both viscerally and emotionally. The novel does not only depict the grotesque transformation of Jefferson’s body, but also the equally disturbing extremity of human emotion. Jealousy, anger, and a desire for control pulse through the book, making Gemma’s wrath as terrifying as the curse she enacts.

I am always drawn to fiction grounded in New Orleans and Louisiana culture, and here that setting heightens the sense of inevitability and decay. The swamp, the city, and the art world all act as unsettling backdrops that deepen the unease. This environment amplifies the novel’s Southern Gothic qualities, and I found myself both repelled and compelled, which is the exact tension that effective horror should create.

Another significant thread is the way the novel engages with gendered violence. Gemma’s manipulation and cruelty invert the more familiar narrative of male abuse against women. That inversion creates an uneasy duality. On one hand, female rage can feel powerful and cathartic. On the other, the violence here highlights how cycles of domination and abuse are not bound by gender and may reproduce the very structures they resist. The discomfort in this dynamic matches the discomfort of the body horror, forcing the reader to question who the true monster is.

As someone who enjoys horror but is rarely shaken by it, I found the body horror particularly effective. It was not gratuitous. Instead, it felt purposeful, deeply connected to character and theme, and impossible to look away from. Combined with thriller pacing, the novel delivered a gripping, semi-fast read that felt appropriate for October and satisfying as a mix of horror and psychological thriller.

I rate this 4 out of 4 stars. Portraits of Decay succeeds as a visceral exploration of obsession and revenge, and it captures the haunting atmosphere of Southern Gothic horror with precision.

[Likely Story · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portraits of Decay is raw, unsettling, and emotionally relentless, but never careless. From the prologue onward, Blanes establishes a sense of dread rooted not just in horror elements, but in control, obsession, and emotional dependence. The violence is shocking, yes, but what lingers longer is the slow erosion of agency across the characters’ lives.

What makes the novel so compelling is how deeply embedded it is in its setting. New Orleans is not just a backdrop here; it bleeds into every interaction and impulse. The art scene, the humidity, the supernatural undertones, and the social hierarchies all feel lived-in rather than aestheticized. Blanes captures the precariousness of creative ambition with unsettling precision. The question at the heart of the book is not simply what happens when art is taken from you, but what happens when your identity is tied so tightly to someone else that you no longer recognize where your voice ends and theirs begins.

The character dynamics are where the novel truly shines. Jefferson’s passivity, Nevaeh’s vulnerability, and Gemma’s manipulative control form a volatile triangle that feels disturbingly plausible. No one is fully innocent, yet no one feels disposable. Even when characters make frustrating choices, those choices feel rooted in fear, insecurity, or survival rather than convenience. The emotional harm inflicted between characters is often more disturbing than the physical violence, because it is so recognizable.

Find my full review here: https://likelystory.blog/2025/12/11/r...

[Xan Rooyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes a while to find its stride, with the horror elements slowly trickling into a narrative that focuses on the complicated romantic life of the main characters within the competitive, insular, and somewhat toxic art scene (as depicted in the book) of New Orleans.

Once our petty, jealous, egotistical antagonist, Gemma, starts to let her worst traits get the better of her, the horror elements really come to the fore and this book gets dark and gruesome rather quickly with a surprising amount of gore and body horror. The title of this book is absolutely perfect - brace yourself for a lot of rot and putrefaction.

I really enjoyed both the setting and the way the descent into madness was handled. It was refreshing to see this not portrayed in an artist, but rather in someone art-adjacent. The use of multiple POVs also allowed for a more accurate accounting of the story given the unreliability of Gemma who indubitably saw herself as the center of the universe.

While I understand the choice made to focus more on the horror elements, I do wish the story had delved a little more deeply into its big issues of mental health, domestic abuse /toxic relationships, classicism, wealth disparities, and even racism and that we'd seen our antagonist challenged about her world views and bigotry a little more on the page.

Good writing, loads of chilling, unsettling, sickening horror, and some lovely contemplations of art, the meaning of art, and the creative process.

[Horror Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Orleans, voodoo, and the local art scene combine in this terrifying tale of love, possessiveness, and madness.

Jeffrey is a local artist in New Orleans who's making waves. He's romantically involved with a woman who is abrasive, controlling, and possessive. But he's having an affair with another artist and when his girlfriend finds out, some very bad mojo is coming.

With the help of a witch living deep in a bayou, she'll give him a potion of sorts which turns hom into her slave, taking away his free will. But his true love isn't going to just give up and a bloody voodoo hexed battle will ensue for the prize of his soul.

New Orleans, Creole, and the history of the city play a big part in this novel. It's a great setting in my opinion because who doesn't love some creepy swampy hoodoo magic? Jeffrey isn't really a zombie in the traditional sense but it reminds me of the "zombies" in the movie Serpent And The Rainbow. This potion rots him physically though he's very much aware of what's going on though is helpless to stop it. He's under the control of this woman and her need for recognition and power knows no bounds.

I highly recommend this one. I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.

[Clinton Brendle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive a copy of this novel through NetGalley

Portraits of Decay by J.R. Blanes drops you right into the middle of a messy tragedy, and it doesn't let up. This is a story drenched in toxic love, where jealousy and revenge are the driving forces of a truly captivating plot.

The characters are brilliantly flawed. They're all full of ego, yet their human weaknesses are on full display, making their struggles with success and failure feel incredibly real. The New Orleans art scene provides a perfect, and increasingly deranged, backdrop. I particularly loved the moments that ventured into the bayou.

Though juggling multiple lead characters with alternating points of view felt like a risk at first, J.R. Blanes expertly braids their narratives together. What makes this story so compelling is that the characters are fully aware of their own looming downfall.

My only critiques are minor. I had braced myself for more body horror, but perhaps my expectations were too high. I also thought the pace would quicken once the main character's change happened, but this is a small note on an otherwise excellent read.

This book is well worth your time.

[Mini Marshmallow · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ★

Portraits of Decay was an enjoyable read for me. I would’ve loved for the pacing to be a little bit faster in the beginning, as I felt that the build up to the main events of the story took a bit too long. I absolutely loved the progolue though!

The characters I think the author did an amazing job slowly pulling the reader into Gemma’s insanity. In general, the characters are really well established and fleshed out as much as the story needed them to be. There are some amazing scenes in this book, that really made me want to read more books by this author.

The story didn’t always go where I wanted it to, but I’m not neccesarily sure that’s a bad thing, since it did keep me curious as to what would happen next.

Overall, a great read!

I am able to write this review thanks to NetGalley and Ruadán Books. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this book early, in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Ini Ekwo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not know what I was getting into with this book.
It starts out slowly with an introduction to some very nasty folks in New Orleans’ Art district. Gradually and surely it descends into intense atmospheric dread where personal betrayal escalates into the uncanny. Toxic love goes monstrous in a terrible example of possessiveness and intimacy curdles into horrific physical transformation. Thrown into the mix are Witchcraft, hoodoo, zombies(?), suicide, postpartum depression and some good old fashioned humid gallery backstabbing. And it all takes place in New Orleans - from the buzzing art district to the creepy swamps.
It is so well written and the descent into madness is handled excellently with some well crafted characters. Descriptions of the city and the art scene bring both to life.
An excellent read.

[Megan Magee · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Orleans, the local flavor, it's rich historical roots, and the people watching it provides is truly the most unique experience you might experience if you haven't yet. Portrays of Decay and Blanes embodies so well that vibe, and I genuinely and graciously ate it up. Set inside a Carondolet art gallery, we meet our love triangle couple and follow them as they skulk around the city and experience sneaking around and spying on each other. When we are introduced to the swamp dwelling witch who deals in scorned lovers, things get interesting. As is typical for me reviewing novellas, I'll leave the synopsis at that to avoid spoilers and say I enjoyed this one quite a lot. Some of the phrases got repetitive/ annoying, but that's most likely my biggest complaint. Thanks so much to the author and Ruadan books for the chance to read this eARC!

[Oana-Maria Uliu · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7

I must thank NetGalley for this book.
It surprised me. It took a while for the characters to become interesting to me, and then I didn't expect the story to turn into full Triana mode. When it got really dark, I became quite invested.
It ended up being pretty good. Nightmarish, but good.
I don't know what to say about the plot without spoiling it for other readers.
It's about a young painter - torn between two women: a talented photographer and a wannabe gallery girl. The latter is extremely jealous, while his heart leans towards the former. What is each of them capable of remains to be seen. If you're not afraid of witches, zombies, and rot. Am I joking?

[Joseph Burke IV · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of Portraits of Decay thank you J.R. Blane and NetGalley for the opportunity! I loved the concept of zombie voodoo horror mixed with a love triangle gone wrong. The dark, twisted atmosphere keeps you hooked from start to finish. The prologue alone will have you saying “what the f***” and begging for more. Experiencing the story through multiple perspectives really brings the world and its haunting layers to life.

[maris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dark and twisted romp into the pits of the hell people can create for themselves. Unlikable and unreliable narrators drag you along through the trenches of their toxic relationship where the struggle for power and control threatens to destroy them both. Unique storytelling kept me engaged.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Tom Coombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brutal, bloody (and ultimately bittersweet) love triangle set in the New Orleans art world. I'm never a fan of the "[insert city name] is itself a character in this story" notion, but Blanes does inject this story with a strong sense of place, matched only by the care taken in creating these characters. Chief among these is Gemma, as loathsome as she is pitiable.

[JXR · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting book, and I did find the horror bits to be impressively tense, though the romance generally felt mediocre. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Paul Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first-rate tale of horror from a first-time novelist. The prologue will grip you, and the ending will tear you apart. I can't wait to see what J.R. Blanes has in store for us next.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my usual genre but I loved this book!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portraits of Decay is about two incredible women fighting over a mediocre man; yes, Jefferson, I'm talking about YOU. 

I was really excited about this story, because it's a dream of mine to visit New Orleans someday. As someone that is not from the US, NO seems to be the only city in that country that has an interesting cultural experience, so I really loved how the city is also a character in the story. 

Another thing that made me get involved so fast in the narrative is that the author made characters (Gemma, Nevaeh and Jefferson) so imperfects (there are no heroes here, since all of the characters have questionable personalities) . Gemma is by far the best character here, even though in the end she fell too much into the "villain stereotype", but since the very firsts pages of the book, once that you realize discover that Jefferson is cheating Gemma with Nevaeh, because this is such a common thing to happen to anyone, the reader can empathize with her and her rage. Otherwise, she'd only be the villain in Nevaeh and Jefferson's love story. 

This book is my first book that is related to voodoo/Bayou/black magic story and I really enjoyed it. The scenes that were related to this magic side were gorgeous and full of details. 

The end got me surprised and after three days since I finished the book, I still can't take it off my mind. 

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a copy.