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The Mythos War #1
Red Right Hand
Charlie Tristan Moore isn’t a hero. She’s a survivor. Already wrestling with the demons of her past, she finds herself tested as never before when she arrives home one night to find herself under attack by three monstrous skinhounds straight out of a nightmare. Just as hope seems lost, she is saved by a sinister Man in Black, dressed in a long, dark coat that seems to possess a life of its own and wielding a black-bladed sword in his grisly red right hand.
But her rescue comes at a cost. The Man in Black, a diabolical Elder God, demands she become his Acolyte and embrace a dark magick she never knew she possessed. To ensure her obedience, he takes her friend and possible love, Daniel, in thrall as a hostage. Now she must join The Man in Black in his crusade to track down and destroy his fellow Elder Gods, supposedly to save humanity from being devoured for all eternity.
But is The Man in Black truly the lesser of two evils–or a menace far more treacherous than the eldritch horrors she’s battling in his name?
"Red Right Hand is a perfect blend of old-school horror and modern storytelling sorcery. Levi Black is absolutely riveting!" --Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Predator One
But her rescue comes at a cost. The Man in Black, a diabolical Elder God, demands she become his Acolyte and embrace a dark magick she never knew she possessed. To ensure her obedience, he takes her friend and possible love, Daniel, in thrall as a hostage. Now she must join The Man in Black in his crusade to track down and destroy his fellow Elder Gods, supposedly to save humanity from being devoured for all eternity.
But is The Man in Black truly the lesser of two evils–or a menace far more treacherous than the eldritch horrors she’s battling in his name?
"Red Right Hand is a perfect blend of old-school horror and modern storytelling sorcery. Levi Black is absolutely riveting!" --Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Predator One
304 pages, Hardcover
First published July 26, 2016
23 people are currently reading
1587 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
August 1, 2016
When Charlie is saved from some skinless dogs by the Man in Black, her savior proves to be worse than the threat, for he is Nyarlathotep, the Crawling Chaos. Nyarlathotep has selected Charlie to be his acolyte and she has no choice in the matter...
As I've said before, I'm more interested in fiction influenced by HP Lovecraft than stories penned by old Howard himself. Red Right Hand fits the bill.
For all intents and purposes, Red Right Hand is some extremely gory urban fantasy. Charlie wins the cosmic horror lottery and winds up enslaved by Nyarlathotep. It seems old Nyarly wants to bump off two other Elder Gods on earth and have humanity all to himself. As Charlie serves the Crawling Chaos, her tortured past comes back to haunt her.
Levi Black's writing has some punch to it and is way more accessible than HP Lovecraft's. He weds cosmic horror, splatterpunk, and urban fantasy into a package that feels natural but nauseating at the same time. I also love that he worked HP Lovecraft into things as a character, much like Jonathan Howard did in Carter & Lovecraft.
Gods living among humans has been done before, as Charlie herself remarks, but I don't think much has been done with the Elder Gods in human form. The Man in Black takes Charlie and her friend Daniel on a tour of the Cthulhu mythos underground as he searches for his prey.
Charlie felt like a passenger in the story for the first fourth of the book but things picked up after that. I had a feeling where things might go but the final battle was still pretty crazy. The Sushi Priest and everything involving him was more than a little sanity blasting. The ending left things open enough for more Charlie Tristan Moore adventures, something I'd definitely be up for in some strange aeons.
While it wasn't the best mythos-influenced fiction I've ever read, Red Right Hand was still pretty bad ass. I'll be on the lookout for more Charlie and more Levi Black in the future. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
As I've said before, I'm more interested in fiction influenced by HP Lovecraft than stories penned by old Howard himself. Red Right Hand fits the bill.
For all intents and purposes, Red Right Hand is some extremely gory urban fantasy. Charlie wins the cosmic horror lottery and winds up enslaved by Nyarlathotep. It seems old Nyarly wants to bump off two other Elder Gods on earth and have humanity all to himself. As Charlie serves the Crawling Chaos, her tortured past comes back to haunt her.
Levi Black's writing has some punch to it and is way more accessible than HP Lovecraft's. He weds cosmic horror, splatterpunk, and urban fantasy into a package that feels natural but nauseating at the same time. I also love that he worked HP Lovecraft into things as a character, much like Jonathan Howard did in Carter & Lovecraft.
Gods living among humans has been done before, as Charlie herself remarks, but I don't think much has been done with the Elder Gods in human form. The Man in Black takes Charlie and her friend Daniel on a tour of the Cthulhu mythos underground as he searches for his prey.
Charlie felt like a passenger in the story for the first fourth of the book but things picked up after that. I had a feeling where things might go but the final battle was still pretty crazy. The Sushi Priest and everything involving him was more than a little sanity blasting. The ending left things open enough for more Charlie Tristan Moore adventures, something I'd definitely be up for in some strange aeons.
While it wasn't the best mythos-influenced fiction I've ever read, Red Right Hand was still pretty bad ass. I'll be on the lookout for more Charlie and more Levi Black in the future. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
August 16, 2016
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.
Lovecraftian horror. Gore-ban fantasy. Label it whatever you will, Red Right Hand is a dark fantasy/horror hybrid, which takes its characters into shadowy, terrifying places where they confront unspeakable things the human mind was not created to deal with. Certainly not for the squeamish, Levi Black’s novel will keep you flipping pages even as you attempt to control your nausea at some of the things you behold. And what, I might ask, is more fun than that?
Charlie Tristan Moore is our main point of view character in this tale. One night she returns home, unwanted memories of a childhood trauma spinning through her mind, only to find an even worse horror awaits her: three demonic skinhounds. These creatures attack her, coming close to killing her except for the timely intervention of a mysterious Man in Black.
But sometimes your savior is worse than your tormentor, and that is true for Charlie. For the Man in Black turns out to be none other than Nyarlathotep, aka the Crawling Chaos. This ancient divinity having chosen Charlie as his acolyte — whether she likes it or not. And just to make sure she cooperates, Double C has her best friend Daniel tucked away as a hostage.
But what could Nyarlathotep want with a mere mortal like Charlie? Well, it is simple really: he wants to kill two other elder gods and needs an acolyte to aid him. Not that he is promising Charlie anything good for her help. Nope, all she can count on is horrific creatures and scenes of terror, as she follows in the Crawling Chaos’ footsteps, fulfilling his will; her own horrific past continuing to bubble to the surface at every step, threatening to sever her tenuous hold on sanity.
Now, Red Right Hand is at its core a horror story. Levi Black’s writing style perfect in conveying the frightening otherworldly creatures and gory, violent scenes. His description narrative surprisingly deft at weaving an atmosphere of controlled terror. Charlie an amazing victim to see dealing with these nightmares. The slow unveiling of her sexual abuse as a child a cancer which slowly grows within her mind and a readers until it pulses like a throbbing pustule of infection needing to be lanced.
That does bring up my only quibble with the book however: Red Right Hand is a horror story. Sure, there can be arguments made it is an urban fantasy with blood and violence turned to max, but any such rationalization is trying to explain away the obvious, which is this is a horror in the Lovecraftian style but with even more (At least, in my opinion) terrifying scenes and graphic weirdness. Nothing wrong with that at all. It is merely a fact all prospective readers should realize before they buy the novel. Much like inquiring whether a new urban fantasy is more romance than fantasy. (And we know there are a lot of those out there right now.)
Creepy. Shocking. Horrifying. Never dull. Red Right Hand succeeds in spectacular fashion in upholding the Lovecraftian horror legacy. Sure to please every fan of dark, horror-infused fantasy, this is a thrill ride not to be missed.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
Lovecraftian horror. Gore-ban fantasy. Label it whatever you will, Red Right Hand is a dark fantasy/horror hybrid, which takes its characters into shadowy, terrifying places where they confront unspeakable things the human mind was not created to deal with. Certainly not for the squeamish, Levi Black’s novel will keep you flipping pages even as you attempt to control your nausea at some of the things you behold. And what, I might ask, is more fun than that?
Charlie Tristan Moore is our main point of view character in this tale. One night she returns home, unwanted memories of a childhood trauma spinning through her mind, only to find an even worse horror awaits her: three demonic skinhounds. These creatures attack her, coming close to killing her except for the timely intervention of a mysterious Man in Black.
But sometimes your savior is worse than your tormentor, and that is true for Charlie. For the Man in Black turns out to be none other than Nyarlathotep, aka the Crawling Chaos. This ancient divinity having chosen Charlie as his acolyte — whether she likes it or not. And just to make sure she cooperates, Double C has her best friend Daniel tucked away as a hostage.
But what could Nyarlathotep want with a mere mortal like Charlie? Well, it is simple really: he wants to kill two other elder gods and needs an acolyte to aid him. Not that he is promising Charlie anything good for her help. Nope, all she can count on is horrific creatures and scenes of terror, as she follows in the Crawling Chaos’ footsteps, fulfilling his will; her own horrific past continuing to bubble to the surface at every step, threatening to sever her tenuous hold on sanity.
Now, Red Right Hand is at its core a horror story. Levi Black’s writing style perfect in conveying the frightening otherworldly creatures and gory, violent scenes. His description narrative surprisingly deft at weaving an atmosphere of controlled terror. Charlie an amazing victim to see dealing with these nightmares. The slow unveiling of her sexual abuse as a child a cancer which slowly grows within her mind and a readers until it pulses like a throbbing pustule of infection needing to be lanced.
That does bring up my only quibble with the book however: Red Right Hand is a horror story. Sure, there can be arguments made it is an urban fantasy with blood and violence turned to max, but any such rationalization is trying to explain away the obvious, which is this is a horror in the Lovecraftian style but with even more (At least, in my opinion) terrifying scenes and graphic weirdness. Nothing wrong with that at all. It is merely a fact all prospective readers should realize before they buy the novel. Much like inquiring whether a new urban fantasy is more romance than fantasy. (And we know there are a lot of those out there right now.)
Creepy. Shocking. Horrifying. Never dull. Red Right Hand succeeds in spectacular fashion in upholding the Lovecraftian horror legacy. Sure to please every fan of dark, horror-infused fantasy, this is a thrill ride not to be missed.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
July 25, 2016
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2016/07/22/...
The themes and ideas of H.P. Lovecraft’s works have long since influenced the genres of dark fantasy and horror, as can be seen in Red Right Hand. Levi Black’s new novel adheres true to the Lovecraftian mythos by plunging his characters into deep dark scary places, making them confront the kind of terrors that mere human minds are not equipped to comprehend. This book is undeniably, unmistakably disturbing. And it was quite a ride.
Red Right Hand tells the story of a young woman named Charlotte Tristan Moore, who discovers there are monsters out there other than the human ones in her past. One night, Charlie returns home feeling unnerved by bad memories of the terrible thing that happened to her in high school, only to be attacked by three demonic skinhounds waiting in her apartment. A mysterious Man in Black with a red right hand sweeps in to save her, but it turns out he’s actually an elder god named Nyarlathotep. Charlie is a descendant of H.P. Lovecraft and magick is in her bloodline, he claims. To save the world, she must come with him to defeat two of his brethren who want to bring chaos and death onto this mortal plane.
Charlie doesn’t want to help the Man in Black, but she knows she has no choice. Not only has he named her his Acolyte and unlocked the magical sight to penetrate the veil between worlds, Nyarlathotep also holds Daniel, Charlie’s good friend, in his thrall. To protect Daniel and to keep chaos from being unleashed upon he world, Charlie is forced to do as the elder god commands and follow him into one nightmarish scenario after another.
It probably goes without saying, but Red Right Hand is a book with some frightening and triggering themes, and is not recommended for readers who would find these topics disturbing. While it may share some elements with urban fantasy, it’s really more of a straight-up horror than anything, featuring macabre scenes of blood, gore, and violence, etc. and leaning heavily on the use of graphic descriptions. The story will also explore the terrible thing in Charlie’s past. Even though the event is mostly alluded to in her memories, prospective readers should be aware that parts of this novel will touch upon the pain and trauma associated with sexual assault and abuse.
The narrative itself delivers a fast-paced, action-driven horror tale, full of the terrifyingly weird and supernatural elements inspired by the stories of H.P. Lovecraft. From elder gods to cosmicism, these themes are featured in the modern day setting of Red Right Hand, but it all still feels distinctively Lovecraftian even when written in the bold, stark tones of Levi Black’s writing style. What’s important is that this book does its job well, making good use of the idea that life as we know it is nothing more than an insignificant fragile veneer, underscoring Charlie’s helplessness and the real threat of losing her sanity in the face of Nyarlathotep and his kind.
Granted, neither the plot nor the main characters are particularly deep, and I also thought the visceral reactions to some of the darker, more twisted and stomach-churning scenes might have had the effect of emotionally distancing me from everything, including Charlie. There’s a small romantic subplot involving her and Daniel, for instance, which I didn’t feel much connection to. However, the story does move quickly, leaving me hanging on the edge of my seat to see what happens next. The first few chapters kick us off with barely any preamble, throwing us headfirst into this nightmarish journey with Charlie, Daniel, and the Man in Black. This snappy intro pretty much sets the pace for the rest of the novel, which proved in the end to be one super-fast, super-thrilling read.
I think whether or not you’ll enjoy this book will highly depend on your tastes for horror. The nature of the horror elements in Red Right Hand are rather more intense and in-your-face, as opposed to cold and creeping psychological dread. If what I’ve described here of Charlie’s journey sounds like something you might want to read, I encourage you to check it out for yourself—especially if you have an inclination towards fiction inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. This story will suck you in.
The themes and ideas of H.P. Lovecraft’s works have long since influenced the genres of dark fantasy and horror, as can be seen in Red Right Hand. Levi Black’s new novel adheres true to the Lovecraftian mythos by plunging his characters into deep dark scary places, making them confront the kind of terrors that mere human minds are not equipped to comprehend. This book is undeniably, unmistakably disturbing. And it was quite a ride.
Red Right Hand tells the story of a young woman named Charlotte Tristan Moore, who discovers there are monsters out there other than the human ones in her past. One night, Charlie returns home feeling unnerved by bad memories of the terrible thing that happened to her in high school, only to be attacked by three demonic skinhounds waiting in her apartment. A mysterious Man in Black with a red right hand sweeps in to save her, but it turns out he’s actually an elder god named Nyarlathotep. Charlie is a descendant of H.P. Lovecraft and magick is in her bloodline, he claims. To save the world, she must come with him to defeat two of his brethren who want to bring chaos and death onto this mortal plane.
Charlie doesn’t want to help the Man in Black, but she knows she has no choice. Not only has he named her his Acolyte and unlocked the magical sight to penetrate the veil between worlds, Nyarlathotep also holds Daniel, Charlie’s good friend, in his thrall. To protect Daniel and to keep chaos from being unleashed upon he world, Charlie is forced to do as the elder god commands and follow him into one nightmarish scenario after another.
It probably goes without saying, but Red Right Hand is a book with some frightening and triggering themes, and is not recommended for readers who would find these topics disturbing. While it may share some elements with urban fantasy, it’s really more of a straight-up horror than anything, featuring macabre scenes of blood, gore, and violence, etc. and leaning heavily on the use of graphic descriptions. The story will also explore the terrible thing in Charlie’s past. Even though the event is mostly alluded to in her memories, prospective readers should be aware that parts of this novel will touch upon the pain and trauma associated with sexual assault and abuse.
The narrative itself delivers a fast-paced, action-driven horror tale, full of the terrifyingly weird and supernatural elements inspired by the stories of H.P. Lovecraft. From elder gods to cosmicism, these themes are featured in the modern day setting of Red Right Hand, but it all still feels distinctively Lovecraftian even when written in the bold, stark tones of Levi Black’s writing style. What’s important is that this book does its job well, making good use of the idea that life as we know it is nothing more than an insignificant fragile veneer, underscoring Charlie’s helplessness and the real threat of losing her sanity in the face of Nyarlathotep and his kind.
Granted, neither the plot nor the main characters are particularly deep, and I also thought the visceral reactions to some of the darker, more twisted and stomach-churning scenes might have had the effect of emotionally distancing me from everything, including Charlie. There’s a small romantic subplot involving her and Daniel, for instance, which I didn’t feel much connection to. However, the story does move quickly, leaving me hanging on the edge of my seat to see what happens next. The first few chapters kick us off with barely any preamble, throwing us headfirst into this nightmarish journey with Charlie, Daniel, and the Man in Black. This snappy intro pretty much sets the pace for the rest of the novel, which proved in the end to be one super-fast, super-thrilling read.
I think whether or not you’ll enjoy this book will highly depend on your tastes for horror. The nature of the horror elements in Red Right Hand are rather more intense and in-your-face, as opposed to cold and creeping psychological dread. If what I’ve described here of Charlie’s journey sounds like something you might want to read, I encourage you to check it out for yourself—especially if you have an inclination towards fiction inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. This story will suck you in.
January 7, 2020
Holy cow, this was terrible. I started skimming at the 50% mark, but didn't give up because I must hate myself...a lot. Lets see what we have here:
Nyarlathotep has a sword and trench coat. So he's a nerd? Do the people writing this kind of tripe not see what they are doing? Do they really think this is still 1997 and junk like that is "totally kewl"? Whenever I see someone in a novel with things like swords and trench coats, I immediately feel like I am reading something written by a 12 year old.
Also, Nyarlathotep constantly uses his "red right hand". Yeah, I am a huge Nick Cave fan too, but I am also a fan of people with original ideas.
Also also, his coat is apparently alive, and the main character feels sorry for it like it's a puppy or something. If I am reading a book and the line "Don't hurt the coat!" pops up, then either something has gone terribly wrong with the plot or I'm having a stroke.
So an elder god needs human help with something? Yeah, I don't care what the plot says, that's just bonkers. Imagine Allah giving you a special mission to make him a pizza because he just doesn't know how.
The Cthulhu mythos is real, but so is Christianity I guess? I don't see how both of those concepts can coexist in the same universe. That's almost as weird as saying atheism and Greek polytheism are both true.
A mortal can temporarily shrug off the power of an elder freaking god because they have a crush on a girl?
The plot is super thin. This is basically 300 pages of the author showing us set piece after set piece without any real substance.
This book also gets the main thing about the mythos wrong that a lot of books do (the cancer-inducing Winter Tide comes to mind). If you are writing a mythos book and the horrors of the elder gods are things like guys and gals that you can hang out with and take to Starbucks, then something has gone bonkers with your understanding of what makes the mythos scary. The whole point of the mythos is that it can't be understood. It's a total mystery. It's a world-shattering, mind blasting killing machine that can't be reasoned with or bought off. If your idea of the mythos is a dude with a trench coat and sword (sorry, I can't get over it...) needing your help with his problems, you are quickly leaving the realm of the Cthulhu mythos and entering-at best-generic action horror (I wouldn't even call this fan fiction).
In other words, just because you lift the names that Lovecraft came up with, doesn't mean you are actually writing anything that has to do with Lovecraft's creations.
As a bonus reason I hated this: I listened to the audiobook version and the narration was TERRIBLE. They really needed to get two narrators, because the lady doing the narration can't even attempt to do a serious male voice. when she does the Nyarlathotep voice it is always hilarious (which I don't think the author was shooting for). His voice sounded like a mom doing the voice of the giant from "Jack and the Beanstalk" for her kids at bedtime (FE FI FO FUM). Another guy in the novel, Daniel, sounds like Missy from the cartoon Big Mouth (for those unfamiliar, Missy is a little girl).
Nyarlathotep has a sword and trench coat. So he's a nerd? Do the people writing this kind of tripe not see what they are doing? Do they really think this is still 1997 and junk like that is "totally kewl"? Whenever I see someone in a novel with things like swords and trench coats, I immediately feel like I am reading something written by a 12 year old.
Also, Nyarlathotep constantly uses his "red right hand". Yeah, I am a huge Nick Cave fan too, but I am also a fan of people with original ideas.
Also also, his coat is apparently alive, and the main character feels sorry for it like it's a puppy or something. If I am reading a book and the line "Don't hurt the coat!" pops up, then either something has gone terribly wrong with the plot or I'm having a stroke.
So an elder god needs human help with something? Yeah, I don't care what the plot says, that's just bonkers. Imagine Allah giving you a special mission to make him a pizza because he just doesn't know how.
The Cthulhu mythos is real, but so is Christianity I guess? I don't see how both of those concepts can coexist in the same universe. That's almost as weird as saying atheism and Greek polytheism are both true.
A mortal can temporarily shrug off the power of an elder freaking god because they have a crush on a girl?
The plot is super thin. This is basically 300 pages of the author showing us set piece after set piece without any real substance.
This book also gets the main thing about the mythos wrong that a lot of books do (the cancer-inducing Winter Tide comes to mind). If you are writing a mythos book and the horrors of the elder gods are things like guys and gals that you can hang out with and take to Starbucks, then something has gone bonkers with your understanding of what makes the mythos scary. The whole point of the mythos is that it can't be understood. It's a total mystery. It's a world-shattering, mind blasting killing machine that can't be reasoned with or bought off. If your idea of the mythos is a dude with a trench coat and sword (sorry, I can't get over it...) needing your help with his problems, you are quickly leaving the realm of the Cthulhu mythos and entering-at best-generic action horror (I wouldn't even call this fan fiction).
In other words, just because you lift the names that Lovecraft came up with, doesn't mean you are actually writing anything that has to do with Lovecraft's creations.
As a bonus reason I hated this: I listened to the audiobook version and the narration was TERRIBLE. They really needed to get two narrators, because the lady doing the narration can't even attempt to do a serious male voice. when she does the Nyarlathotep voice it is always hilarious (which I don't think the author was shooting for). His voice sounded like a mom doing the voice of the giant from "Jack and the Beanstalk" for her kids at bedtime (FE FI FO FUM). Another guy in the novel, Daniel, sounds like Missy from the cartoon Big Mouth (for those unfamiliar, Missy is a little girl).
October 30, 2016
1.5ish - Cliche, overly gross, pointless, quick, flat, etc. Full video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUOfd...
July 26, 2016
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I am always interested and fascinated when it comes to demons and it is true that I was curious about this novel and the author as I did not know about her. This book also seemed to present everything that I love with a heroine whose life is turned upside down, demons as I said, action but also and most of all urban fantasy! In the end, it was not necessarily what I expected but it was interesting to discover the history and the characters.
We meet Charlie, a young woman marked by her painful past and who tries to run away since. Difficult themes are also used in this and we can only sympathize regarding what the young woman has been through. We understand throughout the novel that something terrible has happened, causing her to lose confidence in herself, but it’s true that I was really curious to learn about the events. But this is a part of the story as well as her relationship with Daniel that quite evolves during the story, allowing them to have the opportunity to talk about these subjects. I know, I know, I have not yet spoken of the demons but I’m getting there! It’s just that finally the relationship between Daniel and Charlie has something very touching and we follow carefully throughout the story what happens. But thus, the demons, yes because they are coming … well I say demons but they are rather evil entities. But I digress … as Charlie returns home after a disastrous evening, she faces three huge dogs that have only one purpose, to kill her! Fortunately she will be saved by a man, The Man in Black, who wishes to take her as an acolyte (willingly or by force) to help him fight his brothers. No other alternative and with her boyfriend as a hostage, our heroine has no choice but to embark on this adventure and to help him although she does not know if something positive will come out.
I found the interactions between the characters interesting and as I said the relationship and Charlie’s past were fascinating to read … By cons, I had a lot more trouble with the quest they undertake, I didn’t manage to get interested and I found that sometimes it was a little too wacky for me, I really did not expect this. So it’s true that I disconnected over that, which is unfortunate. Yet the ideas of the author are original and we still have a good time but I think I’ll wait for the reviews of the sequels before reading them to see how they are.
My English review
I am always interested and fascinated when it comes to demons and it is true that I was curious about this novel and the author as I did not know about her. This book also seemed to present everything that I love with a heroine whose life is turned upside down, demons as I said, action but also and most of all urban fantasy! In the end, it was not necessarily what I expected but it was interesting to discover the history and the characters.
We meet Charlie, a young woman marked by her painful past and who tries to run away since. Difficult themes are also used in this and we can only sympathize regarding what the young woman has been through. We understand throughout the novel that something terrible has happened, causing her to lose confidence in herself, but it’s true that I was really curious to learn about the events. But this is a part of the story as well as her relationship with Daniel that quite evolves during the story, allowing them to have the opportunity to talk about these subjects. I know, I know, I have not yet spoken of the demons but I’m getting there! It’s just that finally the relationship between Daniel and Charlie has something very touching and we follow carefully throughout the story what happens. But thus, the demons, yes because they are coming … well I say demons but they are rather evil entities. But I digress … as Charlie returns home after a disastrous evening, she faces three huge dogs that have only one purpose, to kill her! Fortunately she will be saved by a man, The Man in Black, who wishes to take her as an acolyte (willingly or by force) to help him fight his brothers. No other alternative and with her boyfriend as a hostage, our heroine has no choice but to embark on this adventure and to help him although she does not know if something positive will come out.
I found the interactions between the characters interesting and as I said the relationship and Charlie’s past were fascinating to read … By cons, I had a lot more trouble with the quest they undertake, I didn’t manage to get interested and I found that sometimes it was a little too wacky for me, I really did not expect this. So it’s true that I disconnected over that, which is unfortunate. Yet the ideas of the author are original and we still have a good time but I think I’ll wait for the reviews of the sequels before reading them to see how they are.
August 21, 2016
Review from Tenacious Reader: http://www.tenaciousreader.com/2016/0...
2.5/5 stars
Red Right Hand started out strong for me, letting me hope it would live up to my expectations. However, I am going to start this review with a disclaimer that I decided this was not quite my type of book, and while I had high hopes for it, I think that was because I did not have a clear picture of what the book would be like. And some of that is my fault.
Charlie, our protagonist comes home to be attacked by some sort of evil/hellish hounds. A mysterious Man in Black comes to her rescue and sets her life on quite a different course. The Man in Black may have saved her, but as Charlie learns more about him, she becomes uncomfortable. She stays with him more because she can’t think of an alternative or a wait out.
So, some of the things that did not work for me are probably likely to the Lovecraftian element that was clearly a trait of the book. This is something many people love, but I am not one of them. Also, since I have read very little Lovecraft, I know I missed references and connections to his work. I prefer my horror to be more psychological suspense and tension, I love the emotional ride you go through when things feel more plausible. Pretty much, for me, I am all about the emotional attachment and reaction to a main character when I read horror. Disturbing situations that feel like they could be a bit too close to reality are things that can go over quite well with me. When a book leans more towards the “weird” (I know, that’s a somewhat nebulous term), I find I lose some of my connection to the people and world. Once I lose that, the book will have a much harder time pleasing me. This book fell firmly into that category.
But while many of my issues stemmed from just not being prepared for the weirdness factor in this, at least one of my issues was independent of that. Our protagonist has had something traumatic happen in her past. This is brought up often, referring to pain or struggles she is having because of it. Referring to how she is trying to power on despite her having been a victim of something horrific. You do get some ideas of what kind of trauma she endured, but it is dangled there quite often for the reader without any clear details. Something bad happened. And since I seemed to be missing some connection to the main character, I hate to say, I got a bit tired of it being drawn out and wished they would either just say what it was, or omit it all together because the “mystery” really did absolutely nothing for me at all other than detract from the story. I found myself not caring and I absolutely hate that. When I read, I want to care. I want to really care, and feel the character’s emotions, and I just found I was not capable of that in this case.
So, unfortunately I have to admit that overall this book did not live up to my expectations, nor was it the book i hoped it was. But, that said, there may be an audience for it. I am not a fan of Lovecraftian horror, this is why I think perhaps my response is somewhat my fault as I picked this book up anyway and did not go in with the caution I should have and I hope people that do enjoy it keep that in mind when they read my review. I never want to turn people off of books that they may actually enjoy despite my experience with them.
2.5/5 stars
Red Right Hand started out strong for me, letting me hope it would live up to my expectations. However, I am going to start this review with a disclaimer that I decided this was not quite my type of book, and while I had high hopes for it, I think that was because I did not have a clear picture of what the book would be like. And some of that is my fault.
Charlie, our protagonist comes home to be attacked by some sort of evil/hellish hounds. A mysterious Man in Black comes to her rescue and sets her life on quite a different course. The Man in Black may have saved her, but as Charlie learns more about him, she becomes uncomfortable. She stays with him more because she can’t think of an alternative or a wait out.
So, some of the things that did not work for me are probably likely to the Lovecraftian element that was clearly a trait of the book. This is something many people love, but I am not one of them. Also, since I have read very little Lovecraft, I know I missed references and connections to his work. I prefer my horror to be more psychological suspense and tension, I love the emotional ride you go through when things feel more plausible. Pretty much, for me, I am all about the emotional attachment and reaction to a main character when I read horror. Disturbing situations that feel like they could be a bit too close to reality are things that can go over quite well with me. When a book leans more towards the “weird” (I know, that’s a somewhat nebulous term), I find I lose some of my connection to the people and world. Once I lose that, the book will have a much harder time pleasing me. This book fell firmly into that category.
But while many of my issues stemmed from just not being prepared for the weirdness factor in this, at least one of my issues was independent of that. Our protagonist has had something traumatic happen in her past. This is brought up often, referring to pain or struggles she is having because of it. Referring to how she is trying to power on despite her having been a victim of something horrific. You do get some ideas of what kind of trauma she endured, but it is dangled there quite often for the reader without any clear details. Something bad happened. And since I seemed to be missing some connection to the main character, I hate to say, I got a bit tired of it being drawn out and wished they would either just say what it was, or omit it all together because the “mystery” really did absolutely nothing for me at all other than detract from the story. I found myself not caring and I absolutely hate that. When I read, I want to care. I want to really care, and feel the character’s emotions, and I just found I was not capable of that in this case.
So, unfortunately I have to admit that overall this book did not live up to my expectations, nor was it the book i hoped it was. But, that said, there may be an audience for it. I am not a fan of Lovecraftian horror, this is why I think perhaps my response is somewhat my fault as I picked this book up anyway and did not go in with the caution I should have and I hope people that do enjoy it keep that in mind when they read my review. I never want to turn people off of books that they may actually enjoy despite my experience with them.
March 1, 2019
Woefully bad. Shockingly, intensely, incredibly bad. I made it two chapters.
Regarding demon wolf spittle: "it burnt like jalapeno juice on steroids."
I retched, but let it ride until Nyarlathotep was described as having "an exotic face, feral and Semitic"
Holy fucking shit, lads.
Regarding demon wolf spittle: "it burnt like jalapeno juice on steroids."
I retched, but let it ride until Nyarlathotep was described as having "an exotic face, feral and Semitic"
Holy fucking shit, lads.
August 19, 2016
3.5 stars
Like so many other horror fans, I grew up reading Lovecraft’s tales, especially The Call of Cthulhu. First published in a pulp magazine in 1926, the story signified a new direction in horror fiction that later developed into a whole new subgenre, nowadays known as Lovecraftian horror. It is the type of horror that completely disregards the value of ordinary human life and paints humans as insignificant and small compared to the extraordinary and unfathomable universe.
Red Right Hand is a textbook example of Lovecraftian horror, albeit with just enough idiosyncrasies to make it stand apart. While it could easily be mistaken for YA, it isn’t marketed as such and I’d be very hesitant to recommend it to younger teens. Levi Black is well versed in the mysteries of Lovecraft and he follows the rules of the genre to the letter. His prose is unapologetically gory and merciless to both the reader and the main character.
Black doesn’t put much stock into characterization, which is to be expected considering his inspirations. Charlie herself isn’t important, she is a pawn from the start, and that applies even more to her friend and love interest Daniel. Their motivation, if they even have it, is secondary, if not tertiary. The whole point of this school of thought is that they don’t control their own destinies. That’s not to say that Charlie is a cardboard cutout. We get enough of her to empathize with her predicament, but she just isn’t the true protagonist of this story. A past sexual assault is heavily implied, if not explicitly stated, and it is used as a reason for her distrustful and solitary way of life.
Stylistically, Black’s prose is rather impressive. Lovecraft’s influence is evident in every small description, but the author’s talent itself is also quite obvious. His wordy descriptions of creatures, blood and gore are sickening, and his similes and metaphors unusual and evocative. The descriptions tend to be verbose and designed specifically for their shock value. If you have a problem with blood and slime, this might not be the best choice for you.
Overall, Red Right Hand is a wonderfully bizarre tale about an anti-heroine, a diabolical god and the lesser of many evils. It ends with a cliffhanger of sorts, or rather an open ending, which means that a sequel should be forthcoming. Then again, the lack of conclusive answers is in the very nature of Lovecraftian prose, so perhaps this is all we’re going to get. Either way, it’s a book worth reading.
Like so many other horror fans, I grew up reading Lovecraft’s tales, especially The Call of Cthulhu. First published in a pulp magazine in 1926, the story signified a new direction in horror fiction that later developed into a whole new subgenre, nowadays known as Lovecraftian horror. It is the type of horror that completely disregards the value of ordinary human life and paints humans as insignificant and small compared to the extraordinary and unfathomable universe.
Red Right Hand is a textbook example of Lovecraftian horror, albeit with just enough idiosyncrasies to make it stand apart. While it could easily be mistaken for YA, it isn’t marketed as such and I’d be very hesitant to recommend it to younger teens. Levi Black is well versed in the mysteries of Lovecraft and he follows the rules of the genre to the letter. His prose is unapologetically gory and merciless to both the reader and the main character.
Black doesn’t put much stock into characterization, which is to be expected considering his inspirations. Charlie herself isn’t important, she is a pawn from the start, and that applies even more to her friend and love interest Daniel. Their motivation, if they even have it, is secondary, if not tertiary. The whole point of this school of thought is that they don’t control their own destinies. That’s not to say that Charlie is a cardboard cutout. We get enough of her to empathize with her predicament, but she just isn’t the true protagonist of this story. A past sexual assault is heavily implied, if not explicitly stated, and it is used as a reason for her distrustful and solitary way of life.
Stylistically, Black’s prose is rather impressive. Lovecraft’s influence is evident in every small description, but the author’s talent itself is also quite obvious. His wordy descriptions of creatures, blood and gore are sickening, and his similes and metaphors unusual and evocative. The descriptions tend to be verbose and designed specifically for their shock value. If you have a problem with blood and slime, this might not be the best choice for you.
Overall, Red Right Hand is a wonderfully bizarre tale about an anti-heroine, a diabolical god and the lesser of many evils. It ends with a cliffhanger of sorts, or rather an open ending, which means that a sequel should be forthcoming. Then again, the lack of conclusive answers is in the very nature of Lovecraftian prose, so perhaps this is all we’re going to get. Either way, it’s a book worth reading.
July 24, 2018
I am an urban fantasy fan. I am also a fan of Lovecraft's mythos. So when I saw that someone was combining them into a series, I was instantly interested and couldn't wait to read it. Now that I have finished it, I am looking forward to the next book in line, but not with as much enthusiasm as I did going into this book.
Black did some amazing things in this book. Some of the characters, settings and creatures were beautifully written, bringing forth all sorts of mental images and really fleshing them out. The Man In Black was handled really well, and brought forth what was easily one of the more interesting characters in the novel.
Charlie was also interesting, but for another set of reasons. Black places a lot of emphasis on her abuse and how she dealt with/is dealing with it. This was refreshing to see as a lot of urban fantasies have protagonists who are squeaky clean, as it were. She's coming from a broken yet healing place, and it ends up giving her strength as the story goes on. That said, her abuse came up a lot. Understandable to a degree as this is first person, but there were elements (such as the revenge part of the story) that felt like it more shoehorned in and didn't play any relevance to the story. (other than to show how powerful her magick was, in the case of the revenge scene)
The main issue I had with the story was the purple prose. I am all for extended prose, but there is a limit. Black goes on, and on, and on. If it's supposed to be a tribute to Lovecraft, Black succeeded and then pushed beyond. It really got to the point where I felt they were padding their novel rather than adding anything more of substance.
Lastly, though they did a good job describing the old ones, in doing so I found that Black made them too human. This novel contains three of Lovecraft's biggest mythos creatures, and each one comes across as very humanized within the story, robbing them of everything that actually makes them scary. Instead, they become just like every other urban fantasy antagonist, and in may points, actually less scary than those creatures. The Man In Black is probably the only one who at least keeps some of their otherworldliness, which is good because otherwise they would have felt very weak and normal.
In the end, this was an okay book. There are a lot of things that were done right, and an equal amount of things that were not. (for me at least) As mentioned, I am going to read the next in the series as it kept my interest enough to spend money on it, but depending on how that one goes will see if I continue on further. If you like Lovecraft's mythos, and like urban fantasy, this series may be for you.
Black did some amazing things in this book. Some of the characters, settings and creatures were beautifully written, bringing forth all sorts of mental images and really fleshing them out. The Man In Black was handled really well, and brought forth what was easily one of the more interesting characters in the novel.
Charlie was also interesting, but for another set of reasons. Black places a lot of emphasis on her abuse and how she dealt with/is dealing with it. This was refreshing to see as a lot of urban fantasies have protagonists who are squeaky clean, as it were. She's coming from a broken yet healing place, and it ends up giving her strength as the story goes on. That said, her abuse came up a lot. Understandable to a degree as this is first person, but there were elements (such as the revenge part of the story) that felt like it more shoehorned in and didn't play any relevance to the story. (other than to show how powerful her magick was, in the case of the revenge scene)
The main issue I had with the story was the purple prose. I am all for extended prose, but there is a limit. Black goes on, and on, and on. If it's supposed to be a tribute to Lovecraft, Black succeeded and then pushed beyond. It really got to the point where I felt they were padding their novel rather than adding anything more of substance.
Lastly, though they did a good job describing the old ones, in doing so I found that Black made them too human. This novel contains three of Lovecraft's biggest mythos creatures, and each one comes across as very humanized within the story, robbing them of everything that actually makes them scary. Instead, they become just like every other urban fantasy antagonist, and in may points, actually less scary than those creatures. The Man In Black is probably the only one who at least keeps some of their otherworldliness, which is good because otherwise they would have felt very weak and normal.
In the end, this was an okay book. There are a lot of things that were done right, and an equal amount of things that were not. (for me at least) As mentioned, I am going to read the next in the series as it kept my interest enough to spend money on it, but depending on how that one goes will see if I continue on further. If you like Lovecraft's mythos, and like urban fantasy, this series may be for you.
November 3, 2017
Review: RED RIGHT HAND by Levi Black
THE MYTHOS WAR BOOK 1)
Absolutely riveting from the first page, I couldn't step away. When I turned the first couple of pages, and read the identity of the one whom protagonist Charlie (Charlotte) calls "The Man in Black," I was awestruck (and no, I won't give it away). This series and this novel are pure Lovecraftian delight!
Charlie Moore is a twenty-five year old woman with the kind of physical, emotional, and psychological damage no one should have had to endure; yet she survived, not necessarily thrived, but she has become an amazingly strong person. Happens also that her maternal great-great uncle was H. P. Lovecraft, who was not only a scribe of Weird Fiction, but a prophet. Yes, the Lovecraft Cosmos is literally true, and the Great Old Ones really are out to get us. Now Charlie is tapped to be a warrior to stop their incursion; if she heeds the commands of the "Midnight Man" (she varies her appellations for him). Of course, heeding him may well be the death of Charlie, her almost-boyfriend Daniel--and the entire planet.
THE MYTHOS WAR BOOK 1)
Absolutely riveting from the first page, I couldn't step away. When I turned the first couple of pages, and read the identity of the one whom protagonist Charlie (Charlotte) calls "The Man in Black," I was awestruck (and no, I won't give it away). This series and this novel are pure Lovecraftian delight!
Charlie Moore is a twenty-five year old woman with the kind of physical, emotional, and psychological damage no one should have had to endure; yet she survived, not necessarily thrived, but she has become an amazingly strong person. Happens also that her maternal great-great uncle was H. P. Lovecraft, who was not only a scribe of Weird Fiction, but a prophet. Yes, the Lovecraft Cosmos is literally true, and the Great Old Ones really are out to get us. Now Charlie is tapped to be a warrior to stop their incursion; if she heeds the commands of the "Midnight Man" (she varies her appellations for him). Of course, heeding him may well be the death of Charlie, her almost-boyfriend Daniel--and the entire planet.
May 1, 2018
didn't finish. I got about two-thirds through and realized that all the yummy gore in the world can't make up for shitty flat characters. I never stopped disliking the protag - she hated everything and complained constantly, as if the reader would forget how much her life sucks if she didn't wax poetic about it every other paragraph.
I'm here for the horror, the twisted-up creatures and the joy of seeing just how fucked up an author can explain the wet folds of an oozing, rotten wound.
idk, I really wish I could've enjoyed this despite the constant complaining. if it had been third person narrative instead of first, I might've been able to tolerate it enough to enjoy the rest of the story (which was decent, maybe 3.5 stars), but when I'm having to read YET AGAIN how much she despises her circumstances and how much she wishes she could love again but she's just so HURT AND BROKEN.... I just don't fucking care.
I'm here for the horror, the twisted-up creatures and the joy of seeing just how fucked up an author can explain the wet folds of an oozing, rotten wound.
idk, I really wish I could've enjoyed this despite the constant complaining. if it had been third person narrative instead of first, I might've been able to tolerate it enough to enjoy the rest of the story (which was decent, maybe 3.5 stars), but when I'm having to read YET AGAIN how much she despises her circumstances and how much she wishes she could love again but she's just so HURT AND BROKEN.... I just don't fucking care.
May 28, 2016
I received a digital ARC of this book via Netgalley.
I've been on a bit of a horror kick lately. Specifically, I've had a hankering for the tentacular stylings of H.P. Lovecraft. So when I saw that Red Right Hand features the Elder God Nyarlathotep, I was all in. And I'm glad I did. Red Right Hand is a bloody grotesquerie, and I loved it.
Charlotte Tristan Moore, called Charlie, had something pretty terrible happen to her a few years ago. She's vowed it's never going to happen again. So she builds herself an armor of martial arts training and a bad attitude. This is holding up pretty well until she's triggered by her friend Daniel and comes home to skinless hounds in her house. She's rescued by a man in a black coat with a bloody red hand who calls himself Nyarlathotep and says she's his acolyte. He activates her latent magical abilities, acts suitably creepy, and makes Charlie help him defeat two other Elder Gods who want to destroy the world. Charlie is less that keen on this plan, so he kidnaps her friend Daniel so she'll do as he says. And they're off to a dangerous, ichor soaked night that none of them may survive.
So, readers can probably guess what the bad thing that happened to Charlie was. I'm not a huge fan of books that use rape as a characterization device for female characters, but this felt pretty well done to me. Charlie is definitely working through some issues, but it feels realistic and respectful, not done for titillation. I could definitely see how some people might find it too much, or tastelessly done. However, the book as a whole is very violent and bloody, so it might just be too much for some people all together.
I recommend this to horror fans who are ok with some pretty explicit descriptions and are into Lovecraftian mythos stories.
I've been on a bit of a horror kick lately. Specifically, I've had a hankering for the tentacular stylings of H.P. Lovecraft. So when I saw that Red Right Hand features the Elder God Nyarlathotep, I was all in. And I'm glad I did. Red Right Hand is a bloody grotesquerie, and I loved it.
Charlotte Tristan Moore, called Charlie, had something pretty terrible happen to her a few years ago. She's vowed it's never going to happen again. So she builds herself an armor of martial arts training and a bad attitude. This is holding up pretty well until she's triggered by her friend Daniel and comes home to skinless hounds in her house. She's rescued by a man in a black coat with a bloody red hand who calls himself Nyarlathotep and says she's his acolyte. He activates her latent magical abilities, acts suitably creepy, and makes Charlie help him defeat two other Elder Gods who want to destroy the world. Charlie is less that keen on this plan, so he kidnaps her friend Daniel so she'll do as he says. And they're off to a dangerous, ichor soaked night that none of them may survive.
So, readers can probably guess what the bad thing that happened to Charlie was. I'm not a huge fan of books that use rape as a characterization device for female characters, but this felt pretty well done to me. Charlie is definitely working through some issues, but it feels realistic and respectful, not done for titillation. I could definitely see how some people might find it too much, or tastelessly done. However, the book as a whole is very violent and bloody, so it might just be too much for some people all together.
I recommend this to horror fans who are ok with some pretty explicit descriptions and are into Lovecraftian mythos stories.
August 24, 2016
This has been one of the more hyped-up Lovecraftian titles released in some time, so I had to dive at the chance to read it. My expectations were high because of the hype, and what's not shocking is that it surpassed it, but rather how well it did so.
The story is ostensibly about Charlie, who is attacked by some demons but ends up being rescued by a "Man in Black" with a "red right hand." We quickly learn that her rescuer is a major Lovecraftian god and Charlie, as repayment, must become his acolyte.
There's just so much here to love. The nods to Lovecraftian lore are all over the place here, and it's both respectful and humorous. There's a lot of action, a lot of really creepy stuff, and a couple scenes that even I found genuinely unsettling in a way most novels in this realm simply don't. The writing has a classic quality to it, yet is still paced in a way that keeps the pages turning throughout.
I mean, the horror stuff alone makes this a winner, but the way this entire book is structured makes this an added gem. I wouldn't say it's scary at all, but it's a must read for anyone who has even a passing interest in the Mythos, and, if the modern Weird movement is doing it for you but you wish the writing was a little more straightforward, you'll find a ton to love here.
A great, great read. Highly recommended.
The story is ostensibly about Charlie, who is attacked by some demons but ends up being rescued by a "Man in Black" with a "red right hand." We quickly learn that her rescuer is a major Lovecraftian god and Charlie, as repayment, must become his acolyte.
There's just so much here to love. The nods to Lovecraftian lore are all over the place here, and it's both respectful and humorous. There's a lot of action, a lot of really creepy stuff, and a couple scenes that even I found genuinely unsettling in a way most novels in this realm simply don't. The writing has a classic quality to it, yet is still paced in a way that keeps the pages turning throughout.
I mean, the horror stuff alone makes this a winner, but the way this entire book is structured makes this an added gem. I wouldn't say it's scary at all, but it's a must read for anyone who has even a passing interest in the Mythos, and, if the modern Weird movement is doing it for you but you wish the writing was a little more straightforward, you'll find a ton to love here.
A great, great read. Highly recommended.
July 28, 2016
Red Right Hand starts off fast and never lets the lead character catch her breath for most of the story. This Lovecraft based horror pretty much tips it hat immediately to that fact with the Man in Black letting her know that she is a descendant of Lovecraft and he needs her for his acolyte. Granted she doesn’t have much of a choice in the matter and agrees to accept his mark and help him hunt down some other gods that will bring about the end of the world. Overall I enjoyed the book and it was a very fast read.
I’m not a huge horror fan but this didn’t turn me off. Granted there are things in Charlie’s backstory that other readers may not care for. Charlie suffers for PTSD from a gang rape when she was a teen and some of that is dealt with during the story. Also this isn’t a new author, Levi Black is a pen name for the writer’s first book with Tor.
Digital review copy provided by the publisher through Netgalley
I’m not a huge horror fan but this didn’t turn me off. Granted there are things in Charlie’s backstory that other readers may not care for. Charlie suffers for PTSD from a gang rape when she was a teen and some of that is dealt with during the story. Also this isn’t a new author, Levi Black is a pen name for the writer’s first book with Tor.
Digital review copy provided by the publisher through Netgalley
Read
August 8, 20165 stars from Jana, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE
I’m enjoying the current upswing in H.P. Lovecraft-influenced horror. Modern writers are expanding upon the best elements of his authorial legacy, like the Elder Gods, inter-dimensional travel, and Things Which Should Not Be, while setting aside (or, with regards to authors like Ruthanna Emrys and Victor Lavalle, directly subverting and confronting) the racism, classism, and sexism. Similarly-minded readers will want to make note of Red Right Hand (2016), Levi Black’s debut novel and a fine addition to the weird fiction genre.
Charlie Moore is a young woman with an impressive array of martial-arts skills and more emotional baggage than any one person should be a...
I’m enjoying the current upswing in H.P. Lovecraft-influenced horror. Modern writers are expanding upon the best elements of his authorial legacy, like the Elder Gods, inter-dimensional travel, and Things Which Should Not Be, while setting aside (or, with regards to authors like Ruthanna Emrys and Victor Lavalle, directly subverting and confronting) the racism, classism, and sexism. Similarly-minded readers will want to make note of Red Right Hand (2016), Levi Black’s debut novel and a fine addition to the weird fiction genre.
Charlie Moore is a young woman with an impressive array of martial-arts skills and more emotional baggage than any one person should be a...
August 5, 2016
At what point does fantasy become horror? How much death, destruction, loss, torture, monstrous evil, and grief are necessary to push a book across that bloody line seperating dark fantasy from true horror? Perhaps, there is no difference between dark fantasy and horror. Perhaps the term dark fantasy is simply an attempt to make horror kinder.
There is a little kindness in Red Right Hand: Daniel and an alien-singing, angelic coat. There is bravery, as Charlie refuses to give up and attempts to face the nightmares which have become far too real. There is blood and gore and horror aplenty. I never thought I would give 5 stars to a book about the Elder Gods, but I look forward to the sequel.
There is a little kindness in Red Right Hand: Daniel and an alien-singing, angelic coat. There is bravery, as Charlie refuses to give up and attempts to face the nightmares which have become far too real. There is blood and gore and horror aplenty. I never thought I would give 5 stars to a book about the Elder Gods, but I look forward to the sequel.
October 16, 2016
Stomach-churning in the best sense of the expression. These are not your sugar coated, watered down deities. Prepare for the creep factor and a heroine that will kick your a$$.
May 3, 2020
When I first started Levi Black's Red Right Hand I did not care for it at all. This feeling persisted throughout my reading of the novel. In fact the only reason I finished it was so I could give it an honest review. (I typically don't review a book I did not complete.) On the surface Red Right Hand looked like a real winner-if there were a checklist Black would have ticked all the boxes. And that is the problem-the book is so stunningly generic. No matter how much otherworldly gore Black shovels he neither successfully communicates how alien and unknowable Lovecraft's Elder Gods are, and he never really gives us a human character we can care about. Sure we are supposed to care about Charlotte Moore but she is defined throughout the novel by the abuse she suffered years before. That is it-one note characterization. And she is the most developed character in the manuscript. Plus let's not forgot the author's scintillating prose such as: "I hate hospitals. I hate them with the hatred." (That is from page 91 of my edition.) Black's writing is very repetitive. I had to hear about the title appendage every two or three pages. I think I read about something hitting something like "the hand of God" three times. This is actually a terrific phrase-when used only once. I took a bullet reading this for you, Constant Reader-hopefully I have saved you the trouble of reading Red Right Hand though I admit I've never slept better.
September 6, 2018
I'd give this book 10 stars if I could.
I have always loved a good C.Mythos story since my first infection in high school 1973 with Lovecraft's original stories. Over the decades, I've grown willing to enjoy more modern views on the work, though much of it was either extremely derivative or just used words like "squamous" too much as if that made a Mythos story work.
This is most certainly NOT one of the pretenders.
The content was authentic. The action was bloody, the magic eldritch (see what I did there?). The characters were deliciously horrible, sympathetic, and fresh. The story telling was the way I like it: Drop me in the middle of the shit and let me figure it out on the way like everyone else in Life.
The only thing I hate about it is that I now have to wait for the next book(s).
EDIT: OMG THE SEQUEL BOOKS ARE ALREADY OUT...Sweeeeeeet.
I have always loved a good C.Mythos story since my first infection in high school 1973 with Lovecraft's original stories. Over the decades, I've grown willing to enjoy more modern views on the work, though much of it was either extremely derivative or just used words like "squamous" too much as if that made a Mythos story work.
This is most certainly NOT one of the pretenders.
The content was authentic. The action was bloody, the magic eldritch (see what I did there?). The characters were deliciously horrible, sympathetic, and fresh. The story telling was the way I like it: Drop me in the middle of the shit and let me figure it out on the way like everyone else in Life.
The only thing I hate about it is that I now have to wait for the next book(s).
EDIT: OMG THE SEQUEL BOOKS ARE ALREADY OUT...Sweeeeeeet.
Did not finish
February 12, 2020DNF - page 94 (31%)
This book didn't catch me, and I'm really disappointed. I love Lovecraft mythos and retellings/reworkings of the original ideas. But this story just felt too self-aware to create the necessary suspension of disbelief. Not only is Charlie Lovecraft's great-niece, Nyarlethotep is perfectly aware of this and spouting off exposition for the first several chapters.
Honestly, my biggest problem was the writing style just wasn't quite "it" for me.
This book didn't catch me, and I'm really disappointed. I love Lovecraft mythos and retellings/reworkings of the original ideas. But this story just felt too self-aware to create the necessary suspension of disbelief. Not only is Charlie Lovecraft's great-niece, Nyarlethotep is perfectly aware of this and spouting off exposition for the first several chapters.
Honestly, my biggest problem was the writing style just wasn't quite "it" for me.
August 15, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Cthulian mythos is certainly the thing lately, but I haven't seen it done as an urban fantasy adventure before. The idea behind the book is that our heroine, Charlie, is able to serve as sort of a hunting hound for Nyarlathotep, who is presented in the book (mostly) as a semi Semitic-Levantine looking Man in Black. I think the author was harkening back to Lovecraft with those descriptors, but it twinged my radar on racist assumptions a bit anyway.
The book goes from informational scene to fight scene in traditional UF manner. Different Lovecraftian monsters make appearances or are name-checked. The idea is that the Man in Black knows that certain barriers are weakening, and he wants to hit all of his unearthly brethren before they can hit back, so there is a reason for all the action.
Charlie, unfortunately, feels a bit one-dimensional to me. She feels that she is soiled and worthless because of something that happened to her a long time ago, and her whole life is about maintaining distance and being ready to fight. I suppose that's helpful when the minions of a dark god are after you, but I wished that she had a personality trait beyond "damaged". She felt more like a victim than like a survivor, if you follow me.
Weirdly, there manages to be a bit of romance in this ode to Lovecraft, too. The author even makes Cthulu himself seem a bit sympathetic.
If you want lots of action and hideous monsters (the author does try to be disgusting and horrifying) and don't mind a heroine whose entire identity revolves around past abuse, this could be for you. Traditionally, the Elder Gods coming through is the Apocalypse, Ragnorak, the end of everything, and I have no idea how the author will avoid that endgame, but I have a feeling he'll try to.
The Cthulian mythos is certainly the thing lately, but I haven't seen it done as an urban fantasy adventure before. The idea behind the book is that our heroine, Charlie, is able to serve as sort of a hunting hound for Nyarlathotep, who is presented in the book (mostly) as a semi Semitic-Levantine looking Man in Black. I think the author was harkening back to Lovecraft with those descriptors, but it twinged my radar on racist assumptions a bit anyway.
The book goes from informational scene to fight scene in traditional UF manner. Different Lovecraftian monsters make appearances or are name-checked. The idea is that the Man in Black knows that certain barriers are weakening, and he wants to hit all of his unearthly brethren before they can hit back, so there is a reason for all the action.
Charlie, unfortunately, feels a bit one-dimensional to me. She feels that she is soiled and worthless because of something that happened to her a long time ago, and her whole life is about maintaining distance and being ready to fight. I suppose that's helpful when the minions of a dark god are after you, but I wished that she had a personality trait beyond "damaged". She felt more like a victim than like a survivor, if you follow me.
Weirdly, there manages to be a bit of romance in this ode to Lovecraft, too. The author even makes Cthulu himself seem a bit sympathetic.
If you want lots of action and hideous monsters (the author does try to be disgusting and horrifying) and don't mind a heroine whose entire identity revolves around past abuse, this could be for you. Traditionally, the Elder Gods coming through is the Apocalypse, Ragnorak, the end of everything, and I have no idea how the author will avoid that endgame, but I have a feeling he'll try to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2016
I wish there were separate stars for plot, characterization, etc, because I would rate this book higher than it is. In terms of plot, pacing, and atmosphere, it passes with flying colors. But there is one element of the protagonist's characterization I absolutely abhorred, and it damn near ruined the book for me.
This is another of the recent crop of Cthulhu Mythos reimaginings, but this author plays it completely straight. The hook is simple: “Imagine that one of Lovecraft’s Great Old Ones (in this case, Nyarlathotep) showed up at your door and said, ‘You work for me now.’ ” (From the back cover blurb) Needless to say, this book is bloody, gory, slimy, and overflowing with all sorts of bodily fluids, both human and alien. A strong stomach is required, and I would recommend not trying to read it during a meal. That said, if you can stand it, it is a fast-paced rocket ride, a dark Lovecraftian noir that I’m sure many people will like.
However.
The book ends suddenly with the main plot thread unresolved, so expect a sequel. I'm not sure I will be reading it, though.
This is another of the recent crop of Cthulhu Mythos reimaginings, but this author plays it completely straight. The hook is simple: “Imagine that one of Lovecraft’s Great Old Ones (in this case, Nyarlathotep) showed up at your door and said, ‘You work for me now.’ ” (From the back cover blurb) Needless to say, this book is bloody, gory, slimy, and overflowing with all sorts of bodily fluids, both human and alien. A strong stomach is required, and I would recommend not trying to read it during a meal. That said, if you can stand it, it is a fast-paced rocket ride, a dark Lovecraftian noir that I’m sure many people will like.
However.
The book ends suddenly with the main plot thread unresolved, so expect a sequel. I'm not sure I will be reading it, though.
February 12, 2017
I ended up reading this book because my wife picked it up for me at a local bookstore. The people who worked there recommended it because it was written by a local author.
Red Right Hand is not the typical book I read. The most urban fantasy I have read is the Dresden Files, and I usually stick to stuff written by authors like Steven Erikson, Mark Lawrence, or Joe Abercrombie. However, this book did not disappoint and was exciting throughout while keeping me interested about what was going to happen to "Charlie".
My only complaint was that sometimes the word choice for sounds or what was being seen came across a little less eloquent than possible. Otherwise it was a good book and I would recommend it.
Red Right Hand is not the typical book I read. The most urban fantasy I have read is the Dresden Files, and I usually stick to stuff written by authors like Steven Erikson, Mark Lawrence, or Joe Abercrombie. However, this book did not disappoint and was exciting throughout while keeping me interested about what was going to happen to "Charlie".
My only complaint was that sometimes the word choice for sounds or what was being seen came across a little less eloquent than possible. Otherwise it was a good book and I would recommend it.
January 22, 2017
So this book was intense and action packed. And gory. But not so much more than that.
I enjoyed this book. It was an entertaining read and I kept flipping through the pages, but it failed to make me care. The characters felt a bit flat, the story depended very heavily on one knowing the works of HP Lovecraft (which I don't) and the grotesque descriptions were over the top. I don't mind blood, and horrors of all kinds, but in this book I ended up becoming sort of indifferent to it all. I was like, okay another body part over there - oh that man had an octopus penis.
It just felt like this book relied to much upon gory details and Lovecraft Cthulhu Mythos, instead of the all important plot and character. Especially our heroine Charlie was a bit of a letdown. I felt like she could've been so much more! She was kick ass, had a tough past behind her and wouldn't take shit. I was hoping that maybe she would be of the likes of Miriam Black, Chuck Wendig's bold heroine in Blackbird, but compared her Charlie was just bland. She wasn't a memorable character. But I did love The Man in Black. He was wonderfully mysterious and coldhearted...and had an awesome coat.
I think that this is a book that fans of Lovecraft would adore, and even though I was skeptical to many things, I would definitely give the sequel a chance.
I enjoyed this book. It was an entertaining read and I kept flipping through the pages, but it failed to make me care. The characters felt a bit flat, the story depended very heavily on one knowing the works of HP Lovecraft (which I don't) and the grotesque descriptions were over the top. I don't mind blood, and horrors of all kinds, but in this book I ended up becoming sort of indifferent to it all. I was like, okay another body part over there - oh that man had an octopus penis.
It just felt like this book relied to much upon gory details and Lovecraft Cthulhu Mythos, instead of the all important plot and character. Especially our heroine Charlie was a bit of a letdown. I felt like she could've been so much more! She was kick ass, had a tough past behind her and wouldn't take shit. I was hoping that maybe she would be of the likes of Miriam Black, Chuck Wendig's bold heroine in Blackbird, but compared her Charlie was just bland. She wasn't a memorable character. But I did love The Man in Black. He was wonderfully mysterious and coldhearted...and had an awesome coat.
I think that this is a book that fans of Lovecraft would adore, and even though I was skeptical to many things, I would definitely give the sequel a chance.
July 27, 2016
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy, Horror
*Rating* 4.0
*MY Thoughts*
Red Right Hand is the first installment in author Levi Black's Red Right Hand series. Black, it seems, is influenced by the workings of author H.P Lovecraft, and that comes into play after Charlie (Charlotte Tristan Moore) comes home to find THREE skinhounds ready to pounce on her. She is rescued by a man who calls himself Nyarlathotep aka Crawling Chaos. He claims that they were sent to kill her because of what's in her blood. Nyarlathotep is the man with the Red Right Hand. He is also a bit on the scary side with his Red Hand, and Long Black Jacket, and knife that can cut a person in half.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Published* July 26th 2016 by Tor Books
*Genre* Urban Fantasy, Horror
*Rating* 4.0
*MY Thoughts*
Red Right Hand is the first installment in author Levi Black's Red Right Hand series. Black, it seems, is influenced by the workings of author H.P Lovecraft, and that comes into play after Charlie (Charlotte Tristan Moore) comes home to find THREE skinhounds ready to pounce on her. She is rescued by a man who calls himself Nyarlathotep aka Crawling Chaos. He claims that they were sent to kill her because of what's in her blood. Nyarlathotep is the man with the Red Right Hand. He is also a bit on the scary side with his Red Hand, and Long Black Jacket, and knife that can cut a person in half.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Published* July 26th 2016 by Tor Books
March 9, 2017
I really wanted to like this book. The author seems like a pretty cool dude and it's his first book.
But. Cut the emo, man. Seriously. I was in emotional overload by the time I finished reading Chapter 1. The main character was wishy washy, the villain was...also kinda wishy washy, truth be told.
After skimming through a few chapters, hopping through inappropriately used modifiers to find the gems, I finally gave up. DNF in Chapter 7.
P.S. Yes, this is Dark Fantasy (aka Horror with supernatural elements). It's bloody and gory and, in some cases, downright terrifying to the faint of heart. Definitely not for the squeamish, but honestly, if you're that much of a pansy, why did you pick it up in the first place?
But. Cut the emo, man. Seriously. I was in emotional overload by the time I finished reading Chapter 1. The main character was wishy washy, the villain was...also kinda wishy washy, truth be told.
After skimming through a few chapters, hopping through inappropriately used modifiers to find the gems, I finally gave up. DNF in Chapter 7.
P.S. Yes, this is Dark Fantasy (aka Horror with supernatural elements). It's bloody and gory and, in some cases, downright terrifying to the faint of heart. Definitely not for the squeamish, but honestly, if you're that much of a pansy, why did you pick it up in the first place?
October 27, 2017
An unsalvageable mess. If the author did not have an editor, they need to hire one. If the author did have an editor, that person needs to be fired. Tiresome and incongruous similes abound, adding nothing to lackluster text. Dialogue is so hackneyed it makes Conan the Barbarian look like a doctoral thesis. Pacing is random and incompetent, lingering over meaningless, repetitive details and rushing through rare scenes that actually advance the negligible and inane plot. Finally the author massively over-uses the adjective "raw" as if thesaurus.com were off-line.
Shame on Tor for publishing this and letting the author embarrass himself. Shame on the author for believing his sycophants.
Shame on Tor for publishing this and letting the author embarrass himself. Shame on the author for believing his sycophants.
July 23, 2019
I love it!
This was awesome, the action never stopped & considering all events happened over 1.5-2 days I don't see how it could have been slowed. I'm glad I didn't find this till book 2 was almost out, I'd have been very sad at having to wait. And no, this isn't Lovecraft, it's using his Elder Gods in a very interesting way.
This was awesome, the action never stopped & considering all events happened over 1.5-2 days I don't see how it could have been slowed. I'm glad I didn't find this till book 2 was almost out, I'd have been very sad at having to wait. And no, this isn't Lovecraft, it's using his Elder Gods in a very interesting way.
December 10, 2016
Thanks Macmillan-Tor/Forge and netgalley for this ARC.
You get exactly what you are told with this book. It's horror, fabulously scary, and the images will stay with you when you close your eyes to go to sleep!
You get exactly what you are told with this book. It's horror, fabulously scary, and the images will stay with you when you close your eyes to go to sleep!
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