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Manifest Delusions #2.5
Swarm and Steel
To escape the hell she created, a woman must team up with a novice warrior and return to her homeland in this gritty epic fantasy where delusions are literally made real.
Zerfall awakens in an alley, wounded and unable to remember her past. Chased by an assassin out into the endless wastes of the desert, she is caught, disfigured, and left for dead. Her scabbard is empty, but the need for answers—and the pull of her sword—will draw her back to the city-states.
When Jateko, a naïve youth, accidentally kills a member of his own tribe, he finds himself outcast and pursued across the desert for his crimes. Crazed from dehydration, dying of thirst and hunger, he stumbles across Zerfall.
Hunted by assassins and bound by mutual need, both Zerfall and Jateko will confront the Täuschung, an ancient and deranged religion ruled by a broken fragment of Zerfall’s mind. Swarm, the Täuschung hell, seethes with imprisoned souls, but where gods—real or imagined—meddle in the affairs of man, the cost is high.
In Swarm and Steel, the power of belief can manifest and shape reality, and for political and religious leaders, faith becomes a powerful tool. But the insane are capable of twisting reality with their delusions as well, turning increasingly dangerous as their sanity crumbles. It is here that a long prophesied evil will be born, an endless hunger. The All Consuming will rise.
Zerfall awakens in an alley, wounded and unable to remember her past. Chased by an assassin out into the endless wastes of the desert, she is caught, disfigured, and left for dead. Her scabbard is empty, but the need for answers—and the pull of her sword—will draw her back to the city-states.
When Jateko, a naïve youth, accidentally kills a member of his own tribe, he finds himself outcast and pursued across the desert for his crimes. Crazed from dehydration, dying of thirst and hunger, he stumbles across Zerfall.
Hunted by assassins and bound by mutual need, both Zerfall and Jateko will confront the Täuschung, an ancient and deranged religion ruled by a broken fragment of Zerfall’s mind. Swarm, the Täuschung hell, seethes with imprisoned souls, but where gods—real or imagined—meddle in the affairs of man, the cost is high.
In Swarm and Steel, the power of belief can manifest and shape reality, and for political and religious leaders, faith becomes a powerful tool. But the insane are capable of twisting reality with their delusions as well, turning increasingly dangerous as their sanity crumbles. It is here that a long prophesied evil will be born, an endless hunger. The All Consuming will rise.
400 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2017
41 people are currently reading
1783 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Fletcher
51 books1,324 followersMichael R. Fletcher is a science fiction and fantasy author, a grilled cheese aficionado, and a whiskey-swilling reprobate. He spends his days choreographing his forklift musical (titled "Get Forked"), and using caffeine as a substitute for sanity. Any suggestions that he is actually Dyrk Ashton in disguise are all lies.
Blog (kinda): http://michaelrfletcher.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRFlet...
Twitter: @FletcherMR
Instagram: fletcher_michael_r
Blog (kinda): http://michaelrfletcher.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRFlet...
Twitter: @FletcherMR
Instagram: fletcher_michael_r
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August 13, 2025Swarm and Steel is a standalone though technically part 3 of the Manifest Delusions series. I've not read the others.
This is a book full of long words that you won’t know. You won’t know them because they are made up. The glossary contains the names of 34 different types of delusionals (geistkranken) &/or related terms.
The words are long because they are either German or faux-German and Germany is a land of famously long words. Try these out for size:
Geschwindigkeitsbeschränkungen: speed limit.
Windschutzscheibewaschanlage: windshield wiper system
Betäubungsmittelverschreibungsverordnung: prescription regulation of narcotics
They make the name of the city that much of the action takes place in seem almost miniature. It’s Geldangelegenheiten … yes, with 6 e’s.
Thankfully our characters have rather short names. We spend a lot of time with Aas.
Anyway, it can hit you quite hard at the start. I didn’t flag that I was reading the book because I thought I really wasn’t going to like it and didn’t want to have to admit to the fact. However, to cut to the chase, I found lots to like.
The first thing I did early on was stop looking up any of the words. I just let them wash over me and figured that if it actually mattered then I would figure it out from context.
Another issue for me early on was that I really didn’t like any of the characters. They are a repulsive lot. I mean terrible people and ones with unpleasant habits. Aas for example presents as the worst kind of sex obsessed and spends a lot of time thinking about a puppet he is making out of his own snot, hair, and belly button lint. Our main protagonist is rotting away and has condemned millions to a hell of her own design.
It’s actually quite hard to figure out who the main protagonist is as the point of view moves around a fair bit and none of the characters seem destined to live very much longer.
However, I am not one who demands likeable characters. As long as they are interesting then I’m in.
Initially it’s the world that is most interesting. Specifically the driving conceit that the beliefs of regular humans can redefine reality. This is taken to new heights with the mentally ill being able to have a large impact on reality – hence the series title, Manifest Delusions. If someone is given to hallucinations then those hallucinations become real. Split personalities get their own body. Etc.
After a while (a fair number of chapters) I began to appreciate why Fletcher has so many enthusiastic supporters among my Facebook friends, especially those on the Grimdark Readers group. He is, in fact, the proud author of the MOST grimdark book of all (according to my own extensive survey http://mark---lawrence.blogspot.co.uk... ).
This wasn’t a book I felt heavily emotionally invested in but it is testimony to Fletcher’s skill that I did begin to care what happened to a man who only eats other (generally innocent) human beings (that he kills), and about the rotting corpse of another mass murderer.
In addition the story had a slightly chaotic edge to that left me unsure who would survive and where the story was going. I liked that.
And finally, there is a definite problem solving element to the book. The problems are generally gory, often disgusting, and almost always something that would be called “evil”… but they are intriguing and strangely fun.
Combine all those elements with a hint of comedy that surfaces in unexpected places and you get an intriguing read.
It’s a story that manages to avoid you (or me at least) rolling your eyes because it gives the impression of not taking itself too seriously, while at the same time not letting go of the idea that what happens matters. A delicate balance to maintain but one it managed for this reader.
The ending took an unexpected turn too. So all in all it was an entertaining read and I’m glad I got around to reading it.
The author sent me this book, but that hasn’t impacted my opinion … it’s just that if I hadn’t liked it I wouldn’t be telling you about it at all.
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Join my 3-emails-a-year newsletter #prizes
...
This is a book full of long words that you won’t know. You won’t know them because they are made up. The glossary contains the names of 34 different types of delusionals (geistkranken) &/or related terms.
The words are long because they are either German or faux-German and Germany is a land of famously long words. Try these out for size:
Geschwindigkeitsbeschränkungen: speed limit.
Windschutzscheibewaschanlage: windshield wiper system
Betäubungsmittelverschreibungsverordnung: prescription regulation of narcotics
They make the name of the city that much of the action takes place in seem almost miniature. It’s Geldangelegenheiten … yes, with 6 e’s.
Thankfully our characters have rather short names. We spend a lot of time with Aas.
Anyway, it can hit you quite hard at the start. I didn’t flag that I was reading the book because I thought I really wasn’t going to like it and didn’t want to have to admit to the fact. However, to cut to the chase, I found lots to like.
The first thing I did early on was stop looking up any of the words. I just let them wash over me and figured that if it actually mattered then I would figure it out from context.
Another issue for me early on was that I really didn’t like any of the characters. They are a repulsive lot. I mean terrible people and ones with unpleasant habits. Aas for example presents as the worst kind of sex obsessed and spends a lot of time thinking about a puppet he is making out of his own snot, hair, and belly button lint. Our main protagonist is rotting away and has condemned millions to a hell of her own design.
It’s actually quite hard to figure out who the main protagonist is as the point of view moves around a fair bit and none of the characters seem destined to live very much longer.
However, I am not one who demands likeable characters. As long as they are interesting then I’m in.
Initially it’s the world that is most interesting. Specifically the driving conceit that the beliefs of regular humans can redefine reality. This is taken to new heights with the mentally ill being able to have a large impact on reality – hence the series title, Manifest Delusions. If someone is given to hallucinations then those hallucinations become real. Split personalities get their own body. Etc.
After a while (a fair number of chapters) I began to appreciate why Fletcher has so many enthusiastic supporters among my Facebook friends, especially those on the Grimdark Readers group. He is, in fact, the proud author of the MOST grimdark book of all (according to my own extensive survey http://mark---lawrence.blogspot.co.uk... ).
This wasn’t a book I felt heavily emotionally invested in but it is testimony to Fletcher’s skill that I did begin to care what happened to a man who only eats other (generally innocent) human beings (that he kills), and about the rotting corpse of another mass murderer.
In addition the story had a slightly chaotic edge to that left me unsure who would survive and where the story was going. I liked that.
And finally, there is a definite problem solving element to the book. The problems are generally gory, often disgusting, and almost always something that would be called “evil”… but they are intriguing and strangely fun.
Combine all those elements with a hint of comedy that surfaces in unexpected places and you get an intriguing read.
It’s a story that manages to avoid you (or me at least) rolling your eyes because it gives the impression of not taking itself too seriously, while at the same time not letting go of the idea that what happens matters. A delicate balance to maintain but one it managed for this reader.
The ending took an unexpected turn too. So all in all it was an entertaining read and I’m glad I got around to reading it.
The author sent me this book, but that hasn’t impacted my opinion … it’s just that if I hadn’t liked it I wouldn’t be telling you about it at all.
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Join my 3-emails-a-year newsletter #prizes
...
December 14, 2017
ARC provided by the author and the publisher—Talos—in exchange for an honest review.
Victor Frankenstein became well known as the Mad Scientist after he created the Frankenstein’s Monster. Well, Michael Fletcherstein (totally just made this up) deserves the nickname of the Mad Author for the creation of every book in the Manifest Delusions series, including this great standalone.
I need to question a bit of my sanity here. Swarm and Steel is at its core a standalone and is Fletcher’s take on a love story set in the same Mad World as the Manifest Delusions main series. You might think “oh, this sounds lighter than the main series.” Let me tell you that no, it’s not. It’s still insane and, in my opinion, the most disgusting installment yet. For instance, there’s this character who’s building a puppet made out of his snot, nail clippings, and body hair. Also, the two main characters, Zerfall and Jateko—the couple—are a walking corpse and a cannibal. Seriously, anything touched by this author becomes a swarm of madness and insanity. And yet, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the book anyway.
If you haven’t read Beyond Redemption and The Mirror’s Truth (you seriously should though) and are looking to start reading Fletcher’s work, it’s definitely okay to start with this book if you want. The story is completely separated; it starts slowly and builds up everything to reach the amazing climax sequences. The last 20% of the book, like The Mirror’s Truth, is full of breathtaking action sequences that lead to the most suitable ending for the book. However, I will still suggest you read the main series first. Not only are they some of the best books in the genre, if you’re a super spoiler-sensitive person like me, there’s a tiny nod to some events in the main series. The main series is in my opinion superior, and reading those main novels first will ease you into understanding most of the terminology used in the book.
Don’t get me wrong, Fletcher did a wonderful job in re-explaining both old and new terms again, but I feel like they still can be a bit overwhelming if you’re a newcomer to the series. Aside from that, Fletcher did a superb job of expanding the Mad World by exploring Swarm and several new Geisteskranken (The Delusional) that were only mentioned in the main books.
Admittedly, I do have some minor cons with the book. Unlike Beyond Redemption or The Mirror’s Truth, this book took quite a while to truly engross me in the story and characters; specifically, 50% of the book. This is due to the fact that the characters, though they are still well written, just pale in comparison to the main trio of the Manifest Delusions main series. It can’t be helped really; Bedeckt, Witchtig, and Stehlen are uniquely amazing characters that captivated me ever since their first appearance. The fact that I’m reading this straight after The Mirror’s Truth is partly to blame as well because my feelings for the main trio are still fresh. However, the last half of the book truly made my time spent reading this book worthwhile and it almost completely overshadowed the cons I had with the first half.
Overall, Swarm and Steel is a magnificent side story for the Manifest Delusions series and is definitely a must read for the fan of the series. Finishing this book means that I’ve read all of the full-length novels written by Michael R. Fletcher, and I can safely say that with one or two more books, he will definitely be included in my ‘favorite authors of all time’ list. Once again, if you’re a fan of the genre, all of the books in the Manifest Delusions series a MUST read; I can’t recommend them strongly enough.
You can find this and the rest of my Adult Epic/High Fantasy & Sci-Fi reviews at BookNest
Victor Frankenstein became well known as the Mad Scientist after he created the Frankenstein’s Monster. Well, Michael Fletcherstein (totally just made this up) deserves the nickname of the Mad Author for the creation of every book in the Manifest Delusions series, including this great standalone.
I need to question a bit of my sanity here. Swarm and Steel is at its core a standalone and is Fletcher’s take on a love story set in the same Mad World as the Manifest Delusions main series. You might think “oh, this sounds lighter than the main series.” Let me tell you that no, it’s not. It’s still insane and, in my opinion, the most disgusting installment yet. For instance, there’s this character who’s building a puppet made out of his snot, nail clippings, and body hair. Also, the two main characters, Zerfall and Jateko—the couple—are a walking corpse and a cannibal. Seriously, anything touched by this author becomes a swarm of madness and insanity. And yet, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the book anyway.
"If you care what others think to the point it defines your choices—defines your happiness and self-worth—you’re giving them power. Over you.”
If you haven’t read Beyond Redemption and The Mirror’s Truth (you seriously should though) and are looking to start reading Fletcher’s work, it’s definitely okay to start with this book if you want. The story is completely separated; it starts slowly and builds up everything to reach the amazing climax sequences. The last 20% of the book, like The Mirror’s Truth, is full of breathtaking action sequences that lead to the most suitable ending for the book. However, I will still suggest you read the main series first. Not only are they some of the best books in the genre, if you’re a super spoiler-sensitive person like me, there’s a tiny nod to some events in the main series. The main series is in my opinion superior, and reading those main novels first will ease you into understanding most of the terminology used in the book.
Don’t get me wrong, Fletcher did a wonderful job in re-explaining both old and new terms again, but I feel like they still can be a bit overwhelming if you’re a newcomer to the series. Aside from that, Fletcher did a superb job of expanding the Mad World by exploring Swarm and several new Geisteskranken (The Delusional) that were only mentioned in the main books.
Admittedly, I do have some minor cons with the book. Unlike Beyond Redemption or The Mirror’s Truth, this book took quite a while to truly engross me in the story and characters; specifically, 50% of the book. This is due to the fact that the characters, though they are still well written, just pale in comparison to the main trio of the Manifest Delusions main series. It can’t be helped really; Bedeckt, Witchtig, and Stehlen are uniquely amazing characters that captivated me ever since their first appearance. The fact that I’m reading this straight after The Mirror’s Truth is partly to blame as well because my feelings for the main trio are still fresh. However, the last half of the book truly made my time spent reading this book worthwhile and it almost completely overshadowed the cons I had with the first half.
Overall, Swarm and Steel is a magnificent side story for the Manifest Delusions series and is definitely a must read for the fan of the series. Finishing this book means that I’ve read all of the full-length novels written by Michael R. Fletcher, and I can safely say that with one or two more books, he will definitely be included in my ‘favorite authors of all time’ list. Once again, if you’re a fan of the genre, all of the books in the Manifest Delusions series a MUST read; I can’t recommend them strongly enough.
You can find this and the rest of my Adult Epic/High Fantasy & Sci-Fi reviews at BookNest
September 8, 2019
The hell did I just read!
That was the most insanely, hilariously, gross book I think ........
I have ever read
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
That was the most insanely, hilariously, gross book I think ........
I have ever read
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
June 26, 2017
4.5/5
This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Release date is 22nd of August 2017.
This book was so totally & utterly disturbing and I'm in awe of Michael R. Fletcher's writing prowess. But loving this book totally made me think to myself "since when did I become such a warped morbid piece of shit?". I feel like only warped minded people could love a novel like this. It's basically a book about cannibalism, madness, revenge, hate & love. YEAH YOU READ CORRECTLY... LOVE. This is quite possibly the most fucked up 'love story' I've ever read in my entire life but I totally dig it & it's my new favorite ever romance. I actually found it so adorable "I’ll never leave you. I’ve lost everything except you and now I have more than I’ve ever had in all my life.” (it's actually not adorable and a normal person would find it twisted and deranged) however I'm not normal and I am quite deranged so this love story was clearly made for me.
This book was an easy read for me, because I have read Beyond Redemption so I understood the terminology used for the types of powers contained in the novel, I also stumbled upon this; Beyond Redemption Wiki which helped a lot with understanding what all the German words meant. It's a stand alone novel but it is still set in the same world of Manifest Delusions, so you can read this novel without reading the authors other works. There was a few mentions of the characters from Beyond Redemption which I loved, but there was no major spoilers for the other series.
In a world where Sanity is a delusion, reality a myth. We follow our main protagonist Zerfall who has woken up in an alley with her head smashed in and no recollection of her past all she knows is that she is in danger and must get as far away from the Tauschung as possible, the Tauschung is a mad religion with its own private hell called swarm. Upon escaping the city she makes her way into the desert where she runs into a naive boy named Jateko who has accidentally killed a warrior from his tribe. Jateko has an unhealthy obsession with eating people because he believes that he will take their powers from consuming their brains.
I had one minor con and that was it took a while to get exciting and I also read a PDF version which was quite painful as I'm blind as a bat and couldn't zoom in on the words, but that couldn't be helped and I'm so grateful the author offered me the ARC. I loved the humor so much, "The priestess grunted and strained and farted and Jateko wondered what kind of horrendous diet led to such effort for a simple crap. If all the people of the civilized city-states shat like these priests, the cities would be even fouler than he thought.
It's a much lighter read then Beyond Redemption & it has made me so much more excited for The Mirrors Truth. This author is definitely a favourite and I cannot wait to read all of his fucked up shite.
Definitely a fantastic novel that all grimdark fans should read. Another highly rated book which has wormed its way straight onto my favourites shelf. This novel definitely isn't for everyone, some scenes were quite confronting and it did contain child abuse, so if your a soft teddy bear, you should stay far away from this authors work
You can find this review and my other reviews at Booksprens.
This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Release date is 22nd of August 2017.
“Am I a monster?”
“If you are. I am too,”
This book was so totally & utterly disturbing and I'm in awe of Michael R. Fletcher's writing prowess. But loving this book totally made me think to myself "since when did I become such a warped morbid piece of shit?". I feel like only warped minded people could love a novel like this. It's basically a book about cannibalism, madness, revenge, hate & love. YEAH YOU READ CORRECTLY... LOVE. This is quite possibly the most fucked up 'love story' I've ever read in my entire life but I totally dig it & it's my new favorite ever romance. I actually found it so adorable "I’ll never leave you. I’ve lost everything except you and now I have more than I’ve ever had in all my life.” (it's actually not adorable and a normal person would find it twisted and deranged) however I'm not normal and I am quite deranged so this love story was clearly made for me.
This book was an easy read for me, because I have read Beyond Redemption so I understood the terminology used for the types of powers contained in the novel, I also stumbled upon this; Beyond Redemption Wiki which helped a lot with understanding what all the German words meant. It's a stand alone novel but it is still set in the same world of Manifest Delusions, so you can read this novel without reading the authors other works. There was a few mentions of the characters from Beyond Redemption which I loved, but there was no major spoilers for the other series.
In a world where Sanity is a delusion, reality a myth. We follow our main protagonist Zerfall who has woken up in an alley with her head smashed in and no recollection of her past all she knows is that she is in danger and must get as far away from the Tauschung as possible, the Tauschung is a mad religion with its own private hell called swarm. Upon escaping the city she makes her way into the desert where she runs into a naive boy named Jateko who has accidentally killed a warrior from his tribe. Jateko has an unhealthy obsession with eating people because he believes that he will take their powers from consuming their brains.
I had one minor con and that was it took a while to get exciting and I also read a PDF version which was quite painful as I'm blind as a bat and couldn't zoom in on the words, but that couldn't be helped and I'm so grateful the author offered me the ARC. I loved the humor so much, "The priestess grunted and strained and farted and Jateko wondered what kind of horrendous diet led to such effort for a simple crap. If all the people of the civilized city-states shat like these priests, the cities would be even fouler than he thought.
It's a much lighter read then Beyond Redemption & it has made me so much more excited for The Mirrors Truth. This author is definitely a favourite and I cannot wait to read all of his fucked up shite.
Definitely a fantastic novel that all grimdark fans should read. Another highly rated book which has wormed its way straight onto my favourites shelf. This novel definitely isn't for everyone, some scenes were quite confronting and it did contain child abuse, so if your a soft teddy bear, you should stay far away from this authors work
You can find this review and my other reviews at Booksprens.
March 28, 2018
My latest journey into the land of Manifest Delusions was not alone. My fellow Geisteskranken, Orient, was brave enough to enter into this insane world by my side. It was a thrilling, sickening, and maddening ride that was made even more exciting by our discussions. Thank you for joining me, my friend! I hope you are not permanently vegetarian now. Lol!
Swarm and Steel is a stand-a-lone novel that follows the same rules as its two predecessors, belief defines reality, and in this world ruled by insanity the sky is the limit. Michael Fletcher continues to blaze his own trail in the grimdark genre. Bend the rules of reality in a truly-dark-fantasy-world, throw in a bit of horror elements, add a taste of suspense and great characterization, and you have yourself one hell of a great book. That is what Mr. Fletcher has brought to the table, and it seems to work well for most of his readers...including me.
What I enjoy most about MF's stories are their uniqueness. They are in your face gore and violence with many cringe worthy moments. But at the same time show the fragility of the characters and their struggles. No good guy is completely good, and no bad guy is without conscience. Each character in Swarm and Steeel is dealing with their own demons and self doubt. These characteristics help to define the characters, and also work to enhance their delusions.
A lot of the situations and scenes in this book are not for the faint of heart. No kidding! There are some extreme examples of cannibalism and MF spares no details in these scenes. These are not just to gross out the reader, or add more gore to an already brutal world. They actually do have meaning to the story and add an edge that I'm not sure any other author would be willing to try. At least to this extent.
OK! All vile and delusional things aside, Zerfall and Jateko's journey really is one of will and determination. The many obstacles they face, including themselves, is true to the grimdark genre, but sets itself apart by it's authenticity and boldness. To cheer for characters that would be the villains in most other stories can be a bit unorthodox. Although, if you're like me, I love to hate the villains, and sometimes the story is only as good as the villain. Our main characters here do not fit the typical mold and that has been the case with all MF books I have read so far. It is a part of what makes his writing distinct and one of the great assets in his books.
So, if you have not ventured into the world of Manifest Delusions before I would encourage you to read MF's duology, Beyond Redemption and The Mirror's Truth, first. Swarm and Steel can easily be read as a stand-a-lone, but there are some references to religions and events that you could miss if you started here. I would recommend this to anyone looking for something that breaks the mold of their normal fantasy or grimdark genres, has a strong stomach for very detailed unconventional eating habits, and out of the ordinary lead characters. I have yet to find a Michael Fletcher book I didn't like. I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next!
4 stars ****
Swarm and Steel is a stand-a-lone novel that follows the same rules as its two predecessors, belief defines reality, and in this world ruled by insanity the sky is the limit. Michael Fletcher continues to blaze his own trail in the grimdark genre. Bend the rules of reality in a truly-dark-fantasy-world, throw in a bit of horror elements, add a taste of suspense and great characterization, and you have yourself one hell of a great book. That is what Mr. Fletcher has brought to the table, and it seems to work well for most of his readers...including me.
"If a million souls believed a lie, that lie became truth, became reality."
What I enjoy most about MF's stories are their uniqueness. They are in your face gore and violence with many cringe worthy moments. But at the same time show the fragility of the characters and their struggles. No good guy is completely good, and no bad guy is without conscience. Each character in Swarm and Steeel is dealing with their own demons and self doubt. These characteristics help to define the characters, and also work to enhance their delusions.
A lot of the situations and scenes in this book are not for the faint of heart. No kidding! There are some extreme examples of cannibalism and MF spares no details in these scenes. These are not just to gross out the reader, or add more gore to an already brutal world. They actually do have meaning to the story and add an edge that I'm not sure any other author would be willing to try. At least to this extent.
OK! All vile and delusional things aside, Zerfall and Jateko's journey really is one of will and determination. The many obstacles they face, including themselves, is true to the grimdark genre, but sets itself apart by it's authenticity and boldness. To cheer for characters that would be the villains in most other stories can be a bit unorthodox. Although, if you're like me, I love to hate the villains, and sometimes the story is only as good as the villain. Our main characters here do not fit the typical mold and that has been the case with all MF books I have read so far. It is a part of what makes his writing distinct and one of the great assets in his books.
So, if you have not ventured into the world of Manifest Delusions before I would encourage you to read MF's duology, Beyond Redemption and The Mirror's Truth, first. Swarm and Steel can easily be read as a stand-a-lone, but there are some references to religions and events that you could miss if you started here. I would recommend this to anyone looking for something that breaks the mold of their normal fantasy or grimdark genres, has a strong stomach for very detailed unconventional eating habits, and out of the ordinary lead characters. I have yet to find a Michael Fletcher book I didn't like. I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next!
"Reality might seem insane, but it made sense. Which in itself seemed a nonsensical statement. But if one accepted there were rules, no matter how well hidden or clouded by perception, one could find the truth."
4 stars ****
August 26, 2017
If you haven't read the first two books of this world Beyond Redemption and The Mirror’s Truth you really should especially if you're a fan of Grimdark.
A lot of what I'm about to write is going to seem contradictory. First let's state this is flat out a 5* effort. Then we start comparing to the first two books. This is inevitable as with any series within the same world. Even one such as this where characters from the first two books are merely mentioned as references.
You can clearly see how once again MRF has grown as a writer. His words flow even better than the earlier works. The story is more complexed and that last 25% is pure cannot put this down action. About halfway through I thought there's only one way he's going to end this and not to give anything away it's not happily ever after.
Beyond Redemption and The Mirror’s Truth are on my beyond 5* shelf where only ten books reside. It's sort of like Book of the Fallen where House of Chains while great compared to everything else out there can't make the shelf because it isn't as good as books from that series which did. A victim of your own success.
I think the biggest difference is the characters. While the characters in this book were interesting they weren't Wichtig, Stehlen, Bedeckt, Konig, Morgen...those characters are simply iconic. While I cracked up during this book those characters made me laugh so hard I was sweating time and time again.
MRF made the right call in developing new characters and not trying to recreate the old ones with new names. This is a brilliant piece that can stand on it's own. It's a must read for a fan of MRF and Grimdark in general.
A lot of what I'm about to write is going to seem contradictory. First let's state this is flat out a 5* effort. Then we start comparing to the first two books. This is inevitable as with any series within the same world. Even one such as this where characters from the first two books are merely mentioned as references.
You can clearly see how once again MRF has grown as a writer. His words flow even better than the earlier works. The story is more complexed and that last 25% is pure cannot put this down action. About halfway through I thought there's only one way he's going to end this and not to give anything away it's not happily ever after.
Beyond Redemption and The Mirror’s Truth are on my beyond 5* shelf where only ten books reside. It's sort of like Book of the Fallen where House of Chains while great compared to everything else out there can't make the shelf because it isn't as good as books from that series which did. A victim of your own success.
I think the biggest difference is the characters. While the characters in this book were interesting they weren't Wichtig, Stehlen, Bedeckt, Konig, Morgen...those characters are simply iconic. While I cracked up during this book those characters made me laugh so hard I was sweating time and time again.
MRF made the right call in developing new characters and not trying to recreate the old ones with new names. This is a brilliant piece that can stand on it's own. It's a must read for a fan of MRF and Grimdark in general.
March 24, 2018
4,5💜
It isn’t delusion that defines reality, it’s belief.
A fab BR with my fellow delusional, Jody! After liking “Beyond Redemption” and absolutely loving “Mirror’s truth” I had high expectations for “Swarm and Steel”. And it didn’t let down! Being a bit different story in style, “Swarm and Steel” was written to please the hungry eyes of a reader and make cringe with disgust!
To me, “Swarm and Steel” stands somewhere between the gritty grimdark fantasy with Abercrombie’s, Erikson’s series I fell in love. After all, I was doomed to love this book from the very beginning! A duo of unlikely heroes set off on a quest to save the world from the great evil. A bit overused you’d say? Maybe, but Mr. Fletcher provides new color to the story by adding his own spices. One is the characterization. While “Swarm and Steel” lacks the in-depth analysis of any other epic series, but the inexhaustible skill and imagination of the author along with the pace and story that just suck in, I haven’t read about such an enjoyable and disgusting at the same time cast since IDK, maybe Steven Erikson’s Malazan books (if I don’t count “Beyond Redemption” and its sequel). I compare these partly because of the peculiar names, personalities and behavior.
Another reason why “Swarm and Steel” is such an enjoyable book to read is the writing. While this book is a standalone (sad but true! 🙁) and doesn’t possess the same level of flair and depth as Manifest Delusions series had, it def has the potential in it! A lot of ideas (pair of heroes, evil religion, ‘world against us’ theme) aren’t that original and the world in “Swarm and Steel” leaves some questions to be answered. I guess it was an advantage for me that I read Manifest Delusions series before as it really helped me dive into the story prepared and let me enjoy it fully. This book is mainly centered on introducing the characters, getting them together, and setting up event for the grand finale. Of course there’s more in the story than that — more of crazy delusionals, intrigues, plotting, crazy religion, cannibals and some other treats like reaching the dreams come-true, a love story, revenge, some of which work better than others, but all are entwined into a gripping, fast-paced story. I was enjoying myself so much with the characters, their witty comments and gripping adventures that if Mr. Fletcher decides to let us meet these characters once again, I’ll be most grateful!
I was amazed about the writing style in this book a lot! Some quotes for you to feast on 😉
The life:
“Stone and steel do not make one civilized, just more adept at violence.”
“Doing a stupid thing for a long time doesn’t make it smart”.
The love story, worth Romeo and Juliet 💜💜💜:
“You’ll die because of me.”
“You’re all I have.” The words escaped before he thought to stop them. Rather than stop now, he continued: “I’ll never leave you. I’ve lost everything except you and now I have more than I’ve ever had in all my life.”
“I’m a rotting corpse; ghastly, even.”
“I had noticed.
“Sorry. I already told you I loved you. Even before I ate Aas.”
“You ate ass?”
“He still doesn’t think it’s funny.”
“Am I a monster?”
“If you are. I am too,” she said.
The beautiful worldbuilding just enchanted me.
The sun opened eyes of purple and black and giggled in terror. The clouds turned red and rained salty tears of blood. The drunk, still sprawled where he’d fallen, came apart like an over-ripe melon smashed against a wall.
“Zerfall said you like to hurt women,” she said.
V*****’s knees buckled and he dropped to the street. His bones melted, soft cheese. His teeth fell out and dissolved in his mouth. The stones beneath him chewed at his flesh, eating him one mouthful at a time. He could do nothing to resist.
“Zerfall said—”
He didn’t hear the rest as his skull softened like butter left in the sun and fell in upon itself.
Poetic, isn’t it? 😍
To sum up, it was a crazy ride. If you like fantasy but are tired of the same nice books or/and want to dive into smth really different and creepy a bit, you are welcome to enjoy a healthy dose of black humor, a little over-the-top violence and Hannibal Lecter joys in “Swarm and Steel”.
“Where we come from isn’t who we are. Geldangelegenheiten doesn’t define me any more than the Basamortuan defines you. We aren’t our past.”
“If I’m not my past, what am I?”
“We are our choices. We are our friends, the people we chose to surround ourselves with. We are our actions.”
It isn’t delusion that defines reality, it’s belief.
A fab BR with my fellow delusional, Jody! After liking “Beyond Redemption” and absolutely loving “Mirror’s truth” I had high expectations for “Swarm and Steel”. And it didn’t let down! Being a bit different story in style, “Swarm and Steel” was written to please the hungry eyes of a reader and make cringe with disgust!
To me, “Swarm and Steel” stands somewhere between the gritty grimdark fantasy with Abercrombie’s, Erikson’s series I fell in love. After all, I was doomed to love this book from the very beginning! A duo of unlikely heroes set off on a quest to save the world from the great evil. A bit overused you’d say? Maybe, but Mr. Fletcher provides new color to the story by adding his own spices. One is the characterization. While “Swarm and Steel” lacks the in-depth analysis of any other epic series, but the inexhaustible skill and imagination of the author along with the pace and story that just suck in, I haven’t read about such an enjoyable and disgusting at the same time cast since IDK, maybe Steven Erikson’s Malazan books (if I don’t count “Beyond Redemption” and its sequel). I compare these partly because of the peculiar names, personalities and behavior.
Another reason why “Swarm and Steel” is such an enjoyable book to read is the writing. While this book is a standalone (sad but true! 🙁) and doesn’t possess the same level of flair and depth as Manifest Delusions series had, it def has the potential in it! A lot of ideas (pair of heroes, evil religion, ‘world against us’ theme) aren’t that original and the world in “Swarm and Steel” leaves some questions to be answered. I guess it was an advantage for me that I read Manifest Delusions series before as it really helped me dive into the story prepared and let me enjoy it fully. This book is mainly centered on introducing the characters, getting them together, and setting up event for the grand finale. Of course there’s more in the story than that — more of crazy delusionals, intrigues, plotting, crazy religion, cannibals and some other treats like reaching the dreams come-true, a love story, revenge, some of which work better than others, but all are entwined into a gripping, fast-paced story. I was enjoying myself so much with the characters, their witty comments and gripping adventures that if Mr. Fletcher decides to let us meet these characters once again, I’ll be most grateful!
I was amazed about the writing style in this book a lot! Some quotes for you to feast on 😉
The life:
“Stone and steel do not make one civilized, just more adept at violence.”
“Doing a stupid thing for a long time doesn’t make it smart”.
The love story, worth Romeo and Juliet 💜💜💜:
“You’ll die because of me.”
“You’re all I have.” The words escaped before he thought to stop them. Rather than stop now, he continued: “I’ll never leave you. I’ve lost everything except you and now I have more than I’ve ever had in all my life.”
“I’m a rotting corpse; ghastly, even.”
“I had noticed.
“Sorry. I already told you I loved you. Even before I ate Aas.”
“You ate ass?”
“He still doesn’t think it’s funny.”
“Am I a monster?”
“If you are. I am too,” she said.
The beautiful worldbuilding just enchanted me.
The sun opened eyes of purple and black and giggled in terror. The clouds turned red and rained salty tears of blood. The drunk, still sprawled where he’d fallen, came apart like an over-ripe melon smashed against a wall.
“Zerfall said you like to hurt women,” she said.
V*****’s knees buckled and he dropped to the street. His bones melted, soft cheese. His teeth fell out and dissolved in his mouth. The stones beneath him chewed at his flesh, eating him one mouthful at a time. He could do nothing to resist.
“Zerfall said—”
He didn’t hear the rest as his skull softened like butter left in the sun and fell in upon itself.
Poetic, isn’t it? 😍
To sum up, it was a crazy ride. If you like fantasy but are tired of the same nice books or/and want to dive into smth really different and creepy a bit, you are welcome to enjoy a healthy dose of black humor, a little over-the-top violence and Hannibal Lecter joys in “Swarm and Steel”.
“Where we come from isn’t who we are. Geldangelegenheiten doesn’t define me any more than the Basamortuan defines you. We aren’t our past.”
“If I’m not my past, what am I?”
“We are our choices. We are our friends, the people we chose to surround ourselves with. We are our actions.”
March 8, 2017
Fletcher's new stand-alone novel in the world of Manifest Delusions is, simply said, mind-blowing. Literally.
Zerfall, a powerful Gefahrgeist, is the leader of the Täuschung; a mad religion with its own private hell called Swarm. She had been ruling this religion for hundreds of years, up until the moment that she was struck in the head. Now she hasn't only lost her memories, but her powers as well. And when she is mortally wounded, she doesn't know that she must die. So she doesn't.
Jateko is a young, naive barbarian. He somehow got the impression that if he eats the brains and internal organs of his enemies, he will absorb their power and wisdom. So he does.
In a world where everything you believe is true, where belief shapes reality, Zerfall and Jateko will start an arduous and seemingly impossible quest that should, by all accounts, fail. But who really dares to stand in their way?
"Harea, God of the Sands, backed by the belief and worship of thousands of Basamortuan tribes, towered above him. The god bent his will against him, tried to erase him from reality, tried to undo the knot of his story, remake reality as if he had never been. But a few thousands deranged souls incapable of working in concert were nothing; he was millions. He was reality. I am Legion."
Fletcher's intricate and ingenuitive work results in a mesmerizing story that deserves to be praised. From eloquent and lucid prose to thought-provoking and humorous dialogues, from exciting action sequences to shocking plot-twists, and from compelling characters to an exceptionally developed magic system, Swarm and Steel has it all.
If you liked Beyond Redemption and loved The Mirror's Truth, then Swarm and Steel is the book you are looking for *Jedi hand gesture*. If, on the other hand, you are new to the world of Manifest Delusions, then you have nothing to be afraid of; the book is a standalone with new characters and a re-explained world/magic system.
All in all, Swarm and Steel is a book to be savored.
You can find more of my reviews over at http://BookNest.eu/
Zerfall, a powerful Gefahrgeist, is the leader of the Täuschung; a mad religion with its own private hell called Swarm. She had been ruling this religion for hundreds of years, up until the moment that she was struck in the head. Now she hasn't only lost her memories, but her powers as well. And when she is mortally wounded, she doesn't know that she must die. So she doesn't.
Jateko is a young, naive barbarian. He somehow got the impression that if he eats the brains and internal organs of his enemies, he will absorb their power and wisdom. So he does.
In a world where everything you believe is true, where belief shapes reality, Zerfall and Jateko will start an arduous and seemingly impossible quest that should, by all accounts, fail. But who really dares to stand in their way?
"Harea, God of the Sands, backed by the belief and worship of thousands of Basamortuan tribes, towered above him. The god bent his will against him, tried to erase him from reality, tried to undo the knot of his story, remake reality as if he had never been. But a few thousands deranged souls incapable of working in concert were nothing; he was millions. He was reality. I am Legion."
Fletcher's intricate and ingenuitive work results in a mesmerizing story that deserves to be praised. From eloquent and lucid prose to thought-provoking and humorous dialogues, from exciting action sequences to shocking plot-twists, and from compelling characters to an exceptionally developed magic system, Swarm and Steel has it all.
If you liked Beyond Redemption and loved The Mirror's Truth, then Swarm and Steel is the book you are looking for *Jedi hand gesture*. If, on the other hand, you are new to the world of Manifest Delusions, then you have nothing to be afraid of; the book is a standalone with new characters and a re-explained world/magic system.
All in all, Swarm and Steel is a book to be savored.
You can find more of my reviews over at http://BookNest.eu/
August 24, 2017
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2017/08/24/...
You know the saying, “That’s so crazy, it might just work?” Well, this is definitely true of Michael R. Fletcher’s latest Manifest Delusions novel. Featuring a new standalone tale, Swarm and Steel brings readers back to this world in which magic is insanity and the more deranged you are the more powerful you get. This, my lovelies, is the realm of the Geisteskranken, home to those whose delusions are made real.
The protagonist of this story is a woman named Zerfall, whose abilities are unique even in a world full of strange and uncanny Geisteskranken. Upon waking up in a dark alley, she does not remember how she got there, or anything about her past, for that matter. All she knows is that someone has sent an assassin on her trail, leading to a harrowing chase which ultimately ends in the desert with Zerfall gravely wounded and fighting for her life. But in her struggles to survive, she’s also starting to overcome her amnesia, with snippets of memories coming back slowly but surely. She remembers almost killing her sister Hölle by putting a blade through her belly, though she cannot exactly recall why she wanted to kill the other woman (and trust me when I say that finding out the answer to this question is the fun part).
Meanwhile, somewhere else in the desert, a young man named Jateko is fleeing for his life after accidentally killing another member of his own tribe. Mad from hunger and thirst after being hunted across the wastes by the victim’s vengeful kin, Jateko chances to stumble upon Zerfall, thus kicking off one of the most bizarre and eerie relationships I’ve ever come across in a fantasy novel. Teaming up, they decide to travel back to the city on a dead horse (yes, I said a dead horse) to confront Hölle, who currently oversees the Täuschung, a religious sect founded by the two sisters. Zerfall believes she must completely destroy the Täuschung in order to undermine Hölle’s power, and Jateko is all too willing to help. Completely smitten with Zerfall, he vows he will defeat and cannibalize their enemies in order to grow stronger, the better to fight by her side.
If you read that last bit and thought to yourself, “What the fuck?”…well, I don’t blame you. I have to hand it to Fletcher. His ability to come up with the most crazy and messed up scenarios never ceases to amaze me, and I genuinely mean that as a compliment! Having read his other Manifest Delusions novels, I thought I had seen it all, but somehow Fletcher always manages to raise the bar on himself and surpass it with every new book. If you’re a fan though, you probably know this already. Swarm and Steel is certainly not for the squeamish, even for readers accustomed to the grimdarkest of grimdark, but if you enjoyed Beyond Redemption and The Mirror’s Truth, then returning to this world will likely be as enjoyable for you as it was for me.
Still, since we follow a new cast of characters in this story, if you’re a newcomer to the world, there’s no need to read the other Manifest Delusions novels before jumping in—though prior experience with the setting will probably make things a little less overwhelming and disorienting, especially given the little references to the previous books you’ll find here and there. Learning about the different types of delusions and picking up the terminology will come in time though, as the narrative sets up backstories for both Zerfall and Jateko. Admittedly, the two of them are no Bedeckt, Stehlen, and Wichtig—our new protagonists don’t have quite the same amount of synergy in their dynamic as the original trio from Beyond Redemption—but their interplay was fascinating to watch all the same. Fletcher is flexing his writing muscles here, trying out new characters and developing new forms of relationships, and I also loved how this allowed for more unique circumstances and opportunities for action and dark humor. In time, I found myself gradually warming up to Zerfall and Jateko in spite of their unusual bond.
As always, Michael R. Fletcher’s talent for characterization makes his work stand out from everything else this genre has to offer, not to mention the sheer depth of his imagination—which is as formidable as it can be frightening sometimes! All this makes him one of my must-read authors, and I would enthusiastically recommend Manifest Delusions to all avid readers of grimdark or dark fantasy, with a guarantee that they’ll be like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
You know the saying, “That’s so crazy, it might just work?” Well, this is definitely true of Michael R. Fletcher’s latest Manifest Delusions novel. Featuring a new standalone tale, Swarm and Steel brings readers back to this world in which magic is insanity and the more deranged you are the more powerful you get. This, my lovelies, is the realm of the Geisteskranken, home to those whose delusions are made real.
The protagonist of this story is a woman named Zerfall, whose abilities are unique even in a world full of strange and uncanny Geisteskranken. Upon waking up in a dark alley, she does not remember how she got there, or anything about her past, for that matter. All she knows is that someone has sent an assassin on her trail, leading to a harrowing chase which ultimately ends in the desert with Zerfall gravely wounded and fighting for her life. But in her struggles to survive, she’s also starting to overcome her amnesia, with snippets of memories coming back slowly but surely. She remembers almost killing her sister Hölle by putting a blade through her belly, though she cannot exactly recall why she wanted to kill the other woman (and trust me when I say that finding out the answer to this question is the fun part).
Meanwhile, somewhere else in the desert, a young man named Jateko is fleeing for his life after accidentally killing another member of his own tribe. Mad from hunger and thirst after being hunted across the wastes by the victim’s vengeful kin, Jateko chances to stumble upon Zerfall, thus kicking off one of the most bizarre and eerie relationships I’ve ever come across in a fantasy novel. Teaming up, they decide to travel back to the city on a dead horse (yes, I said a dead horse) to confront Hölle, who currently oversees the Täuschung, a religious sect founded by the two sisters. Zerfall believes she must completely destroy the Täuschung in order to undermine Hölle’s power, and Jateko is all too willing to help. Completely smitten with Zerfall, he vows he will defeat and cannibalize their enemies in order to grow stronger, the better to fight by her side.
If you read that last bit and thought to yourself, “What the fuck?”…well, I don’t blame you. I have to hand it to Fletcher. His ability to come up with the most crazy and messed up scenarios never ceases to amaze me, and I genuinely mean that as a compliment! Having read his other Manifest Delusions novels, I thought I had seen it all, but somehow Fletcher always manages to raise the bar on himself and surpass it with every new book. If you’re a fan though, you probably know this already. Swarm and Steel is certainly not for the squeamish, even for readers accustomed to the grimdarkest of grimdark, but if you enjoyed Beyond Redemption and The Mirror’s Truth, then returning to this world will likely be as enjoyable for you as it was for me.
Still, since we follow a new cast of characters in this story, if you’re a newcomer to the world, there’s no need to read the other Manifest Delusions novels before jumping in—though prior experience with the setting will probably make things a little less overwhelming and disorienting, especially given the little references to the previous books you’ll find here and there. Learning about the different types of delusions and picking up the terminology will come in time though, as the narrative sets up backstories for both Zerfall and Jateko. Admittedly, the two of them are no Bedeckt, Stehlen, and Wichtig—our new protagonists don’t have quite the same amount of synergy in their dynamic as the original trio from Beyond Redemption—but their interplay was fascinating to watch all the same. Fletcher is flexing his writing muscles here, trying out new characters and developing new forms of relationships, and I also loved how this allowed for more unique circumstances and opportunities for action and dark humor. In time, I found myself gradually warming up to Zerfall and Jateko in spite of their unusual bond.
As always, Michael R. Fletcher’s talent for characterization makes his work stand out from everything else this genre has to offer, not to mention the sheer depth of his imagination—which is as formidable as it can be frightening sometimes! All this makes him one of my must-read authors, and I would enthusiastically recommend Manifest Delusions to all avid readers of grimdark or dark fantasy, with a guarantee that they’ll be like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
July 26, 2017
Dedicated readers of Mr Fletcher’s oeuvre may be aware that I’m something of a fan of his books. In fact, I blurbed the last two for him. Dedicated readers of my ownoeuvre may be aware that we’re friends. In fact, he kindly sent me the copy of Swarm and Steel I’m about to review. It’s with joy and relief , therefore, that I can only say:
Swarm and Steel is Mike’s best book yet. Even darker. Even madder. Even more disgusting. Even more extraordinary. Even more moving.
Actually, I kind of hate the bastard for writing it, because he pulls off things I hadn’t even dreamed about.
Mike’s got a (fully justified) reputation as the ultimate grimdark author, darker, grosser, more outrageous than pretty well anyone else. And, yes, I really wouldn’t recommend reading Swarm and Steel immediately before carving your Sunday roast. He’s … graphic about things. Sees through things to what’s actually there underneath them, all our illusions stripped away. ‘Your civilization stinks of shite’, one of the characters tells another at one point. Oh yeah. Everything does. We all do. Julia Kristieva says that we’re all dying one bowel movement at a time. Mike sees that, writes that. Literally and metaphorically, life’s just a pile of shite
That last sentence would read way better if the original quote ended ‘shit’, by the way. Damn you, Fletcher! Think about these things! I killed you off in my last short story, you know. Three times. Ha!
Ahem. Anyway.
Mike’s reputation as God of Grimdark is fully legitimate. This book cements it. Mortars it in blood. Some great fight scenes. A delicious lot of entirely gratuitous ultraviolence. Loving descriptions of wounds and pain and rot and sex.
But. It’s not just a splatter gore shock tits fest. Anyone can write one of those, and most of them are really pretty depressingly dull.
Swarm and Steel isn’t like that.
One, it’s extremely funny.
Two, it’s extremely moving.
Three, it’s very intelligent and self-aware.
Four, it’s profoundly and totally about the power of love.
I fell a bit in love with Zerfall, the High Priestess of a religion of despair. I warmed to her and hoped for her. Unlike so many characters in literature, she’s completely real. She’s got neuroses, she’s insecure, she’s totally self-confident, she’s clever and strong and sexy and messed up and desperate, desperate, desperate for people to like her. She could be that girl I admired so much at sixth form college. She’s an antihero, but she’s not a villain. She’s what happens to people when they’re alive. (She totally justifies that amazing arse.)
I fell a bit in love with Jateko, the naive tribal boy, who has … interesting things happen to him. He’s your geeky embarrassing kid brother. He’s that sweet first-year boy who had a crush on me when I was doing my MA. He’s a murderer. He’s a cannibal. I rooted so, so strongly for him. I cared so much about him.
I use the word ‘human’ a lot talking about Mike’s books. Also ‘hope’. Which seems somewhat problematic at first glance, given what goes on in them. Given they’re basically about how shite life is (that final ‘e’ is still bugging me). But the world of Manifest Delusions is a world of insanity made manifest. We see, as through a glass brightly, the insecurities and neuroses and inner torments that haunt us all. Mike’s a clever guy. A husband and a father. He knows what the world is. What we all are. And he knows that it’s only by accepting it that we can ever hope to rise above it, at least for a little while. Understand ourselves to be flawed and filthy. Understand those around us to be the same. Love them anyway. Try to make life slightly more bearable for them. He shows us the madness, how vile and fucked-up the world is. Children die. People suffer. Lovers hurt each other and abandon each other and can’t even really say why. But he also shows how how life’s not about good and evil and some simple easy thing. We’re all monsters. We’re all worth loving. We’re all human and alive and full of potential, and that’s a wonderful terrible thing.
A hopeful book. Oh yeah.
Swarm and Steel is Mike’s best book yet. Even darker. Even madder. Even more disgusting. Even more extraordinary. Even more moving.
Actually, I kind of hate the bastard for writing it, because he pulls off things I hadn’t even dreamed about.
Mike’s got a (fully justified) reputation as the ultimate grimdark author, darker, grosser, more outrageous than pretty well anyone else. And, yes, I really wouldn’t recommend reading Swarm and Steel immediately before carving your Sunday roast. He’s … graphic about things. Sees through things to what’s actually there underneath them, all our illusions stripped away. ‘Your civilization stinks of shite’, one of the characters tells another at one point. Oh yeah. Everything does. We all do. Julia Kristieva says that we’re all dying one bowel movement at a time. Mike sees that, writes that. Literally and metaphorically, life’s just a pile of shite
That last sentence would read way better if the original quote ended ‘shit’, by the way. Damn you, Fletcher! Think about these things! I killed you off in my last short story, you know. Three times. Ha!
Ahem. Anyway.
Mike’s reputation as God of Grimdark is fully legitimate. This book cements it. Mortars it in blood. Some great fight scenes. A delicious lot of entirely gratuitous ultraviolence. Loving descriptions of wounds and pain and rot and sex.
But. It’s not just a splatter gore shock tits fest. Anyone can write one of those, and most of them are really pretty depressingly dull.
Swarm and Steel isn’t like that.
One, it’s extremely funny.
Two, it’s extremely moving.
Three, it’s very intelligent and self-aware.
Four, it’s profoundly and totally about the power of love.
I fell a bit in love with Zerfall, the High Priestess of a religion of despair. I warmed to her and hoped for her. Unlike so many characters in literature, she’s completely real. She’s got neuroses, she’s insecure, she’s totally self-confident, she’s clever and strong and sexy and messed up and desperate, desperate, desperate for people to like her. She could be that girl I admired so much at sixth form college. She’s an antihero, but she’s not a villain. She’s what happens to people when they’re alive. (She totally justifies that amazing arse.)
I fell a bit in love with Jateko, the naive tribal boy, who has … interesting things happen to him. He’s your geeky embarrassing kid brother. He’s that sweet first-year boy who had a crush on me when I was doing my MA. He’s a murderer. He’s a cannibal. I rooted so, so strongly for him. I cared so much about him.
I use the word ‘human’ a lot talking about Mike’s books. Also ‘hope’. Which seems somewhat problematic at first glance, given what goes on in them. Given they’re basically about how shite life is (that final ‘e’ is still bugging me). But the world of Manifest Delusions is a world of insanity made manifest. We see, as through a glass brightly, the insecurities and neuroses and inner torments that haunt us all. Mike’s a clever guy. A husband and a father. He knows what the world is. What we all are. And he knows that it’s only by accepting it that we can ever hope to rise above it, at least for a little while. Understand ourselves to be flawed and filthy. Understand those around us to be the same. Love them anyway. Try to make life slightly more bearable for them. He shows us the madness, how vile and fucked-up the world is. Children die. People suffer. Lovers hurt each other and abandon each other and can’t even really say why. But he also shows how how life’s not about good and evil and some simple easy thing. We’re all monsters. We’re all worth loving. We’re all human and alive and full of potential, and that’s a wonderful terrible thing.
A hopeful book. Oh yeah.
July 8, 2022
A love letter to the Manifest Delusions Universe AKA The delicious howling madness of Michael Fletcher AKA I recently rediscovered Filthy Frank and have attempted a shitty amazing spoiler free concept art review
TL;DR: Ourdelusion belief defines reality.
“I rank sin as humanity's third greatest invention and delusion. There is no better means of manipulating people than guilt. Guilt I rank fourth.” - Versklaver Denker, Gefahrgeist Philosopher
I discovered Michael Fletcher's Manifest Delusions' universe, in February of last year. Something to do with the heady concoction of mental distress, an extended stay in a mental institution, and the creeping existential dawning that life wasn't going to last forever, and I didn't have forever to be happy. This cosmic mixologist mental cocktail may or may not have influenced my decision to seek out dark fiction. Aren't you glad you're reading this? Please, stop grasping at the turf and roots, this rabbit hole is just starting, and I do love the company. Hey Spotify, please shuffle my playlist titled 'FML', my guests are looking nervous!
If this is going to be your first foray into the Manifest Delusions world, keep reading this review, but don't read this book first. Just, please don't. This book has so many nods, ranging from the subtle to full on headbangin' (The 'g' was shaken off) of the previous two novels. No matter the severity of the nod, each delicious in their execution. This tome is also arguably the darkest of the grimmest dark of this universe yet. (Careful there to not cut yourself on that edge) It revels in the grimdark. Fletcher, for me, hits that perfect midpoint of cringe without traumatic. You ever read some books where it really feels like the author was typing certain scenes that go on for pages with only one hand? Yeah, none of that autofellatio bullshit here.
Can this book be enjoyed on its own? Absolutely, but please, I beg you, read the first two first! Before you dunk me in pitch and set me alight while dancing around the Nero Candle that is my corpse chanting “Death to Gatekeepers” this is purely out of love, love for this amazing world Fletcher has created. I want you to enjoy and revel in the absolutely phenomenal amazingness that is the first two novels in this universe. These previous two volumes set up the concept of this world on a remarkable foundation. Do not be put off by the faux German vocabulary Fletcher as created, either. It can seem like a lot, but just about everything explained and reminded, no need to constantly flip to the handy Glossary. Though, the dictionary of the Geisteskranken (The Delusional) is great reading at the end or beginning to give you a taste of what you are getting into and how the various madness' and psychosis' manifest themselves in this world. Regardless, however you choose to enjoy this novel (And hopefully universe), all I have to say is:
“Every time you imagine a conversation with someone where you are trying to convince them of something, know that you are talking to yourself; it's you you're trying to convince.” - Traurige Tatsache, Philosopher
Fletcher feels like he's doing a victory lap with this novel. You know how most victory laps at races are; slower speed than the race, maybe some yeehaw burn-out donuts for the NASCAR crowd? Nah, Fletcher's victory lap is his fastest time yet, careens off the track, takes out at least half his defeated competition walking around pit row, before rushing back on the track, over the fence and into the stands. Then, once the car, clogged with body parts, viscera, can move no further, Fletcher finally climbs out and surveys his victory.
Somehow Fletcher has managed to turn the Grimdark up to 11 while arguably producing the most insightful and thought-out philosophical treatise on this universe he's created. It's insane in the best ways possible how much he is able to pack into this book without it coming across preachy or high/mighty. The parallels to our own universe and existence come as hot and heavy blows to those willing to sit and think about them. Mental BDSM at its finest, I'd argue, willing, slavish participants we the reader are. For those that don't desire to participate in this practice or safe word out; this novel will still rock your socks from a pure carnage and story standpoint, no philosophical mental hand wringing necessary. Simply put, to keep rolling with our (slight) hyperbole, Fletcher:
"If everyone believed this prison were a golden paradise, then such it would be. Filth and depredation-deceit and violence-lay at the core of every human soul; reality offered irrefutable proof of this. This could be utopia and instead we make it our hell."
There are, literally, ZERO heroes in this universe thus far. This isn't a spoiler, this is just a fact of cruel life here and the quicker you come to terms with it, the faster you get to the meat of this meal. You read this sort of thing to realize how insane our existence is, how absolutely trashed our concept of civilization is. And hopefully to examine how we all have participated in the mantra “Belief/Delusion define reality”, and arguably will until the day we are shuffled or shuffle off this mortal coil. Once we come to this realization, I'd like to posit the true work can begin, using our delusions, our reality to help shape other's reality. The realization that our kind acts to those around us, strangers, family, friends, those little moments matter, those little things affect our and their reality greatly. We can use our “dark” imperfections to help those around us. Without them?
“We are all Gefahrgeist, each and every one of us. We are all manipulating and scheming, using even those we call our closest friends. We do this as easily as breathing. People treat Gefahrgeist like we're sick or diseased or deficient in some way. People treat us like we are the ones missing something. We're not. You are a lying manipulator just like me. The difference is I'm not lying about it.” - Bose Schwindler, Gefahrgeist
Put your damn soapbox away! All I'm saying is this series and universe, for those willing to get strapped to the bed letting Fletcher play with our minds for a bit, the pay-off is amazing, bruising marks and all. For me, this is where the true point of these novels lies. If the mental pain with pleasure isn't your thing? You're still going to find a helluva dark ride here, but I'd ask you to at least consider the depth Fletcher is presenting here.
TL;DR: Our
“I rank sin as humanity's third greatest invention and delusion. There is no better means of manipulating people than guilt. Guilt I rank fourth.” - Versklaver Denker, Gefahrgeist Philosopher
I discovered Michael Fletcher's Manifest Delusions' universe, in February of last year. Something to do with the heady concoction of mental distress, an extended stay in a mental institution, and the creeping existential dawning that life wasn't going to last forever, and I didn't have forever to be happy. This cosmic mixologist mental cocktail may or may not have influenced my decision to seek out dark fiction. Aren't you glad you're reading this? Please, stop grasping at the turf and roots, this rabbit hole is just starting, and I do love the company. Hey Spotify, please shuffle my playlist titled 'FML', my guests are looking nervous!
If this is going to be your first foray into the Manifest Delusions world, keep reading this review, but don't read this book first. Just, please don't. This book has so many nods, ranging from the subtle to full on headbangin' (The 'g' was shaken off) of the previous two novels. No matter the severity of the nod, each delicious in their execution. This tome is also arguably the darkest of the grimmest dark of this universe yet. (Careful there to not cut yourself on that edge) It revels in the grimdark. Fletcher, for me, hits that perfect midpoint of cringe without traumatic. You ever read some books where it really feels like the author was typing certain scenes that go on for pages with only one hand? Yeah, none of that autofellatio bullshit here.
Can this book be enjoyed on its own? Absolutely, but please, I beg you, read the first two first! Before you dunk me in pitch and set me alight while dancing around the Nero Candle that is my corpse chanting “Death to Gatekeepers” this is purely out of love, love for this amazing world Fletcher has created. I want you to enjoy and revel in the absolutely phenomenal amazingness that is the first two novels in this universe. These previous two volumes set up the concept of this world on a remarkable foundation. Do not be put off by the faux German vocabulary Fletcher as created, either. It can seem like a lot, but just about everything explained and reminded, no need to constantly flip to the handy Glossary. Though, the dictionary of the Geisteskranken (The Delusional) is great reading at the end or beginning to give you a taste of what you are getting into and how the various madness' and psychosis' manifest themselves in this world. Regardless, however you choose to enjoy this novel (And hopefully universe), all I have to say is:
“Every time you imagine a conversation with someone where you are trying to convince them of something, know that you are talking to yourself; it's you you're trying to convince.” - Traurige Tatsache, Philosopher
Fletcher feels like he's doing a victory lap with this novel. You know how most victory laps at races are; slower speed than the race, maybe some yeehaw burn-out donuts for the NASCAR crowd? Nah, Fletcher's victory lap is his fastest time yet, careens off the track, takes out at least half his defeated competition walking around pit row, before rushing back on the track, over the fence and into the stands. Then, once the car, clogged with body parts, viscera, can move no further, Fletcher finally climbs out and surveys his victory.
Somehow Fletcher has managed to turn the Grimdark up to 11 while arguably producing the most insightful and thought-out philosophical treatise on this universe he's created. It's insane in the best ways possible how much he is able to pack into this book without it coming across preachy or high/mighty. The parallels to our own universe and existence come as hot and heavy blows to those willing to sit and think about them. Mental BDSM at its finest, I'd argue, willing, slavish participants we the reader are. For those that don't desire to participate in this practice or safe word out; this novel will still rock your socks from a pure carnage and story standpoint, no philosophical mental hand wringing necessary. Simply put, to keep rolling with our (slight) hyperbole, Fletcher:
"If everyone believed this prison were a golden paradise, then such it would be. Filth and depredation-deceit and violence-lay at the core of every human soul; reality offered irrefutable proof of this. This could be utopia and instead we make it our hell."
There are, literally, ZERO heroes in this universe thus far. This isn't a spoiler, this is just a fact of cruel life here and the quicker you come to terms with it, the faster you get to the meat of this meal. You read this sort of thing to realize how insane our existence is, how absolutely trashed our concept of civilization is. And hopefully to examine how we all have participated in the mantra “Belief/Delusion define reality”, and arguably will until the day we are shuffled or shuffle off this mortal coil. Once we come to this realization, I'd like to posit the true work can begin, using our delusions, our reality to help shape other's reality. The realization that our kind acts to those around us, strangers, family, friends, those little moments matter, those little things affect our and their reality greatly. We can use our “dark” imperfections to help those around us. Without them?
“We are all Gefahrgeist, each and every one of us. We are all manipulating and scheming, using even those we call our closest friends. We do this as easily as breathing. People treat Gefahrgeist like we're sick or diseased or deficient in some way. People treat us like we are the ones missing something. We're not. You are a lying manipulator just like me. The difference is I'm not lying about it.” - Bose Schwindler, Gefahrgeist
Put your damn soapbox away! All I'm saying is this series and universe, for those willing to get strapped to the bed letting Fletcher play with our minds for a bit, the pay-off is amazing, bruising marks and all. For me, this is where the true point of these novels lies. If the mental pain with pleasure isn't your thing? You're still going to find a helluva dark ride here, but I'd ask you to at least consider the depth Fletcher is presenting here.
November 2, 2017
For real, a 5-star quality book took me this long to read? Wow. I can't blame the book though. Life and school and work and whatever else can take the blame, and that is my reality.
If I believe it, that will make it true, right?
insert doubt
Ahh well...
At any rate, this thing was awesome. Set in the same world as his Manifest Delusions series, this standalone certainly carries the same worldbuilding brilliance.
I guess the biggest question though is, how in the Swarm does Fletcher manage to tell a story that is so gross and violent and graphic and just freaking Grimdark, but still manage to keep it light??
"Light" probably isn't the right word at all, because it's so damn thought provoking and deep with philosophy. But the humor and tone keep it comfortable, and keep it from bringing the reader down.
At least, that's what I believe, so it's now my truth.
If I believe it, that will make it true, right?
insert doubt
Ahh well...
At any rate, this thing was awesome. Set in the same world as his Manifest Delusions series, this standalone certainly carries the same worldbuilding brilliance.
I guess the biggest question though is, how in the Swarm does Fletcher manage to tell a story that is so gross and violent and graphic and just freaking Grimdark, but still manage to keep it light??
"Light" probably isn't the right word at all, because it's so damn thought provoking and deep with philosophy. But the humor and tone keep it comfortable, and keep it from bringing the reader down.
At least, that's what I believe, so it's now my truth.
December 7, 2021
A very gory grimdark tale of the insanity of religion and the power of its dangerously charismatic, manipulative and narcissistic founders. At least that's my take on it. And I enjoyed every word.
The characters are amazing: a walking corpse; a weakling that transforms himself into a strapping young lad by extremely nauseating means; an assassin who broadcasts his every thought; and plenty more. And love! At the heart of all this madness there's love! How?!? But there it is. Except, is it love?
I didn't give this 5 stars because it wasn't quite as funny (in a dark and horrible way) as Beyond Redemption and The Mirror’s Truth. But I still very highly recommend it.
The characters are amazing: a walking corpse; a weakling that transforms himself into a strapping young lad by extremely nauseating means; an assassin who broadcasts his every thought; and plenty more. And love! At the heart of all this madness there's love! How?!? But there it is. Except, is it love?
I didn't give this 5 stars because it wasn't quite as funny (in a dark and horrible way) as Beyond Redemption and The Mirror’s Truth. But I still very highly recommend it.
December 4, 2018
Swarm and Steel is a twisted and weirdly beautiful love story set in a world where the delusions of the insane literally shape reality. We follow the journey of Zerfall and Jateko, two Geisteskranken - those who suffer these delusions - as they attempt to dismantle the Täuschung, a religion that wrongfully imprisons the souls of the masses in a hell named Swarm. Zerfall has created this hell through her delusions and now a fragment of her mind rules over its administration. It is her goal to stop the filth at its core. Jateko will do whatever it takes to remain by her side, even if it heaves him deeper into madness.
This tale is technically a standalone in the author’s Manifest Delusions universe, and while it isn’t necessary to read the main novels in the series in order to fully enjoy this, I highly recommend you do. Fletcher has created some of the most unique, albeit utterly disturbing, dark fantasy stories in the industry, most of which have gone straight to my favorites shelf, and this book is no exception. It’s vile. It’s hilarious. It’s emotional. It’s cringeworthy. It’s thought-provoking. It’s beautiful. There’s death (lots of it). And life (and focus on how precious it is). Lastly, the ending is perfection.
I highly recommend!
This tale is technically a standalone in the author’s Manifest Delusions universe, and while it isn’t necessary to read the main novels in the series in order to fully enjoy this, I highly recommend you do. Fletcher has created some of the most unique, albeit utterly disturbing, dark fantasy stories in the industry, most of which have gone straight to my favorites shelf, and this book is no exception. It’s vile. It’s hilarious. It’s emotional. It’s cringeworthy. It’s thought-provoking. It’s beautiful. There’s death (lots of it). And life (and focus on how precious it is). Lastly, the ending is perfection.
I highly recommend!
September 8, 2018
Fletcher his work really works for me! Its disgusting and sick and wonderful XD It helps that Ive already read 2 Manifest Delusions books to understand the world. Swarm and Steel can be read as a stand alone. But I personally think it works even better after reading Beyond Redemption and Mirror's Truth. I loved the detailed decay and how this world works on your smells and tastes UGH! XD...
Zerfall was cool and the growth of Jateko. Ohh so much gore! Aas (ass) was the most pervy disgusting creature ever! I can only say READ THIS SHIT.
Zerfall was cool and the growth of Jateko. Ohh so much gore! Aas (ass) was the most pervy disgusting creature ever! I can only say READ THIS SHIT.
March 4, 2017
A corpse and a cannibal fall in love...
I was fortunate enough to get a review copy of Mike Fletcher's new novel, Swarm and Steel, which I devoured with as much enthusiasm as one of the characters eats raw heart.
As this was my first foray into the universe of the manifest delusions, I did struggle initially to separate out the myriad different delusions characters suffered from, as well as their complicated names! I imagine if Mike ever did a reading of this he'd have a sore throat at the the end from all the pronunciation!
Maybe it was because of my lack of familiarity with the world, but I found the first third of the book a little bit slow. After that the writing really came into its own, the pace rocketed and this book raced along its insane arc to an extremely satisfying conclusion, even while it did leave me a little green around the gills at times. And I'm not easily squeamish, so that should tell you a lot.
I have no doubt this novel fits in supremely well with the other manifest delusion novels. Mike Fletcher puts the grim in grimdark.
I was fortunate enough to get a review copy of Mike Fletcher's new novel, Swarm and Steel, which I devoured with as much enthusiasm as one of the characters eats raw heart.
As this was my first foray into the universe of the manifest delusions, I did struggle initially to separate out the myriad different delusions characters suffered from, as well as their complicated names! I imagine if Mike ever did a reading of this he'd have a sore throat at the the end from all the pronunciation!
Maybe it was because of my lack of familiarity with the world, but I found the first third of the book a little bit slow. After that the writing really came into its own, the pace rocketed and this book raced along its insane arc to an extremely satisfying conclusion, even while it did leave me a little green around the gills at times. And I'm not easily squeamish, so that should tell you a lot.
I have no doubt this novel fits in supremely well with the other manifest delusion novels. Mike Fletcher puts the grim in grimdark.
August 31, 2017
This is Michael Fletcher’s 4th book – Beyond Redemption, The Mirror’s Truth, and The Ghosts of Tomorrow (which I’ve read but not yet reviewed) being the first 3 – and he keeps getting better. Over each one the narratives have gotten tighter. Less dead space. Not that there was much to begin with. This book is the finest example of that. There is nothing wasted. Not time nor scenes nor characters. Everything moves and weaves in a steady beat that picks up speed till it reaches a brutal climax that brings it all together. Characters feed into each other. Scenes feed into each other. The setting feeds the story. Everything works together so well.
For a more indepth look visit my blog post below.
http://lostinthewoods.blog/2017/08/31...
For a more indepth look visit my blog post below.
http://lostinthewoods.blog/2017/08/31...
August 23, 2017
To tell what is essentially a love story, set in a world where the insane manifest all of their numerous delusions, takes some serious writing skills. Well done, sir.
Oh, and I'm pretty sure this book has the highest body count of any book I've ever read.
Enjoy!
Oh, and I'm pretty sure this book has the highest body count of any book I've ever read.
Enjoy!
February 7, 2022
Un guerrero nómade caníbal se enamora de una sacerdotisa que se niega a aceptar que está muerta y por lo tanto se convierte en un cadaver viviente que busca venganza.
Si buscan algo Grimdark> en serio, no creo que encuentren algo más oscuro que los libros de esta serie. Son brillantes y tienen un sistema de magia enfermizo y muy original.
Fletcher deja chicos a muchos autores de fantasía oscura y mala onda. Se convirtió en uno de mis favoritos.
Si buscan algo Grimdark> en serio, no creo que encuentren algo más oscuro que los libros de esta serie. Son brillantes y tienen un sistema de magia enfermizo y muy original.
Fletcher deja chicos a muchos autores de fantasía oscura y mala onda. Se convirtió en uno de mis favoritos.
November 16, 2018
I'm really not sure what loving this book so much says about me. Swarm and Steel is by far the weirdest book I've read since...well...The Mirror's Truth.
We saw a different side of the world and more details of the magic system, but Fletcher also included a lot of frankly disgusting things in this one. I mean, the main characters are a live corpse whose body parts are decaying and falling off in the middle of the night, and a cannibal who hears the thoughts of the people he kills after he consumes their brains. And that's just to get started.
I did find myself missing the characters from the main series, but I absolutely loved this book, snot dolls in pockets and all. If you like grimdark fantasy, check out Beyond Redemption first and then make your way over to Swarm and Steel after all the adventures in the main series.
We saw a different side of the world and more details of the magic system, but Fletcher also included a lot of frankly disgusting things in this one. I mean, the main characters are a live corpse whose body parts are decaying and falling off in the middle of the night, and a cannibal who hears the thoughts of the people he kills after he consumes their brains. And that's just to get started.
I did find myself missing the characters from the main series, but I absolutely loved this book, snot dolls in pockets and all. If you like grimdark fantasy, check out Beyond Redemption first and then make your way over to Swarm and Steel after all the adventures in the main series.
October 19, 2018
Insanity made a book.
May 14, 2018
Okay...this book sets the new benchmark for grimdark. Swarm and Steel is the third book in the Manifest Delusions series, but could be considered a standalone. It shares only the world and the crazy world building with the first two (Beyond Redemption and The Mirror's Truth).
I'm terrible at recapping books, so let's just say that if you like your fantasy on the darkest side of dark, you'll like this. Also, Fletcher's a fairly talented wordsmith, meaning he can spin a pretty damned good tale. Some folks may have difficulty with the Teutonic naming conventions he uses for the various delusions, religions, manifestations, etc., but there is a decent glossary that helps a bit.
Highly recommended!
I'm terrible at recapping books, so let's just say that if you like your fantasy on the darkest side of dark, you'll like this. Also, Fletcher's a fairly talented wordsmith, meaning he can spin a pretty damned good tale. Some folks may have difficulty with the Teutonic naming conventions he uses for the various delusions, religions, manifestations, etc., but there is a decent glossary that helps a bit.
Highly recommended!
August 30, 2017
this is fletchers most human work and possibly the most disturbing piece of literature he has ever written it's a love story ran through a amp turned up to 11 while blasting hammer smashed face .I'm just going to make this short this book is awesome read it.
March 13, 2018
Two words: awesome book!
September 21, 2018
This is probably the most entertaining and batshit crazy book I've read all year.
February 2, 2019
I think this author is brilliant but I couldn’t get over the fact that it isn’t a direct continuation of the last 3 books. And it was brutal and so gross! I couldn’t continue. The world of delusions is still amazing but personally I couldn’t get into this or feel any attachment.
April 13, 2023
I’m sure this was written just so he could put a certain joke into it
September 1, 2017
Does it again
So this author has been blowing me away. Love the entire concept, though I think it takes a special brain to fully explore it. Don't know if anyone besides Fletcher could do this so well. Just kept getting better and was certainly never predictable.
And as usual the characters were awesome. Tod had me smiling regularly. Then feeling unclean about said feeling shortly thereafter. HAHAHA
GREAT book from a great author. Probably the first author and second book I'd recommend out of everything I've read. Hopefully he'll stick with this system, the mental aspect is killer
So this author has been blowing me away. Love the entire concept, though I think it takes a special brain to fully explore it. Don't know if anyone besides Fletcher could do this so well. Just kept getting better and was certainly never predictable.
And as usual the characters were awesome. Tod had me smiling regularly. Then feeling unclean about said feeling shortly thereafter. HAHAHA
GREAT book from a great author. Probably the first author and second book I'd recommend out of everything I've read. Hopefully he'll stick with this system, the mental aspect is killer
August 15, 2018
Swarm and Steel is a worthy companion to the main series of Manifest Delusions books. I would however recommend reading Beyond Redemption and Mirrors Truth first as there are several nods to them throughout Swarm and Steel. The world in these novels is something truly unique and different than 99% of fantasy reads out there and shouldn't be passed up.
May 10, 2021
Right from the start, the book is amazing at pulling you in.
You figure out the mystery of Zerfall as she does, while leaning into the darker sides of humanity. Although it is gory, it is an incredibly addictive and intriguing read.
You figure out the mystery of Zerfall as she does, while leaning into the darker sides of humanity. Although it is gory, it is an incredibly addictive and intriguing read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews