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Dyscrasia Fiction #2
Helen's Daimones
Helen’s Daimones – the gateway novella for Dyscrasia Fiction. Helen and Sharon are orphans haunted by supernatural diseases, insects, and storms. They are your tour guides in this entry-way novella into Dyscrasia Fiction which explores the choices humans and their gods make as a disease corrupts their souls, shared blood and creative energies. In Helen’s Daimones, guardian angels are among the demons chasing the girls. When all appear grotesquely inhuman, which ones should they trust to save them?
214 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2017
2 people are currently reading
1075 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Lindberg
22 books208 followersS.E. Lindberg resides near Cincinnati, Ohio working as a microscopist, employing his skills as a scientist and artist to understand the manufacturing of products analogous to medieval paints. Two decades of practicing chemistry, combined with a passion for the Sword and Sorcery genre, spurred him to write Lords of Dyscrasia, a graphic adventure fictionalizing the alchemical humors. The dark saga continues with Helen's Daimones (cover art by Daniel Landerman) and Spawn of Dyscrasia (cover art by Ken Kelly).
New to the series? Start with the novella Helen's Daimones.
He also publishes with Persied Press in their Heroes in Hell series (Pirates in Hell, Lovers in Hell) and Heroika 1: Dragon Eaters. All contributions are inspired by alchemy.
S.E. Lindberg co-moderates a Goodreads group focused on Sword & Sorcery and invites you to participate (link).
Dyscrasia Fiction on youtube
S E Lindberg Author Blog
New to the series? Start with the novella Helen's Daimones.
He also publishes with Persied Press in their Heroes in Hell series (Pirates in Hell, Lovers in Hell) and Heroika 1: Dragon Eaters. All contributions are inspired by alchemy.
S.E. Lindberg co-moderates a Goodreads group focused on Sword & Sorcery and invites you to participate (link).
Dyscrasia Fiction on youtube
S E Lindberg Author Blog
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 29, 2018
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
“The skeletal warrior stared toward the distant horizon. Constellations dazzled his undead vision. These distressed him. Every spark of light could have been a star, a sun, or god’s fire—had he been staring skyward. As it was, he stared downward at the Land’s surface. The motes were not celestial lights. They were the desperate souls of the living, roaming the wild night for a respite from immeasurable pain.”
Helen’s Daimones is another interesting instalment in the Dyscrasia Fiction franchise. It is rather different from the first book in the series, Lords of Dyscrasia, but not in a negative way. The writing has visibly improved, and adds a hauntingly beautiful touch to an already marvelously twisted world built around creatures suffering from the contagious disease of dyscrasia, which in Lindberg’s own words “corrupts their souls, shared blood, and creative energies.” There are many passages I would like to recite in this review, but I will try to focus on explaining the book’s appeal.
The world of Dyscrasia Fiction is incredibly alien to the normal human reader, even one who is initiated in the mysteries of the fantasy genre and familiar with all its wondrous and unique peculiarities. However, this is not traditional fantasy in any sense; it is perhaps most comparable to the writings of China Mieville, although it could certainly be argued that Lindberg conjures up weird concoctions beyond even a seasoned Mievillian’s imagination. This adds another layer of mystery atop the rest, but might also be offputting for some readers.
Aside from that, there are few complaints to make. Part of me wishes there was more explanation behind the characters and the current state of affairs as well as a more extensively developed lore for the setting, but it would be unfair to expect those things from a novella, especially combined with the fact that I remember very little of the first book, having read it several years ago.
Overall, this is another good instalment, and I would argue it is Lindberg’s best work to date, at least that I have read. The parts containing Lord Lysis and Doctor Grave were particularly interesting. I would recommend it, and the other Dyscrasia books, to anyone interested in dark and twisted fantasy who likes to explore very unfamiliar worlds.
“The skeletal warrior stared toward the distant horizon. Constellations dazzled his undead vision. These distressed him. Every spark of light could have been a star, a sun, or god’s fire—had he been staring skyward. As it was, he stared downward at the Land’s surface. The motes were not celestial lights. They were the desperate souls of the living, roaming the wild night for a respite from immeasurable pain.”
Helen’s Daimones is another interesting instalment in the Dyscrasia Fiction franchise. It is rather different from the first book in the series, Lords of Dyscrasia, but not in a negative way. The writing has visibly improved, and adds a hauntingly beautiful touch to an already marvelously twisted world built around creatures suffering from the contagious disease of dyscrasia, which in Lindberg’s own words “corrupts their souls, shared blood, and creative energies.” There are many passages I would like to recite in this review, but I will try to focus on explaining the book’s appeal.
The world of Dyscrasia Fiction is incredibly alien to the normal human reader, even one who is initiated in the mysteries of the fantasy genre and familiar with all its wondrous and unique peculiarities. However, this is not traditional fantasy in any sense; it is perhaps most comparable to the writings of China Mieville, although it could certainly be argued that Lindberg conjures up weird concoctions beyond even a seasoned Mievillian’s imagination. This adds another layer of mystery atop the rest, but might also be offputting for some readers.
Aside from that, there are few complaints to make. Part of me wishes there was more explanation behind the characters and the current state of affairs as well as a more extensively developed lore for the setting, but it would be unfair to expect those things from a novella, especially combined with the fact that I remember very little of the first book, having read it several years ago.
Overall, this is another good instalment, and I would argue it is Lindberg’s best work to date, at least that I have read. The parts containing Lord Lysis and Doctor Grave were particularly interesting. I would recommend it, and the other Dyscrasia books, to anyone interested in dark and twisted fantasy who likes to explore very unfamiliar worlds.
January 9, 2018
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.
Helen’s Daimones is the third book in the Dyscrasia series by S.E. Lindberg, but it actually is second chronically, following Lord of Dyscrasia and Spawn of Dyscrasia. This book (more a novella actually) serving as a sort of “gateway” work, meant to be read first by readers new to the universe, preparing them for this weird, pulp fiction tale.
The world here is weird. It was broken in the past. Sorcerous energies released that changed reality, causing corruption and disease to envelop everything, warping everything. The skeleton Lord Endenken Lysis being at the center of the new world which arose from the ashes.
As this particular tale begins, two young girls named Helen and Sharon survive a horrid disaster which kills their families. The two forced to find safety by relying on guardian spirits. Their every move dodged by demons, possessed dolls, mutated birds, and even more bizarre entities. Their struggle the engine which drives this narrative forward.
To describe this novella as creative doesn’t do it justice: Helen’s Daimones a creative masterpiece of weird ideas, ethereal creatures, and horrific themes. The narrative full of dream-like creatures and weird landscapes. All of it meshing together to become a world building extravaganza.
Scattered about this otherworldly realm are many creatures and characters. Certainly, Helen is the focus here, giving new readers very human character they can follow along behind and connect with, but everyone else (including Lord Lysis and the golem Doctor Grave) is not human and difficult to empathize with. Which was a problem for me personally, since I never felt a strong empathy for anyone I was reading about.
Helen’s Daimones has been labeled weird fiction, weird fantasy, and old school pulp fiction in the Lovecraftian mold. All these descriptions are fairly accurate. Whether this mind-expanding tale filled with horror and fantasy is a true gateway tale for Lindberg’s Dyscrasia Universe will vary from reader to reader, but it definitely is an interesting novella worth a try.
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank him for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
Helen’s Daimones is the third book in the Dyscrasia series by S.E. Lindberg, but it actually is second chronically, following Lord of Dyscrasia and Spawn of Dyscrasia. This book (more a novella actually) serving as a sort of “gateway” work, meant to be read first by readers new to the universe, preparing them for this weird, pulp fiction tale.
The world here is weird. It was broken in the past. Sorcerous energies released that changed reality, causing corruption and disease to envelop everything, warping everything. The skeleton Lord Endenken Lysis being at the center of the new world which arose from the ashes.
As this particular tale begins, two young girls named Helen and Sharon survive a horrid disaster which kills their families. The two forced to find safety by relying on guardian spirits. Their every move dodged by demons, possessed dolls, mutated birds, and even more bizarre entities. Their struggle the engine which drives this narrative forward.
To describe this novella as creative doesn’t do it justice: Helen’s Daimones a creative masterpiece of weird ideas, ethereal creatures, and horrific themes. The narrative full of dream-like creatures and weird landscapes. All of it meshing together to become a world building extravaganza.
Scattered about this otherworldly realm are many creatures and characters. Certainly, Helen is the focus here, giving new readers very human character they can follow along behind and connect with, but everyone else (including Lord Lysis and the golem Doctor Grave) is not human and difficult to empathize with. Which was a problem for me personally, since I never felt a strong empathy for anyone I was reading about.
Helen’s Daimones has been labeled weird fiction, weird fantasy, and old school pulp fiction in the Lovecraftian mold. All these descriptions are fairly accurate. Whether this mind-expanding tale filled with horror and fantasy is a true gateway tale for Lindberg’s Dyscrasia Universe will vary from reader to reader, but it definitely is an interesting novella worth a try.
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank him for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
October 24, 2020
Helen's Daimones is the third book published, but second chronological book in SE Lindberg's eerie Dyscrasia series.
This one was more accessible to the reader, less esoteric, than the first. The first book laid on an intentional layer of archaic prose to set a dark and ancient tone. Here, Lindberg seemed to be going for ease of readability. There are also more female characters herein: an insectoid queen, little girls and possessed dollies. Parts of this feel like an intensely creepy children's story.
At times I wasn't sure what was going on exactly. A little more setting wouldn't hurt. But mainly,
I think part of that is due to the otherworldliness Lindberg imbues these books with. There is a dreamy nature to the action and narrative. Not a lovely dreaminess, mind you. Perhaps it would be better described as hazy nightmare.
All in all, this is good stuff, which I think would make excellent reading for Halloween!
PS: I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator's subtle vocal tremor makes her little girl voices sound like Bjork. Take that as you will, but I love Bjork so that was a bonus.
This one was more accessible to the reader, less esoteric, than the first. The first book laid on an intentional layer of archaic prose to set a dark and ancient tone. Here, Lindberg seemed to be going for ease of readability. There are also more female characters herein: an insectoid queen, little girls and possessed dollies. Parts of this feel like an intensely creepy children's story.
At times I wasn't sure what was going on exactly. A little more setting wouldn't hurt. But mainly,
I think part of that is due to the otherworldliness Lindberg imbues these books with. There is a dreamy nature to the action and narrative. Not a lovely dreaminess, mind you. Perhaps it would be better described as hazy nightmare.
All in all, this is good stuff, which I think would make excellent reading for Halloween!
PS: I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator's subtle vocal tremor makes her little girl voices sound like Bjork. Take that as you will, but I love Bjork so that was a bonus.
June 8, 2021
A worthy sequel to a work of epic weirdness.
It’s hard to articulate what it feels like to visit the world of Dyscrasia fiction. It’s weird in the extreme but also eerily familiar. The visuals are especially striking. Here we have grotesque and apocalyptic images interwoven with visions of ethereal beauty. The constant gothic themes of decadence and fathomless antiquity serve only to enhance the reader’s sensations of awe. The world of Dyscrasia fiction also has it’s own peculiar laws, its own sorcerous rules, which possess the irresistible emotional logic of folklore and fairy tale.
There were a lot of vivid moments in this book that felt intensely cinematic and really stuck in my head. The two young heroines, Helen and Sharon, wandering through an apocalyptic wasteland, coming face to face with a hideous dyscrasia-ridden mutant building a nest of dead bodies and filth...the tragic Lady Sabina, preserved in a state of hideous and beautiful undeath, her womb a honeycomb of horrors...and of course, the vision of fiery sprites coming alive from a pyre of children’s dreams and nightmares. Lindberg’s intensely visual style creates a hallucinatory reading experience.
There are some notable differences between HELEN’S DAIMONES and LORDS OF DYSCRASIA, the first book in the series. LORDS was epic in scope, detailing the course of an apocalyptic conflict. HELEN’S has a more intimate focus, dealing with the foundation of a settlement now that the Ill Age has ostensibly ended. The two new central characters, Helen and Sharon, are sympathetic and relatable, and their simple humanity provides an excellent anchor point amongst all the weirdness of their world. My only real criticism of LORDS was that its weirdness sometimes made it alienating, but HELEN’S has the human touch throughout, and is always grounded in the emotions and needs of its protagonists. On a similar note, there also seems to be a superior balance in place between the wealth of visuals on offer and the internal realities of the characters. Because of this, HELEN’S feels more grounded and less abstract, whilst still being as relentlessly weird as the original. This feels like an impressive achievement. Structurally the book is somewhat meandering and episodic, which is by no means a bad thing. Perhaps the only downside is that HELEN’S lacks the epic, apocalyptic conclusion of its older sibling. Indeed there is no real conclusion, only the setup for the third book in the series, which I will naturally be reading very soon.
It’s hard to articulate what it feels like to visit the world of Dyscrasia fiction. It’s weird in the extreme but also eerily familiar. The visuals are especially striking. Here we have grotesque and apocalyptic images interwoven with visions of ethereal beauty. The constant gothic themes of decadence and fathomless antiquity serve only to enhance the reader’s sensations of awe. The world of Dyscrasia fiction also has it’s own peculiar laws, its own sorcerous rules, which possess the irresistible emotional logic of folklore and fairy tale.
There were a lot of vivid moments in this book that felt intensely cinematic and really stuck in my head. The two young heroines, Helen and Sharon, wandering through an apocalyptic wasteland, coming face to face with a hideous dyscrasia-ridden mutant building a nest of dead bodies and filth...the tragic Lady Sabina, preserved in a state of hideous and beautiful undeath, her womb a honeycomb of horrors...and of course, the vision of fiery sprites coming alive from a pyre of children’s dreams and nightmares. Lindberg’s intensely visual style creates a hallucinatory reading experience.
There are some notable differences between HELEN’S DAIMONES and LORDS OF DYSCRASIA, the first book in the series. LORDS was epic in scope, detailing the course of an apocalyptic conflict. HELEN’S has a more intimate focus, dealing with the foundation of a settlement now that the Ill Age has ostensibly ended. The two new central characters, Helen and Sharon, are sympathetic and relatable, and their simple humanity provides an excellent anchor point amongst all the weirdness of their world. My only real criticism of LORDS was that its weirdness sometimes made it alienating, but HELEN’S has the human touch throughout, and is always grounded in the emotions and needs of its protagonists. On a similar note, there also seems to be a superior balance in place between the wealth of visuals on offer and the internal realities of the characters. Because of this, HELEN’S feels more grounded and less abstract, whilst still being as relentlessly weird as the original. This feels like an impressive achievement. Structurally the book is somewhat meandering and episodic, which is by no means a bad thing. Perhaps the only downside is that HELEN’S lacks the epic, apocalyptic conclusion of its older sibling. Indeed there is no real conclusion, only the setup for the third book in the series, which I will naturally be reading very soon.
November 16, 2017
Helen’s Daimones, by S.E. Lindberg, IGNIS Publishing LLC, Dyscrasia Fiction ™
204 pages. Front cover art by Daniel Landerman.
This is the third book in the Dyscrasia series by Lindberg, following after Lord of Dyscrasia and Spawn of Dyscrasia. Here again we find the combination of beautiful language and powerful imagination that informed the first two books. The result is a unique fantasy vision that is both artistic and effective. The “Dsycrasia” novels are hallucinogenic, dream-like, full of wraiths and apparitions. Ideas and images pile one on top of another with an intensity that is far from common in fantasy literature. I admire the author’s ability to maintain that intensity throughout his works; his world-building never stumbles.
This volume also introduces Helen, a young girl who immediately evokes both sympathy and admiration. I liked this touch because it gives readers a very human character we could strongly root for. Most of the other characters are inventive and complex but not entirely human. They are fascinating, but not as easy for the reader to inhabit. I’m looking forward to more adventures with Helen, and at the end of “Daimones” the author hints at things to come. I know there is a fourth book in the works. I’m looking forward to it.
204 pages. Front cover art by Daniel Landerman.
This is the third book in the Dyscrasia series by Lindberg, following after Lord of Dyscrasia and Spawn of Dyscrasia. Here again we find the combination of beautiful language and powerful imagination that informed the first two books. The result is a unique fantasy vision that is both artistic and effective. The “Dsycrasia” novels are hallucinogenic, dream-like, full of wraiths and apparitions. Ideas and images pile one on top of another with an intensity that is far from common in fantasy literature. I admire the author’s ability to maintain that intensity throughout his works; his world-building never stumbles.
This volume also introduces Helen, a young girl who immediately evokes both sympathy and admiration. I liked this touch because it gives readers a very human character we could strongly root for. Most of the other characters are inventive and complex but not entirely human. They are fascinating, but not as easy for the reader to inhabit. I’m looking forward to more adventures with Helen, and at the end of “Daimones” the author hints at things to come. I know there is a fourth book in the works. I’m looking forward to it.
June 21, 2019
3.5 stars
Read
April 19, 2018No rating from me, the author. I use this as a platform to highlight the beautiful, haunting narration by Kathy Bell Denton for the Helen's Daimones audible book - LINK
(just released April 2018). Seriously, check out Kathy Bell Denton's awesome voice in the sample (click play).
Private message S E Lindberg for a complimentary review copies of the book (any format: paperback, ebook, or audio).
First come first serve Audible Promotional Codes for the entire book (no membership required), for US:
H4BPTUC4DRDKH
SXK53NLR3CKS8
HCZRRJ5KZ3823
First come first serve, Audible UK codes:
FLTPM6E8F4QAA
H5T7B6GSNPS9G
EC42R44B8BQRZ
Reviews:
Fletcher Vredenburgh from Black Gate reviews Helen's Daimones (link to 2017 review) .
"Helen is one of the stranger heroes to feature in swords & sorcery. Is she delusional, mad, gifted? I was never quite sure — she is only a little girl — but I was never able to take my eyes off her. With a cast as strange as this novel has, Helen remains the focus throughout. Even when she’s off stage, the question of what she is doing always seems to rise to the fore."
"Too much of what’s called grimdark is little more than sex and gore splashed over a standard epic fantasy story. True horror — and at its heart, Helen’s Daimones is a horror story — unsettles, disorients, and makes you feel like the world will fall out from under your feet at any moment. Lindberg’s novel does all those things."
Beauty in Ruins reviews Helen's Daimones LINK
The Dyscrasia novels by S.E. Lindberg are deep, intricate reads that harken back to the pulp days of Lovecraft, Howard, and others... Helen's Daimones is weird fantasy, weirdly told, for weird readers. As the strongest of the three stories to date, it makes for a great introduction to Lindberg's world, and creates more than enough interest for a fourth entry.
What this chapter did for me was breathe real life (no pun intended) into Lord Lysis. He becomes a sympathetic character here, especially in his encounter with a tragic young woman (buried alive so many years ago), the ghosts of her children (hung for their corruption), and their army of dolls (crazy, dangerous dolls). He's still a monster, a fearfully powerful being, but he's also a personality here. As for Doctor Grave, he was already a full-fledged character, but he becomes a little more chilling here as new layers of mystery leave us to question his deeper motives.--- Bob Milne 2017
Helen's Daimones is the GATEWAY into Dyscrasia Fiction
(just released April 2018). Seriously, check out Kathy Bell Denton's awesome voice in the sample (click play).
Private message S E Lindberg for a complimentary review copies of the book (any format: paperback, ebook, or audio).
First come first serve Audible Promotional Codes for the entire book (no membership required), for US:
H4BPTUC4DRDKH
SXK53NLR3CKS8
HCZRRJ5KZ3823
First come first serve, Audible UK codes:
FLTPM6E8F4QAA
H5T7B6GSNPS9G
EC42R44B8BQRZ
Reviews:
Fletcher Vredenburgh from Black Gate reviews Helen's Daimones (link to 2017 review) .
"Helen is one of the stranger heroes to feature in swords & sorcery. Is she delusional, mad, gifted? I was never quite sure — she is only a little girl — but I was never able to take my eyes off her. With a cast as strange as this novel has, Helen remains the focus throughout. Even when she’s off stage, the question of what she is doing always seems to rise to the fore."
"Too much of what’s called grimdark is little more than sex and gore splashed over a standard epic fantasy story. True horror — and at its heart, Helen’s Daimones is a horror story — unsettles, disorients, and makes you feel like the world will fall out from under your feet at any moment. Lindberg’s novel does all those things."
Beauty in Ruins reviews Helen's Daimones LINK
The Dyscrasia novels by S.E. Lindberg are deep, intricate reads that harken back to the pulp days of Lovecraft, Howard, and others... Helen's Daimones is weird fantasy, weirdly told, for weird readers. As the strongest of the three stories to date, it makes for a great introduction to Lindberg's world, and creates more than enough interest for a fourth entry.
What this chapter did for me was breathe real life (no pun intended) into Lord Lysis. He becomes a sympathetic character here, especially in his encounter with a tragic young woman (buried alive so many years ago), the ghosts of her children (hung for their corruption), and their army of dolls (crazy, dangerous dolls). He's still a monster, a fearfully powerful being, but he's also a personality here. As for Doctor Grave, he was already a full-fledged character, but he becomes a little more chilling here as new layers of mystery leave us to question his deeper motives.--- Bob Milne 2017
Helen's Daimones is the GATEWAY into Dyscrasia Fiction
January 17, 2018
A return to the highly accomplished world of S.E. Lindberg’s Dyscrasia fiction. This novella length addition begins hauntingly, as the story eyes two young girls. Soon their world is overcome by nefarious outside forces and their travels begin. Lindberg is phenomenally gifted at creating a distinctive universe for his characters, one of seething landscapes infused with enchantments and corruption. Especially notable is the chimeric nature of his creature creations, the like of which take the body and flesh terrain of the horror genre and meld that with the uncanny and beautiful decomposition of dark magics.
There is much grace in the grand narrative of the Dyscrasia fiction series. From what I’ve read about previous books in the series these writings are atypical for the genres that are most frequently applied to them. Pleading a certain amount of ignorance in relation to these areas of fiction I’ll accept that general conclusion until I’m in a position to state an opinion. This novella has a more ephemeral feel than the other books in the series, which had greater story weight to them. I enjoyed this difference in approach, and reading out of order with the narrative of the series as a whole was of no detriment whatsoever. The world is so strongly envisioned and vividly described that I was plunged back into the world instantly, the characters that recur from my readings of other books taking form like the wraiths populating the dreamscape of the novella itself.
Lindberg has a lightness of touch amid his darkly fantastical realm, with a playfulness on display frequently. The reanimated mix with the spectral, distressed dolls inhabit macabre scenes, and pussy cats play with spirit light. Familiar characters from the Dyscrasia series appear to add further depths of intrigue to their individual stories.
The strongest impression I’m left with is of the world built. So imaginative and immersive. It is obvious the author lives this terrific and weirdly beautiful place. I have a particular fondness for the strange magnificence and compelling power of decay, and how captivating the intermingling of flesh and flora, blood and land, can be. Whilst this aspect is the draw for me, there is an overwhelming amount of lore and mythology created for this world, more than enough to satisfy those with more traditional fantasy narrative requirements. The language is highly descriptive, which fits the tone perfectly, adding a lyrical leaning, as well as a fine rhythmic momentum to the moments of action. A very pleasing extension to the Dyscrasia fiction universe.
There is much grace in the grand narrative of the Dyscrasia fiction series. From what I’ve read about previous books in the series these writings are atypical for the genres that are most frequently applied to them. Pleading a certain amount of ignorance in relation to these areas of fiction I’ll accept that general conclusion until I’m in a position to state an opinion. This novella has a more ephemeral feel than the other books in the series, which had greater story weight to them. I enjoyed this difference in approach, and reading out of order with the narrative of the series as a whole was of no detriment whatsoever. The world is so strongly envisioned and vividly described that I was plunged back into the world instantly, the characters that recur from my readings of other books taking form like the wraiths populating the dreamscape of the novella itself.
Lindberg has a lightness of touch amid his darkly fantastical realm, with a playfulness on display frequently. The reanimated mix with the spectral, distressed dolls inhabit macabre scenes, and pussy cats play with spirit light. Familiar characters from the Dyscrasia series appear to add further depths of intrigue to their individual stories.
The strongest impression I’m left with is of the world built. So imaginative and immersive. It is obvious the author lives this terrific and weirdly beautiful place. I have a particular fondness for the strange magnificence and compelling power of decay, and how captivating the intermingling of flesh and flora, blood and land, can be. Whilst this aspect is the draw for me, there is an overwhelming amount of lore and mythology created for this world, more than enough to satisfy those with more traditional fantasy narrative requirements. The language is highly descriptive, which fits the tone perfectly, adding a lyrical leaning, as well as a fine rhythmic momentum to the moments of action. A very pleasing extension to the Dyscrasia fiction universe.
September 3, 2022
The Dyscrasia novels by S.E. Lindberg are deep, intricate reads that harken back to the pulp days of Lovecraft, Howard, and others. They are heavy with words, stories that exist as much in the telling as they do in story. These are reads that are not to be glossed over or skimmed, but carefully digested, and with your full attention. Rush through it, and you'll not only miss the details, but the nuances that define it.
The third book to be released, but the second in the series (chronologically), Helen's Daimones is actually a "gateway novella" that can be read first. There's a trippy kind of logic there, and if you can appreciate it, you'll have no problem with the read.
Lindberg's first two Dyscrasia novels were defined by their ideas, their themes, and the overall mythology. This is no different. The characters, while fascinating, tend to be a little too cold and too harsh to be easily relatable. While the focus on children this time out makes the story a little more accessible, it also makes the story an even more difficult read, especially when the ghosts of murdered children step to the forefront.
What this chapter did for me was breathe real life (no pun intended) into Lord Lysis. He becomes a sympathetic character here, especially in his encounter with a tragic young woman (buried alive so many years ago), the ghosts of her children (hung for their corruption), and their army of dolls (crazy, dangerous dolls). He's still a monster, a fearfully powerful being, but he's also a personality here. As for Doctor Grave, he was already a full-fledged character, but he becomes a little more chilling here as new layers of mystery leave us to question his deeper motives.
Helen's Daimones is weird fantasy, weirdly told, for weird readers. As the strongest of the three stories to date, it makes for a great introduction to Lindberg's world, and creates more than enough interest for a fourth entry.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
The third book to be released, but the second in the series (chronologically), Helen's Daimones is actually a "gateway novella" that can be read first. There's a trippy kind of logic there, and if you can appreciate it, you'll have no problem with the read.
Lindberg's first two Dyscrasia novels were defined by their ideas, their themes, and the overall mythology. This is no different. The characters, while fascinating, tend to be a little too cold and too harsh to be easily relatable. While the focus on children this time out makes the story a little more accessible, it also makes the story an even more difficult read, especially when the ghosts of murdered children step to the forefront.
What this chapter did for me was breathe real life (no pun intended) into Lord Lysis. He becomes a sympathetic character here, especially in his encounter with a tragic young woman (buried alive so many years ago), the ghosts of her children (hung for their corruption), and their army of dolls (crazy, dangerous dolls). He's still a monster, a fearfully powerful being, but he's also a personality here. As for Doctor Grave, he was already a full-fledged character, but he becomes a little more chilling here as new layers of mystery leave us to question his deeper motives.
Helen's Daimones is weird fantasy, weirdly told, for weird readers. As the strongest of the three stories to date, it makes for a great introduction to Lindberg's world, and creates more than enough interest for a fourth entry.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
November 5, 2017
Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a hard book to review to be honest. Depending on how much I weigh the different aspects of rating a work of art, I end up at a different rating. How good is the work? How much did I enjoy it? How much did it achieve what it set out to do?
The answers in short: very good, not as much as I hoped, I'm not completely sure.
This old school weird fiction: Lindberg makes no compromises to his vision, and while some of his roots shine through, this work and the Dyscrasia setting is wholly original. This is both a good and challenging thing. The novella is never derivative, but this makes the setting very unfamiliar. And especially since Lindberg takes his reader seriously, this requires some effort from the reader. This is no fluffy feel good escapist fantasy.
The aim of the book to be a gateway or introduction to his setting might not be a complete success. While it certainly made me curious, I also got the feeling that if the introduction to a setting already is this unfamiliar, the other books must be even harder to connect with. This could also be due to the switching between different POVs, some of which are really inhuman, and hard to emphathize with.
This leads immediately to my enjoyment of the book: the novella at times felt a bit more like a filling the backstory of two of the main characters of the series, than of a separate story that needed telling. While the worldbuilding is top notch, I've read a lot of fantasy and this world is highly original, I had a hard time connecting to the main characters. This had a direct impact on my enjoyment: I really need characters I can understand the motives and emotions of.
So, all in all, my dilemma rests on this distinction: as a piece of art, this is very good: well written and evocative. On the other hand for my tastes the characters were a bit too 'weird'. As usually my 3 star ratings are for books that are just 'okay', this book deserves a bit more.
This is a hard book to review to be honest. Depending on how much I weigh the different aspects of rating a work of art, I end up at a different rating. How good is the work? How much did I enjoy it? How much did it achieve what it set out to do?
The answers in short: very good, not as much as I hoped, I'm not completely sure.
This old school weird fiction: Lindberg makes no compromises to his vision, and while some of his roots shine through, this work and the Dyscrasia setting is wholly original. This is both a good and challenging thing. The novella is never derivative, but this makes the setting very unfamiliar. And especially since Lindberg takes his reader seriously, this requires some effort from the reader. This is no fluffy feel good escapist fantasy.
The aim of the book to be a gateway or introduction to his setting might not be a complete success. While it certainly made me curious, I also got the feeling that if the introduction to a setting already is this unfamiliar, the other books must be even harder to connect with. This could also be due to the switching between different POVs, some of which are really inhuman, and hard to emphathize with.
This leads immediately to my enjoyment of the book: the novella at times felt a bit more like a filling the backstory of two of the main characters of the series, than of a separate story that needed telling. While the worldbuilding is top notch, I've read a lot of fantasy and this world is highly original, I had a hard time connecting to the main characters. This had a direct impact on my enjoyment: I really need characters I can understand the motives and emotions of.
So, all in all, my dilemma rests on this distinction: as a piece of art, this is very good: well written and evocative. On the other hand for my tastes the characters were a bit too 'weird'. As usually my 3 star ratings are for books that are just 'okay', this book deserves a bit more.
May 7, 2023
A fusion of alchemy, necromancy and horror pulled off seamlessly. From the onset this book deviates quickly from traditional fantasy tropes, forging its own path into a world so alien that it becomes almost impossible to predict. I’m not a big fan of child protagonists that somehow against all odds shape the world, with Helen though S.E.Lindberg manages to maintain that childlike reasoning and limitations to create a much more believable character. You soon get to realise that she is not the only focus of the book but exists in parallel to other character arcs also in development. If you like weird fantasy and are tired of overdone plot lines, then this is very much the story for you and a great introduction to the series.
September 6, 2018
I'm still working on my review. I started this book a while back when I was in the hospital. And then we moved... needless to say I lost the book. I have just reread and finished it and I want the review to do the book Justice. Of course it's a great book and it gave me nightmares of course his books always do.
So I will be finishing this review in the next week or two because I'm preparing to have yet another procedure done on my back. If you have any questions about the book don't hesitate to contact me. And you won't go wrong starting with this book in the trilogy
So I will be finishing this review in the next week or two because I'm preparing to have yet another procedure done on my back. If you have any questions about the book don't hesitate to contact me. And you won't go wrong starting with this book in the trilogy
December 13, 2017
“Literally, dyscrasia means “a bad mixture of liquids” (it is not a magical land.) Historically, dyscrasia referred to any imbalance of the four medicinal humors professed by the ancient Greeks to sustain life (phlegm, blood, black & yellow bile.)” — S.E. Lindberg
“Helen’s Daimones” is a novel director Tim Burton would have a field day turning into a film. The visuals alone would be amazing, and the story quite mind-blowing. This is a wonderful novel, written with vivid imagination and boundless creativity. I’ve heard it called “Grimdark fiction” by a number of people, but it goes far beyond that, and it’s certainly better than any Grimdark stories I’ve ever read. This is not a novel of swords, sorcery, demons, and wizards. This is not your typical epic fantasy, either. Sure, “Helen’s Daimones” contains elements of dark fantasy, as well as elements of science-fiction. But this is a horror story, all the way, where the main characters, a pair of orphaned girls named Helen and Sharon, are haunted and chased by numinous diseases. Lindberg’s world is populated by ghosts, mutants and hybrids (both human and insect), magically-animated rag dolls, necrophagous wasps, fetal gargoyles, and many other bizarre lifeforms. This is not a typical horror novel about vampires, werewolves and zombies. This is something new and original. Just as HP Lovecraft created his own special brand of horror, Lindberg has conjured up a nightmare landscape that is truly unique. But Lindberg has gone far beyond the almost total narrative of a Lovecraft tale, because he populates his world with characters — with people who interact with each other, share moments of humor and drama and terror. Lindberg tells his story through the eyes and voices of his characters.
While some characters are human, like Helen, Sharon and their parents, many characters are not quite human. Take Lord Endeken Lysis, for instance: he’s the Skeletal Warrior of Chromlechon. He communicates telepathically with the golem physician, Doctor Grave, and together they plan to repair humanity. Then there’s Echo, the Gray Foundling, a human-insectoid hybrid, a puppet master who entertains the hundreds of orphans under Lysis’ protection. The beauty of Lindberg’s world is that many of the grotesques possess noble souls, reminding me of Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and “The Man Who Laughs.” This is a surreal novel, a 21st century gothic novel brought to life by Lindberg’s elegant prose and colorful descriptions. It also brought to mind Mervyn Peak’s “Gormenghast Trilogy,” and the science fiction tales of featuring Cordwainer Smith’s Underpeople and the Instrumentality of Mankind. Lindberg has a totally original voice and a most unique concept, and I give “Helen’s Daimones” five stars because of what it is, how well it worked for me, and how it greatly differs from so many other dark fantasy and horror novels.
“Helen’s Daimones” is a novel director Tim Burton would have a field day turning into a film. The visuals alone would be amazing, and the story quite mind-blowing. This is a wonderful novel, written with vivid imagination and boundless creativity. I’ve heard it called “Grimdark fiction” by a number of people, but it goes far beyond that, and it’s certainly better than any Grimdark stories I’ve ever read. This is not a novel of swords, sorcery, demons, and wizards. This is not your typical epic fantasy, either. Sure, “Helen’s Daimones” contains elements of dark fantasy, as well as elements of science-fiction. But this is a horror story, all the way, where the main characters, a pair of orphaned girls named Helen and Sharon, are haunted and chased by numinous diseases. Lindberg’s world is populated by ghosts, mutants and hybrids (both human and insect), magically-animated rag dolls, necrophagous wasps, fetal gargoyles, and many other bizarre lifeforms. This is not a typical horror novel about vampires, werewolves and zombies. This is something new and original. Just as HP Lovecraft created his own special brand of horror, Lindberg has conjured up a nightmare landscape that is truly unique. But Lindberg has gone far beyond the almost total narrative of a Lovecraft tale, because he populates his world with characters — with people who interact with each other, share moments of humor and drama and terror. Lindberg tells his story through the eyes and voices of his characters.
While some characters are human, like Helen, Sharon and their parents, many characters are not quite human. Take Lord Endeken Lysis, for instance: he’s the Skeletal Warrior of Chromlechon. He communicates telepathically with the golem physician, Doctor Grave, and together they plan to repair humanity. Then there’s Echo, the Gray Foundling, a human-insectoid hybrid, a puppet master who entertains the hundreds of orphans under Lysis’ protection. The beauty of Lindberg’s world is that many of the grotesques possess noble souls, reminding me of Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and “The Man Who Laughs.” This is a surreal novel, a 21st century gothic novel brought to life by Lindberg’s elegant prose and colorful descriptions. It also brought to mind Mervyn Peak’s “Gormenghast Trilogy,” and the science fiction tales of featuring Cordwainer Smith’s Underpeople and the Instrumentality of Mankind. Lindberg has a totally original voice and a most unique concept, and I give “Helen’s Daimones” five stars because of what it is, how well it worked for me, and how it greatly differs from so many other dark fantasy and horror novels.
October 26, 2017
Remain true to who you really are.
An idiom that rings through loud and strong in this latest Dyscrasia adventure linking “Lords of Dyscrasia” with “Spawn of Dyscrasia” – a clever idea as it helps us learn more about the roots of a new society still entrenched in the aftermath resulting from the ending of the Ill Age.
In particular, “Helen’s Daimones” grants us deeper insights into many of our main characters:
The foundling, Echo, for example. Conceived during genetic splicing of deviant mutants and man at the close of Lords of Dyscrasia, Echo was one of the monstrous issue expressing hideous combinations of avian, insectian and human traits. Here, we see him as a child struggling to balance who and what he is with peoples’ conceptions of him. As he undergoes his gradual transmutation, we are granted a peek at the being he will become.
But he is not the only one undergoing a metamorphosis, for we meet Helen and Sharon for the first time; witness their loss; join them on their journey to safety; and in particular, we see what it is that set them apart to become the heroines we meet in Spawn of Dyscrasia.
We see too the complexity of the relationship between Lord Lysis and Doctor Grave, for it is built on foundations as brittle as glass.
There’s nothing quite like this world, and to be honest, I’m hooked. Lindberg has created an unreality where contagion, magic and muses blend seamlessly together into a hauntingly miraculous realm. It’s the stuff of nightmares and daydreams brought to life and made flesh ... corrupted flesh, for the Chromlechon is now the only place where survivors can feel safe.
Adventure, suspense and mystery; depth, poignancy and meaning. Helen’s Daimones has it all, conveyed in a hypnotically evocative way that will draw you in and involve you from the very beginning.
Do yourself a favor, discover who YOU really are, by involving yourself in the world of Dyscrasia. You won’t regret it.
An idiom that rings through loud and strong in this latest Dyscrasia adventure linking “Lords of Dyscrasia” with “Spawn of Dyscrasia” – a clever idea as it helps us learn more about the roots of a new society still entrenched in the aftermath resulting from the ending of the Ill Age.
In particular, “Helen’s Daimones” grants us deeper insights into many of our main characters:
The foundling, Echo, for example. Conceived during genetic splicing of deviant mutants and man at the close of Lords of Dyscrasia, Echo was one of the monstrous issue expressing hideous combinations of avian, insectian and human traits. Here, we see him as a child struggling to balance who and what he is with peoples’ conceptions of him. As he undergoes his gradual transmutation, we are granted a peek at the being he will become.
But he is not the only one undergoing a metamorphosis, for we meet Helen and Sharon for the first time; witness their loss; join them on their journey to safety; and in particular, we see what it is that set them apart to become the heroines we meet in Spawn of Dyscrasia.
We see too the complexity of the relationship between Lord Lysis and Doctor Grave, for it is built on foundations as brittle as glass.
There’s nothing quite like this world, and to be honest, I’m hooked. Lindberg has created an unreality where contagion, magic and muses blend seamlessly together into a hauntingly miraculous realm. It’s the stuff of nightmares and daydreams brought to life and made flesh ... corrupted flesh, for the Chromlechon is now the only place where survivors can feel safe.
Adventure, suspense and mystery; depth, poignancy and meaning. Helen’s Daimones has it all, conveyed in a hypnotically evocative way that will draw you in and involve you from the very beginning.
Do yourself a favor, discover who YOU really are, by involving yourself in the world of Dyscrasia. You won’t regret it.
October 29, 2017
What a ride! "Helen's Daimones" by S.E. Lindberg, is Book 2 in the Dyscrasia Fiction. But don't let that stop you from reading it if this is your first book in the series as it remains an entertaining story. "Helen's Daimones" starts out with young Helen and Sharon enjoying themselves but are soon struck with loss and their world is turned upside down; from innocence to disaster. We learn more about the main players in the series and their motives. The world created by S.E. Lindberg is vivid and scary, pushing the boundaries between life and death. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story that makes you smile and then makes you cringe in fear. To me the writing is reminiscent of the works of H.P. Lovecraft. "Helen's Daimones" is a great addition to the Dyscrasia Fiction. Keep them coming, S.E. Lindberg.
November 28, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this book. As the first of this series to read, I found it difficult to connect with the story and with the characters. The world described in the novel is indeed a unique one. You won't find any rehashed or regurgitated fantasy here. But, that left it incredibly difficult to picture in the mind. If I were to rate this book on originality or on the art of the work, it would be a five star review. But, if I were to be honest with how much I enjoyed this book, it would be closer to a two star rating. I didn't enjoy the read. It felt like work trying to keep track of all the unique details that the book describes. I couldn't connect with the characters. They didn't feel real enough for me to form any type of attachment to them. If you are looking for originality, you won't find anything more original than this series. If you are looking for an easy read, a distraction, or something to pass the time; you might find this series to be a bit difficult to get through.
Want to read
December 21, 2018This book is really interesting and well written. The friendship between Helen & Sharon is really strong they depend on each other. Helen is very strong willed & protects those she loves when the Monster apocalypse happened. there's so much to this book it's a must read!
January 25, 2018
Promoted as a gateway to Lindberg's Dyscrasia setting, this novella is a prequel to the second novel in the series, Spawn of Dyscrasia. While this is certainly the most approachable installment, and I would go so far as to say it's an essential part of the series, it shares some of the previous books' issues.
The highlights of this volume are the same as in the other installments: the vivid description and sheer imagination on display. Though far from the first post-apocalyptic fantasy setting, the world portrayed here is a unique one, unlikely to be confused with any other. The blasted wasteland and its bizarre, mutated inhabitants are described with a loving eye to detail. The mythic atmosphere of the original Lords of Dyscrasia has also given way to a richly gothic one.
The originality of the setting remains a double-edged sword, however. Because the world and characters presented differ so much from more conventional settings, the reader is left without many recognizable touchstones. The world is mostly dead, and populated with mutants, traumatized orphans, and a handful of godlike beings, mostly living in a largely-subterranean tomb city. Sharon is the closest thing the series has seen to a regular human viewpoint character, but this story mainly focused on the less conventional visionary wild child Helen, with large stretches devoted to the (always fascinating, yet inscrutable) Lord Lysis and Doctor Grave.
Without any normal people to relate to, the reader is left slightly alienated from the setting and its inhabitants. "What do these people eat?" is a question I had for most of the book, and one that was answered in the final pages of the novella. They eat tree nuts filled with mutant insect larvae. While I've got to admit that's pretty metal as far as setting details go, it's not an experience I share, and therefore yet another thing that separates me from the people I'm reading about.
That being said, Helen's Daimones provides some much-appreciated background to Spawn of Dyscrasia, and I wish it had been available before I read that book. It definitely provides a gentle introduction and enhancement to Spawn of Dyscrasia, but because so much depends on the events of Lords of Dyscrasia it's difficult to recommend this book as a "gateway" to the series as a whole. This novella refers to those events repeatedly, acting as a welcome refresher course for people who HAVE read Lords of Dyscrasia, but if you're completely new to the series I wouldn't recommend starting here. If you don't already have a vague idea of what a "larvalwyrmen" is, this novella isn't going to educate you.
That being said, the storytelling is the clearest of any of the series installments to date. If you enjoyed Lords of Dyscrasia and appreciate Lindberg's fiercely original and sometimes opaque brand of vivid weirdness, definitely pick this up, ideally before reading Spawn of Dyscrasia.
(Disclosure: I was provided with a review copy of this book.)
The highlights of this volume are the same as in the other installments: the vivid description and sheer imagination on display. Though far from the first post-apocalyptic fantasy setting, the world portrayed here is a unique one, unlikely to be confused with any other. The blasted wasteland and its bizarre, mutated inhabitants are described with a loving eye to detail. The mythic atmosphere of the original Lords of Dyscrasia has also given way to a richly gothic one.
The originality of the setting remains a double-edged sword, however. Because the world and characters presented differ so much from more conventional settings, the reader is left without many recognizable touchstones. The world is mostly dead, and populated with mutants, traumatized orphans, and a handful of godlike beings, mostly living in a largely-subterranean tomb city. Sharon is the closest thing the series has seen to a regular human viewpoint character, but this story mainly focused on the less conventional visionary wild child Helen, with large stretches devoted to the (always fascinating, yet inscrutable) Lord Lysis and Doctor Grave.
Without any normal people to relate to, the reader is left slightly alienated from the setting and its inhabitants. "What do these people eat?" is a question I had for most of the book, and one that was answered in the final pages of the novella. They eat tree nuts filled with mutant insect larvae. While I've got to admit that's pretty metal as far as setting details go, it's not an experience I share, and therefore yet another thing that separates me from the people I'm reading about.
That being said, Helen's Daimones provides some much-appreciated background to Spawn of Dyscrasia, and I wish it had been available before I read that book. It definitely provides a gentle introduction and enhancement to Spawn of Dyscrasia, but because so much depends on the events of Lords of Dyscrasia it's difficult to recommend this book as a "gateway" to the series as a whole. This novella refers to those events repeatedly, acting as a welcome refresher course for people who HAVE read Lords of Dyscrasia, but if you're completely new to the series I wouldn't recommend starting here. If you don't already have a vague idea of what a "larvalwyrmen" is, this novella isn't going to educate you.
That being said, the storytelling is the clearest of any of the series installments to date. If you enjoyed Lords of Dyscrasia and appreciate Lindberg's fiercely original and sometimes opaque brand of vivid weirdness, definitely pick this up, ideally before reading Spawn of Dyscrasia.
(Disclosure: I was provided with a review copy of this book.)
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