Seven Spires: Whispers of the Necropolis

by J. M. Nelson

Dive into a world of madness and cosmic horror. J. M. Nelson's anthology of short stories is filled with dread and sheer terror, all revolving around a lost city known only as “The Necropolis.” This collection features sixteen tales of pure dismay, including the nightmare inducing stories "Among the Court of the Stag-King"; "In the Shadow of the Necropolis"; "The Fourth Pyramid of Giza"; and many others. The gothic horror of J. M. Nelson will be sure to keep you up at night.

Genres: Horror

299 pages, Paperback

First published October 2, 2018

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nelson's prose can be rough around the edges and his entities are rather too chatty, which can detract from their mystery and innate unknowableness. But overall this is a pretty solid work of classic cosmic horror. His narrators are outcast men haunted by war, grief, and loneliness who are inevitably doomed by encounters connected with an otherwordly Necropolis. There's some really cool imagery (I wonder if Zdzisław Beksiński was an influence) and a tone of quiet dread suffused throughout. "The Fourth Pyramid of Giza" in particular was very Nyarlathotep. Definitely check this out if you enjoy Lovecraft et al.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a review.

Tell me, do you like watching a smith hammering down on a piece of iron, till it becomes a blade? Do you like watching him sharpening it, till one can cut down a tree with it?
If so, are you interested in watching a wordsmith sharpening his voice? For this collection of short stories seems to be just that. The author certainly is full of potential, but he is still in the process of honing his skills.
He creates a cornucopia of great concepts and amazing visuals within the pages of this book. His prose still needs some trimming though. One can see how he develops between various stories, but a tendency of repetitiv sentence structure is omnipresent.
For fans of cosmic horror this collection is still worth the read, for the author already knows how to craft a compelling mythos. And unlike others, he is able to subtly weave it into his stories. The connections to the Necropolis never feel forced.
My personal highpoints are his amazing creature designs. Some of them just seem to jump from the pages, straight into one's inner eye.

If you want to support a author with a lot of potential for future growth by all means, read this book.

[Jenny Gifford stoecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weirdly entertaining

Well-written and edited. The subject matter was unique and the storytelling drew me in, in lyrical, winding pathways towards dark conclusions. I recommend this book!

[Chris Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader of dark fiction, I was surprised that I hadn't hear of this author. I was more surprised after reading this collection. Well written, each story takes the reader on a trip into madness, and reminds them of the vertigo-twisting atmospheres found in the writings of H. P. Lovecraft. A solid read!

[Christopher Pate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mildly absorbing set of lovecraftian/cosmic horror stories, but none that really grip.

[Book lover]

I liked it

A collection of moderately short stories about the necropolis. The stories were independent yet interconnected focusing on otherworldly beasts and places that plague those who dare to cross the boundaries.