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Roth-Steyr
“You never know which ideas will stick in your mind, let alone where they’ll go. Roth-Steyr began with an interest in the odd designs and names of early automatic pistols, and the decision to use one of them as a story title. What started out as an oddball short piece became a much longer and darker tale about how easily a familiar world can fall apart, how old convictions vanish or change, and why no one should want to live forever. It’s also about my obsession with history, in particular the chaotic upheavals that plagued the first half of the twentieth century and that are waking up again. Another ‘long dark night of the European soul’ feels very close today. So here’s the story of Valerie Varden. And her Roth-Steyr.”
172 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2020
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Simon Bestwick
92 books83 followersSimon Bestwick was born in Wolverhampton in 1974. He has worked in various jobs, from fast food operative through drama teacher to training administrator. His short fiction has appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, including Nasty Piece of Work, All Hallows, Darkness Rising, Extremes 5, and Beneath the Ground. He lives in Swinton, Lancashire, and when not writing can be found indulging his interests: walking, films, literature, rock, folk, and jazz music, good food, and the occasional pint.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 16, 2025
This is a really unique story about an immortal whose past is coming back to the haunt them in the most hideous way.
November 2, 2020
Told from the point of view of mortuary worker Valerie Varden, as though she is reciting the story to another, at first, unknown character, the book begins with the delivery of a body to the morgue of the Manchester hospital where Valerie works, and has done for a few years. Valerie maintains a cool, calm exterior in front of her colleague, a ballistics expert, and the detective in charge of the murder investigation despite recognising the victim on the table as her friend Erick, from a long, long time ago. As we soon discover, Valerie Varden is, in fact, Countess Valerie Elisabeth Franzsiska von Bradenstein-Vršovci, one of an elite group of soldiers from the Habsburg Empire and one of the two last heirs to the House of Bradenstein.
The appearance of Erick on her table puts her on edge, but it isn’t until the second member of her former team—not to mention her closest friend—Tibor appears on the same table that Valerie is put on high alert. She alternates between her present life and her past, her role as mortuary assistant and her life with partner, Louise (the intended recipient of Valerie’s narration), and her time served in the military of the former Austrian Empire and her preparation for “walking the gate”. Her narration is both entertaining and moving, and just a little educational. We are given a brief history lesson about the state of affairs in the Empire in its death throes, before Europe was plunged into the bloody conflict of the First World War.
While the story mainly takes place in present day England, the narrative is interspersed with brief yet effective flashbacks to Valerie’s childhood with her brother, Ulrich, in the early 1900s, and their military training for a special mission. They are among fifteen “volunteers” chosen to walk through the mysterious and creepy Sindelar Gate, something which, should they survive, will be grant them immortality and incredible healing powers. The only thing that can kill them and, indeed, their enemies, the Black Eagles of the Crownlands, is a special type of ammunition, fired into their head. The popular weapon of choice (and Valerie’s preferred weapon) is the Roth-Steyr pistol.
There are reasons why Valerie is in Manchester and not hunting down the few remaining Black Eagles, none of which we will go into in any great detail. But Bestwick’s exploration of his heroine’s complicated past and conflicted feelings about duty and love is brilliant. From the first mention of her brother and what happened on that frozen lake when they were children, we are immediately invested in their relationship, such intriguing characters they make. Valerie’s reminisces of her former comrades, especially Tibor, are also very touching. The recollections of past battles and confrontations with the Black Eagles, especially the scene in a war-torn Berlin, are very well done. And the scene at the Gate, complete with sinister doctor Sindelar and his dark and mysterious “assistants” adds just a hint of cosmic horror.
But the truly strong elements of the novella are the deep and interesting characters Bestwick has created, and Valerie’s relationships with each of them. We see the complex and confrontational bond she shares with her brother who is dutiful to the core, putting his loyalty to the cause above absolutely everything else. As we can see from the narrative structure of the novella, while Valerie is the main character, she is telling her story to the woman she loves. True, her hand has been forced by current events and she has kept it hidden from Louise for the time they have been together. But, after more than a century of life, with many brief romances along the way, she has finally settled down with someone with whom she is willing to be honest about the whole thing, to tell her everything and accept the consequences, whatever they may be. It makes for a beautiful relationship, and a heart-wrenching finale.
The basic premise of the novella (a group of immortal warriors on a mission) is reminiscent of that recent Netflix original movie, The Old Guard. What Bestwick’s novella has over that so-so movie is superior writing and much more interesting characters. This novella is ripe for a big screen adaptation (Charlize Theron would be fantastic as Valerie, or perhaps Noomi Rapace; we aren’t picky), not to mention more stories set in this particular world. We would certainly love to read more about any of the other survivors of the gate, or the story of the gate’s origin, if Bestwick is that way inclined. The combination of exciting premise and a strong cast of characters—especially our heroine—makes for an exciting, well-paced and thoroughly fantastic read.
The appearance of Erick on her table puts her on edge, but it isn’t until the second member of her former team—not to mention her closest friend—Tibor appears on the same table that Valerie is put on high alert. She alternates between her present life and her past, her role as mortuary assistant and her life with partner, Louise (the intended recipient of Valerie’s narration), and her time served in the military of the former Austrian Empire and her preparation for “walking the gate”. Her narration is both entertaining and moving, and just a little educational. We are given a brief history lesson about the state of affairs in the Empire in its death throes, before Europe was plunged into the bloody conflict of the First World War.
While the story mainly takes place in present day England, the narrative is interspersed with brief yet effective flashbacks to Valerie’s childhood with her brother, Ulrich, in the early 1900s, and their military training for a special mission. They are among fifteen “volunteers” chosen to walk through the mysterious and creepy Sindelar Gate, something which, should they survive, will be grant them immortality and incredible healing powers. The only thing that can kill them and, indeed, their enemies, the Black Eagles of the Crownlands, is a special type of ammunition, fired into their head. The popular weapon of choice (and Valerie’s preferred weapon) is the Roth-Steyr pistol.
There are reasons why Valerie is in Manchester and not hunting down the few remaining Black Eagles, none of which we will go into in any great detail. But Bestwick’s exploration of his heroine’s complicated past and conflicted feelings about duty and love is brilliant. From the first mention of her brother and what happened on that frozen lake when they were children, we are immediately invested in their relationship, such intriguing characters they make. Valerie’s reminisces of her former comrades, especially Tibor, are also very touching. The recollections of past battles and confrontations with the Black Eagles, especially the scene in a war-torn Berlin, are very well done. And the scene at the Gate, complete with sinister doctor Sindelar and his dark and mysterious “assistants” adds just a hint of cosmic horror.
But the truly strong elements of the novella are the deep and interesting characters Bestwick has created, and Valerie’s relationships with each of them. We see the complex and confrontational bond she shares with her brother who is dutiful to the core, putting his loyalty to the cause above absolutely everything else. As we can see from the narrative structure of the novella, while Valerie is the main character, she is telling her story to the woman she loves. True, her hand has been forced by current events and she has kept it hidden from Louise for the time they have been together. But, after more than a century of life, with many brief romances along the way, she has finally settled down with someone with whom she is willing to be honest about the whole thing, to tell her everything and accept the consequences, whatever they may be. It makes for a beautiful relationship, and a heart-wrenching finale.
The basic premise of the novella (a group of immortal warriors on a mission) is reminiscent of that recent Netflix original movie, The Old Guard. What Bestwick’s novella has over that so-so movie is superior writing and much more interesting characters. This novella is ripe for a big screen adaptation (Charlize Theron would be fantastic as Valerie, or perhaps Noomi Rapace; we aren’t picky), not to mention more stories set in this particular world. We would certainly love to read more about any of the other survivors of the gate, or the story of the gate’s origin, if Bestwick is that way inclined. The combination of exciting premise and a strong cast of characters—especially our heroine—makes for an exciting, well-paced and thoroughly fantastic read.
March 2, 2021
I love Simon Bestwick's stories. not only are they suspenseful, absorbing and entertaining but he always manages to find the unusual storyline, the quirky characters and he keeps the pace pitch perfect. With Roth-Steyr he happens to have hit on one of my favourite areas of history - the twilight of the Hapsburg Empire - and my favourite city - Vienna. His research is spot-on. The tragic story of Crown Prince Rudolf and his mistress Mary (or Maria) Vetsera is referenced here, and makes for a fascinating twist. The Roth-Steyr in question is a type of early automatic pistol. His main character - Valerie Varden - is far from your average mortuary assistant. As the story unfolds, we find out just how different she is and how menacing her background.
Roth-Steyr - at a little over 160 pages - is a quick and compulsive read with elements of supernatural horror intertwined with personal tragedy. Highly recommended for fans, not just of horror, but of storytelling at its best. In my opinion, Simon Bestwick is one of our most underrated authors and deserves much wider recognition
Roth-Steyr - at a little over 160 pages - is a quick and compulsive read with elements of supernatural horror intertwined with personal tragedy. Highly recommended for fans, not just of horror, but of storytelling at its best. In my opinion, Simon Bestwick is one of our most underrated authors and deserves much wider recognition
November 19, 2020
A compelling supernatural thriller of an immortal finding her past is threading her future. Great character voice and use of the past to explore where we are now
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
December 16, 2020
Had no idea what to expect from this novella, there’s no synopsis as such on the back cover, and was simply blown away. Go in as cold as you can and just let the story grab you by the balls. Hoping the author explores this story world in future projects.
February 17, 2021
An elegantly written novella, with a perfectly blended mix of fact and fantasy. The story concerns a group of immortals, forged in the bitterest of wars and the prices paid for their gift. It achieves that rare balance of providing a satisfying story and yet leaves the reader wanting more.
March 13, 2022
Great book
Really loved this short novel by Simon Bestwick! It has wonderful characters, very nice believable plot intertwined with a well researched historical framework, and a confessional voice that I wept for. The highest recommendation!
Really loved this short novel by Simon Bestwick! It has wonderful characters, very nice believable plot intertwined with a well researched historical framework, and a confessional voice that I wept for. The highest recommendation!
June 28, 2021
Another amazing novella from Mr Bestwick. Thoroughly enjoyable
March 16, 2025
A full review will be on the website soon.
This is a great, original story about an immortal woman who suddenly needs to outrun her past. Great imagination and ideas.
This is a great, original story about an immortal woman who suddenly needs to outrun her past. Great imagination and ideas.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews