What do you think?
Rate this book
The Yellow Sign
FBI Agent Erica Blaine has suffered more than most. After narrowly escaping being at the center of a cult sacrifice she’d been tasked with infiltrating, Erica has spent the last few months hitting the bottle, trying to avoid dealing with the trauma of what she experienced and those she couldn’t save. Her ruined hands, always gloved, are an unavoidable reminder of her pain and anguish.
As is the voice that won’t allow her a moment of peace.
But when her old Army buddy goes missing under suspicious circumstances, Erica is pulled back into the Lovecraftian world of cult infiltration. The Yellow College welcomes her with open arms, but as her sanity crumbles beneath the weight of hallucinations, old traumas, and lost memories, how can she expect to save her friend when she can barely tell what’s real and what isn’t?
Have you seen the shores of Carcosa?
As is the voice that won’t allow her a moment of peace.
But when her old Army buddy goes missing under suspicious circumstances, Erica is pulled back into the Lovecraftian world of cult infiltration. The Yellow College welcomes her with open arms, but as her sanity crumbles beneath the weight of hallucinations, old traumas, and lost memories, how can she expect to save her friend when she can barely tell what’s real and what isn’t?
Have you seen the shores of Carcosa?
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2022
25 people are currently reading
4596 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 17, 2022
Have you seen the shores of Carcosa?
Erica Blaine is on leave from the FBI after wrapping up a traumatic case. She’s forced to go to therapy, where she refuses to say anything. But halfway through her leave, she receives a call from the office. An old friend of hers has gone missing, and it might be related to some possible cult activity. Blaine goes undercover once more, hoping to recover her friend and discover exactly what is going on at The Yellow College.
This was a solid read. I started off having a difficult time connecting to Blaine as a character but grew to like her over the course of the work. She was abrasive and felt unlikeable, but as the story goes on, more information concerning her background is revealed, which made her more relatable and enjoyable. The plot was straightforward, and the pacing was smooth, which made for an easy, enjoyable read.
The author did an excellent job with the atmosphere of the story. There was some intense and interesting buildup coupled with creepy, off-putting characters that made for an eerie read. I also enjoyed the incorporation of the theme of overcoming one’s personal demons, whether that meant fighting them off or embracing something worse – spooky stuff!
There were several instances of highly detailed gore/graphic violence that added to the atmosphere of the work, though I personally didn’t enjoy those parts. I did enjoy the Lovecraftian nature of the horror and how it was revealed more as the work went on. I also enjoyed the few shorter chapters that were titled “Dream” between the primary plot, as they gave the reader more insight into Blaine and her past. It was an excellent way to cover events that occurred before the book without relying on flashbacks.
Overall, I enjoyed this work and recommend it to readers who enjoy Lovecraft, occult horror, and unsettling occurrences.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Erica Blaine is on leave from the FBI after wrapping up a traumatic case. She’s forced to go to therapy, where she refuses to say anything. But halfway through her leave, she receives a call from the office. An old friend of hers has gone missing, and it might be related to some possible cult activity. Blaine goes undercover once more, hoping to recover her friend and discover exactly what is going on at The Yellow College.
This was a solid read. I started off having a difficult time connecting to Blaine as a character but grew to like her over the course of the work. She was abrasive and felt unlikeable, but as the story goes on, more information concerning her background is revealed, which made her more relatable and enjoyable. The plot was straightforward, and the pacing was smooth, which made for an easy, enjoyable read.
The author did an excellent job with the atmosphere of the story. There was some intense and interesting buildup coupled with creepy, off-putting characters that made for an eerie read. I also enjoyed the incorporation of the theme of overcoming one’s personal demons, whether that meant fighting them off or embracing something worse – spooky stuff!
There were several instances of highly detailed gore/graphic violence that added to the atmosphere of the work, though I personally didn’t enjoy those parts. I did enjoy the Lovecraftian nature of the horror and how it was revealed more as the work went on. I also enjoyed the few shorter chapters that were titled “Dream” between the primary plot, as they gave the reader more insight into Blaine and her past. It was an excellent way to cover events that occurred before the book without relying on flashbacks.
Overall, I enjoyed this work and recommend it to readers who enjoy Lovecraft, occult horror, and unsettling occurrences.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2024
I had so much fun reading this. I freaking love Blaine (and yes, I refuse to call her Erica.)
Read
April 19, 2022Quite a while since I read Robert W. Chambers' Weird Fiction THE KING IN YELLOW, but I remember vividly how absolutely terrifying was its tenor. Every moment of that came back to me in spades as I read James Hodge's THE YELLOW SIGN. From the mind-exploding reader's hook right on through the story, I was chilled, thrilled, terrified. THE YELLOW SIGN is so perfectly an extension and expansion of Chamber's classic tale that it stands on it's own as a modern Weird Fiction classic. Well-accomplished!
Caution: Read at your own risk, less the King chooses you for his own.
Caution: Read at your own risk, less the King chooses you for his own.
April 14, 2022
I would like to thank James Hodge and BookSirens, who allowed me to read this advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. An FBI agent, Erica Blaine, has been investigating and infiltrating cults in Maine. She has a few issues – a former injury to her hands and vodka. She has been assigned to infiltrate a cult on Mt. Desert Island and learns more about them than she really wants to know. I got some real creeps out of this story. Blaine’s hand injuries were pretty severe and hard to read about. The story was well written, but when I finished it, I felt rather let down. I don’t know if that was because I didn’t care for the ending or perhaps the ending was too sudden for me. I didn't get it and actually had to look up the definition of the god's name. The best things I can say about this story is that I liked Blaine’s character, it didn’t take too long to read, and I didn’t have to pay for it.
May 22, 2022
Um livro que nos envolve numa aura misteriosa e paranormal.
O autor conduz-nos a um culto, onde a protagonista está infiltrada. Blaine sofreu um trauma grave após um caso muito complicado. E não é uma narradora muito confiável.
Chegamos a duvidar de tudo o que ela diz, do que ela sente e do que ela vê.
Uma leitura rápida, envolvente mas em que senti que faltou algo. Esperava mais no fim.
Se és fã do género de horror, este é para ti!
!! Foi-me cedida uma cópia avançada deste livro em troca de uma opinião honesta. e uma opinião honesta.
O autor conduz-nos a um culto, onde a protagonista está infiltrada. Blaine sofreu um trauma grave após um caso muito complicado. E não é uma narradora muito confiável.
Chegamos a duvidar de tudo o que ela diz, do que ela sente e do que ela vê.
Uma leitura rápida, envolvente mas em que senti que faltou algo. Esperava mais no fim.
Se és fã do género de horror, este é para ti!
!! Foi-me cedida uma cópia avançada deste livro em troca de uma opinião honesta. e uma opinião honesta.
July 2, 2023
This was good fun without being stunningly original. But it was a page-turner and has inspired me to dig out some more King in Yellow stuff to put on my infinitely long tbr list. One minor irritation - at the very beginning of the book is Chambers' famous mini-poem "Cassilda's Song"; despite there only being 16 lines of average length 4 words, Kindle or whoever managed to fit in 4 extremely obvious typos (missing prepositions, "Nyades" instead of Hyades ...) Not an auspicious start to the book! Or perhaps there was an outside influence at work?
June 29, 2022
I was offered this book as an advance review copy for free via BookSirens but my opinions are my own.
The Yellow Sign is an eerie thriller including themes of cults and the supernatural. It does contain some graphic gory details so probably not for the squeamish! It is my version of a "holiday read" in that overall it is an easy read. There is a fair amount of profanity (the f-word is liberally sprinkled throughout) so again if that isn't your cup of tea then you possibly won't enjoy it.
There were some minor points that I found confusing (which may have been tweaked by publication) and that is the use of italics. In general, from the outset the wording in italics suggests an inner voice of the protagonist and yet there are occasions when it is used in a regular paragraph. Yes, once you get used to it, the reader can pick out the difference from the line breaks but I was left wondering whether there would have been a clearer way of writing this? For instance I am not sure that the italics in paragraphs were necessary (other than titles etc) as it felt a little akin to exclamation marks. Similarly there was a brief reference to mathematics "One plus one equals two, two pi is a circle…" I do have a mathematical background so I'm assuming that the author is referring to the fact that there are two pi radians in a circle but here in the UK I am not sure that many people would be aware of radians as a measure of angle and so it isn't as obvious as 1+1=2. Again, a minor point but little things tend to jolt me out of the narrative.
I'm starting to feel as though I am constantly banging a disability advocacy drum at the moment but yet again I've picked up a book that contains a character who has "something wrong with his voice. It was exceedingly harsh and guttural" and just in case you didn't pick up on this, a few paragraphs later the narrator confirms it for us "There was definitely something wrong with his voice. It reminded her of those throat cancer patients who needed a microphone to talk. Just without the microphone." This character is introduced as a threatening presence and I cannot say how many times disability is linked with a negative or scary character. For me, it makes me instantly want to roll my eyes at tired tropes. As a person who is experiencing vocal difficulties, the phrase "something wrong with his voice" is irritating. I know from experience that members of the public do have a tendency to say things like "what's wrong with you?" and it would be nice to get to the point where difference is acceptable and not seen as a flaw.
The Yellow Sign is an eerie thriller including themes of cults and the supernatural. It does contain some graphic gory details so probably not for the squeamish! It is my version of a "holiday read" in that overall it is an easy read. There is a fair amount of profanity (the f-word is liberally sprinkled throughout) so again if that isn't your cup of tea then you possibly won't enjoy it.
There were some minor points that I found confusing (which may have been tweaked by publication) and that is the use of italics. In general, from the outset the wording in italics suggests an inner voice of the protagonist and yet there are occasions when it is used in a regular paragraph. Yes, once you get used to it, the reader can pick out the difference from the line breaks but I was left wondering whether there would have been a clearer way of writing this? For instance I am not sure that the italics in paragraphs were necessary (other than titles etc) as it felt a little akin to exclamation marks. Similarly there was a brief reference to mathematics "One plus one equals two, two pi is a circle…" I do have a mathematical background so I'm assuming that the author is referring to the fact that there are two pi radians in a circle but here in the UK I am not sure that many people would be aware of radians as a measure of angle and so it isn't as obvious as 1+1=2. Again, a minor point but little things tend to jolt me out of the narrative.
I'm starting to feel as though I am constantly banging a disability advocacy drum at the moment but yet again I've picked up a book that contains a character who has "something wrong with his voice. It was exceedingly harsh and guttural" and just in case you didn't pick up on this, a few paragraphs later the narrator confirms it for us "There was definitely something wrong with his voice. It reminded her of those throat cancer patients who needed a microphone to talk. Just without the microphone." This character is introduced as a threatening presence and I cannot say how many times disability is linked with a negative or scary character. For me, it makes me instantly want to roll my eyes at tired tropes. As a person who is experiencing vocal difficulties, the phrase "something wrong with his voice" is irritating. I know from experience that members of the public do have a tendency to say things like "what's wrong with you?" and it would be nice to get to the point where difference is acceptable and not seen as a flaw.
May 6, 2022
After what FBI Agent Erica Blaine has gone through, you’d think she deserves a long and restful vacation. After fruitless therapy sessions, copious amounts of booze, and her gloves that cover her scars, it’s only logical to give her all the time in the world to recover. But when her old army buddy, Dr. Feinstein, goes missing without an explanation, she packs up the flask and goes undercover to uncover the secrets of The Yellow College, where Feinstein was last seen. Thus begins The Yellow Sign, a novel of occult and cosmic horror by James Hodge.
The Yellow Sign has a straightforward plot that allows the readers to follow the character’s actions without keeping track of an assortment of subplots. As a plot-focused novel, the narration marches on at a smooth pace. Blaine, as a character, is easily a relatable hero with just enough personality for readers to root for.
Readers will immediately be immersed in the horror of this novel, making it hard to put down. The reader is constantly reminded of a traumatic event in Erica Blaine’s past, but we are never given more than a subtle glance. I feel that the theme of overcoming personal demons through facing actual monsters is a horror trope that is acutely utilized in this novel. However, genre veterans will love how Hodge brings the situations to life with his graphic details and impressive worldbuilding.
The Yellow Sign promises a dark descent into the depraved world of a mysterious cult, and it delivers. You’ll find yourself zipping through the pages, wanting to get to the flesh and bone of things. This all begins in the prologue, with the deliciously pulpy encounter between Dr. Feinstein and Alice. There also seems to be a charming encounter with her henchmen, the humorously named Thin and Thick.
The Yellow Sign is a good place for readers new to cosmic and occult horror to start reading and get a feel for the genre. The charismatic characters and the strong plot will give readers a great novel to segue into darker occult fiction.
The Yellow Sign has a straightforward plot that allows the readers to follow the character’s actions without keeping track of an assortment of subplots. As a plot-focused novel, the narration marches on at a smooth pace. Blaine, as a character, is easily a relatable hero with just enough personality for readers to root for.
Readers will immediately be immersed in the horror of this novel, making it hard to put down. The reader is constantly reminded of a traumatic event in Erica Blaine’s past, but we are never given more than a subtle glance. I feel that the theme of overcoming personal demons through facing actual monsters is a horror trope that is acutely utilized in this novel. However, genre veterans will love how Hodge brings the situations to life with his graphic details and impressive worldbuilding.
The Yellow Sign promises a dark descent into the depraved world of a mysterious cult, and it delivers. You’ll find yourself zipping through the pages, wanting to get to the flesh and bone of things. This all begins in the prologue, with the deliciously pulpy encounter between Dr. Feinstein and Alice. There also seems to be a charming encounter with her henchmen, the humorously named Thin and Thick.
The Yellow Sign is a good place for readers new to cosmic and occult horror to start reading and get a feel for the genre. The charismatic characters and the strong plot will give readers a great novel to segue into darker occult fiction.
May 10, 2022
I cannot even begin to explain why, but I had the absolute most fun reading this. No joke, I was smiling the entire time. Is it the snarky, disembodied voice following around the main character? Is it the constant references to the King in Yellow--I mean, what would you expect from a book called The Yellow Sign--that filled my heart with joy? This is a love letter to that world Robert Chambers created, and my god I felt that love. Sure, several "twists" were obvious the very second certain situations were introduced, but still I reveled in knowing what they were going to be ahead of time and laughing in malicious glee when the truths were revealed.
It's short, easy to read, main character(s) are easy to like, great setting (cult compound in the woods = high tier ooky-spooky), and really an overall blast. Highly recommended--with a small caveat: you probably should read The King in Yellow by Robert Chambers first, or at least the more relevant stories in that collection.
(Small note: I might write a more detailed/thoughtful review later, but I just finished reading this and am filled with the joy of it ending in exactly the best way possible. Right now, I don't feel like analyzing narrative, I feel like dressing up in yellow robes, knocking on my neighbors' doors, and asking if they've seen the yellow sign.)
In conclusion:
10/10, Would visit the shores of Carcosa again.
It's short, easy to read, main character(s) are easy to like, great setting (cult compound in the woods = high tier ooky-spooky), and really an overall blast. Highly recommended--with a small caveat: you probably should read The King in Yellow by Robert Chambers first, or at least the more relevant stories in that collection.
(Small note: I might write a more detailed/thoughtful review later, but I just finished reading this and am filled with the joy of it ending in exactly the best way possible. Right now, I don't feel like analyzing narrative, I feel like dressing up in yellow robes, knocking on my neighbors' doors, and asking if they've seen the yellow sign.)
In conclusion:
10/10, Would visit the shores of Carcosa again.
August 24, 2025
This was a DNF for me and I wouldn’t usually review something I didn’t finish, but there were specific reasons why this one just wasn’t for me and I couldn’t get through it.
I read the original King in Yellow (Chambers) in which the play of the same name is a mysterious thing that we only get to see tiny snippets of. That’s what creates the intrigue and the horror, as well as seeing the effects on the people who have read the play. The original stories left me wondering what I would do in a universe where that play existed - would I ever be tempted to read it?
The Yellow Sign takes away all that wondering. The King in Yellow is right there, being discussed in free-to-join critical literature classes on a campus. Carcosa gets name-dropped regularly and forms part of cult greetings/mantras. I was waiting for it to get creepy after some characters delved deeper into the play, but instead it just jumped straight to violence, against a backdrop of what felt more like college drama than a cult.
The writing isn’t bad, although there were some things that felt unrealistic and forced for the sake of the plot. As a standalone story it would be fine but for me it just didn’t gel with the original King in Yellow lore or tone.
I read the original King in Yellow (Chambers) in which the play of the same name is a mysterious thing that we only get to see tiny snippets of. That’s what creates the intrigue and the horror, as well as seeing the effects on the people who have read the play. The original stories left me wondering what I would do in a universe where that play existed - would I ever be tempted to read it?
The Yellow Sign takes away all that wondering. The King in Yellow is right there, being discussed in free-to-join critical literature classes on a campus. Carcosa gets name-dropped regularly and forms part of cult greetings/mantras. I was waiting for it to get creepy after some characters delved deeper into the play, but instead it just jumped straight to violence, against a backdrop of what felt more like college drama than a cult.
The writing isn’t bad, although there were some things that felt unrealistic and forced for the sake of the plot. As a standalone story it would be fine but for me it just didn’t gel with the original King in Yellow lore or tone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Where do I start? There are so many elements of this novel that made it a fantastic read. From the moment I started reading this book it was like I was reading an bestselling author I already loved.
The characters are really well rounded and the main character is both extremely believable and likeable, even in moments or circumstances that call the characters morality into question.
The setting is written in such a way that it sinks you into the environment. With the perfect blend of description to see the gnarly vividly.
The story itself is so unlike anything I've read before and the mysteries shrouding it kept me turning the page. I genuinely enjoyed reading this.
I also don't want to give anything away but the ending was so chillingly creative.
If you're a fan of slight horror but like an action packed page turner that reminds you of a crime novel, this book is for you.
Will be keeping an eye on this author in the future.
Where do I start? There are so many elements of this novel that made it a fantastic read. From the moment I started reading this book it was like I was reading an bestselling author I already loved.
The characters are really well rounded and the main character is both extremely believable and likeable, even in moments or circumstances that call the characters morality into question.
The setting is written in such a way that it sinks you into the environment. With the perfect blend of description to see the gnarly vividly.
The story itself is so unlike anything I've read before and the mysteries shrouding it kept me turning the page. I genuinely enjoyed reading this.
I also don't want to give anything away but the ending was so chillingly creative.
If you're a fan of slight horror but like an action packed page turner that reminds you of a crime novel, this book is for you.
Will be keeping an eye on this author in the future.
July 2, 2022
The Yellow Sign by James Hodge is a gripping, thrilling, terrifying tale of occult horror. FBI Agent Erica Blaine is again at the crossroads of sanity and survival. After narrowly escaping being at the center of occult sacrifice, she has no choice left but to dive back in the terrors of unfathomable after her old army friend goes missing under suspicious circumstances. Her ruin hands, hallucinations, old traumas, and lost memories are yet to crumble her last strands of sanity. A journey of what's reality and what's not, Erical balances her sanity to save her friend.
Expect to be enchanted and experience a sense of unpredictability which is presented for the readers. The author unzips a dark world of unique array of spooky. I was undone scrapping for more, pealing the various layers as I progressed to the end. The end is a world of its own. A must read for its enjoyable journey of well-rounded combination of crime and occult terror.
Expect to be enchanted and experience a sense of unpredictability which is presented for the readers. The author unzips a dark world of unique array of spooky. I was undone scrapping for more, pealing the various layers as I progressed to the end. The end is a world of its own. A must read for its enjoyable journey of well-rounded combination of crime and occult terror.
July 1, 2022
An absorbing novel
When it comes to action-packed and challenging stories, I dare say that this one is an example of it. "The yellow sign" is an absorbing novel written by James Hodge.
Erica, an FBI agent, is struggling with alcohol and with her life due to some shocking experiences that she has lived. But life gives her a reason for leaving behind her vices and strives to find a friend who is missing. At this moment, the suspense and action begin.
What an interesting story! The moment I started reading, I couldn't put it down. It's a tightly-plotted story with a complex and multi-layered protagonist who does anything to maintain her common sense to save her friend. With lots of turns and twists, this novel has succeeded my expectations. I enjoyed it and I recommend it without a doubt.
When it comes to action-packed and challenging stories, I dare say that this one is an example of it. "The yellow sign" is an absorbing novel written by James Hodge.
Erica, an FBI agent, is struggling with alcohol and with her life due to some shocking experiences that she has lived. But life gives her a reason for leaving behind her vices and strives to find a friend who is missing. At this moment, the suspense and action begin.
What an interesting story! The moment I started reading, I couldn't put it down. It's a tightly-plotted story with a complex and multi-layered protagonist who does anything to maintain her common sense to save her friend. With lots of turns and twists, this novel has succeeded my expectations. I enjoyed it and I recommend it without a doubt.
June 30, 2022
The Yellow Sign by James Hodge is a deep horror story. Beyond the suspense and mind-bending thriller that is well brought off by the author, this novel perfectly deals with the mixed feelings of the FBI Agent Erica Blaine, who tries to keep her sanity while infiltrating once again in a cult. This deep and comprehensive approach to the characters' feelings is not usual in the genre. However, here all characters are well-developed.
The book is exciting, gripping, and action-packed, and surely readers would not stop reading it. Its captivating and thrilling plot will keep them on their toes the entire time. So, I recommend it to everyone who likes the occult theme and also the thriller and horror genres.
The book is exciting, gripping, and action-packed, and surely readers would not stop reading it. Its captivating and thrilling plot will keep them on their toes the entire time. So, I recommend it to everyone who likes the occult theme and also the thriller and horror genres.
March 29, 2022
Got this from BookSirens but the review is my own.
Erica is an FBI agent who has suffered some devastating trauma as a deep undercover operative.
She is still trying to cope and is having many therapy sessions in her future. However her boss wants to pull her out to look into yet another case concerning a missing professor and a possible cult that is located at what is called The Yellow College
But is this a typical cult or is she seeing things that should not be? Will she even stay sane enough to report back to her boss?
This was a very enjoyable tale based on the King in Yellow mythos. Very unique and highly recommended!!!
Erica is an FBI agent who has suffered some devastating trauma as a deep undercover operative.
She is still trying to cope and is having many therapy sessions in her future. However her boss wants to pull her out to look into yet another case concerning a missing professor and a possible cult that is located at what is called The Yellow College
But is this a typical cult or is she seeing things that should not be? Will she even stay sane enough to report back to her boss?
This was a very enjoyable tale based on the King in Yellow mythos. Very unique and highly recommended!!!
July 1, 2022
The Yellow Sign by James Hodge is an occult thriller based off of The King in Yellow by Robert Chamber. The King in Yellow is a series of short stories, one of which shares the title, The Yellow Sign. In those stories, anyone who sees a certain play, The King in Yellow, starts acting strangely. The collection together forms a story of a play that induces insanity.
James Hodge’s novel follows FBI agent Erica Blaine as she struggles with PTSD and alcoholism. After a professor who happens to be a friend goes missing, she falls down a cult rabbit hole. Hodge perfects the idea of not being able to trust your own mind and utilizing elements of psychological horror.
James Hodge’s novel follows FBI agent Erica Blaine as she struggles with PTSD and alcoholism. After a professor who happens to be a friend goes missing, she falls down a cult rabbit hole. Hodge perfects the idea of not being able to trust your own mind and utilizing elements of psychological horror.
July 2, 2022
The Yellow Sign reminded me of my years at secondary school when my literature teacher made us read books like this full of horror, the occult, dark elements and fantasy.
I absolutely love this book, the mystery surrounding the event and the people involved are fabulous, the author totally nails that uneasy setting and feeling that something is not right but you just don’t know what that could be.
Entertaining and with nonstop action, this book is a thrilling occult horror with wonderfully descriptive scenes that can appeal to all kinds of readers; it is well-written and engaging since a lot of clever details bring the story to life. Worth the read!
I absolutely love this book, the mystery surrounding the event and the people involved are fabulous, the author totally nails that uneasy setting and feeling that something is not right but you just don’t know what that could be.
Entertaining and with nonstop action, this book is a thrilling occult horror with wonderfully descriptive scenes that can appeal to all kinds of readers; it is well-written and engaging since a lot of clever details bring the story to life. Worth the read!
July 2, 2022
The basis of this story is about an FBI agent who could miraculously escape from a cult but with uncountable psychological consequences. When she strongly believed that all her pain and everything she had to face was in the past, an incident occurred and her world is again reeling. Will she be able to face her ghosts?
The author made me feel panic every time that Erica, the main protagonist, was in danger. This happened to me due to the amazing and real descriptions and good writing style.
This is a perfect book for readers who like action, intrigue, adrenaline and mystery. Endearing characters, a great mystery and creepy people sum up this engaging piece. 5 stars!
The author made me feel panic every time that Erica, the main protagonist, was in danger. This happened to me due to the amazing and real descriptions and good writing style.
This is a perfect book for readers who like action, intrigue, adrenaline and mystery. Endearing characters, a great mystery and creepy people sum up this engaging piece. 5 stars!
July 3, 2022
The Yellow Sign is a police thriller written by James Hodge. It follows the story of Erica Blaine, an FBI agent who suffered a tragedy so terrible that she keeps reliving it, one of those experiences that marks you for life. On the edge of becoming an alcoholic, Erica is trying to deal with it, but she is back in business because an old friend disappears mysteriously. Now, she needs to go back and infiltrate in a cult to save her friend, but is she mentally ready to survive this new adventure?
This particular gender is very interesting to me, mostly because I'm sure they exist! The story is intriguing and the characters well developed, I loved it!
This particular gender is very interesting to me, mostly because I'm sure they exist! The story is intriguing and the characters well developed, I loved it!
June 2, 2022
Creepy!
This a lovecraftian tale based on Robert Chamber's King in Yellow. If the title didn't clue in already, take note. It's very well done and definitely creepy. Like much of Lovecraft's work, there is a sense of inevitability and hopelessness that makes up much of the canon. I would recommend this to book to those with familiarity with canon, as they would get the most out of it. Newcomers may be put off by the gore (of which there's no small amount) but if Lovecraft were writing today, he might very well write in this vein.
This a lovecraftian tale based on Robert Chamber's King in Yellow. If the title didn't clue in already, take note. It's very well done and definitely creepy. Like much of Lovecraft's work, there is a sense of inevitability and hopelessness that makes up much of the canon. I would recommend this to book to those with familiarity with canon, as they would get the most out of it. Newcomers may be put off by the gore (of which there's no small amount) but if Lovecraft were writing today, he might very well write in this vein.
March 17, 2023
Seriously weird
This is one of the strangest stories I have ever read. On one level it is a simple story of a federal agent infiltrating a cannibalistic death cult and trying to spoil their plans. On another level it is the tale of predetermined arrival of the death God called the Yellow King. It is also a bunch of stuff in between. I read it while stone cold sober and I wasn't all that impressed. Maybe it would have seemed better if I had been stoned. Can't really say one way or another.
This is one of the strangest stories I have ever read. On one level it is a simple story of a federal agent infiltrating a cannibalistic death cult and trying to spoil their plans. On another level it is the tale of predetermined arrival of the death God called the Yellow King. It is also a bunch of stuff in between. I read it while stone cold sober and I wasn't all that impressed. Maybe it would have seemed better if I had been stoned. Can't really say one way or another.
April 7, 2022
**I received this ARC from Book Sirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.**
This was not for me. The blurbs on the book make it sound amazing, but I felt that the actual book fell short. First, there are a lot of editing errors. Second, it was too easy for me to figure out where it was going. Third, it was all just a bit disjointed and circular for me.
This is a decent idea for a story. It just wasn't for me.
This was not for me. The blurbs on the book make it sound amazing, but I felt that the actual book fell short. First, there are a lot of editing errors. Second, it was too easy for me to figure out where it was going. Third, it was all just a bit disjointed and circular for me.
This is a decent idea for a story. It just wasn't for me.
July 12, 2022
What a twist end
FBI investigator Erica Blaine takes up a case of mysterious disappearances and death. What she comes across as something bigger than she could have ever imagined. A cannabalistic, satanic cult is responsible and they have their sights on bigger targets.
The ending was put of left field and as such it made this book that much more exciting. I truly loved the book and hope yo see more of the author.
FBI investigator Erica Blaine takes up a case of mysterious disappearances and death. What she comes across as something bigger than she could have ever imagined. A cannabalistic, satanic cult is responsible and they have their sights on bigger targets.
The ending was put of left field and as such it made this book that much more exciting. I truly loved the book and hope yo see more of the author.
June 22, 2023
"Strange is the night where black stars rise,
And strange moons circle through the skies,
But stranger still is
Lost Carcosa."
Inspired by Robert W. Chambers' 1895 book of short stories "The King in Yellow." This was an exciting and creepy read with an ending that surprised me. Recommended for fans of Lovecraft, Chambers, Bierce and Poe.
And strange moons circle through the skies,
But stranger still is
Lost Carcosa."
Inspired by Robert W. Chambers' 1895 book of short stories "The King in Yellow." This was an exciting and creepy read with an ending that surprised me. Recommended for fans of Lovecraft, Chambers, Bierce and Poe.
June 7, 2022
An entertaining, fanciful venture into the supernatural. Requires a serious suspension of disbelief to follow the story line fully. But it is entertaining and insightful into what reactions a person might have to being "chosen" as a vessel for the incarnation of the deity.
March 28, 2022
Great book!!
This book was a perfect combination of crime mixed with occult horror! Can't wait to read what the author writes next!
This book was a perfect combination of crime mixed with occult horror! Can't wait to read what the author writes next!
May 31, 2022
I really enjoyed this! Extremely well written.
December 9, 2025
I like the first 4. after that, it's just difficult to read.
April 23, 2025
The Yellow Sign is one of the standout entries in the King in Yellow mythos. I really connected with the main character, Blaine—smart, grounded, and easy to root for. But around the 75% mark, a shift happens as more of her past is revealed, and it genuinely made me rethink everything I thought I knew about her. It caught me off guard in the best way.
What I appreciated most was how James Hodge resisted the urge to constantly remind the reader that this was a King in Yellow story. Unlike many stories in the mythos where authors lean too hard on keywords and lore (to the point it pulls me out of the narrative), this one lets the horror and weirdness creep in naturally. The connection to KIY is there, but it doesn’t shout at you—it haunts you quietly, which makes it all the more effective.
Highly recommended if you like psychological horror with a slow build and characters that stay with you after the final page.
What I appreciated most was how James Hodge resisted the urge to constantly remind the reader that this was a King in Yellow story. Unlike many stories in the mythos where authors lean too hard on keywords and lore (to the point it pulls me out of the narrative), this one lets the horror and weirdness creep in naturally. The connection to KIY is there, but it doesn’t shout at you—it haunts you quietly, which makes it all the more effective.
Highly recommended if you like psychological horror with a slow build and characters that stay with you after the final page.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews