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The Dismembered
Group Reads: Guest Author Invite
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January 2023 Group Read with Guest Author, Jonathan Janz
Robin wrote: "Starting this today - I'm a huge fan of all things Gothic so I'm super excited to be reading this! And the cover looks amazing :)(Also it's my new year's resolution to participate more in read al..."
Thank you for joining us, Robin!
Monica wrote: "About the animal scene, I'm someone that would never give up a book just because of that. I read mostly horror and of course, there will be violence and such, and an evil character (unfortunately?)..."That is so great to hear, Monica. Thank you!!!
I started this book and couldn’t put it down.
Ashley wrote: "I started this book and couldn’t put it down."That makes me beyond happy, Ashley. Thank you!
Ok, I'm just now starting. :) I hope I can join in the discussions soon!
Ami wrote: "Ok, I'm just now starting. :) I hope I can join in the discussions soon!"Fantastic. Thank you, Ami!
Michael wrote: "Subconscious Seasoning is the new spice! Grab a bottle from your local mind grocer. Jonathan: All kidding aside, I mean that as a compliment. That's a great asset for a writer. Wish my subconsciou..."
Thank you!
Chris wrote: "A very fun quick read! I found myself squirming (in a good way) towards the end.I read this book in two short sittings and it reminded me of the classic '70s Hammer horror films such as 'Hands of..."
Thank you, Chris! I need to check out Hands of the Ripper!
Do any of you have any recs for Chris? I've got some but others might have other ideas.
Heather wrote: "Hi all! I've been a lurker here since Oct (I think) but finally ready to jump in with you all for this months reading! Are there any specific rules, reading paces, etc. that I should adhere to? Th..."
Hello, Heather! No rules that I know of--just happy to have you here!
I finished up yesterday - read the last 3/4 of it in one sitting. Very fun read, Jonathan, and very enjoyable. Love the Gothic elements, and the storyline was a lot of fun. Thanks for joining along for the buddy read as well!
Ginger wrote: "I just finished this one last night. I loved this one Jonathan!Don't click on the spoiler until you are done..."
It was this part that kicked me into the non-stop reading mode! Was caught off guard by that moment - which was great.
Terry wrote: "Ginger wrote: "I just finished this one last night. I loved this one Jonathan!Don't click on the spoiler until you are done..."
It was this part that kicked me into the non-stop reading mode! Wa..."
I love this so much, Terry and Ginger! For me, that’s THE pivotal scene, and I worked very hard to make it as concise as possible without losing the tension. There’s so much happening there, so many speaking parts and subplots…and one thing I’m extremely happy about is the way the audiobook narrator nailed all of it. That had to be such a challenge for him!
Jonathan wrote: "Terry wrote: "Ginger wrote: "I just finished this one last night. I loved this one Jonathan!Don't click on the spoiler until you are done..."
It was this part that kicked me into the non-stop re..."
It was very well executed! I mean the written part as I didn't listen to the audio...
Terry wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "Terry wrote: "Ginger wrote: "I just finished this one last night. I loved this one Jonathan!Don't click on the spoiler until you are done..."
It was this part that kicked me int..."
Thank you!!!
Jonathan wrote: "I love this so much, Terry and Ginger! For me, that’s THE pivotal scene, and I worked very hard to make it as concise as possible without losing the tension. There’s so much happening there, so many speaking parts and subplots…and one thing I’m extremely happy about is the way the audiobook narrator nailed all of it. That had to be such a challenge for him!..."I can see why you wanted to get this right Jonathan. It's the scene that does change EVERYTHING with the plot. hahaha
Ginger wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "I love this so much, Terry and Ginger! For me, that’s THE pivotal scene, and I worked very hard to make it as concise as possible without losing the tension. There’s so much happen..."That means a lot, Ginger. Thank you!
Hey everybody! I'm starting this tonight! Can't wait to read what you all think about it!
Ok, real quick, I'm only 2 chapters in but I'm going to love this book. I haven't read anything in this Gothic writing style in ages and I had forgotten how much I love it! It feels so comforting to read dialogue like this.
Sally wrote: "Ok, real quick, I'm only 2 chapters in but I'm going to love this book. I haven't read anything in this Gothic writing style in ages and I had forgotten how much I love it! It feels so comforting t..."As you continue, for me the real beauty was that it was gothic, of course, but still very much a book written for us today. There are no ridiculous vapors or complete damsel in distress motifs except when they are an actual part of the plot. Janz writes the women in a way I loved!
@Krystal I'm so happy about the lack of distressed damsels! That's my least favorite thing about books written in the 1800 or 1900's, weak females fainting all over the place like goats.
Sally wrote: "Ok, real quick, I'm only 2 chapters in but I'm going to love this book. I haven't read anything in this Gothic writing style in ages and I had forgotten how much I love it! It feels so comforting t..."Oh wow, I love that adjective--"comforting." I feel the same way when I reread my favorites from the past. I felt that way while reading DRACULA last night. The conversations between Dracula and Jonathan Parker...sure, there's bad stuff afoot, but the language itself is comforting.
Kandice wrote: "Sally wrote: "Ok, real quick, I'm only 2 chapters in but I'm going to love this book. I haven't read anything in this Gothic writing style in ages and I had forgotten how much I love it! It feels s..."That is so wonderful to hear, Kandice. Weak female characters are frustrating for me too, and it's so good to hear your thoughts on the women in this story. I don't want to give anything away (though I might have already said it in another post), but there's a specific woman in the tale I just love. Thank you again!
Sally wrote: "@Krystal I'm so happy about the lack of distressed damsels! That's my least favorite thing about books written in the 1800 or 1900's, weak females fainting all over the place like goats."HAHAHAHA! "Fainting all over the place like goats"--Classic!!!!
The cover sucked me in like finding a bad ass album I have never heard of at a record store. Just got my copy in the mail. This will be my first read along. Diving into this with the next storm we get.
J wrote: "The cover sucked me in like finding a bad ass album I have never heard of at a record store. Just got my copy in the mail. This will be my first read along. Diving into this with the next storm we ..."Isn't that cover amazing? I'm so happy you joined us, J!
Finished & reviewed & loved it!I must admit that in the beginning I was hesitant to read a seemingly pure gothic story, which usually is not my first choice in horror. But the title and the summary suggested there might be more to it than meets the eye. And it surely did!
For me the animal scene was the most uncomfortable that made my stomach a little queasy, but after that I had a great time with all the twists and turns (and admittedly, also with the amount of blood and gore).
The women turned out to be full of surprises: (view spoiler) What an amazing showdown!
Thanks to Jonathan and the HA team for setting up this group read, which was a perfect start into the new year!
I absolutely ADORED Lizzie, and in the end, I think she was my favorite character. I didn't like her at first, but my feelings completely changed by the end. I love when that happens. So now the question remains to be asked-which character was your favorite, Jonathan?
Elke wrote: "Finished & reviewed & loved it!I must admit that in the beginning I was hesitant to read a seemingly pure gothic story, which usually is not my first choice in horror. But the title and the summar..."
These thoughts were awesome, Elke. I can't thank you enough. I like the mention of Violet in your thoughts, as she's a character who surprised me a couple of times (in a good way). THANK YOU!
Char wrote: "I absolutely ADORED Lizzie, and in the end, I think she was my favorite character. I didn't like her at first, but my feelings completely changed by the end. I love when that happens. So now the ..."
I'm pumping my fists! Thank you so much, Char!
Favorite characters...it changes by the day, but I do have to say that Lizzie is right there at the top. I felt like this story is as much about her as it is about Arthur. And of course I'm fond of Arthur too.
If we're talking about characters I'm proud of writing? I think Dunning is a pretty cool creation. Obviously, he's a monster, but I think he's a dimensional monster and one with some redeeming (or at least engaging) traits.
I read the first chapter at bedtime last night. The writing style, choice of words and sentence construction all evoke that gothic atmosphere. What a contrast from the only other Jantz book I have read, NIGHTMARE GIRL. Well done.I can't wait until the classic gothic elements begin to be introduced.
I'll definitely get back to this one today.
Lizzie was absolutely my favorite character, partly because I didn't care for her when she was first introduced, but Janz wins me over as we go along. I would almost argue that this is HER story as much as Arthur's despite her not being introduced until we are already immersed in the tale. As I said above, I love that Janz turns the traditional gothic damsel in distress trope into some kick ass women able to take care of themselves! Lizzie is an absolute badass from the minute we meet her, but Violet really comes into her own once she is betrayed and realizes she must take care of herself and those she loves.
The ending is just perfect!
Read the dismembered yesterday and loved it. Jonathan you are a fantastic talent
Finished yesterday, loved every second (view spoiler) Lizzie was chosen as my book girlfriend for this one, because obviously. Jonathan, please write more books in this style! You nailed it and I want more! 5 stars!
I want more too. If not about Dunning and his background, another gothic story altogether.
Char wrote: "I want more too. If not about Dunning and his background, another gothic story altogether."Exactly! It can be about whatever, I just really enjoyed the way the prose and dialogue was perfect for the style, but had modern elements that made it easier to read.
Arthur and Lizzie could start a consulting business and go about the English country side looking into claims of the supernatural and debunking (most of) them! I would totally buy that series!!!!
Michael wrote: "I read the first chapter at bedtime last night. The writing style, choice of words and sentence construction all evoke that gothic atmosphere. What a contrast from the only other Jantz book I have ..."Thank you so much, Michael! Yes, this one is worlds apart from The Nightmare Girl in style. That one is very much a "Joe Lansdale-ian" suspense style, while this one is firmly in the Gothic tradition. I'm so glad it's working for you!
Kandice wrote: "Lizzie was absolutely my favorite character, partly because I didn't care for her when she was first introduced, but Janz wins me over as we go along. I would almost argue that this is HER story as..."That makes me so happy to hear! I was surprised at Violet's arc. Honestly, at first she didn't seem very dimensional to me, but by the end I think she's something much more. Thank you!
I just finished Part One. Love the introduction of the characters, a real quirky bunch (and fun to follow).While I'm familiar with the general tropes of gothic fiction I haven't read that much. But I suspect it doesn't contain highly detailed activities like those witnessed outside of Arthur's window at Altarbrook. Whew, that was rough. I believe that scene is Jonathan Jantz putting his personal stamp on the gothic genre. And here, I thought I'd have to wait for Count Dunning's activities to see the Jantz touch. Thanks!
Not all of these attempts to pull off this style work but I really enjoyed the "bloody gothic" feel. See you at Authorcon!
Michael wrote: "I just finished Part One. Love the introduction of the characters, a real quirky bunch (and fun to follow).While I'm familiar with the general tropes of gothic fiction I haven't read that much. Bu..."
Yes, that scene, among other things, is a signal to the audience that this isn't going to be as staid and buttoned-down as most Gothics. I was disturbed while writing it and am still disturbed reading it.
Ctgt wrote: "Not all of these attempts to pull off this style work but I really enjoyed the "bloody gothic" feel. See you at Authorcon!"
Thank you so much! And Authorcon will be a blast!
Kandice wrote: "Arthur and Lizzie could start a consulting business and go about the English country side looking into claims of the supernatural and debunking (most of) them! I would totally buy that series!!!!"I would buy that in a hot second!
Kandice wrote: "Arthur and Lizzie could start a consulting business and go about the English country side looking into claims of the supernatural and debunking (most of) them! I would totally buy that series!!!!"That, my friend, is a very attractive possibility. It would be a blast to write!
Sally wrote: "Finished yesterday, loved every second [spoilers removed] Lizzie was chosen as my book girlfriend for this one, because obviously. Jonathan, please write more books in this style! You nailed it a..."
Thank you so much, Sally! I loved your review and appreciate that! I have an idea for the next one, so it's a distinct possibility...
Char wrote: "I want more too. If not about Dunning and his background, another gothic story altogether."I keep meaning to message you about this. I have a title and a vague idea...but it's in the earliest possible creative stage.
Char wrote: "Yeah? Please do! :)"Okay, messaged you on Twitter. :-)
From the cover, to the writing style, and the perfect amount of gore… I’m in love.This is a gothic horror masterpiece.
It covers all the bases and is my favourite genre.
I would consider some of the aspects of this book familiar. A few elements we have seen before, but the refreshing and creative interpretations on these is what make it’s so amazing! There are some well thought out twists and full circle moments in this story that I really appreciate.
As a relatively short story it packs a huge punch!
To compare it to pop culture I would say it’s Crimson Peak meets Frankenstein mixed with a bit of Dracula.
I’m so glad I received this in my subscription box from Little Ghosts Books.
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Jonathan: All kidding aside, I mean that as a compliment. That's a great asset for a writer. Wish my subconscious would lend a little help from time to time.