Book Reviews

Book Blurb

During the 17th century, the Holy Church trained and employed Slayers to eliminate preternaturals. They were often provided with an intermediary who served as a combination of servant and sparring partner.

Slayer Alessandro and his lover, José, have devoted over two decades to the cause. During that time, Alessandro has learned that most non-humans just want to be left alone to live in peace -- something he dreams of himself.

When a preternatural threat arises close to home, something previously unheard of, Alessandro decides this mission will be his last.

Unfortunately for Alessandro, someone else has the same idea.

 

 

First edition published by Torquere Press, February 2013. 

Second edition published by Fireborn Publishing, February 2016.

Third edition published at MLR Press, April 2019.

Book Review

This book about the origins of the Demonica Universe goes back into an alternate version of the seventeenth century to tell the story of Alessandro, a slayer hired by the church to eliminate preternatural threats, and his secret lover, apothecary Jose. They live in one of the Italian city states of the time, have to hide their love for each other, and are both pretty skilled at what they do. Alessandro is ready to retire, but with an unprecedented threat to his hometown, a corrupt bishop who has no intention of letting him go, and some very strange goings-on in the local church, Alessandro is not likely to find peace and quiet anytime soon.

The threat that has the bishop call Alessandro back home is not anything he has come across before, there are too many hints that more is going on than is apparent, and Alessandro becomes suspicious. Alessandro is experienced enough to figure out that there is more to the situation than meets the eye, and he is ready to deal with whatever comes his way.

Jose does his best to support his lover, but when the threat becomes too much for him to deal with, he needs help. With Alessandro occupied fighting on a different front, this aid comes from an unexpected source – and the path Jose is offered will have significant consequences. But with his survival and Alessandro’s happiness at stake, there isn’t really any choice at all.

If you like creepy stories with hellish fiends threatening the very existence of anyone within their reach, if you want to see how two men who have to hide their love triumph over their enemies, and if you’re looking for a read that is as scary and brutal as it is suspenseful, then you will probably enjoy this novella.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. The third edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 26586 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	15-April-2023
Price	$3.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.jms-books.com/pelaam-c-224_380/slayer-p-4677.html