Wyrd And Other Derelictions: Adam Nevill
Reviewed By Steve Stred
Adam Nevill has been an author that’s paddled his way from Devon Bay and onto my Kindle in excess this past year and I’m a better reader for it. His writing is deft and his storytelling is magical and bleak, a recipe for a story to be created just for me.
‘Wyrd and Other Derelictions‘ was already supposed to be in the world. Nevill had planned on launching this at StokerCon at the beginning of the year, but then Covid-19 scuttled those plans. After a vote was held through his newsletter, it was decided to have the collection launch just before Halloween. Having read it now, I wish I would’ve pushed for an earlier launch.
What I liked: ‘Wyrd and Other Derelictions‘ is Nevill writing quick, short blasts of nightmarish descriptions. Each of the stories details a scene that the reader seemingly stumbles upon. There are no characters in here. No antagonist or protagonist. Instead, stories like ‘Hippocampus‘ and ‘Wyrd‘ inform the reader of what’s before them and then we follow the breadcrumbs through the nightmare to see ‘other’ clues.
Completely unsettling.
A few spots absolutely reminded me of descriptive parts in his latest ‘The Reddening‘ but for the most part, each one of these really had its own ebb and flow, its own pulse.
The only way I can really describe ‘Wryd…’, is if you were to be shown a painting of a scene and told to describe exactly what you’re looking at. Such a unique and forward pushing exercise in dark fiction.
What I didn’t like: I devoured this. Make no mistake about it, I loved this. BUT, I can see some people struggling with the lack of any dialogue or characters to root for and invest in. I suggest you give this a go and just let your mind accept the situation. Very similar to reading poetry.
Why you should buy it: Nevill has taken a very calculated risk with ‘Wyrd…’ and I think he smashed it. Really, really well done. This collection felt like an author attempting to push his craft with a smile on his face while working hard to make readers squirm with what they find.
Really, really enjoyed this one.
Now, it’s time to dive into ‘Apartment 16.’
Wyrd And Other Derelictions
Derelictions are horror stories told in ways you may not have encountered before.
Something is missing from the silent places and worlds inside these stories. Something has been removed, taken flight, or been destroyed. Us.
Derelictions are weird tales that tell of aftermaths and of new and liminal places. Each location has witnessed catastrophe, infernal visitations, or unearthly transformations. But across these landscapes of murder, genocide and invasion, crucial evidence remains. And it is the task of the reader to sift through ruin and ponder the residual enigma, to behold and wonder at the full horror that was visited upon mankind.
A dead ship carries a terrible cargo across a black ocean. Below deck, signs of slaughter and devotion await to tell a ghastly tale.
On a barren and hostile shore a great ritual has been enacted successfully. The act of a god may have taken place. But what kind of deity did this?
An eerily silent campsite. No sign of life. Look closer and observe the grisly artefacts of annihilation.
In the very foundations of this dreadful house, was something supernormal called upon to abolish life so mercilessly?
Wyrd contains seven derelictions, original horror stories from the author of ‘Hasty for the Dark’ and ‘Some Will Not Sleep’ (winner of The British Fantasy Award for Best Collection).
The hardback will be limited to 400 copies and only available from the Adam Nevill webstore
The eBook and paperbacks are already available for pre-order at Amazon UK & Amazon US
Steve Stred
Steve Stred is the author of a number of novels, novellas and collections. He has appeared in anthologies with some of Horror’s heaviest hitters.
He lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with his wife, son and their dog OJ.
You can follow Steve on Twitter @stevestred
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You can visit Steve’s Official website here
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