Reborn is the sequel to one of my favorite folk horror novels, The Five Turns Of The Wheel. I've been looking forward to this since I finished The Five Turns and it was well worth the wait.
The first thing I want to say is that this is a standalone novel. You don't have to read the first one to enjoy or understand what's happening in this one because Stephanie gives enough backstory throughout to keep you up to date with the world and characters.
However, since this book isn't releasing until October, I really recommend that you read The Five Turns Of The Wheel first to get the full extent of these creatures and characters and the shadow world they inhabit. It's not necessary but I think you'll find that Reborn offers much more that way.
After the horrific events of the first book, our trio of sociopathic creatures have been rendered inactive by The Mother (the being that rules all in their world). They have been weakened because they can no longer perform the ceremony necessary that provides them strength and life.
Tommy, Fiddler, and Betty must now leave the only world they've ever known and seek the forgiveness of Father, a ruler who is only second to The Mother in terms of hierarchy. Although weakened, these three are still extremely dangerous to humans and their journey to be reborn as the leaders of this ritual requires them to walk among us mere mortals. And it will not end well for many of us!
Stephanie Ellis has created a magical, fantastical, and also terrifying world that speaks beautifully of the nature of these creatures even though they are very much evil, vile, and murderous. However, this is their very nature, what they were created for, therefore, they believe the sacrifices of humans are simply not only their right but their reason for existing. This makes for some sympathetic moments with some of them yet we also feel repulsed and frightened at the same time.
The rituals they must perform requires blood... and a lot of it. Through deception, dark magic, music, and the dance, these shadow beings control and manipulate humans to comply with these sacrifices against their will. As their powers get stronger, so does their bloodlust. And some of them believe the earth should just be cleansed of humanity once and for all.
Reborn is both beautiful and bloody. Very bloody in some sections. And this paradox is what makes it so damn compelling and engaging. Once you read about this world and characters, you'll never want to leave. And that's what you want in a horror book.
Pre-order your copy of Reborn by clicking here.
For my full review, check out my Horror Reads YouTube channel here
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