The latest book from prolific genre author Cassandra Khaw is a mixed bag of visceral horror and fantasy.
We follow Alessa as she is forced into the titular Hellebore, where there is definitely dark arts happening. Think Harry Potter, if they really went R-rated.
Khaw is masterful at creating striking visuals with her writing, with a real rollercoaster of a first 100 pages.
The novel does lose a bit steam midway through as Alessa’ situation becomes more dire, before building up to a brutal finale.
The Library at Hellebore is ultimately a missed opportunity, with some true chapters of nasty horror, that will have you wincing while turning the pages.
The issue is, outside of the central character of Alessa, there isn’t too many other characters worth rooting for.
The Library at Hellebore by Cassandra Khaw is now available in various formats from Titan Books.
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