A.K.M. Beach

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Lady Vago's Absolution

Thank you to A.K.M. Beach for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Ysoldette braved the banshee Lady Vago’s ire and listened to the woman’s tale of loss and grief. Imbuing herself with Lady Vago’s memories and tethering herself to a source of anguish, she promises to free her. Pulled towards the town of Basalt Ridge, somewhere within lies the sorcerer who doomed the Vago Household. And in the woods, horrendous beasts prey on any who dare to linger. Tormented day and night, the people of Basalt Ridge have lost hope. Ysoldette and the holy company she rides with will have their faith tested as they battle against a seething evil and its minions.

The atmosphere of Lady Vago's Absolution will send a chill down the reader’s spine. The town of Basalt Ridge is picturesque of rot and ruin brought on by unholy sorcery. And as the characters pursue their quest, new horrors are unearthed. There is only so far the power of light can reach before the shadows threaten to overtake it. And as readers are drawn farther down the path of darkness, they will find all manner of ghosts and grotesque creatures the company must face. Not all will be able to hold faith. The torment each suffers as they come to terms with their limitations is gut wrenching.

Lady Vago’s Absolution introduces readers to the fascinating magic system of Bibliomancy. Based on a person’s faith, those who call upon the holy power must draw from a golden dragon. Items are enchanted with the dragon’s holiness, but with use lose their magic. Ysoldette and the nobles call upon their magic with various uses of meditation, holy artifacts, prayer, and herbs. Ysoldette herself has an unconventional way of using her power, and for this, she is looked down upon by the other nobles. Some may even say she balances on the edge of blasphemy.

Ysoldette is overshadowed by her heritage. Though she travels with the High Lord and the cleansing party, she is the only commoner among them. And while her abilities may be effective against the darkness, she doesn’t follow the strict guidelines of bibliomancy. There are many terse words thrown at her despite the discoveries she makes and the spirits she puts to rest. Yet she persists, at the cost of her own life and faith to do what she knows is right. Ysoldette’s character progression is complex and rife with self-doubt and inner turmoil. The perfect mix for a gothic novel.

While Lady Vago’s Absolution encompasses a wider world than the original novel, it also allows the reader to experience even more delightfully gothic elements. The characters are each unique and plagued by their own desires and tests of faith. The overshadowing mystery torments not only the characters but the reader as well, demanding answers and a resolution to feelings of distress. If you enjoy gothic fantasy novels, you must read this duology.… (altro)

I received a paperback copy of Lady Vago’s Malediction: The Banshee's Curse Duology Book
One, authored and published by A. K. M. Beach (co-authors, married duo: Matt and Ash), artwork by @SketchedUp84, for review consideration. What follows below is my honest review, freely given.

I rated this novel 5 stars. I had initially given it 4 stars, but in going through the book again for writing my review just had to go up to 5, this book is too good. Not sure why I only went with 4 in the first place. I am tragically behind on some reviews, this was one of them. Never ruin your review rhythm if you can help it, months later I’m still trying to get back on track.

This was my first jump into any fantasy, dark or otherwise, since I finished the last book in the Song of Ice and Fire series that’s out, probably for another twenty years if it follows G.R.R.M.’s previous writing speed. I have been trying to properly label what my reading enjoyment is, and make the effort to feed it. Horror has been my meat and potatoes for many years, but I also love science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, there are so many new sub-categories too. I have been having the year of my life literature wise, and it started with this as one of the first. I like my fiction a little darker, I like conflict, either internal or physical (why not both?), gimme complex plots, your broken characters, I don’t need to like all of them, or any of them. It doesn’t have to have a happy ending, I am ready to trust the author(s) to give me the story they want to write. So as one of my first reads out of the straight horror genre, this blew me away. The world building felt different, subtler; there was no large lore dump, it was shared naturally with the reader. It did leave me wanting more, but also not in a too little was shared at a time way, if that makes sense?

And this world seems like a place I could visit and not die in the first few minutes, unlike my usual fictional places I’d like to go, so I’m moving on up as the song would say! But just because I would not crumple like a piece of paper upon setting foot within its border does not mean this land is not without its danger; there be death in these pages. As the story progressed and more was revealed I was swept up. Emotional, in turmoil. I never really read romance novels but I feel I had a small moment, a rush of what it would be like to go overboard for a book, which made me think of all the romance readers I knew growing up. I’m invested in what went down in this kingdom, there is a sequel being written as I type this review, and I need it. You need it. You need to read this book so you can suffer so good like I am right now, wondering what is going to happen in the next book because there is some dark magic going on. Banshee mama has been treated badly, hence becoming banshee mama. Truly loved this novel, cannot wait for this story to continue.… (altro)

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Lady Vago's Malediction

Thank you to A.K.M. Beach for providing me with a copy for an honest review!

As a banshee, it is Lady Vago’s duty to be at her loved ones' sides when they pass over. But she is unable to leave the burned out remains of her castle. Each death she feels brings ever increasing torment as she is denied her right to be at their sides. Determined to find out why she is cursed, Lady Vago searches for the answers buried within her past life. The remaining souls trapped with her bring forth objects that may hold her memories. With each new memory that surfaces, Lady Vago travels farther down the path to her downfall.

Lady Vago’s Malediction is a gothic fantasy with a bewitching mystery. Readers will be swept up in Lady Vago’s desperate search for memories. Each new piece of the past pulls readers further into the story. But they will not see the full picture until the end. The memories are torn into fragments and allow you to see from multiple character POVs. And as each memory built upon one another, the story grew in intensity

Being able to see how various characters viewed Lady Vago brought a new level of awareness to the nobility's ignorance. Lady Vago had a brilliant mind, but it didn’t matter because she was only noble by marriage. While her husband treasured her and often sought her advice, she was seen as a threat. But Lady Vago refused to back down and forged ahead with what she believed in. I loved how A.K.M. Beach portrayed the relationship between Lady and Lord Vago, and the support they gave to one another despite the whispers and gossip from their court.

And it was refreshing to have the Irish banshee lore incorporated into the story instead of making Lady Vago another villain. Before reading this book, I had no knowledge of the lore and was pleasantly surprised to learn about it. Lady Vago is a tormented character readers can’t help but connect with. In life, she was a peasant who rose into the ranks of nobility with marriage and proved that peasants deserved a voice.

Given how this book ended, I am left craving to know more. I highly recommend this to fans of gothic fantasy.… (altro)