Could have done with some trimming as the book overstayed it's welcome by a large margin. I didn't even care about the end, I just wanted it to be over. ( )

Leech is both interesting and original. The protagonist is a parasite that has lived in many different bodies over the years. The setting is suitably gothic. There is a mansion, creepy twins, snowfields and mad scientists right out of Frankenstein.
This book is not for the faint of heart. There is torture, sexual abuse, murder and lots of "gross" out moments regarding injury or loss of body parts.
That said, it has a human underpinning that I think elevates it and, if you are not too squeamish, just might leave you glad you gave it a try
( )

I quite liked this one.

It's a slow burn, and very atmospheric. Think southern gothic-meets-scifi. The place is as much a character as the people. I also applaud the author for writing a gender-neutral character believably. The creeping dread was done quite well. Trigger warnings for sexual assault and abuse, though, so be forewarned. ( )

Unlike anything I've read before!
An amazing gothic/body horror with sci-fi/dystopian aspects.
Queer and unique characters and narrative devices.
Genuinely scared me, but it was so compelling I couldn't put it down. ( )

Seeing this book compared to the great Gormenghast was something I was pretty wary of. I'm not always a big fan of comparisons - especially against such lofty titles. However, i think this is one of those rare justifications. It has the closed setting - only teasing of the wider world; it has the grotesque, nasty characters; and it has a deep gothic vibe to the writing style which works completely in tune with the story.

On the face of it, this is the tale of a parasite who who has (seemingly) benevolently taken over some of the human race long after it has nearly destroyed itself in a hinted at distant armageddon and has used its hive mind nature across the centuries to protect itself and the rest of humanity by becoming the sole medical practitioner of the world. Until it discovers another parasitic lifeform - seemingly more aggressive, destructive and able to outwit its established competitor.

But, at its heart it's a layered fable that looks at the journey to discover one's identity. Ennes shows rare skill in how they control the atmosphere and feel of the book no matter what perspective or tense they seamlessly switch between, but also in subverting any crude assumptions a reader may make as the puzzle slowly pulls together and the truths of their world is revealed.

It is a book that will reward the patient reader - it is not a thriller and it does not lay everything out on the table. Instead, I found piecing together the clues, the sudden revelations as equally enjoyable as the dark and grotesque world Ennes has created. It is hard to truly review this in detail without delving into spoilers which deserve to be discovered on their own, but I found this to be a remarkable and engrossing gothic masterpiece. ( )