Stars 3.5 out of 5
This is the second book based on the Lovecraftian mythos that I’ve read this year, the first being A Plagued Sea by Kim Bo-young. Despite drawing from the same source material, the two books couldn’t be more different. One leans into existential horror, while this one is firmly in the military-action horror camp.
The book starts strong. A space station filled with military personnel, journalists, scientists, and representatives from various Earth religions gathers to witness the test of a new warpline gun. Naturally, the test goes horribly wrong.
I have to admit that the chapters covering the test and the immediate aftermath of Asphodel Station’s transport were genuinely chilling. Space, time, and even reality itself begin to warp and collapse, confronting people with horrors that are both real and born from their own minds. That’s nightmare fuel right there.
The first encounter with the shoggoth was also an edge-of-your-seat read. The action scenes throughout the book are well written, with plenty of tension and high stakes.
Unfortunately, the frequent info-dumps kill a lot of that momentum. I found my attention wandering, even during major action sequences, because they were constantly interrupted by exposition, existential crises, or “meaningful conversations.” The fight with the shoggoth vanguard is a good example—the action repeatedly stalls while Soren reflects on the Necrotek and wrestles with his doubts.
Speaking of necrotek, we have to wait until almost 80% of the book before that technology actually comes into play.
That said, I did like the characters. Soren tends to proselytize a bit more than I personally enjoy, but the cast is generally strong. I especially loved the Lost Souls and found myself rooting for them, even though a group with a name like that practically announces its fate from the beginning. Surprisingly, my favorite character ended up being Sybil. For an AI, she’s incredibly likeable. I also understood Lost’s desperation. It is the last survivor of a long-forgotten race, and the enemy they once fought has returned with a vengeance.
The ending clearly leaves the door open for a sequel, and I’ll probably pick it up. I just hope this book got most of the world-building out of the way so the next installment can focus a little more on action and a little less on exposition and philosophical reflection.
PS: Big thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy.