PopHorror Let's Get Scared
When sitting down with a novel by a new author, I rarely expect little more than a predictable, clichéd-as-hell mishmash of words and situations. Going into The City by S.C. Mendes, I figured it would be read and relegated to the Emergency Toilet Paper pile. Thankfully, Mendes proved me wrong.
Max Elliot is a former detective who quit the job after the murder of his wife and kid. Six months later, a similar murder occurs and Max is brought back for one final case. His investigations lead him to The City, a place ruled by otherworldly creatures, where human life is expendable. A place where Max just might meet his end.
The City surprised the hell out of me. Not only was I immediately drawn in by the world Mendes creates, but I was kept in by the pace and the characters. The story combines Lovecraftian elements with hardboiled/noir sensibilities and delivers a stew worthy of devouring. Mendes’ writing gives just enough to give the reader an image and letting them fill in the rest. It doesn’t get slogged down in needless details and never crosses over into Too-Wordy territory. The plot keeps up a steady pace, navigating the bullshit to get right at the heart of things and ensure the reader never succumbs to boredom. I love that the characters aren’t Average Joe Dipshits. They’re eccentric and a bit off-kilter, just the way I like my characters. They kept things interesting. Never a dull moment with them.
Those with a stomach for splatter will find it in abundance. Some of the stuff that befalls people is just plain nasty and had me cringing a time or two. The gore is described with just enough details relayed to give the reader a sense but not to the point where it gets dull. It allows the reader to fill in their own details.
But the most important aspect of The City is the fact it kept me guessing and threw several curveballs. As someone who reads a lot and watches a lot of movies, too often I find myself confronted with a book or movie whose twists and turns can be seen ten miles away. Not so with The City. Just as I thought I had it figured out it took a sharp turn that had me smiling and praising Mendes for doing something different.
Overall, The City is one of the best books I’ve read this year, one that I can wholeheartedly recommend to everyone. The City is available from various online retailers as well as Blood Bound Books’ website. Pick it up. You won’t be disappointed.
