Hell seems to be having a moment—at least on the literary landscape. Everywhere readers look on the shelves these days are narratives that present damnation in new and fascinating ways.
Take for example, Demons & Ramen from A. M. Loweecey. Crime Fiction readers will know Alice Loweecey as the delightful author of the cozy mystery series featuring Giulia Driscoll—former nun turned private investigator. Now with a new pen-name, Loweecey is looking at the darker side of religion—featuring an exorcist seeking to rid the world of evil as he tries to prove that his twin brother’s suicide was actually caused by a demonic act, all while accompanied by a supernatural entity named Emma, who wants nothing more than to feed…on everything in the refrigerator.
The central strength of Demons & Ramen is the partnership between Father Denis Kaine and Emma. Denis—along with having a pretty intense job—is in a dark place trying to come to terms with the loss of his brother. His gut reaction is to kick demon ass and take no names. So, when Emma comes into his orbit, her quirky and sarcastic nature is just what is needed to break through the walls Denis has erected. Even while navigating a challenging relationship dynamic, they are hellbent on completing their mission(s).
The title lets you know that Demons & Ramen is never going to take itself too seriously. Dark humor abounds, but there are layers here that deserve to be acknowledged. Themes of grief and healing sneak up on readers, leaving a lasting impression. And Loweecey is never one to let the Catholic Church off easy. While the main plots are resolved, there is still plenty left unresolved so readers can anticipate a sequel or series.
BUY LINKS: Demons & Ramen by A. M. Loweecey
Conversely, Maria Alexander chooses to blend historical fiction and urban fantasy into something wholly original with her new novel, Brimstone & Blades. Set in 1689 and featuring real-life swashbuckling heroine Julie de Maupin, Brimstone & Blades will appeal to a variety of readers—including fans of mystery, history, horror, and even steampunk.
When a coven of necromantic witches calling themselves the Shadow Holders attempt to use their powers to alter the political landscape of late-17th century France, it doesn’t sit well with Julie, a celebrated bisexual opera singer and actress skilled at swordplay. Her actions will place her at the heart of a demonic battle, changing the course of history.
Brimstone & Blades features more fight scenes than an entire season of Game of Thrones. Alexander—skilled at wielding a sword herself—so skillfully drops readers into the middle of the action that many will find themselves checking themselves for injury after each clash.
Scholars of French history may find minor flaws here, but the average reader is going to come away from Brimstone & Blades feeling as though they have learned something worthwhile. Readers looking for kickass LGBTQIA+ representation will delight in this tale—reminding us that more things change, the more they stay the same and that we must never give up the fight.
In the end, Brimstone & Blades is a celebration of outsiders and their impact on the world around them. Just as she did with her Bloodline of the Yule trilogy (Snowed, Snowbound, Snowblind), Maria Alexander excels at world-building and then placing unique and unforgettable characters into that world—in a way that readers will never forget.
BUY LINKS: Brimstone & Blades by Maria Alexander
While on the topic of Hell, I cannot fail to mention my own most recent work. In Every Day a Little Death: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Stephen Sondheim, my short story “Losing My Mind” is a supernatural cross-genre piece about a barista who works in a coffee shop in Hell who sets out to right an injustice that occurred during the days of Stonewall—not because he’s a social warrior, but because he hopes it might make the handsome new customer fall in love with him.
BUY LINKS: Every Day a Little Death: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Stephen Sondheim
Disclaimer: A print and/or digital galley of these titles was provided to BOLO Books by the publisher. No promotion was promised and the above is an unbiased review..
