An excellent short story. Genre wise, I would put it down as creeping cosmic horror, with strong elements of dark fantasy and body horror.
The Chittering Queen, a creature from another world, is a classic Lovecraftian influence with her super powered, and unnerving presence, but I think the story focusing on the more societal topic is its greatest strength. It allows us to empathise with it more. In particular, it shows the cyclical and futility of revolution.
The villain protagonist's actions are both gruesome and unsettling as he gleefully manipulates (or attempts to) the Chittering Queen for his own ends, much as the major players in the Soviet and French revolutions did.
ML excels in crafting a vivid and eerie atmosphere, making the reader feel as if they are traversing the streets of the transformed city alongside the protagonist. The descriptions of the Queen's minions and the transformation of the capital city create a palpable sense of unease and intrigue. The palace, in particular, is described as a terrifying and powerful place, with its pulsating vines and inky darkness. It's almost H. R. Giger-ish as ML takes what was known and human and transforms it into a living extension of the queen's body.
If this was ever written as a novel, it would be interesting to see more insight into his backstory and the reasons behind the villain protag's hatred for the nobility. That would add depth to his character. Additionally, a longer work would allow a deeper exploration of the moral implications of the protagonist's actions, as well as the consequences of his alliance with the Chittering Queen.
It would also answer questions as to how the different types of minion reproduce, what variants there are, and how the resistance is fighting back.
But it is a short story, not a novel, and a damned fine one at that. As a short story, it was tight and well paced. I really enjoyed it. I always like reading a story that asks questions as it gives me something to think about afterwards.
Apologies for the rambling review, it would be shorter, but I'm crackered!
An excellent short story. Genre wise, I would put it down as creeping cosmic horror, with strong elements of dark fantasy and body horror.
The Chittering Queen, a creature from another world, is a classic Lovecraftian influence with her super powered, and unnerving presence, but I think the story focusing on the more societal topic is its greatest strength. It allows us to empathise with it more. In particular, it shows the cyclical and futility of revolution.
The villain protagonist's actions are both gruesome and unsettling as he gleefully manipulates (or attempts to) the Chittering Queen for his own ends, much as the major players in the Soviet and French revolutions did.
ML excels in crafting a vivid and eerie atmosphere, making the reader feel as if they are traversing the streets of the transformed city alongside the protagonist. The descriptions of the Queen's minions and the transformation of the capital city create a palpable sense of unease and intrigue. The palace, in particular, is described as a terrifying and powerful place, with its pulsating vines and inky darkness. It's almost H. R. Giger-ish as ML takes what was known and human and transforms it into a living extension of the queen's body.
If this was ever written as a novel, it would be interesting to see more insight into his backstory and the reasons behind the villain protag's hatred for the nobility. That would add depth to his character. Additionally, a longer work would allow a deeper exploration of the moral implications of the protagonist's actions, as well as the consequences of his alliance with the Chittering Queen.
It would also answer questions as to how the different types of minion reproduce, what variants there are, and how the resistance is fighting back.
But it is a short story, not a novel, and a damned fine one at that. As a short story, it was tight and well paced. I really enjoyed it. I always like reading a story that asks questions as it gives me something to think about afterwards.
Apologies for the rambling review, it would be shorter, but I'm crackered!