'Daughter of Hounds' by Caitlin R. Kiernan is a dark fantasy novel that continues to expand on Lovecraftian mythos. The story follows characters like Emmie Silvey, Soldier, Deacon Silvey, and Pearl as they navigate a world filled with monsters, changelings, and ghouls. The narrative weaves together different story arcs, creating a tapestry of gloom and despair, with vivid scene descriptions and intricate details that immerse the reader in a world where reality is not what it seems. The writing style is described as poetic, clear, and atmospheric, drawing readers into a dark and mysterious realm where unexpected twists and turns keep them engaged.

Characters:

The characters are complex and flawed, eliciting both empathy and disdain, contributing to a rich narrative experience.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is vivid and poetic, producing a strong sense of atmosphere and emotional depth through effective imagery.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves dark fantasy elements through interconnected character arcs, exploring themes of identity and fate with horror influences.

Setting:

The setting combines a dark, fantastical New England with elements of Lovecraftian horror, creating a compelling backdrop for the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberate and layered, building gradually but at times leaving readers feeling unresolved.

Emmie and Deacon sit together on one of the long antique benches lined up neatly inside the old Kingston Station, daughter and father waiting impatiently with all the other people headed south to New ...

Notes:

The book combines elements of dark fantasy, urban fantasy, and noir.

It features complex, flawed characters that some readers may not like but still feel invested in their fates.

The narrative is described as a perverse retelling of 'Narnia' with elements of 'Arabian Nights' and Lovecraft's mythos.

The story unfolds slowly, built in careful layers, which some readers appreciate for its depth.

The characters include Emmy, Pearl, and Soldier, who have interwoven, sometimes violent story arcs.

Caitlin R. Kiernan's writing is appreciated for vivid scene descriptions and a pervasive sense of gloom and despair.

This is the first of Kiernan's novels that did not immediately captivate readers from the first page.

Many reviews suggest that Kiernan has a distinct style that sets her apart from other authors, featuring beautiful prose intermixed with action.

The book includes strong language and graphic scenes, making it unsuitable for younger readers.

References to Lovecraft's work and his mythos pepper the narrative, adding depth for fans of weird fiction.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings should note instances of violence, strong language, trauma, and elements that may be distressing due to their graphic nature.

From The Publisher:

They're known as the Children of the Cuckoo. Stolen from their cribs and raised by ghouls, the changelings serve the creatures who rule the world Below and despise the world Above. Any human contact is strictly forbidden and punishment is swift and severe for those who disobey.

Eight years ago, Emmie Silvey was born on Halloween while a full moon rose in the sky. Raised in Providence by her widower father, she's a strange, yellow-eyed girl, plagued with visions of impossible worlds and fabulous beings. Now her path is about to intersect with one of the changelings, a violent young woman named Soldier who's quickly slipping from the favor of her ghoul masters. Inextricably linked, together they must face the monsters and unearthly forces that have shaped their lives… and threaten their futures.

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1 comment(s)

ehanut203

Loved It

5 months

I loved this book for its atmosphere, its characters (Soldier is such a badass), and its sense of impending doom. I love the way Kiernan plays with the concepts of time and space. Each one is pliable in this novel, and people on all sides of the conflict use them for their own ends. I love that Emmie is smart and sarcastic, and that Pearl is a bratty little jerk (also the shout-out to

The Scarlet Letter, with some people calling her Pearl and some calling her Hester).

But....after being glued to the pages until the very end, I realized I don't entirely get it. You're not supposed to understand everything, but I don't understand everyone's reasons for doing the things they did. Do the Hounds want to cross a bridge to their homeworld? What is the Bailiff trying to accomplish when he does...what he does to Soldier? I still love the book, but I feel like I need to talk it over with other readers before I can really get it.

Finally, I love that Emmie has a glimpse of Dancy Flammarion walking in front of what she "thinks is an angel." Awesome.

What can you read after
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About the Author:

Caitlin R. Kiernan is the author of nine novels, including Silk, Threshold, Low Red Moon, Murder of Angels, Daughter of Hounds, and The Red Tree. Her award-winning short fiction has been collected in six volumes, including Tales of Pain and…

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Daughter of Hounds

Caitlin R. Kiernan