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Drakeryn posted...

The Witch Bride (These Deathless Bones)

A deftly & chilling study in characterization most vile, a two-hander of cruelty & vivid descriptions that will surely make any reader cringe in disgust. You just have to love the simple sit-up here: a wicked stepmother, a bratty child, going mano-a-mano in a battle of vitriol, and at first, it seems like The Witch Bride is the more vicious of the two, but the story unveils its mysteries confidently and with force, describing the prince's serial killer-esque origins in a way that flips the narrative and character dynamics on their heads, shattering any prior notions or stereotypes the Bride touches upon in her thoughtful monologues. I liken the Witch Bride to the traditions of classic dark fairy tales, only taken up to nightmarish levels of body horror, a wish-granter of our literal, pointless whimperings while we balance on the precipice of true fear. To see our anti-villain get away with it all is just that extra bit of reminder for ourselves that justice comes for all of us eventually, no matter how cruel or violently poetic it may be.

Rating: 7/10

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