Review: "Ragemoor": No Happy Endings Here!

Honestly, I didn't know what to think upon picking up "Ragemoor". Everyone's heard not to judge a book by it's cover, but really...what peaks our interest, if not the cover? My first impression of the cover was that this story would be about a mixture of natural elementals and Transformers. Wow. Was I wrong! :) I didn't expect such darkness, such complicated relationships, or such an interesting concept. If you're into blood and guts, a good fight, and horror, this one's for you, friend.

The basis of "Ragemoor" is that the castle is operated by dark forces and has a mysterious, bloody history. The novel goes into that, and, to sustain some of the mystery for potential readers, I'll say that it has roots in Paganism and Priestly sacrifices. Flash forward to modern day. The castle is a living, breathing, punishing force with a mind of it's own. Disagree with Ragemoor and you're...Nomoor. The story follows Herbert and his struggles with Ragemoor, and opens with a visit from his uncle and "cousin" (a hired girl). Little does Herbert know, his uncle plans to have him and his father committed (as in an insanity unit) and then tear the castle down to look for the riches that he assumes to be beneath the structure (he suspects oil or gems). At this moment it's like Ragemoor opens it's yawning mouth and takes on the attitude of a sassy woman "Oh no you did-n't, girlfriend!". What follows is unfortunate, but deserved. The castle swallows up the uncle, and he is found, ripped limb from limb. As the story progresses, Herbert expresses his interests in producing an heir for Ragemoor with none other than Anoria (his "cousin"). Though she has lost her "father", she is still intent on taking Ragemoor as her own.

A local poacher, braver and braver every day, nears the castle, vying for her attentions and her heart. This enrages Herbert and he determines to try to win her in a proactive way. Little does he know, he's too late. He's witness to Anoria and the poacher getting it on, and hears their discussion of carrying out the plan to rid Ragemoor of Herbert and taking the riches as their own. Enter sassy, angry castle, yet again. "Nuh uh, girlfriend!" The castle swallows them up...and we don't see them until much later, in a shocking, unexpected way.

The castle's effects on anyone in/around it are very obvious and the shocking turn of events add legitimacy to the fact that the castle has dealings with evil. But what are they? Is the castle itself an evil force or is it the last standing defense against it? Is the castle evil in that it is defending itself? Is it selfish? Or does it have a bigger goal in mind? Even if you haven't read much horror (I'm only recently getting into it myself), I'm convinced that anyone can appreciate the minds of Jan Strnad and Richard Corben. From the story line, to the personification of the castle, to the gothic caricature style of the artwork, "Ragemoor" has something to offer even the toughest of critics. I appreciate this novel on many levels and hope that there is more to come. You can be looking for "Ragemoor" on November 7th!