Gore by Kane Szoke

Gore is a grimdark story set in a dystopian world and tells of the warrior Gore – a man born in a sea of blood as his mother lay dying, who fights demons... those without and within. Fated to battle with the demonic Goredus, who himself is battling his brothers, Gore must attempt to navigate the harsh landscape of the nightmare around him and in his mind. As Gore faces what may be an enemy too strong for him, he must accept aid where he can. But when the pale knight sees the Red Sea, Gore knows his journey is just beginning and he must not become a head on Death’s belt.

 

The book is short but sets the main character up for further volumes. Initially, you think the story starts with Gore looking for a girl. Then it changes dramatically and shifts into a demonic dreamscape where Gore battles to keep his identity intact. He is constantly reminded of his failures by those taunting him and his inability to keep the ones he loves safe. This pulling on his psyche and forcing him to confront his past and future, makes for a physical and psychological battle that becomes emotive to read.

 

The imagery in the book is almost overwhelming. The descriptions of tortured bodies and entrails and blood was continuous. I could just picture a landscape devoid of joy and filled with everchanging nightmares. Sometimes it became a bit too much.

 

The book seemed to have language suited slightly higher than YA, and occasionally it became difficult to picture where you were as thoughts mingled with reality and mingled with memories and you had to reread passages to see if you were in a dream or in the present world. The proofing was good but often too many adjectives were used to tell us how people felt. This was my first foray into grimdark fantasy and while the story had merit, it wasn’t enough to make me want to find out more of Gore’s journey.

 

Thanks to Reedsy and the author for the opportunity to review the book.