STEPS OF THE MALEFACTOR by erAto - Gothic Horror meets Splatterpunk in a tale of unspeakable depravity.

London, 1781: a young footman discovers a terrible crime taking place in the wealthy household he serves. He must put a stop to it — but in a world where scandal is as bad as death, how can he reveal the crime without destroying innocent lives? Inspired by the works of the Marquis de Sade, this grisly and unrelenting tale depicts an unspeakable 18th century horror.

Let charming beauty’s health go round
With whom celestial joys are found
And may confusion yet pursue
That selfish, woman-hating crew;
And he who’d women’s health deny,
Down among the dead men,
Down among the dead men let him lie.

Smashwords link to Exenchester series: https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/50989
Author page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/EratoAuthor

This exclusive coupon code is good on Smashwords for 50% off list price of Steps of the Malefactor: ZQ99E

Reviews from The Virgin and the Bull:

“Erato did a superb job… the pace is right on point… highly intriguing… It blows your mind.” – T. Renee, author of Hearts On Fire.

“It pulls the reader into the character’s most intimate secrets… a tangled web of intrigue, sex and violence in the old-fashioned Gothic tradition.” – Lisa Marie Gabriel, author of A Crofter’s Tale.

“Such a twisted, yet thrilling, plot … you could feel the passion, anger, hate, and love all the way through to the climactic end. Thrilling, yet chilled me.” – Ms. Cat’s Honest World.

“This noir novel gives a unique feel that is incredibly hard to achieve in literature these days. The flowing, intense language that uses expansive words to describe the wonders within this book.” – Briar’s Reviews

OUR REVIEW

I enjoyed this piece so much. This book has plenty of elements to hunt a horror fan. The center of the storyline is the dark secrets of an ancient house in the 18th century. Our protagonist evolves along with the thread and as he discovers terrible events, he adapts in his own way and finds himself trapped (or perhaps he is not?) in a spiral of malice and psychosis.

There are a few things I appreciated from this title: firstly, how easy it is to read. Although a complex, old language is used by some of the characters, the author achieves a very good balance between a pleasing read and a Victorian tone.

Secondly, all the characters are full of shades and dark, mysterious corners. You take time to get to know them and still they guard a secret area that keeps the reader in a state of tension.

Also, the story is changing and full of twists. Horrific elements are not missing and the velvet poetry around them wrap them up in a Machiavellian tale perfectly narrated.

Follow Will through his mystery-packed discoveries and follow along with the dance of honour, dignity, extravagance and perversion only the most important people in the London of 18th century can bring.

Very well-written, fast-paced, full of jumps and changing events. This book is for all romantic horror lovers in the most disturbing way.