Over the years, I’ve admired Caitlin Kiernan’s work as a fantasy and horror writer. In Agents of Dreamland Kiernan embraces her inner Lovecraft and delivers a chilling tale of doom. The two major characters, the Signalman (an agent for a top secret government organization) and Immacolata Sexton (who has the power to move back and forth through Time), race to prevent a cult from triggering the invasion of Earth by Lovecraftean “Messengers.” This slim 123-page novella delivers a punch to your equilibrium as Reality spins out of control and the Future looks bleak indeed. I’m hoping Caitlin Kiernan is busy at her word processor weaving new adventures of the Signalman and Immacolata as dark forces surround them. GRADE: B+
I can hear Rick groaning from here when he reads the “L” word. I think I’m going to have to check her out as this sounds worth reading, especially at 128 pages. I reserved the ebook at the library. Maybe by the time it comes in I won’t be as backed up as I am now. (That’s the sound of hollow laughter you hear.)
Jeff, I was tempted to delay this review of AGENTS OF DREAMLAND to spare Rick Robinson, but my enjoyment of Caitlin Kiernan’s faux-Lovecraftean novella tipped the scales. I could review a Lovecraft-related anthology or novel practically every week. Publishers are cranking them out at a furious pace!
Hard to imagine the future looking any grimmer than here and now.
Patti, trust me: Caitlin Kiernan conjures up a really scary Lovecraftean Future.
With Trump in the White House I get a “a chilling tale of doom” every day in the news.
Rick, I share your feelings on the current state of the Republic. Chilling, indeed.
I liked this but didn’t love it. I’m getting kind of Lovecraft out.
Steve, I know what you mean. A lot of publishers have hopped on the Lovecraft bandwagon. I have another faux-Lovecraft novel, WINTER TIDE, waiting to be read.
I recommend another Lovecraftian novella from Tor called The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor Lavelle. I liked it better.
Steve, I’m way ahead of you. I reviewed THE BALLAD OF BLACK TOM here: http://georgekelley.org/the-ballad-of-black-tom-by-victor-lavalle/
I’m sure I read your review. Just forgot.