Bischoff weaves a darkly entrancing gothic tale that gripped me throughout
This novel is like nothing I’ve ever read before.
The crow (named Torment) – Bischoff’s protagonist – is given a new level of intelligence by a mysterious and secretive benefactor. The Dr. Frankenstein-esque experiment gives Torment the ability to talk and process thoughts in a way she never had before. This benefactor’s main aim is to use Torment, indenturing her life to his for his nefarious purposes. Torment, using her new intelligence seeks to outwit and outmanoeuvre her master in order to be free from his clutches.
This books feels a lot like the movie Inception if it were written by Edgar Allen Poe. Torment learns to travel through these dark, layered dreamscapes to absorb as much about her master as she’s able.
I found the entire premise to be incredibly intriguing, and Bischoff’s prose is both complex and free flowing. The story was a pleasure to read.
It’s a story that’s well worth the time spent to read it, and the copy I had was the hardback which came with some gorgeous artwork by Hernan Conde de Boeck, adding a beautiful touch to the presentation.
