EVIL IN ME - Brom

Ruby Tucker wants nothing more than to make it big in the punk music scene in Atlanta but she's currently stuck in her backwoods, small town with her dysfunctional family and she's had a falling out with her best friend and bandmate and her dreams look dead in the water,

When Ruby goes to help her neighbor organize his religious relics, a strange ring affixes to her finger. The ensorcelled ring sends a blood-thirsty demon into Ruby's soul. The ring also acts as a broadcasting beacon, drawing all sorts of unnamable horrors toward her, all wanting to feast on her flesh.

There's one way out - one way to remove the ring and rid herself of the demon: Ruby must get hundreds of people to chant a spell at the same time. Now Ruby needs to get the band back together, teach them a new song and take it on the road before it's too late.

This is only my second experience with author Brom and, like the first, it's enjoyable. If you consider demons and bloodlust enjoyable, that is.

One of the things that separates Brom from so many of the other dark fantasy or horror writers is his deep storytelling and the way in which his main character(s) confront raw evil. His characters, both women in the two books I've read, initially react with revulsion and horror, but find strength to accept, comply, and ultimately stand up to the evil in front (or inside) of them. I enjoy a number of other horror authors, but Brom stands out for this trait.

Despite the story, this one never felt particularly dark or horrific (I'll admit, I was looking for, or expecting, something akin to Slewfoot). I never felt Ruby was truly in danger, despite the detailed setup. She was maybe too strong from the start, or the danger just wasn't threatening enough, but this danger is integral to a horror story.

Still, I liked the story and the characters, and any book that centers around music and musicians  (even punk) is probably going to sit well with me. I enjoyed this, but it's not the horrorfest that I was expecting from Brom.  It's horror lite.

The published edition of this book apparently has artwork by Brom.  My ARC does not so I cannot comment on how the art adds to the experience.

Looking for a good book? Brom's Evil in Me puts horror on stage with a heavy beat.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

3-1/2 stars

* * * * * *

Evil in Me

author: Brom

publisher: Tor Nightfire

ISBN: 9781250622013

hardcover, 304 pages

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