THAT WHICH STANDS OUTSIDE - Mark Morris

Todd Kingston and Yrsa Helgerson meet when Todd rescues Yrsa from a mugging one night in London. They quickly develop a strong friendship and romance.  

When Yrsa's gets word that her mother has died, she has some angst about going back to her Nordic home. Todd encourages her to be there for family and offers to travel with her, providing love and support. Once they arrive on the remote Nordic island, Yrsa's home, they are met with a very icy reception.

The locals believe that Yrsa is actually a member of the race of beings called Jötnar - based on an incident when Yrsa was a child. It's nothing but superstitious nonsense as far as Yrsa is concerned, to which Todd agrees. Until .... 

Strange things begin to happen on the remote island and Todd, who once fought to protect Yrsa, now fights for his life and possibly all of humankind.

Other than my recently review book, Elemental Forces, which was edited by Mark Morris, I've never read anything by this author. I'm always on the lookout for someone new to read and as I've been enjoying the horror I've read from Flame Tree Press I thought I'd try this.

I really like the slow build of tension and horror. The book initially feels a little divided between London story and 'remote island' story, but upon reflection readers will see that Morris is not only setting up the characters, but planting the small seeds that will grow into the horror later.

The characters are brilliantly created. A scene early on, when Todd is recovering in a hospital after fighting off the muggers and Yrsa shows up to thank him, really endears us to both our main characters and we absolutely believe in the goodness of both of them.

Some of the action on the island might be just a tad too slow in this slow-build-up of horror. I grew a little impatient, wanting to move the action forward. Still, my attention was definitely held throughout. It helped, for me, to have the Nordic connection as I'm quite fascinated by Nordic myths and legends.

This does make me interested in reading more of Mark Morris' work.

Looking for a good book? That Which Stands Outside by Mark Morris is a slow-building horror novel with marvelous characters and a connection to ancient Nordic lore.

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

4 stars

* * * * * *

That Which Stands Outside

author: Mark Morris

publisher: Flame Tree Press

ISBN: 9781787589339

paperback, 368 pages
 

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