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Leech
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Science Fiction (2022)In an isolated chateau, as far north as north goes, the baron’s doctor has died. The doctor’s replacement has a mystery to solve: discovering how the Institute lost track of one of its many bodies.
For hundreds of years the Interprovincial Medical Institute has grown by taking root in young minds and shaping them into doctors, replacing every human practitioner of medicine. The Institute is here to help humanity, to cure and to cut, to cradle and protect the species from the apocalyptic horrors their ancestors unleashed.
In the frozen north, the Institute's body will discover a competitor for its rung at the top of the evolutionary ladder. A parasite is spreading through the baron's castle, already a dark pit of secrets, lies, violence, and fear. The two will make war on the battlefield of the body. Whichever wins, humanity will lose again.
323 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,832 reviews
September 30, 2022
The literal hell did I just read! 😳
It was squiggly, grossly, cray cray and what the hell 😂🤣
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
It was squiggly, grossly, cray cray and what the hell 😂🤣
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
May 31, 2022
Original review posted on my blog Out of This World SFF:
https://outofthisworldrev.blogspot.co...
I can honestly say that I've never read a book quite like LEECH by Hiron Ennes. The closest thing I think I can come to it in "weirdness" is The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins. Not in story mind you, but in total accumulation of wtf moments. I mean, how do you wrap your head around a story where the main character and narrator is a parasite that has taken over a number of hosts throughout the centuries, and whose latest body is a pathologist investigating a mysterious death inside the chateau of a reclusive baron. Oh and as that investigation unfolds, something even worse is discovered below the mines outside of the chateau grounds. Pretty cool-sounding plot, wouldn't you say? And that's just the first few chapters, the truly bizarre and intense stuff comes after that. Have I hooked you yet? Piqued your curiosity a bit?
As I said before, LEECH is an incredibly unique read to be sure. There are many instances where the narrative truly wraps you up and I felt myself being pulled into its tangled clutches for large stretches. Fair warning though, the language/dialogue is written in an older style, hearkening back to some of the works of 19th century novelists like Mary Shelley and Wilkie Collins. But that's also what makes the book stand out as it fits nicely with the desolate setting, which is very reminiscent of the frigid landscape scenes from Frankenstein and the dark wandering manor house halls from The Woman in White. So in that respect, the language definitely compliments this seemingly old school gothic horror/scifi tale.
I have to admit that I didn't really know what was going on when I first started reading this book. There were a few times when I put the book down in my lap, stared at the wall and thought what the heck just happened there? I'm really glad that I stuck with it though because as the story progresses, things that are merely hinted at in the beginning start to take on a sharper focus and become clearer. This is not a book for people who crave instant gratification, but rather it unfolds its secrets tantalizingly slowly. These can be the best types of books because the reward for paying close attention is so gratifying in the end.
Speaking of the end, the climax was not what I expected and that kept right in line with my whole reading experience with this one. I enjoyed LEECH and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good gothic read with some truly weird elements. This book is not for the squeamish as it does contain a fair amount of body horror, violence, and just plain icky scenes that left me making the squinty gross face pretty regularly. But I appreciated the compelling plot and also how author Hiron Ennes took chances and didn't sugarcoat anything with regard to many of the depictions of the characters. They truly have a solid grasp on their craft and the uniqueness of this book cannot be undersold. Definitely a wonderfully original book that took me out of my comfort zone at times but that I was so glad that I had a chance to read. Certainly check this one out because it is creepy and disturbing in all the right places and ultimately quite emotional. Very fitting that it will be released around the Halloween season too.
https://outofthisworldrev.blogspot.co...
I can honestly say that I've never read a book quite like LEECH by Hiron Ennes. The closest thing I think I can come to it in "weirdness" is The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins. Not in story mind you, but in total accumulation of wtf moments. I mean, how do you wrap your head around a story where the main character and narrator is a parasite that has taken over a number of hosts throughout the centuries, and whose latest body is a pathologist investigating a mysterious death inside the chateau of a reclusive baron. Oh and as that investigation unfolds, something even worse is discovered below the mines outside of the chateau grounds. Pretty cool-sounding plot, wouldn't you say? And that's just the first few chapters, the truly bizarre and intense stuff comes after that. Have I hooked you yet? Piqued your curiosity a bit?
As I said before, LEECH is an incredibly unique read to be sure. There are many instances where the narrative truly wraps you up and I felt myself being pulled into its tangled clutches for large stretches. Fair warning though, the language/dialogue is written in an older style, hearkening back to some of the works of 19th century novelists like Mary Shelley and Wilkie Collins. But that's also what makes the book stand out as it fits nicely with the desolate setting, which is very reminiscent of the frigid landscape scenes from Frankenstein and the dark wandering manor house halls from The Woman in White. So in that respect, the language definitely compliments this seemingly old school gothic horror/scifi tale.
I have to admit that I didn't really know what was going on when I first started reading this book. There were a few times when I put the book down in my lap, stared at the wall and thought what the heck just happened there? I'm really glad that I stuck with it though because as the story progresses, things that are merely hinted at in the beginning start to take on a sharper focus and become clearer. This is not a book for people who crave instant gratification, but rather it unfolds its secrets tantalizingly slowly. These can be the best types of books because the reward for paying close attention is so gratifying in the end.
Speaking of the end, the climax was not what I expected and that kept right in line with my whole reading experience with this one. I enjoyed LEECH and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good gothic read with some truly weird elements. This book is not for the squeamish as it does contain a fair amount of body horror, violence, and just plain icky scenes that left me making the squinty gross face pretty regularly. But I appreciated the compelling plot and also how author Hiron Ennes took chances and didn't sugarcoat anything with regard to many of the depictions of the characters. They truly have a solid grasp on their craft and the uniqueness of this book cannot be undersold. Definitely a wonderfully original book that took me out of my comfort zone at times but that I was so glad that I had a chance to read. Certainly check this one out because it is creepy and disturbing in all the right places and ultimately quite emotional. Very fitting that it will be released around the Halloween season too.
August 11, 2022
an unexpected package for ME?
with an olde-timey seal?
and a creepy-intriguing letter about a mysteeeeerious death?
accompanying a book that the great tamsyn muir calls "Wuthering Heights...with worms."
where have you been all my life??
with an olde-timey seal?
and a creepy-intriguing letter about a mysteeeeerious death?
accompanying a book that the great tamsyn muir calls "Wuthering Heights...with worms."
where have you been all my life??
March 27, 2024
"THE SUCCESS OF ANY parasite is proportional to its harmlessness. Some are intelligent; they avoid detection, allowing their carriers to lead healthy lives until obsolescence. Fewer, in brilliant acts of symbiosis, foster dependence in the host. But too many are loudmouths and fools, instigating aches, diarrhea, fatigue, bleeding, or other braggadocious symptoms. Most parasites cannot think far enough ahead to maintain the well-being of their host, much less their host’s entire species. Usually, such foresight is not necessary, unless humans are involved. They tend to hold grudges."
A unique book
The first few chapters slowly introduce the reader to the world. Is it the past or the future? Pre-industrial and post-technolgy at the same time. Is it an alternate timeline or a post-apocalyptic future yet to come? Just when one thinks one has gotten a hold on the trajectory, in comes another tidbit on the world-building that collapses your premise like a quantum measurement. I love it, constantly figuring it out and the changing topography. A very intriguing start to the story.
The narrative is clear and to the point with no embellishments and very immersive; a continuous stream-of-conciousness first person perspective using multiple viewpoints. Very eerie and somewhat unique story telling the beginning of an epidemic from the perspective of a symbiot [parasite...leech?].
An enjoyable read and even though I liked this, I honestly thought I'd like it much better than I did. Three stars for the reading experience.
2022 Read
A unique book
The first few chapters slowly introduce the reader to the world. Is it the past or the future? Pre-industrial and post-technolgy at the same time. Is it an alternate timeline or a post-apocalyptic future yet to come? Just when one thinks one has gotten a hold on the trajectory, in comes another tidbit on the world-building that collapses your premise like a quantum measurement. I love it, constantly figuring it out and the changing topography. A very intriguing start to the story.
The narrative is clear and to the point with no embellishments and very immersive; a continuous stream-of-conciousness first person perspective using multiple viewpoints. Very eerie and somewhat unique story telling the beginning of an epidemic from the perspective of a symbiot [parasite...leech?].
An enjoyable read and even though I liked this, I honestly thought I'd like it much better than I did. Three stars for the reading experience.
2022 Read
![Profile Image for julia ☆ [owls reads].](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1636739475i/5520447._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
October 9, 2022
I really wanted Leech to be the book for me, but it wasn't. The premise was an unique one and, despite appreciating how it was executed and how certain scenes legit made me recoil in horror and disgust, I had such a difficult time with the writing style. That pretty much killed any and all enjoyment I could have felt while reading this.
Hiron Ennes did show a lot of promise with this book. The concept was a very intriguing one and the way that translated to the world-building set up was well done. The beginning of the story was so damn interesting because of that, as we learn a little about the Institute, and I was pretty curious to see how things were going to progress as the main conflict was established.
And that was when the writing style really lost me. The narrative was pretty disjointed, which I believe was the point, but the going back-and-forth really didn't work for me. It made the book confusing and unnecessarily dense and broke the flow for me. This also meant the pace was a bit all over the place since things were very tense during one moment and then not at all in the next.
I will say that there were quite a few extremely unsettling scenes thrown in, personally. I had to pause reading during some of them since they hit a bit too close to my body horror/bodily harm limits, but I do congratulate Ennes on being able to come up with things that legit caused a physical reaction from me.
In regard to the ending: it also didn't work for me, mostly due to my lack of attatchment to the story by the end of it. I do appreciate what Ennes tried to do here and, since I did really liked the premise behind the story, I will keep an eye out for their future works.
Hiron Ennes did show a lot of promise with this book. The concept was a very intriguing one and the way that translated to the world-building set up was well done. The beginning of the story was so damn interesting because of that, as we learn a little about the Institute, and I was pretty curious to see how things were going to progress as the main conflict was established.
And that was when the writing style really lost me. The narrative was pretty disjointed, which I believe was the point, but the going back-and-forth really didn't work for me. It made the book confusing and unnecessarily dense and broke the flow for me. This also meant the pace was a bit all over the place since things were very tense during one moment and then not at all in the next.
I will say that there were quite a few extremely unsettling scenes thrown in, personally. I had to pause reading during some of them since they hit a bit too close to my body horror/bodily harm limits, but I do congratulate Ennes on being able to come up with things that legit caused a physical reaction from me.
In regard to the ending: it also didn't work for me, mostly due to my lack of attatchment to the story by the end of it. I do appreciate what Ennes tried to do here and, since I did really liked the premise behind the story, I will keep an eye out for their future works.
September 7, 2022
This was an incredibly unique and original book. I have not read anything like it before. It begins with the death of the baron’s doctor at an isolated Chateau. The doctor's replacement from the Institute arrives and has a mystery (or two) to solve. Btw, the replacement is quite unusual as it has used "host bodies" over the years. Creepy. Plus, the replacement doctor finds that something is lurking at the Chateau deep below in the mines.
This is a very Gothic and atmospheric read that had me scratching my head a couple of times. This book took me a little bit of time to get into and the thought of an organism trying to study another organism was very interesting. This took creepy to a new level. Plus, the book has a very cold feel to it. It's chilling and dark which adds to the overall feel of the book.
Many times, I put this book down while reading it, then found myself coming back to this highly unusual book. I applaud the author for being creative and original. It took me some time to wrap my head around this book. This began on the slow side, and I struggle with slow builds, the book did pick up speed in the second half when things begin to get very real.
Gothic, atmospheric and unique. If you are looking for something a little different, look no further!
#Leech #NetGalley
Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Tordotcom and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
This is a very Gothic and atmospheric read that had me scratching my head a couple of times. This book took me a little bit of time to get into and the thought of an organism trying to study another organism was very interesting. This took creepy to a new level. Plus, the book has a very cold feel to it. It's chilling and dark which adds to the overall feel of the book.
Many times, I put this book down while reading it, then found myself coming back to this highly unusual book. I applaud the author for being creative and original. It took me some time to wrap my head around this book. This began on the slow side, and I struggle with slow builds, the book did pick up speed in the second half when things begin to get very real.
Gothic, atmospheric and unique. If you are looking for something a little different, look no further!
#Leech #NetGalley
Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Tordotcom and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
August 29, 2023
3.5 what-is-this stars
I have never read a novel like this before. I have….feelings about it. Can you be repulsed and engrossed at the same time??
Concept: ★★★★★
Body horror: ★★★★★
My enjoyment: ★
I love body horror books. Or at least, I used to say that. I think Leech broke my brain and has redefined the threshold on which we determine "body horror" in the realm of medical trauma, consent, and what it means to be a person in, essentially, meat suits.
If the phrase "meat suits" makes you uncomfortable, please take that as your cue to stop reading this review here—and to avoid this book.
Leech is very hard to describe. I commend whoever was tasked with writing the blurb for the inside jacket... it couldn't have been easy. How does one describe a novel like this?
Every monster is the hero of its own story... that could be said about this book.
When our society collapses in on itself and future versions of humanity exist in a very bleak, grim, and macabre future... that could be said about this book.
Let's combine the idea of parasites with a gothic, moldering castle and make it mentally insane... that could be said too.
Leech has a LOT going on in its pages. It's dense by every meaning of the word— paragraph-wise, character-wise, worldbuilding-wise, and horror-wise. It is a LOT. And it makes no apologies for being that way. (It doesn't have to apologize, but it could have done with a stronger warning label! Lol.)
To say "I enjoyed this reading experience" would be a lie. I did not have a good time.
I loved the first bit of the book a lot—it's confusing, but intriguing and interesting at the same time. I thought the middle was a very dense attempt at trying to figure out the setting, worldbuilding, and sense of pacing. It took me ages to get through the middle sections because it was terribly easy to put the book down and simultaneously very hard to reengage with it when I tried to pick it back up. The ending... was both absolutely horrifying to my personal reading tastes and also a wild trip into the ether in terms of character arc upheaval.
If you've made it this far into my review, you might be wondering why I'm giving this novel a generous 4 stars despite being viscerally upset by its contents. I, too, am a bit confused by myself. But at the end of the day, I think the author deserves some very high praise for instilling such a unique concept into such a horrifying package that dealt with literally every single variant of medical body trauma that could possibly exist in our human minds. All of it. It's all here in this book.
If, for some reason, you're not yet turned off from this book by my review, then I do recommend it. Hiron Ennes is an author to watch—they are doing very unique things in the horror space.
Thank you to TOR for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram
I have never read a novel like this before. I have….feelings about it. Can you be repulsed and engrossed at the same time??
Concept: ★★★★★
Body horror: ★★★★★
My enjoyment: ★
I love body horror books. Or at least, I used to say that. I think Leech broke my brain and has redefined the threshold on which we determine "body horror" in the realm of medical trauma, consent, and what it means to be a person in, essentially, meat suits.
If the phrase "meat suits" makes you uncomfortable, please take that as your cue to stop reading this review here—and to avoid this book.
Leech is very hard to describe. I commend whoever was tasked with writing the blurb for the inside jacket... it couldn't have been easy. How does one describe a novel like this?
Every monster is the hero of its own story... that could be said about this book.
When our society collapses in on itself and future versions of humanity exist in a very bleak, grim, and macabre future... that could be said about this book.
Let's combine the idea of parasites with a gothic, moldering castle and make it mentally insane... that could be said too.
Leech has a LOT going on in its pages. It's dense by every meaning of the word— paragraph-wise, character-wise, worldbuilding-wise, and horror-wise. It is a LOT. And it makes no apologies for being that way. (It doesn't have to apologize, but it could have done with a stronger warning label! Lol.)
To say "I enjoyed this reading experience" would be a lie. I did not have a good time.
I loved the first bit of the book a lot—it's confusing, but intriguing and interesting at the same time. I thought the middle was a very dense attempt at trying to figure out the setting, worldbuilding, and sense of pacing. It took me ages to get through the middle sections because it was terribly easy to put the book down and simultaneously very hard to reengage with it when I tried to pick it back up. The ending... was both absolutely horrifying to my personal reading tastes and also a wild trip into the ether in terms of character arc upheaval.
If you've made it this far into my review, you might be wondering why I'm giving this novel a generous 4 stars despite being viscerally upset by its contents. I, too, am a bit confused by myself. But at the end of the day, I think the author deserves some very high praise for instilling such a unique concept into such a horrifying package that dealt with literally every single variant of medical body trauma that could possibly exist in our human minds. All of it. It's all here in this book.
If, for some reason, you're not yet turned off from this book by my review, then I do recommend it. Hiron Ennes is an author to watch—they are doing very unique things in the horror space.
Thank you to TOR for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram
November 2, 2022
someone went through a synonym dictionary alright
October 12, 2022
Video: https://youtu.be/GW9fZye3H2w
Leech is an excellent gothic sci-fi/horror novel that slowly draws you into its dystopian world. If you like world-building that is a slow-build, seamlessly integrated into the plot, and isolated settings with old crumbling estates, Leech might be for you.
A doctor has mysteriously died and their replacement must investigate what happened. But in this world, all doctors are part of an interconnected organism that takes over the minds of young children eligible to be integrated and become doctors. We are in this replacement doctor's head for much of the book.
I don't want to spoil things, but this was wonderfully creepy, disorienting, and ended up being (in part) a subtle and thoughtful way to talk about trauma responses and grooming. (content warning for sex abuse late in the book) Also note that this contains a lot of body horror, which may not be for everyone. But I ended up really loving this book. It's smart, nuanced, and takes a very cool approach to world-building. Definitely worth a read! There's more I could say about the way this handles gender, dissociation, body dysmorphia etc. but just know that this is what I love about good horror- how it can be used to unpack real issues while also telling a great story that stands on its own. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Leech is an excellent gothic sci-fi/horror novel that slowly draws you into its dystopian world. If you like world-building that is a slow-build, seamlessly integrated into the plot, and isolated settings with old crumbling estates, Leech might be for you.
A doctor has mysteriously died and their replacement must investigate what happened. But in this world, all doctors are part of an interconnected organism that takes over the minds of young children eligible to be integrated and become doctors. We are in this replacement doctor's head for much of the book.
I don't want to spoil things, but this was wonderfully creepy, disorienting, and ended up being (in part) a subtle and thoughtful way to talk about trauma responses and grooming. (content warning for sex abuse late in the book) Also note that this contains a lot of body horror, which may not be for everyone. But I ended up really loving this book. It's smart, nuanced, and takes a very cool approach to world-building. Definitely worth a read! There's more I could say about the way this handles gender, dissociation, body dysmorphia etc. but just know that this is what I love about good horror- how it can be used to unpack real issues while also telling a great story that stands on its own. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
October 30, 2023
3.5 stars.
This was quite a unique read. It starts off with an unusual protagonist in a gothic, post-apocalyptic world. The narrative is first person and the peculiarity of this situation makes it interesting. This hooked me in and kept me going.
The descriptions of the world’s history are vague, we don’t get to see much of the history but it adds to the whole mood. It was eerie- visceral at times yet you can’t stop reading. I loved the myths/priest’s accounts.
Plot-wise, the book lost me in the last third. Maybe it’s just me but the plot lost its initial allure with the change (I don’t want to give away spoilers). The conclusion was bit of a letdown. I expected much more from the premise.
All in all, this is a pretty good one-time creepy read.
This was quite a unique read. It starts off with an unusual protagonist in a gothic, post-apocalyptic world. The narrative is first person and the peculiarity of this situation makes it interesting. This hooked me in and kept me going.
The descriptions of the world’s history are vague, we don’t get to see much of the history but it adds to the whole mood. It was eerie- visceral at times yet you can’t stop reading. I loved the myths/priest’s accounts.
Plot-wise, the book lost me in the last third. Maybe it’s just me but the plot lost its initial allure with the change (I don’t want to give away spoilers). The conclusion was bit of a letdown. I expected much more from the premise.
All in all, this is a pretty good one-time creepy read.
February 12, 2024
4.5 stars - this book made me work but I enjoyed that process! Purposefully disorienting, this is a country house mystery meets dystopian body horror, which was a great combo for me
September 22, 2022
I’ve seen quite a few 5 star reviews for Leech, so my viewpoint might be in the minority but I was so tempted at multiple points to DNF this book, it was only down to the fact that I’m quite ahead on my TBR deadlines that I stuck it out.
The premise of Leech is an interesting one – the book is told through the perspective of an un-named Parasite infecting a Doctor’s body. The parasite is part of The Institute – an organisation which infects young minds and shapes them to be Doctors with enhanced knowledge of healing. When one of their bodies dies in a remote castle, our protagonist is sent to investigate.
Although the idea of a parasite as the lead character is an interesting one, it actually made for a confusing read. At the beginning they can see into other minds and other bodies in other places which makes the narrative a little hard to follow in places. When it then becomes just the main character you then don’t feel much empathy for them as they don’t have much of a personality. The ending then takes another turn as you see flashbacks from other characters who the parasite has infected. I think this perhaps needed chapter headings as it jumped from flashback to present day.
The whole book can be summed up by the word ‘confusing’. The local dialect that is used is very hard to understand and even in the standard prose the author uses unusual and difficult to understand words (or even words that are made up, in places) which makes for a very tedious read. Although it’s relatively short, it definitely drags. All of the characters are awful with no redeeming qualities which, without a strong or interesting main character, means you have no-one to route for throughout.
Although initially I thought it was a horror set in the past, there is actually a lot of fantasy elements woven into the story which just make it harder to work out what’s going on. One of the characters has a tail, which is never explained, there’s a pair a child twins whose hair gets tangled together at various points. I couldn’t really understand if they were supposed to be conjoined twins or not and then at one point they walk through walls and it’s implied they might be dead? I have no idea… The village is mining for Wheatrock which I understood until they started eating it. All of the scenes set in the dining room in the castle just read like a fever dream.
Overall Leech is an interesting premise but it’s a real mess, full of unlikeable characters, hard to understand words and a difficult to discern plot. Thank you to NetGalley & Pan Macmillan – Tor for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews check out www.kindig.co.uk
The premise of Leech is an interesting one – the book is told through the perspective of an un-named Parasite infecting a Doctor’s body. The parasite is part of The Institute – an organisation which infects young minds and shapes them to be Doctors with enhanced knowledge of healing. When one of their bodies dies in a remote castle, our protagonist is sent to investigate.
Although the idea of a parasite as the lead character is an interesting one, it actually made for a confusing read. At the beginning they can see into other minds and other bodies in other places which makes the narrative a little hard to follow in places. When it then becomes just the main character you then don’t feel much empathy for them as they don’t have much of a personality. The ending then takes another turn as you see flashbacks from other characters who the parasite has infected. I think this perhaps needed chapter headings as it jumped from flashback to present day.
The whole book can be summed up by the word ‘confusing’. The local dialect that is used is very hard to understand and even in the standard prose the author uses unusual and difficult to understand words (or even words that are made up, in places) which makes for a very tedious read. Although it’s relatively short, it definitely drags. All of the characters are awful with no redeeming qualities which, without a strong or interesting main character, means you have no-one to route for throughout.
Although initially I thought it was a horror set in the past, there is actually a lot of fantasy elements woven into the story which just make it harder to work out what’s going on. One of the characters has a tail, which is never explained, there’s a pair a child twins whose hair gets tangled together at various points. I couldn’t really understand if they were supposed to be conjoined twins or not and then at one point they walk through walls and it’s implied they might be dead? I have no idea… The village is mining for Wheatrock which I understood until they started eating it. All of the scenes set in the dining room in the castle just read like a fever dream.
Overall Leech is an interesting premise but it’s a real mess, full of unlikeable characters, hard to understand words and a difficult to discern plot. Thank you to NetGalley & Pan Macmillan – Tor for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews check out www.kindig.co.uk
November 19, 2022
Beyond weird and unique!! I absolutely love this world and hope we get more books set in this universe!!
December 27, 2022
WEIRD, SPOOKY, AND ENTIRELY UNLIKE ANYTHING ON THE SHELVES.
As the leaves turn from green to a fire-themed palate I bring my flannels out of storage, brew a cup of strong coffee, and sit down for SPOOKY SEASON. My fellow Goodreadians, I'm here to tell you that Leech fits the bill as a horror novel, unsettling family saga, post-apocalyptic nightmare, gore fest, and trauma-ridden narrative. In short, it rolls up all the possible things that could disturb and sets them loose on your--for some reason--willing brain.
All the same, this book is bound to be divisive. It's a challenging read on multiple levels: the narration of the first few chapters is done in a kaleidoscopic POV from the perspective of a hive mind of doctors. If that weren't already confusing, the world at first seems set in a science-fictional past, but eventually reveals itself to be post-apocalyptic weirdness. The shifting POV and unsteady ground on which it is all set helped to contribute, in my opinion, to an atmosphere where anything could happen.
Certainly, Ennes follows through on that promise by going in directions as strange and wonderful as the strands of pseudomycota that terrorize our good doctor. I never knew what to expect, who was the villain, or where the story was going.
However, I eat this stuff up.
I don't mind mucking my way through a story as long as on a sentence to sentence basis it's solidly written and the premise is interesting. For me, I wanted to pull back the layers and grasp the narrative that Ennes was unfolding before me. I was along for the ride and enjoyed theorizing and trying to comprehend the bastardized future French, the strange accounts of the past (read: our present or future), and just who exactly is telling the story. Some of you will loathe this novel from the get go.
So what's my recommendation? Give this a solid sample. If you make it 50 pages in and are doing nothing but suffering and are not at all intrigued, ditch it. However, if you are the least bit intrigued, stick with it. This is a stunning debut novel and I can't wait to see what Ennes writes next.
As the leaves turn from green to a fire-themed palate I bring my flannels out of storage, brew a cup of strong coffee, and sit down for SPOOKY SEASON. My fellow Goodreadians, I'm here to tell you that Leech fits the bill as a horror novel, unsettling family saga, post-apocalyptic nightmare, gore fest, and trauma-ridden narrative. In short, it rolls up all the possible things that could disturb and sets them loose on your--for some reason--willing brain.
All the same, this book is bound to be divisive. It's a challenging read on multiple levels: the narration of the first few chapters is done in a kaleidoscopic POV from the perspective of a hive mind of doctors. If that weren't already confusing, the world at first seems set in a science-fictional past, but eventually reveals itself to be post-apocalyptic weirdness. The shifting POV and unsteady ground on which it is all set helped to contribute, in my opinion, to an atmosphere where anything could happen.
Certainly, Ennes follows through on that promise by going in directions as strange and wonderful as the strands of pseudomycota that terrorize our good doctor. I never knew what to expect, who was the villain, or where the story was going.
However, I eat this stuff up.
I don't mind mucking my way through a story as long as on a sentence to sentence basis it's solidly written and the premise is interesting. For me, I wanted to pull back the layers and grasp the narrative that Ennes was unfolding before me. I was along for the ride and enjoyed theorizing and trying to comprehend the bastardized future French, the strange accounts of the past (read: our present or future), and just who exactly is telling the story. Some of you will loathe this novel from the get go.
So what's my recommendation? Give this a solid sample. If you make it 50 pages in and are doing nothing but suffering and are not at all intrigued, ditch it. However, if you are the least bit intrigued, stick with it. This is a stunning debut novel and I can't wait to see what Ennes writes next.
September 21, 2022
3.5 stars
This is a well written gothic horror novel that would be excellent to read during the fall season. The atmosphere was so foreboding. Gothic fiction is not always my thing so it's a testament to the book how much I enjoyed it. My favourite aspect was the science fiction element which added a surprising layer to the story. I would recommend this to anyone who loves dark gothic horror and is open to a sci-fi twist.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This is a well written gothic horror novel that would be excellent to read during the fall season. The atmosphere was so foreboding. Gothic fiction is not always my thing so it's a testament to the book how much I enjoyed it. My favourite aspect was the science fiction element which added a surprising layer to the story. I would recommend this to anyone who loves dark gothic horror and is open to a sci-fi twist.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
December 9, 2022
I cannot remember the last time that I finished a book going huh, what the heck did I just read….until Leech. I can understand why it was nominated for a best of sci-fi book on goodreads, but I have to say I wanted to love this book more than I did. The voice was perfect for the narrator, but it was a voice that made it hard to get invested (or interested) in the story. I understand why it was flat and dry but it didn’t make it easier to get caught into the story. I’m not going to bother trying to explain the plot as I certainty couldn’t do a better job than the back of the book (and would probably give everything I understood away) but I will say if you pick this one up assume you understand nothing about the world you’re about to enter.
August 18, 2022
Review to come!
February 12, 2022
Read an eARC from the editor
Content warning: body horror, gore, blood, child sexual abuse (~75% mark), arson, medical experimentation, dysphoria, harm against animals
Gothic horror is great. Gothic horror that’s disguising a science fiction horror? Even better. A physician goes to replace a colleague far in the north in a frozen chateau occupied by a baron, his son, his wife, and their twins. As the doctor from the Institute investigates the cause of death, secrets begin to unravel that can easily spell humanity’s decline.
With dense, precise language weaving a tale of discovery and self-discovery, definitely a must-read for fans of Caitlin Starling in search of more claustrophobic settings and morally gray characters.
Ennes has such a command of the prose in this work. It reads like something from the 1800’s in terms of the gothic atmosphere and visceral attention-to-detail as far as medicine goes. But as you unravel some of the details, the setting for this book actually hits closer to home than initially expected. Earth is just in the future, and most diseases have been dealt with, except for that pesky human one.
The tension is incredible and also also allows for a deliberate exploration of consent and bodily autonomy. The idea of control via individuality is, to me, the most compelling part of the book. The narrator is a 500-year-old parasite in a body whose only job and purpose in “life” is to serve. The detachment and indifference to the medical procedures and symptoms can be quite unsettling, but it really works. It’s in the nature of our narrator’s work but it also rings true to the horror subgenre. It lends itself well to a stark contrast between the human characters and those parading as human.
As far as antagonists go, there are some very clear answers but it takes going through some frosty caves and the muddy waters of memory to get that clarity. There are some heavy and distressing situations towards the latter quarter of the book where every secret becomes revealed. It’s more human than just the truth about the parasite that’s making everyone sick, which brings a melancholy to the creepiness. I found the ending, however, cathartic but it is a journey to get there.
Leech is a chilling addition to any bookshelf if you enjoy manors full of secrets and beings with intentions both as simple and as morally complex as survival.
Content warning: body horror, gore, blood, child sexual abuse (~75% mark), arson, medical experimentation, dysphoria, harm against animals
Gothic horror is great. Gothic horror that’s disguising a science fiction horror? Even better. A physician goes to replace a colleague far in the north in a frozen chateau occupied by a baron, his son, his wife, and their twins. As the doctor from the Institute investigates the cause of death, secrets begin to unravel that can easily spell humanity’s decline.
With dense, precise language weaving a tale of discovery and self-discovery, definitely a must-read for fans of Caitlin Starling in search of more claustrophobic settings and morally gray characters.
Ennes has such a command of the prose in this work. It reads like something from the 1800’s in terms of the gothic atmosphere and visceral attention-to-detail as far as medicine goes. But as you unravel some of the details, the setting for this book actually hits closer to home than initially expected. Earth is just in the future, and most diseases have been dealt with, except for that pesky human one.
The tension is incredible and also also allows for a deliberate exploration of consent and bodily autonomy. The idea of control via individuality is, to me, the most compelling part of the book. The narrator is a 500-year-old parasite in a body whose only job and purpose in “life” is to serve. The detachment and indifference to the medical procedures and symptoms can be quite unsettling, but it really works. It’s in the nature of our narrator’s work but it also rings true to the horror subgenre. It lends itself well to a stark contrast between the human characters and those parading as human.
As far as antagonists go, there are some very clear answers but it takes going through some frosty caves and the muddy waters of memory to get that clarity. There are some heavy and distressing situations towards the latter quarter of the book where every secret becomes revealed. It’s more human than just the truth about the parasite that’s making everyone sick, which brings a melancholy to the creepiness. I found the ending, however, cathartic but it is a journey to get there.
Leech is a chilling addition to any bookshelf if you enjoy manors full of secrets and beings with intentions both as simple and as morally complex as survival.
July 30, 2021
Thank you to Tor.com for the advanced bound manuscript!
Leech is the perfect blend of old school Gothic and new sci-fi, bringing Frankenstein’s Arctic chase and struggle with autonomy to the 21st century. In the isolated north, our protagonist finds themself cut off from the world in more ways than one, and must struggle to contain a pathogen that threatens everyone it touches, while navigating the chateau’s tangled and violent past. With the type of subtle world-building that will completely blow you out of the water, you won’t be able to look away as you pull away layer after layer from this post-apocalyptic nightmare to the horrifying truth beneath.
Leech is the perfect blend of old school Gothic and new sci-fi, bringing Frankenstein’s Arctic chase and struggle with autonomy to the 21st century. In the isolated north, our protagonist finds themself cut off from the world in more ways than one, and must struggle to contain a pathogen that threatens everyone it touches, while navigating the chateau’s tangled and violent past. With the type of subtle world-building that will completely blow you out of the water, you won’t be able to look away as you pull away layer after layer from this post-apocalyptic nightmare to the horrifying truth beneath.
April 25, 2024
A book that uses SFF to its greatest power, finding truth in ourselves through the lens of speculative fiction 💗
Leech is a sci-fi/gothic horror/dystopian novel set in an uncertain time when our world has been fundamentally changed. Something fell from the sky, returning the planet to more rudimentary days; a rather Victorian way of life, but with all our tech and mechanisms just buried within reach. Author Hiron Ennes creates a sort of gaslamp, steampunk environment, but emphasizes heavily that landscape's limitations; feudalism, no anesthesia, but laudanum, and barbaric practices like vivisection routine again becoming routine.
At the center of this changed world are the doctors; organic beings, but without identity. Run by the shadowy Institute, each is dispatched to be automatons of medical knowledge. They are to be impartial and to serve, always connected mentally to the larger whole; a single finger of a far-reaching hand.
One such doctor, nameless and sexless, is sent out to a remote Frankish barony as a replacement. In addition to caring for the physically- and morally-degenerate Baron and his family, the doctor is also pursuing what killed the previous physician.
When the autopsy reveals a small, tendrilous black parasite, a tale of reclaiming autonomy—and proclaiming identity—unfolds for all.
Particularly bodily autonomy against arbitrary societal expectations, and against those of our abusers. Autonomy of our minds when we are allowed or allow ourselves to learn. Cultural identity against colonization. And of the power of knowing for ourselves who we are, better than anyone else could tell us.
It's astonishing what Leech accomplishes for a rather short book. From the jump, Hiron Ennes establishes mood and setting with period language, not unlike that Susanna Clarke employed in Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. It immediately builds a world that could be too complicated in less competent hands, further illuminated by the uniqueness of its central perspective, that of the mysterious doctor.
The book interrupts itself in the doctor's journey—interjections that are not immediately clear whether they reflect the hivemind or something else...maybe something sinister, or maybe something miraculous. As these reveal themselves more as the narrative goes on, so do they about who the doctor is.
Individually.
As insightful as Leech is, I did get uncomfortable with one aspect.
But that's just my interpretation.
Nonetheless, Leech is great.
Leech is a sci-fi/gothic horror/dystopian novel set in an uncertain time when our world has been fundamentally changed. Something fell from the sky, returning the planet to more rudimentary days; a rather Victorian way of life, but with all our tech and mechanisms just buried within reach. Author Hiron Ennes creates a sort of gaslamp, steampunk environment, but emphasizes heavily that landscape's limitations; feudalism, no anesthesia, but laudanum, and barbaric practices like vivisection routine again becoming routine.
At the center of this changed world are the doctors; organic beings, but without identity. Run by the shadowy Institute, each is dispatched to be automatons of medical knowledge. They are to be impartial and to serve, always connected mentally to the larger whole; a single finger of a far-reaching hand.
One such doctor, nameless and sexless, is sent out to a remote Frankish barony as a replacement. In addition to caring for the physically- and morally-degenerate Baron and his family, the doctor is also pursuing what killed the previous physician.
When the autopsy reveals a small, tendrilous black parasite, a tale of reclaiming autonomy—and proclaiming identity—unfolds for all.
Particularly bodily autonomy against arbitrary societal expectations, and against those of our abusers. Autonomy of our minds when we are allowed or allow ourselves to learn. Cultural identity against colonization. And of the power of knowing for ourselves who we are, better than anyone else could tell us.
It's astonishing what Leech accomplishes for a rather short book. From the jump, Hiron Ennes establishes mood and setting with period language, not unlike that Susanna Clarke employed in Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. It immediately builds a world that could be too complicated in less competent hands, further illuminated by the uniqueness of its central perspective, that of the mysterious doctor.
The book interrupts itself in the doctor's journey—interjections that are not immediately clear whether they reflect the hivemind or something else...maybe something sinister, or maybe something miraculous. As these reveal themselves more as the narrative goes on, so do they about who the doctor is.
Individually.
As insightful as Leech is, I did get uncomfortable with one aspect.
But that's just my interpretation.
Nonetheless, Leech is great.
January 4, 2023
A decent debut.
In a post-apocalyptic world, in what is probably France, a doctor sets out to baron's chateau. This because the previous doctor is dead. And that previous doctor shared a mind with the current doctor, as do thousands others. The Institute, as it is known, is a parasite hivemind residing in the bodies and brains of many, many doctors. Something was found inside Stanislas, the dead doctor. A mysterious black parasite with tendrils. To make matter's worse, the winter is getting harsher, the baron impatient, and his family sicker and more mentally unbalanced. And after the current doctor is cut off from the rest of the hivemind, their only companion is Émile, a mute Montish boy with a tail. As the doctor investigates further, they realize that not everyone is telling the truth. And the new parasite closes in quickly.
Okay, so...let me start off by saying something I've often repeated: debuts are rarely 100% perfect. Rarely. What Hiron Ennes brought to the table was quite good, however what they brought the table was cooked for way too long in the oven or air fryer or whatever. And while the inner parts of Leech were the most delicious, the skin was fried or grilled way too heavily. This is not a bad first read of 2023, but it could've been so much more.
For ones, Ennes really captured the Gothic tone and atmosphere that they were hoping the capture. One theme of Gothic is decay, and that decay is everywhere. From the crumbling chateau, the handful of disfigured denizens of Verdira (the name of the barony), the baron and his family themselves (whether physically or mentally), to the inner secrets of the mines and mountain caves, and even the animals. The setting can be felt in each scene with the descriptions and thoughts of the doctor. Ennes' prose really matches the Gothic tone as well, however, this prose also frequently becomes a problem. The prose can be too wordy sometimes. Meaning, it does feel like Ennes consulted a thesaurus quite a bit while writing. I don't mind expanding my vocabulary, and I actually like flowery, purple prose, and Ennes did manage to maintain a doctor's point-of-view and feel with some of their word choices. However--boy, am I saying "however" a lot already--it got to be a lot. Some much so that it slowed the book down more.
The pacing is a bit all over the place. It starts off very slow, but then picks up for a bit, but then slows down again. Around or at the climax, the pacing picks back up. Briefly, after the climax it slows again and then finally picks back up at the end; although, interestingly enough, it does not result in a rushed ending but does leave one thing unresolved. I know that Gothic stories can be slow; or at least, the old, traditional Gothic ones. But at times, it felt like the story was just dragging, which also felt odd because in many of the scenes there is important information being exchanged, whether you realize it or not. Thing is, Ennes could have made these scenes a bit more quicker, because sometimes you get so bored you're not paying attention to the information that's being stated and you can miss something. Unless, Ennes is pulling a Gene Wolfe and this intentional. This also concerns a certain plot point which I will discuss later, but next we must discuss the characters.
Almost all of the characters are actually quite interesting. The doctor is interesting when we first realize, quite early in the book, that they share a hivemind with all the Institute's other bodies. They become even more interesting when the separation occurs. Their fears come to the surface and they lose stability and confidence. The past memories and thoughts of the current host body start to come flooding back. The baron himself is just an angry, blustering asshole, but his son Didier is more interesting. He clearly cares about those around him, but he's troubled by many things, not all of them immediately important. He is predominantly unloved by his father and wife Hélène, but also has a dark side we see parts of. There's Baker, a former miner who holds his own secrets. Priest who, despite his name, is not an actual priest but watches over the remains of an old church and sends offerings to the dead gods. He tells the doctor stories of the past in the barony, from folktales, to cryptic, allegorical stories about how the world fell apart, to the history of the baron's family, and, mostly, Didier's life growing up and his losses. Additionally, Priest is either a trans man or intersex, it's hard to tell. In one scene in the middle of the book, he is breastfeeding a newborn baby. There is no mention of his gender identity but he always called he/him.
A brief aside, gender, or what we see of it, is an interesting thing in this book, and it is partially why I can't tell what Priest identifies as. The Institute is genderless naturally, being a parasite. Although it resides in many different bodies, it does not align itself with, present itself as, or cares about the gender of the host bodies. In one scene, the current doctor mentions their uterus and their menstrual flow and mentions they've gone to great lengths to desex the body. Another host body seen later is also said to be desexed. Not only is the Institute genderless, but it seeks to make its host genderless against their will. An interesting angle written by a non-binary author.
Back to the characters...
Émile is probably the most interesting character, and the one I cared about the most. As I said, he is a mute boy with a tail, what's not to love? His is a houseboy who is despised by most of the family, except for Didier and his twin daughters. Didier's relationship with Émile is...complicated. He clearly cares for him, but he also takes his anger out on him. Émile is deeply involved with the plot and the doctor. It's interesting to have a mute character hide secrets. Now is time that I discuss that plot point about Émile, so under spoilers it goes.
Nonetheless, Émile does get several deserved victories in the book. And I was so happy for him! The final scene was such a great triumph for him. He doesn't speak a word and he's the most interesting and important character to me. Sadly, Didier's daughters kind of get tossed aside before the climax. I'm not even sure what happens to them. And Hélène is just kind of there to be bitchy and mean. Another body count for the horror aspect of the book.
Another thing I'm disappointed about is the often mentioned, but rarely seen monster called the ventigeau. We are constantly told how the venitgeau is monstrous in appearance and has killed hundreds and are extremely dangerous. But the whole thing ends up being a Chekov's gun. The ventigeau doesn't appear until towards the end, dragging the story out a little unnecessarily more before a somewhat of a deus ex machina comes into play. That's it. All that hype and tension for a brief appearance at the end that didn't matter. I though there was going to be some connection between the ventigeau and the black parasite, like we would've learned that it produced the parasite, but no. The rest of the ending is alright. Again, Émile revels in his much deserved happiness and victories, but the fate of the world is impedingly unknown. That's actually kind of fitting.
So, all in all, a 3 out of 5. A decent albeit faulty plot progression, pioneered by an interesting cast and set with an appropriate Gothic atmosphere, but with a very obvious twist and reveal. Still, I think Ennes can do better later on.
In a post-apocalyptic world, in what is probably France, a doctor sets out to baron's chateau. This because the previous doctor is dead. And that previous doctor shared a mind with the current doctor, as do thousands others. The Institute, as it is known, is a parasite hivemind residing in the bodies and brains of many, many doctors. Something was found inside Stanislas, the dead doctor. A mysterious black parasite with tendrils. To make matter's worse, the winter is getting harsher, the baron impatient, and his family sicker and more mentally unbalanced. And after the current doctor is cut off from the rest of the hivemind, their only companion is Émile, a mute Montish boy with a tail. As the doctor investigates further, they realize that not everyone is telling the truth. And the new parasite closes in quickly.
Okay, so...let me start off by saying something I've often repeated: debuts are rarely 100% perfect. Rarely. What Hiron Ennes brought to the table was quite good, however what they brought the table was cooked for way too long in the oven or air fryer or whatever. And while the inner parts of Leech were the most delicious, the skin was fried or grilled way too heavily. This is not a bad first read of 2023, but it could've been so much more.
For ones, Ennes really captured the Gothic tone and atmosphere that they were hoping the capture. One theme of Gothic is decay, and that decay is everywhere. From the crumbling chateau, the handful of disfigured denizens of Verdira (the name of the barony), the baron and his family themselves (whether physically or mentally), to the inner secrets of the mines and mountain caves, and even the animals. The setting can be felt in each scene with the descriptions and thoughts of the doctor. Ennes' prose really matches the Gothic tone as well, however, this prose also frequently becomes a problem. The prose can be too wordy sometimes. Meaning, it does feel like Ennes consulted a thesaurus quite a bit while writing. I don't mind expanding my vocabulary, and I actually like flowery, purple prose, and Ennes did manage to maintain a doctor's point-of-view and feel with some of their word choices. However--boy, am I saying "however" a lot already--it got to be a lot. Some much so that it slowed the book down more.
The pacing is a bit all over the place. It starts off very slow, but then picks up for a bit, but then slows down again. Around or at the climax, the pacing picks back up. Briefly, after the climax it slows again and then finally picks back up at the end; although, interestingly enough, it does not result in a rushed ending but does leave one thing unresolved. I know that Gothic stories can be slow; or at least, the old, traditional Gothic ones. But at times, it felt like the story was just dragging, which also felt odd because in many of the scenes there is important information being exchanged, whether you realize it or not. Thing is, Ennes could have made these scenes a bit more quicker, because sometimes you get so bored you're not paying attention to the information that's being stated and you can miss something. Unless, Ennes is pulling a Gene Wolfe and this intentional. This also concerns a certain plot point which I will discuss later, but next we must discuss the characters.
Almost all of the characters are actually quite interesting. The doctor is interesting when we first realize, quite early in the book, that they share a hivemind with all the Institute's other bodies. They become even more interesting when the separation occurs. Their fears come to the surface and they lose stability and confidence. The past memories and thoughts of the current host body start to come flooding back. The baron himself is just an angry, blustering asshole, but his son Didier is more interesting. He clearly cares about those around him, but he's troubled by many things, not all of them immediately important. He is predominantly unloved by his father and wife Hélène, but also has a dark side we see parts of. There's Baker, a former miner who holds his own secrets. Priest who, despite his name, is not an actual priest but watches over the remains of an old church and sends offerings to the dead gods. He tells the doctor stories of the past in the barony, from folktales, to cryptic, allegorical stories about how the world fell apart, to the history of the baron's family, and, mostly, Didier's life growing up and his losses. Additionally, Priest is either a trans man or intersex, it's hard to tell. In one scene in the middle of the book, he is breastfeeding a newborn baby. There is no mention of his gender identity but he always called he/him.
A brief aside, gender, or what we see of it, is an interesting thing in this book, and it is partially why I can't tell what Priest identifies as. The Institute is genderless naturally, being a parasite. Although it resides in many different bodies, it does not align itself with, present itself as, or cares about the gender of the host bodies. In one scene, the current doctor mentions their uterus and their menstrual flow and mentions they've gone to great lengths to desex the body. Another host body seen later is also said to be desexed. Not only is the Institute genderless, but it seeks to make its host genderless against their will. An interesting angle written by a non-binary author.
Back to the characters...
Émile is probably the most interesting character, and the one I cared about the most. As I said, he is a mute boy with a tail, what's not to love? His is a houseboy who is despised by most of the family, except for Didier and his twin daughters. Didier's relationship with Émile is...complicated. He clearly cares for him, but he also takes his anger out on him. Émile is deeply involved with the plot and the doctor. It's interesting to have a mute character hide secrets. Now is time that I discuss that plot point about Émile, so under spoilers it goes.
Nonetheless, Émile does get several deserved victories in the book. And I was so happy for him! The final scene was such a great triumph for him. He doesn't speak a word and he's the most interesting and important character to me. Sadly, Didier's daughters kind of get tossed aside before the climax. I'm not even sure what happens to them. And Hélène is just kind of there to be bitchy and mean. Another body count for the horror aspect of the book.
Another thing I'm disappointed about is the often mentioned, but rarely seen monster called the ventigeau. We are constantly told how the venitgeau is monstrous in appearance and has killed hundreds and are extremely dangerous. But the whole thing ends up being a Chekov's gun. The ventigeau doesn't appear until towards the end, dragging the story out a little unnecessarily more before a somewhat of a deus ex machina comes into play. That's it. All that hype and tension for a brief appearance at the end that didn't matter. I though there was going to be some connection between the ventigeau and the black parasite, like we would've learned that it produced the parasite, but no. The rest of the ending is alright. Again, Émile revels in his much deserved happiness and victories, but the fate of the world is impedingly unknown. That's actually kind of fitting.
So, all in all, a 3 out of 5. A decent albeit faulty plot progression, pioneered by an interesting cast and set with an appropriate Gothic atmosphere, but with a very obvious twist and reveal. Still, I think Ennes can do better later on.
July 22, 2022
YUCK
in a good way
in a good way
March 28, 2024
I am a sucker for A) weird POV stuff and B) fungal horror. Lucky for me, this book has lots of A) weird POV stuff and B) fungal horror.
November 14, 2022
Leech is a unique blend of body horror, bodily autonomy, and sci-fi elements. It takes place in a crumbling chateau where a doctor arrives to take the place of the one who recently perished to care for a grouchy old Baron and his family. But there’s so much more going on than that . . . Hold on because it gets weird and a little complicated here.
The doctor is part of something called “The Institute” and the doctor has been working for this family for a while - only they don’t know it. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it all because that’s where the sci-fi bit comes in and it did my head in a bit so I probably can’t explain it anyway. The new doctor discovers a terrifying parasite inside the old doc and that’s when everything starts to go to hell.
This book is very gross so if you’re into that, you’ll love the body horror. It’ll give you a good case of the ick’s and the creepy crawlies. The body horror and the fate of the dog keeper were what kept me reading through until the end. Whenever dogs enter the story, you’ve got me – unless you kill them all, and then I’m out. What didn’t work so well for me were the many side trips and interludes telling tales of the past and whatnot. It slowed down the pace quite a bit for me. And to be honest, parts of this story were very confusing for me in the beginning (and now that I’m finished there are some things I’m still a bit bewildered about). I eventually caught on to most of it but it took too long for my liking and used up my last good brain cell.
So yeah. It’s not a quick read. The writing was dense and super wordy like an old-time horror novel and it required a quiet room and my complete attention and at times I had to force myself to keep going. But I don’t regret it. I’d tell you if I did. Some truly terrible things happen and it does not shy away from the horror show of being a woman or a person with no power. It’s a pretty bleak read so prepare yourself for that if you need to.
I’m giving it a three because I did like it except maybe for the bits I just bitched about.
The doctor is part of something called “The Institute” and the doctor has been working for this family for a while - only they don’t know it. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it all because that’s where the sci-fi bit comes in and it did my head in a bit so I probably can’t explain it anyway. The new doctor discovers a terrifying parasite inside the old doc and that’s when everything starts to go to hell.
This book is very gross so if you’re into that, you’ll love the body horror. It’ll give you a good case of the ick’s and the creepy crawlies. The body horror and the fate of the dog keeper were what kept me reading through until the end. Whenever dogs enter the story, you’ve got me – unless you kill them all, and then I’m out. What didn’t work so well for me were the many side trips and interludes telling tales of the past and whatnot. It slowed down the pace quite a bit for me. And to be honest, parts of this story were very confusing for me in the beginning (and now that I’m finished there are some things I’m still a bit bewildered about). I eventually caught on to most of it but it took too long for my liking and used up my last good brain cell.
So yeah. It’s not a quick read. The writing was dense and super wordy like an old-time horror novel and it required a quiet room and my complete attention and at times I had to force myself to keep going. But I don’t regret it. I’d tell you if I did. Some truly terrible things happen and it does not shy away from the horror show of being a woman or a person with no power. It’s a pretty bleak read so prepare yourself for that if you need to.
I’m giving it a three because I did like it except maybe for the bits I just bitched about.
November 12, 2023
"Despite logical input from a conscious mind, a body fears what it fears.”
This Halloween-season I felt myself a bit burned out on the same old horror-tropes and was in the market for something completely original. Boy, did Ennes deliver that! Her debut novel brings an brilliantly intelligent and original piece of speculative horror like you’ve never read before. if it weren’t for the ending, this would’ve been an easy 5-star.
There’s little I can say about the plot of Leech without giving too much away, as much of the joy of this book is putting the puzzle-pieces together for yourself. In a postapocalyptic frozen world, the baron's personal physician dies a horrible death, seemingly by his own hand. The new replacement doctor has one mystery to solve: how the Institute lost track of one of its many bodies. Soon they find themselves up to a foe they didn't expect: a parasite even more devious and cunning than themselves.
What I loved:
Leech plunges us into a world that feels inhospitable, yet intriguing from the get-go. Although our story starts in the relatively confined setting of the Chateau, it’s apparent that a larger world, quite unlike our own, exists outside. This world's lore isn’t spoon-fed to you. Instead, Ennes trusts the readers intelligence to piece it together from glimpses and fragments of its hostility that we come by naturally through the unfolding of the plot. I was on edge and engaged, actively trying to solve the mystery alongside the protagonist.
Thematically, this book couldn’t have been more up my alley. Ennes is a medical student, and the themes she discusses in the book are very closely linked to the medical field. To me, as an MD, I deal with many of these dilemmas on a daily basis and I loved seeing them explored in a sci-fi-horror-setting like this. From ethical questions on patient-care and bodily autonomy(What should be the limits of medical involvement? How far should we go in extending life? Who does and who doesn’t have access to healthcare and what does that mean for their quality of life?), to the toll this line of work takes on the professional themselves. Especially that latter isn’t something I’ve seen discussed before all too often. The as well as the way the “Leeches” are treated is an interesting vessel to explore the way us doctors see ourselves and are seen by others. “Profession above self/individuality” is a commonly pushed motto, which Ennes explores wonderfully.
What I didn’t love:
The lack of exposition and explanation is one of the novels strength, but also comes at the risk of making it at times confusing. You are held responsible for keeping up, which risks some readers tapping out when the story becomes too outlandish. Although I didn’t have an issue with that, I did feel let down by the ending. Spoilers behind the spoiler-tag, but in short; there’s an element that makes the story unique, that is lost along the way. It’s done purposefully so, but it takes away from the novels strongest sides and makes the ending weaker in return. As it stands, it’s a fantastic 4-star book, but with a different ending, this could’ve been an all-time favourite.
I can see this being a marmite-book that you either love or hate, but if you enjoy science-inspired, weird fiction with themes of medical horror, bodily autonomy and individuality, I highly recommend you give it a chance.
This Halloween-season I felt myself a bit burned out on the same old horror-tropes and was in the market for something completely original. Boy, did Ennes deliver that! Her debut novel brings an brilliantly intelligent and original piece of speculative horror like you’ve never read before. if it weren’t for the ending, this would’ve been an easy 5-star.
There’s little I can say about the plot of Leech without giving too much away, as much of the joy of this book is putting the puzzle-pieces together for yourself. In a postapocalyptic frozen world, the baron's personal physician dies a horrible death, seemingly by his own hand. The new replacement doctor has one mystery to solve: how the Institute lost track of one of its many bodies. Soon they find themselves up to a foe they didn't expect: a parasite even more devious and cunning than themselves.
What I loved:
Leech plunges us into a world that feels inhospitable, yet intriguing from the get-go. Although our story starts in the relatively confined setting of the Chateau, it’s apparent that a larger world, quite unlike our own, exists outside. This world's lore isn’t spoon-fed to you. Instead, Ennes trusts the readers intelligence to piece it together from glimpses and fragments of its hostility that we come by naturally through the unfolding of the plot. I was on edge and engaged, actively trying to solve the mystery alongside the protagonist.
Thematically, this book couldn’t have been more up my alley. Ennes is a medical student, and the themes she discusses in the book are very closely linked to the medical field. To me, as an MD, I deal with many of these dilemmas on a daily basis and I loved seeing them explored in a sci-fi-horror-setting like this. From ethical questions on patient-care and bodily autonomy(What should be the limits of medical involvement? How far should we go in extending life? Who does and who doesn’t have access to healthcare and what does that mean for their quality of life?), to the toll this line of work takes on the professional themselves. Especially that latter isn’t something I’ve seen discussed before all too often. The as well as the way the “Leeches” are treated is an interesting vessel to explore the way us doctors see ourselves and are seen by others. “Profession above self/individuality” is a commonly pushed motto, which Ennes explores wonderfully.
What I didn’t love:
The lack of exposition and explanation is one of the novels strength, but also comes at the risk of making it at times confusing. You are held responsible for keeping up, which risks some readers tapping out when the story becomes too outlandish. Although I didn’t have an issue with that, I did feel let down by the ending. Spoilers behind the spoiler-tag, but in short; there’s an element that makes the story unique, that is lost along the way. It’s done purposefully so, but it takes away from the novels strongest sides and makes the ending weaker in return. As it stands, it’s a fantastic 4-star book, but with a different ending, this could’ve been an all-time favourite.
I can see this being a marmite-book that you either love or hate, but if you enjoy science-inspired, weird fiction with themes of medical horror, bodily autonomy and individuality, I highly recommend you give it a chance.
November 12, 2022
I'm so sad about this one, two and a half stars.
The premise of this book was super interesting, the idea of an 'Institute' of parasites that have invaded and replaced every medical practitioner to preserve the need for their race sounded amazing. The first maybe twenty-five percent to half way of this book was amazing. I was captivated by the writing, the characters, the plot, I love body horror in books and this one seemed really well done to start off with. However, there reached a point where this book felt like it was going on forever, I kept thinking surely the author's going to wrap it up now, surely there isn't more that can be added, it's starting to drone on . But it didn't wrap up, this book felt way longer than the 300 or so pages, it was such a strong start to such a terrible finish. The plot became unstable, the main character became so irritating after she began to lose her connection to the Institute. The ending was so weird as well, it felt beyond unnecessary and it finished the book feeling really disappointed. I wish the end had followed how the start was, because this book had so much potential.
The premise of this book was super interesting, the idea of an 'Institute' of parasites that have invaded and replaced every medical practitioner to preserve the need for their race sounded amazing. The first maybe twenty-five percent to half way of this book was amazing. I was captivated by the writing, the characters, the plot, I love body horror in books and this one seemed really well done to start off with. However, there reached a point where this book felt like it was going on forever, I kept thinking surely the author's going to wrap it up now, surely there isn't more that can be added, it's starting to drone on . But it didn't wrap up, this book felt way longer than the 300 or so pages, it was such a strong start to such a terrible finish. The plot became unstable, the main character became so irritating after she began to lose her connection to the Institute. The ending was so weird as well, it felt beyond unnecessary and it finished the book feeling really disappointed. I wish the end had followed how the start was, because this book had so much potential.
October 5, 2022
The story was okay but didn't really stand out for me. Listened to he audiobook but fund it hard to get a real focus mode as it didn't fully grab my curiosity.
April 27, 2022
Whew…what a uniquely brilliant, weird, heartbreaking and horrifying story. Old school gothic vibes mixed with sci-fi…I anticipated creepy and dark but this was so much more.
It started off slow for me but I found the writing intriguing. I’d pick up the book, read a few pages then put it down trying to understand what the heck was going on. As I kept reading and peeling back the layers it just got weirder and weirder but I was understanding the madness and I really started caring for some of the characters.
I’m still sitting in my feelings and processing everything that went down.
Thank you to the brilliant debut author, Hirron Ennes and @tordotcompub for the ARC. I’m going to have some creepy af dreams for a few weeks now! 😣😂
*This story is not for weak stomachs 🤢 and has some triggers.
It started off slow for me but I found the writing intriguing. I’d pick up the book, read a few pages then put it down trying to understand what the heck was going on. As I kept reading and peeling back the layers it just got weirder and weirder but I was understanding the madness and I really started caring for some of the characters.
I’m still sitting in my feelings and processing everything that went down.
Thank you to the brilliant debut author, Hirron Ennes and @tordotcompub for the ARC. I’m going to have some creepy af dreams for a few weeks now! 😣😂
*This story is not for weak stomachs 🤢 and has some triggers.
August 21, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc!
This book has given me a way to touch on every emotion. I am so shocked by the ending and it's so desperately sad and also profound. It's amazing to think that this incredible journey through this book began with a new doctor at a chateau in the far North. She was looking at how the doctor she is replacing died... and it's gruesome and the beginning of a parasite horror. This mixes old gothic feels with a new angle on scifi and also *content warning* a very strong and long look at trauma and sexual assault. But it's done in such a sincere way that I really was right there feeling those same emotions.
This book is incredible! Remember the content warnings but I have to recommend this to fans of parasite horror and scifi!
Out September 27, 2022!
This book has given me a way to touch on every emotion. I am so shocked by the ending and it's so desperately sad and also profound. It's amazing to think that this incredible journey through this book began with a new doctor at a chateau in the far North. She was looking at how the doctor she is replacing died... and it's gruesome and the beginning of a parasite horror. This mixes old gothic feels with a new angle on scifi and also *content warning* a very strong and long look at trauma and sexual assault. But it's done in such a sincere way that I really was right there feeling those same emotions.
This book is incredible! Remember the content warnings but I have to recommend this to fans of parasite horror and scifi!
Out September 27, 2022!
October 29, 2022
I loved this. It's weird, and dark, and creepy, and so very imaginative. It's also impeccably written and most importantly, to me at least, brilliantly structured.
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