Written by Corinne Price, WROUGHT IN FLESH follows two characters: Sybil, who is a Warden maintaining law and order, and Raekin, a servant of the Void Born who lives only to serve his master. While Sybil spends her days running from the loss of her friend by trying to enforce the law, Raekin spends his time in cruelty, filled with pain and eager to pass it to those around him. But Sybil's past is too near to outrun, and it isn't long before she finds herself drawn into a web of deceit and corruption that goes deeper than she ever could have imagined.
This work is told from two perspectives, allowing readers to see opposing sides of the world. The dual points-of-view balance and compliment each other well, aiding in not only rounding out the characters but fleshing out the setting. The perspectives slowly begin to merge together as the book goes on, increasing tension as they collide. While the cast is strong enough to support the plot, their characterization could be more robust; more depth in their personalities would help them feel more alive.
Price's world building is very creative. This is especially true in the story's magic, with such uses as magical runes that serve specific functions or other runes that can be used to travel great distances. Setting descriptions and discussions of the culture, specifically surrounding politics, magic, and law, are woven into the narrative in a way that adds to the immersion of the world.
Power is a central theme of this novel: the cost of power, the power of will, power without agency, and a lack of control over power all play roles in the lives of the characters. These aspects are incorporated not only through their narratives, but also through the world itself. The novel's tone is dark, and Price excels at creating an overall oppressive and heavy feeling. This escalates as the book goes on, paralleling the feelings of the main characters.
Readers will want to keep in mind that this work features adult content with body horror, scenes of torture and gore, and some explicit sex scenes. If they're still onboard for that, then WROUGHT IN FLESH should prove worthwhile.
Through descriptive world building and engaging themes, Corinne Price's WROUGHT IN FLESH presents an immersive and dark narrative that will keep the audience eager to continue reading.
~ A Mac for IndieReader