While Tim Lebbon has long been a go-to author for his adaptations and work in film properties such as for ‘Kong: Skull Island’ and a variety of ‘Alien’ novels, it is his standalone works that I’ve always felt have stood out. In ‘Relics’ that trend tends to continue as we have a solid fantasy horror novel that takes the supernatural and turns it on its head. In this book, we’re diving head first into “an underground black market for arcane things” that runs the gambit on “remains of gryphons, faeries, goblins, and other fantastic creatures.”
The story has us following Angela Gough who is investigating her missing fiance Vince. She is an American criminology student that stumbles across this black market in London, and things go from bad to worse. In an area and realm of underground trading that she isn’t familiar with, she is out of her element and manages to stay afloat. The story is full of misdirection, including what you actually think it is about and the evolution of both Angela and the actual plot are full of surprises, mystery, and quite a bit of horror.
Honestly, it is hard to say much without spoiling the actual story that bubbles to the surface but to be honest, you’re in for a treat here with supernatural races which have existed on the Earth prior to the birth of humankind. We might be the dominant species on the planet, but it quickly becomes apparent that we aren’t the most powerful, and some of these creatures who are thought to be dead aren’t quite happy with how the world currently works.
I’m not sure that I would say that this is Lebbon’s strongest work, but it is still an enjoyable read. The premise is original though some of the plot points have been done before, but strong writing and solid pacing make it worth it for the pure lack of horror fantasy that is coming out from mainstream authors.
‘Relics’
By: Tim Lebbon
Titan Books
March 21st, 2017
Stuart Conover is an author, blogger, and all around geek. When not busy being a father and husband he tries to spend as much time as possible immersed in comic books, science fiction, and horror! Would you like to know more? Follow him on Twitter!
