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Reviews
Set in a fantasy version of early-12th-century England, this novel is an unholy and holy brew of Seven Samurai, "The Monkey's Paw," Frankenstein, and a reimagined Judeo-Christian cosmology . . . Author Carey demonstrates again that he contains multitudes, jumping from subgenre to subgenre. Also as always, he uses a fantastical setting to consider societal and moral quandaries; in this instance, he explores complex issues of compassion and forgiveness in the wake of (literally) murderous prejudice and intolerance. Despite the story's high body count, its take on those issues is weirdly optimistic and heartwarming. A dark and hopeful fable with obvious contemporary resonance.
Carey crafts an empathetic portrait of a medieval monster as a young man in this revelatory dark fantasy . . . Willem, the cherished son of a farmer, dies at age 12 in Cosham village. His grieving parents reluctantly allow malignant magician Cain Caradoc to raise Willem from the dead in exchange for a tithing from the boy's soul, which Caradoc uses to maintain his foothold in immortality. But after the boy gruesomely rises from his grave, outrageously ugly and no longer quite Willem, his parents and the whole village reject him as monstrous . . . Once-Was-Willem finds unusual nonhuman allies, and chronicles their lurid backstories and bloody struggles to free the town of Cosham from Caradoc with wit and compassion, building to a wonderfully satisfying climax. Powerful, captivating, and occasionally stomach-churning, this quintessential tale of good and evil is sure to win fans.
An incredible masterwork of medieval fantasy-horror, dark and twisted and burning bright with humanity. Once Was Willem is packed with magic, folklore, superstitious fear, and horrors that bring hope.
A delicious blend of horror, fantasy and historical fiction, Once Was Willem gave me exactly what I crave most as a reader - the unexpected. That, and a main character I would fight to the undeath for. A unique and brilliant book that leaves you wanting an immediate sequel
In Once Was Willem, M. R. Carey's gorgeous prose weaves a fable full of dread and wonder, a deeply intelligent and emotionally gripping story boasting one of the nastiest sorcerers you'll ever meet, and a narrator as inwardly gentle as he is outwardly monstrous. A masterpiece of medieval dark fiction. I love this book. Highest recommendation.
A wild fever-dream of a novel. It's a brilliant, coherent, complex story that I'm not sure anyone else alive could have written - complicated and beautiful, monstrous and ultimately human
Enchanting and horrifying in equal measure, Carey's historical fantasy unfolds into a moving epic in which monsters become heroes when faced with a truly vile villain. Carey skillfully captures the essence of the medieval era, where peasants toil in the shadow of crumbling castles, survival trumps chivalry, and magic, though the devil's work, is highly coveted . . . An original and expertly written medieval fantasy that's perfect for fans of RJ Barker, Sebastien de Castell, and Katherine Kurtz and also touches upon the emotional and heartbreaking themes found in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
It's a long time since a book has reached out and just entirely enveloped me in its world the way Once Was Willem did. Astounding, and I loved every moment of it - it had me absolutely rapt.
It's so absurdly fun and readable, you nearly miss the incredible use of language and lore. Lovable grotesques and ghastly villains populate a compelling folk-tale. Absolutely wonderful