Revenge vs. Justice

DAGANA: THE LAST MERMAID by Kody Boye is a cryptid-thriller for YA or new adult fiction readers. During Christmas break, Jessica's parents are both found dead, their bodies savagely mutilated by some unidentifiable creature. Unfortunately, the beach is not closed and more people die.

The transition from teen to adult is difficult enough, but with the murders and the nightmares overwhelming Jessica, she begins having panic attacks. In addition to the multiple deaths, she is also dealing with a new relationship, as well as some violent mean girls tormenting her at school. After having her fear confirmed by two others who have witnessed the sea creature, Jessica feels she is the only one who can make the waters safe again.

While I did find Jessica's thoughts and feelings well-developed, I think Boye missed a great opportunity to create a more complicated and unpredictable storyline. The author could have revealed the source of Dagana's fury through her own POV, forcing readers to decide for themselves who is or isn't a victim. If anyone could pull off such opposing viewpoints from two characters, it is Boye.

If you're looking for a different coming-of-age story, this novel will definitely pull you into the darkness.

As always,
AstraDaemon

The Beautiful Ones Rise From The Ashes

THE BATTLE WITHIN by Kody Boye is the final book in THE BEAUTIFUL ONES trilogy. This book begins exactly where the second one ended, with Kelendra joining up with The Southern Saints. The Countess is planning to use nuclear weapons against the North, which will likely trigger a similar response, but the three surviving Beautiful Ones have a plan to give the country back to the people.

The author has created such a detailed dystopian drama featuring eugenics and civil war, readers might be slightly disappointed with the lack of resolution in the ending. However, I would like to remind everyone, this series has always been Kelendra's coming-of-age story. From an unknown country girl to an ambassador of a revolution, from daughter to wife and more, she has discovered something more powerful than beauty: faith.

With faith in her friends, her allies and, most importantly, herself, Kelendra is determined not only to save her people, but she hopes to save the world from nuclear fallout. This young woman's personal battle is a trilogy I can recommend to readers of all ages.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Aliens, Undead and Terrorists [Interview]

Kody Boye is the author of many series such as When They Came, The Daylight Cycle and The Beautiful Ones. His monsters range from aliens to zombies to terrorists. The author has always had a special talent for taking relevant social issues and stirring up discussions about those real-life problems using a combination of horrifying creatures, complex characters and dystopian storylines.

Being no stranger to the Lair, I thought Boye would be a perfect guest to chat about the relevance of monsters in the horror genre, as well the significant role horror plays in the celebration of Halloween.

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Why do you think people enjoy reading stories with monsters?

I think people enjoy reading stories with monsters because it gives them a chance to escape the realities of the real world. With aliens and zombies, there’s a certain disconnect that allows us to enjoy the fear “safely.” The fantasy of it is fascinating because most super apocalyptic events, such as zombie uprisings and alien invasions, aren’t likely to happen. 

Many readers think people are the most frightening monsters because of the evil humans are capable of inflicting upon one another. Do you agree, or do you think “bad guys” are just easier to accept than aliens or supernatural creatures?

I think people can easily be the most frightening monsters. When we look at history, we see that it is people who have committed some of the greatest acts of cruelty. That isn’t to say periods of famine or disease aren’t terrifying (consider the height of the Bubonic Plague for instance,) but it’s far easier to trust people than we lead ourselves to believe, which leaves our ability to be hurt by them even more unsettling.

What do you consider the most frightening aspect in your series, The Beautiful Ones?

I think the most unsettling aspect of The Beautiful Ones is the eugenics program the girls are selected for. We’ve always had stories of “Perfect” or “Master” people, and we’ve even had versions of them throughout history (Hitler’s “Perfect Race” is one I can reference quite easily.)  So, to think that in a dystopian future, people—especially young people—would be selected based off any number of physical traits is terrifying. It lends to the elitist idea that some people are better (or more important) than others, which is a sad and startling strand of thought.

Tell us about your latest series, The Plague Bloom. How is it different from any other undead series?

The Plague Bloom begins with A Deadly Bloom, and tells the story of a young woman named Bryce Song, whose people are journeying to a Promised Land to escape a deadly bloom whose spores raise the dead. It is my return to the high/dark fantasy genre, and is unique in that the undead return to life by way of pollen inhalation rather than viral infection.

The horror genre seems to be more prominent in the last year or two, as far as books, TV and film. Could this be because horror is also a commonly used element in other genres?

I feel that horror is experiencing a resurgence because it is a common element in other genres. People love to be scared (so long as it’s in a safe environment.) They love the rush of adrenaline in their veins, the what ifs? in their minds. Fact is: most of the subgenres of horror are safe to enjoy because they’re not likely to happen.

Is science fiction becoming the new horror?

I think science-fiction has always been a gateway to horror. Movies like The Thing are prime examples of how science-fiction concepts can be terrifying without being explicitly “horror” films. Ideas rooted in reality, or at least touching on reality, are always scary, which is why it’s not uncommon to see the two genres mashed together.

Do you think the horror genre has become commercialized like Halloween, or do you think the darker aspects are making a comeback?

I think anything that can be commercialized can and will be. I do, however, think that darker aspects have been making a comeback as of recent years, especially as it becomes more acceptable to like horror movies.

Why do you think people enjoy Halloween? What do you enjoy about the holiday?

I think people enjoy Halloween because it allows them a sense of escapism, the same as horror movies in general. For me, I personally enjoy the mainstream acceptance of ‘the dark’ things in life. Plus, there’s candy, AWESOME decorations at all most of the major chain stores, and dressing up!

Any more new releases coming in 2019? How can readers keep track of your new projects?

The last project(s) that will likely see release in 2019 will be the final Beautiful Ones novel, called The Battle Within, as well as a re-release of my second Kingsman Online novel Alt Control Save. Readers can always follow me on social media (Facebook is my primary social media haunt.) Or, if you prefer to just get release news, you can subscribe to my mailing list on my website, KodyBoye.com.

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The Lair is giving away autographed paperbacks of the first two books in The Beautiful Ones series. To enter, just leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen on Halloween.

Sequel to The Beautiful Ones

THE WAR OUTSIDE by Kody Boye is the second book in his series, The Beautiful Ones. The story follows the POV of a sixteen year old girl, Kelendra, chosen to keep up genetic standards for the Glittering City. The society Boye has crafted contains elements similar to the Hunger Games and The Handmaid's Tale, while retaining the author's skill in using personal drama to draw readers into his disturbing creation.

The sequel begins right where the first book left off, with Beauty and Grace in hiding for security reasons, and Kelendra has her mind set on her Purpose. There is far more action in this sequel, with multiple attacks from both known and unknown enemies. Beauty and Grace are reunited with loved ones briefly, while more upsetting details are revealed about the Process.

I've been reading stories by Kody Boye for years, including several different series in various genres, and I'm really impressed with how much his character's dialogue and inner thoughts have improved over time. The author has always had a gift for creating relatable characters with complex relationships, but this is the first time I didn't have any issues with any of the conversations within. I also think this storyline will appeal to readers ages 14 and up.

I'm really looking forward to the third book in this trilogy, as well as Boye's new Plague Bloom series.

Check back in October for my interview with Kody Boye, which will also include a giveaway of autographed books by the author.

As always,
AstraDaemon