Charcoal

Name: Charcoal
Price: 16.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781955904247

✍️ Garrett Cook

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$16.95

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A novel about cursed art supplies and a traumatized student's descent into horror.

This work examines the consequences of engaging with artifacts tied to a historical figure known for extreme cruelty. Thomas Kemp’s legacy lives on through his ashes, which become drawing tools. Shannon Hernandez uses these items under the influence of a lecherous professor. The narrative focuses on her psychological unraveling as she connects with a menacing entity. It highlights the danger of seeking artistic immortality at the cost of one's humanity. The story does not offer redemption but rather a deepening connection to terror. It appeals to fans of gothic fiction who enjoy stories about cursed objects and corrupted souls.

Key Themes

cursed art supplies traumatized student immortal terrors

Literary Context

Published in 2022 by Clash Books, this work fits within the contemporary horror genre. It draws on gothic traditions of artistic obsession and supernatural pacts. The narrative connects historical figures to modern psychological struggles.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Poppy Z. Brite · Clive Barker · Thomas Ligotti

🕯️

Supernatural

🏛 Clash Books 📅 2022 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781955904247

📝 Description: Charcoal

Garrett Cook presents a dark narrative in Charcoal, published by Clash Books. The story centers on Thomas Kemp, known as the Libertine, who transformed cruelty and torture into artistic expressions. Legend claims he traded his soul for immortality, with his ashes forming charcoals that retain his malevolent spirit. Shannon Hernandez, an art student burdened by trauma and repression, receives these specific drawing tools from a predatory professor. This assignment triggers a disturbing internal shift within her. She encounters a menacing presence calling to her, offering the chance to create boundary-breaking work that shatters hearts. This opportunity binds her to a legacy of immortal terrors. The text explores the intersection of artistic creation and supernatural horror. It draws on gothic traditions where art becomes a vessel for evil spirits. Cook qualifies himself through this exploration of dark psychological themes. The book suits readers interested in supernatural fiction and tales of corrupted creativity. It may not appeal to those seeking lighthearted narratives or traditional romance. The narrative structure follows Hernandez’s descent as she engages with the cursed materials. The story examines how trauma can be exploited by darker forces. It connects the historical figure of Kemp to modern artistic struggles. The prose remains grounded in the physical reality of the charcoal and the psychological weight it carries.

💎 Our verdict on Charcoal

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🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Garrett Cook delivers a tense exploration of corrupted creativity, where art supplies become vessels for ancient evil. The narrative effectively traces Shannon Hernandez’s psychological descent as she engages with the malevolent legacy of Thomas Kemp. By linking historical torture to modern artistic struggles, the book creates a chilling atmosphere of inevitable doom. It suits readers who enjoy gothic fiction and tales of cursed objects that demand a sacrifice of humanity. The focus on trauma exploitation adds depth to the supernatural horror elements. While lacking traditional romance or lighthearted relief, it offers a consistent and gripping look at the cost of artistic immortality. This is a solid choice for those seeking a dark, unrelenting journey into the mind of a victim consumed by terror.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate the intersection of art and malevolence will find this narrative compelling. It offers a deep dive into psychological unraveling driven by trauma and exploitation. Those fascinated by the concept of cursed artifacts, particularly those tied to historical figures of extreme cruelty, will engage with the legacy of Thomas Kemp. The story appeals to fans of gothic fiction who enjoy corrupted souls and dark fantasy elements. It is ideal for audiences seeking a descent into terror without redemption. The exploration of how darker forces exploit vulnerability provides a chilling study of human fragility. Fans of cosmic horror and true crime adjacent themes may also find the historical connections intriguing.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Garrett Cook delivers a tense exploration of corrupted creativity, where art supplies become vessels for ancient evil. The narrative effectively traces Shannon Hernandez’s psychological descent as she engages with the malevolent legacy of Thomas Kemp. By linking historical torture to modern artistic struggles, the book creates a chilling atmosphere of inevitable doom. It suits readers who enjoy gothic fiction and tales of cursed objects that demand a sacrifice of humanity. The focus on trauma exploitation adds depth to the supernatural horror elements. While lacking traditional romance or lighthearted relief, it offers a consistent and gripping look at the cost of artistic immortality. This is a solid choice for those seeking a dark, unrelenting journey into the mind of a victim consumed by terror.