The Wicked and the Willing: An F/F Gothic Horror Vampire Novel

Name: The Wicked and the Willing: An F/F Gothic Horror Vampire Novel
Price: 26.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780648994879

✍️ Lianyu Tan

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$26.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A sapphic vampire romance set in 1927 Singapore with multiple endings.

Gean Choo enters service under Mrs. Edevane, a vampire who demands blood and devotion. Po Lam, an older servant, tries to intervene against this toxic bond. The plot weaves together their perspectives as Gean Choo faces the consequences of her contract. Tan delivers a story where love and survival are in direct conflict. The inclusion of distinct endings allows for varied emotional resolutions, emphasizing the weight of each character's decisions. The narrative does not offer easy escapes from the moral complexities presented.

Key Themes

sapphic horror vampire mythology colonial Singapore

Literary Context

The novel is set in Singapore in 1927, a foreign colony during that period. It draws on historical gothic horror traditions and sapphic literature to explore the lives of women within this specific colonial context.

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

Anne Rice · Poppy Z. Brite · Shirley Jackson · Colson Whitehead

🏚️

Gothic

🏛 Shattered Scepter Press 📅 2022 🌐 English 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9780648994879

📝 Description: The Wicked and the Willing: An F/F Gothic Horror Vampire Novel

Lianyu Tan’s The Wicked and the Willing presents a sapphic historical gothic horror narrative set in Singapore during 1927. The story centers on Gean Choo, a destitute maidservant who accepts an offer from her new mistress, Mrs. Edevane. This vampire craves the blood of young women, seeking a unique connection between desire and fealty. Gean Choo must navigate this dangerous arrangement while confronting questions about loyalty and survival. The narrative also follows Po Lam, a long-serving maid who seeks absolution after decades of bondage and murder. She attempts to save Gean Choo from a destructive love that threatens to destroy them all. The novel explores the complex dynamics between these three women, blending supernatural horror with intimate character study. Tan structures the work to include two mutually exclusive endings, allowing readers to experience different outcomes based on the choices made within the story. A bonus third ending titled Save Yourself appears in this hardcover edition for the first time. This book suits adult readers interested in LGBTQ+ speculative fiction and gothic horror traditions. It examines abusive romantic relationships and dark themes with a focus on personal agency and sacrifice. The text contains potentially disturbing scenes and is intended for mature audiences who appreciate nuanced explorations of power, desire, and redemption within a historical colonial setting.

💎 Our verdict on The Wicked and the Willing: An F/F Gothic Horror Vampire Novel

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🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Tan delivers a sophisticated narrative that balances intimate character study with supernatural dread. The dual-perspective structure effectively highlights the tension between Gean Choo’s desperate survival and Po Lam’s quest for redemption. While the inclusion of multiple endings may divide some traditionalists, it reinforces the theme of moral weight and consequence. The prose maintains a dark, oppressive tone suitable for the gothic genre without relying on cheap shocks. This is a mature work that demands attention to its subtle power shifts. It suits readers who prefer horror that challenges emotional comfort zones and explores the complexities of toxic romance through a historical lens with precision and empathy.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who crave atmospheric gothic horror infused with complex, morally ambiguous relationships will find this novel deeply rewarding. It appeals to those interested in LGBTQ+ speculative fiction that refuses to offer easy resolutions or escape from difficult ethical dilemmas. The book is ideal for audiences who appreciate nuanced character studies exploring the intersection of desire, survival, and redemption. By weaving together multiple perspectives, including that of a long-serving maid seeking absolution, it offers a layered examination of abusive dynamics and personal agency. Those who enjoy stories where love and horror are inextricably linked will find the exploration of fealty and sacrifice compelling.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Tan delivers a sophisticated narrative that balances intimate character study with supernatural dread. The dual-perspective structure effectively highlights the tension between Gean Choo’s desperate survival and Po Lam’s quest for redemption. While the inclusion of multiple endings may divide some traditionalists, it reinforces the theme of moral weight and consequence. The prose maintains a dark, oppressive tone suitable for the gothic genre without relying on cheap shocks. This is a mature work that demands attention to its subtle power shifts. It suits readers who prefer horror that challenges emotional comfort zones and explores the complexities of toxic romance through a historical lens with precision and empathy.