In Susan Samadi's Dreams of Crimson Plague, the year is 2045, two decades after a catastrophic portal unleashed nightmarish creatures upon a ravaged United States. These beings invade human dreams, twisting their victims into monstrous shells. Azita Ashkan, a young woman in the devastated Arizona community of Fort Greer, experiences this horror firsthand. Witnessing her mother's transformation fuels her desperate quest to close the portal and save humanity. Accompanied by her friend Finn, Azita embarks on a perilous journey across a desolate landscape, facing relentless enemies and forming unexpected alliances. Guided by a mysterious voice, she must confront her own moral limits in a fight for survival against a crimson plague that threatens to consume the world.
Review Dreams of Crimson Plague
Wow, "Dreams of Crimson Plague" really blew me away! As a fellow dark fantasy enthusiast, I was completely captivated by Susan Samadi's imaginative world-building. The premise itself – a post-apocalyptic US ravaged by creatures invading dreams and twisting bodies into monstrous forms – is genuinely chilling and unique. It's the kind of inventive concept that immediately sparks curiosity and keeps you hooked, wondering what nightmare awaits around the next corner.
Azita, our protagonist, is a compelling character. Her fierce determination to save her mother and humanity, even in the face of overwhelming odds, makes her incredibly relatable and sympathetic. I appreciated that she wasn't perfect; her impulsiveness and sometimes questionable decisions felt authentic and contributed to her overall complexity. The supporting characters, particularly Finn, also added depth to the story, creating a believable and engaging dynamic. The descriptions of the ravaged landscape, from desolate cities to scorching deserts, were vivid and immersive. Samadi clearly paints a picture with her words, allowing the reader to truly experience the desolation and danger of Azita's journey.
While some reviewers mentioned pacing issues or a lack of polish in the writing, I felt the overall story momentum was strong enough to overcome these minor flaws. The pacing felt deliberate to me, allowing for character development and creating a sense of escalating tension. The transition between the dream world and reality was masterfully executed, constantly blurring the lines between nightmare and waking life, which added another layer of unsettling suspense. The hints of a budding romance, though underdeveloped, added an intriguing emotional layer without overshadowing the central plot.
The ending, though, is what really got me! That cliffhanger… I need the sequel now! It’s the kind of ending that leaves you breathless and desperate to know what happens next. It's a testament to Samadi's skill as a storyteller that she can create such a satisfyingly intense read, while simultaneously leaving the reader craving more.
Honestly, I found the occasional criticisms of the writing style to be quite minor compared to the overall impact of the story. For a debut novel, "Dreams of Crimson Plague" is incredibly impressive. The originality of the concept, the strength of the characters, and the captivating narrative more than make up for any minor inconsistencies. It’s a gripping, imaginative, and thoroughly enjoyable read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark fantasy, post-apocalyptic settings, and strong female leads. It's a five-star experience for me, despite the few imperfections some reviewers noted. It's clear Samadi has a fantastic talent, and I'm eagerly awaiting her next creation.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.25 x 0.81 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 323
- Publication date: 2024
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