Title: The Court of Pe’kar (Lost Carcosa #4)

Author: Joseph Sale

Release date: August 29th, 2024

You know what really grinds my gears?
Books like this one.

That’s right. Books like this one.

What do you mean, Steve? You’re probably asking yourself that very question.

And my answer – I’m really, really, reaaaaaaallly fucking sick and tired of seeing stunning books like this – and part of a phenomenal series mind you – not getting any love ANYWHERE!

Like, what the hell does it have to take in this day and age of people professing to love Indie horror and promote small press and overlooked authors, yet here we have Joseph Sale – who is easily one of the greatest storytellers of our time (and one whom I’ve surmised previously may be a victim of writing during the wrong century) not having a series like this never mind a singular book like this being lauded on every single fucking platform. Seriously? I’m pissed. And if you know me, you know it takes a lot to make me angry.

I mean no shame towards Joseph here – but the stats back me up here. Goodreads – 1 rating with 1 review for this book. Amazon US – no ratings, no reviews. WHAT THE ACTUAL FLYING FUCK?! Sale is the closest thing we’re currently getting to an heir apparent to the beautiful horror that Clive Barker conjures. And with Clive’s health continue to decline the reality of new work from him fades with each passing day. But not with Sale, who is not only a magically gifted storyteller, but one of the most prolific writers of our time.

Ok, I’ll calm down. As the cooler kids say ‘Imma chill.’ Or something.

Now that we’ve all taken a dddeeeeepppp breath, let me tell you about this book.

BUT FIRST – AS IS EVIDENT – THIS IS BOOK FOUR. You must’ve read books one, two and three to understand what is going on in book four, so skip all the middle stuff until the bottom section of ‘Why you should buy this,’ as the middle part of this review will be spoiler-heavy for the other books.

What I liked: The reality of a book four in a five book series is that is holds a singular purpose – set up the grand finale. That’s not to say book four can’t deliver emotional depth, deception, horrors and have its own solid storyline – and this one has all of that and more – but often book four can be seen as the ‘weakest’ link in a series so readers will go in with tempered expectations.

In this case, the group – led by Alan and Cass – have arrived at Six-Ringed Citadel – after having survived Demhe. They believe that both Cass’ sister – Cali – and Cass’ mother – Camilla – are here. But they also want to have a meeting with the all-powerful demon, Pe’kar, and see if a potential truce can be arranged, a way to stop the ongoing seige of Carcosa.

Sale sets things up nicely. We get ever-growing tension within the group, the demon-knight Roland makes them uneasy, though he’s proven himself worthy. Alan doesn’t know if he can still trust the actor among them and even the dwarf, Petruccio, has become unhinged, knowing what he searched for, for all those years, is unattainable. Throughout, we see Alan and Cass’ love grow and that the two of them are ultimately in this together.

It makes for interesting dynamics from the start. First they need to trust wholeheartedly one they don’t know if they can – and go through the mummy task in order to be welcomed into the world of the dead.

Of the four books thus far, this book very well might be the most action-packed, and that’s saying something. It becomes very, very apparent when Cali’s plan is revealed and betrayal gives her power that even Alan and Cass never expected her to possess. It works perfectly within this singular book, but it also sets up the events in the final book, especially as key players are seemingly lost to the void and a specific instrument of hope falls into the wrong hands.

Sale crushes all expectations of what a book four should be, but also masterfully ends this one with a perfect set up for book five.

What I didn’t like: While I absolutely loved this one, I did find that the pacing at the start seemed far faster than the previous books. Where Sale took some time to set the stage and get us to the mid-point of the story, I felt like we arrived at the mid-point very quickly and then the final third was stretched over far more pages than normal. A minor quibble in the grand scheme of things.

Why you should buy this: I mean, obviously if you’ve read the first three books and loved them, then book four is a no brainer to grab. Book five is coming soon and I for one can’t wait to see what Sale does to wrap this series up! As for this book itself, Sale has done a wonderful job in progressing each character, strengthening/weakening bonds between the group as necessary and all the while marching along to a grand finale between Cass and Cali.

And, if you’ve never read Joseph Sale, go grab book one. Go grab ‘Dark Hilarity.’ Or ‘The Tunnel’ – I mean who doesn’t love a book about a massive crocodile? Or go grab ‘The Book of Thrice Dead’ series. Or go grab any of his stuff. Sale’s wonderful and an author that should be an ‘auto-buy’/’must-buy’ of every reader.

5/5