In Sijo Art Lapham's Sapienthropy, the first book in the Walker Chronicles, Omen-Ab'Stothe, a wolf demon wrongly accused of the only crime in Hell, is banished to Earth for centuries. His sentence? Six hundred and sixteen years as a human, except during the full moon, when his true nature resurfaces, each kill adding sixty-six years to his exile. Accompanied by his chaotic guide, Seth, Omen – now Stephan Piroy – struggles to adapt to human life, even as he's drawn to the blind curio shop owner, Val Rousse. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure known only as Walker senses the demonic presence and arrives in New England, determined to return the exiles to Hell. As a string of brutal murders unfolds, a race against the lunar cycle begins, pitting Walker against the unleashed evil from the underworld.
Review Sapienthropy
Wow, let me tell you, "Sapienthropy" was a wild ride! Knowing the author, Sijo Art Lapham, and having the story set in my hometown of Fall River, Massachusetts, added a whole extra layer of cool to the experience. It's not every day you get to read a book about a werewolf demon banished from Hell, ending up just down the street, so to speak! The premise alone – a wolf demon accused of a crime he doesn't remember, sentenced to centuries on Earth with each life he takes extending his exile – is brilliantly intriguing. That immediately hooked me.
The early version I read already had a fantastic foundation. Omen-Ab'Stothe, or Stephan Piroy as he becomes, is a compelling protagonist. His internal struggle between his demonic nature and his growing fascination with humanity is masterfully portrayed. You really feel his frustration at his unjust punishment and his slow, reluctant acceptance of his new life, even as he fights his primal urges. The contrast between his initial disgust with human customs and his developing connection with Val Rousse, the blind curio shop owner, is beautifully done. She’s a strong, independent character that provides a welcome grounding amidst the supernatural chaos. Their relationship adds a layer of unexpected tenderness to the story, providing a much-needed counterpoint to the darker elements.
And then there's Seth LaCharus, the chaotic demon guide! That guy alone is worth the price of admission. He's a perfect foil to Stephan, adding a touch of darkly comedic relief to the often intense narrative. The dynamic between them is electric, full of witty banter and underlying tension. Their contrasting personalities keep the story fresh and engaging.
But it's not just the characters that shine; the plot is a whirlwind. The author masterfully builds suspense, weaving together the investigation into the gruesome murders with the unfolding of Stephan's past and the looming threat of Walker, the mysterious hunter determined to return them to Hell. The pacing is excellent; it keeps you constantly on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages to see what happens next. The constant ticking clock of the full moon adds another layer of pressure, making the stakes incredibly high.
The descriptions of Fall River are vivid and evocative, bringing the city to life for me in a way I hadn't expected. It almost felt like I was right there, wandering the streets alongside Stephan and Seth, dodging the shadows and the increasingly terrifying supernatural happenings.
Honestly, this first book in the Walker Chronicles is phenomenal. The author's writing style is captivating. It’s clear he poured his heart and soul into this story, and the passion translates onto the page. I can't wait for the next installment. This is one series I’ll be eagerly following. Buckle up, because this is only the beginning of an epic journey!
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.63 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 252
- Publication date: 2024
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