Jacob Steven Mohr

⭐ Gothic Fantasy | Gender inequality & Unsettling

Thank you to Quill & Crow Publishing House for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

The cover art is captivating which help me spot this book among others. Jacob pulled me in from the very first page, I finished it in a single day because I couldn’t put it down. The story begins with Patrick, who kills a wolf to protect the sheep his town depends on. His father, Old Matthew, who wears a lambskin eye patch over his damaged eye, show more celebrates this act as Patrick’s passage into manhood, along with the rest of the village.

In this world, men “capture” their brides, and women exist as voiceless, harpy-like creatures. Patrick’s father often compares women to sheep who must be sheared, claiming they learn to love the men who “help” them because they cannot help themselves. Patrick’s mother never spoke during his childhood but expressed love through quiet gestures, shaping how Patrick views compassion and connection.When Patrick embarks on his mountain journey to capture a wife, he begins questioning his family’s traditions and the morality of his world.

The writing is atmospheric, haunting, and symbolic, with a strong undercurrent of reflection on gender, choice, and inherited belief.

The ending is powerful and absolutely worth the read. Brides in the Dark is a darkly poetic tale that lingers long after you close the book, perfect for fans of eerie folklore and gothic allegories. show less

I've been reading so many genre-blending works, it was kind of refreshing to sink into a book that was so unapologetically horror. This is also the first book that I think would qualify as a slasher which I also just really enjoyed on a level of language and imagery--Mohr's descriptions are fantastic, and the story overall is just a blast to fall into and ride along with. I will say that the one weakness, for me, was that even though Mohr went to pains to distinguish the characters from each show more other in description and interest, they all sounded so alike that it became something of a distraction and I wished it were easier to tell them apart based on their voices. Still, on the whole, this was a fun horror novel and I'd certainly read more of Mohr's work. show less

Thank you for NetGalley for my ARC!

There aren't NEARLY enough fiction books about harpies, and that's what originally sold me on this book the most! The atmosphere of the story was equal parts cozy and spooky, the town's lore and air of mystery kept me intrigued. I would love to read a prequel/another installment with or about the previous harpies, but this was entirely enjoyable and I recommend it to those itching for some good ol' fashion winged and clawed women!