Michael R. Fletcher

From page one Norylska Groans expertly immerses the reader in its setting, from the brutal drudgery of working in that time period, to the cold, to the Russian theme of the book, and even the noir theme. The result is an immersive and somewhat depressing read.
The pacing for the book is good, with plot progressing steadily, with the motivations and objectives changing as the narrative demands and shifts. Regardless of the changes, the pressure of the narrative on the characters remains show more constant, whether from the threat of poverty and starvation, or more overt threats of violence, or more subtle tensions that the readers key into before the characters do. And all of these are tied into the world and the setting, colored by them so they feel actively part of this world and this story as opposed to standard action or peril.
The magic system is both simple to understand and complex with its uses and the ways the author finds for it to affect the story; the concept of transplanting memories, emotions, and personality is a rich concept and is well explored and utilized through the course of the book.
Out two main characters are excellently realized, with complex moralities and motivations, particularly Gennedy who is equal measures brutal, traumatized, badass, and trying desperately to support and be worthy of his family. There are actively moments where is it hard to root for him. Katyushka is a little more straightforward, but still well executed and complex: sort of a repressed, high-potential woman being forced into a a dangerous, male dominated work space while trying to balance that with her possessive (slightly emotionally abusive) boyfriend and a growing dependence on the transplanted personalities given to her.
The first half of the book is somewhat on the slow side because while there is tense plot occurring, you know it's not the core story of our main characters, and more of just the set up. This left me with a small sensation of twiddling my thumbs while I waited for the proverbial shoe to drop and the main conflict to begin.
Finally Noryslka Groans is a dark book, and there are few bright points throughout to lighten the grim, oppressiveness of its tone. This is entirely intentional by the author, and well handled, but still a factor. Particularly for the ending. show less

A love letter to the Manifest Delusions Universe AKA The delicious howling madness of Michael Fletcher AKA I recently rediscovered Filthy Frank and have attempted a shitty amazing spoiler free concept art review
TL;DR: Our delusion belief defines reality.

“I rank sin as humanity's third greatest invention and delusion. There is no better means of manipulating people than guilt. Guilt I rank fourth.” - Versklaver Denker, Gefahrgeist Philosopher

I discovered Michael Fletcher's Manifest show more Delusions' universe, in February of last year. Something to do with the heady concoction of mental distress, an extended stay in a mental institution, and the creeping existential dawning that life wasn't going to last forever, and I didn't have forever to be happy. This cosmic mixologist mental cocktail may or may not have influenced my decision to seek out dark fiction. Aren't you glad you're reading this? Please, stop grasping at the turf and roots, this rabbit hole is just starting, and I do love the company. Hey Spotify, please shuffle my playlist titled 'FML', my guests are looking nervous!


If this is going to be your first foray into the Manifest Delusions world, keep reading this review, but don't read this book first. Just, please don't. This book has so many nods, ranging from the subtle to full on headbangin' (The 'g' was shaken off) of the previous two novels. No matter the severity of the nod, each delicious in their execution. This tome is also arguably the darkest of the grimmest dark of this universe yet. (Careful there to not cut yourself on that edge) It revels in the grimdark. Fletcher, for me, hits that perfect midpoint of cringe without traumatic. You ever read some books where it really feels like the author was typing certain scenes that go on for pages with only one hand? Yeah, none of that autofellatio bullshit here.

Can this book be enjoyed on its own? Absolutely, but please, I beg you, read the first two first! Before you dunk me in pitch and set me alight while dancing around the Nero Candle that is my corpse chanting “Death to Gatekeepers” this is purely out of love, love for this amazing world Fletcher has created. I want you to enjoy and revel in the absolutely phenomenal amazingness that is the first two novels in this universe. These previous two volumes set up the concept of this world on a remarkable foundation. Do not be put off by the faux German vocabulary Fletcher as created, either. It can seem like a lot, but just about everything explained and reminded, no need to constantly flip to the handy Glossary. Though, the dictionary of the Geisteskranken (The Delusional) is great reading at the end or beginning to give you a taste of what you are getting into and how the various madness' and psychosis' manifest themselves in this world. Regardless, however you choose to enjoy this novel (And hopefully universe), all I have to say is:

“Every time you imagine a conversation with someone where you are trying to convince them of something, know that you are talking to yourself; it's you you're trying to convince.” - Traurige Tatsache, Philosopher

Fletcher feels like he's doing a victory lap with this novel. You know how most victory laps at races are; slower speed than the race, maybe some yeehaw burn-out donuts for the NASCAR crowd? Nah, Fletcher's victory lap is his fastest time yet, careens off the track, takes out at least half his defeated competition walking around pit row, before rushing back on the track, over the fence and into the stands. Then, once the car, clogged with body parts, viscera, can move no further, Fletcher finally climbs out and surveys his victory.

Somehow Fletcher has managed to turn the Grimdark up to 11 while arguably producing the most insightful and thought-out philosophical treatise on this universe he's created. It's insane in the best ways possible how much he is able to pack into this book without it coming across preachy or high/mighty. The parallels to our own universe and existence come as hot and heavy blows to those willing to sit and think about them. Mental BDSM at its finest, I'd argue, willing, slavish participants we the reader are. For those that don't desire to participate in this practice or safe word out; this novel will still rock your socks from a pure carnage and story standpoint, no philosophical mental hand wringing necessary. Simply put, to keep rolling with our (slight) hyperbole, Fletcher:

"If everyone believed this prison were a golden paradise, then such it would be. Filth and depredation-deceit and violence-lay at the core of every human soul; reality offered irrefutable proof of this. This could be utopia and instead we make it our hell."

There are, literally, ZERO heroes in this universe thus far. This isn't a spoiler, this is just a fact of cruel life here and the quicker you come to terms with it, the faster you get to the meat of this meal. You read this sort of thing to realize how insane our existence is, how absolutely trashed our concept of civilization is. And hopefully to examine how we all have participated in the mantra “Belief/Delusion define reality”, and arguably will until the day we are shuffled or shuffle off this mortal coil. Once we come to this realization, I'd like to posit the true work can begin, using our delusions, our reality to help shape other's reality. The realization that our kind acts to those around us, strangers, family, friends, those little moments matter, those little things affect our and their reality greatly. We can use our “dark” imperfections to help those around us. Without them?


“We are all Gefahrgeist, each and every one of us. We are all manipulating and scheming, using even those we call our closest friends. We do this as easily as breathing. People treat Gefahrgeist like we're sick or diseased or deficient in some way. People treat us like we are the ones missing something. We're not. You are a lying manipulator just like me. The difference is I'm not lying about it.” - Bose Schwindler, Gefahrgeist

Put your damn soapbox away! All I'm saying is this series and universe, for those willing to get strapped to the bed letting Fletcher play with our minds for a bit, the pay-off is amazing, bruising marks and all. For me, this is where the true point of these novels lies. If the mental pain with pleasure isn't your thing? You're still going to find a helluva dark ride here, but I'd ask you to at least consider the depth Fletcher is presenting here. show less

I first met Michael R. Fletcher through Five Rivers Publishing, back in 2012 when the Earth was new and unicorns roamed the land. Then came Michael with his grimdark tales, and his captivating storytelling. The unicorns fled the darkness. In their place came a character known as 88, and an eponymous novel I was thrilled to publish. But then Five Rivers Publishing went the way of the unicorns, and 88 fled back to her progenitor, reintroduced as Ghosts of Tomorrow.

Since then, Michael has show more produced 12 other novels, and now in August 2026 yet another, Dust of the Dead (Tales from the Listening World).

The marketing blurb for Dust of the Dead:

In the peaceful decades since the Qalil War, Aakifah has gained a few pounds and taken a job as shairf of Basrah. Days from retirement, her plans for a quiet life are shattered when a local family is murdered, their daughters taken by pyumah, a race of ravenous predators.

Aakifah sets out with a handful of volunteers, including her lover, in what she knows to be a doomed rescue attempt. Even if the monsters haven't already devoured their prey by the time she finds them, a handful of farmers will be no match for the terrifying creatures.

Young Khayrat studies to be a lumin, speaking to the listening world to bring light to civilization. When her father is assassinated, she volunteers to learn the dark art of the unraveller. Like any act of imploratory, her studies come with a price. With each unravelling, her mind fragments, her sanity fraying as she forgets the peaceful woman she once was.

Khayrat travels with a band of hardened killers, intent on assassinating the foreign royal family. Driven by her need for vengeance, she swears to reduce her king’s enemies to dust.

In the 14 years since I first read any of Michael’s work, it becomes clear to me he’s honed his craft to a very high standard. What he presents in Dust of the Dead is a darkly gorgeous tale populated with believable characters, reluctant heroes, hapless followers, and manipulative tyrants. His world-building is astonishing in its originality, complexity and realization, and how he presents new concepts, flora, and fauna is done with skill and ease, so that there’s rarely a moment the reader is left behind in this fast-paced, gritty, relentless epic. Frankly, not since reading N.K. Jemisin’s work have I been this impressed with a writer’s imagination and craftsmanship. Michael Fletcher is, in my opinion, top of his game, and despite not having a banner of Prix Auroras, Sunbursts, Hugos, Nebulas, or any other genre literary award, he is right up there with all the other current greats.

What he presents in Dust of the Dead is a story of the cost of service to a belief, to a country, to a craft. He sets about demolishing ingrained prejudices by demonstrating the common ties of dedication to family, to friends, to a truth beyond rhetoric. Species who are apparently monstrous are, in fact, no different than any other being trying to survive, to make sense of a world and political situation in which they find themselves. And in defining this alien fantasy world, Fletcher peels back the layers of our own humanity and prejudices, and even our own monstrosities.

And you, dear reader, must realize I am a tough critic and editor. I do not offer praise lightly. Yet here was this critical reader weeping at the end of this dark tale, so moved was I. So, there, Michael R Fletcher. Well done!

And you, dear reader: if you’re of a mind to be darkly and helplessly captivated, I highly recommend you delve into Dust of the Dead. show less

It's hard to describe this book. It's unlike anything I've ever read before. There is no descent into madness this world is already mad, oozing with pus, and sickly.

Insanely original story and characters/abilities. The author is very talented with his prose and weaving the tale. The main characters are not heroes quite the opposite in fact, willing to do anything to further their own aims, delusions, and psychosis.

Excited to read the next in the series though I will need to take a break to show more refill my reserves if that makes sense. Not a world that I could lose myself in back to back. That said if you go into it knowing exactly what this is you're in for a wild insane ride, well told, described that will certainly make you cringe, hurt, lust, and gasp.

I'm also very interested in exploring the author's other works! show less