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Pieties
1981. Diagnosed with a debilitating new mystery illness doctors are calling GRID, Andrew bids farewell to his hedonistic life in NYC, reluctantly returning to his estranged parents in the uber-religious suburban enclave of Wheaton, Illinois.
Sick, destitute, and a thousand miles from his West Village circle, Andrew finds himself trapped in a childhood home more strange and sinister than he remembers.
His mother, always the center of their family, appears ill as well, sleepwalking the darkened halls, her body covered in unexplained sores and bruises. His disapproving father disappears for hours into the secluded, picture-perfect Japanese garden behind the house. At night there is a scratching in the walls that may or may not be rats…
When he spies his father with someone in the garden, late at night and half hidden in the stands of bamboo, Andrew begins to investigate. Before long, a series of ominous events convinces him there is something far more dangerous than adultery at play. Worse, his mother may end up being the next victim...
Is this descent into madness merely a symptom of his illness, or does some terrible secret truly lurk between the still, black surface of the koi pond and the walled-off groves of whispering bamboo?
Sick, destitute, and a thousand miles from his West Village circle, Andrew finds himself trapped in a childhood home more strange and sinister than he remembers.
His mother, always the center of their family, appears ill as well, sleepwalking the darkened halls, her body covered in unexplained sores and bruises. His disapproving father disappears for hours into the secluded, picture-perfect Japanese garden behind the house. At night there is a scratching in the walls that may or may not be rats…
When he spies his father with someone in the garden, late at night and half hidden in the stands of bamboo, Andrew begins to investigate. Before long, a series of ominous events convinces him there is something far more dangerous than adultery at play. Worse, his mother may end up being the next victim...
Is this descent into madness merely a symptom of his illness, or does some terrible secret truly lurk between the still, black surface of the koi pond and the walled-off groves of whispering bamboo?
- GenresHorror
89 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2024
About the author
Marc Ruvolo
5 books23 followersMarc Ruvolo is a queer writer and musician living in Portland, Oregon who once considered himself a punk. He founded the seminal Bucket O’ Blood book store in Chicago, and his poetry and fiction have appeared in Cynthia Pelayo’s Gothic Blue Book Series, The Night’s End Horror Podcast, and The Best of Abyss & Apex Vol. 4. His debut horror poetry chapbook “Creep & Crow” was released in 2022 by Alien Buddha Press, and a horror novella, SLOE, was released by Unnerving Books in 2023. His second horror novella, PIETIES, is out now from Off Limits Press. Find him on twitter at @RuvFur
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 7, 2024
I went into this book, having not read anything by this author, or knowing what the story was about, only that the MC has GRID (Gay Related Immune Disorder). Nor did I know it was a horror until the last 20%, which was a complete shock, as there was nothing to suggest during the first 80% that it even was a horror.
Andrew leaves his home in NYC to return to his parents home, because he is sick. He has a fractured relationship with his father, who arranges a job as a custodian for him, and all of his doctor’s appointments. His mother appears to be acting strange each day.
I enjoyed the writing style of this book, but I was somewhat disappointed with the last part. It all just felt a little bit rushed for me, as the horror aspect of it, seemed to just be thrown in, as an afterthought. I would have liked to have seen more of a hint throughout the book, rather than concentrating on Andrew’s work. Also I didn’t get why the party with his friend Christine was thrown in, as nothing developed from it. I would like to read more by this author, to see how he writes other books, as I like his writing style, but for me, this book was enjoyable enough, but just a bit confusing.
Thanks to BookSirens for providing me with this ARC, with which I voluntarily leave a review.
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Andrew leaves his home in NYC to return to his parents home, because he is sick. He has a fractured relationship with his father, who arranges a job as a custodian for him, and all of his doctor’s appointments. His mother appears to be acting strange each day.
I enjoyed the writing style of this book, but I was somewhat disappointed with the last part. It all just felt a little bit rushed for me, as the horror aspect of it, seemed to just be thrown in, as an afterthought. I would have liked to have seen more of a hint throughout the book, rather than concentrating on Andrew’s work. Also I didn’t get why the party with his friend Christine was thrown in, as nothing developed from it. I would like to read more by this author, to see how he writes other books, as I like his writing style, but for me, this book was enjoyable enough, but just a bit confusing.
Thanks to BookSirens for providing me with this ARC, with which I voluntarily leave a review.
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 30, 2024
I enjoyed this short novella about a gay man suffering from GRID (Gay Related Immune Difficencey) who leaves NYC and returns to his parents house to recover. His father is acting weird, always out in the garden and he sees sights of another women or did he? What is his father up to in this garden and why is he so secretive?
What was done well was the dynamics between Andrew and his father a disciplinarian who is disgusted with the choices Andrew has made in life. It has an air of true authenticity that so many gay people have had to suffer in the past due to prejudice and religion.
Whilst the story is quick and enjoyable I just didnt find it overly engaging. As with his last novella I found alot of plot points were not finalised making me think why they were even added in the first place such as his job and the friend he made there. It's quite 'lite' on the horror elements with the only real aspect of horror coming in the final few pages.
This isnt to say it's not enjoyable and Marc is definitely a great writer with his believable dialogue and plot progression but overall its nothing that really grabbed me at any point and the ending was a little lackluster.
What was done well was the dynamics between Andrew and his father a disciplinarian who is disgusted with the choices Andrew has made in life. It has an air of true authenticity that so many gay people have had to suffer in the past due to prejudice and religion.
Whilst the story is quick and enjoyable I just didnt find it overly engaging. As with his last novella I found alot of plot points were not finalised making me think why they were even added in the first place such as his job and the friend he made there. It's quite 'lite' on the horror elements with the only real aspect of horror coming in the final few pages.
This isnt to say it's not enjoyable and Marc is definitely a great writer with his believable dialogue and plot progression but overall its nothing that really grabbed me at any point and the ending was a little lackluster.
April 9, 2024
I really felt for the main character of this short story. Andrew is forced to return to his bigoted town when he becomes ill. He has to navigate a challenging family and a narrow minded community on top of his worsening symptoms.
All these factors could make an incredible story on their own, but Marc adds some horror elements in as well. Back at his family’s home, Andrew feels something is incredibly wrong with his father’s secluded garden, he wonders where his mother’s cats keep disappearing to, and he starts to catch feelings for his new coworker.
It’s a very intense story, and will really put the reader in the main character’s shoes. I will say that the ending wasn’t my favourite. I felt there were some unresolved aspects that needed to be wrapped up.
All these factors could make an incredible story on their own, but Marc adds some horror elements in as well. Back at his family’s home, Andrew feels something is incredibly wrong with his father’s secluded garden, he wonders where his mother’s cats keep disappearing to, and he starts to catch feelings for his new coworker.
It’s a very intense story, and will really put the reader in the main character’s shoes. I will say that the ending wasn’t my favourite. I felt there were some unresolved aspects that needed to be wrapped up.
May 18, 2024
Although this was considered a horror novella, I found it to be more dark and thrilling.
Our main character Andrew, is gay and diagnosed with a disease GRID (Gay Related Immunodeficiency Disease), and there is no cure. Forced to leave his home in New York, he returns to Wheaton to live with his parents.
It is obvious from the jump that this is dreadful for him and his relationship with is father, appropriately named "Dick" (stout and religious), is strained to say the least. His mother, is sweet, but is so off and worried about upsetting Dick, she can only do but so much.
Forced to work and to see the family doctor, Andrew struggles with his illness, family dynamics and trying to have a little social life with his longtime friend Christine. After the first night home and going out...the sinsiter and troubling happenings start!
I enjoyed the flow of events while reading this. Steady and sometimes fast paced. Everything tieing together, with a few twists. It is written well and tells the back story of the father to provide more insight of the why. It ends on a climax ( a well deserved one I might add), but I would have liked for it to continue into the next morning. To really have the finality of the nights events and how it pans out the next morning.
My first read by Author Ruvolo, and DEFINITELY not my last; 4 star read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Our main character Andrew, is gay and diagnosed with a disease GRID (Gay Related Immunodeficiency Disease), and there is no cure. Forced to leave his home in New York, he returns to Wheaton to live with his parents.
It is obvious from the jump that this is dreadful for him and his relationship with is father, appropriately named "Dick" (stout and religious), is strained to say the least. His mother, is sweet, but is so off and worried about upsetting Dick, she can only do but so much.
Forced to work and to see the family doctor, Andrew struggles with his illness, family dynamics and trying to have a little social life with his longtime friend Christine. After the first night home and going out...the sinsiter and troubling happenings start!
I enjoyed the flow of events while reading this. Steady and sometimes fast paced. Everything tieing together, with a few twists. It is written well and tells the back story of the father to provide more insight of the why. It ends on a climax ( a well deserved one I might add), but I would have liked for it to continue into the next morning. To really have the finality of the nights events and how it pans out the next morning.
My first read by Author Ruvolo, and DEFINITELY not my last; 4 star read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 28, 2024
'Pieties' proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable, very original, dark horror story that successfully mixed social issues, relationships and the supernatural to deliver an experience that will be remembered for quite some time. The writing style was excellent and really managed to bring the book to life with the action, after a slow-burning human noire start, being fast paced, and the narrative climaxing into delivering a cleverly thought out otherworldly, fantasy, evil-spirit ending. Smooth and natural throughout, with the different elements skilfully stitched together to work successfully as a whole.
Lots of brilliant characters, great dialogue and a storyline that kept the reader guessing right up until the final outcome. Topics covered included the effects of aids, homophobia, gay relationships and strict religious belief, which were all beautifully woven together to complement the fantasy horror aspects of the mystical adventure.
Overall, a really good, unique, short story, but for me the build up to the ending felt a little fragmented and incomplete, leaving a few unanswered questions. With a longer format matters could easily have been extended further to add that something a little bit extra, giving more explanation and further scrutiny to some of the colourful, interesting characters and the wholly immersive sub-plots themselves. In short, I was just left craving for more, more… more!
This highly original, thoroughly engrossing tale with a fantastic vibe to the writing and masterful plot development, has ensured that I will certainly be reading more from this highly talented author of all things dark and alternative and a skilful creator of spooky, psychological fantasy horror. Bravo, Mr Ruvolo, you had me gripped!
Finally, a big thank you to the author and BookSirens for the free ARC, and I leave this review on a purely voluntary basis.
Lots of brilliant characters, great dialogue and a storyline that kept the reader guessing right up until the final outcome. Topics covered included the effects of aids, homophobia, gay relationships and strict religious belief, which were all beautifully woven together to complement the fantasy horror aspects of the mystical adventure.
Overall, a really good, unique, short story, but for me the build up to the ending felt a little fragmented and incomplete, leaving a few unanswered questions. With a longer format matters could easily have been extended further to add that something a little bit extra, giving more explanation and further scrutiny to some of the colourful, interesting characters and the wholly immersive sub-plots themselves. In short, I was just left craving for more, more… more!
This highly original, thoroughly engrossing tale with a fantastic vibe to the writing and masterful plot development, has ensured that I will certainly be reading more from this highly talented author of all things dark and alternative and a skilful creator of spooky, psychological fantasy horror. Bravo, Mr Ruvolo, you had me gripped!
Finally, a big thank you to the author and BookSirens for the free ARC, and I leave this review on a purely voluntary basis.
March 4, 2024
It's the early 80s and a young man is diagnosed with what we now know as HIV. Still known at that time as a gay disease. He's forced to move from NYC back to his parents home in a small Midwestern city.
His father only allows it because his mother insists. As his disease starts taking more of a toll, things in this homophobic town start to get strange. His mother starts to become ill. His father is seems to be hiding something in his garden and koi pond in the backyard, spending more and more time out there alone, becoming more disheveled, and becoming sick himself.
This novella explores a gay man trying to break free of the prejudices of his family and the town itself while experiencing creepy strange things at his parents house.
Marc writes these characters in a down to earth way and it's easy to slide right into this creepy novella and picture it in your mind. And what's going on in that garden becomes the main focus as it's affecting both his mother and father. But is it real? Or is his mind becoming unstable as a result of his disease?
You'll definitely want to read it for yourself to find out. It's fast paced narrative and 80s vibe are great and I highly recommend it.
I want to thank the author for the eCopy of this book. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
His father only allows it because his mother insists. As his disease starts taking more of a toll, things in this homophobic town start to get strange. His mother starts to become ill. His father is seems to be hiding something in his garden and koi pond in the backyard, spending more and more time out there alone, becoming more disheveled, and becoming sick himself.
This novella explores a gay man trying to break free of the prejudices of his family and the town itself while experiencing creepy strange things at his parents house.
Marc writes these characters in a down to earth way and it's easy to slide right into this creepy novella and picture it in your mind. And what's going on in that garden becomes the main focus as it's affecting both his mother and father. But is it real? Or is his mind becoming unstable as a result of his disease?
You'll definitely want to read it for yourself to find out. It's fast paced narrative and 80s vibe are great and I highly recommend it.
I want to thank the author for the eCopy of this book. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
July 12, 2024
Pieties came in, snatched my wig a little, slapped me around, and then left me sad/disheveled afterwards. Aka I loved it. It’s made me both love and hate where I lived but also gave me insight to the odd little microcosm that is “the midwest” that I’ll get into more later. Anyways, Marc Ruvolo is kinda mean and this is my letter to him asking why that is.
Quick Synopsis: Andrew is doing the unthinkable. He’s leaving the hustle & bustle of NYC to go back to stay with his parents in Wheaton, Illinois. Begrudgingly so, because his health has been declining since he’s been diagnosed with a mystery illness (GRID) that is terrifying health officials and the rest of the country. What’s there to do in your super-religious hometown besides visit old haunts with an old friend? At least it gets him away from his depressing, estranged parents and their whole thing. Which is a WHOLE ass THING.
This was a quick read for me, Marc knows how to hit his marks and pull you into a story. The feeling of dread knowing you’re going back “home”…yeah I felt that. Except I’ve always been here so this is where Ruvolo decided to punch all of us who couldn’t escape in the chest. (I kid I kid, it’s not so bad here…there’s corn and tornadoes?) I think he did very much touch on subjects and imagery that I feel only those from here would get. Like there were parts of this I feel that *we* (the sufferers) would get that the rest of the world wouldn’t. Which makes that aspect of his horrors a bit niche, but put yourself in our shoes. The quiet can be scary sometimes. 👀 Meanwhile, we were teased with something going on back at home. The story amps up around the middle that basically distracts you before the gut punch comes. Which is def a gut punch, one that I enjoyed and “got.” That ending was such a devastating hit tho. All the emotions, fear of the unknown, but also joy(?) of the possibilities, yet still knowing it was ultimately an ouroboros. I liked it, and recommend it, especially to those of us who've never had to pay for parking.
Quick Synopsis: Andrew is doing the unthinkable. He’s leaving the hustle & bustle of NYC to go back to stay with his parents in Wheaton, Illinois. Begrudgingly so, because his health has been declining since he’s been diagnosed with a mystery illness (GRID) that is terrifying health officials and the rest of the country. What’s there to do in your super-religious hometown besides visit old haunts with an old friend? At least it gets him away from his depressing, estranged parents and their whole thing. Which is a WHOLE ass THING.
This was a quick read for me, Marc knows how to hit his marks and pull you into a story. The feeling of dread knowing you’re going back “home”…yeah I felt that. Except I’ve always been here so this is where Ruvolo decided to punch all of us who couldn’t escape in the chest. (I kid I kid, it’s not so bad here…there’s corn and tornadoes?) I think he did very much touch on subjects and imagery that I feel only those from here would get. Like there were parts of this I feel that *we* (the sufferers) would get that the rest of the world wouldn’t. Which makes that aspect of his horrors a bit niche, but put yourself in our shoes. The quiet can be scary sometimes. 👀 Meanwhile, we were teased with something going on back at home. The story amps up around the middle that basically distracts you before the gut punch comes. Which is def a gut punch, one that I enjoyed and “got.” That ending was such a devastating hit tho. All the emotions, fear of the unknown, but also joy(?) of the possibilities, yet still knowing it was ultimately an ouroboros. I liked it, and recommend it, especially to those of us who've never had to pay for parking.
March 17, 2024
Such an interesting story. It was well written and touched on some sadness and illness, but also, mystery and a little horror. Definitely did not see the twists and turns throughout the story and the ending was a complete surprise. Really good short story!
May 12, 2024
Review originally on
JamReads
Pieties is a horror novella, written by Marc Ruvolo and published by Off Limits Press. In a short length, Ruvolo greatly weaves together supernatural horror elements with a more human story that crudely portraits the reality of the first HIV patients, often having to return to a place from where they tried to run away while dealing with the uncertainty of their health condition.
1981. After being diagnosed with a new and debilitating illness called GRID, Andrew is forced to come back and live with his parents in the uber-religious town of Wheaton; a place where his condition was never accepted. In his childhood house, things are weird: his mother, who was his main support, seems to be ill, with sores and bruises appearing, while his father is secluded on his Japanese garden, acting even more strange than usual.
The atmosphere slowly becomes more and more oppressive, despite at some points we can see a small sun ray in the figure of Elliot; and Ruvolo describes with great precision the symptoms that many HIV patients suffer, affected by opportunistic infections. Andrew feels himself as a second-class citizen in Wheaton, with his symptoms being downplayed and constantly pressured to abandon his sexuality, either by pressure or by aggressions.
The pacing is on point, accelerating towards the great finale that decides to explore a bit more of Japanese mythology; it can feel as some threads are left untied, but that's how life behaves.
If you want a touching and great dark horror novella, Pieties is an excellent election; it can be hard to read because of its crudeness, but it won't disappoint, paying that homage to those that suffered the HIV in the early times.
Pieties is a horror novella, written by Marc Ruvolo and published by Off Limits Press. In a short length, Ruvolo greatly weaves together supernatural horror elements with a more human story that crudely portraits the reality of the first HIV patients, often having to return to a place from where they tried to run away while dealing with the uncertainty of their health condition.
1981. After being diagnosed with a new and debilitating illness called GRID, Andrew is forced to come back and live with his parents in the uber-religious town of Wheaton; a place where his condition was never accepted. In his childhood house, things are weird: his mother, who was his main support, seems to be ill, with sores and bruises appearing, while his father is secluded on his Japanese garden, acting even more strange than usual.
The atmosphere slowly becomes more and more oppressive, despite at some points we can see a small sun ray in the figure of Elliot; and Ruvolo describes with great precision the symptoms that many HIV patients suffer, affected by opportunistic infections. Andrew feels himself as a second-class citizen in Wheaton, with his symptoms being downplayed and constantly pressured to abandon his sexuality, either by pressure or by aggressions.
The pacing is on point, accelerating towards the great finale that decides to explore a bit more of Japanese mythology; it can feel as some threads are left untied, but that's how life behaves.
If you want a touching and great dark horror novella, Pieties is an excellent election; it can be hard to read because of its crudeness, but it won't disappoint, paying that homage to those that suffered the HIV in the early times.
May 12, 2024
I quite liked this one! Pieties combines the real-world horror of the early HIV/AIDS crisis with a supernatural twist. The dramatic irony cuts deep as Andrew becomes sicker without understanding why. The supernatural elements add the perfect amount of levity and payoff in the end. I love a good bittersweet queer horror.
Plus... I have to give points for the cover art. Whew.
Thank you to Ruvolo and BookSirens for the chance to check this book out for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
Plus... I have to give points for the cover art. Whew.
Thank you to Ruvolo and BookSirens for the chance to check this book out for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
April 23, 2024
A slow burn that takes you from the horror of living in a homophobic town with a mystery disease, to a supernatural horror. You can't help but fall in love with the main character Andrew. I wanted to wrap him up in a big hug and not let go. Ruvolo really immerses you in his story with his smooth writing and amazing character building.
April 21, 2024
I received an ARC for this book from BookSirens for free.
A young man in the yearly 80's is recently diagnosed with GRID (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency) moves back to his parent's house in the small town he grew up. But soon it he realizes there's something wrong with his parents and the mysterious Japanese garden his father obsessively maintains.
I found myself quit enjoying this novella and the author's writing style. The horror mix of homophobia, aids and religion was quite effective. There is the aspect of the mystery of what is going on with main characters parents and I think it wasn't mixed in as well as I hoped it would have been. The ending was really strong and enjoyable, but I wish there had been more of aspects from that mixed in before like the last 20 pages.
Still really enjoyable and I will be checking out the author's other works in the future.
A young man in the yearly 80's is recently diagnosed with GRID (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency) moves back to his parent's house in the small town he grew up. But soon it he realizes there's something wrong with his parents and the mysterious Japanese garden his father obsessively maintains.
I found myself quit enjoying this novella and the author's writing style. The horror mix of homophobia, aids and religion was quite effective. There is the aspect of the mystery of what is going on with main characters parents and I think it wasn't mixed in as well as I hoped it would have been. The ending was really strong and enjoyable, but I wish there had been more of aspects from that mixed in before like the last 20 pages.
Still really enjoyable and I will be checking out the author's other works in the future.
March 12, 2024
This was too good!!! Absolutely adore the writing and such a unique story. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer. I'd love to know more about the demon!
June 25, 2024
CW: ableism, animal death, homophobia,
Andrew has been diagnosed with AIDS, and leaves New York to return to his religious and homophobic parents' home. At night he hears footsteps in the walls, which he assumes are rats. Also, his mother's cats keep disappearing and his father has been walking outside during the night in his garden. Andrew begins to suspect he is having an affair.
This novella is definitely worth checking out. It is queer, creepy and unsettling. The real horror in my opinion though is not whatever is lurking in the walls, but the homophobic bigotry, rich and violent gay men, and Andrew's best friend Christine. All the people whom Andrew should be able to trust turn on him due to him being sick and/or gay. I would highly recommend this to readers who enjoy queer horror.
Andrew has been diagnosed with AIDS, and leaves New York to return to his religious and homophobic parents' home. At night he hears footsteps in the walls, which he assumes are rats. Also, his mother's cats keep disappearing and his father has been walking outside during the night in his garden. Andrew begins to suspect he is having an affair.
This novella is definitely worth checking out. It is queer, creepy and unsettling. The real horror in my opinion though is not whatever is lurking in the walls, but the homophobic bigotry, rich and violent gay men, and Andrew's best friend Christine. All the people whom Andrew should be able to trust turn on him due to him being sick and/or gay. I would highly recommend this to readers who enjoy queer horror.
March 26, 2024
There were a lot of things I really liked about this story… the homecoming of a gay son in the early beginnings of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the 1980s culture complete with music and fashion, and the creepy sounds in the walls of his childhood home. I do wish the story was a bit longer as there were a few loose ends in my mind and I felt the ending a bit rushed. I would have preferred a slower unraveling of the horror aspect and more time to savor the atmosphere and dread which was so pervasive… both the dread of this diagnosis and the degradation of the MC’s family (literally and figuratively).
May 10, 2024
I enjoyed this story about a gay man suffering from GRID (Gay Related Immune Difficencey) which was later re-named to AIDS. It was very well written, with a relatable main character.
There is a little bit of a horror aspect to the story which only starts to show at about the 3/4 mark, and even then it is only a glimpse until the final pages. I would have loved for the horror element of the story to be expanded and explored, as I was starting to think about the possibly of a supernatural creature contracting GRID and what that might lead to good or bad.
All in all, this was an enjoyable and very well written story.
There is a little bit of a horror aspect to the story which only starts to show at about the 3/4 mark, and even then it is only a glimpse until the final pages. I would have loved for the horror element of the story to be expanded and explored, as I was starting to think about the possibly of a supernatural creature contracting GRID and what that might lead to good or bad.
All in all, this was an enjoyable and very well written story.
July 10, 2024
This was a really good read, but I wish it would have been focused more on the horror and less on Andrew working and going to parties that didn't really feel like it added much to the story. I would have wanted some more hints, more creepiness and a slightly less rushed ending, but overall it was a good story and I think this author can write brilliant things in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 16, 2024
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy.
As short as this novel is, it is fairly slow and the real action doesn't kick off until the last 10%. Up until then, it's more of a slice of life novel involving a gay man with AIDS who moves home to live in a homophobic small town. Truly, this was the most disturbing part of the book for me. I felt so sad for the main character. Ultimately, I enjoyed the book but felt it ended a bit abruptly and took awhile to get going. I loved the writing too. 3.5 stars
As short as this novel is, it is fairly slow and the real action doesn't kick off until the last 10%. Up until then, it's more of a slice of life novel involving a gay man with AIDS who moves home to live in a homophobic small town. Truly, this was the most disturbing part of the book for me. I felt so sad for the main character. Ultimately, I enjoyed the book but felt it ended a bit abruptly and took awhile to get going. I loved the writing too. 3.5 stars
May 23, 2024
Marc Ruvolo's "Pieties" is a harrowing read that successfully mixes queer issues—including the social and medical stigmas all too common in the 1980s—and dysfunctional familial and societal relationships with the supernatural to deliver a complex and intriguing horror story. When I say harrowing, I mean it was difficult at times for me, as a gay man, to (re)experience alongside Andrew the homophobia inflicted upon him.
Whether you've felt this type of verbal and/or physical homophobic aggression personally or not, Ruvolo's writing is quite visceral and pulls no punches, so empathizing with Andrew isn't challenging for any reader. His straightforward human interest narrative and complex characterizations, particularly concerning queerness, are confident and thoughtfully constructed. His descriptions of the landscape, both rural and urban, and the flavour of the era are rich and evocative.
While fast-paced, thrilling, and revealing, the conclusion feels abrupt, leaving the reader with a sense that the story could have delved deeper. But if this is how the author wished to end his tale, that's cool; it doesn't diminish the narrative's chilling, revelatory impact. There are hints of intent, a sinister direction implied.
This was a delight to be immersed in such a vivid world of early 80s history, queer suffrage, and various cultural horrors, some supernatural and some born of homegrown human nature.
(Read the full review at www.ryanlawrenceauthor.ca)
Whether you've felt this type of verbal and/or physical homophobic aggression personally or not, Ruvolo's writing is quite visceral and pulls no punches, so empathizing with Andrew isn't challenging for any reader. His straightforward human interest narrative and complex characterizations, particularly concerning queerness, are confident and thoughtfully constructed. His descriptions of the landscape, both rural and urban, and the flavour of the era are rich and evocative.
While fast-paced, thrilling, and revealing, the conclusion feels abrupt, leaving the reader with a sense that the story could have delved deeper. But if this is how the author wished to end his tale, that's cool; it doesn't diminish the narrative's chilling, revelatory impact. There are hints of intent, a sinister direction implied.
This was a delight to be immersed in such a vivid world of early 80s history, queer suffrage, and various cultural horrors, some supernatural and some born of homegrown human nature.
(Read the full review at www.ryanlawrenceauthor.ca)
April 26, 2024
*3.5
To be honest, I kind of went into this book with low expectations. First, I’ve never really been a fan of short stories/ novellas and I don’t read very many books written by men. That aside, I can say that I actually really enjoyed this book. It took me about two hours to read and I was absolutely intrigued the entire time. The only reason why I didn’t give the book a higher rating was because even though I really enjoyed the buildup of the mystery, I felt like the ending was really rushed and somewhat too vague to feel satisfying. I wish certain things would have been better explained, but that would have required the book to be longer (which I really wouldn’t have minded). All in all, I would definitely recommend this.
**Obviously due to this book having queer themes and characters there are some mentions of God and religion that some may not like. I am a Christian, but I am also an ally so I wasn’t offended by any of the mentions of God or religion, but if you are worried that you may be, I would recommend skipping this book.
***Disclaimer: I received an arc for free from Booksirens but I am leaving this review voluntarily. I am not getting paid to endorse this book, and the fact that I received this arc doesn’t influence my opinion or my review of the book <3
To be honest, I kind of went into this book with low expectations. First, I’ve never really been a fan of short stories/ novellas and I don’t read very many books written by men. That aside, I can say that I actually really enjoyed this book. It took me about two hours to read and I was absolutely intrigued the entire time. The only reason why I didn’t give the book a higher rating was because even though I really enjoyed the buildup of the mystery, I felt like the ending was really rushed and somewhat too vague to feel satisfying. I wish certain things would have been better explained, but that would have required the book to be longer (which I really wouldn’t have minded). All in all, I would definitely recommend this.
**Obviously due to this book having queer themes and characters there are some mentions of God and religion that some may not like. I am a Christian, but I am also an ally so I wasn’t offended by any of the mentions of God or religion, but if you are worried that you may be, I would recommend skipping this book.
***Disclaimer: I received an arc for free from Booksirens but I am leaving this review voluntarily. I am not getting paid to endorse this book, and the fact that I received this arc doesn’t influence my opinion or my review of the book <3
April 19, 2024
Andrew has been diagnosed with what the doctors are calling GRID. Broke, ill, and down on his luck, he's forced to return to the small Midwestern town he'd fled as soon as he could. His bigoted father barely acknowledges him. His browbeaten mother hovers over him, nervous and smothering. In the night he hears the skrr skrr of rodents in the walls, a festering infestation hidden beneath the respectable veneer of their middle-class home. What is his father doing in the garden in the middle of the night? And who is that second shadow Andrew sees with him?
This novella skillfully intertwines the real world horror of the AIDs epidemic of the early 80s with the slowly mounting tension of something inexplicable. I was really impressed at what a complex and complete world the author was able to create in less than 100 pages. This story is firmly rooted in the homophobia of a small, judgmental community. The main character's suffering is so much more profound than just his untreatable diagnosis.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens.
This novella skillfully intertwines the real world horror of the AIDs epidemic of the early 80s with the slowly mounting tension of something inexplicable. I was really impressed at what a complex and complete world the author was able to create in less than 100 pages. This story is firmly rooted in the homophobia of a small, judgmental community. The main character's suffering is so much more profound than just his untreatable diagnosis.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens.
May 28, 2024
I rated this a 3.5 but rounded up to a 4.
Ruvolo did a superb job making you feel right at home in the early 80s with Andrew and his GRID disease that we now know as HIV. Having grown up in the 90s, I still felt right at home with the narrative. Ruvolo also does an excellent job of showcasing just how much was unknown at the time with this "gay disease" and how a small town and family reacts to their son coming back from New York "diseased" and "full of sin" since (of course) his family has strict religious beliefs and the town is your typical prejudiced small town.
Had the story been longer, I would have enjoyed the slow-burn a little bit more. However, I did enjoy the build up until the end and couldn't have completely predicted the origin of the supernatural element. The writing kept me guessing up until the very end.
One of my only complaints that I think hurts this novella was that it was a novella and I feel the author had enough material that it could have been a full length novel. The ending had me thinking about some of the loose ends that never got addressed and wishing it had been longer. Had it been longer, I could have easily seen the rating go to 4.5 for me. I really enjoy the characters, the story, the plot, I just kept wanting more!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ebook copy of this.
Ruvolo did a superb job making you feel right at home in the early 80s with Andrew and his GRID disease that we now know as HIV. Having grown up in the 90s, I still felt right at home with the narrative. Ruvolo also does an excellent job of showcasing just how much was unknown at the time with this "gay disease" and how a small town and family reacts to their son coming back from New York "diseased" and "full of sin" since (of course) his family has strict religious beliefs and the town is your typical prejudiced small town.
Had the story been longer, I would have enjoyed the slow-burn a little bit more. However, I did enjoy the build up until the end and couldn't have completely predicted the origin of the supernatural element. The writing kept me guessing up until the very end.
One of my only complaints that I think hurts this novella was that it was a novella and I feel the author had enough material that it could have been a full length novel. The ending had me thinking about some of the loose ends that never got addressed and wishing it had been longer. Had it been longer, I could have easily seen the rating go to 4.5 for me. I really enjoy the characters, the story, the plot, I just kept wanting more!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ebook copy of this.
May 18, 2024
The deepest horror of Pieties is the kind we feel as humans when the places and people we’re supposed to turn to for help deny us in our time of greatest need. That isn’t to say there aren’t also dark entities that exist in our world that prey on our greatest vulnerabilities. This novella explores the terrifying reality and uncertainty of the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic from the perspective of a young man recently diagnosed. His increasingly desperate situation with worsening symptoms, dysfunctional family, and isolation parallels an accelerating sense that something very, very dark is watching from the mysterious sanctuary tended by his father. This novella is as brutal as it is beautiful, the real world horrors are as formidable and terrifying as the supernatural ones. I love the author’s prose and small details that give life to the main character’s hope and heartache.
July 5, 2024
I love novels that keep me guessing where the horror is going to come from it, and in the meantime keep me entertained with their character development. Taking place during the earlier stages of the AIDS epidemic, this novel builds tension not just by how little information there was about the disease at the time, but the social stigma that came with it. A novel with a wonderful theme of how as humans were all trying to escape our own sins, but that doesn't stop us from judging others' sins.
This is a slow burn, but it definitely reaches it's terrifying supernatural conclusion, and it's handled with intelligence and creativity.
I'll just say I loved the way the power hunting the main character functions.
This is a slow burn, but it definitely reaches it's terrifying supernatural conclusion, and it's handled with intelligence and creativity.
I'll just say I loved the way the power hunting the main character functions.
March 19, 2024
I loved this novella so much! The main character Andrew, has been diagnosed with a new disease that doctors which doctors are calling gay-related immune deficiency, or GRID. Based on the description it is what would later be called AIDS. Andrew goes home from NYC to a small town to live with his parents while he tries to live with his illness. Strange things are happening with his parents and he must endure the prejudices of the small minded people in his home town. I really loved the eerie atmosphere of the story and the conclusion was surprising.
April 29, 2024
The protagonist & setting of this story make it heartbreaking. Horror, in the "fun" sense, takes a back seat. Nonetheless the prejudices & moral failings of everyone surrounding Andrew kept my attention. By reality's standards this book could've been much longer but it's short enough that we do get to witness some of the eerie, unusual happenings. I confess that I selected this book because I love Japanese gardens (as well as horror & lgbtq+ lit) & I do wish there were more plants mentioned, but maybe it's just me. I selected this to review for free from booksirens.com
May 6, 2024
Family dysfunction is a main theme in this novella set in the 80’s during what seems to be the beginning of the AIDS pandemic in the LGBTQ community where there wasn’t much information out there. An easy to read short story with each character dealing with their own kind of troubles, some turning out to be linked by the end. It is an interesting story with an unexpected twist. It will leave you questioning the sanity of characters and wondering what in the world is going on. I would have liked it to be more in depth there is so much potential in the story. I would give it a 3.75 out of 5.
May 21, 2024
I went into this one only knowing what was put in the blurb. I was not disappointed in the story, but it could have been more.
Outside of the fact that the main MC had GRID (gonna point out that this was too on the nose for AIDS) - there was not a lot of horror in the horror story.
I personally need a bit of something to show that it was going to be scary, but alas it was not meant to be.
I cant really get into details of the story, since its so short, but it was a fast read and was enjoyable for what it was.
Outside of the fact that the main MC had GRID (gonna point out that this was too on the nose for AIDS) - there was not a lot of horror in the horror story.
I personally need a bit of something to show that it was going to be scary, but alas it was not meant to be.
I cant really get into details of the story, since its so short, but it was a fast read and was enjoyable for what it was.
June 20, 2024
For horror therms it was a slow burn one. Only in the last 20% of the book is where it came and it gripped me even if not as more as expected. Sadly this is not the heavy horror I was expecting.
I fell the author could have explore more the horror during the full book. The end sounded forced. It is good as open for a possible new book but so sudden.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Full review here: https://betweenpageswithmary.blogspot...
I fell the author could have explore more the horror during the full book. The end sounded forced. It is good as open for a possible new book but so sudden.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Full review here: https://betweenpageswithmary.blogspot...
May 6, 2024
This uses the AIDS epidemic perfectly and shows the horror of the time. It was everything that I was looking for from the setting and thought the characters felt like they belonged in the 80s. It had a psychological element that I was looking for and thought the suspense worked. I enjoyed the way Marc Ruvolo wrote this and was really well done.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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