IAN BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD FINALIST FOR LGBTQ+ FICTION (2023)
RECIPIENT OF THE HISTORICAL FICTION COMPANY’S “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” AWARD OF EXCELLENCE (2023)
CHOSEN BY INDEPENDENT BOOK REVIEW AS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS 0F 2022
Edited by Donald Weise
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A seamless blend of psychological thriller, dark satire, magical realism, romance, and myth, The Maenad’s God is the story of a spiritual war that’s been fought for thousands of years; the war between the ancient arts of music, poetry, and love; and the equally ancient forces of artistic envy, oppressive law, and authoritarian religion.
“Consider this a kind of prayer to the heartless void, for I am now in joyless communion with a dead god.”
Peter C. Morrow, former Special Agent
Boston Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
Date: Eternity
Alienation. Myth. Music. Law. Madness. Death. Divinity.
Boston 1992. Pete Morrow is an alienated FBI agent whose only escape from the colleagues and society he despises is through reading literary classics. When his boss sends him to warn away a drug dealer on an obscure army base, he discovers a murder and becomes obsessed with Jade McClellan, a mysterious man from Toronto whose rock band just performed at the crime scene. Tough-guy Morrow has never been in love before—but Jade is almost magical, an embodiment of myth and literature who creates living fantasies that rapidly become the only thing Morrow values in his otherwise miserable life.
But there’s a problem. Morrow is investigating a mafia family that is investing in Jade’s musical career. Being open about their relationship could get both of them killed.
Morrow’s murder investigation annihilates his hard-boiled understanding of reality when he learns that Jade is an abandoned, mortal son of Dionysus, the god whose energy informs hard rock. Jade’s mafia support is being arranged by Dirty Penny Starmaker, a witch who started life in 5th century BCE Athens, where she received a divine mandate to promote brilliant musicians throughout history. Penny is in a centuries-old war with Hugh McCrae, a primeval, human-like “monster” who has currently incarnated himself as a congressional aide with an unhealthy interest in Morrow’s work. McCrae (rhymes with “decay”) carries his own divine mandate to promote cultural decline by eradicating creativity and art. At the present time, this includes Jade, his music, and Morrow’s newfound happiness.
After all, the universe must balance, no matter who gets destroyed in the process.
Read a sample.
Reviews
“Michalson has written a curious, introspective novel that seems to ask: Can power be owed? Can brilliance be objective? What does it mean to live life as an artist, gifted and ignored; to see cultural preoccupations and attempt to conquer them? What if it’s impossible? How do we, in the end, define failure?” – Chrissy Runyon, Booktrib
“What is to be said about The Maenad’s God? This book, indeed, is not for the faint-hearted or light-reader as this book’s rich prose touches on the sublime . . . . The author’s gifted ability to connect the reader to the main character immediately is brilliant . . . There is so much going on within this satirical narrative… like a resplendent tapestry full of governmental corruption, unexpected love, 1990s rock and roll, and social issues, all bound by a thread of the metaphysical world of demigods . . . Morrow, in his investigation into the seedy underbelly of corruption, and the Mafia’s ties to politics, social and moral issues, and yes, even rock and roll, is led on an odyssey, a Herculean-size case which, in the end, helps him discover things about life, love, art, and himself in a very enlightening and satisfying way… and thus, the reader is gifted with a true literary epic masterpiece. – DK Marley, Historical Fiction Company (5 stars)
THE MAENAD’S GOD is a rewarding read for lovers of mythology, music, and mystery. While the government intrigue is solid, the romance and betrayal are where this story really sings. Surprisingly fast-paced for its length, it’s a book that never lets up, even into its literal coda. THE MAENAD’S GOD is never the same book twice: flowing from intrigue to mysticism, romance to mythology, Karen Michalson weaves an epic and constantly surprising narrative. – Kara Dennison for IndieReader (5 stars)
“Pete’s snark-o-meter is off the charts and this is what makes him brilliant as a character. . . . I loved the mystical elements of Pete’s journey . . . Michalson keeps the suspense moving with characters who are so lifelike that they feel real . . . . This is a fantastic story . . . .” – Asher Syed, Readers’ Favorite (5 stars)
“Karen Michalson has crafted a gorgeous work that fans of mythology, suspenseful relationship dramas, and murder mysteries alike will all find fulfilling. For me, this was an ideal read . . . . The Maenad’s God is a unique novel that not everyone will ‘get’, but those who do will find it gripping, satisfying, and impossible to put down even after you’ve finished it.” – K.C. Finn, Readers’ Favorite (5 stars)
“Most importantly, unlike not a few works of speculative fiction which exhaust themselves in action and effects, The Maenad’s God is a book which says something – with a philosophical argument, in fact. Michalson’s theme is artistic charisma seeking recognition and expression (perhaps in that order of importance) against the reactive forces of “entropy” and ressentiment. She proposes the idea that ancient God and great artist may be analogous figures (indeed, in the book’s fantastic framework, they are identical) and that, in both cases, it is their followers’ envy that propels the cycle of the Idol’s elevation and eventual immolation. . . . The Maenad’s God deserves attention. In the present context it also deserves . . . the highest rating, for it seems to me a work of substance and original thinking.” – Alexandros Mantzaris, Reedsy (5 stars)
“Karen Michalson’s first fiction release since her Enemy Glory trilogy is a genre-blending narrative that combines rock n’ roll and mythology with magic realism and crime fiction to create a highly palatable story with a distinctly unique flavor. . . . Readers who enjoyed Michalson’s Enemy Glory trilogy will find this novel a much deeper, richer—and more intimate—story. Blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, the author delivers a strange and beautiful narrative tapestry woven with threads of music, myth, and magic. . . . Adventurous fantasy fans—particularly deep readers—will find this genre-hybridized novel addictive.” – BlueInk Review (Starred Review)
“The Maenad’s God is the latest book by Karen Michalson. The author tackles several heavy themes masterfully. It’s a tale that will keep you on your toes, guessing what’s real and imaginary and what to expect next. Michalson takes the reader in one direction when the expectation is the opposite, making it a thrilling read. The author artfully deals with Peter’s evolving sexuality brilliantly and in a way that is both challenging and not too explicit. . . . I cannot praise The Maenad’s God by Karen Michalson highly enough. It is a mind-bending masterpiece.” – Literary Titan (5/5)
“Michalson’s prose, as narrated by the loquacious Pete, is by turns wisecracking and obsessive. . . . Even so, Pete’s quest takes him in unexpected occult directions, opening up an intricate world of ecstasy and paranoia. . . . the novel’s angst and atmosphere—both authentically ’90s—make for a strangely alluring reading experience. An engaging, snaking, and spirit-tinged murder tale about obsession and control.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Mystical, lyrical, and inhabited by gods, The Maenad’s God is a surprisingly supernatural love story. . . . The book’s exponential eccentricity is captivating: it moves between mystery elements, those of magical realism, and a dark moodiness.” – Aimee Jodoin, Foreword Clarion Reviews
“An engaging metafictional romp through an improbable New England.” – Tucker Lieberman, Independent Book Review