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 (The Maenad’s God)

“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)

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) (The Maenad’s God)

“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) (The Maenad’s God)

“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) (The Maenad’s God)

“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) (The Maenad’s God)

“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)

“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 stars) (The Maenad’s God)

“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 (The Maenad’s God)

“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 (The Maenad’s God)

“An engaging metafictional romp through an improbable New England.”
—Tucker Lieberman, Independent Book Review (The Maenad’s God)

“Michalson’s study of the darkness and light in every soul has created a powerful and memorable character.”
—Penny Kenny, Starlog (Hecate’s Glory)

“Brilliant. Unforgettable. Poetic. Hecate’s Glory — like Enemy Glory, the first book in Karen Michalson’s proposed trilogy — is a masterpiece of fantasy. You don’t read these books: you experience them. It’s like listening to beautiful alien music whose slow, hypnotizing melodies could either originate from an ancient, long-forgotten race or some madwoman’s dreams. The lyrical narrative is equally fascinating and disturbing. . . . If you’re looking for a light read, stay away from these novels. Michalson’s series is heavy in every sense of the word. If you enjoy stories that are complex and intellectually as well as morally challenging, I highly recommend Enemy Glory and Hecate’s Glory — dark, cerebral fantasy with enough treachery and revenge to satisfy even the blackest heart.”
— Paul Goat Allen, Explorations, Barnes & Noble’s Science Fiction and Fantasy blog (Hecate’s Glory)

“Here’s a little something for Enemy Glory fans who’ve been wondering whatever happened to Karen Michalson’s luckless Llewelyn. Hecate’s Glory will fill you in on the whole gory, blasting, twisted, dark deal that Michalson’s devilish imagination has rendered in ink — maybe it was blood. If you like your fantasy dark, depressing, and a little disturbing then Hecate’s Glory won’t disappoint. . . . Frankly, I’m wondering how many mediocre, pulp churning, New York Times List-making successful writers could meet Michalson’s well-crafted writing quality, or even read well enough to clue into her devastating deconstruction of the literary world.”
— Eva Wojcik-Obert, Fantastica Daily (Hecate’s Glory)

“Epic, mythic, and yet grounded in real emotion, Enemy Glory is the best kind of fantasy, a sprawling, multi-layered saga of war, gods, intrigue, and magic. Karen Michalson creates worlds within worlds and manages to light them all with loving detail. This is a writer ready to explode on the fantasy scene. Disconnect the phone, cancel your appointments, and stock the fridge for the long haul: Enemy Glory will make you want to wallow in the pure joy of reading, all over again.”
— Jack O’Connell (Enemy Glory)

“Readers who enjoy wallowing in opaquely introspective gloom will have a field day.”
—Publishers Weekly (Enemy Glory)

“Karen Michalson is definitely not lacking in imagination, and some of her writing is nothing less than pure poetry. . . . Enemy Glory is at once the story of Llewelyn’s life, his progression through the magical arts and the search for personal identity, and a story of political corruption, betrayal and intrigue. . . . I was most impressed with the author’s grasp of feudal economics. In fact, Karen has dotted her literary landscape with scraps of social commentary that alternately made me smile, giggle, and clap in appreciation.”
— Cristy, Score! Magazine (Enemy Glory)

“Michalson’s debut effort deserves praise for her wonderful characters. Llewelyn is multidimensional, and may not even rightly deserve the title of villain. Michalson demonstrates considerable skill in showing the reader his side of the story, so that evil no longer seems so black and white. . . . With a main character that could talk Hannibal Lecter into becoming a vegetarian and liking it, Michalson’s series promises to grow more interesting as it progresses.”
— Kristin Chin, The Davis Enterprise (Enemy Glory)

“I think there really is something for everyone who has ever questioned the morality of authoritarian institutions and those who run them – churches, schools, governments, armies, the IRS, etc. If you’re taken in by the purity of those intellectual ivory towers, think again. Michalson effectively smashes carefully crafted illusions with resounding clarity and reality. . Enemy Glory is a thoughtfully crafted piece of language art that demands to be devoured, delectable piece by delectable piece…. It’s a great book for igniting discussions about tough issues. Michalson demands the engagement of your intellect when you enter her intensely enjoyable world that mirrors ours in sooo many ways.”
—Eva Wojcik-Obert, Fantastica Daily (Enemy Glory)

“This twisted, compelling fantasy is intriguingly different . . . . the first in a very promising series.”
— Carolyn Cushman, Locus (Enemy Glory)