Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam, by Mark Gulino, is a gothic horror novella that introduces readers to Rue, a protagonist shrouded in mystery. Rue awakens on a beach littered with remnants of the sea spanning decades and realizes she has no memory of her past. The only path available leads into a dense forest and further into the heart of the island. This setting, characterized by its persistently gloomy weather and unusually short days, forms the backdrop of Rue’s unsettling journey. As Rue navigates the island, she encounters other individuals who share her amnesiac condition. They are guided by an apparition known as Riel, who instructs them to rediscover their former lives. However, Rue and her newfound companions soon realize they are not alone on this island, hinting at deeper, darker mysteries to be uncovered.

Gulino’s narrative effectively creates an atmosphere of tension and intrigue from the outset. The reader is drawn into the story by questions surrounding Rue’s identity, the enigmatic Riel, and the island’s peculiar inhabitants. The island itself, with its haunting landscape and hidden dangers, adds to the sense of foreboding that permeates the novella. The characters offer a spectrum of personalities, providing points of connection for a diverse range of readers. Each character, despite their memory loss, retains distinct personality traits that contribute to the overall mystique of the setting. The writing style of the novella is intentionally crafted to be vague and mysterious, imbuing the story with a sense of intrigue and encouraging deeper engagement with the text. This stylistic choice invites readers to explore the narrative more thoroughly, often revisiting previous sections to uncover hidden layers of meaning. The amnesia experienced by the characters further enriches the narrative, adding complexity and depth to their personalities and traits, which unfolds gradually, keeping the reader’s interest piqued throughout the story.

Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam offers a compelling foray into gothic horror, weaving together elements of mystery, amnesia, and survival in a setting that is both haunting and intriguing. While the writing style may occasionally obfuscate details, it contributes to the novel’s enigmatic and atmospheric quality, making it a notable addition to the genre.

Pages: 225 | ASIN : B0CJNL1P2T