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An Evocative Voice
Visage of Moros follows a man searching for answers over the death of his daughter, only to have it turn into an all-consuming need for justice, leading him down a path of paranoia, violence, and self-destruction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It’s hard to pinpoint the initial conception of the narrative in my mind. I think it was more of a gradual, collective thought processes. It’s interesting that you mentioned the movie Prisoners in the review because I believe that the movie, along with Memento, had significant influences on the shaping of the story.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
Some were pre-drafted in the initial plot outline but I think most came to me as I further embraced and developed the scenes and the characters.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I ventured outside of my comfort zone a little bit with this story as this is much closer to home than my other works. But, just like my other writings, I strive for an evocative voice that embodies the style and the essence of my storytelling.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Currently, I am simultaneously and intermittenly working on the sequel to Visage of Moros and another collection of stories.
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A riveting tale of suspense, the first installment from the Decay Abloom series that probes into the psychological toll of grief and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.
In the wake of the brutal murder of his daughter, Drystan Caine finds himself on the verge, his life thrown into chaos. With the investigation stagnating, he embarks on a self-imposed crusade. However, as Drystan becomes increasingly consumed by this undertaking, his personal and professional life starts to unravel.
Driven by deep resentment and reckless desperation, this rogue pursuit of justice rapidly takes a treacherous turn. As Drystan draws closer to uncovering the truth, he must confront how far he is willing to go before succumbing to darkness.
Visage of Moros
Tamel Wino’s Visage of Moros is a gut-wrenching descent into grief, obsession, and vengeance. It follows Drystan Caine, a man hollowed out by the loss of his daughter, Alba. What starts as a desperate search for answers turns into an all-consuming need for justice, leading Drystan down a path of paranoia, violence, and, ultimately, self-destruction. Told through fragmented, time-jumping entries, the novel blurs the lines between past and present, sanity and madness, memory and reality. Wino doesn’t hold back. The prose is haunting, poetic, and unrelenting, making the reader feel every ounce of Drystan’s pain and fury.
What stood out to me immediately was the sheer rawness of Wino’s writing. There are no clean edges here. Every sentence drips with anguish and exhaustion, pulling you into Drystan’s unraveling psyche. One of the most powerful moments comes when Drystan, at the police station, sees another missing person’s flyer and is momentarily convinced it’s Alba before realizing it isn’t. It’s a simple, brutal moment that encapsulates his denial and desperation. The writing has an almost cinematic quality, immersing the reader so deeply that it’s hard to step away.
Another thing I liked was the book’s structure. The shifting timelines and diary-like entries make it feel like a jigsaw puzzle, with pieces missing and some jammed together forcefully. It’s disorienting, but that’s the point. This isn’t a straightforward story about grief; it’s a chaotic spiral into obsession. One chapter, Drystan is reliving a happy memory of Alba and the next, he’s drinking himself into oblivion while fixating on a potential suspect. There’s an especially harrowing scene where he attacks a sculpture he and Alba once worked on together, as if physically trying to destroy his own memories. It’s these moments of self-inflicted violence that make the book so emotionally exhausting and so powerful.
The novel is unrelentingly bleak. There’s no reprieve, no light at the end of the tunnel, just a slow, steady march toward devastation. That’s not a criticism of the writing itself, but it does mean that this book isn’t for the faint of heart. It reminded me of The Road by Cormac McCarthy in that way, beautiful but punishing. There are no easy resolutions, no catharsis, just a man drowning in sorrow. Some readers might find that frustrating, but for me, it made the book memorable.
I’d recommend Visage of Moros to readers who appreciate dark, psychological fiction and don’t mind stories that leave bruises. If you’re drawn to character studies about grief, trauma, and revenge—think Sharp Objects meets Prisoners—this book is right up your alley. Just be warned: Wino doesn’t let you off easy, and neither does Drystan.
Pages: 463 | ISBN : 9781069182401
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