Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

If you're ready to immerse yourself in a whirlwind of unsettling beauty and existential dread, then buckle up for Nour Abi-Nakhoul's Supplication—an enigmatic voyage into the depths of horror. This is a sublime “WTF did I just read” book featuring body horror and weird insect stuff, playing out like a poorly-lit indie horror darling. Abi-Nakhoul's prose is a mesmerizing tapestry woven with threads of doom and empowerment. Each page drips with a visceral sense of foreboding, balanced delicately by the protagonist's evolving sense of agency. From the chilling opening scene of awakening in a basement to the surreal encounters with strangers and the haunting exploration of memory and identity, Supplication is a literary rollercoaster that will leave you breathless. The narrative unfurls with the protagonist awakening in a basement, tied to a chair—a metaphorical rebirth into a nightmarish reality. Death and rebirth become intertwined as the protagonist navigates a labyrinth of uncertainty, encountering surreal horrors and grappling with fragmented memories. Themes of agency, identity, and the elusive nature of humanity permeate the narrative, shrouding the reader in an aura of existential unease. While Supplication dazzles with its lyrical prose and thought-provoking themes, there are moments where the narrative falters, leaving the reader grappling with ambiguity and confusion. The last third of the novel definitely needed some tightening. Supplication will resonate with readers who appreciate atmospheric horror, experimental narratives, and introspective storytelling. Fans of authors like H.P. Lovecraft and Jeff VanderMeer will find themselves drawn into Abi-Nakhoul's dark and surreal world. In the end, Supplication is a haunting meditation on the human condition, offering glimpses into the abyss of our fears and desires. While not without its flaws, it stands as a testament to Abi-Nakhoul's skill as a writer and her willingness to push the boundaries of genre and form.

📖 Recommended For: Fans of avant-garde horror, lovers of atmospheric prose, seekers of philosophical depth, admirers of unconventional narratives, and those intrigued by explorations of existential dread and empowerment.

🔑 Key Themes: Surreal Horror and Existential Dread, Agency and Autonomy in the Face of Uncertainty, Memory and Identity, The Boundaries of Humanity and Inhumanity, The Fragility of Perception, The Complexity of Human Connection.