Citizens of Walpurgis County are more than aware of the terrors living there. In 12 interconnecting stories, the author spins a mysterious and sometimes horrific tale of the mystical town of Walpurgis County, or the 'Purg.

The Purg is filled with an array of characters and locations. There's a budget exorcist, a terrifying scarecrow who comes to life to stalks its victims and a strange place where time and space seems... well... strange. And thats not talking and about the ancient and hungry thing living underground.

While I liked the horror of this, and the INCREDIBLE world building, it was also maybe not exactly my cup of tea. Still the writing was beautiful, the author was able to bring to life this atmospheric horror just floating through the entire book, Despite the horror and the macabre, the writing is also filled with humor and humanity, which made me like it that much more.

I am 100% grateful though that the Purg is not to be found on an actual map. Sincerely hope i never find myself driving though, and being pulled in by whatever power lives there.

Side note, the godly alien underground creature made me think of a poem in one of my favorite Doctor Who Episode, The BEast Below:
A horse and a man, above, below,
One has a plan but both must go,
Mile after mile, above, beneath,
One has a smile and one has teeth,
Though the man above might say hello,
Expect no love from the beast below.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC.

A nice group of stories and novellas that link together perfectly. New author for me and looking forward to reading more. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

**Book Review: "The Medusa Psalms: Welcome to Walpurgis County"**

Kyle Toucher’s "The Medusa Psalms" is a thrilling descent into the chilling and uncanny world of Walpurgis County, where the line between reality and nightmare is not just blurred—it’s obliterated. This collection of ten stories and two novellas masterfully uncovers the sinister folklore and grim history of an American landscape that feels both hauntingly familiar and terrifyingly foreign.

Toucher’s writing is a tour de force, immersing readers in a variety of eerie scenarios that range from haunted mountains to the grotesque antics of deranged cults. Each tale is a carefully crafted tapestry of horror that deftly combines suspense with elements of the supernatural. The author skillfully balances intense character studies with gripping plotlines, ensuring that each story resonates emotionally while delivering spine-chilling moments.

The characters in "The Medusa Psalms" are vividly drawn, from a father driven to madness by grief and vengeance to a woman ensnared in a temporal nightmare. Toucher’s ability to weave personal struggles into the fabric of horror makes these stories not only terrifying but also deeply relatable. The exploration of themes such as vengeance, loss, and the malevolent forces that shape our lives gives weight to the supernatural horrors that unfold.

Each narrative plunges the reader deeper into a world where ancient evils lurk, waiting to be unleashed. The atmospheric writing evokes a sense of dread that permeates every page, leaving readers breathless as they encounter witches consumed by their own dark desires, possessed souls seeking retribution, and hybrids born from twisted alliances. Toucher’s skillful pacing ensures that tension builds gradually, creating a sense of urgency that compels you to keep turning pages.

What sets this collection apart is its incorporation of alternative history and cosmic horror, blending contemporary fears with age-old legends. The backdrop of Walpurgis County becomes a character in its own right, a dark and festering landscape that reflects the chaos and despair of its inhabitants. Toucher’s ability to transform ordinary settings into nightmarish battlegrounds is both imaginative and unsettling.

In conclusion, "The Medusa Psalms: Welcome to Walpurgis County" is a must-read for fans of horror and supernatural fiction. Toucher’s evocative storytelling and dark imagination create a symphony of fear that lingers long after the final page. Prepare to be captivated and terrified as you cross the county line into a realm where nightmares reign supreme. Highly recommended for those who dare to explore the darkest corners of the human soul!

Rounded up from 3.5

This is an anthology of short stories and novellas set in the fictional town of Walpurgis County. Walpurgis seems to have a rich history, which I felt I didn't know enough about. The stories jumped from time period to time period but not in chronological order. I just couldn't get into most of these stories. However I did enjoy the budget exorcist. I'd like to read more about his escapades.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I am honestly on the fence about this book. It had all of the horror/supernatural elements I love but the writing itself is just missing something for me. The plot and characters were good, I just don't know how I feel about the book overall.

This book just really wasn't for me honestly. I don't think there was anything inherently wrong with the book itself I just didn't really love it but I think it's just me