The Portrait of Alatiel Salazar

Science Fiction & Fantasy, Mystery & Thrillers, Horror

By Steven Katriel

Publisher : Immortal Ink Publishing

ABOUT Steven Katriel

Steven Katriel
Steven Katriel writes Gothic Horror, Paranormal Fantasy, and Literary Fiction. He has lived in Wales, UK all his life. In recent years, he wrote history articles for a community magazine. Steve’s literary heroes and heroines range from Oscar Wilde to Hilary Mantel. He has a passion for p More...

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Description

When Gabriel Holland’s beloved Helena vanishes from his life, he journeys to the home of disgraced artist Cristian Salazar, the man he holds responsible for her disappearance and the death of several friends. Once in the town of Carliton, Gabriel finds only malice and mystery in the tales told by the few brave enough to speak ill of Salazar and the sinister Cousin Beatriz. And within shadows, in the guise of night, walks Alatiel, the creature Helena has become…

When Gabriel Holland’s beloved Helena vanishes from his life, he journeys to the home of disgraced artist Cristian Salazar, the man he holds responsible for her disappearance and the death of several friends. Once in the town of Carliton, Gabriel finds only malice and mystery in the tales told by the few brave enough to speak ill of Salazar and the sinister Cousin Beatriz. And within shadows, in the guise of night, walks Alatiel, the creature Helena has become…

‘A truly enjoyable read. I loved the classic style and agree with others that it carries the tone and grace of Poe while telling a tale just as chilling. Alatiel is a well crafted villain who is so subtle yet terrible that she could easily slip into the deepest sleep to wake the unwary dreamer. Well done Sir, please keep at it, because I for one would be thrilled to see more of your work.’

‘The traditional monsters that have always dominated Horror…are not here. Something else has been manifested in their place, that crosses into a few territories, by means of power that transcends the material form; and yet interacts mercilessly with us.’

‘This is easily the most original novel I’ve read this year. The theme manages to be reminiscent of the great Gothic writers: Bronte, Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Wollstonecroft-Shelley, et al while exploring a fresh approach on possession, from three points of view: Those watching, those being possessed, and finally the “demon” who slowly but surely takes possession of tortured souls.’

‘If you liked The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, then you will love this novella. There may be some similarities between the two, but The Portrait of Alatiel Salazar stands on its own as a wonderful piece of work that takes some of the themes seen in The Picture of Dorian Gray to a whole other level. Written in a style that will make you think you are reading something from 1881, the novella will keep you guessing and leave you wanting more from this author. The creature that Alatiel reveals herself to be brings out an old kind of mysteriousness that only the classics can compare to.’