The Mystery of the Pale King (2025)

my link text

Mystery of the Pale King is a grimdark meets cosmic horror novella written by Sam Flynn, and published by Timber Ghost Press. A piece that blends together eldritch horror with an interesting examination over the figure of heroes and cults, all encapsulated into a well-layered flintlock grimdark fantasy, slowly unleashing the truth over the reader while chilling their bones.

As page to the Bishop Antonius, Faron is sent together with him to Hathur, as the Church of the Sol Creator has tasked them and a small armed force to repossess those lands in the name of the Church from the hands of the Hero of Hathur, a semi-mythical figure for Faron, who grew listening about his stories. All the reputation and the inheritance of the Hero and his family have been wasted on the production of a profane play, with the Hero playing the main role. A journey that will show the horrors that are part of Hathur's past, and that will put Faron at the limit, questioning not only his devotion to the Church, but his own identity while he tries to save the Bishop from Hathur's people.

A story that slowly submerges us into a highly atmospheric setting, whose past is intimately related to cosmic horror (a bit in the style of Yharnam or Bloodborne); a past that the Hero is trying to bring back. Faron, acting as our narrator, will have to be careful while trying to rescue the bishop from this place, but in the process, he will slowly understand the nature behind Hathur and the Church, putting his own identity at play.

Flynn weaves a smart examination over how the stories and the real person may differ (such as the case of the Hero), leading to even messianic conducts, while also taking a look over how organized religion can be oppressive against identity. The atmosphere is carefully crafted, slowly creating that sensation of something wrong at the start, and shocking us once we get the first glimpses of what is happening.

Mystery of the Pale King is an excellent novella, that shows the great potential of Sam Flynn as an author, perfect for those that are looking for an atmosphere similar to Bloodborne. Perfect for reading in a sit, I wonder if we would ever return to this world, as there is much potential to explore.

I love everything about this. From the format of the story itself to the little details such as word choices. While I couldn't find evidence of it being explicitly inspired by The King in Yellow, it gives off that same unsettling, disquiet, mysterious atmosphere. Every aspect of the story builds up on the other elements, from the characters and their secrets, to the mystery and the horror, to culture and history.

If you enjoy this genre - please give it a try! Seeing it read by so few makes me want to shove it down everyone's throats

Absolutely loved it. Would have enjoyed it in a long format as well. Kept me on edge the entire time. The word selection is on point. It's really amazing. I was already looking for other books from the same universe. Can't wait to see what comes next.

This is one of Timber Ghost Press's best releases to date. Mystery of the Pale King is a rather special retelling of The King in Yellow, one that does great service to the original. Sam Flynn writes with the confidence of a seasoned writer, which is all the more impressive when taking on such a beloved classic. The atmosphere of the writing sucks you in from page one and forces you to want to finish in one go, which I absolutely did. The horror builds slowly and deliciously, with the kind of pacing you'd expect of someone much more experienced in the craft. Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better debut from Sam Flynn and am already looking forward to more in the future. Thank you to Timber Ghost Press for allowing me to review this early.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4.5/5⭐ rounded up

This debut dark fantasy / horror novel from Sam Flynn was decidedly marvelous as a first outing. He had me hooked by the second line of the book:

“Lies upon lies upon lies. To think, I once dreamt of being a priest.”

Set in a harsh fictional fantasy world, Flynn’s complex and layered world-building is top notch. He effortlessly weaves together faith and politics, corruption and greed, and splashes it with a haunting mystery of a Hero-turned-murderous lord. Our narrator is sent as a devoted page accompanying their patron Bishop Antonius who may have an even darker mission (and past) than originally thought.

“I had the worst affliction of all: I believed I was right.”

Elements of the story seem startlingly relevant to today’s current political turmoil, particularly that of the United States: abuse of power, a propagandized populace…

“What poison the Hero peddled could only take root in a sickly land, its people suffering a prolonged and fatal ailment. A people who embraced death and never let go.”

“Did they truly endorse his slavering for savagery, or were they simply ignorant to the evil lurking beneath the performance? A distinction without difference.”

The story was satisfyingly concluded yet left just enough space for a follow up (which I would love to read more of. I want more of this world!!)

Flynn’s writing was singularly superb. He has his own very distinct style that just hints at classic Moorcock and Tanith Lee with a smidge of cosmic horror creeping in around the edges. I found myself thinking that I would have to file Flynn’s writing in with my favourite darker fantasy authors like China Mieville, Kij Johnson, Storm Constantine, Danielle Polansky, Gabrielle Squailia and the strong and engaging worlds of Robert V.S. Redick’s Fire Sacraments and Jemisin’s Broken Earth.

Flynn has a new devoted fan here. I look forward to his future efforts.

I'm a bad reader. It's true. Give me a book and I'll often find myself drifting off into space or pull out my phone and begin swiping through YouTube shorts. Like many of my former projects, I have abandoned books halfway through, never again opening the pages.
Every once and a while, however, I find a book that ticks all the right boxes at all the right times and I get sucked in.
The Mystery of the Pale King by Sam Flynn is one of those books.
I could barely put it down. Like an eldritch horror, it consumed my consciousness with every waking moment. Whenever I had to do something else, the book sat in the back of my mind, willing me to pick it up again. I wanted nothing more than to fall into its pages and be consumed.
The prose is simple but enthralling. The story pulls you through twists and turns that keep you on the hook. The characters are superbly written with realistic motivations. The worldbuilding is subtle and not thrown in your face and things aren't over-explained.
The result is a horrifically brilliant book that touches on themes of childhood trauma, religion and colonisation in ways that don't feel too heavy and forced.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A dark, fantasy, horror novella made for quite an enjoyable read! The descriptions of scenes and various settings allowed for a strong imaginative visual to unfold. That, and it being paired with a feeling of unease in wondering what the truth is, and a desire to know more… remarkable!

The vocabulary alone is excellent and helped enhance the settings that unfolded within.

The format of the book was very enjoyable - straightforward, clear, and concise.

I look forward to further writings done by Flynn, and hope there is more to come following this novella, both in relation to this read and others!

Enjoyable year round, but dare I say it becomes a must read during the fall season? Perhaps it may!

Where most fantasy tends to tread water and bask in embellishments, Flynn shoves you into a dark river of a plot and the whitecapped current pulls you along through a fascinating, creepy nightmare. Sharp characters and a rich setting made this a real pleasure to read, the kind of story that draws out your imagination to explore it but keeps one hand behind its back as the mystery unravels.

This was recommended by a friend of mine’s and I decided to give this short story a look.

I will admit there are parts that feel straight out of ASOIAF which did bother me, but the short story otherwise felt really cool and I loved the concept.

Overall if you’re looking for a short read I would recommend this.

A grimdark horror fantasy? Not sure how I haven't heard of this one yet but it sounds right up my alley! I'll definitely be on the lookout for a copy when it comes out. Added to the ever expanding TBR pile;)

I loved this book! I really enjoyed the writing. I finished this in day. The writing style is very readable and the author did a great job at world building and making complex characters. I enjoyed the love craftian fantasy style. Please read this.

A read that encapsulates everything I love about dark fantasy and horror. 10/10 would recommend!

Thanks to the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book!

This was a taut and compelling tale full of political intrigue, conspiracy, betrayal, and hidden horrors. Flynn's prose and worldbuilding flows with ease, even while exploring bigger themes like identity and belonging, and the dangers of blindly following orders. Fantastical, fun, dark, and thoughtful in equal measure.

This was a compelling and creepy story. It’s a quick read but Flynn still had time for interesting twists. The story reminded me of Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. Flynn showed his skill with themes about parentage and the impact of narcissistic fathers.I would recommend this book to horror fantasy fans that are interested in power, politics and betrayals.

This book takes you on an adventure unlike any other. The story is dark and mysterious, as suggested by the title, and it seamlessly blends elements of humor, history, psychology, and political commentary to cater to a wide range of interests. I found myself on the edge of my seat, eager to see how the plot would unfold.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4.5/5⭐ rounded up

This debut dark fantasy / horror novel from Sam Flynn was decidedly marvelous as a first outing. He had me hooked by the second line of the book:

“Lies upon lies upon lies. To think, I once dreamt of being a priest.”

“I had the worst affliction of all: I believed I was right.”

“What poison the Hero peddled could only take root in a sickly land, its people suffering a prolonged and fatal ailment. A people who embraced death and never let go.”

“Did they truly endorse his slavering for savagery, or were they simply ignorant to the evil lurking beneath the performance? A distinction without difference.”

Flynn’s writing was singularly superb. He has his own very distinct style that just hints at classic Moorcock and Tanith Lee with a smidge of cosmic horror creeping in around the edges. I found myself thinking that I would have to file Flynn’s writing in with my favourite darker fantasy authors like China Mieville, Kij Johnson, Storm Constantine, Danielle Polansky, Gabrielle Squailia and the strong and engaging worlds of Robert V.S. Redick’s Fire Sacraments and Jemisin’s Broken Earth.

Flynn has a new devoted fan here. I look forward to his future efforts.

This is a Small Spec Book Awards nominee!

Something is happening in the city of Hathur. The Church of the Sol Creator has sent a bishop to address the issue. The Bishop took a crew of soldiers and sailors along with his page.

I was given a review copy of The Mystery of the Pale King from the publisher for review purposes.

Faron, the page of Bishop Antonius, relates the story as it unfolds. The information before leaving the Blessed City, the travels to Hathur, and the events in the city after their arrival. It was a harrowing journey that resulted in the loss of much life.

Unknown powers were at play along with the list of half truths and out right lies that plagued those traveling in accordance with the dictates of the Sol Church. As the truths become known the true history of the region and the players involved becomes known.

The unfolding acts lead to a greater story than those directly involved until the entire kingdom is playing a part.

Sam Flynn tells a story in the first person looking back over time. The style is reminiscent of the story being told. He presents a wonderful telling of a story drawn from the concepts of the Cthulhu Mythos of H. P. Lovecraft.

The buildup throughout the story has similarities to the works of the telling of the King in Yellow with a certain level of Flynn’s own ingenuity. The way the story is told is in the manner that Lovecraft wove many of his tales.

I am a fan of Lovecraftian/cosmic horror, and Sam Flynn’s The Mystery of the Pale King gave me a new addition to that genre.

I recommend The Mystery of the Pale King to others who like to read about the slow decent into madness while peering into the depths of the unknown vastness of the cosmic creatures that are looking back at us.

You can read the complete review at https://guildmastergaming.blogspot.co...

The Mystery of the Pale King by Sam Flynn paints a dread-inducing flintlock fantasy novella. It centers around Faron, a page who recounts a mission gone awry. He was sent with a church retinue to the city of Hathur—where a heretic had been holding performances for a bizarre play. However, upon their arrival, they discovered that children were going mysteriously missing and a sinister force may be at work.

The story weaves an undercurrent of faith, politics, and gothic and cosmic horror and takes place in a decaying world reminiscent of Bloodborne or The Gutter Prayer.

The atmosphere is fantastic and we get some lyrically lovely descriptive passages like the following: ".... I too beheld a city in the sky. Did I gaze upon heaven, I wondered? But I saw no beauty in the crumbling temples and desecrated tombs, the detritus of a thousand civilizations, devoid of life, howling and empty, save for milk-white shadows masked in cloud and fog, the residents of an ersatz realm that resembled nothing less than a graveyard."

I loved these aspects! In fact, I wish the story had leaned even harder into horror territory because it's not until the climax of the novella that I got the levels of madness and monstrous imagery that I was hoping for. I’m a horror fanatic though so other fantasy readers’ expectations may vary.

Special thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy.

This gripping debut from author Sam Flynn, is a breathtaking chiller. From the first page to the last, Flynn has the reader hungry to discover the eponymous Mystery of the Pale King. What begins as an expedition rooted in property seizure, quickly becomes a quest where everything goes wrong. The reader’s experience will quickly evolve in tandem, from asking the question “What is the mystery of the pale king?” to “What is the meaning of kings?” For those looking to go deeper, this novella also challenges the reader to question the meaning of fear and social decay. This self-aware, journey of growth and survival will ultimately have you wondering, “Will Faron make it out alive?” For those wanting to explore the limits of faith and loyalty or those who enjoy spending an afternoon in an eerie, fantasy setting this is the novella for you! Perfect read for the spooky season.

While the dark, riveting The Mystery of the Pale King is set in a distant time and place, its sharp examinations of religious cults and hero worship are all too relevant to today’s world. Flynn’s clear prose leads the reader through a short yet complex tale of dark fantasy and horrors both earthbound and cosmic. It’s a gripping, highly recommended read.

A fast-paced grim fantasy that doesn't get bogged down with worldbuilding, yet still manages to create a place that feels real and lived-in, that exists beyond the experiences of the characters we follow. The climax more than lives up to the mystery of the premise, unleashing a vivid and original cosmic horror.

Good story

It draws you in and you'll read this in one sitting. It's a twisted tale that horror fans will be sure to like.

Good atmospheric short read. Convincing world, nice characters.

I quite enjoyed this.

The author wove a tale in a world I would love to visit again.