Phia massaged thick oils into the cracks of her calloused hands, tied back her ratty hair with some butcher’s twine, and yanked her apron flush with her hips.
The opening of Helentia masterfully builds a sense of domestic dread, where the "blood red" sunset serves as a visceral omen for the violence to follow. By subverting the "father as protector" trope, you have turned the family’s nightly prayer for safety into a cruel irony as Kieran returns only to demand blood.
It is great to have your voice here on Substack, Joseph. I have subscribed and look forward to reading more. I would love you to do the same, if my writing resonates.
What a bold and exciting move! Being a full-time writer on Substack is a journey of growth and creative freedom. Embrace the adventure ahead! Please subscribe and leave a reaction on my posts — let’s cheer each other on as we continue to build our creative paths!
I like how grounded the story feels at the beginning with all the small domestic details. It makes the shift at the end feel genuinely disturbing in a way that lingers after you finish reading!
I really though this was going to be a family drama type story before hitting me with that total 180 ending. The contrast between the cozy dinner of the three of them and the chilling reveal was incredible.
What an ending to the chapter. The contrast from light to grit is handled so sharply it felt like flipping a comic page. Night fall-page end. Then the next hits with no warning.
rip phia. she just wanted to make stew
Great opening. I'd like to read more! I hope you're writing the next chapter already. I write epic fantasy too, that was very gripping. :D
The opening of Helentia masterfully builds a sense of domestic dread, where the "blood red" sunset serves as a visceral omen for the violence to follow. By subverting the "father as protector" trope, you have turned the family’s nightly prayer for safety into a cruel irony as Kieran returns only to demand blood.
It is great to have your voice here on Substack, Joseph. I have subscribed and look forward to reading more. I would love you to do the same, if my writing resonates.
What a bold and exciting move! Being a full-time writer on Substack is a journey of growth and creative freedom. Embrace the adventure ahead! Please subscribe and leave a reaction on my posts — let’s cheer each other on as we continue to build our creative paths!
I like how grounded the story feels at the beginning with all the small domestic details. It makes the shift at the end feel genuinely disturbing in a way that lingers after you finish reading!
This is soo nice ✨
The way the story switched from a calm family dinner then bedtime to thissss
I really though this was going to be a family drama type story before hitting me with that total 180 ending. The contrast between the cozy dinner of the three of them and the chilling reveal was incredible.
Wonderful writeup!
This is mind-blowing.
My pleasure! :)
Would definitely read and comment!
I just subscribed to you. Would love if you did same. :)
Wait. The ending :(
Subbed, just to read further. You have great talent my friend. Would love to connect 💗
What an ending to the chapter. The contrast from light to grit is handled so sharply it felt like flipping a comic page. Night fall-page end. Then the next hits with no warning.
Very well written😃 I will definitely check out more
More more!!!
Good story, kept me hooked till the end. Interesting twist at the end too. Cant wait to read the next chapter :)
love this!!
You raised the thriller very well. Good stuff