Bold, unsettling, and hauntingly introspective…
Kruse’s latest is a taut, ambitious collection of novellas that navigates the complexities of identity and power through myth and modern struggle. “Before Dawn” reclaims Lilith, traditionally overshadowed by Eve. Kruse’s version gives Lilith agency, highlighting her inner conflict about her role in Eden and her defiance against being relegated to a subservient position. The novella unfolds with restrained, lyrical prose, building tension in the silence between Lilith and Adam. Lilith’s struggle is mirrored in modern-day characters like Georgina, who deals with her own sense of alienation and desire for freedom. In stark contrast, “The Possession” plunges into Magdalene’s fractured mind as she spirals toward collapse. Kruse explores how Magdalene is possessed by expectation, trauma, and fear, creating a claustrophobic, unsettling narrative. Reality blurs, and Kruse’s sharp, relentless prose pulls the reader into Magdalene’s unraveling with unflinching intensity. At its core, the book dissects boundaries—myth vs. reality, submission vs. defiance. While Lilith’s battle is cosmic, Magdalene’s is deeply internal, yet both protagonists seek understanding and control. Though the shifts between myth and modernity can be abrupt, Kruse’s precise storytelling provokes deep emotional engagement.
A haunting exploration of choice, rebellion, and the cost of autonomy.
Genre Fiction
Expected publication January 1, 2025
