The Art of Death by Bob Appavu

The Art of Death by Bob Appavu

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Blurb

Starving artist Riley Burke refuses to be dependent on his rich older boyfriend—hence his second job as a nude model at the local art school. When the famous artist Coliaro requests him for a private modeling session, he jumps at the chance to earn some real cash. But then Westwood, a mysterious stranger, warns him to steer clear—it’s said Coliaro is undead. That his worshippers perform rituals to fill him with life energy. That every time he paints a male nude, the painting transforms to depict a gruesome murder. And that shortly after, a young man turns up dead. Riley dismisses the rumors—until they start to play out before his eyes. When he becomes a target, Westwood comes to his aid. But Westwood is secretive and dangerous himself… which just makes him more attractive to Riley. Riley is in over his head, and even his tenuous alliance with Westwood might not save him.

Note: This title was originally published under an alternate pen name. This second edition has been re-edited and significantly updated.

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Review

Holy crap, what a ride.

First off, this is not a romance. It’s an amazing book, and it’s great to be able to lose the self in a book that combines such a wealth of experiences like this. The main character, Riley, has gone through a lot in his short life and all of his life experiences inform each and every choice he makes.

Those choices make everything that happens to him, and around him, inevitable. They also allow him to survive. When we think about tragedy, as in the ancient Greek art form, inevitability is a key aspect of the plot. Oedipus could only choose to fight and kill his father; it was self-defense. Oedipus could only marry Jocasta – neither knew the other’s true identity. Everything after was inevitable. Just as Oedipus’ ruin was inevitable, the choices Riley makes come from traumas he survived as a young man.

Those choice propel him into greater danger, as a result of survivor’s guilt and because of other factors. I truly loved Riley, and I wanted the best for him. Even as I wanted all good things and safety for him, I knew he’d never take those things.

I wasn’t a fan of Westwood at all. Even his “redemption” by the end of the book left me wanting to see him locked away someplace very secure in the hopes of protecting Riley and the world from him. I don’t want to give any spoilers. Suffice it to say he’s done some goddamn unforgivable things, and that’s all I can say.

He’s not the worst character on the page, though. And he is trying. I’ll say that much for him.

And again, this isn’t a romance. Sex with Westwood, for Riley, feels more like an act of self-harm, but it’s not out of place for this book. I was glued to every page, even when I wanted to look away. It was the perfect combination of horror, suspense, and mystery, and I wanted more.

I did receive a free copy of this book from Queer SciFi for my own reading pleasure, which was extensive.

Author Bio

Bob Appavu is an author, illustrator, and creator of the long-running LGBTQ+ webcomic Demon of the Underground. Born and raised in a conservative Chicago suburb to South Indian parents, Bob turned to reading at an early age to find the inclusive, illuminating worlds that couldn’t always be accessed in real life. Bob recalls spending most of the 90s at the local bookstore feigning interest in the poetry anthologies that were conveniently shelved next to the LGBT fiction.

As a queer writer who enjoys challenging conventions and pushes creative boundaries, Bob has a passion for crafting the types of stories she can’t readily find on the shelf and the types of characters who are often denied the spotlight. Bob is a lover of suspense, speculative fiction, and deep world building, but her greatest joy is portraying the full scope of her queer characters’ humanity.

Bob is an incurable workaholic whose preferred fuel is tea. When not at work, she enjoys caring for rescued ferrets.

Author Website: https://www.bobappavu.com

Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/bobappavu

Author Tumbler: https://bob-artist.tumblr.com/