Pyres is like waking up from a dark daydream of killing off heartless politicians to find that the darkness has infected your life. This short novel is an incredibly compelling read that is alternately satisfying and frustrating in just the right way. I feel like it also has enough subtext to let you make larger statements about society in ways that I haven't found in most of my recent reads.

First, this isn't so much a warning as it is a fyi: this novel has British expressions that I had never heard before. Their use isn't so overwhelming that you'll never be able to read it if you aren't from the UK. However, you might need to look up an expression or two. That is the way people talk, though, right? So, it just makes the story better, in my opinion.

You won't find a single, laggardly sentence in this book. From the moment that we meet Becky and her subsequent reunion with Angela, the story moves. At the same time, the author doesn't skip characterization in the breakneck pace of the story. Angela has a paranormal ability that could have been portrayed as nothing but a burden or a self-indulgent desire that makes everyone else miserable. I really like that her unusual life choices are treated as though they matter by the author. Becky is much more gritty and has backed up her opinions with action. The sisters, like all sisters, have a complicated history. These are great characters, and it is so easy to care about them. As with all the best books, the secondary characters have personality too.

A friend of mine said that the setting should be like a character in the story. We all know the state of the world today, so the part of the story about crappy politicians is a frustration that resonates. But Angela lives in a mysterious and ancient part of England, which sets up a nice contrast. I enjoyed the way they were woven together.

I have to say that the plot was pretty surprising. There were elements that I absolutely did not expect, although I felt that they were perfect when they came up. The end was kind of controversial, perhaps, but I felt like it fit the story well. Also, the points that were made there were good ones.

So, I'm not going to say too much about the subtext and what one can say the characters in the story represent, because spoilers. However, if you read the book and have ideas, please let me know. I love a book that says something more than just the story and the plot.

This is the second book I've read by Kev Harrison, and I really like the first one, Shadow of the Hidden, too. While I don't mind some creepiness, I'm not up for anything that is super dark, which is - obviously - often part of the horror genre. What I like about this author's work is that I can have that creepiness without feeling too stressed to sleep or super depressed when I close the book. Now, I have the impression that the detective character from this story will show up in another of Kev Harrison's novels, and I will absolutely be there to read it.

Should you read this book? There are mentions of politics and people being hurt in creepy and disturbing ways. Also, there are women kissing other women. While I am sensitive about politics, I didn't find the political part to be overwhelming. So, if you can handle those things, you should read this book. It is so compelling that you can get through it in one or two sittings if you have the time, and I feel like it is enjoyable enough to make it worth spending that time.