Molly Macabre returns with a follow up to her riveting post apocalyptic thriller DARK BLOOM, which followed the lives of Nick and Kate as they find each other in a world overrun by the Infected; zombies whose mad laughter echoes through a quiet world ravaged by disease. Her new book, WITHOUT A WHISPER is literally a barnstorming sequel in the Songs of the Tangled Elegies book duology.
Where DARK BLOOM used flashbacks and contemplation in amongst the horror, this sequel leans more towards a propulsive narrative. Tightly choreographed set pieces, with tense interactions are brought to the fore. Even here, actions have consequences, and often give pause, but on other occasions pause cannot be afforded, and real character texture shines through in these sharply written moments. These characters are looking for ways to do the right thing in an unkind world and realising that it’s through those actions that their humanity shines through.
Again there is astutely written, heart-rending beauty. In one moment, Kate calls the smell of decay the perfume of the world. In another, the introduction of two young girls is done with such devastation, and the way it is dealt with, is so powerful in the way that it embodies the pure, unquestioning trust between Kate and Nick and takes their relationship to another level. It took a moment like this to absolutely drive home the power of their connection. It’s brutally emotional writing, done with perfect economy.
Another wonderful set piece occurs when Nick and Kate, after an amorous encounter in the woods near their camp, become separated. What ensues is an exciting, high stakes set of events which shows how WITHOUT A WHISPER is confidently looking to hold us readers in rigid suspense over longer story-arcs. This novel is powerful, page turning genre fiction at it’s best.