Once Was Willem

In Once Was Willem, M. R. Carey's gorgeous prose weaves a fable full of dread and wonder, a deeply intelligent and emotionally gripping story boasting one of the nastiest sorcerers you'll ever meet, and a narrator as inwardly gentle as he is outwardly monstrous. A masterpiece of medieval dark fiction. I love this book. Highest recommendation. * Christopher Buehlman, author of BETWEEN TWO FIRES *
An incredible masterwork of medieval fantasy-horror, dark and twisted and burning bright with humanity. Once Was Willem is packed with magic, folklore, superstitious fear, and horrors that bring hope. * Cameron Johnston, author of THE MALEFICENT SEVEN *
A delicious blend of horror, fantasy and historical fiction, Once Was Willem gave me exactly what I crave most as a reader - the unexpected. That, and a main character I would fight to the undeath for. A unique and brilliant book that leaves you wanting an immediate sequel * Jen Williams, British Fantasy Award-winning author of THE NINTH RAIN *
A wild fever-dream of a novel. It's a brilliant, coherent, complex story that I'm not sure anyone else alive could have written - complicated and beautiful, monstrous and ultimately human * Seanan McGuire, Hugo Award-winning author *
It's a long time since a book has reached out and just entirely enveloped me in its world the way Once Was Willem did. Astounding, and I loved every moment of it - it had me absolutely rapt. * RJ Barker, author of THE BONE SHIPS *
It's so absurdly fun and readable, you nearly miss the incredible use of language and lore. Lovable grotesques and ghastly villains populate a compelling folk-tale. Absolutely wonderful * Gareth Hanrahan, author of THE GUTTER PRAYER *