BLOODY BOOKS REVIEW: BAD LOON RISING

Andy Clarke came for us all with Gloomspite, a book that delved into the skin crawling elements of the Grots of the Mortal Realms. Here, he builds up a new character and unleashes him upon Ulgu, warts and all. 

We are introduced to Zograt as a runty grot, a target for the boots of all the Big Unz of his tribe.  The Bad Moon blesses our anti-hero with shamanic powers, allowing him to rise through the ranks to take control of the Grotz  . Alongside the tale of Zograt, the shadow mage Wilhomelda Borchase is setting her sights upon an ancient power within the Muttering Peak, which is the conquest that Zograt has his eye on. 

There is an element of the Skarsnik here, though Zograt's magical path and inability to lead are a far cry from the tale of the Warlord of Eight Peaks' journey. There is more of a Thanquol than a Skarsnik, but Zograt's character is strong on his own merits. Zograt's power is immense and it's only his lack of experience in his skills and position that creates the tension.  The more human centred parts lose the momentum somewhat, though the mystery of what lies in the Muttering Peaks and Wilhomelda manages to shoulder the weight of the drama. Yet, Taremb and the population don't get much of an exploration 

Let us then look upon the second part of the title, for it is named "a Zograt and Skrog"  novel, and how Skrog is the tentpole of the tale. Skrog may not speak, and holds no place in the more political movements of the Moonclan, and yet his relationship with Zograt is wonderfully wholesome and he displays a deep seated affection for the bugs that Zograt and he call to war. 

All in all, it's a joy to behold for the Grot sections, but slows for the human parts. Despite that, I hope that Zograt takes his place in the Mortal Realms much like many of his Black Library fellows