Saturday, December 29, 2012

Krampus: The Yule Lord

On Christmas Eve, Jesse Walker witnesses a group of “devil men” chasing a large man in a red suit—who escapes to the sky in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, leaving behind a magical sack. Down on his luck, Jesse discovers that the curious object can produce any toy imaginable, which delights him to no end—because he can finally give his daughter the gift she desires the most.

But the red sack draws the unwanted attention of the “Belsnickels,” a group of devilish minions of Krampus, the ancient Lord of the Yule. They force Jesse into helping free their master, who was imprisoned by Santa Claus over five hundred years ago. Jesse learns that the jolly red elf is not quite as amicable as he once believed, and after he’s targeted by an evil drug lord, Jesse joins Krampus and his group—because, well, better the devil you know!

As Krampus searches for a magical object that will destroy Santa once and for all, Jesse attempts to reunite with his estranged wife and daughter—and his new friends are there to help, for better or for worse…

Celebrated author/artist Brom (The Child Thief) weaves this modern story about a failed musician who gets caught in the middle of an ancient battle between two mythological enemies. This unique horror tale takes Christmas tradition and turns it on its head, resulting in a very enjoyable read that will surely be loved by those looking for a darker holiday story. Krampus: The Yule Lord is a delight from start to finish, combining Norse legend with Germanic folklore and contemporary Christmas culture. Krampus himself is a force to be reckoned with; he’s a multi-layered antihero who wishes to return Yuletide to its Pagan origins for the good of humanity—despite causing much havoc along the way! Includes a series of brilliant illustrations by the author. Highly recommended!

Santa Claus, my dear old friend, you are a thief, a traitor, a slanderer, a murderer, a liar, but worst of all you are a mockery of everything for which I stood. You have sung your last ho, ho, ho, for I am coming for your head. I am coming to take back what is mine, to take back Yuletide . . .

—from Krampus

5 out of 5

  • Hardcover: 368 pages
  • Publisher: Harper Voyager (October 30, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 006209565X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0062095657

Purchase Krampus: The Yule Lord at Amazon.com

Saturday, December 29, 2012