Praise
Răzvan-Gabriel Popa's prose is elegant and precise, building a rich atmosphere that feels both ancient and immediate. Popa explores themes of loyalty, memory, and sacrifice with a deft hand, creating a narrative that is as moving as it is memorable. The result is a satisfying and immersive read that lingers with you long after the final page, proving that the most powerful stories often come from the heart, not just the epic scale of the conflict. Highly recommended for those seeking a thoughtful escape.
Popa creates vivid scenery and characters that make you care about them. Definitely a skillful writer! All the stories will grip your attention and make you wish there was more.
The writing is spare yet lyrical, giving just enough detail to keep me reading while letting my imagination do the rest. There’s no handholding here; you’re along for the ride. Each perspective felt intimate, pulling me into the characters’ circumstances. This isn’t jump-scare horror; it’s a slow build that oozes under your skin. By the end, I felt as if the ghosts might be waiting for dark.
This collection was surprising for the horror genre because the prose is beautifully poetic. Still, the author manages to create a foreboding and chilling tension through his prose. Popa excels at descriptive writing. Things like, “the howls of the wind straining the bindings of the tent” or “An army camp is not a starry sky, but a place where people lie in waiting, ready to deliver pain and death.” This author should definitely write a full-length fantasy novel. What a surprise to learn that Popa studies active volcanoes and is inspired by Eastern European beliefs about the undead and spirits! Great writer! Five stars for this collection.
Short stories are tricky beasts. They don’t allow room for much character development, demand a truncated plot, and ride the fence between a satisfying conclusion and leaving the reader unsatisfied. Popa manages these challenges with aplomb, and brings a freshness to this winter-grim fantasy trope; in particular by, however briefly, pulling the reader into the monster’s pain, teasing us with the notion of redemption, only to snuff out that hope like a candle caught in an icy winter blast of wind. I was reminded of the punishment meted out by the gods of Olympus to hapless mortals caught up in their immortal machinations.
I loved how the author blended real scientific details with powerful fantasy, making every scene vivid and exciting. The challenges they face kept me turning the pages, and the world-building is rich and fresh. Highly recommend for fans of dark fantasy.
A phenomenally written book with multiple short horror stories. I love horror as a genre & this book encapsulated that perfectly. I don't have the time needed to get into the absolute epics anymore but this quenches that need nicely. Highly recommended.
Loved the pace, the attention to the descriptions and the twists! The author plays with very classical elements but manages to make it feel fresh. If you enjoy horror stories with dark and cold environments, you will definitively like these!
Răzvan-Gabriel Popa builds a world that feels ancient and tangible, focusing on the intimate and costly nature of keeping a promise. The story is thoughtfully paced, deriving its power from emotional resonance rather than grandiose action. 'As Long As Our Bones Lie Together' will particularly satisfy readers who look for depth and maturity in their fantasy. It’s a reflective piece that sits with you, exploring themes of loyalty and legacy with a confident and steady hand. An immersive and satisfying read that feels both fresh and timeless.
Not only is the author a talented storyteller who writes beautifully, but he also has an incredible imagination. The author skillfully mixes scientific fact with fantasy and imagery. I highly recommend.