Kosoko Jackson's 'The Macabre': A Unique Blend of Fantasy & Horror

Disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book from the publisher. This post also contains Amazon affiliate links [*]. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

“A picture is worth a thousand nightmares.” That haunting sentiment danced through my mind as I turned my gaze to Kosoko Jackson’s latest offering, The Macabre, freshly released by Harper Voyager. Seriously, snag a copy, ^[*] and prepare yourself for a ride! The cover—oh, the cover!—boasts a disturbingly beautiful painting that harkens back to the chilling aesthetics of Rob Sterling’s Night Gallery. At least, that’s what it conjured in my warped imagination.

Let me paint you a picture of the plot: enter Lewis Dixon, a struggling painter whose life takes an unexpected turn when the British Museum suddenly shows a peculiar interest in his art. Now, Lewis always sensed something potent lurking beneath his brush strokes. An unsettling pull that leads him to create a haunting reinterpretation of one of his great-grandfather's ten paintings from over a century ago. His modern twist? Surreal and dripping with a hint of horror, of course.

When Lewis accepts the museum's invitation, he discovers it’s not an exhibition he’s stepping into, but a bizarre trial to see if he possesses the uncanny magic to step into the paintings—and more crucially, if he has the resolve to escape them. Little does he know that those ten paintings come with a double-edged sword: immense eldritch power and a curse that could rival any nightmare. They may hold the key to being the most coveted artworks in existence.

And here’s the kicker: Lewis has been tasked with destroying them all.

With direct orders from the enigmatic Evangeline, a museum official cloaked in mystery, and teamed up with Noah Rao, a dashing agent with ulterior motives, Lewis plunges headfirst into a shadowy world rife with black-market dealings, gothic magic, ancient lore, and incomprehensible terror. All this to rescue those unfortunate souls bound to the cursed art and to possibly hunt down the long-lost tenth painting, rumored to possess powers unlike any other—devastating, dark, and perhaps even a bit too much for any sane mind to handle.

Now, let’s take a moment to savor Kosoko Jackson’s narrative voice—a delight that deserves its own spotlight. His writing is laced with vivid imagery, well-developed characters, and vibrant dialogue that leap off the pages. I wonder if he was inspired by other great authors; his style felt strangely familiar, like an old friend whose name you can't quite remember. But hey, every book you read leaves its mark, right? And Jackson has certainly carved out a niche for himself as a masterful storyteller, especially after the buzz surrounding The Forest Demands Its Due—a tagline that adorns The Macabre’s cover like a proud badge.

Despite its creepy façade, The Macabre leans more toward fantasy than pure horror, which might initially throw some readers off. Sure, some may argue that it’s a tad overly descriptive, but let me tell you, I was happily swept away by the rich detail. Fantasy can be a mixed bag, but it danced beautifully with the elements of horror woven throughout. At least, that’s my take.

The plot weaves a compelling tale of a secretive society stalking cursed paintings and the lengths to which desperate collectors will go, though at times it might feel a smidge too YA for the more seasoned adult reader. I say, “Keep an open mind and dive in!” If I hadn’t dared to explore, I wouldn’t be here sharing this fervent review.

And yes, you guessed it—I genuinely enjoyed The Macabre. It struck the right chord at the perfect moment, something I can’t always say about every book. It’s a refreshing departure from my usual fare, and I savored every word, every chapter. Was it flawless? Of course not. But really, name one fictional book that’s perfect. Take any cherished classic, peel back the layers, and trust me, you'll unearth plenty of flaws. So why overanalyze? Just read, get lost in the story, and if it resonates with you, it resonates. Happy reading, everyone! ╌★★★★★

〜B.J. Burgess