I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
**SPECIAL NOTE**: This book, as expressed by the publisher, was written in the manner in which the author himself speaks, and all misspellings and particular language used in the book is a result of the publisher choosing to honor and celebrate the voices from Black and Indigenous communities from all around the world. Therefore, any strong language found within the review title, synopsis, or author bio is a result of the idiosyncratic language used by the author himself and not a reflection of this reviewer’s language. I am proud to be able to share unique voices and respect the author creating an authentic and cherished story that reflects his own way of speaking.
A young Black man who dies as the result of gun violence finds himself taking on the role of Death and collecting souls from those whose time has arrived, but finds himself starting to empathize with those whose souls he takes in author Duvay Knox’s “Soul Collector”.
The Synopsis
Collecting souls is the job, and the bosses in Hell are some shady motherfuckers. With new rules and reeling revelations with every assignment, the job doesn’t seem to be quite what it appears-and promotions come at a price.
A quick-paced supernatural thriller, “Soul Collector” follows the journey of Sippian, a young victim of gang violence, who in Hell assumes the role of Death and struggles to understand the convoluted rules and shadowy figures-and morality-he faces in the afterlife. What will it take for him to become, and remain, DAT Nigga? What will it cost? And who’s setting the price?
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Every era has its Bard. Its keeper of historical, scientific, and cultural knowledge. Its spiritual lightning rod. Its wizened satirist. Its destroyer of old and top-heavy ideas. In the era of Late Stage US Capitalism and COVID-19, Duvay Knox is that Bard. A long time urban folklorist, first time formally published writer, and holder of countless secret titles, Knox’ work in “Soul Collector” is both page-turningly fascinating, and spiritually salient to our times.
The Review
This was a gripping and mesmerizing work of urban folklore. The author did a great job of balancing his unique voice and perspective with a creative and thought-provoking fictional tale of death and those caught in its clutches. The world-building and character development were amazing and did a great job of elevating the theme and tone the author set from the beginning of this fast-paced noir read.
What stood out of course was the author’s brilliant dedication to representation and keeping a truly authentic voice for this book. The story wasn’t just entertaining, but socially and culturally important as it gave a community not often recognized quite as authentically as others in the folklore/horror noir genre a true voice. The imagery and atmosphere the author layered onto the narrative were amazing, as was the exploration of the protagonist’s moral dilemma when dealing with the business of death.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and honest yet vividly creative, author Duvay Knox’s “Soul Collector” is a must-read book. Comedy and satire wrapped into horror and urban folklore box and delivered with culturally relevant and dialogue-driven narrative, the author really gave readers a personal yet relatable experience that not only represents the author’s own authentic voice but allowed for a thought-provoking message woven into a highly entertaining noir read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
I cum outta the South, by way of Louisiana and Tennessee, wit these Tales you see listed on this page. Life has turned me into a Savage Writer of black pulp fiction, black exploitation, black folklore, and black erotica – gritty shit that makes you wanna laff, cry, scream or make nasty love. RUMOR has it I was born frum the last nut in my Daddys sack. And came into this world when HE came. Needless to say, my birth was traumatic. Thus, I arrived heah wit an Attitude. The Doctor slapped me, and I slapped him back. And so mah Journey began. To find Myself. I ran them Streets. I walked the Path. I graduated frum Sidewalk University. I got my PH.D frum the School of Hard Knocks. I still haven’t found Myself. But I did find my VOICE. So Imma take my time and tell my Stories.
https://www.blackpulpfictionpublishinghouse.com/