Cthulhu: A Love Story

By J.C. Rudkin

Cthulhu: A Love Story is a modern take on Lovecraftiana and one woman's journey through the mistakes of her past and her desires for her future, all while trying to save the world from an eldritch apocalypse. Her decisions and dilemmas drive this horror tale, while making room for a little romance, a touch of humor, and plenty of culinary delights.

This is a contemporary twist on the cosmic horrors of the Lovecraftian Mythos. Amanda, the strong female lead, must reconnect with her college boyfriend, Ryley, an all-too-human form of the Great Cthulhu, while coming to terms with her past. Beyond a mere phone call or social media tag, Amanda must summon Ryley from his domain where he sleeps, where she banished him almost 15 years ago. Amanda must delve deeper back into a supernatural world filled with Elder gods, cultists, and cursed tomes to thwart an ancient prophesy wrought by dark magics. And when she does get him back, she is not prepared for her physical and metaphysical connection to Ryley and the reemergence of her feelings for him. Can Amanda save the world and still save herself?

Fans of modern reworkings of H.P. Lovecraft's mythos, such as The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle, I Am Providence by Nick Mamatas, or the anthology She Walks In Shadows by Gemma Files, edited by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, will find a whole new spin on Cthulhu and his minions. For those who like the irredeemable boyfriend, like Joe Goldberg of Caroline Kepnes You series, now a hit show on Netflix, or Will Hurley from Catherine Ryan Howard's The Liar's Girl, Ryley Pacifica is their man. A fast-paced read for those who enjoy Lovecraftiana with a touch of romance and humor, Cthulhu: A Love Story delivers.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0578936356
• ISBN13: 9780578936352
• Release Date: June 2021
• Publisher: Unspeakable Press
• Length: 188 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Cthulhu in person

Amada has raised Cthulhu from where she banished him years ago- she is unprepared for the depth of her feelings for the Great Old One. He professes eternal love for her, and offers immortal life and (spoiler alert) she throws it all away. If she cares for him, who in their right mind would do that? Disappointing.