Let's talk about how awesome In Excess to the Dark was! Some backstory first, Red Lagoe grew up with 1980s horror which was horror at its finest. It is 2024 and I still watch 1980s horror flicks and dive into Stephen King's novels. It is a thirst I must quench. Thank you, Red for taking me back to a time when I always knew there had to be something waiting for me in my closet. And, you writing down the lurking thoughts us horror fanatics have but never speak on. In Excess of the Dark is a short, 152 page, novel but jam-packed with a child's worst nightmares. This story was so calm and alluring that I had to know the outcome as soon as possible. Red's writing put me back to when I was a child and scared of the dark. In Excess of the Dark was a one-day read for me that I will never forget. I give it 4.5 stars. Recommendation at its finest for In Excess to the Dark to all horror story lovers as it feeds our appetite.
Poor Karina, always walking on eggshells because the family she loved (her Daddy) died unnaturally and expressed it through his horror journal and art. You see, Karina's dad was an artist of disgusting and horror-filled art. He painted his worst nightmares and creatively wrote the horrific disasters that he saw happening to him in the future while his wife hated every second of it. She did not support him as his stories were against her beliefs, and there was constant tension in the household. All the while, he had a daughter, who loved her Daddy with all her heart.
Karina moved on and had a child, though she was having a hard time with her maternal instincts due to the way her mother raised her. Karina's family consisted of her husband and son only. Anything bad that occurred was blamed on Karina because her mom always reminded her that "the darkness" lived inside her "just like Daddy". Constantly thinking of her Dad's darkest stories, Karina's mom gives her her Dad's journal. This brings on an emotional rollercoaster and she begins to envision awful ways her family could die.
One day, Karina chose to take a trip with their son and husband in an attempt to bring some life back into her marriage. About an hour into their trip's long drive, BAM, a car accident occurs and both husband and son die. Karina lives knowing she thought and dreamt about her family dying in the exact way they did. After the funeral, her mom tells Karina that she must have "planned" their death. With her best friend at her side, Karina begins spiraling out of control. Karina's visions become a reality just like her father's did.
Karina's downward thoughts and dreams of darkness take a turn for the worst and she notices a tall dark figure watching her. The dark figure is everywhere. It watches her sleep, hides in dark corners, and even stands behind Karina's friends or family in the daylight to taunt her. With the help of her best friend and a medium, Karina jumps in to learn about this dark figure and "the darkness" that lived inside her dad.
This is a nightmare that comes true. Forever scarring one's thoughts and dreams. Karina MUST find out why this is happening to her.
Author Red killed it with this novel. I have downloaded more of her books due to how much I loved this story.

This book reminded me of Crossroads by Laurel Hightower and Hollow by Mike Salt and grief horror has definitely become one of my favourite tropes.
You really feel the descent into grief, madness and fury that the main character goes through. While this was a bit too slow burn for me, I still really enjoyed it.

A book who's main character experiences depression, grief, and a darkness that builds to push it's way out of her and into the physical world. Karina sprials following the loss of her family, and the more she tries to keep things together, the more her dark thougths begin to tear it apart. A different and chilling approach to themes of depression and loss through a horror lense that at times left me doubting my interpretation of events. I found the main character relatable in her struggles and experiences, as well as her reactions to the unfolding of events around her and her own power. I'm always a big fan of writers to can make me doubt a chain of events along with the main character, and this one didn't disappoint.If you want a fast paced book approaching difficult things through horror and body horror, In Excess of Dark will scratch the itch you didn't know you had.

4.25 stars

Since she was young, Karina recognized the darkness that dwelled within herself. When her gruesome daydreams turned into reality, she embarked on a quest to get her family back regardless of the consequences.

While this book is a graphic horror, it has an underlying tone of grief and depression. Karina carried a burden that became heavier as she attempted to fix her mistakes. I sympathized with her situation, but at times her choices were questionable.

In Excess of Dark is a story of guilt and desperation. It would appeal to readers looking for a quick horror read.

Our MC Karina has always had very dark and disturbing thoughts since childhood, much to her Mother’s dismay. One day, one of her nightmarish daydreams comes true, and her new ability triggers her into a spiral of depression and guilt.

The mental health representation in this amazing horror novella was excellent and so visceral and vivid! Karina’s story left me feeling emotional and heavy, yet grieving with her. It really makes you think what lengths you’d go to in order to reunite with loved ones.

If you’re looking for a dark, emotional, and fast paced horror novella with great creepy scenes then I highly recommend this one!

This is an interesting dive into grief, Dre press ion and mental health. As a novella it is a quick read. I do think the topics are handled well but really would have benefited from a full length novel. The imagery was perfectly morbid and grotesque. As a horror novel it didn’t work for me as it seemed to rely on that gross factor rather than unease and ambiance.

The pain and grief the main character goes through though was outstanding. I think this works better as a general fiction exploration with horror elements rather than a true horror novel but I still enjoyed the read. It is a 3 due to the reliance on body horror and decay as its primary fear factor. It just wasn’t scary but it was dark.

If you’re a fan of body horror and dealing with the aftermath of a lost loved one, this is worth a read.

Let's talk covers.... I love this cover!

I wasnt sure what to expect but oh my this is one of the best i have read in a while. This has Stephen King Vibes! It has twists and turns and was creepy at times.

Would definitely recommend! Will look for more by this author.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

“In Excess of Dark” by Red Lagoe follows Karina, a mother and wife, who finds her daydreams are coming true. The events of the book send her down a dark path to help her maintain her sanity.

This book was a quick read, but it is dark. Revealing too much about this book will ruin it, but Red was able to feed on my fears as a mother and wife. It can be graphic and deals with themes of toxic family, generational trauma, and grief. Definitely worth a read.

Thank you to Red Lagoe and DarkLit Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but this actually ended up being one of the better horror stories I've read in awhile! Its themes reminded me of King's Pet Sematary, and its style reminded me of the stories in Night Shift (two very high compliments!). It has emotional weight, twists and turns, and some genuinely creepy moments throughout. Definitely worth a read!

In Excess of Dark manages to expertly pull off what most psychological horror writers only (day) dream of. A dark and unsettling story that provides the visceral imagery and grounding that make horror sing while also exploring the depths of Karina's world, her new normal, and never letting the reader find firm footing. Ambiguous enough to keep your mental gears whirring long after the last page, with enough to latch onto for readers who don't care for open endings. A prime example of why novellas work so well for horror, in other words.

I loved this story. It was a quick read at just over 100 pages, but the author deftly crafted a detailed and creative story with great character development in that short span.
The main character Karina can make things happen by imagining them and unfortunately, her imagination tends towards the macabre. Fortunately, she discover how to control her “talent”, just not in time to save the ones she loves.
Thanks to the author and DarkLit for providing a free copy to review. Excellent story!

Horror is my home and grief horror is my absolute favorite. 𝗜𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 had me so sad, but also wondering if this was a weird fever dream, is she hallucinating, is she in the hospital in a coma or hooked up to morphine? I just didn’t know. I felt so devastated for Karina, but also intrigued at her ability and couldn’t wait to see how this played out. The ending was perfect and I couldn’t have wanted more. I can’t wait to read whatever Red Lagoe puts out next. 𝗜𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 will be published 3/15. Thanks to Dark Lit Press for my eARC!

If you enjoyed Gus Moreno’s This Thing Between Us, you will enjoy the grief fueled story that is In Excess of Dark.

Karina, who is quick to become a childless widow after a day dream turned nightmare rips her family away, discovers that her dark, grief-stricken fantasies are becoming real as she tries to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Something is lurking around doors and in the corner of her vision which threatens to keep her delusional and daydreaming as she struggles to overcome the loss of her son and husband. When Karina starts seeing her dead family members around the home they shared, she tries to harness the power that took her family in the first place.

For my short list of a good, heart-breaking horror tale, you will need:
A toxic family dynamic, someone who clearly needs a therapist and a manifestation of grief

To say that this story checks off all of my boxes is an understatement. The dark presence that haunts Karina is the shadow of the life that could have been. She tries desperately to achieve something that is impossible and otherworldly. This entity, her manifestations and her delusions are all happening as she is trying to work through the five stages of grief. As the reader comes to the end of this novella, they will see if Karina finds the acceptance that she is so desperately searching for in whatever way she envisions it.

I wish this novella was longer. Karina is such a real portrayal of denial, grief and a hint of the supernatural sprinkled in. Thank you Red for bringing her to the page.

I give this novella a 4.5 rating because I personally wanted just a smidge more character development in the main character as well as supporting characters because the supports were definitely disappointing but it did make for a more realistic portrayal. Like I stated before, this was more of a personal preference.

This is one that I had a great time with. I have been loving grief horror novellas recently and this is one that is going in my stack of recommendations. I really felt for our main character and liked seeing how her grief and trauma manifested in her life after everything she went through. I liked seeing her try to figure out what was going on and the path the book took with that. I loved the ending and wasn't really expecting it which was fun. This is one that kept me intrigued and invested in the story and also made me emotional. Would definitely read from this author in the future and will be recommending it.

After the devastating loss of her family Karina believes her explicit daydreams/nightmares have the power to dream them back into existence… but with grief eating away at her and a mysterious shadow following her every move, it will take more than that to get her family back.

Sounds great right?? Nope.

I hated Karina- what her character goes through I wouldn’t wish on anyone- but she was so annoying to read about. Even though I understand why, I just didn’t care.

The premise was a good idea but I think the potential of the whole “daydreams coming true” was lost along the way. I’m a mechanical thinker I love knowing the ins and outs of an ability, but with Karina’s, we get the bare minimum.

This book is a huge metaphor for inner darkness and what you put into the world you get out but again, don’t care.

All in all, if you like your horror less horrifying with more grief, you’ll enjoy this. I didn’t.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC all thoughts and opinions are my own.

What if every terrible thing imagined came true? Every fleeting, nightmarish thought a reality? For grief-stricken Karina, her newfound ability to turn her worst daydreams into palpable truths has sent her into a downward spiral of depression and guilt. Coupled with the appearance of an enigmatic shadow figure and visions of her dead family, she grapples to maintain her sanity while desperately attempting to harness her abilities and reunite with her loved ones.

Review:

Red Lagoe’s twisted little tale of motherhood and belonging is a sordid entry in the canon of being careful what you wish for. Our tale centers Karina, a wife and mother who struggles with dark thoughts and anxieties. When the darkness that follows her costs Karina her family, something mysterious and possibly dangerous arrives to offer Karina perhaps everything she might want.

From here, it’s a journey through Karina’s tortured psyche and Red Lagoe blazes a trail all the way through “In Excess Of Dark.” Having established a remarkably sympathetic and complex figure in Karina, Lagoe targets each and every emotional beat like an expert, designed to break the reader’s comforts and tear them to bloody pieces.

Lagoe plunges us into an absolute pit of madness and grief. From the horrors of the unknown, “Excess” ramps up the absolute madness as the story grows increasingly macabre in all the best ways to showcase Karina’s fracturing mind.

No punches get pulled in the end. This is a book that captures the pure, distilled essence of horror and should rightfully make Red Lagoe a celebrated star.

Karina is grieving and has discovered a very dark new special ability. She can make her most horrible imaginings come true. Haunted by a mysterious shadow figure and grotesque visions she desperately tries to use her gift to bring her family back from the dead.

This was a fantastic grief horror novella that follows a character in the deepest darkest pit of despair and the lengths she will go to see her family again. The characters are very believable. The horror and emotion are both incredible in this story. This is a novella I would highly recommend to all in the mindset to handle the dark content.

💥💥 Book Review 💥💥

In Excess of Dark by Red Lagoe

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars

“The universe is a harsh motherfucker, an expanse of nothingness that devours the light, but her dad had taught her to seek those pinpoints of light and hold on for dear life.”

Trigger Warnings
- grief
- Death
- Themes of loss
- Gore
- Horror
- Suicidal ideations

This book delves into the dark abyss of grief and loss. This book definitely gets ominous furthermore burrows into heartache/bleakness of the themes of destruction and bereavement. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and biting my nails to the very end. I loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley, DarkLit Press, and Red Lagoe for providing me with a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

A good portrayal of a journey through grief. The story was dark, bleak and a bit depressing.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

I really liked this novella! I love a good horror book set in the mountains and woods. It also has the "unhinged woman" trope that I'm really digging lately. There were definitely some on and unexpected turns that I did not expect, lol. I don't think that this counts as a spoiler since I'm not saying how or who was involved, but I did not expect some zombie (???) smut. It was gross, I loved it!