Rübezahl by M. Laszlo

Rübezahl by M. Laszlo
Publisher: Alkira Publishing
Genre: Fantasy
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

In a mythical, late-nineteenth-century city in Bohemia, Waltraud hears a voice no one else can hear.

It belongs to Rübezahl — a winged old man imprisoned for decades, a penitent monster who once abducted her as a child and now calls to her for release. When Waltraud refuses to help him escape, her defiance unleashes tragedy, and the creature is freed by other means.

Rübezahl’s revenge is subtle and devastating. A ghost rain begins to fall, flooding the city with hallucinations, stupefaction, and false hopes. As the population drifts into confusion and chaos, class war erupts and the authorities prove helpless.

Immune to the rain’s spell, Waltraud becomes the city’s last clear mind. Armed with a dangerous prototype weapon and hunted as much by public opinion as by monsters, she must confront Rübezahl — not only in the streets of the drowning city, but in the mountains where myth, media, and violence collide.

A dark, philosophical fantasy about power, belief, and the cost of independent thought.

Once again, M. Laszlo offers a book that is multilayered and keeps the reader guessing what is true and what is not (see our review of his previous books Anastasia’s Midnight Song and The Nameless Land. Unlike these, however, the main character, although locked in her life due to previous things that happened to her, turns out to be the most insightful character of all.

I could see this played out in my mind as I read the book. The author created a world that was wonderfully portrayed and easy to slip into. In his descriptions I could feel everything Waltraud was going through – physically and mentally.

The world-building was exceptional. I really enjoyed how people and creatures from all over were drawn to the city during this time. And Waltraud really stood out as a brave woman who held forth to protect not only the city, but also the weak like Konstantin.

I’m looking forward to reading this again to delve into the layers that comprise Rübezahl.