Horror Book Review: Madness From the Sea: The Dreamlands (Jonathon T. Cross)

Around this time last year (2023), I read and reviewed Jonathon T. Cross’ novella, Madness from the Sea: Cthulhu’s Lure. A story that served as a ‘sort of’ sequel to Lovecraft’s The Call of Cthulhu but had Cross using the Lovecraft mythos to tell his own Cthulhu-based story.

It was an excellent read that was summed up in the review as being:

As consumable as we are in the eyes of Cthulhu.

You can read the full review of Madness from the Sea: Cthulhu’s Lure here.

Now, a year later (2024), Jonathon T. Cross returns with the second book in what is now looking to be a series. Called Madness from the Sea: The Dreamlands (published by That Spooky Beach), and set 20 years after Cthulhu’s Lure. The Dreamlands doesn’t just aim to continue the previous story, it aims to expand on more intricate Lovecraftian lore. Sending the reader even deeper into the depths, smothered not just by the madness of H.P. Lovecraft’s creation, but the way in which the author wraps his own story around the mythos.

A story that proves to be mightily compelling, extremely horrifying, and eccentrically exciting. Even though, come the end, it’s not quite as strong a story as Cthulhu’s Lure. Mainly because there are plot points here that feel a bit rushed and the lead, Finn, isn’t that vibrant of a character. I kept thinking that he felt like a bit of an empty vessel, like the reader was supposed to imprint themselves on him. Something that seems to have been purposeful come a revelation at the end of the story.

Before that though, Cross sets up the world of The Dreamlands in spectacular style. Recapping the events that led us here and showcasing a world governed by madness. Cthulhu rose, but never left R’lyeh, and even though his call continues to lure victims, the world has carried on in some form. This is fascinating and I really wish it could be explored even further. A world where Cthulhu just exists, his call creating carnage around the world in different ways, some able to deny its urge, others not. How would that affect countries, governments, families, etc?

This could be ripe for exploring further, should Jonathon T. Cross ever get the urge to sidestep this main storyline. Although first, he must wrap this up because The Dreamlands takes us on a journey like no other, to the point where it can become difficult to take it all in. It’s very in keeping with a tale based around the sights and sounds that can drive a person insane. There are moments where The Dreamlands may make you feel overwhelmed by the vibrancy of what Jonathon T. Cross is describing here.

It is fascinating though, and hugely compelling. Just like Madness from the Sea, The Dreamlands is hard to put down once you’ve picked it up. It’s not as consumable, but what about H.P. Lovecraft is? Jonathon T. Cross is a very talented writer to be able to pay such tribute to the legendary author while also showcasing his own impressive voice.

Roll on the next one. I get the feeling based upon how this ends that it’s likely to be pretty damn spectacular.

Links

Amazon | GoodReads | That Spooky Beach