I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A grieving father descends into obsession in his search for justice as the past and present collide in author Tamel Wino’s “Visage of Moros”, the first book in the Decay Abloom series.

The Synopsis

A relentless first instalment of the Decay Abloom series that probes into the psychological toll of grief and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.

In the wake of a vicious and calamitous loss, Drystan Caine finds himself on the verge, his life thrown into chaos. With the law enforcement investigation stagnating, he embarks on a self-imposed crusade. However, as Drystan becomes increasingly consumed by this undertaking, his personal and professional life starts to unravel.

Driven by deep resentment and reckless desperation, this rogue pursuit of justice rapidly takes a treacherous turn. As Drystan draws closer to uncovering the truth, he must confront how far he is willing to go before succumbing to darkness.

The Review

This was such a compelling, haunting, and gripping read. The author does an incredible job of transporting the reader into this visceral and gritty world of grief and vengeance. The chilling imagery and raw emotions the author pours into this story help ground the narrative and emphasize the trauma that so many parents feel when facing such a horrific loss, especially when it comes to a murder investigation.

The balance of suspense, dark thriller, and raw character-driven narrative made this story incredible. Readers get to see both the past and present collide to showcase the horrors of losing a child and the dark path that those in grief will often go to find justice or make sense of what happened to those they love. The horrors, the heartbreak, and the duality of the protagonist being both a loving father and family man who turns to alcohol and obsession in the wake of such trauma all lean into the theme of grief and how it can change anyone, even if it blinds them in the end.

The Verdict

Suspenseful, gripping, and engaging, author Tamel Wino’s “Visage of Moros” is a must-read psychological thriller and dark mystery read. The twists and turns in the narrative, including Drystan’s descent throughout the book and the truth behind his daughter’s death, will stay with readers long after the book ends. They will keep readers invested emotionally and mentally in the protagonist’s heartbreaking struggle. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Tamel Wino is a Canadian award-winning, dark fiction author from resplendent British Columbia. His works focus largely on the erratic facets of human sanity and morality. He majored in Health Sciences and Psychology, which only furthered his interest in human nature.

With inspirations including Ray Bradbury, Jack Ketchum, Cormac McCarthy, Stephen King, Margaret Atwood and Edgar Allan Poe; Tamel’s expositions are strongly grounded in traditions of dark fiction. Yet, with his bold narrative voice and incisive plot construction, Wino is paving a new movement within the space.

When he is not reading or scribbling away on his laptop, Tamel often indulges in stargazing, rekindling classic shows and unearthing obscure music.