Book of Madness: The Door is the Key

Information

Status

Hiatus

Year

2025

Author

Asofer

• Cogito Ergo Sum
  Mar 6, 2025
• Last Dawn
  Mar 3, 2025
• Head in the Wall
  Feb 27, 2025
• SPLASH!
  Feb 25, 2025
• A shattered mirror
  Feb 24, 2025
• Memories buried alive
  Feb 20, 2025
• The Black Veil of Lucas Dumai
  Feb 18, 2025
• Hope in The Wind
  Feb 16, 2025
• Tower of Astubar
  Feb 14, 2025
• The Last Page of Titus Dubrick
  Feb 13, 2025

Reviews

Community Reviews(5)

• AlexanderScottRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Book of Madness is a collection of loosely connected stories written in distinctly different styles, and it does feel a bit mad at times. But this is certainly intentional on the author’s part.
  The read is strange and horrific and engaging, alternating between various narrators and timeframes. At first, it feels as though these stories don’t connect but small connections start to arise the more you read (I’ve six pieces so far).
  I can also say the writer clearly has talent. The read is good and evocative and as a reader you can tell that the writer is driving us somewhere intentionally even though the read can be jarring and outlandish. Recommended!
• M.E. CheRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Book of Madness is a dark, atmospheric fantasy tale told through a series of journal-style monologues. The story explores a world on the brink of apocalypse, with mysterious entities known as Heralds shaping its fate. Each chapter feels like a self-contained story, contributing to a larger, richly layered narrative.
  Atmospheric Writing: The prose is evocative and immersive, drawing readers into the story’s dark, grim world.
  Rich World-Building: The story introduces intriguing concepts like the Heralds and a complex cosmology without overwhelming the reader.
  Strong Pacing: Each chapter is well-paced, with a satisfying narrative arc that contributes to the larger story.
  Unique Narrative Structure: The monologue-style delivery of the story create a distinct, engaging reading experience at times like a stage play.
  Book of Madness is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy:
  Grimdark fantasy with a focus on atmosphere and world-building.
  Stories with eldritch or cosmic horror elements.
  Works inspired by Berserk or similar dark, mythic narratives.
  While the story has some minor issues, its strengths far outweigh them. I’d rate it 5/5 for its immersive atmosphere, rich world-building, and unique narrative structure. Fans of dark, thought-provoking fantasy will find much to love here.
• Queenie IVRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Grammar Score
  Grammar is okay, I found nothing wrong so far. Good job author 👍
  Character Score
  The story is s collection of different stories and each chapter as a different character and each character are wonderfully done. They feel unique and although the pacing could be fast, I have faith in the author's work and everything will be clear later on.
  Style Score
  The style of the story is unique, it feels like you are reading an ancient book filled with mysteries waiting to be discovered and the unique poetic approach is a good choice. It really set the mood for the dark aspect of the story.
  Story Score
  The story is still new but it has already gained an identity for itself in my opinion. The chapters can also go from tame to dark in the next chapter. It is dark but not overly done that it feels too much and the author is very respectful when approaching sensitive topic. I appreciate the consideration, good job author and keep up the good work.
  Overall, I wasn't expecting the poetic chapters but I love it and it's easy to follow and at the same time complex (maybe it's just my slow mind) The world building hasn't been expanded yet given that it is still new but I trust that as the story continues more would unfold.
  If you are looking for a genuine dark story with an interesting world and characters that hook your attention. Then check this out and support the author!
• PhantasosRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 4.5

  Book of Madness
  As the name suggests, the collection of stories so far points in the direction of mystery and lovecraftian horror. Which I actually think is an interesting idea, but it requires some basic knowledge for the reader to understand the context better. Because the information provided is very limited, this makes the typical lovecraftian flavor that makes us as readers feel fear, tension and curiosity less pronounced because we don't have much time to get to know and know more about the existing lore. Fortunately, this can be minimized with a good narrator.
  Where the narrator, especially for “The Last Page of Titus Dubrick”, can direct the story and atmosphere to be more immersive. To the point, I want to know more about the continuation or stories related to the character Titus Dubrick or the Dubrick family itself because the narrator and the characters created are interesting, at least this is what I like the most among the three chapters that have been released when this review was made.
  The other 2 chapters give a different touch and a different approach. So it's a bit refreshing but it can be feels a bit jarring especially the latest chapter, that it seems to use a third person perspective and this reduces the immersive side of the previous 2 chapters, especially the lore and wordbuilding that exist are at least very minimal so far so it's a bit difficult at least for me to be able to feel what is being conveyed in the story. Maybe this is more of a matter of preference but for me the narrator of the story for "The Last Page of Titus Dubrick" and "Tower of Astubar" helps the story by bringing the immersive side. But maybe with the other tales and new chapter written and the lore and worldbuilding that will be more complete, this weakness can be overcome by itself.
  So for just a story that contains 'a collection of tales' this is an interesting read. Especially for those interested in mystery and lovecraftian horror will be able to appreciate the immer
• TheDyingOfLightRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 4.5

  Intro
  DOOM
  has come to this world. Gods wage their battles, and mortals are the raw materials. Without knowing why or how, they are made to suffer. Fun for the whole family.
  Style: 5/5
  The style is rich in mystery and tempered with obscurism. It creeps and crawls into your mind, refusing to let go. That’s my best impression of it. The prose is slow and weighty, but in cosmic horror, this actually works in its favor. I especially enjoyed listening to it—it had that eerie, creeping dread. In short, the horror is in the story, not in the style.
  Story: 4/5
  It emerges, piece by piece. Imagine playing Dark Souls as a noob—you stumble into this white void, and no one bothers to tell you anything. No guide. Just terror.
  On a more serious note, I love the themes of hubris and insignificance before cosmic powers. The story follows someone who was once important. They find a figure from their past, and something happened to them… That’s all I figured out so far, which seems to be the author’s intent. It’s intriguing.
  Grammar: 5/5
  No issues. The language is colorful and sophisticated but executed well.
  Character: 4/5
  The perspectives are well-written, though few characters even know who or what they are. The horror keeps pressing in, grinding on their minds. The backstories seem twisted and tragic. I like the choices the characters make. The perspective shifts often, providing a diverse range of views—a kaleidoscope through which the story unfolds.
  Conclusion
  I’d recommend listening to this—it feels creepier that way. I’m genuinely curious about the lore and worldbuilding. Where will this go? No clue. That’s
  the fun of it.