Ink and Riffs

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com.

INK

“The Night Birds” (book)
I recently came across the audio version of this horror novel by Christopher Golden. Set in a deteriorated, half-sunken freighter ship off the coast of Galveston, Texas, “The Night Birds” is a great atmospheric horror tale of witches, promises, and a destiny that calls for the sacrifice of the most innocent among us.

The story is centered on Charlie Book and Ruby Cahill, whose love ended with the death of their unborn child. Now, the two find themselves facing off with a coven of witches who are demanding the child to bring a dark god into this world.

I really loved the pacing for this book. Christoper doesn’t just dive into the scary parts, he takes his time to introduce us to the characters, making them matter more to the reader.

The voice acting by Patricia Santomasso, Sean Patrick Hopkins is just amazing and really shows the depths of their talent as they bring this creepy story to life.

Check out this and the other books by Christopher Golden at https://www.christophergolden.com. 

 

“Sacrificers” (comic) 

Imagine a world where all the elements of this world are all kept going by a pantheon of god-like beings. But they are not immortal — until a way is devised to throw off the shackles of mortality, with the very people they’re meant to protect used as fuel. That’s the world of “The Sacrificers,” an ongoing series from Image Comics.

I was immediately drawn into this comic by Max Fiumara’s engaging artwork. The world he creates is powerful and diverse. From the different forms of the “gods” that we’re introduced to, to the many races of the world, there’s always something new and interesting. But let’s not forget the imaginative story that Rick Remender has given us. The protagonist Pigeon is broken by the world, but still determined to keep moving to protect those most precious to him. The twists and turns are keep you hooked and looking to the next issue.

Check out the series at https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/sacrificers.


RIFFS

“Underneath the Willow Tree” (music)
Bella Dose’s “Underneath the Willow Tree” is an absolutely beautiful song, and the perfect way to open this playlist. The instrumentation is elegant, and the vocals wonderfully captivating. Written during a trip in Nashville, the song blends acoustic folk pop with soothing vocals and explores themes of healing and emotional release.

Check out the group at https://belladose.com.

“Between Then and Now” (music) 

This four-song EP from 19-year-old fiddler, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Irish Millie is both inspiring and passionate. From the opening track “Allison,” we’re presented with the kind of song that fires you up. The violin portion is so damn powerful and I can easily see myself dancing to this one. “Wasted” is another amazing song, written from the perspective of a gratitude that comes with growing up and the connections to home that we don’t always treasure until we’re away. Not surprisingly, the album received two Canadian Folk Music Award nominations, and I really want to hear what’s next.

To learn more, visit her Spotify site.