Crypt of the Moon Spider

 Crypt of the Moon Spider

Reviewed By  Sally Bailes       July 24, 2025

 

Author  Nathan Ballingrud

Distributor:      Amazon
ISBN:                 978-1250291738
Publisher:         Tor Trade
Release Date:   2024  

   Website:   https://www.amazon.com/Crypt-Spider-Lunar-Gothic-Trilogy/dp/1250291739

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The Lunar Gothic Trilogy, 1

The Crypt of the Moon Spider is both a compact and impactful piece of science fiction that leaves a lasting and frankly haunting impression on readers. Readers will  have heard the phrase: “a quick and easy read.” — The Crypt of the Moon Spider manages one of the two…

Whilst Ballingrud achieves the “quick” element of the equation, he, in no way, makes his content easy on the reader. Though this novella is undoubtedly a difficult read, it is not for the reasons one would suspect. The language is used succinctly and beautifully, considering the premise (not an adjective wasted), making it easy to follow along.

Where the difficulty comes into play is the ensuing story. A story that starts off tame, with a mere palpable undercurrent of melancholy, that rapidly escalates into a traumatic 8-legged train wreck.

Ballingrud presents a creative yet warped perspective on the treatment of mentally ill individuals, providing an equally bleak alternative to the torturous reality experienced by patients in the 1920s. Though this book is science fiction, much of this novella rings true for those with any knowledge of the history of mental health institutions.

 The importance of upholding traditional values whilst discarding of ‘broken’ family members. Prioritising mental wellness whilst maltreating patients. A complete disregard of personhood and furthering individuals from their humanity in the hopes of ‘curing’ them. A uniquely cruel combination that would surely take a toll on even the strongest of minds.

Ballingrud manages to explore these themes brilliantly over a brief period of time whist appreciating the nuances that come with having a human mind, “The mind is very complicated. It is like a labyrinth. It can even deceive itself.”

This fantastic piece of literature takes the individual on a chilling journey that rewards them with a climax of cosmic vengeance. It is a thought provoking, intense and truly bizarre read; however, certainly not for the faint hearted.

The Crypt of the Moon Spider is an unsolicited review.

Fiction, Science Fiction