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Malinae
The absentmindedness. The nonsensical ramblings. The blank stares. Ward Ayers, physically disabled and confined to his Jersey Shore home, can only watch in dismay as his beloved wife Malina slips further and further into dementia.
But when Ward catches a glimpse of a strange appendage in place of Malina’s tongue, he fears the woman he’s loved for half a century isn’t succumbing to Alzheimer’s but transforming into something…not quite human. As he tries to make sense of his wife’s disturbing changes, he starts wondering if he’s the one losing his mind.
Until, finally, Ward uncovers the dark force behind Malina’s decline and must plumb the depths of sacrifice and selfishness to reclaim his wife and preserve humanity’s future.
But when Ward catches a glimpse of a strange appendage in place of Malina’s tongue, he fears the woman he’s loved for half a century isn’t succumbing to Alzheimer’s but transforming into something…not quite human. As he tries to make sense of his wife’s disturbing changes, he starts wondering if he’s the one losing his mind.
Until, finally, Ward uncovers the dark force behind Malina’s decline and must plumb the depths of sacrifice and selfishness to reclaim his wife and preserve humanity’s future.
- GenresHorror
128 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2021
5 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 24, 2021
A Masterful Blend of Horror!
Before I begin my review I just wanted to say thank you to Dawn, D&T Publishing LLC, and the D&T Street Team for accepting me! Also, I had yet to hear of Josh Schlossberg prior to this book, and my goodness do I look forward to seeing what else he has in store in the future!
Malinae has such a profound Gothic Horror tone in the beginning. I had a building of dread the entire time up until the climax. The fear of aging is one that we all face, and it is hit on very hard. Also, having a loved one falling victim to Alzheimer’s is very difficult, and Josh captured the pain loved ones watching the decline have to endure. In a way, and I have experienced it, being the loved one watching the decline is much harder and more frightening than you can imagine. The book switches gears toward the end, and Schlossberg executes a major switch in tone of the story. The story then transfers to a bit of body horror (nothing extreme), and a bit of occult. It seems like a drastic switch, but Josh executes it with ease and finesse.
Malinae is a story of an elderly couple in their “Golden Years”, being cared for by two in home caregivers. Ward and Malina have been married nearly half a century, and their lives are slowing down. Malina is suffering from Alzheimer’s, Ward is heartbroken, and at a point where he questions the failings of their bodies.
One night at dinner Ward notices something odd in Malina’s mouth, and he attempts to pry her mouth open to get a glimpse. Of course their caregiver Daria scolds Ward for not being more gentle and understanding. As the days seem to pass Ward seems like he only has one love left, and that is when he is coloring in his books. However, when his grandson Jason arrives to ask for help, and ends up staying Ward has ideas. These ideas soon are pushed aside as something doesn’t seem right with the caregivers, especially Celeste, and Malina herself. Will Jason and Ward decode the mystery that is occurring in the home? What is wrong with Malina? Or will they all simply end as fodder for the storm?
I cannot praise Josh Schlossberg enough for this incredible story, and I do not say that lightly! His style really made me reminiscent of when I was reading Ira Levin’s Rosemary’s Baby with a hint of the feel that Robert Bloch gave off in Psycho. Josh’s writing is eloquent, and completely engrossing!
All in all, I must give Malinae by Josh Schlossberg five pale Asterias’ out of five dreary Asterias’! This book was very hard to put down, and I do not think it could be better in any way. I absolutely love the flow of Mr. Schlossberg’s writing, and will absolutely read forthcoming works he releases! This is a must read of 2021, and I say that in all honesty and sincerity. Until next time, my friends.
Before I begin my review I just wanted to say thank you to Dawn, D&T Publishing LLC, and the D&T Street Team for accepting me! Also, I had yet to hear of Josh Schlossberg prior to this book, and my goodness do I look forward to seeing what else he has in store in the future!
Malinae has such a profound Gothic Horror tone in the beginning. I had a building of dread the entire time up until the climax. The fear of aging is one that we all face, and it is hit on very hard. Also, having a loved one falling victim to Alzheimer’s is very difficult, and Josh captured the pain loved ones watching the decline have to endure. In a way, and I have experienced it, being the loved one watching the decline is much harder and more frightening than you can imagine. The book switches gears toward the end, and Schlossberg executes a major switch in tone of the story. The story then transfers to a bit of body horror (nothing extreme), and a bit of occult. It seems like a drastic switch, but Josh executes it with ease and finesse.
Malinae is a story of an elderly couple in their “Golden Years”, being cared for by two in home caregivers. Ward and Malina have been married nearly half a century, and their lives are slowing down. Malina is suffering from Alzheimer’s, Ward is heartbroken, and at a point where he questions the failings of their bodies.
One night at dinner Ward notices something odd in Malina’s mouth, and he attempts to pry her mouth open to get a glimpse. Of course their caregiver Daria scolds Ward for not being more gentle and understanding. As the days seem to pass Ward seems like he only has one love left, and that is when he is coloring in his books. However, when his grandson Jason arrives to ask for help, and ends up staying Ward has ideas. These ideas soon are pushed aside as something doesn’t seem right with the caregivers, especially Celeste, and Malina herself. Will Jason and Ward decode the mystery that is occurring in the home? What is wrong with Malina? Or will they all simply end as fodder for the storm?
I cannot praise Josh Schlossberg enough for this incredible story, and I do not say that lightly! His style really made me reminiscent of when I was reading Ira Levin’s Rosemary’s Baby with a hint of the feel that Robert Bloch gave off in Psycho. Josh’s writing is eloquent, and completely engrossing!
All in all, I must give Malinae by Josh Schlossberg five pale Asterias’ out of five dreary Asterias’! This book was very hard to put down, and I do not think it could be better in any way. I absolutely love the flow of Mr. Schlossberg’s writing, and will absolutely read forthcoming works he releases! This is a must read of 2021, and I say that in all honesty and sincerity. Until next time, my friends.
April 27, 2021
HOLY HELL IN A HANDBAG!!! I needed a nap and a solid 6 hours to think before writing this review. I can’t remember the last time I was this surprised regarding the direction a plot turned - but I’m so freaking impressed!! I want to shout it from the rooftops - READ THIS BOOK!!
At first, I thought it was going to be body horror - the agony of watching a loved one waste away both physically and mentally, the disgusting day-to-day reality and the emotional turmoil and fear it causes the other partner. There was this, but not for long. Soon, it began to morph into SO MUCH MORE! I don’t want to say too much and ruin the wild ride you’re sure to experience as you read. All I’ll say is that you won’t be disappointed! The storm and Ward’s physical limitations left me with a sense of doom and panic that felt real! I was having issues with claustrophobia while reading this and needed to take breaks! No joke…. This story wraps itself around you and gets inside somehow. It’s immersive and horrifying! I loved it! 🤣🤣
Thank you to D&T Publishing for allowing me the honor of reading this in exchange for an honest review. I think you’re an absolute genius for snapping this author up! Josh, if you’re reading this, OMG…. Holy Hannah…. Keep writing!! The horror community needs more and more and more of your imagination on paper!
If you like horror that takes you places you never knew you needed to go, along with some cringe worthy moments sure to make you “Ewwww!!”, look no further! I loved Ward and Malina (although she terrified me), and Celeste was a pleasure to detest!
Overall, 5+ stars!!!!
At first, I thought it was going to be body horror - the agony of watching a loved one waste away both physically and mentally, the disgusting day-to-day reality and the emotional turmoil and fear it causes the other partner. There was this, but not for long. Soon, it began to morph into SO MUCH MORE! I don’t want to say too much and ruin the wild ride you’re sure to experience as you read. All I’ll say is that you won’t be disappointed! The storm and Ward’s physical limitations left me with a sense of doom and panic that felt real! I was having issues with claustrophobia while reading this and needed to take breaks! No joke…. This story wraps itself around you and gets inside somehow. It’s immersive and horrifying! I loved it! 🤣🤣
Thank you to D&T Publishing for allowing me the honor of reading this in exchange for an honest review. I think you’re an absolute genius for snapping this author up! Josh, if you’re reading this, OMG…. Holy Hannah…. Keep writing!! The horror community needs more and more and more of your imagination on paper!
If you like horror that takes you places you never knew you needed to go, along with some cringe worthy moments sure to make you “Ewwww!!”, look no further! I loved Ward and Malina (although she terrified me), and Celeste was a pleasure to detest!
Overall, 5+ stars!!!!
April 26, 2021
This is the first book I have read by this author, absolutely loved it. It grabbed hold of me and didn't let go until the very last page.
Ward Ayers, physically disabled and confined to his Jersey Shore home, can only watch in dismay as his beloved wife Malina slips further and further into dementia. Until he uncovers the dark force behind Malina's illness. Loved the characters except one but I didn't think it was person's fault, you'll love this book.
It was an intriguing story how someone can see their loved one slip away bit by bit with this illness. This book twisted and turned and took me on a rollercoaster of a ride. It concluded very nicely this won't be the last book I'll read by this author. Looking forward to the next journey with this author.
Ward Ayers, physically disabled and confined to his Jersey Shore home, can only watch in dismay as his beloved wife Malina slips further and further into dementia. Until he uncovers the dark force behind Malina's illness. Loved the characters except one but I didn't think it was person's fault, you'll love this book.
It was an intriguing story how someone can see their loved one slip away bit by bit with this illness. This book twisted and turned and took me on a rollercoaster of a ride. It concluded very nicely this won't be the last book I'll read by this author. Looking forward to the next journey with this author.
August 28, 2021
Hell yeah dude. This guy can write. And this book was creepy as hell.
April 2, 2022
Very well written. Excellent character development. Great read. I highly recommend this book.
August 16, 2021
What a beautiful read this was. Eloquent prose and a thoroughly engaging storyline with a great pay-off. If you haven't read 'Malinae,' you're missing out big time!
December 29, 2023
Full review to follow
June 18, 2023
A quick, fast paced horror read. I just think there were a lot of misses that could have made things so much better.
September 15, 2021
Betrayal takes center stage in Josh Schlossberg's debut novella Malinae. Ward Ayers, a frail, ailing retiree, is gradually being betrayed by his body and mind. His beloved spouse Malina has fallen victim to Alzheimer's disease, and Ward can't be sure whether the repulsive changes he's witnessing are real, or a product of his own deteriorating condition. As he digs deeper in the shadow of an approaching superstorm, he soon realizes that the betrayal runs deeper than he could ever have imagined, that a malevolent supernatural force is at work, aided by human conspirators, and that he only has himself to trust.
Schlossberg's clear, vivid style and intimate character portrayal draw you right into the hapless (but not helpless) protagonist's head. His pairing of the story's deeply human elements with body and cosmic horror works on every level. A powerful punch for a book you can finish in a single sitting.
Schlossberg's clear, vivid style and intimate character portrayal draw you right into the hapless (but not helpless) protagonist's head. His pairing of the story's deeply human elements with body and cosmic horror works on every level. A powerful punch for a book you can finish in a single sitting.
August 1, 2021
The great thing about this story is, if you removed the monster, Malinae is still a horror story. The subject matter and plight of the protagonists are already ripe and powerful. Throw in some Lovecraftian elements and, whammo, you've got an incredibly and brisk page-turner rooted in a universally relatable, primal threat. Schlossberg's short novel just gave me my most satisfying Sunday coffee-shop reading session in at least a year.
November 28, 2021
Solid and unique characters, the horror (and heartbreak) of betrayal of the body and mind with age, and a Great One—how can ya go wrong. Josh delivers a fast-paced story that has wit, terror, and a little inter-dimensional slippage. This, his first novella, is my introduction to Josh’s work. It’s time to read his other stories.
August 30, 2021
Mᴀʟɪɴᴀᴇ, by Josh Schlossberg, is a seafood boil.
It’s a meal fit for a king, or perhaps a god of the sea. Chock full of mussels, jumbo shrimp, lobster tails, and even a few pink limbs of an octopus.
Bottom feeders. The creatures that exist at the darkest depths of the ocean, feeding on green scum and the sunken bodies of their friends.
But here in your kitchen, under the sharp light, all you can see is the glistening appendages of tasty shellfish.
It’s served to you and your wife by women who have cooked for you for years, taken care of you both as your bodies and mind start to crumble away. You’re spoiled by them, it almost feels like a waste as with age your tastebuds have seemed to shrivel up.
Across from you is your beautiful wife, but the woman you married isn’t there. This woman sucks the fatty yellow oil from her fingers with sounds that betray you with disgust.
“What a wonderful birthday cake,” she says, her mouth open and full of gobs of orange pulp.
And from here all you can do is grimace, try to enjoy the meal alone.
The shrimp seems like the safest thing to try first, easy to chew and drenched in salty butter.
After that you try a mussel, digging the yellowed flesh from the shell with a fingernail that needs to be trimmed. You pop it in your mouth and this one goes down even quicker, a saltwater taste lingers in the back of your throat.
A lobster tail has never been something you’d turn down and you dig in to this next, all the while trying to keep your eyes down, not looking at your wife.
But when you glance up to grab her hand, to tell her happy anniversary and that you love her so, you see her slurping down the octopus leg. She holds it between her front teeth, the tail of it seems to wave at you.
You lurch over the table to try and grab it out of her mouth, try not to let her swallow it. But she pulls back, smiles with it wriggling between her teeth, and devours it.
Her throat is like the body of a snake as you watch the octopus travel down, moving, squirming, but not trying to escape. It seems to be wanting to go down, deeper, into the darkest depths of her body.
A bottom feeder.
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September 11, 2023
This is a gem of a novella. The MC is an infirm 86 year old whose wife is in the late stages of Alzheimer's. That’s tough already, then things get weird.
It respectfully examines the mundane horrors of aging in a body that doesn’t work the way you want it to, and the emotions of living with someone with dementia.
It’s a tight slow burn opening the story with with a dramatically ramped up escalation in the second half.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but if you want an intimate cosmic horror story, this is fab.
It respectfully examines the mundane horrors of aging in a body that doesn’t work the way you want it to, and the emotions of living with someone with dementia.
It’s a tight slow burn opening the story with with a dramatically ramped up escalation in the second half.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but if you want an intimate cosmic horror story, this is fab.
January 12, 2022
Horror used to happen mostly to kids. Whether it be teenagers at Camp Crystal Lake or in Derry, Maine, a large majority of horror stories and films are about teenagers. Lately there has been a gathering trend in horror of stories that involves the elderly as the victims and heroes. I am all for it. I love these stories. When I heard the advertisements for Malinae by Josh Schlossberg, I knew it was a must read.
Malinae is about Walt Ayers and his wife, Malina, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. Walt is also eighty-six, and his body is not in the best shape anymore. He still spends his days keeping his mind active with an adult coloring book and a steady stream of caregivers that take care of the two of them. One of the caregivers, Celeste, displays some behavior that raises suspicions within Walt, that she is doing some things with Malina that just does not seem right. This makes Walt start to do some sleuthing, and when Walt discovers some weird things going on with his wife and her connection to Celeste, he tries to stop her before it gets out of hand. Of course it gets out of hand.
This is another short novella that does a great amount in a small space. Even though it is not very long, the story is well developed and suspenseful. There are a few times when a large amount of action and plot moves in one page, and then it settles down again to a slower, more suspenseful speed. I like the characters, even though Walt is someone who would irritate me in real life. He is written in a way that makes him seem very demanding to her caretakers and the people around him; he is always ordering people to do things but not acting very appreciative of their help. I know that his caregivers are being paid for their services, it does not seem like Walt is very thankful for the help he receives.
As someone who does direct patient care in hospitals, I can see these two characters because I have taken care of both of them several times. Maybe this is why I enjoy horror stories with elderly characters. Not only do I like that there is a different set of life experiences and thus decision making skills, I also feel like I relate more to the older population than youth these days. Everyone in this novella, especially Walt and Malina, seem very real to me. The writing and storytelling is spot on.
I really enjoyed Malinae, and the big question that I asked myself while reading it. Is the character going through this because of medical issues or because of outside influences? Trying to figure this out makes a story to admire and recommend.
Malinae is about Walt Ayers and his wife, Malina, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. Walt is also eighty-six, and his body is not in the best shape anymore. He still spends his days keeping his mind active with an adult coloring book and a steady stream of caregivers that take care of the two of them. One of the caregivers, Celeste, displays some behavior that raises suspicions within Walt, that she is doing some things with Malina that just does not seem right. This makes Walt start to do some sleuthing, and when Walt discovers some weird things going on with his wife and her connection to Celeste, he tries to stop her before it gets out of hand. Of course it gets out of hand.
This is another short novella that does a great amount in a small space. Even though it is not very long, the story is well developed and suspenseful. There are a few times when a large amount of action and plot moves in one page, and then it settles down again to a slower, more suspenseful speed. I like the characters, even though Walt is someone who would irritate me in real life. He is written in a way that makes him seem very demanding to her caretakers and the people around him; he is always ordering people to do things but not acting very appreciative of their help. I know that his caregivers are being paid for their services, it does not seem like Walt is very thankful for the help he receives.
As someone who does direct patient care in hospitals, I can see these two characters because I have taken care of both of them several times. Maybe this is why I enjoy horror stories with elderly characters. Not only do I like that there is a different set of life experiences and thus decision making skills, I also feel like I relate more to the older population than youth these days. Everyone in this novella, especially Walt and Malina, seem very real to me. The writing and storytelling is spot on.
I really enjoyed Malinae, and the big question that I asked myself while reading it. Is the character going through this because of medical issues or because of outside influences? Trying to figure this out makes a story to admire and recommend.
February 19, 2022
Malina’s condition has progressed, she’s really going downhill. Ward’s concern for his wife and her well-being is growing, the Alzheimer’s is taking a larger toll than he anticipated. But what’s the explanation for the weird change in her TONGUE? Why does Ward feel a deep, instinctive fear of his wife? Is this normal? Ward doesn’t think so. With the help of his grandson, Ward is determined to get to the bottom of his wife’s unusual behavior, before it’s too late…for everyone.
Ooh what a read. I’m not sure why but horror involving the elderly adds an extra layer of suspense and eeriness—I don’t want anything bad to happen to them but also they can be so scary?? This translates so well throughout Malinae. Because Ward and Malinae are both elderly and rely on caregivers, I felt really bad for them as they (Ward mainly) tried to get to the bottom of what was happening in their home. I couldn’t imagine having to have someone else provide my basic needs while trying to solve a mystery in secret, it truly made my heart hurt and ramped up the suspense. Although the “bad guy” was easily distinguishable early on, the book had so many unique elements that it didn’t matter. I was sucked in by the culty elements and the fate of Malina and Ward (and the world???). The ending was executed *perfectly*, giving the reader closure while also remaining ambiguous. @booksasmeals and I discussed and she and I agree it’s the perfect length/pacing to read in one sitting. Highly recommend for when you’re in the mood for something extra original!
Ooh what a read. I’m not sure why but horror involving the elderly adds an extra layer of suspense and eeriness—I don’t want anything bad to happen to them but also they can be so scary?? This translates so well throughout Malinae. Because Ward and Malinae are both elderly and rely on caregivers, I felt really bad for them as they (Ward mainly) tried to get to the bottom of what was happening in their home. I couldn’t imagine having to have someone else provide my basic needs while trying to solve a mystery in secret, it truly made my heart hurt and ramped up the suspense. Although the “bad guy” was easily distinguishable early on, the book had so many unique elements that it didn’t matter. I was sucked in by the culty elements and the fate of Malina and Ward (and the world???). The ending was executed *perfectly*, giving the reader closure while also remaining ambiguous. @booksasmeals and I discussed and she and I agree it’s the perfect length/pacing to read in one sitting. Highly recommend for when you’re in the mood for something extra original!
October 9, 2021
Next up on my never ending backlog of reviews is Josh Schlossberg and his book, Malinae. **Disclaimer: I received a free audiobook code in exchange for a review. This did not affect my rating or personal review**
Now that that’s all done, let’s get into this whole book of awesome! While Josh is a new to me author, I’m excited about what he has coming in the future.
Malinae is the story of an old man, Ward, and his wife, Malina, living out the last of their happily ever after. Oh, Malinae may or may not be possessed by something. Oh, and they have a piece of monkey farts in home caretaker. Oh, there’s some death, some blood, and a whole lot of insanity between page 1 and the last.
I HATED Celeste! I wanted to stab her in the right butt cheek until she died. Just a terrible character and I absolutely adore when a writer can make a character so terrible I want to commit actual violence against them.
The narration was phenomenal as well. But the story… that’s where the money shot is.
Immediately pick this one up. It’s available on Godless.com and Audible.
5/5 Patrick Stars
Now that that’s all done, let’s get into this whole book of awesome! While Josh is a new to me author, I’m excited about what he has coming in the future.
Malinae is the story of an old man, Ward, and his wife, Malina, living out the last of their happily ever after. Oh, Malinae may or may not be possessed by something. Oh, and they have a piece of monkey farts in home caretaker. Oh, there’s some death, some blood, and a whole lot of insanity between page 1 and the last.
I HATED Celeste! I wanted to stab her in the right butt cheek until she died. Just a terrible character and I absolutely adore when a writer can make a character so terrible I want to commit actual violence against them.
The narration was phenomenal as well. But the story… that’s where the money shot is.
Immediately pick this one up. It’s available on Godless.com and Audible.
5/5 Patrick Stars
February 8, 2023
Despite my not liking cosmic/Lovecraftian horror, this book blended different types of horror, such as existential and psychological, to create a sad but fascinating story. The writing was clean and concise but still had an artistic flare to it.
While it may have just been me, I loved the few creepy scenes involving Malina (e.g., her spider-like crawling on the floor).
I think what takes a book from good to great is when you really contemplate after reading it. I have so many questions and so many thoughts on what I think the author was trying to say (please message me if you want to talk about it btw).
While it may have just been me, I loved the few creepy scenes involving Malina (e.g., her spider-like crawling on the floor).
I think what takes a book from good to great is when you really contemplate after reading it. I have so many questions and so many thoughts on what I think the author was trying to say (please message me if you want to talk about it btw).
November 23, 2021
Inessential to add more to what has already been written of this wonderful book. Josh Schlossberg is a fine writer. The story is one of my favorites !
Schlossberg, King, Lovecraft all in one book. Wow...
Schlossberg, King, Lovecraft all in one book. Wow...
October 15, 2021
I received a copy of Malinae from the publisher for the possibility of consideration for a Bram Stoker Award.
Malinae is a fast-paced, sometimes humorous, read. It has great dialogue, funny quips, a unique cast of characters, and a solid story.
Highly recommend if you're in the market for a cosmic horror novella.
Malinae is a fast-paced, sometimes humorous, read. It has great dialogue, funny quips, a unique cast of characters, and a solid story.
Highly recommend if you're in the market for a cosmic horror novella.
April 19, 2023
A perfect novella. Review to come.
February 2, 2024
I don't remember where I stumbled onto this title, may have been the Lovecraft E-zine.
Schlossberg walks an incredible narrow line from domestic drama of dementia and failing health of your elder loved ones to "that was kind of weird" then onto "something ain'dt right here" and finally just rips off his bathing suit and jumps nude into the deep end of the crazy pool.
Switching metaphors, Schlossberg doesn't perfectly stick stick the landing, but it's still a great story that I recommend to anyone who likes weird fiction.
Schlossberg walks an incredible narrow line from domestic drama of dementia and failing health of your elder loved ones to "that was kind of weird" then onto "something ain'dt right here" and finally just rips off his bathing suit and jumps nude into the deep end of the crazy pool.
Switching metaphors, Schlossberg doesn't perfectly stick stick the landing, but it's still a great story that I recommend to anyone who likes weird fiction.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews