LIKE THE main character’s drag queen persona Azadore Necrophilia Hex, the short story Dragged To Hell, by J.P. Jackson is a different, wholly unique creature. I’ve never read a supernatural gay romance that combines the paranormal, Drag, goth culture, and all that great queer lovey-dovey stuff and does it seamlessly with rich, descriptive text. It’s a swirling, delicious witch’s brew.
From a young age, Nathan has had an affinity to the supernatural world, a gift to see and hear the dead around him. But there’s something else, something dark and powerful in the mix. Jackson takes the magical and wraps it in the sinister at times, and it’s a delight. The line between protective altruism and possessive control regarding many of Nathan’s (or Azadore’s) actions toward themselves and others is blurred. In this story, good and evil, action and reaction, autonomy and subversion depend on the reader’s perspective and determination.
For a short story, it’s a surprisingly complex, emotional ride. Even the romance and “camp” parts are quite profound, especially given the restrictive nature of the short narrative format. I absolutely see this story continued as a full-length novel. In fact, I desire that! There is so much meat here, and Jackson has only scratched the surface. Dragged To Hell left me with many questions that cannot be answered in a short story. I have so many thoughts, quandaries, and wants concerning this tale; I fear I won’t get closure! 🙂 The ending was dramatic and sensual and introduced a seductively dark mystical world I want to explore further.
Dragged To Hell is remarkably colourful in its darkness. Grab your vodka soda and get up to the front of the stage. The drag show is about to begin!
Dragged To Hell is available for purchase at amazon.ca and amazon.com. For more information about this author, follow J.P. Jackson on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr. J.P. also has a Website.
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