Kade Blackcap was once a famous detective. Overburdened with guilt at sending a man to the noose, he finds himself unable to take a case for fear of the consequences. But with the taxman breathing down his neck, he has to find work soon, or he’ll lose the house his father left him.
He has one hope left.
Long has he suspected the myths of old were creeping back into the world, and with his detective background he has all the skills to hunt them. But once he finds himself on the trail of a monster, he realises how out of his depth he is.
He might have the skills to track such a creature, but what will he do when he catches up with it?
Blackcap by Benjamin Aeveryn was a really nice surprise. A sharp, engaging novella that adds a new layer to the already fascinating world introduced in Salt in the Wound.
Having thoroughly enjoyed Salt in the Wound, I was eager to dive back into this unique setting. While the original novel leans more toward epic fantasy, with remnants of lost technology woven into a harsh post-apocalyptic world, Blackcap shifts gears. This story has more of an urban fantasy feel, though it’s set in the same world. The change in tone and setting works really well, and rather than feeling disjointed, it offers a fresh perspective that deepens the overall worldbuilding.
Where Salt in the Wound took us to the more rural Cotswolds, Blackcap drops us right into a bustling, gritty city environment. Life here is different. More cutthroat and with new rules and problems to navigate. That contrast made the read even more enjoyable, showing how the same world can feel completely different depending on where you currently are within it.
The main character pulled me in right away. His voice felt distinct and believable, and his situation, trying to maintain a life he can no longer afford, was instantly relatable, even in a world filled with strange magic and looming threats. His personal struggle grounds the story. The prose is crisp and compelling, making it easy to fall into the narrative from the very first page.
The mystery at the heart of the plot was solid, though not quite as strong or memorable as the setting or character work. Still, it served its purpose well, driving the story forward and offering just enough tension to keep things moving briskly. The real strength here lies in the atmosphere, tone, and immersive sense of place.
At around 100 pages, this novella is a perfect palate cleanser between larger, denser reads. It’s a quick but satisfying story that adds richness to the broader universe without demanding a huge time investment.
I loved it despite a few minor shortcomings, as it’s an excellent addition to the series and a highly enjoyable read on its own.
If you’re already a fan of Salt in the Wound, then Blackcap is a must-read. And if you’re new to Benjamin Aeveryn’s work, this might be the perfect bite-sized entry point into a dark, imaginative world that’s well worth exploring.
Gritty, fresh, and fully satisfying, Blackcap proves fantasy doesn’t need to have 1000 pages!
