Book Review | Leech

Leech by Hiron Ennes follows a symbiotic parasite as they try to investigate how one of their previous bodies died at a baron’s isolated chateau. However, they soon discover that a new species of more destructive parasite may be the cause, and they must find out who else has become infected before it spreads even further.

The nameless narrator is a part of the Institute—a hive mind of parasites who have formed a mutual bond with humanity. They provide medical care to humans in exchange for having bodies donated to them. I also found in interesting that, as the plot progresses, our narrator slowly begins to question the ethics of using human bodies and taking over their minds.

Honestly, this book was so up my alley and everything I wish What Moves the Dead could have been. It’s a wildly inventive gothic mystery with convincing sci-fi elements, and I think that’s thanks to the author’s background. They are a medical student who specializes in pathology and infectious diseases, so their knowledge really played well into the story and added a layer of believability.

Also, I just want to mention that there is some fantastically disgusting medical horror in the book that made me squirm in my seat in the best possible way.

Overall, Leech is an atmospheric and intriguing read that completely blew away my expectations, and I’m really excited to what other writing Ennes puts out in the future.

Thank you, Netgalley and Tordotcom, for providing me with a book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Details:

Publication Date : September 27, 2022

Publisher : Tordotcom

IBSN : 125081118X

Pages : 336

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