That Which Stands Outside, by Mark Morris
25 Jul 2024The Book
Synopsis:
That Which Stands Outside is a horror novel inspired by Nordic folklore. After Todd Kingston rescues Yrsa Helgerson from muggers one rainy London night, their resulting friendship quickly develops into a romance. When Yrsa’s mother dies, Todd accompanies her back to her childhood home, an isolated Nordic island. The reception they receive there is one of suspicion and hostility. The islanders believe Yrsa to be a child of a mythic race called the Jötnar, a claim which Yrsa dismisses as superstitious nonsense. But as the island is rocked by a series of devastating events, Todd finds himself caught up in a terrifying battle, one which possibly threatens the future of the world itself.
My Review
That Which Stands Outside is a highly atmospheric horror novel inspired by Nordic folklore, written by Mark Morris, and published by Flame Tree Press. On an isolated Nordic island, Todd Kingston will find himself in the middle of a battle which might decide the destiny of the world, something that he couldn't imagine when he rescued Yrga Helgerson a rainy London night.
Todd and Yrsa start a relationship after this incident; things are perfect, she might be enigmatic, but is also smart and attractive, and Todd falls in love with her. When Yrsa's mom dies, he will accompany her to the remote island of Eldfjallaeyja, discovering that Yrsa and him, by association, are not well received here, a long time superstition about an episode of Yrsa's life; but Yrsa is decided to find the answer to the mystery associated with this episode, and with the collaboration of Todd, a chain of disasters and deaths will be set in motion, forcing Todd to fight for survival.
With this premise, Morris has woven a quite classic adventure horror which touches Nordic folklore, but which feels fresh in the way of the execution. We can distinguish two clear parts in the novel: a first one where isolation and the particularities of the island are the main source of agitation, with Todd totally isolated as he doesn't speak Eldfjallaeyja's language, transmitting a sensation that all the people knows something that outsiders are unaware, quite much in the style of The Wicker Man or Midsommar; and a second one after the excavation happens, with ancient forces trying to get rid of Todd and his brother, and some touches that could remember to The Walking Dead, much faster in terms of pacing than the first part, but which couldn't be understood without all the preparation.
Delivering a highly atmospheric story, Morris also gifts us with an excellently written plot that keeps us hooked and guessing during all the reading time; and with a main character that many people can relate, as who hasn't made crazy things for love? The Nordic folklore references enhance it, putting in on a great level.
If you are a horror fan, trust me when I say you will love That Which Stands Outside; an excellent example of how to create a thrilling story, using a natural isolation component to tie together all of what makes of Eldfjallaeyja a scary place. Absolute recommend.
The Author/s
Mark Morris
Morris has written and edited over fifty novels, novellas, short story collections and anthologies. His script work includes audio dramas for Doctor Who, Jago & Litefoot and the Hammer Chillers series. His most recent work includes the Obsidian Heart trilogy (The Wolves of London, The Society of Blood and The Wraiths of War), the original Predator novel Stalking Shadows (co-written with James A. Moore), the official novelization of the Doctor Who 60th anniversary special Wild Blue Yonder, new audio adaptations of the classic 1971 horror movie Blood on Satan’s Claw and the M.R. James ghost story A View From a Hill, a 30th anniversary short story collection Warts And All, and, as editor, the anthologies After Sundown, Beyond the Veil, Close to Midnight and Darkness Beckons. Blood on Satan’s Claw won the New York Festival Radio Award for Best Drama Special, and A View From a Hill won the New York Festival Radio Award for Best Digital Drama Program, and was also awarded Silver at the 2020 Audio & Radio Industry Awards. Mark has won two British Fantasy Awards, and has also been nominated for several Stokers and Shirley Jackson Awards.