Ring Shout

Set against the backdrop of an alternate history, Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark crafts a gripping tale where American demons wear white hoods, and history is drenched in blood and magic. It's 1915, and the release of the film The Birth of a Nation casts a dark spell across America, amplifying the Ku Klux Klan's insidious influence and enkindling the deepest prejudices among white folk. Now, these hooded nightmares, known as Ku Kluxes, ride by night, spreading terror and mayhem, with their ultimate goal being to drag Hell itself to the earthly realm.

However, standing firm against this encroaching darkness is Maryse Boudreaux, a fierce and determined resistance fighter with a blade in one hand and a gun in the other. Maryse is not alone on this perilous mission. By her side are an audacious sharpshooter with a penchant for strong language, and a brave Harlem Hellfighter, both as committed to the cause as she is. Together, this ragtag band of warriors battles the vile forces of the Klan, striking fear into the hearts of their enemies and sending these demonic entities back to the hellish abyss from whence they sprang.

Yet, an ominous storm brews over Macon, a malevolent force promising to escalate the conflict to apocalyptic proportions. The stakes have never been higher as Maryse and her comrades face the daunting task of thwarting a scheme that threatens not just their lives, but the very fabric of reality. The battle to save the world intensifies as they confront unimaginable horrors, desperate to prevent an end-of-the-world scenario orchestrated by the Klan.

In Ring Shout, P. Djèlí Clark weaves a potent blend of historical fiction, horror, and supernatural adventure. This enthralling novella, with its richly drawn characters and relentless pacing, offers a profound commentary on racism, resistance, and redemption. Will Maryse and her steadfast allies succeed in vanquishing the Klan's demonic legion, or will they fall in the face of ultimate evil? Discover the thrilling fate that awaits in this masterpiece of speculative fiction.