Book Reviews and More: Man or Beast

Wednesday, 17 December 2025

Man or Beast - Corinna Turner

Man or Beast

Corinna Turner

Unseen Books

eISBN 9781917628051

ASIN B0D7HK8H7G

I have read volumes by Turner over 40 times now, not counting contributions to Anthologies. And after finishing this my first thought was ‘and now for something completely different’! This is a short story that really packs a lot of punch. Both in the story and in how it will hit with the reader. It is another excellent offering from Turner’s masterful pen.

The description of this volume states:

“As a half-troll, Keygar has been treated as an animal his whole life due to his lack of a soul mark. Will a brush with the law prove deadly—or provide an unexpected opportunity to prove himself?

A heart-warming Sword and Sorcery adventure from the pen of Carnegie-nominated author Corinna Turner.”

I had not heard about this volume until the author announced the release. Both my son and I picked it up that day. But it took me a couple of days to get to it because of being busy at home and work. But once I started I really did not want to put it down. It is a true page turner.

This story entwines the tales of Brother Carek and Keygar a half troll. Keygar is questing for a soul mark. If he can attain it, he will be able to build a real life. Without it he is not much better than a beast of burden. After a run-in with the Law he is offered an out, accompany Carek on a trip through a hard road, one that has not been accomplished in many years. But things are not as they appear. And the real adventure begins on that road.

This is a story with great pace, wonderful characters and n excellent surprise twist. I really loved this volume, and hope we see more stories set in this world. I would love to know more about Carek’s backstory. What happens next with Keygar, or even just about the monks and order Carek belonged to. Or even stories about other seekers. Well done Turner, well done!

If you want an excellent short story I can easily recommend this story! And to be honest anything from Turner’s skilful pen.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!