The Lamb Will Slaughter the Lion

Margaret Killjoy — 2017

The Lamb Will Slaughter the Lion by Margaret Killjoy pits utopian anarchists against rogue demon deer in this dropkick-in-the-mouth punk fantasy that Alan Moore calls "scary and energetic." Searching for clues about her best friend’s mysterious suicide, Danielle ventures to the squatter, utopian town of Freedom, Iowa, and witnesses a protector spirit — in the form of a blood-red, three-antlered deer — begin to turn on its summoners. She and her new friends have to act fast if they’re going to save the town — or get out alive. “Intelligent and fiercely imagined.” —Alan Moore “A dark story of the human need for power.” —Eileen Gunn “Daring anti-fantasy.”— Nick Mamatas “A unique bite of punk culture.” — Delilah S. Dawson “Important, thought-provoking...thrilling ride.” —Lewis Shiner “Always vivid.”—Tobias Buckell “As relatable as it is harrowing.” —Leanna Renee Hieber “Utterly engrossing...it refuses to let you go.” —Mur Lafferty At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Reviews

Kell Pitt@sankelligrino

Oct 30, 2023

That was so good!!! It was everything I want in a book: queer/anarchist found family, terrifying monster, and an imaginative take on magic in the real world. Can’t wait to get my hands on the second one!

Maggie Gordon@maggieg

Aug 13, 2022

Oh, this was deliciously creepy and novel! The Lamb Will Slaughter the Lion is about a murderous endless spirit raised by an anarchist community. The novella is about power and community, and I've honestly not seen much like it before. I hope there's a sequel as these characters and the world have so much potential!

Bec@becandbooks

Apr 17, 2022

This short novella packs a serious punch! Unapologetically inclusive, packed full of magic and free-thinking, Killjoy presents a story like no other that I have come across.

Amy Grieve@blossomamy

Jan 9, 2022

This is such an underhyped novella and I wish I had known about it sooner. It had such a unique atmosphere throughout. I can still visualise the landscape of Freedom, Iowa even now as I’m writing this review. There was also the formation of a found family filled with diversity. I’m a huge sucker for the found family trope and can’t wait to read the follow up to get more development between them all.