The Artist: A Battaglia Novella

About the book

About The Artist: A Battaglia Novella

Some gifts should never be tested. Arthur Brennan could paint the truth in a human face. It was more than talent. It was a gift, one that brought beauty into the world and meaning into his life. Then a woman asked him a question that changed everything: "But don't you find beauty… limiting?" Three years later, Arthur stands alone in his SoHo studio, surrounded by paintings that made him famous and a fortune that cost him everything. Tonight, he will try one more time to paint the only face that ever mattered. Tonight, he will find out what his gift has become. A novella of art, ambition, and the price of corruption. The Artist is the first entry in the Battaglia universe. “The Artist is a well written novella which serves as an introduction or prequel to a trilogy I predict will shock a few readers. It’s a character-driven psychological horror story skillfully presented via a solid prosaic style that is simple, direct, and effective. There is a mystery involved that never falls into the far-fetched, and that is the factor that made me want to keep reading. If this is a forecast of what’s ahead, AJ Rhino is quickly establishing himself as one of the my favorite psychological horror writers in the indie circles. Five stars.” —Abigail Lakewood, Strange Girl Reviews, Substack “It wrecked me. ... Absolutely soul wrenching from start to finish. The Artist is a masterpiece portraying psychological descent that is raw, visceral and unflinchingly human. This is one of the most profound, powerful, emotionally charged stories I have read in years!” —@stefneymg, BookTok "The Artist is a superbly crafted story that shows the danger of success; the razor edge between creating the things that bring you prominence and creating the things that drive you to madness." —Nathanael Hummel, author of the Nate Cole series "The best fiction is relatable, and Rhino’s novella truly allowed me to feel the passion, the obsession, and every brushstroke Arthur performed. I can’t wait to continue experiencing this world.” —@maeby.one.more.book, BookTok “The writing style is unique, well thought out, and engaging. I appreciated how the author seamlessly blended elements of horror, thriller, and mystery into one compelling story. I look forward to continuing the series. … AJ Rhino has quickly become one of my favorite authors.” —@READSwithALLIE, BookTok “How much of yourself can you trade before you disappear? The Artist answers [this question]. This isn’t horror. It’s erosion disguised as success.” —@brycefromtheshelf, BookTok “ An emotional eye opener that will have the heart torn. … The Artist is a must read.” —Rachel Owens, BookTok “The plot twist at the end, I didn’t see coming at all and it left me wanting to know more! … A great novella!” —@booked.with.an.ali, BookTok The Artist is a gripping blend of Psychological Drama and Gothic Horror that illuminates the shattered-mirror reflections of a talented-but-tortured artist desperately trying to regain a part of himself that has been lost. This tightly-written story is darkly compelling and leads you effortlessly down his road of torture and darkness and his desperate search for redemption in light. Strong recommend. —ManOfTheAtom

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