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Cover of The Claus Effect

The Claus Effect

David Nickle; Karl Schroeder (1997)

SubgenreSpace Opera
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingR
Pages (Standard (250-400))
Setting
CSM age18+
Goodreads3.68

Content levels

ViolenceStrong
Sexual contentNone
LanguageModerate

Hero archetypes

Soldier / Marine

Heroine archetypes

Coming-of-Age Heroine

Protagonist archetypes

Duo / PartnersVengeance-Driven

Synopsis

The Claus Effect is a continuation of "The Toy Mill", the 1993 Aurora-Award-winning story about a malevolent, post-industrial-revolution Santa Claus and Emily, the little girl whose wish to be a Christmas Elf nearly destroys the world. The Claus Effect takes up eight years later, when events propel teen-aged Emily and West Point cadet Neil Nyman on a breakneck journey through suburban shopping malls, Ontario cottage country, and the frigid northern wastes of the former Soviet Union - battling displaced Cossacks, blue-blooded cottagers and homicidal, down-sized elves along the way. Finally, they must face down the terrifying about Christmas, the New World Order - and the Claus Effect.

Tags

Dark FantasyScience Fiction HorrorSatireChristmas Horror

The Claus Effect: content & age rating

Intended for adult readers (18+).

This dark sci-fi/fantasy hybrid features homicidal elves, a malevolent Santa Claus, and strong violence throughout including battles with displaced Cossacks and murderous creatures. The premise of a child nearly destroying the world creates disturbing horror elements.

What to know going in

This book has strong violence, no sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include child harm, mass death, and violence.

Who'll love this

Teens will be intrigued by the twisted take on Christmas mythology and the breakneck action adventure across multiple countries.