Of Godlike Men, by Molly Colton—Book Review

Molly Colton’s “Of Godlike Men” marks a bold entry into Southern Gothic literature, intertwining supernatural elements with the historical fabric of 1900s Florida. The novel centers on Griffin Quade’s return to his family’s tobacco plantation – a prodigal son with uncanny abilities that both aid and isolate him. Unlike many works in the genre, which either embrace crushing realism or lean heavily on overt mysticism, Colton allows her supernatural elements to emerge gradually and subtly, unfolding through the heat-soaked atmosphere of plantation life.

In “Of Godlike Men,” Griffin Quade is our protagonist, whose mysterious supernatural abilities both define and complicate his existence. Descended from Ariss, a mystical “bender,” Griffin possesses an extraordinary capacity to manipulate natural elements, influence perceptions, and heal psychological wounds. His powers emerge as a complex inheritance—at once a gift and a curse—that sets him apart from ordinary people. A large part of the conflict of the book is Griffin’s struggle to understand, control and integrate into society with these abilities.

Despite being over 500 pages long, “Of Godlike Men” is beautifully written throughout. Colton excels at the tactile details of plantation life: the sensory richness of the scent of tobacco leaves and the creak of cypress floorboards. The novel’s descriptive strength lies in its ability to transport readers into the oppressive heat of a Florida summer, with prose that practically makes readers feel the sticky humidity clinging to their skin.

At its heart, the novel explores how generational trauma shapes lives. Our protagonist, Griffin Quade’s complex inheritance – part human, part mystical – mirrors the broader narrative of a changing Southern landscape, where traditional plantation life collides with emerging modern realities. The relationship between Griffin and his mother Georgeanne provides much of the emotional core of the story. Their scenes crackle with unspoken guilt as they navigate her recovery from laudanum addiction. Likewise, the mysterious Ariss, who claims to be Griffin’s otherworldly father, embodies the novel’s central tensions between power and responsibility.

The pacing occasionally meanders, such as in early chapters that could better balance exposition with forward momentum. The “ghost gator” subplot in particular could have been better integrated with the main narrative threads. Nonetheless, where the book truly distinguishes itself is in its refusal to morally simplify its supernatural elements. Griffin’s abilities and Ariss’s nature resist easy categorization as blessing or curse, divine or demonic. This ambiguity extends to human relationships – even seemingly overtly villainous characters later reveal compelling motivations.

“Of Godlike Men” is a haunting American gothic narrative that uses supernatural elements to explore free will, family loyalty, and power’s intricate dynamics. This debut illuminates the psychological depths of post-Reconstruction Florida, blending social commentary with otherworldly fantasy. Colton’s imaginative storytelling and immersive historical backdrop establish her as a compelling new literary voice in historical fantasy, transforming familiar gothic tropes into something compellingly original.

You can buy “Of Godlike Men” by Molly Colton here.