Stallo

by Stefan Spjut
Stallo cover
Good Books rating 3.81
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  • ID: 405
  • Added: 2025-09-10
  • Updated: 2025-09-10
  • Formats: 34
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
app.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-09-25
compelling 4.50

Stallo blends Scandinavian folklore with a modern detective noir thriller, exploring the dark and complex relationship between humans and ancient shapeshifting beings. The story is compelling, with well-developed characters and a gripping narrative that questions the nature of good and evil.

Stallo by Stefan Spjut is a unique blend of Scandinavian folklore and modern detective noir, weaving a tale that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The story follows Susso Myrén, an amateur cryptozoologist, as she investigates the existence of ancient shapeshifting beings known as Stallo. These creatures, rooted in Sami folklore, are initially portrayed as malevolent entities responsible for kidnappings and other dark deeds. However, as the narrative unfolds, the line between human and supernatural evil blurs, leaving readers to question who the real threat is. The novel is richly told, with razor-sharp characterisation and a gripping plot that moves rapidly across Sweden, tying together past and present in a compelling manner. It's a story that dares to ask profound questions about belief, connections, and the nature of good and evil, delivering a satisfying yet open-ended conclusion that leaves much to ponder.

Quick quotes

    The truth, as always, is far darker and more complex than that, but as Stallo’s utterly-engrossing tale unfolds and zips forward to 2004, Spjut’s skilfully gives us cause to wonder whether its trolls or humans who are the more malevolent of beings.

    Refreshingly Stallo mixes up the usual Scandi-noir vibe and narrative by artfully weaving tales of the Sami’s villainous trolls of old in such a way that they become essential characters in a story which moves rapidly up and down the length and breadth of Sweden, as the sighting of one ancient-looking man escalates into tales of kidnapping, attempted murder, lost lives and the ancient careering very much with the modern.

    It doesn’t glibly serve up the usual suspects presented in a pedestrian manner where the obvious is the order of the day; instead it dares to ask the question, one that powers it through to its engaging, often thrilling and viscerally-satisfying end, who is the greatest threat — ancient being or man, and is life ever as simple as we would like to believe?

sparklyprettybriiiight.com · Unknown · 2016-10-30
captivating 4.00

Stallo by Stefan Spjut is an atmospheric supernatural thriller that blends crime, horror, and fantasy elements. The story, set in two different time periods, revolves around mysterious disappearances and strange creatures, creating a sense of unease and intrigue.

Stallo by Stefan Spjut is a captivating supernatural thriller that weaves together elements of crime, horror, and fantasy. The novel opens with the disappearance of a young boy in 1978, which is later linked to strange events involving a woman and her grandson decades later. The story follows Susso Myren, who is determined to uncover the truth behind these mysterious occurrences. The book builds a strong atmosphere of unease and intrigue, making it a gripping read. However, the pacing slows down in the middle, and the book could have benefited from being shorter. Despite this, the unique premise and interesting characters make Stallo a compelling read that blends local myths and folklore with the supernatural.

Quick quotes

    There was something wrong with them,” she says…”They were sick. Do you understand?

    She had come too close. Others might have suspected something in the past, but this was different.

    Every so often he caught a glittering pair of eyes that slid away…

theowlonthebookshelf.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2016-06-18
exciting 4.00

Stallo is a dark fantasy novel with cryptozoological elements, praised for its compelling characterisation and attention to detail. The story, set in Sweden, involves a mysterious creature and a paranormal investigator, with a slow build-up that culminates in an exciting finale.

Stallo by Stefan Spjut is a dark fantasy novel that spans nearly 600 pages, offering a rich and immersive experience. The narrative begins with a young boy's encounter with a giant and then jumps to 2004, following two main plot threads. One involves Susso Myrén, who runs a paranormal website and is drawn to investigate a mysterious creature, while the other follows a gang led by Lennart, who is involved in covering up the activities of 'old-timers' and 'shifters'. The story is praised for its detailed characterisation and the intriguing elements of Swedish life, although the prose can sometimes be long-winded. The final act is particularly exciting and seems ripe for a film adaptation.

Quick quotes

    Spjut’s effort isn’t a horror story but a dark fantasy with heavy cryptozoological elements.

    And, when the final act truly kicks in, it’s seriously exciting stuff that’s, of course, just begging to be filmed, and surely will be.

    the attention to characterisation and detail is unusually compelling.

theclothesline.com.au · Unknown · 2015-07-21
mixed 2.75

The book's strength lies in its setting and the creepy portrayal of supernatural creatures, but its length and excessive detail make it a slog for many readers. The characters and plot are engaging but get lost in the meticulous descriptions.

Many readers appreciate the atmospheric setting and the intriguing concept of the stallo, finding the supernatural elements both believable and chilling. However, the book's length and the author's tendency to over-describe every detail often make the reading experience tedious. The numerous characters and their complex relationships can be confusing, and the slow pacing doesn't help. While the writing is technically strong and the character development is solid, the excessive detail and slow burn make it a challenging read for some. Those who enjoy slow-paced, atmospheric mysteries might find it rewarding, but others may struggle to stay engaged.

Quick quotes

    A slow burner but a very engaging tale. The supernatural creatures in this book--the stallo--are utterly believable and more than a bit creepy.

    Great central idea here, and in theory a compelling story, but as so many others have said, it's so long and it becomes a slog.

    I was thinking of giving this two stars because it's not poorly written and in terms of technical elements it holds well enough together. However, the degree to which this book bored me far beyond anything else I have ever read in my entire life could not bring me beyond one star.

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