Erik Kriek – författare

In the pines, in the pines, where the sun never shines and we shiver when the cold wind blows.For over a century, the murder ballad has held a prominent place in American roots music, although its origins lie in Britain and Scandinavia. These songs tell raw stories of unrequited love, betrayal, violence, life, and death. Inspired by classics of the genre such as "Pretty Polly" and "Long Black Veil," as well as contemporary songs by Steve Earle, Nick Cave, and Gillian Welch, Erik Kriek has crafted five graphic narratives that embody the spirit of the murder ballad tradition and prove that the deepest darkness harbors tales that daylight would never tolerate.Eerie, bloody, wistful, and strange, In the Pines will lead you down to the very heart of the forest - where the wild roses grow and where the ghosts wander, their long-buried secrets unfurling in song.

After seven years of exile, battle-hardened Hallstein Thordsson returns home to Iceland, only to find that old wounds haven't healed. His stepmother Solveig and his half-brother Ottar are besieged by wood thieves, directed by her unwelcome suitor, Einar. The Exile's presence disrupts the delicate balance and threatens to tip all of Iceland into violence. A remarkable decades-spanning epic, Erik Kriek's The Exile is equal parts action “Western” and family drama, with a surprising story of violence and consequences at its core. Told in a naturalistic modern style but with tremendous fidelity to the historical period in which it is set, The Exile depicts the Viking age in all of its conflict, turmoil, and social structure, with every detail depicted vividly on the page. Hailing from the Netherlands, Kriek is an internationally-decorated illustrator known for his work on In the Pines (2015) and Gutsman. Lushly told with gorgeous traditionally-drawn brush work, and a limited palette illustration style reminiscent of the great three-color illustrators of the 1940s and 50s, Kriek's art is alternately breezy and gritty, but always stunning, whether he's depicting a full-blown Viking battle or a wearying sea voyage. Praise for Erik Kriek's In the Pines: Murder Ballads (2018)-"...a beautiful and eerie collection, filled with betrayals, revenge, and exceptional visual storytelling." - Publishers Weekly "...Kriek’s work is so lyrical and innate in its study of violence and human nature..." - Carl Doherty, Shelf Abuse "... a stylish first outing." - Bookmunch " ...disturbing, macabre, yet beautiful and is likely to appeal to fans of shows like Twin Peaks and Hannibal which are known for blending stunning visuals with twisted storylines. [...] a gorgeous and unusual addition to your bookshelf." - GeekMom