The Gathering by CJ Tudor
4 April 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Review, CJ Tudor, fantay, murder-mystery, The Gathering
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Murder Mystery, Prejudice and Vampyrs
My first thoughts upon finishing The Gathering – I hope there is more yet to come from this world and these characters. What an unusual combination of murder mystery and vampyrs (I’m not spelling it wrong, that’s how it’s spelt in this story). This is no typical immortals story. The setting is dour, there is no glamour here or false romanticism and the vampyrs, well, they’re not movie versions. They are strong and fast, they live longer, although not forever as we witness in this story, they can recover from injuries that a human would not walk away from, they are. naturally, predators, but they’re also survivors and over the years have had to change in order to survive. There are more humans than vampyrs, and they are well armed.
Deadhart, Alaska. 873. Living.
Deadhart is a small Alaskan town. It’s a town of extremes. Cold weather, short days, few prospects and a back history of harsh brutality. This is a former mining town, no stranger to vampyrs, the occupants have had run ins before and have dealt with ‘matters’ themselves. However, in this more enlightened age, vampyrs being almost extinct, they are now protected and so we have a ‘colony’ of vampyrs living cheek by jowl with Deadhart. The situation is one of tension to say the least and so when a local teenager is murdered, and the signs clearly point to a vampyr attack, the gloves are off, the residents demand a culling and a special detective, Barbara Atkins, of the Forensic Vampyr Anthropology Department, is sent to investigate. Barbara is no pushover, she’s not going to simply rubber stamp the culling of an entire colony to satisfy some of the town’s more enthusiastic haters. She’s a determined woman and she’s going to investigate this killing thoroughly.
So, what did I love about this book.
Well, firstly, this isn’t a traditional vampyr story at all. The vampyrs here are more an analogy of minority groups and the abuse and prejudice they suffer. There’s a good degree of small mindedness and unwillingness to change. Something bad happens in Deadhart and the first reaction is to break out the torches and pitchforks and, well, questions can be asked later. There is plenty of bad blood between the town’s occupants and the vampyrs, they have a long history, that has not been forgotten, and to be honest, this is mostly one-sided, the town people hunting, killing and tormenting the vampyrs whenever they see fit.
As you may imagine, Barbara isn’t exactly welcomed with open arms and her work is not made easy by some but she is determined to uncover the truth. Barbara is a fantastic character. I really liked her. Her own story slowly unfolds and gives you a welcome insight about why she is so relentless in pursuit of the truth. She is eventually joined by a retired, former sheriff known as Tucker, who reluctantly returns to the role. They make a great team in more ways than one.
Tudor has totally nailed the small town feel of fear, prejudice, ignorance and tension. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife and you’re reading with this ever increasing fear that you know what is going to hit the fan and it’s going to be nasty.
I really liked the mystery aspects to the story. Barbara is a great investigator and her and Tucker make a good team, bouncing ideas off each other. His own story and knowledge of Deadhart are invaluable and Barbara is both clever and trustful of her own natural instincts. She immediately feels like something is ‘off’ about this killing and starts to dig deeper, eventually uncovering not only a horrific black market in vampyr artefacts, a brutal history concerning an establishment known as the ‘bone house’ but also a potential serial killer. There is some dark material here for sure but at the same time there’s almost a toned down delivery of the story that prevents it from becoming too bloody or unpalatable Like I said, this isn’t your typical vampyr story and the murder investigation is the main focus.
In conclusion, well this is another fantasy murder mystery that I couldn’t get enough of. I was glued to the page and gobbled this up in literally two sittings, staying up well into the night to read ‘just one more chapter’.
A really good start to what I hope will become something more. Fingers crossed that Barbara will grace the pages of another story where her investigative skills are put to good use.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4.5 of 5 stars
Gods of the Wyrdwood (Forsaken #1) by RJ Barker
1 April 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Review, Fantasy, fiction, Forsaken #1, Gods of the Wyrdwood, RJ Barker
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Fantastic World Building, Slow Pacing
RJ Barker is an author that I can’t recommend enough. I’ve loved his previous two series and so couldn’t wait to grab a copy of his latest. Set in a stunningly imagined world this is a cruel place to live, Gods wax and wane with indecent haste and the magic is fueled by death.
As it is, it took me a little while to get into this one, there’s a lot to take on board as the story begins and although I loved the writing the plot was a little slow to surface. I would counsel patience with this book. Take the time to absorb the detail and get a feel for the place, the characters and the way of life. This is a fascinating world that the author has created and in a sense it steals the show, making the plot and characters take a backseat for a while.
Our MC, Cahan du Nahere, was taken as a young boy to be raised as the ‘Chosen One’, the Cowl-Rai. Destined for greatness his fortunes fell and instead he took the path of a warrior before returning to the home that he briefly knew as a child. Clanless, and alone his is looked down upon by virtually everyone. The farm that he owns is hard work and hardly prosperous and yet he has to struggle to keep others from taking what is his. And, he also struggles to keep repressed the magic that bubbles just below the surface, always looking for a way to take control. Known by the local villages as Forester, he is respected – but in a very peevish and mistrustful way, called on for his knowledge whilst being frequently belittled.
The forests here are places of power. Packed with unusual flora and fauna nothing is ever quite what it seems and what may look like a peaceful glade in which to stay the night is quite likely a deadly trap waiting for an innocent traveller to stop for rest – never to be seen again. Mostly, nobody wanders into the forest unless it’s totally necessary, and then usually keeping to the margins.
The other characters of note are Udinny, a monk who has fallen from grace as her ‘God’ is no longer recognised. I actually enjoyed this particular character very much – she has an almost childlike curiosity and chatters incessantly, she definitely brought a much needed lighter element to the read. Venn, is a young boy who is waiting to bond with his Cowl – something that requires a level of violence that he doesn’t want to commit. He and Cahan’s paths will eventually cross ultimately leading to death and destruction.
I will say that I love the way this author writes. He has a wonderful turn of phrase that I really enjoy and he definitely has no shortage of imagination.
Overall, although I felt this one started a little slowly it does get into it’s stride and has a very dramatic finale. I think that when I first picked this book up I had the wrong frame of mind and also I think my expectations had led me in the wrong direction a little. I look forward to seeing where this series takes us next.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. I also purchased the audio version so that I could both read and listen. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 3.5 of 5 stars
The Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie Lumsden
29 February 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Review, fiction, Katie Lumsden, Mystery, reading, The Secrets of Hartwood Hall, Victorian gothic
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Gothic Victorian Mystery, Modern Style
The Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie Lumsden is one of my backlist books from the first half of last year. I’m trying to read at least one book from my unread review books each month, two if I can manage it, so far so good.
This was a very easy read. I liked the writing style and it was easy to sink into.
As the story begins we meet Margaret Lennox, recently widowed she has found herself in dire straits necessitating a return to the governess lifestyle she practiced before marrying. Margaret is on her way to Hartwood Hall, set deep in the English countryside, where she will be responsible for her sole charge, Louis. Lost in the woods the coachman stops at a local village to seek directions and it becomes obvious that the locals have nothing to do with the Manor or it’s mistress which immediately gives you a sense of foreboding.
I won’t give away too much of the story. We learn early on that Margaret’s employer has few servants working at the Hall, she is somewhat suspicious and in fact very protective of Louis making it very clear that Margaret must accompany him fastidiously. On top of this, entry into one of the wings of the Hall is forbidden – well, in the interests of safety as it is in a state of disrepair. The rest of the staff are very close knit and there is an overall feeling of secrecy and close lippedness that eventually makes Margaret somewhat paranoid. The Hall is dark and poorly lit and there are strange noises at night which eventually lead Margaret into jumpiness and an overall feeling of fear of the house in general.
I liked Margaret but I didn’t get along with her totally. She bonded really well with Louis which was a nice element to the story and felt very protective of him. Margaret herself, still in mourning, is carrying a secret of her own that plays on her mind and makes her anxious. Eventually, her story unfolds and it makes it a little more easy to understand the choices she makes. She needs to work. She has no other income and her lack of references for the more recent years plus the fact that she has problems hearing in one of her ears, following a childhood accident, limits her choices a little. Eventually, almost because of her fear of the house Margarent finds solace in the arms of the gardener, a younger man who is very good natured but is also keeping things from Margaret.
Overall, I found this a very easy read. I really enjoyed the writing. There are clearly nods to classic gothic fiction although nothing that feels over referenced. More a general feeling of an enjoyable gothic set in a slightly creepy manor house with a mystery surrounding not just the owner but a few of it’s occupants. That being said, this story, whilst in some ways feeling reminiscent of Victorian novels has a more modern inclination. The characters sometimes resort to more uptodate dialogue and the ending definitely feels more contemporary. On top of that Margaret is a little more reckless with her reputation than you might expect from a story of this period – but, there are very few staff available who might witness her indiscretions – so, hidden silver linings.
My only issue with this book was the ending. In some respects it felt a little rushed, also maybe a little busy particularly in comparison to the rest of the story and ultimately a little disappointing – or perhaps bittersweet might be a fairer description. I think I found it difficult to swallow Margaret’s reasoning come the end but this didn’t stop my enjoyment of the story in general.
In conclusion, this was a compelling read, well written and very atmospheric. I shall definitely read more by this author.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 3.5 of 5 stars (rounded to 4)
An Education in Malice by ST Gibson
14 February 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: An Education in Malice, Book Review, Books, Horror, ST Gibson, Vampires
My Five Word TL:DR Review : I wanted to love it
I don’t know whether I just over egged the pudding for myself with An Education in Malice and raised it up onto such a high pedestal that it was perhaps never going to be able to achieve those lofty heights but this didn’t work as well for me as I’d anticipated. Dark Academia. Obsession. Secret desires and vampires – so much promise that felt to me a little lacking in direction.
The story is brought to us by two of the central characters, Laura and Carmilla. The setting is a prestigious all girls school and the real hook of the piece is a Professor, known as DeLafontaine, who most of the girls seem desperate to please. To gain a place on one of her selective courses is practically impossible, only a few achieve it and the rivalry and jealousy is intense.
Laura is a new student at Saint Perpetua’s College. She is a shy naive girl who feels a little out of place amongst all these other seemingly worldly wise students. In particular Carmilla. Laura has managed to achieve the unthinkable, a place on DeLafontaine’s poetry course – a year early no less – and Carmilla, always the favourite pupil has her nose put out of joint when this latest newbie arrives and somewhat steals the show. We then have a love/hate relationship between the two, spurred on by the teacher in an attempt to lead them to new heights of brilliance.
So, I will say Immediately that I loved the writing for this. Gibson easily creates this fantastic gothic setting in the mind’s eye and its incredibly atmospheric and I confess that I found the story very easy to get into due to the lush style.
To be honest, I’m finding it really difficult to pin down what didn’t work so well for me with this. I mean, I don’t really want to be overly negative because it’s not a bad book, just something kept it from knocking my socks off.
I actually think there was too much going on – possibly slight spoilers ahead. We have the love hate relationship between Laura and Carmilla – which suddenly clicked into something much more – and, yes,it felt rushed, like a light switch being flicked on. One minute they hated each other, then the next they didn’t. Then you have this sideline infatuation that Carmilla has for the professor – and, lets just say it as it is, the professor is being very unprofessional to say the least and definitely taking advantage of both students. Okay, DeLafontaine is a vampire. This element of the story felt kind of unnecessary really – particularly as it eventually involved a return love interest from the past and a number of grisly murders on campus – all of which seemed to remain very low key, not to mention all too easily resolved.
Looking at the above, the relationship with Laura and Carmilla. I think this was supposed to have a sensual/borderline erotic feel. I found it a bit lacking in chemistry and in one particular scene it lost all credulity with one character acting in a way that didn’t feel plausible.
Then the vampire aspects. DeLafontaine came across almost like an immature child at times. Her emotions were up and down and she went from being a polished, in control professor to someone who was clearly jealous of her students’ relationship. I understand the underlying theme here is all about obsession and that does come across really well with an almost love triangle situation playing out – but, I think I hoped for something more controlling, or in control from DeLafontaine.
I think I’ll finish there. I realise this probably comes across as overly critical and that isn’t really my intention. This is beautifully written and I imagine that it will probably work better for some readers than it did for me.
I received a copy through Netgalley courtesy of the publishers, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 3 of 5 stars
The Briar Book of the Dead by AG Slatter
12 February 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: 'Gothic', AG Slatter, All the Murmuring Bones, Book Review, Fantasy, fiction, The Briar Book of the Dead, The Path of thorns
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Put Simply – Read This Book
AG Slatter has firmly placed herself onto my favourite authors list, I’ve loved all the books I’ve read so far (and perhaps need to take a jaunt back to those I’ve missed) and The Briar Book of the Dead is no exception. I practically inhaled this book. This is a deliciously gothic tale that brings to us a family of witches who have long protected the village in which they live from the darklands that lies at their border. Gothic-fantasy at it’s absolute best.
As the story begins we make the acquaintance of Ellie, the only Briar family member who doesn’t possess the family magic making her something of a second class citizen who needs to work extra hard to prove her worth. The Briars have much family lore that has been passed down from generation to generation. They avoided the witch hunt that so many others fell victim to by striking a deal with the church, one in which they protect the rest of the country being overrun by the leeches that live on the other side of their land – they also submitted to the scrutiny of a priest who sends regular reports to confirm that they are not practicing the dark arts but simply maintaining the villagers good health. The family are on the cusp of a change in power, one that threatens everything they’ve worked so hard to achieve and on top of that they are keeping secrets that are now threatening their very existence.
I don’t want to give away any more of the plot but instead discuss what worked so well for me with this book.
Firstly, I confess, I love stories about witches. I don’t know why but I simply do. Good witches, bad witches, old crones, sweet old granny types, they all work their magic on me and I’m just a sucker for such stories. So, you could be forgiven for thinking that I’m an easy touch and this was always going to win me over with ease. But, this is definitely not the case. Slatter has a fantastic imagination and a wonderful way with words. The way she tells her stories gives me this lovely sense of nostalgia that takes me back to childhood and bedtime fairytales – but, make no mistake, these stories are not for children. These stories are creepy, sometimes sinister and definitely on the dark side.
Secondly, the writing and the pacing are perfection. It’s like Goldilocks and the three bears finding her perfect bowl of porridge, it wasn’t too hot, it wasn’t too cold,it was just right. There are moments of drama, there are moments where the atmosphere could be cut with a knife, where the forests fall silent and something sinister seems to watch from the shadows. Then the plot really comes into its own and the tension ramps up.
On top of that I adored Ellie. She is such a relatable character. She cares about others but she’s not Snow White, she can be selfish and immature at times but she takes her role within the family seriously and although I personally think she should have reached certain conclusions in a slightly quicker fashion I also understand that her own niggling insecurities play a role in keeping her from questioning things too deeply and also, deep down, she knew something wasn’t quite right – which is why she was keeping her own secrets. She has a great sense of humour too which I always appreciate. Also, Ellie is about to discover something about herself that, well, I can’t tell you – you need to discover it for yourself, but I loved this element to the story. Sorry to be such a tease but I don’t want to be that person that chucks spoilers around like confetti.
I don’t know what else I can say to tempt you. Gothicky goodness, at times darkly disturbing, witches, ghosts and vampires (off page). An adult fairytale that knocked my socks off. What more can you possibly ask for? I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next and I admit I would love to visit the Darklands.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 5 of 5 stars
Books and travelling with Lynn 