Book Review: The Olympian Affair by Jim Butcher
Posted on November 6, 2023 22 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Olympian Affair by Jim Butcher
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of The Cinder Spires
Publisher: Ace (November 7, 2023)
Length: 656 pages
Author Information: Website
Eight years after the release of The Aeronaut’s Windlass, the sequel The Olympian Affair is finally here. Not going to lie; I’d almost lost hope that this book would ever be released, but of course now that I have read it, I am as content as can be. While I was worried that, after so long, my memory of the first book might have faded, I’m happy to report that getting back into the world of The Cinder Spires was easier than expected. In fact, the real challenge I faced was a slow first half.
But first, we catch up with protagonist Captain Francis Grimm as the approaching war threatens everything he cares about. His home of Spire Albion and their rival Spire Aurora have been at odds for a long time, and soon the might of their respective airship armadas, as well as the skills of the aeronauts who lead and crew them, will be tested.
However, things do not feel as dire initially as the story opens on a strange, curious note. Grimm and his crew aboard the Predator receive a call to check up on a colony, but they arrive to find it gone, completely destroyed by a mysterious force. In the meantime, it appears that a population of sentient talking cats had moved in. One of their representatives proceeds to make a bargain with the humans to reveal what happened to the colony in exchange for new territory for its clan. Here, the plot splits into two fronts, one which sees Spirearch guards Bridget Tagwynn and the warriorborn Benedict of House Lancaster embark on a mission of cat diplomacy, while Grimm continues towards Spire Olympia to attend an important trade summit where representatives from Spire Aurora will also be in attendance.
Unfortunately, one of these delegates is Rafe Valesco. An arrogant but immensely skilled duelist, he prides himself on never having lost a fight. And now he has it in for Grimm and his friend Commodore Alex Bayard. Despite their attempts to stay out of the skilled swordsman’s way, a public confrontation ultimately escalates to the point where duels to the death will become necessary to settle the matter.
Up until this point, it pains me to admit the book was quite challenging to get through—almost a struggle in places. Call me cranky, but maybe I’m just not a fan of cats-or-anything-cutesy as a central plot element, because the entire subplot involving Bridget, Benedict and Rowl felt like a timewaster, a self-indulgent treat for Jim Butcher whose love of cats is obvious. Of course, that’s not to say their chapters didn’t have their moments, because there was plenty of action and the cats were fantastic and full of sass. Still, I should think even the most fervent of cat lovers would agree, dedicating so many pages to push the overall story forward so little might be a bit much.
No, the real action starts when the dueling begins. I breathed a sigh of relief as the dam broke, giving way to the excitement of spire politics and the ruthless intrigue and maneuvering that it involves. While the worldbuilding places The Cinder Spires firmly in the realm of sci-fi steampunk, the story’s vibe is pure swashbuckling fantasy. I was delighted to find that the second half of The Olympian Affair managed to capture that same sense of wonder and adventure that made The Aeronaut’s Windlass such an exhilarating read. From soaring airships and sky-dwelling leviathans to high stakes duels atop floating platforms miles above the surface–it simply doesn’t get any better than this.
In short, despite a few early speed bumps where Butcher seemed overly focused on the side plot about the cats, the latter half of the book made it all worthwhile. In fact, I was quite impressed with the recovery. I went from practically forcing myself to keep pushing through the first half to not being able to read fast enough in the second. Leading up to the novel’s climax, the energy was on fire and in full swing, steering the narrative toward another brilliant conclusion.
I think it’s safe to say, if you enjoyed The Aeronaut’s Windlass, you’re likely to enjoy The Olympian Affair as well. Personally, I struggled with the first half, but if the talking cats end up being your favorite part, you may very well disagree. Regardless, here’s hoping that we don’t have to wait quite as long for the next book.
More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of The Aeronaut’s Windlass (Book 1)
Bookshelf Roundup 11/05/23: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads
Posted on November 5, 2023 24 Comments
Bookshelf Roundup is a feature I do every weekend which fills the role of several blog memes, like Stacking the Shelves where I talk about the new books I’ve added to my library or received for review, as well as It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? where I summarize what I’ve finished reading in the last week and what I’m planning to read soon. Mostly it also serves as a recap post, so sometimes I’ll throw in stuff like reading challenge progress reports, book lists, and other random bookish thoughts or announcements.
Received for Review
My thanks to the publishers and authors for the following review copies received, and be sure to click the links to their Goodreads pages for more details and full descriptions!
City in Ruins by Don Winslow (William Morrow): The third and final installment in the Danny Ryan mob thriller trilogy.
Saevus Corax Gets Away with Murder by K.J. Parker (Orbit): The Corax trilogy whose books are being released in rapid succession also comes to a close with this finale.
Betrayal by Phillip Margolin (Minotaur Books): A surprise arrival which turned out to be the seventh installment of the Robin Lockwood series. Legal thrillers aren’t really my thing, but anyone know anything about these books?
Blood Betrayal by Ausma Zehanat Khan (Minotaur Books): More betrayal! This is the second book of the Blackwater Falls series which is new to me, but I’ve read the author’s fantasy before.
The Last Girl Breathing by Court Stevens (Thomas Nelson): Eight years ago, Lucy’s little brother was swept away in a flood when a dam broke and she could not save him. Now her stepbrother is missing, and certain parallels lead Lucy to think the events could be connected.
The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose (Macmillan Audio): It’s the beginning of the month so that means a bunch of new listening copies. So excited about this follow-up to The Maid!
Only She Came Back by Margot Harrison (Hachette Audio): A YA thriller about a true crime junkie and her friendsihp with a high school classmate suspected of murdering her boyfriend.
The Ghosts of Beatrice Bird by Louisa Morgan (Hachette Audio): I would never pass up a chance to read more Louisa Morgan, and I hope this ghostly paranormal fantasy will be another winner.
The Beautiful and the Wild by Peggy Townsend (Penguin Audio): A chilling thriller and story of survival that takes place in the wilds of Alaska. I read the description and just couldn’t resist.
Reviews
We began this week with a couple of reviews to wrap up Spooktastic Reads and ended it with one to kick off ScifiMonth.
- 4.5 of 5 stars to The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
- 3.5 of 5 stars to Nestlings by Nat Cassidy
- 3.5 of 5 stars to Red River Seven by A.J. Ryan
Recent Reads
I spent almost the whole week reading The Olympian Affair, a hefty book at more than 600 pages. Even though it’s been years since the first book came out, getting back into the world was surprisingly easy. Not so easy was the first half of the book which went on and on and on without much happening, but then it was like a light switched on at that point and the rest was incredible! Still, I felt like I needed a break after that. Just for fun, I picked up Small Spaces by Katherine Arden, the first of her middle grade horror dark fantasy quartet of the same name. Her new book The Warm Hands of Ghosts is due out next February, five years since the conclusion of the lovely Winternight Trilogy. This MG series was what she had been working on in the interim, and I was curious to check it out.
Have you heard of or read any of the books featured this week? What caught your eye? Any new discoveries? I hope you found something interesting for a future read!
Book Review: Red River Seven by A. J. Ryan
Posted on November 3, 2023 16 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction, Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Orbit (October 10, 2023)
Length: 304 pages
Author Information: Website
Anthony Ryan does horror dystopian sci-fi? This I had to see! Writing under the pseudonym A. J. Ryan, the epic fantasy author behind books like the Raven’s Shadow and Covenant of Steel trilogies now brings us this haunting but briskly paced tale about a group of strangers who wake up on a boat with no memory of who are and no clue how they got there.
Red River Seven literally begins with a bang. A man jolts awake at the sound of the gunshot, disoriented and confused, becoming even more perturbed when he realizes the one who pulled the trigger now lies in a puddle of blood, dead by his own hand. There’s nothing on the deceased to establish his identity, save for a word tattooed on his wrist: “Conrad.” This makes the man look down at his own wrist, sees the word, “Huxley.”
Soon, it is revealed that there are five others with him on what appears to be a boat, one that is on some kind of autopilot and cannot be manually controlled. None of them can remember their names either, but all are rocking their own tattoo of a famous writer on their wrist. The others are Rhys, Plath, Pynchon, Golding, and Dickinson. As they contemplate their next steps, they come to the realization that despite their lack of personal memories, they possess the ability to recollect obscure facts. In this way, they are able to determine that each of them holds expertise in a highly specific field, apparently gathered together for a specific purpose. But what might that be? And why?
As you can imagine, I was completely hooked from the start. What sets it apart is Ryan’s remarkable talent for world-building, as anyone who has read his fantasy novels can attest. The setting of Red River Seven might not be as fleshed out, given the limited view we have through the perspectives of characters who are suffering from amnesia, but I felt the weight of the atmosphere all the same. The sensation was both immersive and claustrophobic; you could practically feel the waves of tension, dread, and mistrust emanating from the characters as they grappled with their predicament.
Of course, the premise is not exactly original, but mystery readers will feel quite at home with the way this plot unfolds. The narrative seamlessly weaves in elements of horror, evoking a sense of impending doom as this boatful of strangers chug their way towards an unknowable destination through a thick red fog. I could practically hear the chilling horror soundtrack playing in the background as events take increasingly bizarre turns—like a trilling phone breaking the silence, a robotic voice on the other end of the line issuing strange and sometimes violent instructions, or the spine-tingling, almost inhuman cries that reach them through the impenetrable mists. All that’s to say, despite the familiar themes, there are indeed some innovative takes.
When the answers finally do come, however, they might disappoint the experienced dystopian fiction reader. And the relatively short length and snappy pace of the book can also be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it was a quick read which kept me turning the pages for much of the novel, but on the other, it leaves some aspects of the ending feeling underexplored. As entertaining as it is, I also doubt it will resonate or as long or as powerfully as the author’s epic fantasy work.
Nevertheless, Red River Seven remains a thrilling read that strikes a good balance between speed and suspense, and Anthony Ryan aka A. J. Ryan has proven himself capable and flexible with many genres. While I don’t think the story itself will leave a lasting impression on me long term, reading it in the moment was undoubtedly a rollercoaster of an experience.
Blasting Off for SciFiMonth 2023!
Posted on November 2, 2023 26 Comments
And just like that, November is upon us again, which means so is Sci-Fi Month! As you’ve no doubt already noticed, coverage has already started and in full swing. In 2023, the event is entering its 11th year, this time hosted by imyril of There’s Always Room For One More, Lisa of Dear Geek Place, and also welcoming aboard Annemieke of A Dance With Books and Mayri the BookForager.
The BiblioSanctum will be joining other bloggers, authors, and readers in a month-long celebration of everything science fiction, but that doesn’t mean you will stop seeing other genres covered here as well. In fact, my sci-fi reading list is decidedly lighter than previous Novembers, as there just doesn’t seem to be as many releases on my radar this year. Still, here’s some of what I’m hoping I’ll be able to cover, and it involves a mix of a highly anticipated new releases as well as titles that came out earlier in the year:
The organizers have also arranged for some pretty exciting features like giveaways, readalongs, and a whole lot of other fun activities if you are in need of some inspiration. So if this is something you’re interested in taking part of, head on over to the sign up.
Also, the great thing about Sci-Fi Month is that it’s a casual, low-pressure event. It has no deadlines, no specific challenges or quotas to meet–just a month of fun to enjoy, discuss, and share everything science fiction. Sci-Fi Month is whatever you make it, and you are welcome to join anytime.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a banner (the graphics are really on point this year!) and come explore the wonders of science fiction with us! And if you’re taking part in Sci-Fi Month, what are you plans this year?
Waiting on Wednesday 11/01/23
Posted on November 1, 2023 14 Comments
Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that first originated at Breaking the Spine but has since linked up with “Can’t Wait Wednesday” at Wishful Endings now that the original creator is unable to host it anymore. Either way, this fun feature is a chance to showcase the upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick
Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky (June 4, 2024 by Tordotcom)
“Murderbot meets Redshirts in a delightfully humorous tale of robotic murder from the Hugo-nominated author of Elder Race and Children of Time.
To fix the world they must first break it, further.
Humanity is a dying breed, utterly reliant on artificial labor and service.
When a domesticated robot gets a nasty little idea downloaded into its core programming, they murder their owner. The robot discovers they can also do something else they never did before: they can run away.
Fleeing the household they enter a wider world they never knew existed, where the age-old hierarchy of humans at the top is disintegrating into ruins and an entire robot ecosystem devoted to human wellbeing is having to find a new purpose.
Sometimes all it takes is a nudge to overcome the limits of your programming.”
Audiobook Review: Nestlings by Nat Cassidy
Posted on October 31, 2023 11 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Macmillan Audio (October 31, 2023)
Length: 13 hrs and 4 mins
Author Information: Website
Narrator: Cassandra Campbell
Nestlings by Nat Cassidy begins with a compelling premise. When young couple Ana and Reid received news that they had won the affordable housing lottery at the Deptford, one of the most prestigious apartment buildings in Manhattan, they thought things were finally going their way. For a long time, they had struggled with infertility, until rounds of expensive IVF led to the birth of their daughter Charlie almost a year ago. But the delivery had been fraught with complications, and in an extremely rare occurrence, Ana’s legs became paralyzed, leaving her in a wheelchair postpartum. The last eleven months were a very difficult time for the family, especially during the early weeks when Ana could not do as much to care for Charlie because she needed constant care herself.
Gradually, Ana and Reid adjusted to life with a newborn while also trying to make everything in their environment more accessible. It was this latter concern that almost led them to turn down their spot at the Deptford, an older building that isn’t exactly wheelchair friendly. Still, in the end, it was decided that if they’ve weathered all the challenges that came before, then surely, they can make this work as well. However, what neither of them anticipated were the secrets they held from each other. Ana doesn’t want to admit that a part of her blames Charlie for what happened to her, because what kind of mother feels hatred towards her own child? For his part, Reid also won’t ever let slip how he truly feels about those first few months having to take care of Ana, resenting his wife for needing so much care when he was already taking on the brunt of the parental responsibilities. Over time, beneath the daunting presence of the Deptford, these bitter feelings slowly eat away at the core of their relationship and lives.
When the pressure finally leads Reid to lose his job, a chance encounter leads him to work for a resident in the building, an older woman with an enduring sense of elegance by the name of Camilla Varné. Fascinated with the Deptford, Reid is excited when he is invited into her inner circle of longtime residents, eager to find out more about the building. Meanwhile, Ana is reaching the end of her wits with Charlie, who is displaying increasingly erratic behavior. After she bites another baby at her first birthday party, Ana and Reid become worried that something is seriously wrong.
In Nat Cassidy’s note at the end of the book, he reveals why he wrote Nestlings, including multiple sources of inspiration. Unsurprisingly, the bulk of it came from his own experiences during the uncertain time of the pandemic when the whole world was in lockdown and people all over stewed in their stresses, grief, and discontent. Both Ana and Reid felt like their allegories, simmering pots of rage and frustration on the verge of boiling over. Then, there was the author’s faith. Cassidy hints at the notion of a Jewish vampire story, which I won’t delve into in order to keep some things about the plot a surprise, but it was definitely one of the more interesting tidbits I learned about the novel’s creative origins.
As you’d probably expect, a lot of the horror inspiration also came from the masters like Stephen King as well as classic films, with Rosemary’s Baby coming immediately to mind. As I’ve noted before elsewhere, 2023 seems to be the year for birth trauma and parturition horror novels. Sensitive readers should take note that Nestlings might be hard to read if you don’t like stories involving complications during pregnancy and birth, or harm to babies and young children.
Plotwise, I found the concept behind Nestlings intriguing, as I said, though after a while it became easy to guess where the mystery was going. I enjoyed the book quite a lot until the point where everything I already knew or predicted was revealed, leaving nothing to sustain the momentum for the rest of the story. Around the three quarters mark was where the energy rather fizzled out, and my initial enthusiasm waned for the book’s conclusion compared to my excitement at the outset.
I also never warmed to either Reid or Ana, though I suspect their unlikeable qualities were by intentional design. Your feelings for them were definitely meant to change between the beginning and the end, though personally I found them off-putting from the start, and mostly just felt sorry for the baby.
Ultimately, I think Nestlings will be a great book for a lot of people, but it was not quite there for me for the aforementioned reasons. Among all the books I’ve read this year dealing with horror birth stories and malevolent babies, this one probably falls on the more average side of the spectrum.
Audiobook Comments: Narrator Cassandra Campbell is a perpetual favorite of mine, and I never have any complaints about her performances. Still, I think the Nestlings audiobook could have been improved with the addition of one or more readers, just to make it feel more immersive. Nevertheless, Campbell managed all the voices by herself quite impressively.
Book Review: The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
Posted on October 30, 2023 15 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Gallery/Saga Press (October 31, 2023)
Length: 576
Author Information: Website
Tananarive Due’s The Reformatory is a chilling, thought-provoking novel that was at times an uncomfortable read, not just because it was a ghostly tale of horror but also because of the way it portrays the brutal realities of 1950’s Jim Crow.
In this story, we follow the harrowing journey of Robbie Stephens, Jr., a twelve-year-old black boy from Florida who receives a six-month sentence at the Gracetown School for Boys, a reformatory. His crime? Defending his older sister, Gloria, from the unwanted advances of Lyle McCormick, son of the town’s most influential landowner. Never mind that the younger, smaller Robbie was hardly in a position to seriously harm Lyle, his act of kicking a white boy was an offense that could not be overlooked by either Red McCormick or the town’s judge.
But Gloria, older and wiser, knows there is more to the situation. Her and Robbie’s father, Robert Stephens Sr., had run away to Chicago after being falsely accused of raping a white woman when it became clear there was no chance at a fair trial. By locking up his son, the authorities are sending a message to Robert Sr. while trying to destroy his family. Realizing this, Gloria tirelessly mobilizes every contact and resource she has to fight for her little brother’s freedom before the horrors of the reformatory can swallow him up.
Meanwhile, Robbie begins his nightmarish ordeal at the Gracetown School and discovers, quite traumatically, that he also possesses a unique gift—the ability to see ghosts. Guided by the new friendships he makes with the other ill-fated boys at the institution, he learns about the harsh rules and the draconian ways of Warden Haddock, as well as the tragic, violent history of the school. Many deaths have occurred here over the years, including twenty-five boys who perished three decades ago in a great fire. Now Robbie is seeing their spirits, or haints, who seem determined to communicate with him, to tell him how to bring them peace.
In the author’s note at the end of the novel, Tananarive Due talks about how The Reformatory was based on Florida’s Dozier School for Boys, a reform school that has been the inspiration for many a horror story because of the very real accounts of terrible abuse, violence, and death that occurred there. These have left an indelible mark, not only on the pages of history, but on the pages of this work of fiction as well. While Due admits to taking plenty of artistic liberties, the disturbing authenticity that lingers from knowing such an awful place actually existed certainly makes this novel feel even more unsettling.
The narrative is told through alternating between Robbie and Gloria’s points of view, depicting their parallel struggles. Admittedly, I was a little less enthusiastic about Gloria’s chapters at first, because her role was so heavily involved in the legal aspects of trying to rescue her brother from the reformatory, diverting the story away from the horror elements. But gradually, as Gloria’s efforts take her into increasingly riskier territory, she encounters pushback and adversaries who pose a significant threat of their own.
But on the whole, The Reformatory is primarily focused on Robbie’s experiences within Gracetown, and his chapters are both riveting and terrifying. Life is grim, whether you are black or white, but because of Robbie’s special ability, he has drawn the attention of Warden Haddock, one of the nastiest villains you’ll ever meet. Robbie is put in a very difficult position, fighting to survive against the cruelty of Haddock’s men as well as the frightening demands of the restless haints.
Throughout the book, Due also weaves a chilling depiction of the racism during the Jim Crow era. These themes, infused with the supernatural elements of a haunted reform school, make it much more than just a brilliant horror novel, as it is also a poignant look into the enduring traumas of the past. If you’re looking for a mix of horror and history that will linger with you, I highly recommend The Reformatory.
Bookshelf Roundup 10/29/23: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads
Posted on October 29, 2023 16 Comments
Bookshelf Roundup is a feature I do every weekend which fills the role of several blog memes, like Stacking the Shelves where I talk about the new books I’ve added to my library or received for review, as well as It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? where I summarize what I’ve finished reading in the last week and what I’m planning to read soon. Mostly it also serves as a recap post, so sometimes I’ll throw in stuff like reading challenge progress reports, book lists, and other random bookish thoughts or announcements.
Received for Review
My thanks to the publishers and authors for the following review copies received, and be sure to click the links to their Goodreads pages for more details and full descriptions!
Enchanted Hill by Emily Bain Murphy (Union Square & Co.): A new-to-me historical mystery set in 1930s California, a private investigator poses as a maid at a Hollywood magnate’s estate in order to collect the damning evidence she needs for a case. I would love to give this one a try if I get some time this fall.
The Temple of Fortuna by Elodie Harper (Union Square & Co.): This is the final installment of The Wolf Den trilogy which follows the life a courtesan in ancient Pompeii, and I cannot wait to read this! As the description states, “it is 79 CE, and the mighty Mount Vesuvius is about to make itself known…”
The Graveyard Shift by Maria Lewis (Datura): Angry Robot’s mystery and crime imprint has been putting out some interesting books, and I have my eye on this one about a horror-themed radio show host who becomes the target of a killer when one of her callers is murdered live on air.
The Frame-Up by Gwenda Bond (Del Rey): It’s been years since I’ve read a book by Gwenda Bond but I remember it being a pleasure! Looking forward to reading this paranormal tale about a magically gifted con artist who must put together a heist with her estranged mother’s old crew.
The Paleontologist by Luke Dumas (Simon & Schuster Audio): I first learned about this book on Tammy’s blog, and while it looked tempting, I also already have a lot of books on my plate. But when I saw it pop up for request this month, I just couldn’t help myself. Who can resist a haunted museum?
A Season of Monstrous Conceptions by Lina Rather (RB Media): 2023 is the year of birth trauma and parturition horror, apparently. And cosmic horror! This one intrigues me, and since it’s only a novella, it should be a quick listen.
Something else that arrived this week, it’s The Sunlit Man by Brandon Sanderson, the final of the four books in his Secret Projects Kickstarter! Hands down, this has been the best campaign I’ve ever backed, with quality beautiful hardbound books which have all arrived pretty much on time. As a huge Sanderson fan, I’m beyond thrilled to add them to my collection.
Reviews
This past week, we continued our Spooktastic Reads coverage with a trio of horror reviews.
- 4 of 5 stars to The Sight by Melanie Golding
- 3 of 5 stars to A Haunting on the Hill by Elizabeth Hand
- 3 of 5 stars to Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas
Recent Reads
And speaking of horror, I managed to finish The Reformatory and Nestlings, both of which are releasing next week just in time for Halloween. In prepartion for November Sci-Fi Month, I also read Red River Seven, which was quick and entertaining.
Have you heard of or read any of the books featured this week? What caught your eye? Any new discoveries? I hope you found something interesting for a future read!
Audiobook Review: A Haunting on the Hill by Elizabeth Hand
Posted on October 27, 2023 11 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
A Haunting on the Hill by Elizabeth Hand
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Hachette Audio (October 3, 2023)
Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
Author Information: Website
Narrator: Carol Monda
In Elizabeth Hand’s A Haunting on the Hill, protagonist Holly Sherwin is a struggling playwright who is hoping to find new inspiration outside of her dead-end job teaching English in New York City. A promising opportunity soon presents itself in the form of a grant to produce “Witching Night,” a new play she had recently written about a 17th century woman who makes a Faustian deal with the devil who comes to her in the guise of a big black dog. Hence, upon discovering an abandoned and delightfully spooky mansion nestled along a lonely road out in the remote country, Holly decides she has found the perfect place to hold rehearsals.
After wasting no time contacting the house’s owner to make the arrangements, she moves in with her modest crew. In addition to Holly, there is her girlfriend Nisa, singer and songwriter extraordinaire who will also be working on the play; Stevie, a sound director and actor who will be taking on the role of the devil in “Witching Night”; and finally, Amanda, a washed-up actress who is hoping Holly’s production will put her back in the spotlight following a scandal that all but ruined her career.
However, none of the guests find themselves too comfortable in the house which will be their home for the next few weeks. Even the caretakers, who for years have maintained the property for its secretive owner, refuse to stay in the house, not even for one night. Exploring the grounds around the mansion, Holly comes across a strange breed of large black hares that keep popping up to smile their eerie, blood-stained human-like teeth at her And then there’s the crazy knife-wielding neighbor lady who doesn’t seem at all pleased with the crew moving in. The house itself also seems alive with a malevolent energy, buzzing with unexplained noises and strange occurrences.
The rest, you can probably guess. Like many others, I suspect, my interest was first piqued when I read the publisher description and saw the following quote: “first-ever authorized novel to return to the world of Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House.” Admittedly, my expectations also went through the roof at this, though looking back, I probably shouldn’t have overhyped myself. Clearly, it was the author’s duty to carry on the original novel’s legacy and tradition, a book which had so influenced and defined the haunted house genre. As such, it also shouldn’t have been surprising when A Haunting on the Hill failed to introduce anything remarkably new or groundbreaking into the mix.
That said, it’s worth noting that the characters are entirely fresh faces. They brought a different kind of dynamic to the table, even if I found them insufferably self-inflated and naïve because they mostly fit the mold of your stereotypical “artsy city folk.” On the bright side, this did make it all the more entertaining to witness the house drive their minds to madness and push them to their limits.
Ultimately, this book would be perfect if you’re looking for a haunted house book that echoes the timeless classic. In that regard, it was enjoyable, if also conventional and safe. Credit to Elizabeth Hand though, her writing was skillful in managing to nail the familiar creepy ambience of Hill House, even if it’s simply in a “retreading of familiar territory” kind of way. At the end of the day, A Haunting on the Hill can be viewed as a respectful homage to Shirley Jackson’s iconic work, a fine read for fans of the original even if it might not leave a lasting impression.
Audiobook Notes: Great narration by Carol Monda, and I appreciated the little touches like sound effects (though I would have liked to hear even more).
Waiting on Wednesday 10/25/23
Posted on October 25, 2023 10 Comments
Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that first originated at Breaking the Spine but has since linked up with “Can’t Wait Wednesday” at Wishful Endings now that the original creator is unable to host it anymore. Either way, this fun feature is a chance to showcase the upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher (August 20, 2024 by Tor Books)
“From USA Today bestselling author T. Kingfisher comes A Sorceress Comes to Call―a dark retelling of the Brothers Grimm’s Goose Girl, rife with secrets, murder, and forbidden magic.
Cordelia knows her mother is . . . unusual. Their house doesn’t have any doors between rooms―there are no secrets in this house―and her mother doesn’t allow Cordelia to have a single friend. Unless you count Falada, her mother’s beautiful white horse. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is on her daily rides with him.
But more than simple eccentricity sets her mother apart. Other mothers don’t force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t sorcerers.
After a suspicious death in their small town, Cordelia’s mother insists they leave in the middle of the night, riding away together on Falada’s sturdy back, leaving behind all Cordelia has ever known. They arrive at the remote country manor of a wealthy older man, the Squire, and his unwed sister, Hester. Cordelia’s mother intends to lure the Squire into marriage, and Cordelia knows this can only be bad news for the bumbling gentleman and his kind, intelligent sister.
And indeed Hester sees the way Cordelia shrinks away from her mother. How the young girl sits eerily still at dinner every night. Hester knows that to save her brother from bewitchment and to rescue the terrified Cordelia, she will have to face down a wicked witch of the worst kind.”
The BiblioSanctum 