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Rituals & Grimoires: Gothic Tales of Dark Magic and Wizardry
A seer’s dance descends through mist and time…
Within this grimoire rests a collection of magical tales, most Gothic. Full of witches, ghosts, and spellcasters both ancient and new, these stories will thrill and haunt you like the very creatures they summon. Whether you love magic, mayhem, or something in between, these tales will cast their spell on you and hold your mind captive, well after the book has closed. Featuring spells and poetry by Melanie Whitlock.
Within this grimoire rests a collection of magical tales, most Gothic. Full of witches, ghosts, and spellcasters both ancient and new, these stories will thrill and haunt you like the very creatures they summon. Whether you love magic, mayhem, or something in between, these tales will cast their spell on you and hold your mind captive, well after the book has closed. Featuring spells and poetry by Melanie Whitlock.
198 pages, Paperback
Published March 16, 2023
1 person is currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra L. Thompson
28 books298 followersGothic horror lover Cassandra L. Thompson has been creating stories since she got her grubby little hands around a pen. When she is not busy managing a house full of feral children (human and canine) with her beloved husband, you can find her wandering around cemeteries, taking pictures of abandoned things, or in the library researching her latest obsession. She has a B.A. in History and an MLIS, but she ignores her degrees to focus on writing and running Quill & Crow Publishing House, both of which require copious amounts of coffee and Crows.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 27, 2023
Given that I am mainly a Horror genre reader, I try to keep an open mind with regards other subject matters and occasionally read books that are firmly in other genres but which lean in towards Horror. With that in mind, when the call came from Quill and Crow for their anthology of Gothic tales of Magic and Wizardry, I grabbed a copy and tried to open my mind once more to that fantasy element.
I’ll say straight up, this wasn’t my thing. The leaning to Horror was in some cases more apparent than others, but this anthology is dark fantasy orientated. There were some stories in here that I liked, that had a rawer edge to them, and I’ll call them out below. Interspersed between all the shorts, are poems that are “spells” of one sort or another. I liked the idea of them, but I also have to say I’m also not too much into poetry – they were there, I read them, I couldn’t say any of them struck a chord in me – and they were a nice break from the shorts, but ultimately I think for me, as a reader, they didn’t add or detract from the shorts.
The opener, Liber/Mortis by Reagan Olivia, was actually a strong short, a great pov (that of the grimoire itself), and set the rest of the book up wonderfully. I hate to say it, but it raised my expectations for the rest of the book, that weren’t really realized.
Madness and Mercy by Nicola Kapron was perhaps the other story that got near to my tastes, again, a little more fantasy based than I like, but the idea of a dead boy haunting a village certainly scored points, as did the excellent voice in the story. It could have been more violent, brutal, or gory from my perspective, but I fully accept that’s my tastes manifesting here.
There was one story I DNF’d (it was full-on fantasy and I tried, I really did, but I had to stop), the rest were all well enough written, they just played to the wrong crowd – Vampires and warlocks and witches aren’t news to me.
I enjoyed the departure from my normal reading style, and the editing (as ever) from Quill and Crow was excellent – very clean work – but ultimately this was entertaining enough but nothing more.
3 out of 5 stars.
I’ll say straight up, this wasn’t my thing. The leaning to Horror was in some cases more apparent than others, but this anthology is dark fantasy orientated. There were some stories in here that I liked, that had a rawer edge to them, and I’ll call them out below. Interspersed between all the shorts, are poems that are “spells” of one sort or another. I liked the idea of them, but I also have to say I’m also not too much into poetry – they were there, I read them, I couldn’t say any of them struck a chord in me – and they were a nice break from the shorts, but ultimately I think for me, as a reader, they didn’t add or detract from the shorts.
The opener, Liber/Mortis by Reagan Olivia, was actually a strong short, a great pov (that of the grimoire itself), and set the rest of the book up wonderfully. I hate to say it, but it raised my expectations for the rest of the book, that weren’t really realized.
Madness and Mercy by Nicola Kapron was perhaps the other story that got near to my tastes, again, a little more fantasy based than I like, but the idea of a dead boy haunting a village certainly scored points, as did the excellent voice in the story. It could have been more violent, brutal, or gory from my perspective, but I fully accept that’s my tastes manifesting here.
There was one story I DNF’d (it was full-on fantasy and I tried, I really did, but I had to stop), the rest were all well enough written, they just played to the wrong crowd – Vampires and warlocks and witches aren’t news to me.
I enjoyed the departure from my normal reading style, and the editing (as ever) from Quill and Crow was excellent – very clean work – but ultimately this was entertaining enough but nothing more.
3 out of 5 stars.
March 23, 2023
This was amazing!
I started this with moderate expectations, having read anthologies before with lesser results, and the first story had me a bit confused. I worried for a second that I would be reading a collection of broken and confusing stories involving books and rituals in the most vague way possible. Imagine my surprise when the story get a bit of structure and the first murders have happened!
These stories are dark, gritty and amazingly well written. Some got me better than others. The stories about Sebastian and his glass pearls, West and her vampire and tortured Isidore quickly became my favourites. They were dark and gory, with quirky wits and heart-string tugging fates! We have some sapphic, some loneliness, some hinted spice and all good things dark and haunted!
This collection of stories reads easily and lovely with lots of horrific themes and elements. They were a joy to read and I cannot recommend them enough to all who enjoy the dark, the haunted and the hidden magic in all things!
I have received this book as a free advanced review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Receiving the book for free has in no way, shape or form affected the honesty of this review.
I started this with moderate expectations, having read anthologies before with lesser results, and the first story had me a bit confused. I worried for a second that I would be reading a collection of broken and confusing stories involving books and rituals in the most vague way possible. Imagine my surprise when the story get a bit of structure and the first murders have happened!
These stories are dark, gritty and amazingly well written. Some got me better than others. The stories about Sebastian and his glass pearls, West and her vampire and tortured Isidore quickly became my favourites. They were dark and gory, with quirky wits and heart-string tugging fates! We have some sapphic, some loneliness, some hinted spice and all good things dark and haunted!
This collection of stories reads easily and lovely with lots of horrific themes and elements. They were a joy to read and I cannot recommend them enough to all who enjoy the dark, the haunted and the hidden magic in all things!
I have received this book as a free advanced review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Receiving the book for free has in no way, shape or form affected the honesty of this review.
March 20, 2023
Creepy and atmospheric! I particularly liked The Warlock and The Crow, and The Wytch Elm Women.
March 22, 2023
How do you read a great anthology? Get one from Quill and Crow!
You know what you’re going to get. I say that in the context of, you’re going to get an anthology of well written, well edited stories from a diverse group of writers, blended together with an erie fog of gothic twine. As a witch, my murky little heart has been waiting for Rituals & Grimoires and it was absolutely worth the wait. Family secrets, magick books, crows, vampire, there is a delicious tapestry of great Witchy, Wizard, tales going on in this anthology. Atmospheric and all uniquely their own story. Really enjoyed the spell/poems in between chapters. Whether you are interested in occult tales or not, it doesn’t matter, this book is full of great stories. Top of my recommended reading list!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
You know what you’re going to get. I say that in the context of, you’re going to get an anthology of well written, well edited stories from a diverse group of writers, blended together with an erie fog of gothic twine. As a witch, my murky little heart has been waiting for Rituals & Grimoires and it was absolutely worth the wait. Family secrets, magick books, crows, vampire, there is a delicious tapestry of great Witchy, Wizard, tales going on in this anthology. Atmospheric and all uniquely their own story. Really enjoyed the spell/poems in between chapters. Whether you are interested in occult tales or not, it doesn’t matter, this book is full of great stories. Top of my recommended reading list!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 18, 2025
What I Did Like:
+Wych Elm Women, the second story, is beautifully written. Fast paced, dark, and tragically compelling. This story is an early favorite.
+There are a lot of FANTASTIC short stories here, actually. They paint a quick picture with words, pulling you into a scenario that you are eager to be witness to. They’re exceptional examples of short stories, giving you JUST ENOUGH to rope you in.
+The connection between the stories is great. I like my anthology connections to be threaded through just a little, not too obvious. This has that! All dark, with a little magic and lots of things people probably shouldn’t be messing with.
Who Should Read This One:
-If you’re a short story fan, these are beautiful examples. They’d be a lovely addition to any anthology library.
-Dark fantasy fans, who want occult magic and dangerous consequences, will love these stories.
My Rating: 5 Stars
Recommended!
For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2025/11/...
+Wych Elm Women, the second story, is beautifully written. Fast paced, dark, and tragically compelling. This story is an early favorite.
+There are a lot of FANTASTIC short stories here, actually. They paint a quick picture with words, pulling you into a scenario that you are eager to be witness to. They’re exceptional examples of short stories, giving you JUST ENOUGH to rope you in.
+The connection between the stories is great. I like my anthology connections to be threaded through just a little, not too obvious. This has that! All dark, with a little magic and lots of things people probably shouldn’t be messing with.
Who Should Read This One:
-If you’re a short story fan, these are beautiful examples. They’d be a lovely addition to any anthology library.
-Dark fantasy fans, who want occult magic and dangerous consequences, will love these stories.
My Rating: 5 Stars
Recommended!
For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2025/11/...
April 5, 2023
Another fantastic anthology from the dreadfully dark Quill & Crow!
Rituals & Grimoires is a riveting and gorgeous collection of dark magic tales, all tied up in a lovely, black, gothic bow! The poetry featured in this anthology was particularly exquisite.
What struck me most with Rituals & Grimories was the lyrical cadence and flow of the stories. I found them very emotionally vivid, and moreish; I honestly wished the tales would never end!
My two favourites of the collection were Liber//Mortis by R. Thursday, and Speaking To Shades by Evan A Davis. The premise of Liber//Mortis was so deliciously unique, whilst Speaking To Shades was just beautifully written; also extra marks just because I adore fantasy!
If you're looking for tales of magic and wizardry with a gothic touch, I definitely recommend Rituals & Grimoires.
Rituals & Grimoires is a riveting and gorgeous collection of dark magic tales, all tied up in a lovely, black, gothic bow! The poetry featured in this anthology was particularly exquisite.
What struck me most with Rituals & Grimories was the lyrical cadence and flow of the stories. I found them very emotionally vivid, and moreish; I honestly wished the tales would never end!
My two favourites of the collection were Liber//Mortis by R. Thursday, and Speaking To Shades by Evan A Davis. The premise of Liber//Mortis was so deliciously unique, whilst Speaking To Shades was just beautifully written; also extra marks just because I adore fantasy!
If you're looking for tales of magic and wizardry with a gothic touch, I definitely recommend Rituals & Grimoires.
March 5, 2023
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
If I could describe this book in one word, it would be “atmospheric.” Each story is so different, with such a different angle but each one draws you in and transports you to this darker and gothic world.
One or two of the stories were written in a type of prose I wasn’t used to which made them hard to navigate. But I still enjoyed them and honestly, it made me slow down (I am a notoriously fast reader) and really appreciate the pictures they painted. It might take you off guard but in a good way.
I am definitely happy I got the experience of this book and if the macabre and gothic are your thing, you’ll find a collection of beautifully crafted tales in here. Well worth the read.
If I could describe this book in one word, it would be “atmospheric.” Each story is so different, with such a different angle but each one draws you in and transports you to this darker and gothic world.
One or two of the stories were written in a type of prose I wasn’t used to which made them hard to navigate. But I still enjoyed them and honestly, it made me slow down (I am a notoriously fast reader) and really appreciate the pictures they painted. It might take you off guard but in a good way.
I am definitely happy I got the experience of this book and if the macabre and gothic are your thing, you’ll find a collection of beautifully crafted tales in here. Well worth the read.
March 19, 2023
I was provided an ARC copy of this to read in exchange for an open and honest review.
Where to start? Another anthology from Quill & Crow, and another collections of stories and poetry that drive the theme home. Rituals & Grimoires is chock full of everything dark, grim, and magical, and each and every story brings to life their own little world. I'm hard pressed to pick a favorite, I always am, as each of these authors really delivers with their individual stories. If I had to pick, though, the opening story by R. Thursday really drew me in and bespelled me. Added to that, the collection of spells between each story are just a lovely touch, too.
If you like gothic stories with a darker twist towards magic, you do not want to pass this anthology up.
Where to start? Another anthology from Quill & Crow, and another collections of stories and poetry that drive the theme home. Rituals & Grimoires is chock full of everything dark, grim, and magical, and each and every story brings to life their own little world. I'm hard pressed to pick a favorite, I always am, as each of these authors really delivers with their individual stories. If I had to pick, though, the opening story by R. Thursday really drew me in and bespelled me. Added to that, the collection of spells between each story are just a lovely touch, too.
If you like gothic stories with a darker twist towards magic, you do not want to pass this anthology up.
March 24, 2023
[Thanks to the author and BookSirens for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
Another great anthology collection from Quill & Crow. Dreadfully spooky, full of witches, vampires and all things wonderfully dark.
I'll admit I felt a bit lost reading Liber // Mortis the first time. The switching between third, second, and first-person felt discordant, especially in the first instance when there was no visual marker to represent the shift.
Despite that, I loved many of the other stories. I despaired with Maggie in The Wych Elm Women when she found Bella, and I adored West especially when her crow form was eyeing up the shiny buttons.
All in all, a great read. Would recommend if you like spooky tales of the weird and wonderful.
Another great anthology collection from Quill & Crow. Dreadfully spooky, full of witches, vampires and all things wonderfully dark.
I'll admit I felt a bit lost reading Liber // Mortis the first time. The switching between third, second, and first-person felt discordant, especially in the first instance when there was no visual marker to represent the shift.
Despite that, I loved many of the other stories. I despaired with Maggie in The Wych Elm Women when she found Bella, and I adored West especially when her crow form was eyeing up the shiny buttons.
All in all, a great read. Would recommend if you like spooky tales of the weird and wonderful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2023
What I loved most about this book is how engaging and fact-paced all the stories were. The plot of each and every anthology is so interesting that you possibly can't leave it in the middle. And the writing! I don't think I can describe the writing as anything other than beautiful. All of the were dark and gritty, and soms had great plot twists!
The main theme is gothic horror, which is a new genre for me. I am so very glad that this book was my introduction to this genre. My favourite are The Wych Elm Woman, The Warlock and the Crow and A Spider in the Place of the Heart! :)
Would def recommend this if you're a fan of gothic horror, wizardry and magic tales!
Thank you to BookSirens for the arc! :)
The main theme is gothic horror, which is a new genre for me. I am so very glad that this book was my introduction to this genre. My favourite are The Wych Elm Woman, The Warlock and the Crow and A Spider in the Place of the Heart! :)
Would def recommend this if you're a fan of gothic horror, wizardry and magic tales!
Thank you to BookSirens for the arc! :)
April 5, 2023
RITUALS & GRIMOIRES: Gothic Tales of Dark Magic and Wizardry is a macabre collection of magic and twisted power. Most of the short stories are stand alone though there are a few that end on cliffhangers or just leave you wanting more.
I enjoyed that several of the stories made me think about the life cycle we exist within and the way magic is created then handled. Most of the tales felt like you should be cuddled up in a chair by the fireplace as someone shares these stories with you.
The tales are dark and some are rather disturbing. If you like gothic horror, you should enjoy this collection.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed that several of the stories made me think about the life cycle we exist within and the way magic is created then handled. Most of the tales felt like you should be cuddled up in a chair by the fireplace as someone shares these stories with you.
The tales are dark and some are rather disturbing. If you like gothic horror, you should enjoy this collection.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2023
This book was amazing! To be honest I wasn’t a huge horror or thriller fan until recently and I am so glad I gave this book a chance. The first story switched to 4th wall breaking almost and it threw me off a bit but all the rest of them were just amazing. Glorious dark stories with the overall theme of magic and witchcraft. So many great stories I don’t think I could even pick a favorite. If you like magic tales and dark themes seriously read this book!
March 20, 2023
Right from the beginning, the stories captivated me. Its short stories are perfect for right before bed, so you can dream of magic. The spells between each chapter are a great palette cleanser, and useful as a witch! If you want a collection of stories that will enchant you to keep reading, check this book out! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 5, 2023
For me, this one was a solid 3.5 stars.
A wonderful collection of short stories that are magically Gothic. Stories surrounding ghosts, rituals, dark grimoires, witches, warlocks and death. Another great one from Quill and Crow publishing that you will not want to put down. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
A wonderful collection of short stories that are magically Gothic. Stories surrounding ghosts, rituals, dark grimoires, witches, warlocks and death. Another great one from Quill and Crow publishing that you will not want to put down. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
April 3, 2023
I loved the stories, all with a different take on magic and how it can infiltrate your life. I wished some of the stories were longer.
A very good read if you like magic.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A very good read if you like magic.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 15, 2024
This was a great anthology! Each story was incredibly detailed and had a depth to them that not a lot of shorts do. There was a good mix of bittersweet, damning, and empowering messages throughout the tales, and I recommend this to anyone into occult-centric horror.
December 17, 2023
A fun mix of gothic tales that feature fantasy, light horror, poetry / spells, and creepy tales. I think a fantasy reader would appreciate this collection the most and all the stories were well written and engaging. I’m looking forward to following some authors future works due to this anthology! Really fun and a great palette cleanser between heavier reads.
November 9, 2024
How to begin? This collection of eight magical tales, each with their own unique sense of unease and atmosphere captured me from the first page turning. And although the first tale was probably my least favourite as I found it hard to follow and was actively trying to make it make sense rather than just letting it flow, I thoroughly enjoyed losing myself between its' pages.
From the heart wrenching 'The Wych Elm Women' to the dark seduction of 'The Warlock & The Crow' to the delicious ending of 'The Seventh Coming of John Galenth' I was here for the ride and will definitely be walking those shadowed roads again.
The presentation of each of these stories was in great succession, without the jolt back to reality of finishing a story and then jumping into one completely different, which sometimes happens with short story collections, especially when they are by different authors. The overall atmosphere and the added bonus of the little spells before the beginning of each set the magical tone.
I would highly recommend. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. More detailed review here: https://youtu.be/2UadLa6M3To
From the heart wrenching 'The Wych Elm Women' to the dark seduction of 'The Warlock & The Crow' to the delicious ending of 'The Seventh Coming of John Galenth' I was here for the ride and will definitely be walking those shadowed roads again.
The presentation of each of these stories was in great succession, without the jolt back to reality of finishing a story and then jumping into one completely different, which sometimes happens with short story collections, especially when they are by different authors. The overall atmosphere and the added bonus of the little spells before the beginning of each set the magical tone.
I would highly recommend. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. More detailed review here: https://youtu.be/2UadLa6M3To
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews