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The Talisman
A statue, unearthed in ancient Babylon during the course of an archaeological dig, is transported to London. Once there, it quickly exerts an evil influence over those with whom it comes into contact; an influence which threatens to spread throughout London and beyond, and which pits the living against the dead in a battle for all mankind.
209 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
About the author
Jonathan Aycliffe
13 books271 followersJonathan Aycliffe was a pseudonym of Denis M. MacEoin. He was born in Belfast in 1949. He studied English, Persian, Arabic and Islamic studies at the universities of Dublin, Edinburgh and Cambridge, and lectured at the universities of Fez in Morocco and Newcastle upon Tyne. The author of several successful full-length ghost stories, he lived in the north of England with his wife, homeopath and health writer, Beth MacEoin. He also wrote as Daniel Easterman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 14, 2017
An burial site containing a hideous statue is unearthed during a dig at the ancient city of Babylon in Iraq. The statue is transported back to London, unleashing a terrifying evil that threatens to engulf all of mankind.
This is a slight departure from Jonathan Aycliffe's normal gothic ghost story, this one is a blend of The Exorcist, The Omen and maybe Rosemary's Baby. Aycliffe (real name Denis MacEion) was a scholar in Islamic studies and those influences crop up in a lot his books, and this is no exception. The parts of the book set in Iraq are superb, you can almost taste the spices. The whole thing is supremely atmospheric and extremely creepy.
One slight blemish, it does feel a little incomplete. There is a real ramping up in tension towards the end, and then it does just that, it ends, very abruptly, almost like the author said "enough!! I've had enough". I wanted a little more, but still, really really really good.
This is a slight departure from Jonathan Aycliffe's normal gothic ghost story, this one is a blend of The Exorcist, The Omen and maybe Rosemary's Baby. Aycliffe (real name Denis MacEion) was a scholar in Islamic studies and those influences crop up in a lot his books, and this is no exception. The parts of the book set in Iraq are superb, you can almost taste the spices. The whole thing is supremely atmospheric and extremely creepy.
One slight blemish, it does feel a little incomplete. There is a real ramping up in tension towards the end, and then it does just that, it ends, very abruptly, almost like the author said "enough!! I've had enough". I wanted a little more, but still, really really really good.
April 24, 2018
There are some writers who can consistently give me the creeps. Ramsey Campbell is one. And Jonathan Aycliffe is another, in NIAOMI'S ROOM, THE MATRIX and his other great ghost stories of the '80s and '90s.
THE TALISMAN proved to be no exception, although it's not a ghost story as such. This is more along the lines of THE OMEN or THE EXORCIST, and has echoes of both amid its depiction of an ancient evil brought out of the Middle East. Where this surpasses genre conventions is in the background; Aycliffe is an expert on the history of the region, and it shows in the accumuation of small but significant details that are slowly built up, layer upon layer, until the full extent of the evil is revealed.
It's a strangely old-fashion book though. It's twenty years old now, but feels even older, and reads like a throwback to those aforementioned classics of the '70s. That's no bad thing though, and I had a great time with it.
It's taken me a long time to get round to it; I have the Ash Tree Press limited edition hardcover, and it's been on my shelves all these years unread. I'm glad I finally got to it, and it's given me an urge to revisit his other works again, which is no bad thing.
THE TALISMAN proved to be no exception, although it's not a ghost story as such. This is more along the lines of THE OMEN or THE EXORCIST, and has echoes of both amid its depiction of an ancient evil brought out of the Middle East. Where this surpasses genre conventions is in the background; Aycliffe is an expert on the history of the region, and it shows in the accumuation of small but significant details that are slowly built up, layer upon layer, until the full extent of the evil is revealed.
It's a strangely old-fashion book though. It's twenty years old now, but feels even older, and reads like a throwback to those aforementioned classics of the '70s. That's no bad thing though, and I had a great time with it.
It's taken me a long time to get round to it; I have the Ash Tree Press limited edition hardcover, and it's been on my shelves all these years unread. I'm glad I finally got to it, and it's given me an urge to revisit his other works again, which is no bad thing.
April 16, 2021
I've read most of Jonathan Aycliffe's books, but a few, including The Talisman, were harder to find. It was well worth the hunt.
The Talisman has all the markers of a classic Aycliffe novel: an ancient evil, a growing sense of dread, and rich atmospherics. It hooked me from the first page and didn't let go until the end.
Overall, this was a creepy, well-written read. If you're a horror fan, see if you can get your hands on a copy.
The Talisman has all the markers of a classic Aycliffe novel: an ancient evil, a growing sense of dread, and rich atmospherics. It hooked me from the first page and didn't let go until the end.
Overall, this was a creepy, well-written read. If you're a horror fan, see if you can get your hands on a copy.
October 14, 2015
I love Jonathan Aycliffe's novels so I found it particularly hard to rate this one. It's a good read and well written as always but something about the ending was a little flat for me. Perhaps unfairly, I always find myself comparing Mr Aycliffe's other stories to one of my all-time favourite reads, Naomi's Room, and I haven't found another to beat it for spine-tingling creepiness and a perfect twist that stays with you long after you've finished reading. The Talisman is worth reading but only scores 3 stars for me.
March 25, 2022
So far, this was my least favourite of Jonathan Aycliffe novels.
Don't really understand, it has everything to make it a perfect novel but then the author just simply gave up. Basically a statue of an ancient deity was uncover and strange stuff start happening on people involved, People start to disappear, others being killed and even some become blind.
I have to say that Jonathan really understands the Arab world, or Islamic if you wish and it shows and it really give excellent vibes. One thing that I will say it's truly misleading is the writing style. This book is from the 1999. But it reads like a novel from the 70's or early 80's. I don't know why but as I read this I keep feeling this was the 80's. AND that's fantastic. The writer wanted to give that feeling and he did.
It's a good exorcism kind of tale but unfortunately it was too slow and small. It just ended. I was invested on all characters, having a blind wife I can understand our main character. I'm sad, it's like having last 30m of movie in just a few pages. Bah.
But overall, it made me buy mroe of his non-horror stuff. Daniel Eastman.
Don't really understand, it has everything to make it a perfect novel but then the author just simply gave up. Basically a statue of an ancient deity was uncover and strange stuff start happening on people involved, People start to disappear, others being killed and even some become blind.
I have to say that Jonathan really understands the Arab world, or Islamic if you wish and it shows and it really give excellent vibes. One thing that I will say it's truly misleading is the writing style. This book is from the 1999. But it reads like a novel from the 70's or early 80's. I don't know why but as I read this I keep feeling this was the 80's. AND that's fantastic. The writer wanted to give that feeling and he did.
It's a good exorcism kind of tale but unfortunately it was too slow and small. It just ended. I was invested on all characters, having a blind wife I can understand our main character. I'm sad, it's like having last 30m of movie in just a few pages. Bah.
But overall, it made me buy mroe of his non-horror stuff. Daniel Eastman.
November 21, 2015
This is a novel about ancient evil, Satan no less, in the guise of a Babylonian god. It has a very chilling, unnerving and malevolent feel to it and although I enjoyed it, I was quite glad when I finished and was able to return it to the library!
November 26, 2015
Another achievement for Jonathan Aycliffe. I am glad he admits in the beginning that it is influenced by The Exorcist, because if it weren't expressed, I would have felt cheated. It is still a unique enough story though.
December 15, 2015
An ancient statue of a horned god is unearthed at Babylon and brought back to London. Horror ensues! A great mix of archaeology and supernatural. I love anything out of Babylon and I love Aycliffe writing as Daniel Easterman as well.
October 7, 2015
Another scary one from Mr Aycliffe. more horror than ghost story which is his genre but still managed to scare the life out of me.
October 6, 2009
Fun read, if derivative. Vague ending.
August 2, 2022
4 / 5 for 'The Talisman' by Jonathan Aycliffe
This is my 3rd Aycliffe novel, the previous 2 being 'Naomi's Room' and 'The Vanishment', both of which I found to be excellent and chilling ghost stories. I'm an atheist and I do not believe in ghosts, demons, heaven and hell, or god and satan, so for a ghost story to make me feel unsettled is proof of how well written and creepy the ghost story must be.
I really enjoyed 'The Talisman' too but in a slightly different way. This book is thrilling and engrossing throughout, but I couldn't say it was anywhere near as creepy or unsettling as the other 2 Aycliffe novels I've read...don't get me wrong, 'The Talisman' certainly has creepy and unsettling sequences and aspects to it, and there are some very well placed and well-written scares, but I didn't find it quite as impactful as 'Naomi's Room' or 'The Vanishment'.
If I had to describe it, I'd say it's an intriguing mishmash of Rosemary's Baby, The Exorcist and The Omen, but a well-written and successful mishmash to be fair. The mystery regarding the artefact itself and its unholy origins are investigated by Tom, a slightly stuffy English academic, with his blind wife playing sidekick. I must admit, all of the sections regarding ancient Babylonian history and mythology were truly fascinating, and the sections featuring Shabbatil himself were truly creepy.
The book itself is mostly told as a 1st person narrative from Tom's POV, with some epistolary sections featuring other characters' journals etc. Exposition is handled well, considering there is a lot of ancient backstory to pack in, and the characterisation and dialogue are both fine too. After all of the build-up and engrossing mystery of the previous 200 or so pages, the ending and the Epilogue both felt a little flat and inconsequential..there could have been so much more detail. As before, it felt like Aycliffe had simply grown tired of writing this book, so wrapped it up as quickly as he could, story completed or not...this abrupt and unfinished-feeling end to the book loses it a star.
On the whole, a genuinely creepy and unsettling horror novel, thrilling and truly engrossing throughout, written by a modern master of the ghost story, let down slightly by a somewhat flat ending.
4 / 5
This is my 3rd Aycliffe novel, the previous 2 being 'Naomi's Room' and 'The Vanishment', both of which I found to be excellent and chilling ghost stories. I'm an atheist and I do not believe in ghosts, demons, heaven and hell, or god and satan, so for a ghost story to make me feel unsettled is proof of how well written and creepy the ghost story must be.
I really enjoyed 'The Talisman' too but in a slightly different way. This book is thrilling and engrossing throughout, but I couldn't say it was anywhere near as creepy or unsettling as the other 2 Aycliffe novels I've read...don't get me wrong, 'The Talisman' certainly has creepy and unsettling sequences and aspects to it, and there are some very well placed and well-written scares, but I didn't find it quite as impactful as 'Naomi's Room' or 'The Vanishment'.
If I had to describe it, I'd say it's an intriguing mishmash of Rosemary's Baby, The Exorcist and The Omen, but a well-written and successful mishmash to be fair. The mystery regarding the artefact itself and its unholy origins are investigated by Tom, a slightly stuffy English academic, with his blind wife playing sidekick. I must admit, all of the sections regarding ancient Babylonian history and mythology were truly fascinating, and the sections featuring Shabbatil himself were truly creepy.
The book itself is mostly told as a 1st person narrative from Tom's POV, with some epistolary sections featuring other characters' journals etc. Exposition is handled well, considering there is a lot of ancient backstory to pack in, and the characterisation and dialogue are both fine too. After all of the build-up and engrossing mystery of the previous 200 or so pages, the ending and the Epilogue both felt a little flat and inconsequential..there could have been so much more detail. As before, it felt like Aycliffe had simply grown tired of writing this book, so wrapped it up as quickly as he could, story completed or not...this abrupt and unfinished-feeling end to the book loses it a star.
On the whole, a genuinely creepy and unsettling horror novel, thrilling and truly engrossing throughout, written by a modern master of the ghost story, let down slightly by a somewhat flat ending.
4 / 5
April 26, 2023
This was a three-star read for me. I've enjoyed some of this author's horror in the past, but it doesn't always land. This one was right in the middle—effective in spots, but not quite there.
There are elements of classic horror here, such as Rosemary's Baby, which is a good thing (in my opinion, at least), but ultimately it's just too flat and meandering. It's like a less interesting and less compelling version of those old classics. For much of the story, we're getting the second- or third-hand version of events, and while epistolatory writing can be very effective for spooky or creepy tales, somehow it just doesn't work as well here, for me.
Perhaps part of the problem is that an element of horror will be introduced, but then it just doesn't ever quite "climax". It's just... lingering there. In the background. Which is becoming progressively more cluttered with "horror stuff". The story is being pulled in too many different directions, and it doesn't know where it wants to go!
I also found that this book lacked the proper sense of urgency, especially toward the end. Something dramatic will happen—something shocking will be hinted at or even discovered—and then in the next scene, the characters act like they've forgotten all about it or can't be bothered to get a hustle on and do something about any of it. The fate of the world is hanging in the balance (not to mention their own loved ones, friends, and allies), and they decide to have a leisurely (boring) conversation. Frustrating and unrealistic behavior.
It wasn't all bad, though, and I actually thought the epilogue was okay.
There are elements of classic horror here, such as Rosemary's Baby, which is a good thing (in my opinion, at least), but ultimately it's just too flat and meandering. It's like a less interesting and less compelling version of those old classics. For much of the story, we're getting the second- or third-hand version of events, and while epistolatory writing can be very effective for spooky or creepy tales, somehow it just doesn't work as well here, for me.
Perhaps part of the problem is that an element of horror will be introduced, but then it just doesn't ever quite "climax". It's just... lingering there. In the background. Which is becoming progressively more cluttered with "horror stuff". The story is being pulled in too many different directions, and it doesn't know where it wants to go!
I also found that this book lacked the proper sense of urgency, especially toward the end. Something dramatic will happen—something shocking will be hinted at or even discovered—and then in the next scene, the characters act like they've forgotten all about it or can't be bothered to get a hustle on and do something about any of it. The fate of the world is hanging in the balance (not to mention their own loved ones, friends, and allies), and they decide to have a leisurely (boring) conversation. Frustrating and unrealistic behavior.
It wasn't all bad, though, and I actually thought the epilogue was okay.
March 29, 2020
A statue, unearthed in ancient Babylon during the course of an archaeological dig, is transported to London. Once there, it quickly exerts an evil influence over those with whom it comes into contact; an influence which threatens to spread throughout London and beyond. A force that pits the living against the dead in a battle for all mankind.
The Scotsman says: There are echoes of the greatest ghost writer of them all, Edgar Allan Poe, in the poised and elegant bookishness of the prose.
The second book I have read by Aycliffe. I do agree with the above statement, I wonder what Poe would make of Aycliffe. He is certainly one of the modern greats in ghost stories.
The Scotsman says: There are echoes of the greatest ghost writer of them all, Edgar Allan Poe, in the poised and elegant bookishness of the prose.
The second book I have read by Aycliffe. I do agree with the above statement, I wonder what Poe would make of Aycliffe. He is certainly one of the modern greats in ghost stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 19, 2020Oh man this book was a mess but like, in the best possible way.
The author basically includes EVERYTHING in this relatively short book. Ghosts, murders, the antichrist, ancient evil, a plague of blindness, archaeology, sex magic...when I say everything I mean everything. And of course it doesn't work because how could it?? But it doesn't matter! It's so much fun that it doesn't matter how little explanation the author provides, or how ridiculous some of the characters are.
You have to have some respect for an author willing to make sex magic one of the lesser-explored facets of his absolutely wonderful mess of a book
The author basically includes EVERYTHING in this relatively short book. Ghosts, murders, the antichrist, ancient evil, a plague of blindness, archaeology, sex magic...when I say everything I mean everything. And of course it doesn't work because how could it?? But it doesn't matter! It's so much fun that it doesn't matter how little explanation the author provides, or how ridiculous some of the characters are.
You have to have some respect for an author willing to make sex magic one of the lesser-explored facets of his absolutely wonderful mess of a book
August 4, 2025
Not your average ghost story
The Talisman had me gripped from the first page. Literate and we'll written, it's style is reminiscent of the supernatural writers of the early twentieth century in the way it conjures a sense of the macabre without resorting to gimmicky shocks. We have archaeologists, Catholic priests, magicians, haunted statues and strange texts - everything you could possibly want, all wrapped up in one enthralling novel. Whoopie! The author is obviously well versed in Babylonian mythology and language, and the inclusion of tantalising elements of these accentuated the feeling of mystery. This is for winter fireside evenings.
The Talisman had me gripped from the first page. Literate and we'll written, it's style is reminiscent of the supernatural writers of the early twentieth century in the way it conjures a sense of the macabre without resorting to gimmicky shocks. We have archaeologists, Catholic priests, magicians, haunted statues and strange texts - everything you could possibly want, all wrapped up in one enthralling novel. Whoopie! The author is obviously well versed in Babylonian mythology and language, and the inclusion of tantalising elements of these accentuated the feeling of mystery. This is for winter fireside evenings.
January 26, 2026
Not his best.
This is not a bad book. This man would not be able to do so in a hundred lives, but I have read better ones from him.
There's the usual atmosphere and suspense, not gothic in this story, (which is something I greatly appreciate from him in another of his books), more contemporary compared to another of his works.
The book works, but is different to most of his best. It,'s relatively short, as usually, and the plot keeps pace and interest all the way through.
I recommend it though, since it's been written by the great Dennis McEoin.
This is not a bad book. This man would not be able to do so in a hundred lives, but I have read better ones from him.
There's the usual atmosphere and suspense, not gothic in this story, (which is something I greatly appreciate from him in another of his books), more contemporary compared to another of his works.
The book works, but is different to most of his best. It,'s relatively short, as usually, and the plot keeps pace and interest all the way through.
I recommend it though, since it's been written by the great Dennis McEoin.
January 9, 2018
This book has a lot of potential but at the end I felt like the plot had gone out of control. Like the writer didn't knew exactly how to take things to it's propper closure.
Saying that, this was the first book that actualy gave me the creeps. Nicola has some scenes that actualy made scared. That was a first in a book.
Saying that, this was the first book that actualy gave me the creeps. Nicola has some scenes that actualy made scared. That was a first in a book.
June 30, 2020
Nothing hugely original but ticks my folk horror/Indiana Jones boxes. I read it in two sittings and reckon it’d be perfect for a train journey or rainy Sunday afternoon binge.
Sitting somewhere between Dennis Wheatley and John Wyndham, it’s an enjoyable Ancient Mesopotamian/Academic Sex Cult horror-rave up
Sitting somewhere between Dennis Wheatley and John Wyndham, it’s an enjoyable Ancient Mesopotamian/Academic Sex Cult horror-rave up
April 29, 2018
Another brilliant novel by Aycliffe
The Talisman has to be one of my favorite novels by the author alongside The Lost. Not only scary, you'll be unable to put the book down as the horror reveals a little more of it's self on each page!
The Talisman has to be one of my favorite novels by the author alongside The Lost. Not only scary, you'll be unable to put the book down as the horror reveals a little more of it's self on each page!
October 12, 2017
I like it very much. Recommended if you are into light horror with that certain British prose.
May 26, 2020
The plot isn’t particularly original but it’s very disconcerting and strangely compelling - certainly does what it says on the tin.
August 2, 2021
Excellent book - I was absorbed from the very beginning. A favorite trope that's hard to find - archaeological dig releases an ancient evil.
April 22, 2022
This is not my type of book. I really struggled to get into it
March 7, 2017
Inteteresting story but anticlimatic, which I've now noticed, are how Aycliffe's books tend to be. It is as though he runs out of steam ar the end.
April 18, 2016
Was a more than adequate horror book. Great, haunted atmosphere and interesting characters. Answered enough questions at the end, but left enough unsaid to keep you kind of uncomfortable. Glad I picked it up on a recommendation.
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June 24, 2019If you're into horror books with some creepy suspense where there's some investigating of the issues then this is for you.
The best elements from Rosemary's Baby, The Omen, The Mummy, The Exorcist and Alistair Crowley's occult.
One of my favourite horror books
The best elements from Rosemary's Baby, The Omen, The Mummy, The Exorcist and Alistair Crowley's occult.
One of my favourite horror books
March 7, 2016
A satisfying read. Echoes of The Omen and The Exorcist.
Very, very bleak. Luverly.
Very, very bleak. Luverly.
April 5, 2016
Wow. Just wow. I couldn't put this one down. Loved it on a par with Naomi's Room.
January 8, 2017
Creepy but forgettable.
July 1, 2024
I love his writing style and historical accuracy. I enjoyed this book despite it’s anticlimactic ending. It lacked the scares I expected after reading Naomi’s room.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews