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Something Red #2
The Wicked
The mesmerizing and highly anticipated sequel to Something Red transports readers to the harsh and enchanting world of thirteenth-century England, where a group of unlikely heroes battles an ancient evil.
In the critically acclaimed historical fantasy Something Red, the young warrior Hob, his mentor Jack, the mystical Irish queen Molly, and her powerful granddaughter Neiman travelled far and wide, battling shapeshifters, sorceresses, warrior monks, and otherworldly knights. Now, a new type of evil has come to reside in a castle by the chilly waters of the North Sea. Men disappear and are found as horribly wizened corpses. Warriers ride out and return under a terrible spell. Only Molly, with her healing powers, can save the people from a malevolent nobleman and his beautiful, wicked wife. As all are drawn into battle, the young Hob and his adopted family must vanquish the dark powers before they themselves are defeated.
An unforgettable blend of fantasy, mythology, and horror, The Wicked is just as chilling, beautifully written, and historically rich as Something Red, drawing readers into a world both magical and haunting—where nothing is ever as it seems.
In the critically acclaimed historical fantasy Something Red, the young warrior Hob, his mentor Jack, the mystical Irish queen Molly, and her powerful granddaughter Neiman travelled far and wide, battling shapeshifters, sorceresses, warrior monks, and otherworldly knights. Now, a new type of evil has come to reside in a castle by the chilly waters of the North Sea. Men disappear and are found as horribly wizened corpses. Warriers ride out and return under a terrible spell. Only Molly, with her healing powers, can save the people from a malevolent nobleman and his beautiful, wicked wife. As all are drawn into battle, the young Hob and his adopted family must vanquish the dark powers before they themselves are defeated.
An unforgettable blend of fantasy, mythology, and horror, The Wicked is just as chilling, beautifully written, and historically rich as Something Red, drawing readers into a world both magical and haunting—where nothing is ever as it seems.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2014
9 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Nicholas
12 books95 followersDouglas Nicholas is an award-winning poet whose work has appeared in numerous publications, among them Atlanta Review, Southern Poetry Review, Sonora Review, Circumference, A Different Drummer, and Cumberland Review, as well as the South Coast Poetry Journal, where he won a prize in that publication's Fifth Annual Poetry Contest.
Other awards include Honorable Mention in the Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation 2003 Prize For Poetry Awards, second place in the 2002 Allen Ginsberg Poetry Awards from PCCC, International Merit Award in Atlanta Review's Poetry 2002 competition, finalist in the 1996 Emily Dickinson Award in Poetry competition, honorable mention in the 1992 Scottish International Open Poetry Competition, first prize in the journal Lake Effect's Sixth Annual Poetry Contest, first prize in poetry in the 1990 Roberts Writing Awards, and finalist in the Roberts short fiction division.
He was also recipient of an award in the 1990 International Poetry Contest sponsored by the Arvon Foundation in Lancashire, England, and a Cecil B. Hackney Literary Award for poetry from Birmingham-Southern College. He lives in New York City and the Hudson Valley with his wife, Theresa, and Yorkshire terrier, Tristan.
Other awards include Honorable Mention in the Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation 2003 Prize For Poetry Awards, second place in the 2002 Allen Ginsberg Poetry Awards from PCCC, International Merit Award in Atlanta Review's Poetry 2002 competition, finalist in the 1996 Emily Dickinson Award in Poetry competition, honorable mention in the 1992 Scottish International Open Poetry Competition, first prize in the journal Lake Effect's Sixth Annual Poetry Contest, first prize in poetry in the 1990 Roberts Writing Awards, and finalist in the Roberts short fiction division.
He was also recipient of an award in the 1990 International Poetry Contest sponsored by the Arvon Foundation in Lancashire, England, and a Cecil B. Hackney Literary Award for poetry from Birmingham-Southern College. He lives in New York City and the Hudson Valley with his wife, Theresa, and Yorkshire terrier, Tristan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
October 10, 2017
I remember liking the first one a lot more. But, it has been so long since I started the series that I couldn't remember what kind of were-beast one of the recurring characters is.
February 27, 2022
Why haven’t I heard more about this series?! It’s fantastic.
November 29, 2013
Come back to 13th century England were we follow Hob, a young man who for unknown reasons is left in the care of a
" monk" , who passes him on into the care of deposed Queen Molly. Hob is then betrothed to her granddaughter , Nermain, and he discovers that both women are adept in the " arts", reason enough for the royal decree that Molly not be the next Queen. Hob, Molly, Nermain and big Jack Brown travel the country side as a musical group, entertaining, and healing the locals.
As we listen to the tale being told by a reliable third party, strange things are brewing , dead bodies start piling up,in unusual, vile and frightening conditions.
Such a unique telling of the tale of what this country calls a " Turnskin"!
The Sire de Belefontaine, Lord Ordinell, seeks out our Molly to ask for her help. His recent contact with some old friends have left him shaken and fearful for their very souls. Ordinell himself thinks he knows the cause of many recent unsettling visitations, attacks, and occurrences. Not wanting to raise suspicion they hatch a simple plan to insert the troupe into his castle as entertainment, so Ordinell can invite his suspects, Lord Tarquin and his Lady Rohese.
The path to the castle is filled with peril as one might expect, and it is beautifully written. A vision of a land filled with lush, huge green evergreen trees, rolling hills, steep mountain paths, and winding dirt roads cut into the world by loggers and mountain people that live outside the small towns so far from anything that they have very little knowledge of anything, but their own culture. Molly and her troupe know not if they will be welcome or set upon by thieves.
They must also establish themselves as worthy, before they are" invited" to Sir Ordinell's castle. So they must entertain at a small Inn, and risk exposure. What happens there, is masterfully written and SO, worth the price of admission.
The visit to Ordinell's castle de Belefontaine, is an unforgettable one, which sets an entirely different series of events into motion. This is where we are introduced to Tarquin, and his Lady Rohese. Their countenance is disturbing, to say the least, and Hob, although not adept in the arts cannot help but, feel that there is something terribly sinister about the both of them.
This is such a unique telling of a tale that the ending took me quite by surprise! I didn't expect it! I was so pleased that happened. I didn't want this to end. I want another book right now! These characters were wonderful, the animals were fully formed and included, (when you read this you will understand that it is)for obvious reasons.
Footnote added 11/30/13 I started reading this aloud due to the fact that I have a slight Irsih accent and here is a smattering of Galic and olde lauguage throughout. When I looked up periodically my two felines were belly up, two front paws tucked under their chins, and had that cartoony 'pus n' boots' wide eyed look ( you know he one from " Shreck") It was as if they knew exactly what I was reading to them, a very unnerving experience, but totally appropriate considering the connection between man and animals that Nicholas had established in this amazing book.
" monk" , who passes him on into the care of deposed Queen Molly. Hob is then betrothed to her granddaughter , Nermain, and he discovers that both women are adept in the " arts", reason enough for the royal decree that Molly not be the next Queen. Hob, Molly, Nermain and big Jack Brown travel the country side as a musical group, entertaining, and healing the locals.
As we listen to the tale being told by a reliable third party, strange things are brewing , dead bodies start piling up,in unusual, vile and frightening conditions.
Such a unique telling of the tale of what this country calls a " Turnskin"!
The Sire de Belefontaine, Lord Ordinell, seeks out our Molly to ask for her help. His recent contact with some old friends have left him shaken and fearful for their very souls. Ordinell himself thinks he knows the cause of many recent unsettling visitations, attacks, and occurrences. Not wanting to raise suspicion they hatch a simple plan to insert the troupe into his castle as entertainment, so Ordinell can invite his suspects, Lord Tarquin and his Lady Rohese.
The path to the castle is filled with peril as one might expect, and it is beautifully written. A vision of a land filled with lush, huge green evergreen trees, rolling hills, steep mountain paths, and winding dirt roads cut into the world by loggers and mountain people that live outside the small towns so far from anything that they have very little knowledge of anything, but their own culture. Molly and her troupe know not if they will be welcome or set upon by thieves.
They must also establish themselves as worthy, before they are" invited" to Sir Ordinell's castle. So they must entertain at a small Inn, and risk exposure. What happens there, is masterfully written and SO, worth the price of admission.
The visit to Ordinell's castle de Belefontaine, is an unforgettable one, which sets an entirely different series of events into motion. This is where we are introduced to Tarquin, and his Lady Rohese. Their countenance is disturbing, to say the least, and Hob, although not adept in the arts cannot help but, feel that there is something terribly sinister about the both of them.
This is such a unique telling of a tale that the ending took me quite by surprise! I didn't expect it! I was so pleased that happened. I didn't want this to end. I want another book right now! These characters were wonderful, the animals were fully formed and included, (when you read this you will understand that it is)for obvious reasons.
Footnote added 11/30/13 I started reading this aloud due to the fact that I have a slight Irsih accent and here is a smattering of Galic and olde lauguage throughout. When I looked up periodically my two felines were belly up, two front paws tucked under their chins, and had that cartoony 'pus n' boots' wide eyed look ( you know he one from " Shreck") It was as if they knew exactly what I was reading to them, a very unnerving experience, but totally appropriate considering the connection between man and animals that Nicholas had established in this amazing book.
March 8, 2014
I loved Nicholas's first book SOMETHING RED and this sequel, featuring the same characters, did not disappoint. Nicholas makes the 13th century come alive with startling, poetic language (not surprising since he's an excellent poet), vivid and sometimes gruesome imagery, and believable, sympathetic characters. We watch Hob and his adopted family, Molly and Nemain and Jack, go up against a truly terrifying foe. The mixture of magic with a historically accurate setting reminds me most powerfully of Mary Stewart's Arthurian books and GAME OF THRONES. I can't wait for the next book by Douglas Nicholas.
August 27, 2014
A perfect book.
Oddly, I managed to read the whole thing (and love it)before realizing that it is the second in a series. I'll have to go back and find Something Red now.
Oddly, I managed to read the whole thing (and love it)before realizing that it is the second in a series. I'll have to go back and find Something Red now.
December 30, 2013
Originally published at Risingshadow.
Douglas Nicholas debut novel, Something Red, was published in 2012. It was one of the best and most enjoyable novels of the year, because it was a beautifully written historical fantasy novel that contained intriguing horror elements. Its sequel, The Wicked, is also an excellent and enjoyable novel that will please all readers who enjoyed reading Something Red. All the things that made the previous novel excellent can also be found in this novel. The author continues to delight his readers with beautiful prose, and he also surprises and shocks his readers with macabre horror elements.
Just like its predecessor, The Wicked is historical fantasy that contains horror elements and mythological elements. Douglas Nicholas combines fantasy, horror, mythology and historical fiction with an expert's touch and creates a spellbinding story that will be of interest to everybody loves good literary fiction. There are no faults in this novel, because it's a perfect historical fantasy novel.
I can honestly say that Something Red and The Wicked are two novels, which belong to the small group of novels that have restored my faith in historical fiction. In my opinion most new historical novels have been more or less mediocre and boring, but during the last couple of years I've had a pleasure to read good and well written historical novels that differ from mainstream historical novels. I think that everybody who reads Something Red and The Wicked will think likewise, because they're excellent novels.
Because The Wicked is the second novel in a trilogy, there may be readers out there who wonder if it can be read as a standalone novel. It's possible that it can be read as a standalone novel, because the author briefly tells what has happened to the characters at the beginning of the story, but I think that readers will be able to fully enjoy the story if they're familiar with the characters and their past, so it's good to read the first novel before this one.
I think that readers who aren't used to reading speculative fiction will enjoy and love The Wicked, because it's been written so well that it will fascinate several mainstream readers. It's one of those rare novels that will be of interest to both readerships.
Here's information about the story:
The Wicked tells what happens to the characters after the happenings in Something Red. The events take place a year and a quarter later. Molly, Nemain, Jack and Hob are spending time in Sir Jehan's castle. Sir Jehan has invited Sir Odinell to the castle, because he thinks that Molly might be able to help him and he would be able to help Molly. Sir Odinell tells Molly what has been happening near his castle. He tells that Sir Tarquin and his wife, Lady Rohese, have come to dwell in Duncarlin and fearsome happenings have begun to plague the countryside. He asks if Molly can help him. Molly agrees to help him and she begins to investigate what's going on. What she finds out is truly terrifying...
I have to mention that I love the author's characterization, because he brings each character to life and gradually deepens them. It was delightful to read again about Molly, Nemain, Jack and Hob. It's great that the author continues to develop these characters and reveals more things about them.
Here's a bit of information about the characters:
Molly is an Irish queen who lives in exile in England. She travels around as musician and healer with her ox-driven wagon. She has recently spent quite a lot of time with Sir Jehan. Nemain is her granddaughter, whom she has trained. Jack is still Molly's lover. Hob is now a muscular youth and betrothed to Nemain. He will be trained to become a knight.
Molly is an especially interesting character, because she has a bit mysterious past. She knows many things and she seems to have a calming effect on people. I enjoyed reading about her problems and how she offered help to people. It was great to read how she used her vast knowledge and powers to help others. Reading about her powers was fascinating, because the author revealed more about them in this novel.
Hob is also an interesting character. The author wrote well about how Hob felt about the pagan beliefs and powers of Molly, because he was raised to be Christian. He still felt a bit odd when such things as Goddess were mentioned, but he hardly even noticed them anymore, because he had become used to them. Because he admired Molly and loved Nemain, he didn't pay much attention to these things anymore.
Sir Tarquin and his wife, Lady Rohese, are very intriguing characters, because there's something unsettling about them. It was fascinating to read how Molly's troupe examined them in Sir Odinell's castle and what they found out about them. I'm not going to reveal what they are and what they can do, but I'll mention that they're dangerous and wicked beings that have great powers. It was good that the author showed how dogs reacted to Sir Tarquin, because they could sense that something was wrong with him.
It's good to mention that Douglas Nicholas can also write fluently about animals. It was nice to read how well he wrote about the small terrier, Sweetlove. He also wrote well about Hob's bond with the ox.
Douglas Nicholas writes fluently and addictively about supernatural happenings. It was fascinating to read about the evil presence that had taken residence near Sir Odinell's castle. I also enjoyed reading about the rat hunt, because the rats were truly menacing and unforgettable creatures. They were abnormally big and had strange eyes, because they were familiars and spied on people. (If there are readers out there who don't know what a familiar is, I can briefly mention that a familiar is a supernatural entity that assists people in their use of magic. Familiars serve people who use magic and can be either malevolent or benevolent depending on whom they serve.)
The author has an excellent way of building up suspense and terror. He knows how to keep readers interested in the story by delivering surprises at regular intervals. The strange happenings are being described perfectly, because at first the characters - and also the readers - don't know what's happening and what's causing the strange and unsettling phenomena.
There are several good scenes in this novel. One of my favourite scenes is the scene in which Molly and Lady Rohese stare at each other. It's a perfectly constructed scene and the outcome of it is very rewarding and also surprising. I'm sure that all readers will enjoy this scene.
I enjoyed Douglas Nicholas' poetic prose in the previous novel and I also enjoyed it in this novel, because I've always liked to read rich and poetic prose (it's a pleasure to read this kind of prose). In this novel his prose is perhaps even more stunningly beautiful, poetic and nuanced than in Something Red and that is quite an amazing achievement. If there are readers who like this kind of prose, they're in for a real treat when they begin to read this novel.
In my honest opinion Douglas Nicholas is one of the best writers of literary fantasy, because he writes excellent prose and easily creates an enchanting atmosphere (for example, the scene in which Molly and her troupe spend time with the charcoal burners is a beautifully written and picturesque scene). He has a natural talent for storytelling, because the story flows effortlessly from the first page to the last page and the ending is perfect.
Douglas Nicholas brings the threatening scenes of the story to life by writing vividly about them. He writes fascinatingly about bandits on the road, trouble at the inn, sorcery and other things. He also masterfully adds macabre elements to the storyline. For example, the sight of the body in the rhine was a deliciously macabre sight. It's also worth mentioning that the bodies that washed up on the shore and showed evidence of corruption were quite a macabre and unforgettable sight. The author uses macabre elements sparingly and never overdoes anything - by gradually revealing the horrors that plague the countryside he catches the reader's attention and makes the story addictive.
The Wicked - just like Something Red - is surprisingly rich with historical details about life and living conditions in medieval England. The descriptions of the places, people and happenings are wonderfully realistic and believable. I think the author has done quite a lot of research, because everything feels realistic and it's easy to imagine that people have truly lived the way their lives are being described in the story. The castles, the woods, the sea, the inns etc. are all portrayed in a realistic and compelling way. The author makes the reader feel like he/she is among the characters as they face dangers and travel along the roads and visit inns and castles.
It's easy for readers to see that Douglas Nicholas is interested in history and historical details. It's interesting that he writes about the German Sea, because this term is seldom used nowadays. Those readers who are familiar with history probably know that the German Sea is now called the North Sea. If I'm not mistaken, the German Sea originated from Latin (Mare Germanicum and Oceanus Germanicum) and was used almost until the 19th century.
There are two short glossaries at the end of this novel (a glossary of Irish terms and a glossary of archaims and North England dialect terms). These glossaries are useful to readers, because the characters use Irish terms and archaisms often. Because I've been interested in English and Irish for a long time, it was fascinating for me to read how different terms and words were used in the story.
The cover image looks wonderfully ominous. I can mention that the raven that can be seen in the cover image makes an appearance in the story, but I won't mention how, because I want to avoid writing spoilers.
Because I enjoyed reading The Wicked, I have to mention that I can hardly wait to read the third novel. It'll be fascinating to find out how the story ends and what happens to the characters.
Every once in a while every reader comes across novels that are so beautifully written that it's difficult to describe their beauty to other readers. The Wicked is one these novels. It's a hauntingly beautiful and captivating masterpiece of historical fantasy that will enchant you with its story, historical details and supernatural happenings. It belongs to the bookshelf of every fantasy reader and book lover, and should be read by as many readers as possible.
If you enjoy reading quality novels and historical fantasy, The Wicked is a perfect novel for you. It's a remarkable and unsurpassable novel in terms of prose, atmosphere, characterization and storytelling. It will be one of the best novels of 2014, so you should buy it and read it as soon as possible. I'm sure that if you begin to read this novel in the evening, you'll be reading it all night to find out what happens at the end. Once you start reading this novel, you'll find it very difficult to put it down, because it's perfect escapism.
Highly recommended!
Douglas Nicholas debut novel, Something Red, was published in 2012. It was one of the best and most enjoyable novels of the year, because it was a beautifully written historical fantasy novel that contained intriguing horror elements. Its sequel, The Wicked, is also an excellent and enjoyable novel that will please all readers who enjoyed reading Something Red. All the things that made the previous novel excellent can also be found in this novel. The author continues to delight his readers with beautiful prose, and he also surprises and shocks his readers with macabre horror elements.
Just like its predecessor, The Wicked is historical fantasy that contains horror elements and mythological elements. Douglas Nicholas combines fantasy, horror, mythology and historical fiction with an expert's touch and creates a spellbinding story that will be of interest to everybody loves good literary fiction. There are no faults in this novel, because it's a perfect historical fantasy novel.
I can honestly say that Something Red and The Wicked are two novels, which belong to the small group of novels that have restored my faith in historical fiction. In my opinion most new historical novels have been more or less mediocre and boring, but during the last couple of years I've had a pleasure to read good and well written historical novels that differ from mainstream historical novels. I think that everybody who reads Something Red and The Wicked will think likewise, because they're excellent novels.
Because The Wicked is the second novel in a trilogy, there may be readers out there who wonder if it can be read as a standalone novel. It's possible that it can be read as a standalone novel, because the author briefly tells what has happened to the characters at the beginning of the story, but I think that readers will be able to fully enjoy the story if they're familiar with the characters and their past, so it's good to read the first novel before this one.
I think that readers who aren't used to reading speculative fiction will enjoy and love The Wicked, because it's been written so well that it will fascinate several mainstream readers. It's one of those rare novels that will be of interest to both readerships.
Here's information about the story:
The Wicked tells what happens to the characters after the happenings in Something Red. The events take place a year and a quarter later. Molly, Nemain, Jack and Hob are spending time in Sir Jehan's castle. Sir Jehan has invited Sir Odinell to the castle, because he thinks that Molly might be able to help him and he would be able to help Molly. Sir Odinell tells Molly what has been happening near his castle. He tells that Sir Tarquin and his wife, Lady Rohese, have come to dwell in Duncarlin and fearsome happenings have begun to plague the countryside. He asks if Molly can help him. Molly agrees to help him and she begins to investigate what's going on. What she finds out is truly terrifying...
I have to mention that I love the author's characterization, because he brings each character to life and gradually deepens them. It was delightful to read again about Molly, Nemain, Jack and Hob. It's great that the author continues to develop these characters and reveals more things about them.
Here's a bit of information about the characters:
Molly is an Irish queen who lives in exile in England. She travels around as musician and healer with her ox-driven wagon. She has recently spent quite a lot of time with Sir Jehan. Nemain is her granddaughter, whom she has trained. Jack is still Molly's lover. Hob is now a muscular youth and betrothed to Nemain. He will be trained to become a knight.
Molly is an especially interesting character, because she has a bit mysterious past. She knows many things and she seems to have a calming effect on people. I enjoyed reading about her problems and how she offered help to people. It was great to read how she used her vast knowledge and powers to help others. Reading about her powers was fascinating, because the author revealed more about them in this novel.
Hob is also an interesting character. The author wrote well about how Hob felt about the pagan beliefs and powers of Molly, because he was raised to be Christian. He still felt a bit odd when such things as Goddess were mentioned, but he hardly even noticed them anymore, because he had become used to them. Because he admired Molly and loved Nemain, he didn't pay much attention to these things anymore.
Sir Tarquin and his wife, Lady Rohese, are very intriguing characters, because there's something unsettling about them. It was fascinating to read how Molly's troupe examined them in Sir Odinell's castle and what they found out about them. I'm not going to reveal what they are and what they can do, but I'll mention that they're dangerous and wicked beings that have great powers. It was good that the author showed how dogs reacted to Sir Tarquin, because they could sense that something was wrong with him.
It's good to mention that Douglas Nicholas can also write fluently about animals. It was nice to read how well he wrote about the small terrier, Sweetlove. He also wrote well about Hob's bond with the ox.
Douglas Nicholas writes fluently and addictively about supernatural happenings. It was fascinating to read about the evil presence that had taken residence near Sir Odinell's castle. I also enjoyed reading about the rat hunt, because the rats were truly menacing and unforgettable creatures. They were abnormally big and had strange eyes, because they were familiars and spied on people. (If there are readers out there who don't know what a familiar is, I can briefly mention that a familiar is a supernatural entity that assists people in their use of magic. Familiars serve people who use magic and can be either malevolent or benevolent depending on whom they serve.)
The author has an excellent way of building up suspense and terror. He knows how to keep readers interested in the story by delivering surprises at regular intervals. The strange happenings are being described perfectly, because at first the characters - and also the readers - don't know what's happening and what's causing the strange and unsettling phenomena.
There are several good scenes in this novel. One of my favourite scenes is the scene in which Molly and Lady Rohese stare at each other. It's a perfectly constructed scene and the outcome of it is very rewarding and also surprising. I'm sure that all readers will enjoy this scene.
I enjoyed Douglas Nicholas' poetic prose in the previous novel and I also enjoyed it in this novel, because I've always liked to read rich and poetic prose (it's a pleasure to read this kind of prose). In this novel his prose is perhaps even more stunningly beautiful, poetic and nuanced than in Something Red and that is quite an amazing achievement. If there are readers who like this kind of prose, they're in for a real treat when they begin to read this novel.
In my honest opinion Douglas Nicholas is one of the best writers of literary fantasy, because he writes excellent prose and easily creates an enchanting atmosphere (for example, the scene in which Molly and her troupe spend time with the charcoal burners is a beautifully written and picturesque scene). He has a natural talent for storytelling, because the story flows effortlessly from the first page to the last page and the ending is perfect.
Douglas Nicholas brings the threatening scenes of the story to life by writing vividly about them. He writes fascinatingly about bandits on the road, trouble at the inn, sorcery and other things. He also masterfully adds macabre elements to the storyline. For example, the sight of the body in the rhine was a deliciously macabre sight. It's also worth mentioning that the bodies that washed up on the shore and showed evidence of corruption were quite a macabre and unforgettable sight. The author uses macabre elements sparingly and never overdoes anything - by gradually revealing the horrors that plague the countryside he catches the reader's attention and makes the story addictive.
The Wicked - just like Something Red - is surprisingly rich with historical details about life and living conditions in medieval England. The descriptions of the places, people and happenings are wonderfully realistic and believable. I think the author has done quite a lot of research, because everything feels realistic and it's easy to imagine that people have truly lived the way their lives are being described in the story. The castles, the woods, the sea, the inns etc. are all portrayed in a realistic and compelling way. The author makes the reader feel like he/she is among the characters as they face dangers and travel along the roads and visit inns and castles.
It's easy for readers to see that Douglas Nicholas is interested in history and historical details. It's interesting that he writes about the German Sea, because this term is seldom used nowadays. Those readers who are familiar with history probably know that the German Sea is now called the North Sea. If I'm not mistaken, the German Sea originated from Latin (Mare Germanicum and Oceanus Germanicum) and was used almost until the 19th century.
There are two short glossaries at the end of this novel (a glossary of Irish terms and a glossary of archaims and North England dialect terms). These glossaries are useful to readers, because the characters use Irish terms and archaisms often. Because I've been interested in English and Irish for a long time, it was fascinating for me to read how different terms and words were used in the story.
The cover image looks wonderfully ominous. I can mention that the raven that can be seen in the cover image makes an appearance in the story, but I won't mention how, because I want to avoid writing spoilers.
Because I enjoyed reading The Wicked, I have to mention that I can hardly wait to read the third novel. It'll be fascinating to find out how the story ends and what happens to the characters.
Every once in a while every reader comes across novels that are so beautifully written that it's difficult to describe their beauty to other readers. The Wicked is one these novels. It's a hauntingly beautiful and captivating masterpiece of historical fantasy that will enchant you with its story, historical details and supernatural happenings. It belongs to the bookshelf of every fantasy reader and book lover, and should be read by as many readers as possible.
If you enjoy reading quality novels and historical fantasy, The Wicked is a perfect novel for you. It's a remarkable and unsurpassable novel in terms of prose, atmosphere, characterization and storytelling. It will be one of the best novels of 2014, so you should buy it and read it as soon as possible. I'm sure that if you begin to read this novel in the evening, you'll be reading it all night to find out what happens at the end. Once you start reading this novel, you'll find it very difficult to put it down, because it's perfect escapism.
Highly recommended!
February 23, 2021
‘The Wicked’ is the second instalment in the late Douglas Nicholas’ ‘Something Red’ series. I picked up this novel since I greatly enjoyed the language and originality of the first instalment in the series named ‘Something Red’, in which the reader is introduced to what Nicholas himself referred to as ‘Molly & Co.’
At first sight, Molly & Co. appear to be an innocent troupe of travelling musicians, consisting of old crone Molly, her granddaughter the redheaded Nemain, the silent soldier Jack Brown and an adopted orphan named ‘Hob’ – that was the diminutive of ‘Robert’ in Medieval England, which is the setting of both ‘Something Red’ and ‘The Wicked’.
Yet looks can be deceiving, for there is a lot more to this quartet of wandering musicians than meets the eye (even though Hob himself is not yet fully aware of it). Nicholas himself was a poet and a keen medieval scholar, so that his mastery of words radiates through the pages of his fiction, which is sprinkled with delightful little historical anecdotes that instantly immerse the reader in the period. Finding this book on the shelves of a Sydney bookstore was like unexpectedly coming across a beautiful oasis while travelling through a desert of fabricated mediocrity. It combines genuine literary quality with genre fiction, a mix that’s so hard to find these days.
The author also injects a high degree of mystery into Molly & Co.’s travels, since on their journey they often come across terrible murders carried out by a malevolent force which wanders through the wilds ahead of them. This whodunnit element stirs up enough suspense to keep the reader glued to the wanderings of the four musicians who encounter people of various walks of life along the road, which further brings to life the thirteenth-century English setting.
So I was very curious to read its sequel ‘The Wicked’, to find out if an author of Nicholas’ abilities was able to replicate the qualities I so enjoyed in his debut ‘Something Red’. Creating a great sequel is something notoriously difficult to pull off, and upon reading the first few pages of ‘The Wicked’ I first thought that the author was sticking to the tried and tested template of ‘Something Red’. Yet as with most things Douglas Nicholas, nothing is what it first seems, so that Molly & Co. reluctantly find themselves facing greater danger than that encountered in the first instalment. Once more a great evil plagues the lands they travel to, inflicted by a more fearsome and formidable enemy than Molly has ever faced before. It is easy for me to sit here and type ‘fearsome and formidable’, yet to convey those qualities convincingly takes writing of consistent and truly evocative quality.
There is a great fantastical denouement at the end, and it is interesting to read how the younger characters in the quartet grow in stature throughout the tale. It is with a tinge of sadness that I recommend this book and accord it a five-star rating, since Nicholas passed away suddenly and unexpectedly five years ago. Yet I very much look forward to reading the other three books in the series, which consist of two sequels and a short story spin off.
At first sight, Molly & Co. appear to be an innocent troupe of travelling musicians, consisting of old crone Molly, her granddaughter the redheaded Nemain, the silent soldier Jack Brown and an adopted orphan named ‘Hob’ – that was the diminutive of ‘Robert’ in Medieval England, which is the setting of both ‘Something Red’ and ‘The Wicked’.
Yet looks can be deceiving, for there is a lot more to this quartet of wandering musicians than meets the eye (even though Hob himself is not yet fully aware of it). Nicholas himself was a poet and a keen medieval scholar, so that his mastery of words radiates through the pages of his fiction, which is sprinkled with delightful little historical anecdotes that instantly immerse the reader in the period. Finding this book on the shelves of a Sydney bookstore was like unexpectedly coming across a beautiful oasis while travelling through a desert of fabricated mediocrity. It combines genuine literary quality with genre fiction, a mix that’s so hard to find these days.
The author also injects a high degree of mystery into Molly & Co.’s travels, since on their journey they often come across terrible murders carried out by a malevolent force which wanders through the wilds ahead of them. This whodunnit element stirs up enough suspense to keep the reader glued to the wanderings of the four musicians who encounter people of various walks of life along the road, which further brings to life the thirteenth-century English setting.
So I was very curious to read its sequel ‘The Wicked’, to find out if an author of Nicholas’ abilities was able to replicate the qualities I so enjoyed in his debut ‘Something Red’. Creating a great sequel is something notoriously difficult to pull off, and upon reading the first few pages of ‘The Wicked’ I first thought that the author was sticking to the tried and tested template of ‘Something Red’. Yet as with most things Douglas Nicholas, nothing is what it first seems, so that Molly & Co. reluctantly find themselves facing greater danger than that encountered in the first instalment. Once more a great evil plagues the lands they travel to, inflicted by a more fearsome and formidable enemy than Molly has ever faced before. It is easy for me to sit here and type ‘fearsome and formidable’, yet to convey those qualities convincingly takes writing of consistent and truly evocative quality.
There is a great fantastical denouement at the end, and it is interesting to read how the younger characters in the quartet grow in stature throughout the tale. It is with a tinge of sadness that I recommend this book and accord it a five-star rating, since Nicholas passed away suddenly and unexpectedly five years ago. Yet I very much look forward to reading the other three books in the series, which consist of two sequels and a short story spin off.
May 9, 2018
Nicht ganz so elegant wie "Something Red", vor allem am Anfang ein paar sehr schäbige "was bisher geschah"-Passagen, macht aber immer noch Spaß. Und so schöne Wörter!
May 20, 2024
"The Wicked" - written by Douglas Nicholas and published in 2014 by Emily Bestler Books, Simon & Schuster. This second in the series follows a similar pattern - a unique band of four with their oxen, horses and wagons travels the dangerous roads, stopping at inns and castles along the way. And once again, evil is in this world, and they stand ready to conquer. "Sure and there's a fell being that haunts this coast: something dire, something vast." It was great horror-tinged fantasy fun and I'll certainly look forward to the next installment.
September 25, 2014
I am not normally a big fantasy reader, but I enjoy a little something fanciful now and then. I enjoyed Douglas Nicholas' previous novel, Something Red, and I was not disappointed in The Wicked. Thirteenth-century England is the perfect setting for this sort of adventure, with elements of historical fiction, mystery and magic.
Once again, exiled Irish queen Molly is traveling the countryside with her granddaughter, Nemain, her young apprentice, Hob, and her lover, Jack Brown. They have come to the castle of Sir Jehan, who they saved in Something Red, to discuss a creeping danger that is facing his long-time friend, Sir Odinell. Something is preying on the people in the surrounding lands - draining their life force, leaving wizened corpses. Knights sent out to battle this evil do not return or return in a daze, a shadow of their former selves. With good reason, Sir Odinell suspects Sir Tarquin and his wife; they have a malevolent air about them and their behavior is suspicious. But how does one battle an ancient evil?
Of course, Molly and Nemain recognize the evil and have a plan for fighting it. Their particular variety of Irish magic fits so beautifully into the Olde English setting. However, for me, the star of this series is Hob. He has grown so much - he started out as such an innocent, raised by a parish priest, and he has become a vital part of this traveling band. While he may not understand the magic that they practice, he is bright and observant, often noticing details the others have missed. He struggles with their practices - he was raised by a priest, after all, and he is traveling with pagans - but he clearly loves his new family and it is interesting to see them all through his eyes.
I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. I enjoy the portrayal of life in that time period, the mysticism and the characters. Before writing novels, Nicholas was a poet and that shows in his writing. It's a real pleasure to read.
Once again, exiled Irish queen Molly is traveling the countryside with her granddaughter, Nemain, her young apprentice, Hob, and her lover, Jack Brown. They have come to the castle of Sir Jehan, who they saved in Something Red, to discuss a creeping danger that is facing his long-time friend, Sir Odinell. Something is preying on the people in the surrounding lands - draining their life force, leaving wizened corpses. Knights sent out to battle this evil do not return or return in a daze, a shadow of their former selves. With good reason, Sir Odinell suspects Sir Tarquin and his wife; they have a malevolent air about them and their behavior is suspicious. But how does one battle an ancient evil?
Of course, Molly and Nemain recognize the evil and have a plan for fighting it. Their particular variety of Irish magic fits so beautifully into the Olde English setting. However, for me, the star of this series is Hob. He has grown so much - he started out as such an innocent, raised by a parish priest, and he has become a vital part of this traveling band. While he may not understand the magic that they practice, he is bright and observant, often noticing details the others have missed. He struggles with their practices - he was raised by a priest, after all, and he is traveling with pagans - but he clearly loves his new family and it is interesting to see them all through his eyes.
I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. I enjoy the portrayal of life in that time period, the mysticism and the characters. Before writing novels, Nicholas was a poet and that shows in his writing. It's a real pleasure to read.
December 18, 2013
The incredibly entertaining and mysterious group is back from the hit novel, Something Red, and fans will be pulled even further into this Northumbrian world of power, romance, and…fangs.
It all begins with Sir Ordinell calling out to Sir Jehan, his brother, for help. It seems a new neighbor has moved into the area; Sir Tarquin and his household are now living down the coast from Ordinell at a stronghold called Duncarlin. Ordinell speaks with sweat on his brow to Sir Jehan and his crew, explaining the evil ways of this man and his wife, Lady Rohese, who is both beautiful and repellant at the same time.
Sir Jehan is told of two knights that resided and worked for Ordinell who went out on a normal errand and returned home almost inhuman. This incident happened after this particular evil couple took up residence…and then, bodies began to be found that were so skinny the corpses literally looked as if the life had been sucked out of them.
Jehan agrees to help. With Hob, the young squire who will someday be a great warrior; Nemain, the strong-willed, hard-headed girl who loves Hob; Balthazar, the strong, valiant warrior; and Grandma Molly, who has so many unique powers she, above anyone, could bring these horrific people down - all set up a plan where they will follow Ordinell down the coast to check these monster out.
Lagging a few days behind so Molly and company can listen to the citizens and discover the secrets of Duncarlin, the group acts as a small band of musicians. Molly talks to the Great Queen and asks for guidance, but when the band must face the frightening couple face-to-face, a fantastical battle begins between good and evil.
This author has proven to one and all through his magical books that he knows how to engage the reader with a truly compelling story. This offering is no different. It will be thrilling to see where the story goes from here.
It all begins with Sir Ordinell calling out to Sir Jehan, his brother, for help. It seems a new neighbor has moved into the area; Sir Tarquin and his household are now living down the coast from Ordinell at a stronghold called Duncarlin. Ordinell speaks with sweat on his brow to Sir Jehan and his crew, explaining the evil ways of this man and his wife, Lady Rohese, who is both beautiful and repellant at the same time.
Sir Jehan is told of two knights that resided and worked for Ordinell who went out on a normal errand and returned home almost inhuman. This incident happened after this particular evil couple took up residence…and then, bodies began to be found that were so skinny the corpses literally looked as if the life had been sucked out of them.
Jehan agrees to help. With Hob, the young squire who will someday be a great warrior; Nemain, the strong-willed, hard-headed girl who loves Hob; Balthazar, the strong, valiant warrior; and Grandma Molly, who has so many unique powers she, above anyone, could bring these horrific people down - all set up a plan where they will follow Ordinell down the coast to check these monster out.
Lagging a few days behind so Molly and company can listen to the citizens and discover the secrets of Duncarlin, the group acts as a small band of musicians. Molly talks to the Great Queen and asks for guidance, but when the band must face the frightening couple face-to-face, a fantastical battle begins between good and evil.
This author has proven to one and all through his magical books that he knows how to engage the reader with a truly compelling story. This offering is no different. It will be thrilling to see where the story goes from here.
April 8, 2015
A really good read again. This one seemed to read a little faster than the previous story. Maybe because I knew what to expect in regards to writing style.
Different setting, different evil bad guy. As much detail that goes into the world building of this story line, I'd like to see a little "meat" put into the story itself and learn a little more behind the bad guy's motive's. I understand the evil needs to be removed, where did it come from, what is the purpose, how does Molly know what she knows about the evil other than something she heard from older women a long time ago.
I'd also like to learn a little more about Nemain and what she is being tutored for in the long run. Some kind of information related to the end game, which is apparently getting back to Ireland and ruling her clan again. No this is not a spoiler, it's all over this book and the previous one.
I am enjoying the story line and the adventures this band of characters are taking and I am sure it is leading to what Molly wants most, which is to take back her clan. But I hope this does not run on and on like a few other series.
Like I said, some more back story on the lead characters other than Hob and Jack, especially when related to the bad guys they encounter. I will read the third book and the short story as well titled The Demon. You'll enjoy them if you stick with them. They are a good read and enjoyable. I jsut want a little more..........
Different setting, different evil bad guy. As much detail that goes into the world building of this story line, I'd like to see a little "meat" put into the story itself and learn a little more behind the bad guy's motive's. I understand the evil needs to be removed, where did it come from, what is the purpose, how does Molly know what she knows about the evil other than something she heard from older women a long time ago.
I'd also like to learn a little more about Nemain and what she is being tutored for in the long run. Some kind of information related to the end game, which is apparently getting back to Ireland and ruling her clan again. No this is not a spoiler, it's all over this book and the previous one.
I am enjoying the story line and the adventures this band of characters are taking and I am sure it is leading to what Molly wants most, which is to take back her clan. But I hope this does not run on and on like a few other series.
Like I said, some more back story on the lead characters other than Hob and Jack, especially when related to the bad guys they encounter. I will read the third book and the short story as well titled The Demon. You'll enjoy them if you stick with them. They are a good read and enjoyable. I jsut want a little more..........
October 29, 2013
The Wicked is, if anything, better than its predecessor Something Red. Set in the same marvellously realized world of an England still adapting to the Norman Conquest, a land of seemingly endless forests and wilderness, still troubled by monstrous evils ancient and new - a land where the power of the Church is strong but sometimes not strong enough to deal with these dark powers.
Jack and his adoptive family - Molly the matriarch and her consort Jack and Molly's granddaughter Nemain seem to be a last secure with powerful friends and allies who they hope will ultimately help Molly in her goal of regaining her tiny kingdom in the far west of Ireland. But that task lies in the future, after Jack has achieved his full strength, and now they will be tested to their limits in dealing with an ancient evil besetting one of their host's allies.
Nicholas draws this England beautifully, his prose style perfectly suited to a tale of Molly's and Nemain's ancient Celtic magic (vigorously frowned upon by the jealous but ineffective Church) deployed against a different and much darker sorcery. He unveils the full scope of the threat gradually and with a growing sense of menace and of unstoppable evil balanced by Molly and her family's power and goodness. A lot of fun to read and highly recommended.
Jack and his adoptive family - Molly the matriarch and her consort Jack and Molly's granddaughter Nemain seem to be a last secure with powerful friends and allies who they hope will ultimately help Molly in her goal of regaining her tiny kingdom in the far west of Ireland. But that task lies in the future, after Jack has achieved his full strength, and now they will be tested to their limits in dealing with an ancient evil besetting one of their host's allies.
Nicholas draws this England beautifully, his prose style perfectly suited to a tale of Molly's and Nemain's ancient Celtic magic (vigorously frowned upon by the jealous but ineffective Church) deployed against a different and much darker sorcery. He unveils the full scope of the threat gradually and with a growing sense of menace and of unstoppable evil balanced by Molly and her family's power and goodness. A lot of fun to read and highly recommended.
December 5, 2013
A particularly horrific evil has come to reside in a castle near the North Sea. Corpses are being discovered completely drained of their youth and vigour. When knights are sent to discover the cause, they do not return or they return changed in manner and in the service of Sir Tarquin who seems to be the source of the evil. Queen Molly and her extended family are asked to intervene. Molly recognizes the evil but it is stronger than any she has encountered before. It will take all of her strength and that of her granddaughter, Nemain to defeat it and even then it may not be enough.
The Wicked is the sequel to Something Red, Douglas Nicholas’ fantasy/horror tale set in 13th c. Norman England and a worthy one it is. Nicholas has an historian’s eye for the times he is writing about but he has a poet’s grasp of language. As a result, he has created a tale both fascinating in its details and lyrical in its language and dialect. It is also extremely creepy in places and romantic in others. In other words, it is not easy to fit this series into any one genre. What I can say for sure though is that it is a very unique and marvelous telling of an original story by an expert story-teller, the kind of book that is a real pleasure to read.
The Wicked is the sequel to Something Red, Douglas Nicholas’ fantasy/horror tale set in 13th c. Norman England and a worthy one it is. Nicholas has an historian’s eye for the times he is writing about but he has a poet’s grasp of language. As a result, he has created a tale both fascinating in its details and lyrical in its language and dialect. It is also extremely creepy in places and romantic in others. In other words, it is not easy to fit this series into any one genre. What I can say for sure though is that it is a very unique and marvelous telling of an original story by an expert story-teller, the kind of book that is a real pleasure to read.
October 20, 2013
A darkness has invaded the land and is coming to overtake the surrounding castles. It emanates from a dead man who still walks the earth. Molly and her band of traveling musicians have been promised safe passage back to Ireland in reward for taking this evil out.
Although I did not read the first book of this series, this installment stands on its own. The beginning of the book had me in a tailspin to put it down and not read it. It was so hard to comprehend what was going on. Once I got to the third chapter did it start to make sense and capture my attention. It picked up from there and the quest for justice was on.
The author did a wonderful job with the plot. I loved how the birds were involved in the antagonist demise. It was however, a little predictable. Every step of the way there was no thrill as to what will happen next because the author followed certain patterns that the reader could predict. The ending was no different. I am expecting another installment whereas the family finally gets to Ireland and another plot will thicken.
Although I did not read the first book of this series, this installment stands on its own. The beginning of the book had me in a tailspin to put it down and not read it. It was so hard to comprehend what was going on. Once I got to the third chapter did it start to make sense and capture my attention. It picked up from there and the quest for justice was on.
The author did a wonderful job with the plot. I loved how the birds were involved in the antagonist demise. It was however, a little predictable. Every step of the way there was no thrill as to what will happen next because the author followed certain patterns that the reader could predict. The ending was no different. I am expecting another installment whereas the family finally gets to Ireland and another plot will thicken.
April 2, 2015
Well written intriguing plot line that picks up following the story from the previous book. I'd recommend reading the first book, Something Red, before starting this one. The author takes fantasy and works in mythology with a twist of horror and does it really well. I was hooked from page one and didn't want to put it down. The editing job was really good. The characters felt so real and believable right from the start. I especially liked Molly. I'd recommend this book to all lovers of fantasy, mythology, horror, or who just love a really good book. A free copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest unbiased review. Read more reviews, author interviews and enter giveaways on my blog.
March 31, 2014
This vivid tale of magic, of good and evil, is set in the north of England. Irish Witches Maeve and her granddaughter Nemain are drawn by the Morrigan to deal with a wizard that who is ravaging the lands about his Northumbrian castle. The telling of the story is done through the eyes of Hob, warrior to be, as he aids and protects his adopted family. Humor, suspense, passion, horror and a loving use of words make the pages fly so that by the end the only thing you will regret is that it is only a trilogy. Thankfully, there is one more book in the series yet to be published. Remember too that this is sequel to the equally enthralling "Something Red."
February 1, 2014
I totally wanted to read this book not only cause the first book was so good but that the cover i think is just stunning. Now of course not every book cover that is stunning has a great story behind it but this one totally did. Once again we are drawn into 13th century England off to fight off a evil darkness threatening to take over. We learn more about the wonderful little gang that we met in the first novel "Something Red" Come March fans will be delighted with the continuing of this story.
July 16, 2014
I hated leaving the world of Something Red so much that I went immediately to Amazon and ordered Wicked so I could return as soon as possible. Now I have finished it, and must wait until Douglas Nicholas writes another book that will draw readers back to the 13th century and the cobbled together "family" of Molly, Newain, Jack and Hob. I already feel let down, listening to my neighbor mow his grass instead of reading the descriptions of a 13th century world that is closer to nature, very violent, and full of the strange and unfathomable.
April 17, 2014
As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed Douglas Nicholas' new book "The Wicked," the sequel to "Something Red." It takes place just a few months after the conclusion of "Something Red," continuing the story of Molly and her band of musicians, though they are much, much more than just a traveling troupe. The story encompasses good vs. a terrible evil, mystery, magic, love, hatred, and a definite element of creepiness. I highly recommend "The Wicked" and hope that the author continues this saga.
October 7, 2014
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an Arc in exchange for an honest review and honestly it was a phenomenal read. I actually picked up the first book out of my local library and loved that book so much that I went and got my own copy and I will be buying this book as soon as it becomes available as well. There is a creep factor in this series similar to the one found in the X Files despite the fact that the actions being depicted in this book take place in a medieval world.
July 22, 2016
Received as an ARC from the publisher. Started 1-9-14. Finished on 1-12-14. Mr Nicholas has another rousing adventure on his hands. Historical fiction about Northern England, evil wizards, swordfights, magic, and beings who gain life by killing others---what more could you ask for? Eerie and visually exciting.
July 10, 2014
Great book - you should read it now. I give it my highest rating. Continues the story from Something Red and really builds on it. Extremely well written and evocative. Further develops all of the main characters. Best book that I've read so far in 2014, and it's going to be hard to beat! Very nice job.
May 2, 2014
Rich in historical detail of time and setting, and characters I absolutely LOVE...add an exciting plot and ancient magic, and I am in literary heaven. Just as wonderful as the first book, and I hope Mr. Nicholas writes more. I'm hooked!!
August 12, 2016
I really enjoyed this book even though I don't like horror all that much. The historical details are fascinating. You can tell the author has done his research. Molly the disposed Irish queen is also a fascinating character and I can't wait for the next book.
November 5, 2014
Nicholas spins a tale full of language from lost days of time. This story is not as suspenseful as Something Red, because we are more acquainted with the powers of Molly. But we continue to follow Hob as he matures toward manhood. A delightful read and I look forward eagerly to a follow-up.
November 21, 2014
Mr. Nicholas weaves a compelling, fun and entertaining tale with a unique writing style. I've enjoyed both books in this series so far and am eagerly anticipating more.
April 29, 2014
I enjoyed this book much more than book 1. The language was just as beautiful, but the story moved along at faster pace.
February 1, 2015
Yet again, writing at its best...
September 2, 2014
Excellent, what a fun read. Great characters and the story keep me riveted!!
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