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Secrets & Sacrifices: A Regency Cthulhu Novel
Explore a new world of monsters and manners in this darkly captivating regency romance with an eldritch twist from renowned roleplaying game, Call of Cthulhu
When Cassandra Wright’s father was accused of murder her whole life fell apart, leaving her with no prospects, no money, and a broken engagement. But Cassandra always suspected foul play. Five years later, she’s determined to discover the truth.
With her childhood friend Thomas reluctantly acting as her new husband-to-be, Cassie must talk her way into the home of her former fiancé, who she’s convinced knows more than he ever let on. Once inside she’ll have to navigate the pitfalls of polite society while attempting to dig deep into her father’s life.
There are dark, twisted secrets lurking in the shadows, and Cassie must unravel them before they can consume her.
When Cassandra Wright’s father was accused of murder her whole life fell apart, leaving her with no prospects, no money, and a broken engagement. But Cassandra always suspected foul play. Five years later, she’s determined to discover the truth.
With her childhood friend Thomas reluctantly acting as her new husband-to-be, Cassie must talk her way into the home of her former fiancé, who she’s convinced knows more than he ever let on. Once inside she’ll have to navigate the pitfalls of polite society while attempting to dig deep into her father’s life.
There are dark, twisted secrets lurking in the shadows, and Cassie must unravel them before they can consume her.
336 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2024
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April 2, 2024
Dark doings!
First up, I felt I was at a huge disadvantage, I know nothing about Lovecraft or the world of Cthulhu.
I thought I was getting a Regency novel with some Gothic aspects thrown in. There’s a bit more than that.
Cassandra Wright, a gentlewoman with a ‘single trunk’ was on her way to Tarryford to find out what she could about the powerful James Fraser and her dead father’s stolen journals.
Cassandra was sure Fraser had something to do with her father’s untimely and disquieting death five years ago.
Cassandra had all but been engaged to Fraser’s son, Gilbert. That had quickly became a non event at that time.
When Cassie arrives at Tarryford she’s shocked to run into Thomas Griffith, a friend of Gilbert’s.
There are dangerous times ahead for her.
The Beast of Avon Vale, as it’s called, has been eviscerating live stock. Humans might be next.
Than Mr. Fraser, and the darkness that surrounds him, comes home. Shiver!
Eldritch happenings and arcane methods are being employed to summon creatures not of this world, and Mr. Fraser is right at the core, supposedly to counter creatures Napoleon has been summoning. He has acolytes, guests at a so called hunting party.
There are some frightening and shocking moments but overall I felt Cassandra and Thomas are too simplistic in their rush to counter evil. Cassandra walking in to face the enemy with a hat pin is more foolish than brave. Their romance is a bit too good to be true, a bit wooden. However it works.
It didn’t take a lot of insight to predict what would happen on the Eldritch and the romance front.
An Aconyte ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
First up, I felt I was at a huge disadvantage, I know nothing about Lovecraft or the world of Cthulhu.
I thought I was getting a Regency novel with some Gothic aspects thrown in. There’s a bit more than that.
Cassandra Wright, a gentlewoman with a ‘single trunk’ was on her way to Tarryford to find out what she could about the powerful James Fraser and her dead father’s stolen journals.
Cassandra was sure Fraser had something to do with her father’s untimely and disquieting death five years ago.
Cassandra had all but been engaged to Fraser’s son, Gilbert. That had quickly became a non event at that time.
When Cassie arrives at Tarryford she’s shocked to run into Thomas Griffith, a friend of Gilbert’s.
There are dangerous times ahead for her.
The Beast of Avon Vale, as it’s called, has been eviscerating live stock. Humans might be next.
Than Mr. Fraser, and the darkness that surrounds him, comes home. Shiver!
Eldritch happenings and arcane methods are being employed to summon creatures not of this world, and Mr. Fraser is right at the core, supposedly to counter creatures Napoleon has been summoning. He has acolytes, guests at a so called hunting party.
There are some frightening and shocking moments but overall I felt Cassandra and Thomas are too simplistic in their rush to counter evil. Cassandra walking in to face the enemy with a hat pin is more foolish than brave. Their romance is a bit too good to be true, a bit wooden. However it works.
It didn’t take a lot of insight to predict what would happen on the Eldritch and the romance front.
An Aconyte ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
April 3, 2024
Five years after her life falls apart, Cassandra Wright is eager to find out what truly happened to her father despite her lack of prospects, money, station, and her betrothed. Found dead AND accused of the murder of another man, the scandal surrounding her father has ruined her family. Her younger sister sent off to live in society under the care of their aunt. Her brother away at war. Cassandra takes it upon herself to discover the truth.
A chance meeting with her childhood friend Thomas (and the best friend of her prior fiancé) at the commencement of her plan to infiltrate society as a servant to finds her changing her plan and accepting Thomas' help by acting as his bride-to-be.
The secrets that society hides are greater and darker than anyone expected.
This book was honestly a true joy. I'm entirely biased on this and was prejudiced to love this book from the jump; two of my favorite things smooshed together: regency romance and cosmic horror. What's not to completely love?
Lauria masterfully writes a convincing and charming regency romance and the horror vibes are impeccable. I would 100% read plenty of more "Regency Cthuhlu" books if they were planned. I love the juxtaposition of manners and society with horrible tentacle monsters.
Thank you to Aconyte Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
A chance meeting with her childhood friend Thomas (and the best friend of her prior fiancé) at the commencement of her plan to infiltrate society as a servant to finds her changing her plan and accepting Thomas' help by acting as his bride-to-be.
The secrets that society hides are greater and darker than anyone expected.
This book was honestly a true joy. I'm entirely biased on this and was prejudiced to love this book from the jump; two of my favorite things smooshed together: regency romance and cosmic horror. What's not to completely love?
Lauria masterfully writes a convincing and charming regency romance and the horror vibes are impeccable. I would 100% read plenty of more "Regency Cthuhlu" books if they were planned. I love the juxtaposition of manners and society with horrible tentacle monsters.
Thank you to Aconyte Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 25, 2024
Secrets & Sacrifices is a charming attempt to meld Lovecraftian horror and a Romance of Manners, in the name of the new Call of Cthulhu Regency system. I think it does a good job at achieving what it sets out to do: the horror and lovecraft is just as present as the Manners, but the Manners don't get put aside for the horror. They're given equal weight here, which is nicely achieved. Cassandra is a great protagonist: she's headstrong, clever, occasionally rash, and genuinely a delight to read about. I found myself enjoying it thoroughly.
The one thing the book did that I felt hampered itself was by having a prologue that revealed far too much of the story. If it had started with chapter 1 instead, I think we as the reader would have felt the dread Cassandra felt as much as she did, not knowing who to trust or what had happened in the past, and the horror as she discovered more. Instead, we spent a lot of time waiting for her to catch up to what we knew, and it sort of undercut the tension of who was to blame for things.
(It also made the unusual choice of )
Nevertheless, it was deeply enjoyable. I just might advise other readers to skip the prologue.
Thank you to Netgalley and Aconyte books for this ARC.
The one thing the book did that I felt hampered itself was by having a prologue that revealed far too much of the story. If it had started with chapter 1 instead, I think we as the reader would have felt the dread Cassandra felt as much as she did, not knowing who to trust or what had happened in the past, and the horror as she discovered more. Instead, we spent a lot of time waiting for her to catch up to what we knew, and it sort of undercut the tension of who was to blame for things.
(It also made the unusual choice of )
Nevertheless, it was deeply enjoyable. I just might advise other readers to skip the prologue.
Thank you to Netgalley and Aconyte books for this ARC.
September 22, 2025
ik denk niet dat dit boek echt vier sterren waard is maar ik heb de tijd van mijn leven gehad dus alsjeblieft
March 13, 2025
i will say, i am being a little generous with this rating because i just love the mere concept of regency era eldritch horror and this book deeply inspired me to conceptualise a CoC campaign set in the regency era - as was its purpose, i believe
it's a well written book with a main character i really enjoyed reading. it incorporated the parts about regency novels that i really like very well: the intricacies of social status among the gentry, especially when the main character is some sort of social pariah, are very fun to read. especially when adding the cultist horror element.
it was somewhat lacking in the severity of the horror. if it were up to me they could have made the creatures a lot more daunting and genuinely terrifying, and incorporated the consequences of insanity more than just death. the mystery element was alright. at times i wished it was a little more complicated - the prologue actually gives so much away already that there is hardly a mystery to unravel for the rest of it.
overall a very enjoyable read, and i am still utterly in love with lovecraftian regency as a general vibe
it's a well written book with a main character i really enjoyed reading. it incorporated the parts about regency novels that i really like very well: the intricacies of social status among the gentry, especially when the main character is some sort of social pariah, are very fun to read. especially when adding the cultist horror element.
it was somewhat lacking in the severity of the horror. if it were up to me they could have made the creatures a lot more daunting and genuinely terrifying, and incorporated the consequences of insanity more than just death. the mystery element was alright. at times i wished it was a little more complicated - the prologue actually gives so much away already that there is hardly a mystery to unravel for the rest of it.
overall a very enjoyable read, and i am still utterly in love with lovecraftian regency as a general vibe
February 20, 2024
Secrets and Sacrifices by Cath Lauria is a beautifully written book, authentic to the era, but I will admit to going into it as a huge fan of Lovecraft and as such, having to stop and leave my expectations at the door. Complete disclosure, you put the terms, Regency, Cthulu and Eldritch Twist in a description and I am likely to be there faster than greased weasel shite off a shovel. However, I have no knowledge of the RPG this is based on (somehow missing that note in the description) and as such put the brakes on a bit as I don't usually do well with LitRPG
So to say that this set a high bar for me to get into this book is an understatement
However, no need to worry as the book was devoured! Yes, the themes are there and yes, the similarity is there, but that is where it ends. Lauria writes beautifully, taking the novel from LitRPG to a legitimate Lovecraftian Gothic Horror/ Thriller in its own right and in its own style. The elements are authentic, as is the language and writing, but that is where it ends as our protagonist Cassandra is as far removed from the usual type of Regency heroine as you can get (I am noticing a fantastic trend towards this type of heroine in Regency fiction and it is to be celebrated!)
I am not putting spoilers into this review, but I will say that the eldritch is substantial, not as I was expecting and is intended to leave the door open for the series (imho)
Cath Lauria is a skilled author whose writing is incredibly descriptive, fantastical and immersive and while the Lovecraftian element is there, goes above and beyond, an evolution of Lovecraft for a new era
Thank you to Netgalley, Aconyte Books and the author Cath Lauria for this engrossing ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
So to say that this set a high bar for me to get into this book is an understatement
However, no need to worry as the book was devoured! Yes, the themes are there and yes, the similarity is there, but that is where it ends. Lauria writes beautifully, taking the novel from LitRPG to a legitimate Lovecraftian Gothic Horror/ Thriller in its own right and in its own style. The elements are authentic, as is the language and writing, but that is where it ends as our protagonist Cassandra is as far removed from the usual type of Regency heroine as you can get (I am noticing a fantastic trend towards this type of heroine in Regency fiction and it is to be celebrated!)
I am not putting spoilers into this review, but I will say that the eldritch is substantial, not as I was expecting and is intended to leave the door open for the series (imho)
Cath Lauria is a skilled author whose writing is incredibly descriptive, fantastical and immersive and while the Lovecraftian element is there, goes above and beyond, an evolution of Lovecraft for a new era
Thank you to Netgalley, Aconyte Books and the author Cath Lauria for this engrossing ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
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July 3, 2024I went into this book expecting something along the lines of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies or Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters. You know, something a little clever in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way, but nothing much to write home about. Secrets and Sacrifices is nothing like that. It is so much better!
Five years after Cassandra loses everything- her money, her fiancé, and any future hope-due to her father being accused of murder, she returns to her ex-fiancé’s home determined to find any hidden secrets and discover the truth. Already, there’s a blend of a romance of manners and the darker aspects, as Cassandra must navigate polite society while dealing with the unnatural and eerie. I’m more experienced in the horror aspect than I am the regency romance, so I was also navigating something new and different. And let me tell you, I loved it.
Cassandra is a great combination of stubbornness and intelligence, with the unfortunate habit of rushing in where angels fear to treat. She was a delight to read and Thomas, the childhood friend joining her on her misadventure, is also loads of fun.
The writer does a good job of setting the scene, adding in that excellent creep-factor to what would otherwise be the sort of story that I skip. I’m not a big fan of regency era romance- or any romance, really. It’s just not my bag. But add in danger, twists and turns, and dark secrets and I’m on definitely on board. I am still surprised at how well this worked.
It moved at a nice clip, never becoming slow or stale. Equally cool is that you don’t need to know anything about The Call of Cthulhu game to understand and enjoy this book. Secrets and Sacrifices sunk its claws in and left me eager for more!
Thank you to Aconyte Books for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Secrets and Sacrifices: A Regency Cthulhu Novel is available for purchase now.
https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.hom...
Five years after Cassandra loses everything- her money, her fiancé, and any future hope-due to her father being accused of murder, she returns to her ex-fiancé’s home determined to find any hidden secrets and discover the truth. Already, there’s a blend of a romance of manners and the darker aspects, as Cassandra must navigate polite society while dealing with the unnatural and eerie. I’m more experienced in the horror aspect than I am the regency romance, so I was also navigating something new and different. And let me tell you, I loved it.
Cassandra is a great combination of stubbornness and intelligence, with the unfortunate habit of rushing in where angels fear to treat. She was a delight to read and Thomas, the childhood friend joining her on her misadventure, is also loads of fun.
The writer does a good job of setting the scene, adding in that excellent creep-factor to what would otherwise be the sort of story that I skip. I’m not a big fan of regency era romance- or any romance, really. It’s just not my bag. But add in danger, twists and turns, and dark secrets and I’m on definitely on board. I am still surprised at how well this worked.
It moved at a nice clip, never becoming slow or stale. Equally cool is that you don’t need to know anything about The Call of Cthulhu game to understand and enjoy this book. Secrets and Sacrifices sunk its claws in and left me eager for more!
Thank you to Aconyte Books for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Secrets and Sacrifices: A Regency Cthulhu Novel is available for purchase now.
https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.hom...
April 2, 2024
I feel like I need to preface this by saying I really, really did not like Regency literature while at university. I could not get in to Jane Austen or anything like that. But when I saw this title two things stood out and overshadowed the Regency aspect. First the author, Cath Lauria who I know is a fantastic writer and second Cthulhu (and of course the Call of Cthulhu game links). I am so glad it did because now I can say that if my regency novels had eldritch horrors or secret societies I am sold on them.
First I want to say that this does read a lot like Regency novel but as mentioned, I actually enjoyed that when in Lauria’s hands. We are transported back to the time of dances and high society but with the added bonus of horror thrown in and let me tell you Lauria knows what she is doing! I have never had so much fun reading, that is a slight lie because I did when I read Lauria’s other works but you know what I mean.
From the prologue we are made aware just what we are in for and I was hooked. I will say that while the eldritch monster may not have all the bells and whistles you could throw in I feel like for Secrets and Scarifies and the setting it works. I will also admit that the prologue made me love said ‘monster’ but that may reflect more on my psychology than anything else! Still I feel like it was the perfect creation to wreak havoc on polite society of the time. Beyond the monster the human characters, particularly Cassandra (and Thomas as well) are wonderful. I loved seeing a female character of the time taking matters into her own hands and seemingly dragging Thomas along for the ride.
I always avoid spoilers but if you like your heroines pushing historical boundaries but in a believable way, your regency historically on point and more than a few twists and turns, not least an eldritch monster, you need to pick this one up!
First I want to say that this does read a lot like Regency novel but as mentioned, I actually enjoyed that when in Lauria’s hands. We are transported back to the time of dances and high society but with the added bonus of horror thrown in and let me tell you Lauria knows what she is doing! I have never had so much fun reading, that is a slight lie because I did when I read Lauria’s other works but you know what I mean.
From the prologue we are made aware just what we are in for and I was hooked. I will say that while the eldritch monster may not have all the bells and whistles you could throw in I feel like for Secrets and Scarifies and the setting it works. I will also admit that the prologue made me love said ‘monster’ but that may reflect more on my psychology than anything else! Still I feel like it was the perfect creation to wreak havoc on polite society of the time. Beyond the monster the human characters, particularly Cassandra (and Thomas as well) are wonderful. I loved seeing a female character of the time taking matters into her own hands and seemingly dragging Thomas along for the ride.
I always avoid spoilers but if you like your heroines pushing historical boundaries but in a believable way, your regency historically on point and more than a few twists and turns, not least an eldritch monster, you need to pick this one up!
April 25, 2024
All the hallmarks of a Cthulhu horror. Seen through the lens of the Regency era sensibilities.
The story does have horror elements, and minor-ish gore, that can be intensified by how vivid a reader’s imagination and their visualization skills are. But it also doesn’t make one too uncomfortable nor scared. So if you want to dip your toes into cosmic horror, as it were, this might be an option for you.
The language does try to stay true to the era for the most part—I think that was helped by the fact that the publishing house is British—but the occasional Americanism, and modern phrasing does slip in here and there. Might be done intentionally to cater to a wider audience. Personally, I don’t like that, but, it is minor.
One thing beside the horror theme, the story does demonstrate the “casual” misogyny of the era, and how the heroine deals with it. Also, the FMC and MMC are just cute and endearing.
Since I enjoy the Call of Cthulhu table top roleplaying game, I particularly liked that the book organically includes some game mechanics like insanity and investigation. I also liked that this book ties in with Chapsium’s latest scenario releases from the same era, set within the same town. It’s like looking at the cosmic horrors from different angles, as witnessed by the people.
Of course, you don’t need to be aware of any of that to enjoy the book, nor familiar with the game itself either. You probably don’t even need to have read Lovecraft’s original stories either. However, knowing any or all of this, does give a sense of Easter egg hunting. It certainty tickles my nerd bones, and adds to my experience.
A light, swift read, even if it is horror. Would recommend for lovers of cosmic and Eldritch horror, as well as newbies, provided you have a thing for the Jane Austen aesthetic.
The story does have horror elements, and minor-ish gore, that can be intensified by how vivid a reader’s imagination and their visualization skills are. But it also doesn’t make one too uncomfortable nor scared. So if you want to dip your toes into cosmic horror, as it were, this might be an option for you.
The language does try to stay true to the era for the most part—I think that was helped by the fact that the publishing house is British—but the occasional Americanism, and modern phrasing does slip in here and there. Might be done intentionally to cater to a wider audience. Personally, I don’t like that, but, it is minor.
One thing beside the horror theme, the story does demonstrate the “casual” misogyny of the era, and how the heroine deals with it. Also, the FMC and MMC are just cute and endearing.
Since I enjoy the Call of Cthulhu table top roleplaying game, I particularly liked that the book organically includes some game mechanics like insanity and investigation. I also liked that this book ties in with Chapsium’s latest scenario releases from the same era, set within the same town. It’s like looking at the cosmic horrors from different angles, as witnessed by the people.
Of course, you don’t need to be aware of any of that to enjoy the book, nor familiar with the game itself either. You probably don’t even need to have read Lovecraft’s original stories either. However, knowing any or all of this, does give a sense of Easter egg hunting. It certainty tickles my nerd bones, and adds to my experience.
A light, swift read, even if it is horror. Would recommend for lovers of cosmic and Eldritch horror, as well as newbies, provided you have a thing for the Jane Austen aesthetic.
February 23, 2024
I recently read an ARC of Secrets and Sacrifices by Cath Lauria. My husband and I have been playing a Call of Cthulhu tabletop campaign for going on 3 years with a group of friends and it has totally sucked my into the mythos that Lovecraft created.
If you know me you know I LOVE a good romance so when I found out about Secrets and Sacrifices I had to read it! As I read, I ended up jokingly calling this book "Pride and Prejudice and Cthulhu" because the LI gave me MAJOR Mr. Darcy vibes. I think I preferred the romance aspect of this story more than the mythos related mystery that drove the plot. The progress felt a little too fast and too slow at the same time. Cassandra's whole plan was immediately ruined in the first couple chapters by the arrival of Thomas but she was quickly able to pivot and come up with a new plan.
The mystery aspects felt a little too easy and predictable, but it was fun to read nonetheless. I felt there were a few missed opportunities as far as the consequences of a well known figure also being a devout cultist, but without spoiling anything, there was a character death near the end that genuinely made me gasp with surprise. Honestly I felt maybe the author was too focused on giving the reader a HEA but as someone who has played Call of Cthulhu and other games in the Arkham family as much as I have, it felt a little unrealistic but it was still a fun read.
Cassandra and Thomas's romance kept my giggling and swooning through the whole story. "Regency couple solves a mystery and falls in love" might be one of my new favorite genres!
Overall, I give Secrets and Sacrifices a 3.5/5 and recommend it for those who like regency mysteries as well as those who are fans of Lovecraft stories!
If you know me you know I LOVE a good romance so when I found out about Secrets and Sacrifices I had to read it! As I read, I ended up jokingly calling this book "Pride and Prejudice and Cthulhu" because the LI gave me MAJOR Mr. Darcy vibes. I think I preferred the romance aspect of this story more than the mythos related mystery that drove the plot. The progress felt a little too fast and too slow at the same time. Cassandra's whole plan was immediately ruined in the first couple chapters by the arrival of Thomas but she was quickly able to pivot and come up with a new plan.
The mystery aspects felt a little too easy and predictable, but it was fun to read nonetheless. I felt there were a few missed opportunities as far as the consequences of a well known figure also being a devout cultist, but without spoiling anything, there was a character death near the end that genuinely made me gasp with surprise. Honestly I felt maybe the author was too focused on giving the reader a HEA but as someone who has played Call of Cthulhu and other games in the Arkham family as much as I have, it felt a little unrealistic but it was still a fun read.
Cassandra and Thomas's romance kept my giggling and swooning through the whole story. "Regency couple solves a mystery and falls in love" might be one of my new favorite genres!
Overall, I give Secrets and Sacrifices a 3.5/5 and recommend it for those who like regency mysteries as well as those who are fans of Lovecraft stories!
April 4, 2024
A regency Cthulu Novel - it proudly states, and certainly the Role Playing Game Call Of Cthulu has pumped out enough supplements to make the entanglements of the unspeakable horrors from beyond our dimension not just plausible but likely in a Regency Romp. After all in the Napoleonic Wars era Grea Britain we have spooky country piles, plenty of class climbing, superstition, a desire for power, and potentially military supremacy that perhaps could be granted by Shub-Niggurath herself. In the end the fit os so good that its a little disappointing that this never really gets gothic or all that weird. Our heroine's Father died in mysterious circumstances (well during an occult ritual that we see in the Prologue), and she has come to the country house of her ex-fiance to find out more. A dishy old acquaintance is also there, and a few weird things start happening, but she discovers her father's notebook about the summoning a bit too early for there to be that much mystery. Infact the problem - which I have with much Lovecraft and his secondhand creators, is for all the tentacles and formless shapes from beyond, its never actually that scary. Not so much Shub-Niggurath and Shrub-Niggurath, A fun enough read if this is an itch you need scratching, but the hints of sea creatures being used against Nelson seem more fun, and this has such a chunky happy ever after and Epilogue that I was convinced there would be a twist that one of our leads might actually be possessed.
February 8, 2024
When I started reading this book, it felt like diving into a whirlpool of feelings. I laughed, I cried, and I found myself thinking a lot about my own life while following the characters' adventures.
The writing was so beautiful. It made me feel like I was right there with the characters, experiencing everything they were going through. Their struggles felt so real, and their moments of triumph filled me with hope. This book really made me think differently about how I see relationships.
But sometimes, the story moved a bit slowly, and the conversations between characters didn't always sound natural. Still, by the time I finished the book, I felt really thankful for the people in my life. It made me want to hold onto every moment and appreciate the love around me.
Even with its flaws, this book left a big impression on me. It's a journey I won't forget anytime soon, full of moments that touched my heart and made me think about life in a whole new way.
The writing was so beautiful. It made me feel like I was right there with the characters, experiencing everything they were going through. Their struggles felt so real, and their moments of triumph filled me with hope. This book really made me think differently about how I see relationships.
But sometimes, the story moved a bit slowly, and the conversations between characters didn't always sound natural. Still, by the time I finished the book, I felt really thankful for the people in my life. It made me want to hold onto every moment and appreciate the love around me.
Even with its flaws, this book left a big impression on me. It's a journey I won't forget anytime soon, full of moments that touched my heart and made me think about life in a whole new way.
March 20, 2024
I’m usually a romance gal, but I was pleasantly surprised I liked this book!! It kept me engaged the entire time & I couldn’t put it down!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
No Spice
⭐️ PNR
⭐️ Love Interest
⭐️ Quick Read
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
No Spice
⭐️ PNR
⭐️ Love Interest
⭐️ Quick Read
April 9, 2024
A gripping regency eldritch tale! Running in the woods, sleuthing in libraries, eluding monsters lurking in the dark with love!
Finally a book I couldn't put down after such a reading slump...
The 18th century England ambience is definitely there and the scary parts are not too scary but enough to be believable and keep you reading. A great read for new Lovecraftian readers and regency lovers. It's a bit gory, but not too much.
Finally a book I couldn't put down after such a reading slump...
The 18th century England ambience is definitely there and the scary parts are not too scary but enough to be believable and keep you reading. A great read for new Lovecraftian readers and regency lovers. It's a bit gory, but not too much.
July 13, 2024
Here for the Cult Stuff
A big thanks to the publisher for this eARC!
Secrets and Sacrifices is the story of Cassandra, a Regency-era lady who was forced to find employment as a governess after her father's suspicious death and disgrace ruined their family. Now, years later, she is determined to exonerate him by infiltrating the household of his shady "friend" and patron, who she suspects may be involved in cult activities. Along the way she is helped by her old flame Thomas Griffith, who is staying at the house in order to hunt a mysterious "beast" that has been terrorizing the locals and killing livestock.
Tbh, this one had me at "Cthulhu regency romance." I have only a passing familiarity with Lovecraft (have read some of the classic short stories), but found that was more than adequate to understand this story—in my opinion, even a complete newbie to the Lovecraft mythos could easily follow the action. If you can understand the basic framework of "cult guy uses blood sacrifices to summon eldritch beings," you're golden (though I suspect there are some Easter eggs that went over my head which someone better-versed in Lovecraft, or in the specific RPG this book is based on, would pick up on and enjoy.) My only real nitpick is with the marketing—"Cthulhu regency romance" makes it sound like someone is going to be romancing Cthulhu, when actually the romance in this book is very standard human4human and the eldritch being that appears isn't Cthulhu, it's Shub-Niggurath.
As someone who doesn't usually vibe with modern regency romance as a genre, I found this book a pleasant surprise! It's skillfully written, with decent attention to detail and no overly glaring anachronisms (what anachronisms there are are either lampshaded or are the sort of contrivances you expect to find in romance, mostly convenient excuses for men and women to be alone together.)
The horror elements were a refreshing backdrop to the more predictable, standard romance beats and tropes, and I found the scenes of Cult Stuff and paranormal action fun and decently suspenseful. This book definitely convinced me that romance is better with a side of gothic mystery and a pinch of creature feature. Overall, it made for an easy, enjoyable read in the tradition of books like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
A big thanks to the publisher for this eARC!
Secrets and Sacrifices is the story of Cassandra, a Regency-era lady who was forced to find employment as a governess after her father's suspicious death and disgrace ruined their family. Now, years later, she is determined to exonerate him by infiltrating the household of his shady "friend" and patron, who she suspects may be involved in cult activities. Along the way she is helped by her old flame Thomas Griffith, who is staying at the house in order to hunt a mysterious "beast" that has been terrorizing the locals and killing livestock.
Tbh, this one had me at "Cthulhu regency romance." I have only a passing familiarity with Lovecraft (have read some of the classic short stories), but found that was more than adequate to understand this story—in my opinion, even a complete newbie to the Lovecraft mythos could easily follow the action. If you can understand the basic framework of "cult guy uses blood sacrifices to summon eldritch beings," you're golden (though I suspect there are some Easter eggs that went over my head which someone better-versed in Lovecraft, or in the specific RPG this book is based on, would pick up on and enjoy.) My only real nitpick is with the marketing—"Cthulhu regency romance" makes it sound like someone is going to be romancing Cthulhu, when actually the romance in this book is very standard human4human and the eldritch being that appears isn't Cthulhu, it's Shub-Niggurath.
As someone who doesn't usually vibe with modern regency romance as a genre, I found this book a pleasant surprise! It's skillfully written, with decent attention to detail and no overly glaring anachronisms (what anachronisms there are are either lampshaded or are the sort of contrivances you expect to find in romance, mostly convenient excuses for men and women to be alone together.)
The horror elements were a refreshing backdrop to the more predictable, standard romance beats and tropes, and I found the scenes of Cult Stuff and paranormal action fun and decently suspenseful. This book definitely convinced me that romance is better with a side of gothic mystery and a pinch of creature feature. Overall, it made for an easy, enjoyable read in the tradition of books like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
July 18, 2024
AMAZING read. It’s Prode and Prejudice and Cthulhu. And it feels like taking secret part in the best TTRPG session. Loved every bit of it!
September 1, 2024
As I slowly make my way back into the business of book reviews, I want to take a moment to thank the good people at Aconyte Books. I spent several years away from this blog dealing with personal matters that stopped me from doing any real reading, let along reviewing; and yet, despite that, they never gave up on me, and were kind enough to keep sending me review copies in the post without any queries about when I might get around to reviewing them. I can’t describe how welcome those parcels were, acting both as a small but potent morale-booster and reminder of a hobby I enjoyed so much. And now that I’m in something of a better place, I have a stack of books nearly at waist-height that I want to get reading and reviewing – and what better place to begin than with one of the more recent arrivals that caught my eye?
Cath Lauria’s Secrets & Sacrifices caught my eye not only because of the cover art by Larry Rostant – an upper-class lady standing with her back to the reader, staring towards a mansion, while her hands clasp a tattered tome both dubious and occult – but also because of the subtitle: A ‘Regency Cthulhu Novel’. That intrigued me – I’ve often stated in my older reviews that the late 18th and early 19th Century are under-utilised for horror novels, and the Regency period of the early 1810s during the ‘Madness’ of King George III has that mixture of political upheaval and cultural changes that act as a potent background for horror stories. And especially so for tales set in the Call of Cthulhu universe, where such changes can result in strange cults and mysterious, blood-stained going-ons.
Furthermore, the back-cover blurb only drew me further, with tantalising mentions of murder, monsters and manners in Regency England. Our protagonist, Cassandra Wright, has found her life ruined by the accusation of murder against her father – leading to no prospects, no money and a ruined engagement. Determined to reveal the truth, and reluctantly accompanied by her best friend Thomas posing as a new fiancee, Cassandra finds herself caught up in the machinations of both ‘polite society’ and the distinctly impolite society lurking in the shadows. It all sounded like a fantastic set-up, just the sort of thing I needed to read and review to get back into the swing of things, and as a bonus I realised that the author’s name was familiar. Digging back into my old reviews, I realised that Cath Lauria penned several short stories in earlier Aconyte Book anthologies, including The Apprentice in the KeyForge universe anthology Tales from the Crucible, which I found to be one of the best in that collection; and the atmospheric The Darkling Woods in the Call of Cthulhu-set The Devourer Below. As such, I was really looking forward to seeing what horrors would be unleashed in a Regency-era England in the clutches of Cthulhu’s dread tentacles!
‘It had all the air of the most delicious lark, right up until it didn’t‘ might just be one of the best opening lines to a novel that I’ve ever come across: short and simple, yet layered with meanings that reveal themselves as the plot is slowly unfurled. It also perfectly encompasses one of the key themes of the Call of Cthulhu setting, and Lovecraftian fiction in general: communing with the Elder Gods and their powers usually goes very well for someone, until it suddenly – and usually violently – backfires on them. After an opening chapter that outlines some Lovecraftian shenanigans, complete with bloodshed, betrayal and hapless cultists attempting to flee the results of their own foolishness, we’re introduced to Cassandra Wright, our protagonist, who is returning to her hometown of Tarryford after years away, forced into social exile after the sudden and unexpected death of her father and dissolution of her wider family. Superficially, Cassandra has come back to look for employment, but in reality is determined to uncover exactly why her father died, and the truth behind the heinous murder that he was accused of that derailed her comfortable life.
Quickly and efficiently, Cath Lauria sketches out the state of society in Regency England; the social, class and gender pressures that Cassandra is forced to labour under; and the numerous obstacles that remain between her and the truth about her father’s activities. She finds herself unexpectedly aided by her old friend Thomas, who has mysteriously returned to Tarryford at the same time; and in a series of plot developments that would fit perfectly within a Jane Austen novel, finds herself pretending to be engaged to Thomas in order to facilitate her investigations, while struggling with her feelings for him and his obvious attraction to her. That’s already a potent mixture for an enjoyable plot, but Lauria deftly intertwines a simultaneously unsettling and intriguing plot about Revolutionary France and the occult influences in its war with Britain that both increases the tension as well as what is at stake. It’s an incredibly well-written and plotted book that catches the attention immediately; I devoured it in less than two days, and I have to emphasize that I haven’t been able to read even a novella to completion in several years. It’s a deeply impressive accomplishment.
One of the best parts of the novel – and its most surprising – was its scope. Secrets & Sacrifices being based within the Call of Cthulhu setting, I must admit I was expecting nothing more than the usual self-contained adventure found in previous books I’ve read within the setting. I assumed I’d be reading a tale of an individual, or small group of individuals, who would come into contact with Lovecraftian forces, and that the plot would end up as a self-contained story: the characters unable to reveal the true nature of the universe due to death, insanity or being part of the various cults that tend to spring up. Yet – without spoilers – I was genuinely surprised by the latter-half of the novel and how much Cath Lauria integrated the conspiracy into wider society, and the resulting chilling implications. I can only hope that Aconyte give her a chance to write a sequel so that we might see how things play out.
Secrets & Sacrifices is not only one of the best Call of Cthulhu novels I’ve read in a very long time, I would go so far as to say it’s a masterful piece of Lovecraftian horror that demonstrates the direction that the genre should be heading. Cath Lauria has composed a story that not only makes full use of the Call of Cthulhu setting, but also stands out as a romance-horror novel that can easily be read without having to have a detailed knowledge of Lovecraft or Cthulhu. It’s an engaging blend of Lovecraft and Austen that results in a fast-paced, chilling and thoroughly enjoyable story, and I cannot wait to see what comes next – both in terms of a sequel, and anything else Cath Lauria might write.
Cath Lauria’s Secrets & Sacrifices caught my eye not only because of the cover art by Larry Rostant – an upper-class lady standing with her back to the reader, staring towards a mansion, while her hands clasp a tattered tome both dubious and occult – but also because of the subtitle: A ‘Regency Cthulhu Novel’. That intrigued me – I’ve often stated in my older reviews that the late 18th and early 19th Century are under-utilised for horror novels, and the Regency period of the early 1810s during the ‘Madness’ of King George III has that mixture of political upheaval and cultural changes that act as a potent background for horror stories. And especially so for tales set in the Call of Cthulhu universe, where such changes can result in strange cults and mysterious, blood-stained going-ons.
Furthermore, the back-cover blurb only drew me further, with tantalising mentions of murder, monsters and manners in Regency England. Our protagonist, Cassandra Wright, has found her life ruined by the accusation of murder against her father – leading to no prospects, no money and a ruined engagement. Determined to reveal the truth, and reluctantly accompanied by her best friend Thomas posing as a new fiancee, Cassandra finds herself caught up in the machinations of both ‘polite society’ and the distinctly impolite society lurking in the shadows. It all sounded like a fantastic set-up, just the sort of thing I needed to read and review to get back into the swing of things, and as a bonus I realised that the author’s name was familiar. Digging back into my old reviews, I realised that Cath Lauria penned several short stories in earlier Aconyte Book anthologies, including The Apprentice in the KeyForge universe anthology Tales from the Crucible, which I found to be one of the best in that collection; and the atmospheric The Darkling Woods in the Call of Cthulhu-set The Devourer Below. As such, I was really looking forward to seeing what horrors would be unleashed in a Regency-era England in the clutches of Cthulhu’s dread tentacles!
‘It had all the air of the most delicious lark, right up until it didn’t‘ might just be one of the best opening lines to a novel that I’ve ever come across: short and simple, yet layered with meanings that reveal themselves as the plot is slowly unfurled. It also perfectly encompasses one of the key themes of the Call of Cthulhu setting, and Lovecraftian fiction in general: communing with the Elder Gods and their powers usually goes very well for someone, until it suddenly – and usually violently – backfires on them. After an opening chapter that outlines some Lovecraftian shenanigans, complete with bloodshed, betrayal and hapless cultists attempting to flee the results of their own foolishness, we’re introduced to Cassandra Wright, our protagonist, who is returning to her hometown of Tarryford after years away, forced into social exile after the sudden and unexpected death of her father and dissolution of her wider family. Superficially, Cassandra has come back to look for employment, but in reality is determined to uncover exactly why her father died, and the truth behind the heinous murder that he was accused of that derailed her comfortable life.
Quickly and efficiently, Cath Lauria sketches out the state of society in Regency England; the social, class and gender pressures that Cassandra is forced to labour under; and the numerous obstacles that remain between her and the truth about her father’s activities. She finds herself unexpectedly aided by her old friend Thomas, who has mysteriously returned to Tarryford at the same time; and in a series of plot developments that would fit perfectly within a Jane Austen novel, finds herself pretending to be engaged to Thomas in order to facilitate her investigations, while struggling with her feelings for him and his obvious attraction to her. That’s already a potent mixture for an enjoyable plot, but Lauria deftly intertwines a simultaneously unsettling and intriguing plot about Revolutionary France and the occult influences in its war with Britain that both increases the tension as well as what is at stake. It’s an incredibly well-written and plotted book that catches the attention immediately; I devoured it in less than two days, and I have to emphasize that I haven’t been able to read even a novella to completion in several years. It’s a deeply impressive accomplishment.
One of the best parts of the novel – and its most surprising – was its scope. Secrets & Sacrifices being based within the Call of Cthulhu setting, I must admit I was expecting nothing more than the usual self-contained adventure found in previous books I’ve read within the setting. I assumed I’d be reading a tale of an individual, or small group of individuals, who would come into contact with Lovecraftian forces, and that the plot would end up as a self-contained story: the characters unable to reveal the true nature of the universe due to death, insanity or being part of the various cults that tend to spring up. Yet – without spoilers – I was genuinely surprised by the latter-half of the novel and how much Cath Lauria integrated the conspiracy into wider society, and the resulting chilling implications. I can only hope that Aconyte give her a chance to write a sequel so that we might see how things play out.
Secrets & Sacrifices is not only one of the best Call of Cthulhu novels I’ve read in a very long time, I would go so far as to say it’s a masterful piece of Lovecraftian horror that demonstrates the direction that the genre should be heading. Cath Lauria has composed a story that not only makes full use of the Call of Cthulhu setting, but also stands out as a romance-horror novel that can easily be read without having to have a detailed knowledge of Lovecraft or Cthulhu. It’s an engaging blend of Lovecraft and Austen that results in a fast-paced, chilling and thoroughly enjoyable story, and I cannot wait to see what comes next – both in terms of a sequel, and anything else Cath Lauria might write.
June 4, 2025
It's hard to judge this book too harshly: it's an RPG tie-in novel commissioned by Chaosium, the publishers of the Call of Cthulhu RPG. For those unfamiliar with it, CoC is a classic RPG set in the worlds of HP Lovecraft, where brave and reckless human investigators try to foil the plots of the Elder Gods and their cultists, saving the world one night at a time. The original CoC was set in the 1920s (the same era Lovecraft wrote in) but many supplements have expanded it to other eras.
So this book is set in Regency England, and it's literally a Regency romance combined with a Call of Cthulhu adventure. The author (who apparently mostly writes tie-in novels like this) tries to stitch together the worlds of Jane Austen and HP Lovecraft, but it's a weak and spiritless imitation of both. That said, it is very much your basic Call of Cthulhu adventure, where investigators stumble onto grisly doings, try to figure out who is responsible (surprise! Whoever acts sinister or creepy from the beginning? They're in on it), foil a plot by cultists, and have to face an attempted incursion of an Elder God into this world, driving it back only with luck and pluck and lots and lots of luck.
So, Cassandra Wright is your basic jilted Regency heroine. She was once engaged to a gormless buffoon, but when her father is slain in a dreadful incident and falsely accused of murder (we get the true story in chapter one, Cassandra's father was a fool who meddled with Things Man Was Not Meant to Know, and thus we also know who the villain is from the beginning as well), her entire family is ruined, her engagement to the villain's son is broken off, and she is consigned to being a governess. Now she has returned to what was once her home town because she is determined to uncover what really happened to her father. Surprise, the guy she really had a crush on back then (who happens to be the best friend of her former fiance) is still there and still single and still crushing on her as well. He comes to Cassandra's rescue when she faces social disopprobrium, then agrees to help her in her investigation and to facilitate this, pretend to be betrothed to her.
Okay... so as a credible scenario in Regency England, this is ridiculous. I think Cath Lauria's research did not extend much beyond reading Jane Austen, and she has neither Jane Austen's wit nor, obviously, her sense of the era. The frequent complaint about heroines in historical fiction behaving with the sensibilities of a 21st century feminist very much manifests here. I mean, Cassandra doesn't quite get up on a table and give a speech about how women should have the right to vote, but she just barely stays within the bounds of propriety while seething when she's talked down to by men (including her love interest), and is willing to take off in pursuit of things going bump in the night in a way only a madwoman in Regency England actually would.
That said... come on, this is a Call of Cthulhu adventure, not an actual Regency novel, so of course the female PC is going to act anachronistically because otherwise what would she have to do? This is such an RPG novel. It's obvious on the page when Cassandra is making Pickpocket or Persuasion rolls. Her younger sister writing her letters about her "unladylike" interest in learning how to use weapons? Yeah, totally setting up a backup Player Character.
I could overlook the heroine acting like a Player Character, but many other things were un-Regency-like. The convenient existence of inns and restaurants in a small town was just barely plausible, maybe. The sneering, venomous cattiness of the women openly insulting Cassandra was not. Well-bred women in Regency times could cut viciously, but they didn't do it rudely. That would be the height of bad manners, and the gentry were all about manners. (Like, actually read some Austen or Brontë to see how women tore each other down with class.) The men also freely toss words like "damned" and "bloody" around, which was very profane language in the 1800s and not something gentlemen would say in front of ladies.
The plot is Lovecraft 101: there's some mysterious creature running around slaughtering livestock, and meanwhile Cassandra is trying to figure out what the sinister Mr. Fraser is up to. The cultists' plot is tied into the Napoleonic Wars (supposedly they are doing it For England because France and Spain are also using eldritch powers for military purposes) but it's really your basic Stop the Stupid-Ass Cultists From Summoning Shub-Niggurath plot.
Since this is also a Regency romance, Cassandra and Thomas eventually get their HEA, conveniently and also way too easily. I mean, the tension is almost nonexistent since they're practically panting after each other from the moment they meet; that either one could be in doubt about the other's feelings requires more suspension of disbelief than Elder Gods.
Also, what kind of Call of Cthulhu adventure ends with all the PCs alive and sane?
So this story wasn't a total waste, but if you are looking for Regency romance, you have to have tolerance for a dose of supernatural horror, and if you are looking for Lovecraft, well, mostly it's just oooh, human sacrifices and tentacles! But completely failing to capture the cold, existential horror of Lovecraft's universe in which no one has plot armor, not even humanity itself.
So this book is set in Regency England, and it's literally a Regency romance combined with a Call of Cthulhu adventure. The author (who apparently mostly writes tie-in novels like this) tries to stitch together the worlds of Jane Austen and HP Lovecraft, but it's a weak and spiritless imitation of both. That said, it is very much your basic Call of Cthulhu adventure, where investigators stumble onto grisly doings, try to figure out who is responsible (surprise! Whoever acts sinister or creepy from the beginning? They're in on it), foil a plot by cultists, and have to face an attempted incursion of an Elder God into this world, driving it back only with luck and pluck and lots and lots of luck.
So, Cassandra Wright is your basic jilted Regency heroine. She was once engaged to a gormless buffoon, but when her father is slain in a dreadful incident and falsely accused of murder (we get the true story in chapter one, Cassandra's father was a fool who meddled with Things Man Was Not Meant to Know, and thus we also know who the villain is from the beginning as well), her entire family is ruined, her engagement to the villain's son is broken off, and she is consigned to being a governess. Now she has returned to what was once her home town because she is determined to uncover what really happened to her father. Surprise, the guy she really had a crush on back then (who happens to be the best friend of her former fiance) is still there and still single and still crushing on her as well. He comes to Cassandra's rescue when she faces social disopprobrium, then agrees to help her in her investigation and to facilitate this, pretend to be betrothed to her.
Okay... so as a credible scenario in Regency England, this is ridiculous. I think Cath Lauria's research did not extend much beyond reading Jane Austen, and she has neither Jane Austen's wit nor, obviously, her sense of the era. The frequent complaint about heroines in historical fiction behaving with the sensibilities of a 21st century feminist very much manifests here. I mean, Cassandra doesn't quite get up on a table and give a speech about how women should have the right to vote, but she just barely stays within the bounds of propriety while seething when she's talked down to by men (including her love interest), and is willing to take off in pursuit of things going bump in the night in a way only a madwoman in Regency England actually would.
That said... come on, this is a Call of Cthulhu adventure, not an actual Regency novel, so of course the female PC is going to act anachronistically because otherwise what would she have to do? This is such an RPG novel. It's obvious on the page when Cassandra is making Pickpocket or Persuasion rolls. Her younger sister writing her letters about her "unladylike" interest in learning how to use weapons? Yeah, totally setting up a backup Player Character.
I could overlook the heroine acting like a Player Character, but many other things were un-Regency-like. The convenient existence of inns and restaurants in a small town was just barely plausible, maybe. The sneering, venomous cattiness of the women openly insulting Cassandra was not. Well-bred women in Regency times could cut viciously, but they didn't do it rudely. That would be the height of bad manners, and the gentry were all about manners. (Like, actually read some Austen or Brontë to see how women tore each other down with class.) The men also freely toss words like "damned" and "bloody" around, which was very profane language in the 1800s and not something gentlemen would say in front of ladies.
The plot is Lovecraft 101: there's some mysterious creature running around slaughtering livestock, and meanwhile Cassandra is trying to figure out what the sinister Mr. Fraser is up to. The cultists' plot is tied into the Napoleonic Wars (supposedly they are doing it For England because France and Spain are also using eldritch powers for military purposes) but it's really your basic Stop the Stupid-Ass Cultists From Summoning Shub-Niggurath plot.
Since this is also a Regency romance, Cassandra and Thomas eventually get their HEA, conveniently and also way too easily. I mean, the tension is almost nonexistent since they're practically panting after each other from the moment they meet; that either one could be in doubt about the other's feelings requires more suspension of disbelief than Elder Gods.
Also, what kind of Call of Cthulhu adventure ends with all the PCs alive and sane?
So this story wasn't a total waste, but if you are looking for Regency romance, you have to have tolerance for a dose of supernatural horror, and if you are looking for Lovecraft, well, mostly it's just oooh, human sacrifices and tentacles! But completely failing to capture the cold, existential horror of Lovecraft's universe in which no one has plot armor, not even humanity itself.
February 22, 2024
I'm not sure a novel should make you feel wistful for another story, and yet that's what's happened to me here. Long story short, I was in the mood for a Regency romance, but something fun and quirky and lovely rather than the standard. Secrets & Sacrifices didn't quite scratch the itch, so to speak. Despite having some solid bits, it ultimately left me wanting.
This book didn't strike me as anything groundbreaking, which is bizarre considering the nature of the plot, but as I said above, there's good in it. Lauria clearly knows the Regency romance subgenre and delivers the romance plot quite well. Thomas is precious. He's a wonderful love interest, and the fake dating subplot that Lauria uses to push him and Cassandra together is interesting. It's not overly angsty, which is certainly a common problem within this trope.
Cassandra is a great protagonist. She's headstrong, brave, clever, and charming. Through her, Lauria touches on the role of women in the landed class as well as the hypocrisies and prejudices of polite society in a way that's not annoying or overbearing. This I appreciated.
However, the Cthulhu subplot wasn't quite as strong as I wanted. It was all played fairly straightforward, which is fine, but I suppose I expected more twists from a book with such a quirky premise. There was such promise with the creature in the prologue, and I can't quite figure out why the author decided to change it to the Beast of Avon Gale (which, by the way, is really only glimpsed by Cassie). It's offhandedly explained by the Mr. Frasure, but eh... I can't help but feel that a monster masquerading as a man (at least in terms of being capable of speaking English) would be so much more compelling.
This book didn't strike me as anything groundbreaking, which is bizarre considering the nature of the plot, but as I said above, there's good in it. Lauria clearly knows the Regency romance subgenre and delivers the romance plot quite well. Thomas is precious. He's a wonderful love interest, and the fake dating subplot that Lauria uses to push him and Cassandra together is interesting. It's not overly angsty, which is certainly a common problem within this trope.
Cassandra is a great protagonist. She's headstrong, brave, clever, and charming. Through her, Lauria touches on the role of women in the landed class as well as the hypocrisies and prejudices of polite society in a way that's not annoying or overbearing. This I appreciated.
However, the Cthulhu subplot wasn't quite as strong as I wanted. It was all played fairly straightforward, which is fine, but I suppose I expected more twists from a book with such a quirky premise. There was such promise with the creature in the prologue, and I can't quite figure out why the author decided to change it to the Beast of Avon Gale (which, by the way, is really only glimpsed by Cassie). It's offhandedly explained by the Mr. Frasure, but eh... I can't help but feel that a monster masquerading as a man (at least in terms of being capable of speaking English) would be so much more compelling.
April 8, 2024
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
I had hoped for a fun melding of a bit of the Victorian gothicana with Regency romance. But honestly, this was very wooden, overly simplistic, and not very realistic. I can't even say it was very thrilling - it felt like someone asked Chat AI to mix a bog standard Regency romance story with a Cthulu world undertone; all with underwhelming and unbelievable results. Fans of Call of Cthulu will likely find a lot of fun Easter eggs here, though.Story: Cassandra Wright is left with nothing after the mysterious death of her father. Years later, she returns to the scene of his death, hoping to find some clues and validate him. Helping her is childhood friend Thomas. Soon, they discover there are nefarious other-world plots afoot.
Cassandra and Thomas were overidealized to the point of simplicity - caricatures rather than flawed and nuanced characters. The bad guys were suitably nefarious but more than a bit one dimensional as well. The romance was just silly and I had a hard time placing this in the Regency era. Cassandra did too many "too stupid to live' actions and everything always fell just a bit too neatly into place.
It's not a terrible book and easy to read and follow. But it lacked a sophistication in the writing and felt a bit too much of a 'plot by the numbers' story. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
April 6, 2024
A young woman seeking to redeem her family name finds herself encountering a dark and sinister secret…
Secrets & Sacrifices: A Regency Cthulhu Novel by Cath Lauria is a story about Eldritch horror by way of Jane Austen.
Cassandra Wright is a young lady whose family suffered a great fall five years ago when her father was accused of murder (and unfortunately died “by suicide” and was unable to defend himself). Ever since, she has been committed to proving his innocence and getting some closure.
Unfortunately, it just so happens that this goal will involve dealing with the household of her former fiancée, working with a friend form her youth, navigating the local village gossip, and trying not to behave too improperly.
I enjoyed the subtle progression of the story. If you ignore the revelatory prologue, the first 150 pages reads like a regency mystery though with some romantic subplots (naturally).
Class divisions, human sacrifice (both literal and the figurative that comes from arranged marriages), and secrets (both occult and mundane) are all in large supply. Also fancy social gatherings…for those (like me) who enjoy such things.
The setting is in Tarryford, the town depicted in the Regency Cthulhu sourcebook and it makes good use of the locals.
Highly recommend, and I hope more is done with these characters…
Secrets & Sacrifices: A Regency Cthulhu Novel by Cath Lauria is a story about Eldritch horror by way of Jane Austen.
Cassandra Wright is a young lady whose family suffered a great fall five years ago when her father was accused of murder (and unfortunately died “by suicide” and was unable to defend himself). Ever since, she has been committed to proving his innocence and getting some closure.
Unfortunately, it just so happens that this goal will involve dealing with the household of her former fiancée, working with a friend form her youth, navigating the local village gossip, and trying not to behave too improperly.
I enjoyed the subtle progression of the story. If you ignore the revelatory prologue, the first 150 pages reads like a regency mystery though with some romantic subplots (naturally).
Class divisions, human sacrifice (both literal and the figurative that comes from arranged marriages), and secrets (both occult and mundane) are all in large supply. Also fancy social gatherings…for those (like me) who enjoy such things.
The setting is in Tarryford, the town depicted in the Regency Cthulhu sourcebook and it makes good use of the locals.
Highly recommend, and I hope more is done with these characters…
January 31, 2024
Regency romance meets Call of Cthulhu? Yes please! I’m already a fan of the Arkham Horror books but this one I absolutely loved. I read this almost all in one sitting because I didn’t want to put it down.
In this book we follow Cassandra who after five years of fallen fortunes, travel to a village near the stately home of her father’s former friend with the intention of infiltrating his estate as a servant to learn the truth of her father’s death.
Cassandra is a brave and dedicated main character who it’s easy to root for. The romance was sweet and supportive and enjoyable without being the main focus of the plot. Her love interest is kind and these are two nice people who you want to be happy. Sometimes romances can feel forced but this felt so natural as part of this book.
The Lovecraftian mythos worked so well in the regency setting. It comes across initially as a murder mystery but one hindered by the restrictions of Georgian society. The progression and investigation felt so well paced and exciting!
I was excited for this combination of Regency and Cthulhu but I’m so delighted at how good this was!
In this book we follow Cassandra who after five years of fallen fortunes, travel to a village near the stately home of her father’s former friend with the intention of infiltrating his estate as a servant to learn the truth of her father’s death.
Cassandra is a brave and dedicated main character who it’s easy to root for. The romance was sweet and supportive and enjoyable without being the main focus of the plot. Her love interest is kind and these are two nice people who you want to be happy. Sometimes romances can feel forced but this felt so natural as part of this book.
The Lovecraftian mythos worked so well in the regency setting. It comes across initially as a murder mystery but one hindered by the restrictions of Georgian society. The progression and investigation felt so well paced and exciting!
I was excited for this combination of Regency and Cthulhu but I’m so delighted at how good this was!
April 26, 2024
I didn't expect to enjoy this book to be honest. It's not really my kind of fantasy, but oh boy, was I wrong?
I really liked the character and the FMC was quite charming. Sure, you may find it a bit typical, rebellious, smart, not caring what the world thinks about her. But I become quite found of her. I like that she feels real for me (especially when she didn't plan more because she wasn't sure what's gonna happen)
The MMC is charming as well, especially when compared to the rest of the high society.
The ending is a happy one and this book is more of a typical historical romance with a sprinkle of paranormal more than anything, so if you like this type of book, the monsters are not too much imo.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion
I really liked the character and the FMC was quite charming. Sure, you may find it a bit typical, rebellious, smart, not caring what the world thinks about her. But I become quite found of her. I like that she feels real for me (especially when she didn't plan more because she wasn't sure what's gonna happen)
The MMC is charming as well, especially when compared to the rest of the high society.
The ending is a happy one and this book is more of a typical historical romance with a sprinkle of paranormal more than anything, so if you like this type of book, the monsters are not too much imo.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion
June 27, 2024
Honestly, one of the better Call of Cthulhu/Arkham Horror novels. The regency era setting worked wonderfully for the story, with its divide of social classes and a unique atmosphere that was refreshing in the genre. It stays true to both the mythos and the typical romance novels set during this period.
The story is solid, and the characters are both memorable and endearing. I would love to see an extended series with Cassie, Thomas, and their family as they are all drawn further into the horrors of this world.
The only complaint I have (and one I often have with lovecraftian stories) is how widespread knowledge of the mythos is. Everyone and their mother seems to have a story of how they or a relative encountered the mythos, and it serves to dilute the singular horror of the monster they are facing.
The story is solid, and the characters are both memorable and endearing. I would love to see an extended series with Cassie, Thomas, and their family as they are all drawn further into the horrors of this world.
The only complaint I have (and one I often have with lovecraftian stories) is how widespread knowledge of the mythos is. Everyone and their mother seems to have a story of how they or a relative encountered the mythos, and it serves to dilute the singular horror of the monster they are facing.
February 28, 2024
I did not expect much from this book, as it is part of a gaming license and has such a frumpy cover, but the blurb talked to me on a few levels. I love takes on the Lovecraftian myths and I can never resist a regency novel of manners... I am weak, so obviously I had to give it a go!
And I'm so glad that I did.
I insist, don't judge this book by its garish cover, it's really pleasantly written, not any surprises in the plot or the series of events, but just a lovely flow and characters to get attached to. It was a singular mix of the Jane Austen worlds and horrid cultists and it worked! I rooted for the good guys, did not want to put down the book and had a great time.
If you enjoy anything by Charlie N. Holmberg you will be delighted to plunge into this world and get to know Cassandra.
And I'm so glad that I did.
I insist, don't judge this book by its garish cover, it's really pleasantly written, not any surprises in the plot or the series of events, but just a lovely flow and characters to get attached to. It was a singular mix of the Jane Austen worlds and horrid cultists and it worked! I rooted for the good guys, did not want to put down the book and had a great time.
If you enjoy anything by Charlie N. Holmberg you will be delighted to plunge into this world and get to know Cassandra.
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April 24, 2024A regency romance with Lovecraftian cultists. Childhood friends to lovers. Fake engagement. Feisty female main character. No spice, maybe a kiss at the end.
I feel like the book does an excellent job of blending the two genres into an enjoyable reading experience. One of the better Cthulhu novels I've read. I was able to bang it out in a single day.
I borrowed it from a friend, who complained that Cassandra was too bold for a woman of that time, but I feel like she fits in with the Regency romance heroines I've come across, although it's true she would be very out of place and scandalous in an Austen novel.
I'd feel good recommending this to those who don't mind a side of foiling blood sacrifices with their ton politics of love.
I feel like the book does an excellent job of blending the two genres into an enjoyable reading experience. One of the better Cthulhu novels I've read. I was able to bang it out in a single day.
I borrowed it from a friend, who complained that Cassandra was too bold for a woman of that time, but I feel like she fits in with the Regency romance heroines I've come across, although it's true she would be very out of place and scandalous in an Austen novel.
I'd feel good recommending this to those who don't mind a side of foiling blood sacrifices with their ton politics of love.
July 3, 2024
I have been reading a lot of tie-in novels for RPGs, lately. Many of them, to be frank, are not good. They are not well-written, the characters are cardboard, and unlikeable on top of that, and, because the RPGs I've been reading have been for horror novels, meaning they end with a sense of hopelessness.
This averted all of that. Cassie was a wonderful protag, the prose was good, and I genuinely liked the romance. Her love interest was a little 2D, but cut straight from the classic "historical romance hero" cloth, so it honestly didn't bother me too much.
It was such a breath of fresh air, and I totally reccomend it.
This averted all of that. Cassie was a wonderful protag, the prose was good, and I genuinely liked the romance. Her love interest was a little 2D, but cut straight from the classic "historical romance hero" cloth, so it honestly didn't bother me too much.
It was such a breath of fresh air, and I totally reccomend it.
January 20, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Aconyte Books for this opportunity to read rate and review this arc which will be available 4/2/24!
I honestly feel like you need to have a basic understanding of Lovecraft and a fully knowledgeable basis for the game which this book is based off of to even begin to understand it. I thought I could get through it as I have basic Lovecraft Knowledge but no you need to know the game.
That being said it was a pretty epic gaslight horror novel that had twists and turns and tension.
I honestly feel like you need to have a basic understanding of Lovecraft and a fully knowledgeable basis for the game which this book is based off of to even begin to understand it. I thought I could get through it as I have basic Lovecraft Knowledge but no you need to know the game.
That being said it was a pretty epic gaslight horror novel that had twists and turns and tension.
April 22, 2024
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Listen: Lovecraftian horror and regency romance, this should totally be a Beth book, right? Eh, in theory it should have been. I'm not familiar with the game the source material comes from, so I don't know if there are any nods to that, but what I do know is that it was fine. I don't feel very strongly about this one. It had an interesting concept and I guess it was well executed, but it didn't.... sing (if that's the word to use) for me like I thought it would.
Listen: Lovecraftian horror and regency romance, this should totally be a Beth book, right? Eh, in theory it should have been. I'm not familiar with the game the source material comes from, so I don't know if there are any nods to that, but what I do know is that it was fine. I don't feel very strongly about this one. It had an interesting concept and I guess it was well executed, but it didn't.... sing (if that's the word to use) for me like I thought it would.
February 24, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Aconyte for this ARC!
This book definitely gave off a Bridgerton vibe-just with less smut, and more monsters. Our heroine hit the right spunky notes, and the villains received the ending they so richly deserved (for the most part). Including a fantastic supporting cast of characters, even including a sweet and loyal dog, this was a fun read that didn’t make me think, which was just what I needed this week!
This book definitely gave off a Bridgerton vibe-just with less smut, and more monsters. Our heroine hit the right spunky notes, and the villains received the ending they so richly deserved (for the most part). Including a fantastic supporting cast of characters, even including a sweet and loyal dog, this was a fun read that didn’t make me think, which was just what I needed this week!
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