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Forever Onward, Battling The Beast of Dartmoor
In 1865 the renowned scholar Sabine Baring-Gould wrote the greatest ever exploration of lycanthropy, 'The Book of Were-Wolves'.But what if he was wrong when thinking lycanthropy a mere superstition, believed only by ignorant folk from far off lands? What if such beasts really existed, one living upon the bleak moors of Devonshire, preying on human flesh?His expertise would be needed to thwart the wretched fiend. And so, in alliance with a legendary big game hunter, one based on the real life tale of the man-eating Tsavo Lions, and joined by a pair of brave and resourceful women, he would set off to battle great evil.Forever Onward, Battling The Beast of Dartmoor is Gothic Horror in the vein of the great Victorian thrillers. It is perfect for reading before the fire on dark winter nights, and is a delight for lovers of The Hound of the Baskervilles, Dracula, and the ghost stories of M R James.
Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 26, 2023
Anglican priest and writer Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924) investigates a series of brutal murders in Dartmoor (south Devon) in the late 19th century.
One thing this horror mystery novel has going for it is its verisimilitude: Mr. McNeela is from the area, so place names, their descriptions, and their 'feel' all ring true. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the subject matter, as well, make for a lively and well-paced story. Atmosphere is critical in a story like this, and I found it well-maintained throughout.
There are a few areas where I think the book could use some help: editing and design. Some of the writing felt very modern, usually in character dialog, sometimes in motivation, other times in general 'tone'. Instances of this tended to take me out of the story. There were places, as well, where 'show don't tell' with respect to the characters would've helped me appreciate them more.
Given the book has several nicely-done illustrations, more work should have been given to the book's design. Inclusion of basics like page numbers, headers, more distinct chapter headings, use of serif fonts, and justification would have made the book much more readable.
In summary: an engaging and enjoyable story overall with a few rough edges.
One thing this horror mystery novel has going for it is its verisimilitude: Mr. McNeela is from the area, so place names, their descriptions, and their 'feel' all ring true. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the subject matter, as well, make for a lively and well-paced story. Atmosphere is critical in a story like this, and I found it well-maintained throughout.
There are a few areas where I think the book could use some help: editing and design. Some of the writing felt very modern, usually in character dialog, sometimes in motivation, other times in general 'tone'. Instances of this tended to take me out of the story. There were places, as well, where 'show don't tell' with respect to the characters would've helped me appreciate them more.
Given the book has several nicely-done illustrations, more work should have been given to the book's design. Inclusion of basics like page numbers, headers, more distinct chapter headings, use of serif fonts, and justification would have made the book much more readable.
In summary: an engaging and enjoyable story overall with a few rough edges.
October 26, 2023
A rattling yarn set in the highly atmospheric Dartmoor countryside, Forever Onward combines local knowledge with chilling horror of the lupine variety. I loved the idea of taking the real historical figure of Baring-Gould and placing him in such an evocative setting. The descriptions of the werewolf also didn't disappoint! Castle Publishing made a couple of unusual formatting decisions (not including page numbers, for example), which was a little distracting. The illustrations, however, complemented the story perfectly.
October 26, 2023
A wonderfully gothic tale that delivered on all its promise - atmospheric, steeped in mythology and a sense of place, and not afraid to subvert some of the genre conventions. It feels authentically Victorian with the inclusion of some modern insights about social class and prejudice of the time. There's humour here too, which adds to the mix.
On one level it's a traditional horror story, while on another it's akin to a murder mystery. Skillfully put together!
On one level it's a traditional horror story, while on another it's akin to a murder mystery. Skillfully put together!
October 22, 2023
I love a gothic feel to a novel and from what I’d read about this it promised to be just my type of book.
I’m so glad I ordered and read it the writing delivered the gothic vibe in abundance and I was engrossed from the first few pages.
Really well written and a real page turner.
I’m so glad I ordered and read it the writing delivered the gothic vibe in abundance and I was engrossed from the first few pages.
Really well written and a real page turner.
October 22, 2023
This book was a fantastically creepy story set on Dartmoor where something untoward is stalking the parish. This book is a real page turner; you desperately want to know what happens next. It is also a story that sticks with you. I certainly walked home up the lane rather faster than normal on the next full moon!
November 22, 2023
"Forever Onwards Battling the Beast of Dartmoor" is a testament to Lawrence Patrick McNeela's storytelling prowess, seamlessly blending horror, suspense, and triumph. The characters' journey from fear to resilience is both relatable and compelling, and the author's vivid descriptions create a palpable sense of tension throughout. The novel's conclusion not only provides closure but also prompts reflection on the enduring strength of those who faced the unimaginable. This work stands as a captivating exploration of the human spirit in the face of supernatural adversity, leaving a lasting impression on fans of supernatural fiction.
November 7, 2023
An exciting romp in the fantastical gothic setting of Dartmoor. The idea of 'casting' the real historical figure of the Reverend Sabine Gould as the beast-battling hero is inspired!
November 5, 2023
“Forever Onward" whisks you away on a thrilling adventure through the enchanting Dartmoor countryside. A tale of chilling lupine horror, blended with local knowledge and secrets. The plot? Oh, it's expertly crafted, keeping you hooked from the beginning to the end. If you're into a blend of history, horror, and mystery in a gothic setting, this book is a must-read.
October 27, 2023
I confess it was a while since I read this but my mistake was reading it whilst on holiday in a hunter's shack in the middle of the French Black Mountains, alone. It is a gothic thriller with touches of humour (most welcome) and the story of a beast stalking country folk on Dartmoor. The author's knowledge of Dartmoor makes it all the better and if, like me, you also know Dartmoor it is easy to imagine the atmosphere that the book so eloquently describes.
It leaves the reader suspecting all the characters within it, including the unwitting hero who set out on his lonesome walk between one place and another in the dark, much against the better judgment of the locals who tried to dissuade him. No matter, he survived and went on to tell the tale of how he and others, set out to find and destroy, The Beast of Dartmoor.
My advice to would be readers, do not read this book when alone in an isolated house and when the moon is full.
It leaves the reader suspecting all the characters within it, including the unwitting hero who set out on his lonesome walk between one place and another in the dark, much against the better judgment of the locals who tried to dissuade him. No matter, he survived and went on to tell the tale of how he and others, set out to find and destroy, The Beast of Dartmoor.
My advice to would be readers, do not read this book when alone in an isolated house and when the moon is full.
December 28, 2023
I'm not normally a prolific book reviewer, preferring to read and enjoy my book in the moment before going straight onto the next. That being said, some books are worth the recognition, especially from new writers and their debut novels. Forever Onward is a book that deserves just that!
We live in an age where we are not short of reading material, whether that is still in the traditional form of a book or from the endless supply of online reading fodder. I admit to overwhelming myself with books that catch my eye which then end up on the endless pile that seems to grow ever-larger every week.
It took me a while to get to Forever Onward and I happened to pick it up just the week before Christmas. The timing was perfect. Set on the desolate and bleak lands of Dartmoor, this Victorian-era novel tells of an epic hunt for one of those most mysterious of supernatural beings; the werewolf. Dark and chilling in places the whole story barrels along from beginning to end and is a jolly good yarn, with some gothic horror elements thrown in to build the atmosphere.
I loved the way this book was written and I felt that I was hearing the voice of the main character, Sabine Baring-Gould, telling the tale from start to finish. The dark, evocative atmosphere of the moor, the evil and superstitious folklore hidden in its realms, this is the perfect Victorian novel for a dark winter's eve. Keep your eye out for Lawrence, I believe his next book is out soon, and I will be interested to see if it builds on the talent shown in his debut.
We live in an age where we are not short of reading material, whether that is still in the traditional form of a book or from the endless supply of online reading fodder. I admit to overwhelming myself with books that catch my eye which then end up on the endless pile that seems to grow ever-larger every week.
It took me a while to get to Forever Onward and I happened to pick it up just the week before Christmas. The timing was perfect. Set on the desolate and bleak lands of Dartmoor, this Victorian-era novel tells of an epic hunt for one of those most mysterious of supernatural beings; the werewolf. Dark and chilling in places the whole story barrels along from beginning to end and is a jolly good yarn, with some gothic horror elements thrown in to build the atmosphere.
I loved the way this book was written and I felt that I was hearing the voice of the main character, Sabine Baring-Gould, telling the tale from start to finish. The dark, evocative atmosphere of the moor, the evil and superstitious folklore hidden in its realms, this is the perfect Victorian novel for a dark winter's eve. Keep your eye out for Lawrence, I believe his next book is out soon, and I will be interested to see if it builds on the talent shown in his debut.
October 22, 2023
A wonderful gothic tale, perfect for this time of year. The author clearly knows the local area, as the little details made it so much more vivid and believable (despite the subject matter!) An engaging writing style and would read something from this author again.
One teeny tiny formatting disappointment- I really struggle without any page numbers and that would have made a difference to me as a reader.
One teeny tiny formatting disappointment- I really struggle without any page numbers and that would have made a difference to me as a reader.
May 19, 2024
An intricate exploration of the relationship between natural and supernatural which takes characters and readers, alike, on a journey from scepticism to belief.
Science, religion, faith, superstition, human passions, strength and weaknesses are all explored by the author in this wonderful gothic tale. Highly recommended l.
Science, religion, faith, superstition, human passions, strength and weaknesses are all explored by the author in this wonderful gothic tale. Highly recommended l.
March 23, 2024
Great fun. If you enjoy a dread-filled gothic delight, set in a formidable landscape, then this book is for you.
After a couple of books I had struggled with, this was the one to help get my reading mojo back.
After a couple of books I had struggled with, this was the one to help get my reading mojo back.
October 21, 2023
This was the best book I'd read for some time. Could not put it down. I highly recommend reading this and cannot wait for another great book from this author.
October 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this novel. It had a MR James feel to it that gave it a gothic atmosphere, which was perfectly in keeping with the story, time and setting. Loved it.
October 22, 2023
A super-suspenseful page turner, I couldn't put it down. One word "brilliant". I cannot wait for Lawrence McNeela's next novel.
November 2, 2023
Set in Dartmoor, my favourite place for walking holidays, this novel is busy, bloody and ingenious; bang-on suspense. More of the same please.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews