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Asylum of Shadows
Amongst the slums of Limehouse stands a new hospital, a monument to Victorian philanthropy. Marian, destitute and about to be orphaned as her father succumbs to the ravages of syphilis, is taken there by Dr Janssen. This eminent physician offers her work and a roof over her head. Employed as a seamstress, she stitches shrouds for the dead and hoods for the hangman. Her additional duties are performed in the shadowy ward of St. Carcifex which receives the recently deceased, particularly those who have hung from the gallows. Her task in this gloomy place is to watch over them and make sure the dead stay dead.
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
37 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
2 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Ellis
171 books114 followersStephanie Ellis writes dark speculative prose and poetry and has been published in a variety of magazines and anthologies. Her longer work includes the novels, The Five Turns of the Wheel, Reborn and The Woodcutter, and the novellas, Paused and Bottled. Her new post-apocalytpic/sci-fi/horror novel, The Barricade is due out this year!
She is a Rhysling and Elgin nominated poet, co-authoring the poetry collection, Foundlings, with Cindy O'Quinn, Lilith Rising with Shane Douglas Keene and solo work Metallurgy.
She can be found at https://stephanieellis.org
She is a Rhysling and Elgin nominated poet, co-authoring the poetry collection, Foundlings, with Cindy O'Quinn, Lilith Rising with Shane Douglas Keene and solo work Metallurgy.
She can be found at https://stephanieellis.org
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 9, 2022
Syphilis!
Marian is wretchedly poor, living in nineteenth century poverty stricken London. When her father becomes deathly ill, his being the last of her family, she quickly realizes that she is all alone.
She is given work at the “sick house,” where she is to watch over the dead (or undead), to help them escape to the next world, when necessary.
The room is dark and smells of death, and Marian, covered in pus-filled blisters from her infection, begins to become disoriented and hallucinatory.
Is this the end of the line for Marian, or a new beginning of a new life and a new world?
Marian is wretchedly poor, living in nineteenth century poverty stricken London. When her father becomes deathly ill, his being the last of her family, she quickly realizes that she is all alone.
She is given work at the “sick house,” where she is to watch over the dead (or undead), to help them escape to the next world, when necessary.
The room is dark and smells of death, and Marian, covered in pus-filled blisters from her infection, begins to become disoriented and hallucinatory.
Is this the end of the line for Marian, or a new beginning of a new life and a new world?
November 26, 2020
Review to come! But I will quickly say that at this point, I’m just waiting for a Short Sharp Shocks story to not blow me away. This one was CREEPY
July 9, 2022
Asylum of Shadows does for Victorian England what Jaws did to beaches in the 70s. Stephanie Ellis is a mistress of atmosphere!
Asylum of Shadows is another banging short story from Demain Publishing’s Short Sharp Shocks! Series. Stephanie Ellis excels at being the pin to the grenade. She can write the calm and descriptive but once she eases herself away from that we are treated to a glorious explosion.
We as a species are scared of many things, spiders, enclosed spaces, heights, and reanimated corpses. It’s a reasonable assumption that we are scared of the unknown, but should we be more scared of ourselves? What are we capable of under duress?
I also am guilty of this – incredibly guilty of loving this story so much. The Victorian Era is one that holds so much fascination for me, the dress, the archaic way of life, and disease and medicine. Marian, the main character has been dealt some horrific blows, and now her father is dying of Syphilis. A sexually transmitted disease that had devastating consequences in the 19th century. It can’t be overlooked that this disease was blamed on that other social dysfunction – Prostitution and gender inequalities are there to be seen.
Asylum of Shadows has Marian in the eye of a hurricane. Life is running away without her. Her father is dying, she has no employment due to her caring responsibilities, and will ultimately lose the house because the rent is due. The Doctor attending her father suggests she come and work in the sick house, a solution that will allow her a roof and purpose. All she has to do is some needlework – for shrouds and the executioner’s mask. It’s whispered that other things happen here, but it can’t be too difficult, can it?
Stephanie Ellis doesn’t beat around the bush, but she doesn’t provide you with a map to the elephant in the room either! It doesn’t take too long to realise that Marian has an added element to her role, a role that will take guts of steel and an unwavering resolve. Marian had an addicting voice, it stirred something in me. Grief and anger can act like shackles around your wrists, and she tried to shake them off, but they were stuck tight.
Asylum of Shadows is perfectly paced, and the atmosphere was tighter than two coats of paint. I could imagine the disease-ridden communities, the eerie lantern-like streetlights, the shadows watching from the safety of shadows…it was perfect. Stephanie Ellis had it all figured out, but I did not.
Asylum of Shadows is another banging short story from Demain Publishing’s Short Sharp Shocks! Series. Stephanie Ellis excels at being the pin to the grenade. She can write the calm and descriptive but once she eases herself away from that we are treated to a glorious explosion.
We as a species are scared of many things, spiders, enclosed spaces, heights, and reanimated corpses. It’s a reasonable assumption that we are scared of the unknown, but should we be more scared of ourselves? What are we capable of under duress?
I also am guilty of this – incredibly guilty of loving this story so much. The Victorian Era is one that holds so much fascination for me, the dress, the archaic way of life, and disease and medicine. Marian, the main character has been dealt some horrific blows, and now her father is dying of Syphilis. A sexually transmitted disease that had devastating consequences in the 19th century. It can’t be overlooked that this disease was blamed on that other social dysfunction – Prostitution and gender inequalities are there to be seen.
Asylum of Shadows has Marian in the eye of a hurricane. Life is running away without her. Her father is dying, she has no employment due to her caring responsibilities, and will ultimately lose the house because the rent is due. The Doctor attending her father suggests she come and work in the sick house, a solution that will allow her a roof and purpose. All she has to do is some needlework – for shrouds and the executioner’s mask. It’s whispered that other things happen here, but it can’t be too difficult, can it?
Stephanie Ellis doesn’t beat around the bush, but she doesn’t provide you with a map to the elephant in the room either! It doesn’t take too long to realise that Marian has an added element to her role, a role that will take guts of steel and an unwavering resolve. Marian had an addicting voice, it stirred something in me. Grief and anger can act like shackles around your wrists, and she tried to shake them off, but they were stuck tight.
Asylum of Shadows is perfectly paced, and the atmosphere was tighter than two coats of paint. I could imagine the disease-ridden communities, the eerie lantern-like streetlights, the shadows watching from the safety of shadows…it was perfect. Stephanie Ellis had it all figured out, but I did not.
July 30, 2021
Whoah!
I’m still not sure what to think. That is a story that I may have to read again to let it sink in. It is definitely worth a read if you feel you can read about the dead in this context. Check the summary out first.
This story has that kind of, “Oh, I know what is really going on here!,” type of thing going for it until it doesn’t and you have to figure it out or fill in the blanks on your own.
In a way it reminds me of a Shirley Jackson story. This was eerie, otherworldly, tinted with the macabre and lined with the sublime. The writing drew me in and I felt as if I was with riding with Marion on her shoulder.
We join her sitting beside her dying father as he loses what little is left of his mind to fever. Despite the fact that she is ill also, she wipes his brow as he curses her. During the name calling, in arrives the priest, along with a doctor.
Maybe now there is hope for Marion? She can sew and tend to the dying.
The doctor gives her a job and the dominoes fall.
I’m still not sure what to think. That is a story that I may have to read again to let it sink in. It is definitely worth a read if you feel you can read about the dead in this context. Check the summary out first.
This story has that kind of, “Oh, I know what is really going on here!,” type of thing going for it until it doesn’t and you have to figure it out or fill in the blanks on your own.
In a way it reminds me of a Shirley Jackson story. This was eerie, otherworldly, tinted with the macabre and lined with the sublime. The writing drew me in and I felt as if I was with riding with Marion on her shoulder.
We join her sitting beside her dying father as he loses what little is left of his mind to fever. Despite the fact that she is ill also, she wipes his brow as he curses her. During the name calling, in arrives the priest, along with a doctor.
Maybe now there is hope for Marion? She can sew and tend to the dying.
The doctor gives her a job and the dominoes fall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2023
This was a fun, quick little historical horror story! I wasn't quite sure what to expect in the beginning, and I didn't see the ending coming, but the last few pages were my favorite part. I won't spoil anything, I'll just say that if you enjoy horror shorts set in old, creepy hospitals, definitely give this one a try!
✨ Content warnings for:
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✨ Content warnings for:
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April 30, 2021
ASYLUM OF SHADOWS is hands down my favourite Stephanie Ellis story to date, and that shouldn't be taken lightly. The stories she puts out are class.
This one was written with such swiftness and clarity that made it feel so much bigger than it actually was. It was gruesome, it was believable and it had a real dark heart.
What a great read. Wonderfully vivid.
Five stars.
This one was written with such swiftness and clarity that made it feel so much bigger than it actually was. It was gruesome, it was believable and it had a real dark heart.
What a great read. Wonderfully vivid.
Five stars.
March 5, 2020
Sometimes I have a hard time with gothic / historical fiction, so I wasn't entirely sure if Asylum of Shadows was going to be for me, but I ended up loving it! This is a quick and intriguing story about the main character's descent into madness, and I got pretty invested in the story. I recommend checking this one out!
CW - infant death, possible suicide
CW - infant death, possible suicide
March 13, 2021
Genuinely creepy and quietly horrific, Ellis' period tale of grief, madness and injustice creates a powerful impression for such a short read.
Recommended reading for those who enjoy their horror fiction best when it is skirting the boundary between the effects of psychological/physical trauma and the supernatural.
Recommended reading for those who enjoy their horror fiction best when it is skirting the boundary between the effects of psychological/physical trauma and the supernatural.
August 10, 2019
This short novella is part of Demain Press's excellent Short Sharp Shocks series. The story is set in Victorian London and centres round the main character, Marian, as she descends into darkness after being invited by a charismatic doctor to work in a special hospital. The story is well-written and puts the reader firmly into the era and location. You really feel Marian's pain, fear and despair as she realises she can't escape her fate. I look forward to reading more from this author.
February 7, 2020
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
‘Asylum of Shadows,’ is among a growing number of Demain Publishing’s Short Sharp Shocks! Series that I’ve read – and this one may very well be my favourite thus far.
I’ve not read any of Stephanie Ellis’ work, but what an introduction.
‘Asylum of Shadows’ is brutal and horrific, and a page-turner.
The story opens up giving the reader hints that it is set in London during the time of the plague. After suffering some heartbreaking losses, our main character Marian is invited to come live in the local hospital by one of the Doctor’s. Once she gets there, she’s given her tasks and she feels a sense of comfort knowing she’s found a home, no matter how temporary.
Ellis creates a claustrophobic environment early on, which she continues to work and suffocate the reader more and more. I found it elevated just how creepy the setting was, of living and working in a hospital, surrounded by the ever-mounting numbers of the dead. To think about walking through the hospital morgue, at night, the only light being that of a candle you held – love it.
To wrap the story up, Ellis then injects a new job that Marian is assigned, this one devastatingly amazing. I never saw this bit coming and it was such a great narrative adjustment, working to amplify everything to another level.
This was such a quick, horrific read and really summarizes just how awesome this series Demain Publishing has going.
Easy 5 stars and I’m going to try and track down some more reads by Ellis.
‘Asylum of Shadows,’ is among a growing number of Demain Publishing’s Short Sharp Shocks! Series that I’ve read – and this one may very well be my favourite thus far.
I’ve not read any of Stephanie Ellis’ work, but what an introduction.
‘Asylum of Shadows’ is brutal and horrific, and a page-turner.
The story opens up giving the reader hints that it is set in London during the time of the plague. After suffering some heartbreaking losses, our main character Marian is invited to come live in the local hospital by one of the Doctor’s. Once she gets there, she’s given her tasks and she feels a sense of comfort knowing she’s found a home, no matter how temporary.
Ellis creates a claustrophobic environment early on, which she continues to work and suffocate the reader more and more. I found it elevated just how creepy the setting was, of living and working in a hospital, surrounded by the ever-mounting numbers of the dead. To think about walking through the hospital morgue, at night, the only light being that of a candle you held – love it.
To wrap the story up, Ellis then injects a new job that Marian is assigned, this one devastatingly amazing. I never saw this bit coming and it was such a great narrative adjustment, working to amplify everything to another level.
This was such a quick, horrific read and really summarizes just how awesome this series Demain Publishing has going.
Easy 5 stars and I’m going to try and track down some more reads by Ellis.
April 27, 2019
This is a masterful slice of Victorian Gothic, building from an uncomfortable opening scene to a deliciously dark and sinister climax in the slums of Limehouse. I loved the writing, the creeping madness, and originality of the idea at the heart of this tense chiller - definitely recommended.
January 29, 2020
A spooky slow burn horror with lots of atmosphere and fantastic characterisation. Reminiscent of the gothic classics.
April 29, 2019
I used to live just beyond Limehouse and read much about its dark past as a result. From the off, Asylum of Shadows throws you into the filth and squalor of the place in the Victorian period, pulling no punches. As soon as we follow Marian into the hospital, we know something isn't right. The role she takes on is one I hadn't been aware of, but chilled me by its very being and the subsequent turns the story takes are the stuff of nightmares.
One gets the impression there could be more tales, both for Marian and this diabolical setting. I, for one, will be watching on with interest.
One gets the impression there could be more tales, both for Marian and this diabolical setting. I, for one, will be watching on with interest.
December 1, 2019
Review originally posted on AphoticRealm.com
The absolute best thing about this tale in the Short Sharp Shocks! collection was the creepy and claustrophobic vibe that cloaked the melancholy like a funeral veil.
The story begins with the apparent death of Marian’s father, who succumbs to a strange and bloodthirsty disease that brings on rotting sores and violent outbursts. Victims need to be restrained as the disease takes hold (yikes!).
Marian, now homeless, is taken in by the local hospital, St Carnifex.
She arrives exhausted and is shown to her room, or more like cell. Her surroundings are far from welcoming, but the people she meets seem polite and kind enough, although all she really wants to do is sleep. Upon waking she is given breakfast and instructed on her tasks. Because even though this place is hospitable and charitable, she needs to earn her keep.
Things start off OK, if a little grim. Sewing funeral garments is a job few would enjoy, especially when some of these are small enough to fit children. It upsets Marian, but what else can she do?
The atmosphere of St Carnifex is captured perfectly. You can almost smell the infection and death rising from the pages.
Marian is then given another job. In the cold basement of the hospital, the recently deceased are delivered. Marian’s in charge of – wait for it – making sure they’re actually dead. She is instructed on what to do if these corpses wake up, as if they do, they probably weren’t dead after all. Yeah, right.
The descriptions of the corpses made them seem almost alive, well, real anyway. As Marian gazes upon these mangled bodies she imagines their lives before this terrible affliction. She is visited regularly by hospital staff to either change shifts with, or just to check she’s holding up OK.
Then things take on a sinister turn. The basement really gave me the chills, in more ways than one. The place changes Marian, although given her life and the situation she’s in, it would be hard to not be affected. This change is harrowing.
That is, of course all I can say in this review. But this was one dark tale that gripped me in its death throes, infecting me with its blackened and fetid odour. This is certainly worth checking out.
The absolute best thing about this tale in the Short Sharp Shocks! collection was the creepy and claustrophobic vibe that cloaked the melancholy like a funeral veil.
The story begins with the apparent death of Marian’s father, who succumbs to a strange and bloodthirsty disease that brings on rotting sores and violent outbursts. Victims need to be restrained as the disease takes hold (yikes!).
Marian, now homeless, is taken in by the local hospital, St Carnifex.
She arrives exhausted and is shown to her room, or more like cell. Her surroundings are far from welcoming, but the people she meets seem polite and kind enough, although all she really wants to do is sleep. Upon waking she is given breakfast and instructed on her tasks. Because even though this place is hospitable and charitable, she needs to earn her keep.
Things start off OK, if a little grim. Sewing funeral garments is a job few would enjoy, especially when some of these are small enough to fit children. It upsets Marian, but what else can she do?
The atmosphere of St Carnifex is captured perfectly. You can almost smell the infection and death rising from the pages.
Marian is then given another job. In the cold basement of the hospital, the recently deceased are delivered. Marian’s in charge of – wait for it – making sure they’re actually dead. She is instructed on what to do if these corpses wake up, as if they do, they probably weren’t dead after all. Yeah, right.
The descriptions of the corpses made them seem almost alive, well, real anyway. As Marian gazes upon these mangled bodies she imagines their lives before this terrible affliction. She is visited regularly by hospital staff to either change shifts with, or just to check she’s holding up OK.
Then things take on a sinister turn. The basement really gave me the chills, in more ways than one. The place changes Marian, although given her life and the situation she’s in, it would be hard to not be affected. This change is harrowing.
That is, of course all I can say in this review. But this was one dark tale that gripped me in its death throes, infecting me with its blackened and fetid odour. This is certainly worth checking out.
January 21, 2021
I'm a massive fan of Demain Publishing's hugely popular Short Sharp Shocks Series of dark tales which is now in it's second season! I haven't read one story I wasn't completely blown away by.
This time I decided to delve into An Asylum of Shadows by Stephanie Ellis, a horror writer from the U.K. who I first got to know when we collaborated on Diabolica Britannica a British themed horror anthology which raised money foe the NHS during the Covid Crisis. I absolutely loved her terrifying folk horror infused tale so leapt at the chance to read more of her work.
Asylum of Shadows is set in Victorian London where poverty an disease was a normal way of life. Immediately I loved the atmosphere of East London's cobbled dark alleyways and dark nights.
We are introduced to Marian a young woman, who at such a young age has been through so much, and is now nursing her father in their home they are about to lose. She is still full of hope for his recovery but when the vicar arrives she knows it is the end.
The visiting doctor agrees to take on Marian and provide her with board an employment in his hospital. It is a lucky opportunity that saves her from the work house.
She is given a job in a hushed ward, Saint Carnifex, overjoyed at being given a second chance at life. She throws herself into her work. It is a job many others before her have failed in not being strong enough to handle the conditions. However as someone who is familiar with death and tragedy she fits right and is keen to prove herself to the ward sister.
What I really loved about this tale was the atmosphere which is claustrophobic at all times and sinister. I really felt like I had gotten to know Marian in just a few pages which gave the tale a big bite at the end.
This was a really sinister story which just gets darker and darker with each turn. It was perfectly executed and wholly believable which made it even more scary.
I can't wait to read more from Stephanie Ellis and from Demain.
This time I decided to delve into An Asylum of Shadows by Stephanie Ellis, a horror writer from the U.K. who I first got to know when we collaborated on Diabolica Britannica a British themed horror anthology which raised money foe the NHS during the Covid Crisis. I absolutely loved her terrifying folk horror infused tale so leapt at the chance to read more of her work.
Asylum of Shadows is set in Victorian London where poverty an disease was a normal way of life. Immediately I loved the atmosphere of East London's cobbled dark alleyways and dark nights.
We are introduced to Marian a young woman, who at such a young age has been through so much, and is now nursing her father in their home they are about to lose. She is still full of hope for his recovery but when the vicar arrives she knows it is the end.
The visiting doctor agrees to take on Marian and provide her with board an employment in his hospital. It is a lucky opportunity that saves her from the work house.
She is given a job in a hushed ward, Saint Carnifex, overjoyed at being given a second chance at life. She throws herself into her work. It is a job many others before her have failed in not being strong enough to handle the conditions. However as someone who is familiar with death and tragedy she fits right and is keen to prove herself to the ward sister.
What I really loved about this tale was the atmosphere which is claustrophobic at all times and sinister. I really felt like I had gotten to know Marian in just a few pages which gave the tale a big bite at the end.
This was a really sinister story which just gets darker and darker with each turn. It was perfectly executed and wholly believable which made it even more scary.
I can't wait to read more from Stephanie Ellis and from Demain.
February 24, 2021
Asylum of Shadows by Stephanie Ellis is another Short Sharp Shocks winner in my book.
A gothic setting with chilling V.C. Andrews vibes. When the main character, Marian, and the good doctor were walking through the streets on their way to the hospital I kept thinking a Jack the Ripper type would jump out at any moment. The morbid mood built as they entered the hospital and thus entered St. Carnifex or “executioner”.
This was an original take on the gothic asylum tale. I loved the twisted ending. Strong characters, strong mood! 5 stars!
A gothic setting with chilling V.C. Andrews vibes. When the main character, Marian, and the good doctor were walking through the streets on their way to the hospital I kept thinking a Jack the Ripper type would jump out at any moment. The morbid mood built as they entered the hospital and thus entered St. Carnifex or “executioner”.
This was an original take on the gothic asylum tale. I loved the twisted ending. Strong characters, strong mood! 5 stars!
March 4, 2019
I love a slab of Victorian Gothic with all the flesh to chew on- and this e book standalone by dark fiction writer Stephanie Ellis delivers just that. This is part of a new series of e books from Demain Publishing. Priced at just 99p they are an excellent way of sourcing new authors or in my case, enjoying more of the work of an author I've read several times already. In this creepy tale set in a Limehouse hospital where an orphan with a secret is employed as a seamstress, but not sewing any ordinary clothes but rather death shrouds. Read this at bedtime, I dare you, by lamplight and then - sweet dreams. Watch the shadows.
March 14, 2020
Stephanie Ellis has a remarkable ability to perfectly create a Gothic environment, introduce characters who interact with themselves and their surroundings, and then let the strange things commence. We hear those sounds and look behind us, we catch that motion outside the window and look outside in the dark to identify it... she's immersed us within the world she's crafted, and we're in it to the end.
Another excellent work by the author of "Bottled" to enjoy!
Another excellent work by the author of "Bottled" to enjoy!
January 27, 2021
What a fate for Marian...
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews