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Greaveburn
A Hero murdered. A Girl alone. A city of Villains.From the crumbling Belfry to the Citadel’s stained-glass eye, across acres of cobbles streets and knotted alleyways that never see daylight, Greaveburn is a city with darkness at its core. Gothic spires battle for height, overlapping each other until the skyline is a jagged mass of thorns.Archduke Choler sits on the throne, his black-sealed letters foretell death for the person named inside. Abrasia, the rightful heir, lives as a recluse in order to stay alive. With her father murdered and her only ally lost, Abrasia is alone in a city where the crooked Palace Guard, a scientist’s assistant that is more beast than man, and a duo of body snatchers are all on her list of enemies.Under the cobbled streets lurk the Broken Folk, deformed rebels led by the hideously scarred Darrant, a man who once swore to protect the city. And in a darkened laboratory, the devious Professor Loosestrife builds a contraption known only as The Womb.With Greaveburn being torn apart around her, can Abrasia avenge her father’s murder before the Archduke’s letter spells her doom?
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Craig Hallam
22 books78 followersCraig Hallam is an international best-selling author from Doncaster, UK. His work spans all aspects of Speculative Fiction and Mental Health non-fiction, and poetry.
Since his debut in the British Fantasy Society journal, his tales have nestled between the pages of magazines and anthologies the world over. His novels and short stories have filled the imaginations of geeks, niche and alternative readers with their character-driven style and unusual plots.
Craig has recently chronicled his experiences of living with depression and anxiety in the international best-seller, Down Days. Topping the Amazon charts in the UK and US at the start of COVID, the book has since been a finalist for the Independent Author Network’s Book of the Year Awards and read the world over.
His latest novel, Make Believe, is the first book in an exciting new series called The Hexford Witches, based entirely in the Yorkshire Dales.
Craig’s next project is a literary Gothic series based in contemporary Yorkshire. The first book will highlight the ghosts of the area’s industrial past and the families who were left broken by the closure of the local mines. While one man grieves for the loss of his wife and is hunted by recurring visions of a large black dog hunting him, his granddaughter is also preyed upon by the boys and men of an honourless society.
Find Craig’s books and social media at: Linktr.ee/craighallamauthor
Since his debut in the British Fantasy Society journal, his tales have nestled between the pages of magazines and anthologies the world over. His novels and short stories have filled the imaginations of geeks, niche and alternative readers with their character-driven style and unusual plots.
Craig has recently chronicled his experiences of living with depression and anxiety in the international best-seller, Down Days. Topping the Amazon charts in the UK and US at the start of COVID, the book has since been a finalist for the Independent Author Network’s Book of the Year Awards and read the world over.
His latest novel, Make Believe, is the first book in an exciting new series called The Hexford Witches, based entirely in the Yorkshire Dales.
Craig’s next project is a literary Gothic series based in contemporary Yorkshire. The first book will highlight the ghosts of the area’s industrial past and the families who were left broken by the closure of the local mines. While one man grieves for the loss of his wife and is hunted by recurring visions of a large black dog hunting him, his granddaughter is also preyed upon by the boys and men of an honourless society.
Find Craig’s books and social media at: Linktr.ee/craighallamauthor
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 10, 2012
There were a number of reasons I loved Greaveburn. It took me into an imaginary world that was entirely believable. It is so visual that I can imagine it being turned into a film or a 3-part BBC drama, sumptuously produced. It introduced be to a cast of different characters, each so well drawn that I had no problem visualising them. And it had a flawed hero, flawed not just physically, but psychologically, too. Add to that a narrative that kept me turning the pages, and you've got an almost perfect book.
I say almost perfect advisedly, because, as a writer, reviewing books by other writers is not easy, as it's almost impossible to switch off the writer part of me and to become only a reader. There was the odd word here and there which seemed out of place, but nothing significant. And certainly nothing to stop Greaveburn being an all-enveloping, all-consuming experience.
Elsewhere I have likened it to Ghormenghast, but not in a derivative sense. It has that perfectly-built world that all good fantasy books should have, a self-contained universe which makes sense, and where all threads are combined into a rich tapestry of story. It's a book written by someone who can tell stories, a born story-teller, because that's what good novlists are - story-tellerswho write their stories down rather than relying on the memory of others to replicate them.
I do hope there is a sequel, or at least another story to come out of the fantastic creation that the city of Greaveburn is. Craig Hallam is a talent who deserves to cross over into the mainstream and have significant commercial success.
I say almost perfect advisedly, because, as a writer, reviewing books by other writers is not easy, as it's almost impossible to switch off the writer part of me and to become only a reader. There was the odd word here and there which seemed out of place, but nothing significant. And certainly nothing to stop Greaveburn being an all-enveloping, all-consuming experience.
Elsewhere I have likened it to Ghormenghast, but not in a derivative sense. It has that perfectly-built world that all good fantasy books should have, a self-contained universe which makes sense, and where all threads are combined into a rich tapestry of story. It's a book written by someone who can tell stories, a born story-teller, because that's what good novlists are - story-tellerswho write their stories down rather than relying on the memory of others to replicate them.
I do hope there is a sequel, or at least another story to come out of the fantastic creation that the city of Greaveburn is. Craig Hallam is a talent who deserves to cross over into the mainstream and have significant commercial success.
September 7, 2012
This is an epic tale of conspiracy, paranoia and intrigue set within the walls of Greaveburn, a city built on its own history with interwoven buildings and lives, gloomy sewers and ghettos and lofty spires and watchtowers, with a mix of characters to match. We open with the murder of Darrant, a Greaveburn Captain whose morals did not match those of the paranoid Archduke Choler. We quickly find that there is more to the city of Greaveburn and its inhabitants as conspiracy layers conspiracy and just when you think you have a grasp of who stands for what, it quickly gets turned on its head with some characters surprising you taking stands when you thought they would just turn tail and run (and others doing the exact opposite). My only complaint is that it just wasn't long enough, I would have loved this to be a 500 page epic and with the characters and setting Hallam has created it so could have been and I would have happily sat and read every word. But as it stands this is a superb story with vivid characters that provoke strong reactions both positive and negatives from the reader and a story that will grip you from start to finish.
April 13, 2016
"The silence didn't fall, it crashed, killing all the passengers and the driver."
Can we just talk about how good that line up there is first? Because "Greaveburn" is a lot like this one line; surprisingly clever and intricately written.
With themes ranging from "The Count of Monte Cristo" to classic fairy tales, and set purely within the confines of the gothic city, the story send its large cast of character out against lines of political plots, mysterious deaths, and conspiracy. The beginning does feel slower and more complex than the rest of the book, if only due to world-building. It did not distract from the characters though, who only grow in intrigue as the story goes on. Normally, a book this length might not be able to hold so many people, but most of the cast is well fleshed out by the end (I was particularly fond of Wheldrake and Corwater myself). The world of Greaveburn was richly written and left me wanting more.
A surprisingly dark and fun read. The finale also leaves room for a promising sequel, which I certainly look forward to!
Can we just talk about how good that line up there is first? Because "Greaveburn" is a lot like this one line; surprisingly clever and intricately written.
With themes ranging from "The Count of Monte Cristo" to classic fairy tales, and set purely within the confines of the gothic city, the story send its large cast of character out against lines of political plots, mysterious deaths, and conspiracy. The beginning does feel slower and more complex than the rest of the book, if only due to world-building. It did not distract from the characters though, who only grow in intrigue as the story goes on. Normally, a book this length might not be able to hold so many people, but most of the cast is well fleshed out by the end (I was particularly fond of Wheldrake and Corwater myself). The world of Greaveburn was richly written and left me wanting more.
A surprisingly dark and fun read. The finale also leaves room for a promising sequel, which I certainly look forward to!
February 2, 2017
A city needs saving, as its ambitious ruler oppresses the common folk. People are disappearing; experiments are unsanctioned; and the Broken folk swarm the sewers.
I bought this book after meeting the author at a book event before Christmas, which was pretty awesome.
This story is about Greaveburn, a city pushed to breaking point by greedy, grasping nobles; and other unsavoury characters that are taking advantage of the chaos.
It is very creative, and the setting is solid, weaving science, steampunk and political danger.
I think the city of Greaveburn steals the story, it's like a slumbering giant, waiting for fate to play its hand. The other characters are simply the supporting cast, whether they are working for their own purposes, or have their strings pulled by another.
I found it quite an original take on the genre.
But I think its strength is also its weakness.
The narrative is split between various characters, and although a few of them play a bigger role than the others, you never really feel connected to any of them.
Abrasia is set up as the rightful heir, who can finally bring peace and prosperity to Greaveburn. She is sweet and kind-hearted, but she is simply a token figure that represents a good future. She doesn't actively do anything, even her thoughts and opinions are without any agency or purpose. She is moved about like a chess piece by the other players.
The most interesting character is Darrant, who goes from being Abrasia's right-had man and protector, to the lowest of civilians - the Broken folk. But even from the sewers, he rebuilds his life and his purpose. Under the guise of Riccall, he becomes a Robin Hood character, who tries to save the commoners, and drives the rebel attacks. He was pretty awesome, and it was a shame that he faded into the background, while the story followed the much-less-interesting Steadfast.
I was surprised by the time jump of two years between the two parts of the book. I don't mind lapses in time, as long as it benefits the story. I didn't really feel that it did on this occasion.
None of the characters made any progress with their own stories during this time. Developmentally, and plot-wise, they were all in the same place.
I mean, it didn't negatively impact the story, I just found it ineffective.
The only other problem I had, was that the narrative was sometimes stilted by the overuse of metaphors and similes.
'The collar of Chief Inspector Cawber's shirt was slick with sweat, like an eel wrapped across his shoulders.'
'Silence stretched out, drawing sweat from the Constables' foreheads like snake venom.'
Hallam gives us some of the most creative descriptions I've ever read.
I'll always remember when a friend said he was advised to keep the similes down to 5 or 10 in each piece of work. Greaveburn can have 5 per page in some sections, and then nothing for another chunk. The unevenness made it feel like the writer had approached these sections at different times, giving us a different effect.
Overall, I like the premise and creativity. You can tell this is a debut novel, and I look forward to Hallam's future, more polished work.
I bought this book after meeting the author at a book event before Christmas, which was pretty awesome.
This story is about Greaveburn, a city pushed to breaking point by greedy, grasping nobles; and other unsavoury characters that are taking advantage of the chaos.
It is very creative, and the setting is solid, weaving science, steampunk and political danger.
I think the city of Greaveburn steals the story, it's like a slumbering giant, waiting for fate to play its hand. The other characters are simply the supporting cast, whether they are working for their own purposes, or have their strings pulled by another.
I found it quite an original take on the genre.
But I think its strength is also its weakness.
The narrative is split between various characters, and although a few of them play a bigger role than the others, you never really feel connected to any of them.
Abrasia is set up as the rightful heir, who can finally bring peace and prosperity to Greaveburn. She is sweet and kind-hearted, but she is simply a token figure that represents a good future. She doesn't actively do anything, even her thoughts and opinions are without any agency or purpose. She is moved about like a chess piece by the other players.
The most interesting character is Darrant, who goes from being Abrasia's right-had man and protector, to the lowest of civilians - the Broken folk. But even from the sewers, he rebuilds his life and his purpose. Under the guise of Riccall, he becomes a Robin Hood character, who tries to save the commoners, and drives the rebel attacks. He was pretty awesome, and it was a shame that he faded into the background, while the story followed the much-less-interesting Steadfast.
I was surprised by the time jump of two years between the two parts of the book. I don't mind lapses in time, as long as it benefits the story. I didn't really feel that it did on this occasion.
None of the characters made any progress with their own stories during this time. Developmentally, and plot-wise, they were all in the same place.
I mean, it didn't negatively impact the story, I just found it ineffective.
The only other problem I had, was that the narrative was sometimes stilted by the overuse of metaphors and similes.
'The collar of Chief Inspector Cawber's shirt was slick with sweat, like an eel wrapped across his shoulders.'
'Silence stretched out, drawing sweat from the Constables' foreheads like snake venom.'
Hallam gives us some of the most creative descriptions I've ever read.
I'll always remember when a friend said he was advised to keep the similes down to 5 or 10 in each piece of work. Greaveburn can have 5 per page in some sections, and then nothing for another chunk. The unevenness made it feel like the writer had approached these sections at different times, giving us a different effect.
Overall, I like the premise and creativity. You can tell this is a debut novel, and I look forward to Hallam's future, more polished work.
October 5, 2014
woohoo my first Goodreads giveaway book! proper review when i've read it (warning: it's about 4th in the queue :) )
edit: i've just finished Greaveburn and it had a lot of potential/promise, but it did feel like a first novel.
part of it was that Greaveburn felt uneven: the first half felt like the first in a series - there was a lot of introduction and world-building and characters with quite slow unhurried pacing.
the story really seemed to get going in the second half, and that's when i started warming to the characters. however it did mean that the second half felt somewhat rushed - just as i started enjoying Greaveburn, it ended.
i didnt quite connect with the characters though - partly due to the two distinct halves of the book: Abrasia/Prof Loosestrife/the astrologer, set up as potentially major characters in part 1, felt somewhat shoehorned into part 2 (although Abrasia and the Archduke worked well as off-stage symbols) and Grinda/Cawber/Corwater - fairly major characters in part 2 - suddenly appeared.
i liked Greaveburn (the city), that mix of steampunk-noir-medieval-ness, although occasionally the meld didnt quite work for me. i liked the Broken Ones and the sense that for all Wheldrake & Darrat's noble intentions, the city was too self-absorbed and oblivious to change.
i would be interested in a second Greaveburn book, and think it has the potential for a series or to become a universe (ie books that are set in Greaveburn but not directly related to each other).
(as a side note, i am totally adopting "the silence didnt fall, it crashed, killing all the passengers and the driver". :D )
edit: i've just finished Greaveburn and it had a lot of potential/promise, but it did feel like a first novel.
part of it was that Greaveburn felt uneven: the first half felt like the first in a series - there was a lot of introduction and world-building and characters with quite slow unhurried pacing.
the story really seemed to get going in the second half, and that's when i started warming to the characters. however it did mean that the second half felt somewhat rushed - just as i started enjoying Greaveburn, it ended.
i didnt quite connect with the characters though - partly due to the two distinct halves of the book: Abrasia/Prof Loosestrife/the astrologer, set up as potentially major characters in part 1, felt somewhat shoehorned into part 2 (although Abrasia and the Archduke worked well as off-stage symbols) and Grinda/Cawber/Corwater - fairly major characters in part 2 - suddenly appeared.
i liked Greaveburn (the city), that mix of steampunk-noir-medieval-ness, although occasionally the meld didnt quite work for me. i liked the Broken Ones and the sense that for all Wheldrake & Darrat's noble intentions, the city was too self-absorbed and oblivious to change.
i would be interested in a second Greaveburn book, and think it has the potential for a series or to become a universe (ie books that are set in Greaveburn but not directly related to each other).
(as a side note, i am totally adopting "the silence didnt fall, it crashed, killing all the passengers and the driver". :D )
November 20, 2012
After reading Mr Hallam’s previous offering of short stories, Not Before Bed, I was eagerly anticipating another cracking read. Greaveburn is his first novel, and he does not disappoint. Not one bit.
Steampunk was not a genre I was familiar with, but I like to keep an open mind. Greaveburn is a world full of dark skullduggery, a place where the dregs of society have fallen and mingle in the shadows and the sewers.
Speaking of which, you absolutely picture the bowels of this murky city, the sights, the sounds and the smells (don’t dwell on those for too long). His descriptive style brings each character to life whether they are the main protagonists or background fodder and his style shines through a dark tale. The names are well crafted. Professor Loosestrife a particular favourite.
This book’s written in third-person and is from multiple characters point of view. The story is well woven, expertly told and my only criticism is that the story of Greaveburn is not a 600 page epic. Not really a criticism. More a sad cry from the dark that I wasn’t ready to finish reading the story. I think that is the mark of a good book and I want some more.
I highly recommend this book. Like me, you might find yourself drawn towards more books in this genre.
Steampunk was not a genre I was familiar with, but I like to keep an open mind. Greaveburn is a world full of dark skullduggery, a place where the dregs of society have fallen and mingle in the shadows and the sewers.
Speaking of which, you absolutely picture the bowels of this murky city, the sights, the sounds and the smells (don’t dwell on those for too long). His descriptive style brings each character to life whether they are the main protagonists or background fodder and his style shines through a dark tale. The names are well crafted. Professor Loosestrife a particular favourite.
This book’s written in third-person and is from multiple characters point of view. The story is well woven, expertly told and my only criticism is that the story of Greaveburn is not a 600 page epic. Not really a criticism. More a sad cry from the dark that I wasn’t ready to finish reading the story. I think that is the mark of a good book and I want some more.
I highly recommend this book. Like me, you might find yourself drawn towards more books in this genre.
November 10, 2015
I bought this book because it was suggested to me that if I liked Mervyn Peake - and I do - I would enjoy this author's work.
Having read the book I find I have some misgivings and some disappointments but overall I found it a romp of a read. My misgivinigs stem from the actual setting of the book and the lives of the Broken Folk in the sewers under the fictional city of Greaveburn where a fairly large chunk of the story takes place. And in comparison with Peake, this dark underground world, very cleverly described in detail, conjures up images that I found particularly distasteful. Despite the darkness of his writing Peake never mananged to make me feel that way.
Whilst there is a lot of detail in the story I felt that the language and the poetry of Peake's writing is simply not matched here. But Hallam's narrative voice does have its own character which flows well throughout. So perhaps I was expecting too much.
As for the story itself, the plot is well conceived, moves at a pace and the characters are appropriately outlandish but believable within the context.
Will I be reading more of this authors books? Absolutely, but I'll also stay true to Peake.
Having read the book I find I have some misgivings and some disappointments but overall I found it a romp of a read. My misgivinigs stem from the actual setting of the book and the lives of the Broken Folk in the sewers under the fictional city of Greaveburn where a fairly large chunk of the story takes place. And in comparison with Peake, this dark underground world, very cleverly described in detail, conjures up images that I found particularly distasteful. Despite the darkness of his writing Peake never mananged to make me feel that way.
Whilst there is a lot of detail in the story I felt that the language and the poetry of Peake's writing is simply not matched here. But Hallam's narrative voice does have its own character which flows well throughout. So perhaps I was expecting too much.
As for the story itself, the plot is well conceived, moves at a pace and the characters are appropriately outlandish but believable within the context.
Will I be reading more of this authors books? Absolutely, but I'll also stay true to Peake.
January 10, 2016
Best £8 ever spent!
I never like to do long book reviews because 1) people never read them and 2) I don't like giving out spoilers!
This book was a readers dream, the authors use of poetic imagery allows the imagination to truly come alive.
Be forewarned that should you pick this book up you will surely be unable to put it down! The way in which book is set out compels you to continue reading, even when other tasks should be in hand.
It is apparently a book that falls into the 'Steampunk' category, and at first I was unsure but it is not so far removed from the sci-fi/fantasy that I so dearly love that it wouldn't be a stranger in that category either.
I would defiantly recommend this book to anyone that loves reading because even if you do not like the genre you cannot deny the authors wonderful talent of setting the imagination on fire.
I never like to do long book reviews because 1) people never read them and 2) I don't like giving out spoilers!
This book was a readers dream, the authors use of poetic imagery allows the imagination to truly come alive.
Be forewarned that should you pick this book up you will surely be unable to put it down! The way in which book is set out compels you to continue reading, even when other tasks should be in hand.
It is apparently a book that falls into the 'Steampunk' category, and at first I was unsure but it is not so far removed from the sci-fi/fantasy that I so dearly love that it wouldn't be a stranger in that category either.
I would defiantly recommend this book to anyone that loves reading because even if you do not like the genre you cannot deny the authors wonderful talent of setting the imagination on fire.
June 25, 2013
Intrigue and drama abound in the mad, decaying city of Greaveburn. Craig Hallam’s novel is a pacey creation full of surprises, a touch macabre and thoroughly unpredictable. Very much recommended. Readers of Steampunk fiction will want to check this out. If you like urban gothic fantasy, this may well be the book for you. I shall be picking up future instalments in the series.
July 31, 2019
Greaveburn, like Peake’s Gormenghast, is a world onto itself. An isolated gothic landscape where the richest and poorest lead very different lives, and everyone else sinks somewhere in the middle. There are murders and macabre goings-on from the highest to the low and events all conspire so they become entwined. Every character, be they a minor role of a major player is realised in intricate detail. All with shades of grey, some quite lightly, other with dark shadows on their soul than others. The heroes have shades of villain about them, while some villains have the odd moment of heroism. All human life is here, realised with all its flaws, against a backdrop with a character all of its own. It is very Gormenghast, and not a little Anhk-Morepork, but while the setting and the characters lend much of the former, the writing leans more to the latter. This is Gormenghast without the dry relentless descriptions of cobweb strewn corridors that go on longer than it would take to dust those same corridors.
Greaveburn reads like the city and its inhabitance are alive, rather than some shambling undead parody of life. The characters live and breath on the pages, be they villains or heroes, or those endless shades in-between. It is strange, but it is beautifully strange. It’s grim but gorgeously so. It’s dark, but there is light enough for the shadows to dance in narrow alleyways and secretive snickets. Not everyone gets what they want, not everyone gets what they deserve, but what the reader gets is what they need. A world to sink into, feel in your bones and dwell in the dark corners of your mind. A world that leaves you with many questions, but that is also as it should be because this is a story of a city, and no city tells all its secrets. It leaves you wanting more but isn’t that exactly what it should do.
Greaveburn reads like the city and its inhabitance are alive, rather than some shambling undead parody of life. The characters live and breath on the pages, be they villains or heroes, or those endless shades in-between. It is strange, but it is beautifully strange. It’s grim but gorgeously so. It’s dark, but there is light enough for the shadows to dance in narrow alleyways and secretive snickets. Not everyone gets what they want, not everyone gets what they deserve, but what the reader gets is what they need. A world to sink into, feel in your bones and dwell in the dark corners of your mind. A world that leaves you with many questions, but that is also as it should be because this is a story of a city, and no city tells all its secrets. It leaves you wanting more but isn’t that exactly what it should do.
September 4, 2019
This was a great story in an interesting world. I felt the world had been developed very well. I felt like I could see a map of the city in my head by the end.
If I had one criticism it would be that the relationships between the characters were not developed enough. A little more time building up friendships and animosities could have added so much more to the story. The best developed relationship I feel was between Loosestrife and Wheldrake, better even than Steadfast and Darrant, who could have done with more face-to-face time before the final confrontation. As so few of the characters were fully light or dark, a little more development would have given a better sense of meaning to their accomplishments and deaths.
That said, the story was well paced and the language helped with the flow of the plot. I still found myself drawn in and expectant of what would happen next and, despite my criticisms, I came away from the story with a sense of completion and satisfaction. I will probably read it again at some point.
If I had one criticism it would be that the relationships between the characters were not developed enough. A little more time building up friendships and animosities could have added so much more to the story. The best developed relationship I feel was between Loosestrife and Wheldrake, better even than Steadfast and Darrant, who could have done with more face-to-face time before the final confrontation. As so few of the characters were fully light or dark, a little more development would have given a better sense of meaning to their accomplishments and deaths.
That said, the story was well paced and the language helped with the flow of the plot. I still found myself drawn in and expectant of what would happen next and, despite my criticisms, I came away from the story with a sense of completion and satisfaction. I will probably read it again at some point.
November 3, 2025
A richly flowing narrative with vivid descriptions and some interesting metaphors. It would have benefitted from an edit by an experienced eye, and it will be interesting to read some of the author's more recent works, to see his progression.
In this book, we are offered two heroes, both flawed, and I was unsure at times who we were supposed to be rooting for, as both seemed to be of noble intent, and both made grievous mistakes. This made for a bittersweet ending after the final confrontation.
The location was well realised and the characters strongly defined, and the book was an enjoyable read, and I'm glad I rescued it from the depths of my tbr after meeting the author recently.
In this book, we are offered two heroes, both flawed, and I was unsure at times who we were supposed to be rooting for, as both seemed to be of noble intent, and both made grievous mistakes. This made for a bittersweet ending after the final confrontation.
The location was well realised and the characters strongly defined, and the book was an enjoyable read, and I'm glad I rescued it from the depths of my tbr after meeting the author recently.
December 7, 2017
I loved reading that book! The whole story is complex with both endearing and hateful characters, full of adventures, doubts and hopes. Greaveburn is hard place to be, but as we say "L'espoir fait vivre"! :)
July 31, 2020
I chose to read this after reading Down Days by the same author.
Having not know the Down Days author also wrote fantasy / sci-fi was very interesting to me.
This book had a very interesting back story and world-building. Everything had some grounding which made it seem easy to understand and fairly realistic (even being fantasy).
Believing that this is this author’s first novel, it does need quite a bit of editing and tightness to tie it all together.
I have read, and love, many Terry Pratchett novels, especially Discworld series. This book reminded me a lot of that as some inspiration but was clearly not as good.
If I hadn’t read any Terry Pratchett I would have liked this novel more.
Having not know the Down Days author also wrote fantasy / sci-fi was very interesting to me.
This book had a very interesting back story and world-building. Everything had some grounding which made it seem easy to understand and fairly realistic (even being fantasy).
Believing that this is this author’s first novel, it does need quite a bit of editing and tightness to tie it all together.
I have read, and love, many Terry Pratchett novels, especially Discworld series. This book reminded me a lot of that as some inspiration but was clearly not as good.
If I hadn’t read any Terry Pratchett I would have liked this novel more.
September 18, 2012
I was lucky enough to win a copy of Greaveburn in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
From the very first page, this novel is bursting with wonderful imagery, which gave me a great feeling about this book.
Craig Hallam is a fabulous world-builder; Greaveburn's gothic glory and the city's subterrenean slums are described in vivid detail, allowing the reader to immerse themselves into this fantastical place. The names of the characters are very appropriate to the settings, but I found that I couldn't take to them too much (the names, not the characters themselves!). Luckily this did nothing to detract from the actual novel for me, and likely will not bother others in the same way as me!
The characters are intriguing, as are the ties and obligations between them;they're not as deep as I would perhaps usually like, but they're certainly not too shallow to be enjoyed. The Cholers, in all their repulsiveness, are described especially fabulously.
I won't say much about the plot itself, as it's really one you ought to read. Greaveburn is a very well written novel - I particularly enjoyed the use of language and it's structure; I find it is very rare these days that I read a novel in which I find no mistakes, enjoy the style of writing and cannot criticise from a purely technical point of view. Craig Hallam is to be commended on his efforts, and Greaveburn is most definitely worth a read!
From the very first page, this novel is bursting with wonderful imagery, which gave me a great feeling about this book.
Craig Hallam is a fabulous world-builder; Greaveburn's gothic glory and the city's subterrenean slums are described in vivid detail, allowing the reader to immerse themselves into this fantastical place. The names of the characters are very appropriate to the settings, but I found that I couldn't take to them too much (the names, not the characters themselves!). Luckily this did nothing to detract from the actual novel for me, and likely will not bother others in the same way as me!
The characters are intriguing, as are the ties and obligations between them;they're not as deep as I would perhaps usually like, but they're certainly not too shallow to be enjoyed. The Cholers, in all their repulsiveness, are described especially fabulously.
I won't say much about the plot itself, as it's really one you ought to read. Greaveburn is a very well written novel - I particularly enjoyed the use of language and it's structure; I find it is very rare these days that I read a novel in which I find no mistakes, enjoy the style of writing and cannot criticise from a purely technical point of view. Craig Hallam is to be commended on his efforts, and Greaveburn is most definitely worth a read!
August 24, 2013
I enjoyed this book. Hallam has crafted an engaging narrative with likable characters and a climax which makes a statement about human nature. However, one could argue the city itself is the real star of the story. Hallam's expert use of imagery helps us to imagine Greaveburn as a Gothic metropolis full of splendor. Not only that, but he takes us all over the place, from the seedy underbelly to the massive heights of the walls which surround the city.
That's not to say the book doesn't have any problems. I think it could have been edited a little better; typos and missing punctuation pop up here and there. Also, Hallam could have added a little more physical description to the characters. I could picture Abrasia all right, but Darrant and Steadfast were blank faces in my mind. Although, compared to the novelization of Alien (featured here last week), they're pretty detailed.
In addition, the story left me with serious questions. Who built Greaveburn? What happened to the rest of the world? Is the wine bottle Darrant found that pre-dates the city significant in any way? I feel a sequel is definitely in order. [Come to think of it, this might not be a bad thing]
Still, those are petty complaints and do not diminish terribly from the enjoyment I got out of Greaveburn. It is fairly well-written and I hope Hallam continues to write.
That's not to say the book doesn't have any problems. I think it could have been edited a little better; typos and missing punctuation pop up here and there. Also, Hallam could have added a little more physical description to the characters. I could picture Abrasia all right, but Darrant and Steadfast were blank faces in my mind. Although, compared to the novelization of Alien (featured here last week), they're pretty detailed.
In addition, the story left me with serious questions. Who built Greaveburn? What happened to the rest of the world? Is the wine bottle Darrant found that pre-dates the city significant in any way? I feel a sequel is definitely in order. [Come to think of it, this might not be a bad thing]
Still, those are petty complaints and do not diminish terribly from the enjoyment I got out of Greaveburn. It is fairly well-written and I hope Hallam continues to write.
January 23, 2013
Wow, what a read! I thoroughly enjoyed Greaveburn, it's a fantasy novel but with a real difference from the run of the mill stuff out there. I definitely drew parallels with Ghormenghast but this novel is more enjoyable and has a knack of pulling you in to a very real world, described with such enthusiasm and wonderful creations it just makes you feel you are in Greaveburn itself.
Without spoiling the plot, Greaveburn is a huge sprawling city surrounded in high walls, the city has seen better days and is crumbling away. Archduke Choler rules the city but the true successor to the throne is Princess Abrasia, her father was killed mysteriously and now her one ally disappears and is said to be dead but is he?
Underneath the city in the broken sewers live the 'broken folk' people who have lost their way, exiled from the city and managing to survive whilst avoiding the crocodiles living in the sewers. A new hero, Ricall appears one day, his motivation to see right done can reunite the broken folk to take back their lives in Greaveburn.
I really hope Craig Hallam writes more novels like this, incredible intelligent writing, it conjures up a believable world with three dimensional characters. Absolutely loved it. Definitely recommend it.
Without spoiling the plot, Greaveburn is a huge sprawling city surrounded in high walls, the city has seen better days and is crumbling away. Archduke Choler rules the city but the true successor to the throne is Princess Abrasia, her father was killed mysteriously and now her one ally disappears and is said to be dead but is he?
Underneath the city in the broken sewers live the 'broken folk' people who have lost their way, exiled from the city and managing to survive whilst avoiding the crocodiles living in the sewers. A new hero, Ricall appears one day, his motivation to see right done can reunite the broken folk to take back their lives in Greaveburn.
I really hope Craig Hallam writes more novels like this, incredible intelligent writing, it conjures up a believable world with three dimensional characters. Absolutely loved it. Definitely recommend it.
December 8, 2015
Funnily enough I got a real Gormenghast vibe from this book, and as I flick down the comments I see I'm not the only one who mentioned this. Fans of that sort of genre will really get their teeth into Greaveburn. Darrant and Steadfast were definitely my favourite characters. I would liken them to Jean Valjean and Javert (Les Miserables) in many ways. The gothic city of Greaveburn made a perfect backdrop to this tale of political unrest.
I loved the characters' names as well, they really seemed to fit their personalities. Professor Loosestrife - a loose cannon indeed with strife as his main agenda. His inventions are the work of a brilliant but sadistic and twisted mind.
Steadfast himself - so true to his name...in theory. Holding true to his convictions of what constitutes as morally right, yet somehow he manages to be so wrong at the same time. Stubborn to the core.
I liked the Broken Folk. Reminiscent of the Victorian slums of London, the people are damaged yet resilient. I liked how "tough" Birgit is.
Definitely check out this book. Well worth a read.
I loved the characters' names as well, they really seemed to fit their personalities. Professor Loosestrife - a loose cannon indeed with strife as his main agenda. His inventions are the work of a brilliant but sadistic and twisted mind.
Steadfast himself - so true to his name...in theory. Holding true to his convictions of what constitutes as morally right, yet somehow he manages to be so wrong at the same time. Stubborn to the core.
I liked the Broken Folk. Reminiscent of the Victorian slums of London, the people are damaged yet resilient. I liked how "tough" Birgit is.
Definitely check out this book. Well worth a read.
February 11, 2013
Not my usual thing - but I quite liked it - I found it hard work at first - it felt over descriptive to me but I (or the book) soon found a rhythm and it settled down - it was a cross between Sleeping Beauty and Flushed Away but I found my self casting the characters and making it into a film - so it can't all be bad.
If there is a Greaveburn 2 I would buy it.
If there is a Greaveburn 2 I would buy it.
October 29, 2012
I love Craig Hallam's description and narrative and this book did not disappoint. Hallam is a great world builder. I loved the opening scenes and kept turning the page to see what happens. Both main characters have a unique voice and I enjoyed their story very much.
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June 12, 2013I am not rating this book, but I can see straight away that the writing style is not for me. It is a great pity because I like Craig and most probably will donate this book to my local library so someone else can have a chance to read and enjoy it.
November 24, 2014
This book just would not be left. Sure I have read a couple of others since starting it, but something kept drawing me back, perhaps it was the deliciously dark environment. Maybe the characters that refuse to be confined to stereotype - or is that archetype.
January 21, 2016
My introduction to Steampunk, "Greaveburn" was creepy yet good fun, with some wonderful uses of language, and characters, as well as brilliant world - or rather city - building.
Must read more Craig Hallam - as well as more Steampunk!
Must read more Craig Hallam - as well as more Steampunk!
November 28, 2012
Catch my review on Cheshire Today: http://www.cheshire-today.co.uk/cultu...
May 3, 2013
This isn't the kind of book I would normally read but I was pleasantly surprised it.
March 28, 2015
This generation's Gormenghast, but with a sleek, action-packed narrative. Drama, humour and great language. Everything steampunk and good fiction should be
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