Edgar

by David Allen Voyles

What if Edgar Allan Poe’s best stories were inspired by actual supernatural events that took place when he was a boy?

While sketching tombstones in his favorite Richmond graveyard, fifteen-year-old Edgar is confronted by a ghoulish figure who transforms before Edgar’s eyes into an exact replica of himself. This dark twin quickly disappears, but throughout the summer of 1826 Edgar continues to find himself trapped in a series of terrifying horrors from beyond the grave, all orchestrated by his doppelgänger. Edgar is aided throughout the ordeal by his two best friends, one the true love of his life, and a mysterious yet snarky one-eyed black cat.

Genres: Horror

260 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2024

About the author

Some of the tales in David Allen Voyles' collections of original horror stories, The Thirteenth Day of Christmas and Tales from the Hearse were those he told while conducting tours for his ghost tour company, Dark Ride Tours in Asheville, NC. Best-selling author and Bram Stoker award winner Paul Kane said of Voyles’ writing, “Maybe it's because Voyles is an accomplished oral storyteller that you can "hear" the words as you read, but man, can this guy create an atmosphere!”

Having taught literature for thirty years, Voyles is no stranger to weird tales and horror fiction in general. In addition to publishing his stories in print, he is also the creator of the horror podcast, Dark Corners, where he narrates many of his original horror short stories, as well as the novellas Witch-Works and Wraiths of the Appalachian.

David Allen Voyles is a member of the Horror Writers Association.

Reviews

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

EDGAR is a book that speculates what might have happened to Poe in his younger years and what might have spurred his story ideas later in life.

Sketching in his neighborhood cemetery, young Edgar encounters a being, one that looks just like him, but somehow evil. This doppelganger begins to haunt Edgar and his two closest friends. What does this spectre want and why is it appearing to Edgar? You'll have to read this to find out!

At the rear of the book the author writes about Poe's stories and how they've influenced this work. I am a huge fan of Poe's writing, but I haven't read any of his work recently. I was afraid that my poor memory might affect my reading of this book, but it did not. I recognized most of the tales, but not all, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of this short novel in any way. In fact, I was happy to see some of the characters again, most especially the black cat with one eye.

I think EDGAR was a fun, mostly plausible way to provide insight regarding Poe's work, and what may have inspired his many works of poetry and dark fiction. From what I can tell, this book seems well researched and I enjoyed learning what Poe's life may have been like while he was growing up, (aside from the supernatural stuff.) His relationship with his adoptive parents was something I never knew about. Poe's real parents died when he was only two. He and his stepfather did not get along at all, and they often argued. I have to wonder how such a volatile relationship affected Poe's writing later in life. I guess David Allen Voyles wondered about that too.

This was a fun, short, novel and I enjoyed it. In spite of such dark subject matter, I also found some humor here, (most especially regarding the cat), and I think that helped lighten things up a little. I thought the writing was skillful and vivid, especially during some of Poe's frightening experiences with the supernatural. Some of these were very scary, indeed. Those scenes were where the story lived, for me. They ended up making feel like I did when I read Poe's work for the very first time. Excited, afraid and unable to stop reading!

I recommend this to any fan of Poe's work and to anyone who has ever wondered what Poe's motivations for the stories might have been. In fact, I highly recommend it to everyone!

*ARC from author.

[Alyson Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a unique read! Written in the time frame of Edgar Allen Poe as a young boy, we follow him, his two friends and his forever friend Morella the cat as his youthful adventures give him the nightmare fuel that we know as Edgar Allen Poes work today.

This book so well captures the Poe style that fans love without re hashing the originals as the author tweaks the stories to allow his own style to come through .

This is a very unique, amazing book that i am so glad to have read.
I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wondered about Poe's inspiration, whether there's been some sort of personal experience involved, you need wonder no more: here is the story that might as well be true for its perfect providing of all the answers. 'Edgar' by David Allen Voyles promises to share a spooky tale of Poe's life as a child, and, boy, does he deliver. The book is hugely entertaining, though the horror is a bit cozy and of the young adult type; but all is fair when you're after a tale of nasty good fun and an over-the-top read to creep yourself out! to be honest, the author's note hempled me a lot to grasp the hidden connections between the chapters and the real facts about young Edgar's life; I'm no expert and I was curious how it all tied up in reality. The cat is ficitonal, unfortunately, though I'd love to see her again at some point. In any case, I recommend the book for its gothic atmosphere, the author's expertise, and his natural way to tell a story.

[Chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything regarding Edgar Allen Poe is always going to be weird and macabre and this story is no different. It's the perfect read for spooky season! I love the mix between paranormal and reality. Wondering how Edgar got his inspiration and this author delving into it but putting his own spin on it. I really enjoyed this book. I think it helped me out of my reading slump too.

[Jacqui Castle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treat for fans of the macabre. A haunting, exhilarating exploration into the mind and influence of a master. Like a black cat, Edgar endears itself to you with wit and whimsy.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed the work of Edgar Allan Poe and was excited to read about the actual supernatural element in those stories. It had that historical horror element that I was hoping for and was enjoying the thriller concept. David Allen Voyles has a great writing style and all the characters felt like it was the right historical period. I hope to read more as this was so well done.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[L.P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of Edgar by David Allan Voyles and oh BOY am I glad I did.

What a ride! As a lover of Edgar Allan Poe I was absolutely captivated by Voyle's portrayal of young Edgar and the twisty weaving tale of how he came to be the Poe we all know today. The story is spooky in all the right ways and draws on that classic horror feeling of Poe at every twist and turn. The addition of a witty one-eyed black cat was the icing on the cake that made me devour this book in a matter of days.

The authors notes at the end of the book provide is a beautiful wrap up to this incredible tale. If you love things that go bump in the night - Run don't walk to secure your copy of this book. Voyles has made a loyal fan of me!

[Jeffrey S. Kuehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edgar by David Allen Voyles
Received as an ARC.
Fiction of Edgar Allen Poe as a mid teen actually experiencing either the events of or gaining inspiration for his stories or its it just a dream within a dream? He is aided by a stray black cat who can speak only to him. Is he going mad or are these visions the stories we all adore?
Being a rabid fan of Poe since my youth around age 8 it was fun seeing blatant connections and hunting for Easter eggs. I know I missed many.

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the most unique books that I have read. Yes, it's gothic, dark, phantom filled, and scary, but that's what you would expect from Edgar Allan Poe.

The author's note at the end of the book is so helpful both in laying out facts about Edgar's life, as well as making the connections between what he has written and which works of Poe acted as inspiration for the chapters. Young Edgar did not have an easy life in reality, so the arts as his escape rings true. His dark dreams and adventures with his friends Robert and Elmira give structure to what became Poe's greatest works. The use of a cat that guides and speaks directly to Edgar's mind is genius! Morella stole the show for me with her cat wit, along with the comfort she provided for Edgar. You will not be disappointed if your a fan of Poe, or if your just coming aboard, as long as you like the this genre, you will be happy you chose this book.

I did receive an ARC of this book and am so glad I did!

[John J Questore · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, as always, I need to thank BookSirens, and David Allen Voyles for the opportunity to read, and review an ARC of EDGAR.

When I was about 8 or 9 (about 50 years ago), I received a book that had a few of Edgar Allen Poe’s more famous stories – The Tell-Tale Heart, The Raven, The Pit and the Pendulum, etc. I was immediately enthralled, and had to find more. Since then, I have read just about everything Poe put to paper; and many books about his life.

So, when David said he was writing a fictional account of Edgar’s early life, and asked if I would like to read it, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough. Boy, am I glad I did!

Let me first point out that David certainly did his homework before attempting this Herculean attempt – I mean, honestly, who would even dare such a feat? If done poorly, it would take away all credibility as a writer. If done correctly, it could be one for the ages; and thankfully, David did it right.

As he says in the introduction, the first thing he did was to reread all of Poe’s short stories – to make sure he got things right – and left little “Easter Eggs” throughout (along with some glaring references).

David tells the tale of a young Edgar in 1826 Richmond, living with (and working for) John and Frances (Jane in the book) Allen. While David does take some liberties with Edgar’s relationships – especially with Robert Standard and Elmira Royster – it’s these liberties that make EDGAR such a great read. It shows Poe as a relatively regular kid: hanging out with friends, trying to find his place in the world, and living his life; that is until something extremely unusual throws the proverbial monkey wrench into things – in the form of a cat by the name of Morella (does that name sound “familiar”? [pun intended]).

What follows is a truly fantastic tale of Edgar’s escapades; each one revolving around a story (or stories) that an older Edgar will eventually write. For example (with no spoilers), at one point, Edgar has to deliver news of Jane’s death to her brother Julius. It is here, in Julius’ house, that we get hints of The Tell-Tale Heart. But not all of Edgar’s adventures are so blatantly obvious, and a casual Poe reader will probably find themselves heading to the internet to do some research (or, to their own volume of The Collected Works of Poe); and this isn’t a bad thing. It shows, as I had mentioned, that David did his homework.

EDGAR is truly a love letter to Poe from David – and I’d love to see more like this. As one reads it, they get a sense of just how much David loves Poe, as many of us do, and the painstaking detail David takes in detailing Poe’s “possible” life as a youth is impressive. What’s great about this story is that even if you’ve only just heard of Poe, or only know of his biggest stories, this is still enjoyable. It’s the subtle, and sometimes candid, references to Poe’s other works, that makes this a treasure trove for the Poe aficionado – meaning there’s something for everyone. And, should you have spent your life under a rock and never heard of, or read any of Poe – first, WHY NOT, and second, that’s OK, you don’t have to in order to enjoy the story. But as I wrote earlier, you may just find yourself heading to the internet to do some research, along with a trip to your local bookstore to add Poe to your bookshelf.

[Martha Colaresi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a kid, I didn't just read books--I joined them. I'd pick a character to "become," and read their lines out loud. I was Dorothy. I was Alice. I was Dr. Watson decades before Lucy Liu. You guessed it -- "From childhood's hour I have not been/As others were."

So you'd think that, in seventh grade, I'd jump into Edgar Allan Poe's stories like a duck into water. Nope.

Me join his tales of terror? As what? The neighbor of a crazed murderer and/or horrific animal abuser? A guest at a bloody superspreader? A partygoer searching for fine wine and finding a revenge-mad mason? A visitor to weird twins at a creepy mansion fronted by a stinky tarn? No, thank you! Not even the mysteries. I didn't know enough French yet to accompany Auguste Dupin to crime scenes. Even if I did, you wouldn't have caught me dead (especially not feet first up the chimney) at the gory one. Non, merci!

If I was too scared or grossed out by Mr. Poe's work to grasp its greatness, I suspect there are seventh graders in this day and age who feel the same, but would never admit it to teachers and peers. A painless transition is in order.

Enter "Edgar: When Poe's Nightmares Began."

I was delighted to see that this compelling book is marketed for ages 12 and up. If I had read it before delving into the tales of terror, I would have become an instant lifelong Poe fan, instead of wasting years until young adulthood for that to happen. I would have jumped into the story as Elmira because -- yes --I would have been in love with young Edgar! I would have gladly followed him and Robert and Morella through plot lines of stories that, thanks to this book, would have enraptured me right off the bat and taken the edge off any fear. Si jeunesse savait, si vieillesse pouvait!

Mr. Voyles has my deepest gratitude for his sensitive, respectful, and PG-rated portrayal of a favorite author whose life has been too often sensationalized in R-rated fan fiction. "Edgar: When Poe's Nightmares Began" is FUN fiction at its best.

So much fun that, even though I'm old enough to be Elmira's grandmother, I became a character.

Morella.

[Laura Dicker · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a devoted admirer of Edgar Allan Poe, it is always a delight to encounter works that echo the gothic elegance and profound psychological depth that characterize Poe’s literary legacy. David Allen Voyles' "Edgar" is a masterful homage to this tradition, weaving a narrative that is both hauntingly evocative and intellectually stimulating.

Voyles captures the dark, atmospheric qualities that Poe enthusiasts hold dear. The protagonist, Edgar, is a character of exquisite complexity—an embodiment of the brooding, introspective spirit that Poe so famously portrayed. Voyles’ depiction of Edgar’s descent into a world of shadow and mystery is reminiscent of Poe’s own exploration of the human psyche’s darker corners.

The descriptions are lush and evocative, conjuring scenes that are as vivid and eerie as any found in Poe’s tales. The settings are steeped in a gothic ambiance that will delight anyone familiar with the melancholic grandeur of Poe’s work. Each scene unfolds with a sense of inevitability and dread, capturing the essence of what makes gothic literature so compelling.

One of the most striking aspects of "Edgar" is how it delves into themes of madness, obsession, and the supernatural hallmarks of Poe’s work. The novel’s exploration of Edgar’s inner turmoil and the spectral forces that surround him is both poignant and chilling, evoking the same sense of existential dread that permeates Poe’s most famous works.

Moreover, "Edgar" is a testament to the enduring appeal of gothic fiction. It bridges the gap between classic and contemporary, offering a fresh take on the genre while honoring the traditions established by Poe while interweaving nods of Poe’s own stories throughout the novel. The novel’s ability to evoke the same sense of mystery and melancholy that characterizes Poe’s tales makes it a must-read for anyone who treasures the gothic literary tradition.

[Andrew Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just in time for spooky season comes David Allen Voyles’s new novel Edgar, which poses the question: what if Edgar Allen Poe’s stories were based on real life events he experienced himself as a teenager?

Voyles is a master of macabre storytelling as the creator of the Dark Corners podcast, former long-time Asheville ghost tour operator, and author of books such as Wraiths of the Appalachians and Tales from the Hearse. With Edgar, Voyles takes his horror storytelling to the next level, layering in aspects of Edgar Allen Poe’s stories into a real-life narrative, complete with biographical aspects from Poe’s life. The language is modern but bears a sympathetic ear to Poe’s prose, and Voyles goes beyond a retelling of Poe tales by shaping new stories with some of the elements Poe fans will recognize and adore.

What our real-life Poe experiences is creepy and chilling. We learn about friends he had at the time, the relationship he had with his parents, and along the way of course there is a black cat and a raven. But there’s also a dark doppelganger that stalks our young Edgar, providing a peek into Edgar’s psyche and all the things that haunt him. They’ll haunt you too.

What is particularly impressive is that even if it’s been a while since you read Edgar Allen Poe, you’ll immediately connect with these chilling tales and become completely invested in them. Edgar has a strong narrative voice and will keep you turning the page, even if you’re afraid to learn what will happen next. This book is not to be missed and will make this Halloween a fun one.

[✟⛥☠︎︎~ Kelli ~☠︎︎⛥✟ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐦‍⬛🪦 Wow what a book!! 🐦‍⬛🪦

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5 Stars for a Masterful Gothic Tale and Insight into Poe's Early Life 🎴

I absolutely loved this book! This book was a truly unique read! 🖤🖤🖤

The masterful blend of gothic atmosphere and historical detail was captivating from the first page!
The way the author weaves in dark, eerie elements reminiscent of Edgar Allan Poe's own style made it a perfect homage to his work. 🖤
I was especially fascinated by the exploration of Poe's early life, which gave me a deeper understanding of the man behind the famous stories. The writing is immersive, with vivid descriptions that pull you into the haunting settings.

The protagonist, young Poe himself, is depicted with complexity, showing the struggles and dark curiosities that shaped the famous writer. 🐦‍⬛
Alongside Poe, a rich cast of characters adds depth and intrigue, with each one playing a part in the mystery and suspense that unfolds, following them around a gothic world on their spooky adventures.

Morella the cat seems to be Poe’s familiar embarking on his path with him to uncover the hidden secrets and mysteries hidden within his world. 🐈‍⬛

A must-read for fans of gothic literature and Poe alike! If you’re a fan of gothic tales and literary history, this book is a gem! 🐦‍⬛🎴🐦‍⬛

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and added more of Voyels books to my WL

Thank you so much for an amazing gothic read 🐦‍⬛🪦🐈‍⬛

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hege-Kristin Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Allen Voyles’ "Edgar: When Poe's Nightmares Began" offers a clever and chilling glimpse into the teenage years of the legendary Edgar Allan Poe. The book follows young Edgar and his friends as they navigate their everyday lives, with plenty of spooky horror moments. Something sinister is lurking around Edgar, pulling him into a world where reality and nightmares intertwine. I truly enjoyed reading about scary houses, graveyards and the living dead. And i loved Poes cat Morella (she made such a great character).

What’s really cool about this book is how it incorporates elements from Poe's classic stories, reimagined through his youthful experiences. It’s a playful nod to Poe's works and gives a unique introduction to his themes of madness and horror.

This book is perfect for teens, young adults, and anyone looking to dive into Poe’s world—whether you’re a newcomer or a fan. Voyles’ writing is engaging and kept me hooked from start to finish. It was a clever and eerie read that I really enjoyed. Perfect for Halloween or a thrilling year-round read.

Thank you to the author, publisher and BookSirens for sending me an advance review copy for free.

[Sandra Daigle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A shivery and inventive homage to Poe’s twisted genius.

Edgar: When Poe’s Nightmares Began is a masterful fusion of historical fiction and gothic horror, reinterpreting the life of Edgar Allan Poe during his most formative years in a way that reads as frighteningly plausible and genuinely unique. David Allen Voyles broadsides with a brilliantly orchestrated tale that necessarily intertwines supernatural elements, spine-tingling doppelgängers, and teasing references to Poe’s most celebrated stories. The idea that frightening real-life experiences from his youth inspired Poe’s scary stories is not just clever, but well realized.

The atmosphere in the novel is deeply absorbing, conjuring the ominous vibe of 1800s Richmond while also engaging with the questions of identity, fear, and creativity. The cat in question, Morella, and Edgar's strange double seem to open up layers of psychological horror that riff off of Poe’s original work in the best ways.

A multi-genre, multi-historical mammoth by household standards, and whether you’re a Poe-lifer or simply enjoy some gothic mystery with reams of rich, lyrical prose, Edgar makes for a hauntingly mindful read.

[Randy Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most fascinating reads in a long time. This historical-horror fiction darts back and forth between reality and imagination on every page. Beginning with the books premise that Edgar Allen Poe, a real author, had a history with the supernatural as a teenager that explains the origin of Poe's later writings. The main characters, Edgar, Robert, Elmira, Morella and the raven are memorable and believable and the supporting cast of family members, store owners, circus performers and fortune tellers add plenty of opportunity for ghoulish surprises. Then there's Dark Edgar. I found the author's narrative style easy to read and entertaining despite the many twists and turns of the plot as my mind continued to sort out the truth among the steady stream of horror. Voyles offers one additional kindness to the reader by providing optional Authors Notes that tie specific passages from Poe's writings to specific story lines in this imaginary prequel. In the beginning of the book, I used the Notes frequently, but in the end, I just enjoyed the read.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is enormous fun. If you are a Poe superfan, you will get immense pleasure from the way Voyles tells the tale of a young Edgar Allan Poe as he teams up with his childhood sweetheart Elmira Royster as he tries to uncover the mystery of a creature who appears to be his double. Constant readers will recognize that as an allusion to William Wilson, Poe's own story of a doubles, but the allusions don't stop there. The famous Poe stories are used to great effect as well as stories you may not have read, including 'Some Words with a Mummy'

Voyles builds out a fictional childhood for the famous poet, and although a good deal is based in historical fact the author invents scenarios that FEEL historical, as if they may have happened to Poe as a young man. Frankly, this reader didn't care what was fiction and what was not ( and I know a lot about Poe) The novel is enjoyable no matter your level of knowledge.

[Christina Frøkjær · Rating 5 out of 5]

"David Allen Voyles' Edgar is a captivating exploration of Poe's origins that offers a thrilling and plausible answer to the enduring question of his inspiration. While the horror elements lean more towards the cozy, young adult spectrum, the book is undeniably entertaining. Voyles masterfully weaves a tale of gothic atmosphere and suspense, making it a delightful, if not overly frightening, read.

The author's note was invaluable in connecting the dots between the fictional narrative and the real-life Poe, sparking my curiosity about historical accuracy. While I was disappointed that the intriguing feline character wasn't based on a real-life counterpart, her presence enhanced the story's charm.

Overall, Edgar is a must-read for Poe enthusiasts and those seeking a well-crafted, spooky tale. Voyles' storytelling talent shines through, making this book a standout in the genre."

[Nikkiya Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Allen Voyles made me fall in love with Edgar Allen Poe all over again. This YA, a historical gothic horror novel, depicts a series of fictional events that offer a perspective that feels real and rationalizes where Poe's uncanny genius could have begun.

Whether you know a little or a lot about Poe's works, you will be instantly insnared by Voyles use of the many gothic literature features throughout the book. Just when you let your guard down, Voyles comes at the reader with the supernatural and macabre details. His use of symbolism throughout gives the story depth.

Voyles ends his work with a detailed explanation of where his research came from, what is fact based, and where he took liberties.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shauna McGuiness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any book with a one-eyed cat as a sidekick is sure to be wonderful! Voyles adeptly weaves a tale of What If. What if Edgar Allen Poe’s famous stories were all inspired by adventures from the master of spooky’s youth? What if the idea for that famous raven came from an even peskier corvid? What if Poe’s true experiences with the supernatural rivalled the gleefully creepy tales that are still told today?

Voyles drops easter eggs like a clever bunny, sometimes placing them nearly out of reach, other times displaying them in their vibrant glory. I’m not sure I found them all, but a few things have become clear: David Voyles is able to finesse fiction tales of horror, everyone was a kid once, and one Edgar is more than enough (you’ll just have to read the book to understand that last one!).

This book is appropriate for young adults, and anyone else who likes a chill up their spine!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every reader out there has wondered where our favorite authors get their ideas. I know I’ve had an awesome reading experience when I close a book and sit and think “how on earth did this author come up with this story?” That was my experience with Edgar.

Voyles has successfully stepped into the mind of young Edgar Allan Poe and told an origin story that is just as shiver-inducing as any of Poe’s original work. From the evil twin to the one-eyed cat, to the ravens and the Amontillado right at the beginning, Voyles has crafted a tale that would make Poe proud.

This would be a wonderful introduction to reading Poe for a high school class or really for anyone interested in the author. It flows beautifully, use of language is top-notch, and the story is incredible.

Highly recommended.

[Tiffany Van Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

As an Edgar Allen Poe fan I didn’t know what my expectations were when I started this book, but once I got started I couldn’t stop reading. I am not an expert on Poe by any means, but this book scratched an itch by revealing things I didn’t know about him. There were even a few times when I was reading in bed in the dark that I got a little creeped out. It created a whole new world reading about Poe as a boy before he began writing and each chapter giving a background for some of the stories he wrote. David has a talent for sucking you in to the story and you feel like you’re right there with the characters.

[Karelisse Poventud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wondered about Edgar's inspiration for his stories and poems?

David Allen Voyles does a remarkable job pulling from Edgar's stories in this hair raising, want to curl under a blanket and have the lights on read of Edgar as a young boy. David pulls inspiration from the stories Edgar wrote and writes about a young Edgar and his life.

Young Edgar encounters what he calls his Dark self that has a grin like of a skull. Weird things start to happen after his first encounter with his dark twin and a raven that flies by repeating the word "Nevermore".

I really enjoyed reading this book. Dark, twisted and suspenseful everything you need to get in the mood for spooky season.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this. I have always enjoyed the stories of Edgar Allen Poe and this take on how these stories may have come about was quite interesting.

I think young Edgar was exposed to too much tragedy which gave him a somewhat morbid fascination with death. He cared deeply for those he loved and was very sensitive to criticism, especially that of his adopted father. I believe Edgar was a very complex and troubled person, and that few, if indeed any persons, ever really understood him.

The author has asked if he should write of Edgar's senior years. I say "Go for it."

I received a free Advance Reader Copy of Edgar through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.

[Sam Guptill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edgar is a pretty quick read with intertwining themes from the stories of Edgar Allen Poe into a fictional story suggesting the inspiration for many stories came from a terrifying season from his childhood. The story itself was entertaining with suitably creepy themes and all of the makings of a great book to read on a chilly autumn evening.

The only thing I didn't love was that the creepy story didn't have as much of a resolution as the buildup from the rest of the book. But still fun, eerie, and a wonderful homage to a great writer who was a pioneer of his genre.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Poe fan, I had to read this book. It is unique and I like the way that Mr. Voyles incorporated Poe's many works into the story. This book is not the other Poe themed books. The Raven being one of Poe's well-known stories, the easter egg element is easy to identify.

I loved the Fall of the House of Usher piece. Some of the other stories weaved into this book I was not as familiar. At the end of the book, the author breaks down all of the different stories that he drew inspiration from and how they were mixed into this book.

The paranormal/supernatural things that Poe experienced did have you wondering what reality is. I could see how Poe could find inspiration from these events for his stories. If you liked Poe's work, you will want to check out this book.

[Jerome McGinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a must-read for fans of Poe.

The pacing is brisk, with each new encounter escalating the suspense. The one-eyed black cat, a whimsical yet mysterious character, adds an enchanting element to the tale. It symbolizes the duality of Edgar's existence—the line between sanity and madness, creation and destruction.

What truly shines in this narrative is the author’s ability to evoke a sense of place and time, immersing readers in the historical context of Poe's youth. The prose is rich and atmospheric, with vivid descriptions that transport us to the eerie cemeteries and shadowy corners of 19th-century Richmond.

[Sally Champa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read anything from Edgar Allen Poe. After this book I will be picking up some of his mystery books.

The story starts with Edgar at a cemetery writing poetry when he is confronted by a figure that looks like him. This figure starts to haunt him. He and His friends work together to get rid of the ghost haunting Edgar. I loved all the characters. Especially Morella the one eyed talking cat. Who doesn’t like a talking cat in a story.

This was an entertaining read and delightful read. Thank you to BookSirens for this ARC for my honest review.

[DorisRice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Stannard is such an essential foil to Edgar. Where Edgar is brooding, sensitive, and cautious, Robert is lively, sometimes careless, but always loyal. I loved their banter over the sketchbook and how Robert alternates between teasing and defending his friend.

Their friendship feels believable and carries the weight of youthful camaraderie mixed with social differences. Robert’s family offers Edgar a glimpse of warmth and acceptance that contrasts so sharply with John Allan’s stern presence. It makes you root for Edgar even more.