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Arkham Horror #24
Herald of Ruin: An Arkham Horror Novel
The enigmatic Carl Sanford is the master of all things occult in Arkham, until a charismatic newcomer threatens to take everything away from him in this dark mystery set in the world of Arkham Horror
Carl Sanford’s mastery of the Silver Twilight Lodge gives him unbridled power and influence, but unforeseen turmoil is coming to Arkham… A new occult curiosity shop in the city, opened by newcomer Randall Tillinghast, draws Sanford’s ire, challenging his formerly unrivalled authority. Sanford expects to crush the newcomer like an ant and take what he wants from the wreckage, but Randall Tillinghast isn’t quite as humble and harmless as he seems. In possession of an array of magical artifacts, Tillinghast begins to subvert Sanford’s reputation in more ways than one, forcing Carl Sanford to call all the monsters and magic at his disposal to stop him. Will it be enough?
Carl Sanford’s mastery of the Silver Twilight Lodge gives him unbridled power and influence, but unforeseen turmoil is coming to Arkham… A new occult curiosity shop in the city, opened by newcomer Randall Tillinghast, draws Sanford’s ire, challenging his formerly unrivalled authority. Sanford expects to crush the newcomer like an ant and take what he wants from the wreckage, but Randall Tillinghast isn’t quite as humble and harmless as he seems. In possession of an array of magical artifacts, Tillinghast begins to subvert Sanford’s reputation in more ways than one, forcing Carl Sanford to call all the monsters and magic at his disposal to stop him. Will it be enough?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2024
6 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 1, 2024
After the events of The Ravening Deep, Carl Sanford is living large. He’s replaced Altman with…well…Altman (his brother) and even has a fairly positive relationship with Ruby. Diana and Abel have fled Arkham (who can blame them). Ruby, hired by Sanford to retrieve an object from a cargo ship in the Arkham docks is left with a forgery in the place of the real object and this starts a whole rollercoaster of events. An enigmatic occult shop owner named Randall Tillinghast has arrived in Arkham and is trying to usurp power from Sanford. Starting slowly with getting to objects before Sanford’s associates can and then trying to turn those very associates against him (through force or promise). How can Sanford hope to defeat a man who seems omnipresent and omnipotent?
Just like The Ravening Deep, this book SLAPPED for me. Pratt has a really phenomenal hold on the lore of the Arkham universe and it is evident in his writing. I also loved having to root for a notoriously villainous man who runs The Silver Twilight Lodge, a notoriously selfish organization (often consorting with Eldritc entities as often as they fight against them). I WANTED Sanford to succeed in ousting Tillinghast from Arkham throughout the story despite rooting against him for the majority of The Ravening Deep. Seeing more of The Warden and seeing Ruby again, in general, was awesome. Tillinghast’s associate Gloria was so much fun to watch.
Seeing some of Sanford’s cool relics was really fun and pretty inspiring for things to add to a Call of Cthulhu or Dungeons and Dragons TTRPG campaign!
I really hope that Pratt continues to write in this universe. His books fly by and I find myself always wanting a bit more. In a good way, not like this book was lacking. His knowledge of the lore is very evident and I think he manages to combine many disparate parts of the mythos in a really fun and interesting way.
Thank you to Aconyte Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Just like The Ravening Deep, this book SLAPPED for me. Pratt has a really phenomenal hold on the lore of the Arkham universe and it is evident in his writing. I also loved having to root for a notoriously villainous man who runs The Silver Twilight Lodge, a notoriously selfish organization (often consorting with Eldritc entities as often as they fight against them). I WANTED Sanford to succeed in ousting Tillinghast from Arkham throughout the story despite rooting against him for the majority of The Ravening Deep. Seeing more of The Warden and seeing Ruby again, in general, was awesome. Tillinghast’s associate Gloria was so much fun to watch.
Seeing some of Sanford’s cool relics was really fun and pretty inspiring for things to add to a Call of Cthulhu or Dungeons and Dragons TTRPG campaign!
I really hope that Pratt continues to write in this universe. His books fly by and I find myself always wanting a bit more. In a good way, not like this book was lacking. His knowledge of the lore is very evident and I think he manages to combine many disparate parts of the mythos in a really fun and interesting way.
Thank you to Aconyte Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 3, 2024
I have loved all the Arkham Horror novels so far that Aconyte have put out but I have to say that Herald of Ruin may just be my favourite so far. I didn’t think anything would knock my first Arkham Horror read from it’s pedestal (The Wrath of N’Kai) but I have to say this may have done it.
Firstly, Pratt manages to nail the atmosphere and setting. You really feel like you are walking the streets of Arkham or prowling the halls of the Silver Twilight lodge. Add to this that we basically have a face off between two mages or collectors of the occult and it is a surefire win. I adored everything about this one. It’s the perfect blend of crime, occult and horror to keep you hooked.
Secondly, the characters are all fantastically fleshed out. I have to say I ended up liking Sanford and that is saying something. The writing and characters are just superb. The pace suits the plot brilliantly as well, at times being twisting and turning and at times action packed.
It is safe to say this is another solid entry in the tie in fiction world that Aconyte are creating. If you are a fan of the games you will love this one. That said I think any horror fan or fan of occult capers will enjoy this as well.
Thank you as always to Aconyte Books and Netgalley for the ARC. This review is left voluntarily and is completely honest.
Firstly, Pratt manages to nail the atmosphere and setting. You really feel like you are walking the streets of Arkham or prowling the halls of the Silver Twilight lodge. Add to this that we basically have a face off between two mages or collectors of the occult and it is a surefire win. I adored everything about this one. It’s the perfect blend of crime, occult and horror to keep you hooked.
Secondly, the characters are all fantastically fleshed out. I have to say I ended up liking Sanford and that is saying something. The writing and characters are just superb. The pace suits the plot brilliantly as well, at times being twisting and turning and at times action packed.
It is safe to say this is another solid entry in the tie in fiction world that Aconyte are creating. If you are a fan of the games you will love this one. That said I think any horror fan or fan of occult capers will enjoy this as well.
Thank you as always to Aconyte Books and Netgalley for the ARC. This review is left voluntarily and is completely honest.
August 23, 2024
Tim Pratt does it again! He shows just how well he understands the Arkham Horror universe and good storytelling.
Carl Sanford is the most powerful man in Arkham, but what happens when newcomer Randall Tillinghast challenges his influence and power.
All these characters here feel distinct and are likable in one way or another. Weather its Carl's terrifying and charismatic attitude, or Ruby's struggle between loyalty and wealth. I only wish this book featured an existing investigator like the last one did with Diana Stanley. There is mention of her and Joey "the rat", but not much else.
This installment also expertly explores some of the best areas in the Arkham Horror universe. I don't want to spoil anything, but when a character finds themselves in a very surreal place, Tim Pratt does an excellent job making this strange place feel real.
This book does end on a bit of a cliff hanger and sets up a lot of questions that currently have no resolution. Heres hoping the third installment can live up to the expectations set here.
Carl Sanford is the most powerful man in Arkham, but what happens when newcomer Randall Tillinghast challenges his influence and power.
All these characters here feel distinct and are likable in one way or another. Weather its Carl's terrifying and charismatic attitude, or Ruby's struggle between loyalty and wealth. I only wish this book featured an existing investigator like the last one did with Diana Stanley. There is mention of her and Joey "the rat", but not much else.
This installment also expertly explores some of the best areas in the Arkham Horror universe. I don't want to spoil anything, but when a character finds themselves in a very surreal place, Tim Pratt does an excellent job making this strange place feel real.
This book does end on a bit of a cliff hanger and sets up a lot of questions that currently have no resolution. Heres hoping the third installment can live up to the expectations set here.
September 22, 2025
MY GUY Carl Sanford — that son of a gun has done it again.
August 17, 2024
The Sandford Files continues with Carl Sandford finally meeting his match. I'm so hoping for another book! I love Tim Pratt's take on the world of Arkham Horror and the characters he had introduced.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aconyte for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Aconyte for the ARC!
May 10, 2024
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Aconyte Books for an advance copy about a small town, an ancient order and a new store that opens up and promises overnight deliverance of people's darkest dreams.
Arkham, Massachusetts is a big city with a lot of small town appeal, one that would appeal to merchants with interesting wares to sell, or give, in hopes of making new customers. Arkham has a large port to bring cargo in, from far places, and perfect to bring in items that one does not want customs to know about. A good rail system, a prominent university, with lots of students with disposable income, especially for the esoteric. Lots of places to buy illegal hooch, and dance the night away. Sure there are the old ones in town, those who don't like to see the town change, like the Silver Twilight Lodge. They like the way things are going, and even more old Carl Sanford, likes telling people what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. However things are moving on, maybe the old ways should be left behind, new blood might make Arkham what it can be. Though some of that old blood might have to be drained away. Herald of Ruin: The Sanford Files by Tim Pratt sets off changes in the world of Arkham Horror, changes that while interesting, could be deadly for many people.
Carl Sanford is at the pinnacle of his power. Fresh off his defeat of the underwater creatures who tried to steal his town away, the Master of the Silver Twilight Lodge is feeling quite good. Sanford has a new bodyguard, the brother of his last one, and a new thief-in-residence, Rudy who has stolen from Sanford in the past, but now is under his control. Until reports come in of a new shop opening in town, in locations that seem all over the city. An occult bookshop, loaded with esoterica. This is something that Sanford can not allow. Soon an item that Sanford has coveted, has been taken by a once loyal minion, a minion who seems enraptured by a gift from this new business owner, Randall Tillinghast. Rudy, Sanford's thief, has had dealings with him, and she does not want to again. To Sanford this means war, however this war has many fronts, and Sanford is beginning to wonder not only who his enemy is, but who he can trust anymore.
A really clever and fun story that takes the old trope of the store with cursed items, and expands it in many ways. Pratt is a very good writer, dropping little things, that suddenly pay-off later in unexpected ways. In addition there are many twists and turns, betrayals, and moments of just hey wait a minute, ohh I see what he did there. In addition, Pratt uses the wild worlds of Lovecraft to great effect, using old characters, races, and older worlds to really add to the story. Diversity plays a part, and not only is their one great female role, there are three, all different, with motivations that are definitely not the same, but unique to the characters. More importantly all these characters make sense. Pratt really does a good job of building them up, while leaving the bad guy as a mysterious character of great menace, power and threat.
Fans of the Arkham Horror game will get quite a lot out of this, numerous ideas for game play and a good read. Also, people who love adventure stories will enjoy this, as the writer really has a good sense of pacing, and putting clues together. I really enjoyed this one, and look forward to more in the series.
Arkham, Massachusetts is a big city with a lot of small town appeal, one that would appeal to merchants with interesting wares to sell, or give, in hopes of making new customers. Arkham has a large port to bring cargo in, from far places, and perfect to bring in items that one does not want customs to know about. A good rail system, a prominent university, with lots of students with disposable income, especially for the esoteric. Lots of places to buy illegal hooch, and dance the night away. Sure there are the old ones in town, those who don't like to see the town change, like the Silver Twilight Lodge. They like the way things are going, and even more old Carl Sanford, likes telling people what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. However things are moving on, maybe the old ways should be left behind, new blood might make Arkham what it can be. Though some of that old blood might have to be drained away. Herald of Ruin: The Sanford Files by Tim Pratt sets off changes in the world of Arkham Horror, changes that while interesting, could be deadly for many people.
Carl Sanford is at the pinnacle of his power. Fresh off his defeat of the underwater creatures who tried to steal his town away, the Master of the Silver Twilight Lodge is feeling quite good. Sanford has a new bodyguard, the brother of his last one, and a new thief-in-residence, Rudy who has stolen from Sanford in the past, but now is under his control. Until reports come in of a new shop opening in town, in locations that seem all over the city. An occult bookshop, loaded with esoterica. This is something that Sanford can not allow. Soon an item that Sanford has coveted, has been taken by a once loyal minion, a minion who seems enraptured by a gift from this new business owner, Randall Tillinghast. Rudy, Sanford's thief, has had dealings with him, and she does not want to again. To Sanford this means war, however this war has many fronts, and Sanford is beginning to wonder not only who his enemy is, but who he can trust anymore.
A really clever and fun story that takes the old trope of the store with cursed items, and expands it in many ways. Pratt is a very good writer, dropping little things, that suddenly pay-off later in unexpected ways. In addition there are many twists and turns, betrayals, and moments of just hey wait a minute, ohh I see what he did there. In addition, Pratt uses the wild worlds of Lovecraft to great effect, using old characters, races, and older worlds to really add to the story. Diversity plays a part, and not only is their one great female role, there are three, all different, with motivations that are definitely not the same, but unique to the characters. More importantly all these characters make sense. Pratt really does a good job of building them up, while leaving the bad guy as a mysterious character of great menace, power and threat.
Fans of the Arkham Horror game will get quite a lot out of this, numerous ideas for game play and a good read. Also, people who love adventure stories will enjoy this, as the writer really has a good sense of pacing, and putting clues together. I really enjoyed this one, and look forward to more in the series.
May 8, 2024
In his follow-up to ‘The Ravening Deep’ (reviewed previously), we return again to an Arkham ruled by magus Carl Sanford and The Silver Twilight Lodge. While we might think that this town, of all places, would be a haven for cults and secret societies, Sanford is determined that his is primary above all others - so when an apparent challenger to his throne arrives about his own Great Work, it’s time to take decisive action!
I wasn’t aware that the first book would continue into a series, and it was a pleasant surprise to be reunited with these characters again, particularly master-thief Ruby and the mysterious Warden of the Lodge. Tim Pratt seems to agree, as these two strong, capable women are by far the most sympathetic characters in the book, seeking to make the best of their situations despite the tricks and bargains the egotistical magi work around them.
Because this is a book about egos. With some awareness of Aleister Crowley and his ilk, anti-hero Sanford is (to put it bluntly) so far up himself that he can’t see daylight! Master of his Domain, he is so threatened by newcomer Tillinghast that he charges in to battle the new dog in the park… and it’s such a pleasure to see him taken down as a result.
Those caught up in this reflect the reader as they try to determine who is the right horse to back. Who is the lesser of these two evils? Both are power-hungry magicians, seeking to harness the Great Old Ones for their own ends. The citizens of Arkham are practically pawns, as Tillinghast utilises a ‘Needful Things’-style approach to corruption rather than that of an bribing mobster.
It’s a hugely fun ride, and I’m certainly looking forward to how the story continues in future. This book leaves a lot of loose ends and unanswered questions, but this isn’t frustrating, I’m glad to say. While we have hints about what’s going on, this part of the journey is about how not to take on a master at his own game, and how far one might fall if they overreach in their bid for power.
I was also left wondering who/what Tillinghast’s assistant Gloria truly was. Perhaps the most chirpy and efficient lady I’ve ever seen in a Lovecraftian tale!
I read this in a couple of days and am definitely all in for what comes next. An easier read than its predecessor, it dives deeper… and I’ve no choice but to wonder what the next book will dredge up.
I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
I wasn’t aware that the first book would continue into a series, and it was a pleasant surprise to be reunited with these characters again, particularly master-thief Ruby and the mysterious Warden of the Lodge. Tim Pratt seems to agree, as these two strong, capable women are by far the most sympathetic characters in the book, seeking to make the best of their situations despite the tricks and bargains the egotistical magi work around them.
Because this is a book about egos. With some awareness of Aleister Crowley and his ilk, anti-hero Sanford is (to put it bluntly) so far up himself that he can’t see daylight! Master of his Domain, he is so threatened by newcomer Tillinghast that he charges in to battle the new dog in the park… and it’s such a pleasure to see him taken down as a result.
Those caught up in this reflect the reader as they try to determine who is the right horse to back. Who is the lesser of these two evils? Both are power-hungry magicians, seeking to harness the Great Old Ones for their own ends. The citizens of Arkham are practically pawns, as Tillinghast utilises a ‘Needful Things’-style approach to corruption rather than that of an bribing mobster.
It’s a hugely fun ride, and I’m certainly looking forward to how the story continues in future. This book leaves a lot of loose ends and unanswered questions, but this isn’t frustrating, I’m glad to say. While we have hints about what’s going on, this part of the journey is about how not to take on a master at his own game, and how far one might fall if they overreach in their bid for power.
I was also left wondering who/what Tillinghast’s assistant Gloria truly was. Perhaps the most chirpy and efficient lady I’ve ever seen in a Lovecraftian tale!
I read this in a couple of days and am definitely all in for what comes next. An easier read than its predecessor, it dives deeper… and I’ve no choice but to wonder what the next book will dredge up.
I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
July 24, 2024
This is a delightfully-written piece of lovecraftian horror that does something quite nice, especially for IP fiction -- it hides the actual monsters until near the very end. The main story is of two sorcerers (if one of them IS a sorcerer) vying for power in Arkham. Both of these sorcerers are absolutely dreadful people, while those who serve them are engaging, interesting, and intriguing in a way that these 'powerhouses' aren't. I'd wanted BOTH of them to get some kind of comeuppance, but of course, it's horror, and they're the ones with power.
Loved the female characters throughout this especially. Every one of them was incredibly different from each other but they were all a delight and pleasure to read.
My only problem with it was that the pacing really slowed near the end once
Still, 4.5 stars rounded up. Thank you to NetGalley and Aconyte Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Loved the female characters throughout this especially. Every one of them was incredibly different from each other but they were all a delight and pleasure to read.
My only problem with it was that the pacing really slowed near the end once
Still, 4.5 stars rounded up. Thank you to NetGalley and Aconyte Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2024
Received as an ARC from Netgalley:
I am glad I went back to read the prior book in this series before I dove into this one, whilst not essential the story has a lot more impact when taken in tandem with the first novel.
Sanford is such a composed, threat who seems to never be phased during The Ravening Deep, so seeing him so far off his game here was a true treat. His rival Tillinghast is shrouded in so much mystery that you really don't get a good grasp of who or even WHAT he is, which works extremely well within the cosmic hellscape of the novel.
The rest of the cast are in a constant flux so much that you don't get the idea that any of them even know their own true loyalties.
As such this was a thrill ride, with some great descriptive set pieces, and an engaging plot. The only bummer about getting books early is when they end on a cliffhanger and you are left on the edge of your seat for even longer than the normal reader.
Can't wait to see how this story concludes in a subsequent volume.
I am glad I went back to read the prior book in this series before I dove into this one, whilst not essential the story has a lot more impact when taken in tandem with the first novel.
Sanford is such a composed, threat who seems to never be phased during The Ravening Deep, so seeing him so far off his game here was a true treat. His rival Tillinghast is shrouded in so much mystery that you really don't get a good grasp of who or even WHAT he is, which works extremely well within the cosmic hellscape of the novel.
The rest of the cast are in a constant flux so much that you don't get the idea that any of them even know their own true loyalties.
As such this was a thrill ride, with some great descriptive set pieces, and an engaging plot. The only bummer about getting books early is when they end on a cliffhanger and you are left on the edge of your seat for even longer than the normal reader.
Can't wait to see how this story concludes in a subsequent volume.
May 14, 2024
This was so much better than I anticipated. It was short but the tale kept you on your toes wondering when all the hidden agendas and secrets would come to a head.
I oddly like Sanford, he is calculated and deceptive but he does what he must to succeed. Ruby is savvy and a little ruthless but again she does what she must. Some of the other characters feel a little too surface level to actually like them, but I hope there’s a another book, maybe someone will have a redemption arc!
I oddly like Sanford, he is calculated and deceptive but he does what he must to succeed. Ruby is savvy and a little ruthless but again she does what she must. Some of the other characters feel a little too surface level to actually like them, but I hope there’s a another book, maybe someone will have a redemption arc!
January 28, 2025
Wondering if there's going to be a 3rd book...this one I liked slightly less than the first, felt like there was a lot of buildup with no pay out...also would have liked Gloria and Mr T to have been the same person since they were never in the scenes at the same time and both had rather intimate knowledge of the others experiences. Still like the series and makes a good companion to the rest of the Arkham horror books, complements their stories well.
April 3, 2024
ARC from NetGalley.
Pratt elevates a fairly straightforward story by how fun he makes Carl Sanford. He is a villain undoubtedly, but one you still find yourself rooting for. Eager to see where this goes next.
Pratt elevates a fairly straightforward story by how fun he makes Carl Sanford. He is a villain undoubtedly, but one you still find yourself rooting for. Eager to see where this goes next.
June 30, 2024
This book was good overall. It kept my attention at certain points and others it didn’t. It was a fun, short read and I did enjoy characters like Altman, Ruby and Sarah Van Shaw. I liked how things came together at the end with some things left unanswered to leave room for the next book
October 26, 2025
Carl Sandford is so much fun. I am loving these books. They are quick and fast reads. The characters and dialogue are wonderful.
This is the third book I've read from Tim Pratt and I am really liking his style. I just bought three more and am really looking forward to reading them.
This is the third book I've read from Tim Pratt and I am really liking his style. I just bought three more and am really looking forward to reading them.
November 28, 2024
I really enjoy these books from the Arkham Horror universe. Lol, it is ironic to find myself routing for Carl Sanford, but such are the times in Arkham.
April 9, 2025
A nice easy read but disappointed that it ended on a cliffhanger...not much about the villain was explained at all. All build up and mystery for no pay off.
July 25, 2025
I’m loving Carl Sanford’s character even more in Herald of Ruin than I did in The Ravening Deep. Bravo Tim Pratt for another fantastic installment into the world of Arkham Horror! I’m looking forward to what Carl Sanford will do in the next book in this series!
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