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Tomb of the Black Pharaoh
2024 Bram Stoker Awards Recommended Reading List for
Superior Achievement in a First Novel.
Silver Medal Winner for Best Supernatural Occult Horror Story at the Global Book Awards.
The Cthulhu Mythos continues in the series Eldritch Tales of WWII .
In this Lovecraftian tale of horror and espionage, Tomb of the Black Pharaoh follows Robert B. Danforth, a former Miskatonic University scholar still reeling from the horrific events in At the Mountains of Madness ( Now part of the newly formed Office of the Coordinator of Information (COI) - the predecessor of the famed Office of Strategic Services (OSS) - Danforth is dispatched to Cairo to thwart a Nazi plot to recover the Talisman of Nephren-ka, buried deep within the lost tomb of Black Pharaoh. Said to grant unspeakable power, the artifact could tip the scales of World War II in the Nazis' favor. As Danforth delves into the ancient tomb, he faces cults devoted to Nephren-ka, Nazi occultists, and cosmic horrors that strain the limits of his sanity.
Danforth must battle not only the looming threat of the Nazis but also the terrifying implications of the Amulet’s power. As eldritch forces close in and the boundaries between reality and madness begin to crumble, Danforth realizes the cost of failure may be far greater than even the war—humanity itself may be at stake.
This heart-pounding mix of Lovecraftian horror and historical espionage will captivate fans of cosmic terror and WWII thrillers alike. It immerses readers in a world where ancient gods and modern warfare collide in a fight for ultimate power.
Reader reviews make a huge difference!
If you enjoyed Tomb of the Black Pharaoh, please consider leaving a review. Your feedback not only helps other readers discover this gripping tale, but also supports the author in continuing the series. Every review, no matter how brief, is greatly appreciated.
Silver Medal Winner for Best Supernatural Occult Horror Story at the Global Book Awards.
The Cthulhu Mythos continues in the series Eldritch Tales of WWII .
In this Lovecraftian tale of horror and espionage, Tomb of the Black Pharaoh follows Robert B. Danforth, a former Miskatonic University scholar still reeling from the horrific events in At the Mountains of Madness ( Now part of the newly formed Office of the Coordinator of Information (COI) - the predecessor of the famed Office of Strategic Services (OSS) - Danforth is dispatched to Cairo to thwart a Nazi plot to recover the Talisman of Nephren-ka, buried deep within the lost tomb of Black Pharaoh. Said to grant unspeakable power, the artifact could tip the scales of World War II in the Nazis' favor. As Danforth delves into the ancient tomb, he faces cults devoted to Nephren-ka, Nazi occultists, and cosmic horrors that strain the limits of his sanity.
Danforth must battle not only the looming threat of the Nazis but also the terrifying implications of the Amulet’s power. As eldritch forces close in and the boundaries between reality and madness begin to crumble, Danforth realizes the cost of failure may be far greater than even the war—humanity itself may be at stake.
This heart-pounding mix of Lovecraftian horror and historical espionage will captivate fans of cosmic terror and WWII thrillers alike. It immerses readers in a world where ancient gods and modern warfare collide in a fight for ultimate power.
Reader reviews make a huge difference!
If you enjoyed Tomb of the Black Pharaoh, please consider leaving a review. Your feedback not only helps other readers discover this gripping tale, but also supports the author in continuing the series. Every review, no matter how brief, is greatly appreciated.
407 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2024
41 people are currently reading
3268 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Michael
1 book62 followersChristopher Michael is an author, law enforcement, and a former soldier in the U.S. Army, where he completed multiple deployments in Afghanistan, East Asia, and Europe. Blending his real-world military experience with a love for cosmic horror, Christopher is the author of the self-published novel series Danforth: Eldritch Tales of WWII, a thrilling combination of historical fiction and Lovecraftian horror that marks his entry into the literary world.
Chris began writing when he was in high school, going over-the-top on writing assignments that required the creation of an original story. Since then, he had intermittently written material throughout his adult life, but only recently began to commit. After attending therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD) from military and law enforcement service, he began a new journey of using his writing as a form of therapy and channeling his demons into stories that are a reflection of his inner-most thoughts. He hopes that by writing and infusing these stories with the pain and uncertainty that he has felt that it might help other military and law enforcement veterans, as well as anyone struggling with their own demons.
Chris began writing when he was in high school, going over-the-top on writing assignments that required the creation of an original story. Since then, he had intermittently written material throughout his adult life, but only recently began to commit. After attending therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD) from military and law enforcement service, he began a new journey of using his writing as a form of therapy and channeling his demons into stories that are a reflection of his inner-most thoughts. He hopes that by writing and infusing these stories with the pain and uncertainty that he has felt that it might help other military and law enforcement veterans, as well as anyone struggling with their own demons.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 28, 2025
Lovecraft is an author I haven’t dabbled in much, but over the past year, I read At the Mountains of Madness to acquaint myself with the writer beloved by so many. Being familiar with that story—and its characters—was the perfect lead-in to Tomb of the Black Pharaoh by Christopher Michael.
This tale follows Robert B. Danforth, who survived the harrowing Antarctic expedition in At the Mountains of Madness. Though those events were both treacherous and horrifying, Danforth finds himself longing for more of the unknown. So when he’s sent to Egypt to uncover secrets of hidden, dangerous power, he accepts without question.
The most compelling aspect of Danforth’s character is the tension between his nobility and his obsession. While he is committed to doing the right thing, he’s also mesmerized—perhaps fatally so—by the eldritch horrors he encounters. That fascination consumes him, and his descent into obsession is both disturbing and deeply human.
The story moves at a strong pace, especially once the initial groundwork is laid. The action is tight and purposeful, and the characters Danforth meets are a blend of intriguing, informative, and, at times, utterly monstrous.
Where this story truly shines is in the way its world is rendered—rich in dread, thick with mystery, and painted with a thoroughly Lovecraftian brush. Each scene drips with decadent vocabulary and vivid atmosphere.
Christopher Michael masterfully weaves historical detail into the narrative without weighing it down. The backstory of Nephren-Ka, a figure borrowed from Lovecraft’s own mythos, is especially gripping. And, true to form, the story leaves readers with the central, haunting question that defines cosmic horror: Why?
Filled with the mythology, madness, and occultism that define Lovecraft’s legacy, Tomb of the Black Pharaoh is a harrowing continuation that fans of the genre will appreciate.
I had the pleasure of experiencing this book on audio, and narrator J.T. Verona brings the characters to life with impressive skill, delivering pitch-perfect accents, suspenseful monologues, and a voice that’s easy to listen to for hours. If you enjoy poetic horror, historical adventures, and obsessive journeys into the unknown, Tomb of the Black Pharaoh is a must-read (or must-listen).
A FanFi Addict review
This tale follows Robert B. Danforth, who survived the harrowing Antarctic expedition in At the Mountains of Madness. Though those events were both treacherous and horrifying, Danforth finds himself longing for more of the unknown. So when he’s sent to Egypt to uncover secrets of hidden, dangerous power, he accepts without question.
The most compelling aspect of Danforth’s character is the tension between his nobility and his obsession. While he is committed to doing the right thing, he’s also mesmerized—perhaps fatally so—by the eldritch horrors he encounters. That fascination consumes him, and his descent into obsession is both disturbing and deeply human.
The story moves at a strong pace, especially once the initial groundwork is laid. The action is tight and purposeful, and the characters Danforth meets are a blend of intriguing, informative, and, at times, utterly monstrous.
Where this story truly shines is in the way its world is rendered—rich in dread, thick with mystery, and painted with a thoroughly Lovecraftian brush. Each scene drips with decadent vocabulary and vivid atmosphere.
Christopher Michael masterfully weaves historical detail into the narrative without weighing it down. The backstory of Nephren-Ka, a figure borrowed from Lovecraft’s own mythos, is especially gripping. And, true to form, the story leaves readers with the central, haunting question that defines cosmic horror: Why?
Filled with the mythology, madness, and occultism that define Lovecraft’s legacy, Tomb of the Black Pharaoh is a harrowing continuation that fans of the genre will appreciate.
I had the pleasure of experiencing this book on audio, and narrator J.T. Verona brings the characters to life with impressive skill, delivering pitch-perfect accents, suspenseful monologues, and a voice that’s easy to listen to for hours. If you enjoy poetic horror, historical adventures, and obsessive journeys into the unknown, Tomb of the Black Pharaoh is a must-read (or must-listen).
A FanFi Addict review
March 31, 2025
For fans and curious alike.
This was another one of those impulse buys prompted by a kind word on social media (and a very cool cover too, I have to admit). I even confess I only opened it by accident. I had other reads lined up on my TBR, but something about Tomb of the Black Pharaoh made me keep reading.
The first thing that caught my attention was the prose: clear and immersive. The style is very Lovecraftian (as was to be expected) but without some of the lengthy and sometimes laboured descriptions that so often put me off his work. Christopher has a voice and style of his own. The added depth and introspection to the narrative kept me wanting to find out more about Danforth and this mysterious tomb. Also, who doesn't enjoy a good archaeological mystery, Indiana Jones style?
All that being said, this is a book written mainly for fans. I noticed many asides and references to the Mythos. I'm pretty sure I missed even more of them. However, that did not affect my enjoyment of the story. Sure, I might have gotten more out of it, perhaps. But I didn't feel like I was missing out on the narrative, quite contrary. If anything, it made me curious to find out more.
The down-to-earth approach and tone of the first person narration added gravitas to the tale. And even if you take away all the Mythos, you'd still end up with a pretty good and well thought-out mystery with lots of trepidation and adventure.
Definitely worth reading.
This was another one of those impulse buys prompted by a kind word on social media (and a very cool cover too, I have to admit). I even confess I only opened it by accident. I had other reads lined up on my TBR, but something about Tomb of the Black Pharaoh made me keep reading.
The first thing that caught my attention was the prose: clear and immersive. The style is very Lovecraftian (as was to be expected) but without some of the lengthy and sometimes laboured descriptions that so often put me off his work. Christopher has a voice and style of his own. The added depth and introspection to the narrative kept me wanting to find out more about Danforth and this mysterious tomb. Also, who doesn't enjoy a good archaeological mystery, Indiana Jones style?
All that being said, this is a book written mainly for fans. I noticed many asides and references to the Mythos. I'm pretty sure I missed even more of them. However, that did not affect my enjoyment of the story. Sure, I might have gotten more out of it, perhaps. But I didn't feel like I was missing out on the narrative, quite contrary. If anything, it made me curious to find out more.
The down-to-earth approach and tone of the first person narration added gravitas to the tale. And even if you take away all the Mythos, you'd still end up with a pretty good and well thought-out mystery with lots of trepidation and adventure.
Definitely worth reading.
August 9, 2025
Are you prepared to fulfill the prophecy?
July 1, 2025
I was really excited to dive into this one because I’m a fan of both Lovecraftian fiction and of historical fiction, and the World War II era is of particular interest to me, as it is, I think, to many of us. It was such a calamity that one almost feel like there HAS to be some kind of Lovecraftian monstrosity at the heart of it all, and while that may not be historically valid, it is an interesting premise for a horror novel and that’s exactly what this Danforth book delivers.
Before I read it, I wasn’t sure exactly how much would be borrowed directly from Lovecraft’s mythos and how much would just have a sort of Lovecraftian flavor. Well, the reality is a bit of both, but with much greater emphasis on the former. Even the main character of the book, Danforth, was lifted directly from Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness. He was a graduate student in that work and is now a much older and wiser individual sent to Egypt during the war to investigate various occult mysteries surrounding the war effort. I won’t spoil too much about exactly who or what is involved or what exactly they’re all doing, but it’s probably no great secret to dyed in the wool Lovecraft fans that the Black Pharaoh of the title is the same one mentioned in Lovecraft’s own works.
Other events and characters are likewise borrowed both from Lovecraft and genuine history, but the book doesn’t just rip anyone or anything off. Think of it as a sort of sequel or alternate history, entirely original but with numerous references to established lore.
The writing style is going to be a mixed bag for many readers. Personally, I liked it a lot, but I think a lot of modern readers might find some of it a bit slow or a slog to get through. There’s some truth to that, but the reason I think it’s actually a good thing is because it genuinely feels a lot like one of Lovecraft’s own stories, combined with some elements of historical memoir. The author seems to have made a conscious decision to write in an appropriate style for the subject matter, so it’s a slower read than a lot of people in the social media generation might be accustomed to but, as was always the case in Lovecraft’s own works, the reader is rewarded in the end.
I was a little thrown off by the lack of any page numbers in my hardcover edition of the book (I don’t know whether the same is true of any other editions). While that won’t affect my review overall, just as it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the novel, it does make it a bit difficult to refer back to specific pages or passages (for instance, if one might want to compare the book’s references to Lovecraft’s original writings or something like that).
Overall, though, while it was a slower read than expected and not quite as action-packed as one might expect a World War II horror novel to be, it does pay off with several knuckle-whitening scenes throughout and an excellent homage to Lovecraft’s great mythos, so I’d give it a read, especially if you’re a big fan of the father of cosmic horror.
Before I read it, I wasn’t sure exactly how much would be borrowed directly from Lovecraft’s mythos and how much would just have a sort of Lovecraftian flavor. Well, the reality is a bit of both, but with much greater emphasis on the former. Even the main character of the book, Danforth, was lifted directly from Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness. He was a graduate student in that work and is now a much older and wiser individual sent to Egypt during the war to investigate various occult mysteries surrounding the war effort. I won’t spoil too much about exactly who or what is involved or what exactly they’re all doing, but it’s probably no great secret to dyed in the wool Lovecraft fans that the Black Pharaoh of the title is the same one mentioned in Lovecraft’s own works.
Other events and characters are likewise borrowed both from Lovecraft and genuine history, but the book doesn’t just rip anyone or anything off. Think of it as a sort of sequel or alternate history, entirely original but with numerous references to established lore.
The writing style is going to be a mixed bag for many readers. Personally, I liked it a lot, but I think a lot of modern readers might find some of it a bit slow or a slog to get through. There’s some truth to that, but the reason I think it’s actually a good thing is because it genuinely feels a lot like one of Lovecraft’s own stories, combined with some elements of historical memoir. The author seems to have made a conscious decision to write in an appropriate style for the subject matter, so it’s a slower read than a lot of people in the social media generation might be accustomed to but, as was always the case in Lovecraft’s own works, the reader is rewarded in the end.
I was a little thrown off by the lack of any page numbers in my hardcover edition of the book (I don’t know whether the same is true of any other editions). While that won’t affect my review overall, just as it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the novel, it does make it a bit difficult to refer back to specific pages or passages (for instance, if one might want to compare the book’s references to Lovecraft’s original writings or something like that).
Overall, though, while it was a slower read than expected and not quite as action-packed as one might expect a World War II horror novel to be, it does pay off with several knuckle-whitening scenes throughout and an excellent homage to Lovecraft’s great mythos, so I’d give it a read, especially if you’re a big fan of the father of cosmic horror.
March 3, 2025
This title was selected for IngramSpark's Indie Title Discovery Spotlight 2025!
Love the blend of chilling horror, suspenseful adventure, and rich historical context in this book! A must-read for fans of The Cthulhu Mythos and H.P. Lovecraft!
Love the blend of chilling horror, suspenseful adventure, and rich historical context in this book! A must-read for fans of The Cthulhu Mythos and H.P. Lovecraft!
July 11, 2025
It was my good fortune to win this book on Goodreads. There were a couple of hiccups before it actually arrived, and i would sincerely like to thank the author for reaching out and following up. I very much enjoyed this book. There were places that could have been trimmed, and the story still told. Reading some of the other reviews, I now see this is a style of writing associated with Lovecraft. That is my only negative comment. I enjoyed the mix of war, occult, historical fiction, and fact. The last correspondence between myself and the author was his saying, "I hope it's worth it." i have to say @christophermichael that it very much was, and your efforts were very much appreciated.
December 18, 2024
Horrifyingly Enjoyable!
If you want to read a good Horror, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller and you’re not afraid to let your imagination take you places you wouldn’t dare to tread in real life, than look no further. Christopher Michael will take you on just such an adventure in his book as you journey into hidden, mysterious, and dreadfully otherworldly places with Danforth as he explores the horrific truths of the Black Pharaoh.
And if the hushed and forbidden legends of the Black Pharaoh are not enough to make you tread with caution as Danforth narrowly escapes with his life, than I hope you are prepared to find out the very terrifying purpose that the Nazi’s seek to uncover the ancient artifacts and powers that once were possessed by the Black Pharaoh himself.
The price for the powers the Nazi’s seek is an incredibly high and bloody one, and Danforth is determined to put an end to their efforts. But will he truly be successful in doing so?
I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to more of Christopher Michael’s writing.
If you want to read a good Horror, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller and you’re not afraid to let your imagination take you places you wouldn’t dare to tread in real life, than look no further. Christopher Michael will take you on just such an adventure in his book as you journey into hidden, mysterious, and dreadfully otherworldly places with Danforth as he explores the horrific truths of the Black Pharaoh.
And if the hushed and forbidden legends of the Black Pharaoh are not enough to make you tread with caution as Danforth narrowly escapes with his life, than I hope you are prepared to find out the very terrifying purpose that the Nazi’s seek to uncover the ancient artifacts and powers that once were possessed by the Black Pharaoh himself.
The price for the powers the Nazi’s seek is an incredibly high and bloody one, and Danforth is determined to put an end to their efforts. But will he truly be successful in doing so?
I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to more of Christopher Michael’s writing.
January 8, 2025
Madness and Myth
"Tomb of the Black Pharaoh" is a chilling masterpiece that brings the Cthulhu Mythos into the high-stakes world of WWII espionage. Robert B. Danforth’s journey from traumatized scholar to reluctant hero is as gripping as the story’s dark mysteries. The novel is packed with twists: Nazi occultists, ancient Egyptian cults, and unspeakable cosmic forces that challenge Danforth’s and the reader’s grip on reality.
The writing captures the creeping dread of Lovecraft’s work while adding thrilling action and historical depth. The tomb’s descent into madness is both terrifying and exhilarating, and the artifact’s power casts a shadow over every scene. This book is a triumph of horror and adventure, perfect for fans of Lovecraft and anyone who loves to see history meet the terrifying unknown.
"Tomb of the Black Pharaoh" is a chilling masterpiece that brings the Cthulhu Mythos into the high-stakes world of WWII espionage. Robert B. Danforth’s journey from traumatized scholar to reluctant hero is as gripping as the story’s dark mysteries. The novel is packed with twists: Nazi occultists, ancient Egyptian cults, and unspeakable cosmic forces that challenge Danforth’s and the reader’s grip on reality.
The writing captures the creeping dread of Lovecraft’s work while adding thrilling action and historical depth. The tomb’s descent into madness is both terrifying and exhilarating, and the artifact’s power casts a shadow over every scene. This book is a triumph of horror and adventure, perfect for fans of Lovecraft and anyone who loves to see history meet the terrifying unknown.
January 18, 2025
If you are into that Indiana Jones or Lost Treasure, this is the one for you. The book is excellent for those who love adventure, espionage, or horror. It has a little touch of history, so it makes the story a bit more realistic and exciting; we wouldn’t really know about the connection between Nazis and Egyptian relics, but still, it wouldn’t be exciting to see how they all connect. It is sometimes a little confusing for me; maybe if it can turn into a movie or a series, I could grasp it a little better. It has a great plot, characters, and potential for more adventures. I want to see how the characters will turn out in the next book. Hopefully, there will be another.
January 22, 2025
Great book
What a magnificent and interesting book. It is a book of terror and suspense full of important events and exceptional characters that make you not want to stop reading it.
The story is about an ex-academic who becomes part of a team in an area that handled confidential information during WWII. The book starts to get even more interesting when in an important mission in Cairo where he is in charge of stopping a Nazi plan that sought to recover a Talisman buried in a renowned tomb; the important thing about this artifact was that it was able to give unimaginable power to the person who had it.
Throughout the story, you meet different surprising characters, inexplicable situations and interesting events that make you want to live the story that has a mixture of cosmic horror and historical suspense.
A book that is a must if you want to read an interesting read that I'm sure will leave you surprised as it surprised me.
What a magnificent and interesting book. It is a book of terror and suspense full of important events and exceptional characters that make you not want to stop reading it.
The story is about an ex-academic who becomes part of a team in an area that handled confidential information during WWII. The book starts to get even more interesting when in an important mission in Cairo where he is in charge of stopping a Nazi plan that sought to recover a Talisman buried in a renowned tomb; the important thing about this artifact was that it was able to give unimaginable power to the person who had it.
Throughout the story, you meet different surprising characters, inexplicable situations and interesting events that make you want to live the story that has a mixture of cosmic horror and historical suspense.
A book that is a must if you want to read an interesting read that I'm sure will leave you surprised as it surprised me.
June 20, 2025
first and foremost....just know I have never read anything by HP lovecraft and this is not my usual genre of books I read.
like others have said this is like HP Lovecraft meets Indiana Jones set in Egypt during ww2. it's creepy to say the least 😳. The writing sounds close to how things would have been spoken back in that time and takes a bit to get used to. there's not too much action until you get about half way through the book and it picks up from there to end with a bang but it looks like the story could possibly pick up in another volume since this was labeled as Vol.1. If you're a fan of Lovecraft and weird occult type stories, check it out. It was well written but I doubt I'd read another since it was too weird for me with all the occult stuff. I do appreciate the win of the giveaway but this type of book is just not for me. I may pass it down to my son who likes weird stuff like this tho.
like others have said this is like HP Lovecraft meets Indiana Jones set in Egypt during ww2. it's creepy to say the least 😳. The writing sounds close to how things would have been spoken back in that time and takes a bit to get used to. there's not too much action until you get about half way through the book and it picks up from there to end with a bang but it looks like the story could possibly pick up in another volume since this was labeled as Vol.1. If you're a fan of Lovecraft and weird occult type stories, check it out. It was well written but I doubt I'd read another since it was too weird for me with all the occult stuff. I do appreciate the win of the giveaway but this type of book is just not for me. I may pass it down to my son who likes weird stuff like this tho.
November 10, 2024
Christopher Michael weaves a tale of espionage, intrigue, and danger. Danforth is on a mission to try and keep the Nazi's from gaining a valuable artifact. This artifact, which lies in a pyramid, could change the fortunes of the war. If Danforth is not able to get to this artifact first, the world could be in danger.
This book was really interesting. At first, I had a hard time paying attention. I am not sure if it was just my brain being tired or what, so I decided to try again. The second attempt was much better, and I was able to figure out where the book was going more cohesively.
Within the pages of this tome, you are going to step back into Egyptian culture, and see into another time. While we are only going back to the 1940s, there have been multiple changes since, and the culture has shifted. Gone are the days where the borders were a bit more lax, and one was able to get artifacts in and out a bit easier.
You are also going to get to see some reports in the book, which give little tidbits of things to come. You will want to file some of these away, as you can refer back to them as you read.
You can tell that the author really enjoys his work, and you can start to pick up where he gets excited in his writing. This rather feeds into the excitement that you will feel as you begin to immerse more into the story. This is one book where surface reading is just not enough. You will want to dive into the adventure as well, and do your best to thwart the enemy agents.
I read this over a few days, to allow myself some time to absorb more of what was going on, and to keep enjoying the book for as long as I could. I highly recommend this book! This adventure is one that you will not soon forget.
This book was really interesting. At first, I had a hard time paying attention. I am not sure if it was just my brain being tired or what, so I decided to try again. The second attempt was much better, and I was able to figure out where the book was going more cohesively.
Within the pages of this tome, you are going to step back into Egyptian culture, and see into another time. While we are only going back to the 1940s, there have been multiple changes since, and the culture has shifted. Gone are the days where the borders were a bit more lax, and one was able to get artifacts in and out a bit easier.
You are also going to get to see some reports in the book, which give little tidbits of things to come. You will want to file some of these away, as you can refer back to them as you read.
You can tell that the author really enjoys his work, and you can start to pick up where he gets excited in his writing. This rather feeds into the excitement that you will feel as you begin to immerse more into the story. This is one book where surface reading is just not enough. You will want to dive into the adventure as well, and do your best to thwart the enemy agents.
I read this over a few days, to allow myself some time to absorb more of what was going on, and to keep enjoying the book for as long as I could. I highly recommend this book! This adventure is one that you will not soon forget.
January 9, 2025
This is a Lovecraftian cosmic horror novel set in Cairo during WW2. And when I say Lovecraftian, I mean this author brilliantly gives us the unspeakable horrors with an almost identical writing style as you would get from Lovecraft. It's rich in detail and scope, putting the reader inside of this world while conveying a sense of dread that feels palpable as you read.
But make no mistake, this is an homage to Lovecraft but the author's distinctive voice shines throughout the narrative.
The horrors of war are explored under the umbrella of an almost unquenchable thirst for knowledge, the type of which is better left unknown. Eldritch gods, infinite black voids, undescribable monstrosities and action packed, sweaty palms, heart racing action sequences are all included as a man working for the US military must stop the Nazi regime from obtaining an evil power which would spell the end of the world as we know it.
With many references to Lovecraftian eldritch creatures, the Necromonican, and a pulse pounding, terrifying narrative, this novel delivers old school cosmic horror with an eye for detail. You'll be shaken and rattled as you're reading. Try to ignore those shadows you see in your peripheral vision and tell yourself "It's just a book"...
I highly recommend this!
I received a copy of this book from the author. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
But make no mistake, this is an homage to Lovecraft but the author's distinctive voice shines throughout the narrative.
The horrors of war are explored under the umbrella of an almost unquenchable thirst for knowledge, the type of which is better left unknown. Eldritch gods, infinite black voids, undescribable monstrosities and action packed, sweaty palms, heart racing action sequences are all included as a man working for the US military must stop the Nazi regime from obtaining an evil power which would spell the end of the world as we know it.
With many references to Lovecraftian eldritch creatures, the Necromonican, and a pulse pounding, terrifying narrative, this novel delivers old school cosmic horror with an eye for detail. You'll be shaken and rattled as you're reading. Try to ignore those shadows you see in your peripheral vision and tell yourself "It's just a book"...
I highly recommend this!
I received a copy of this book from the author. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
June 30, 2025
Bloviate.
The good
1) a great premise.
2)well constructed plot.
3)well researched with excellent outside Lovecraftian plot lines interwoven.
The bad
4)when not constructing the story (which is often) the protgonist wanders into internal dialogue. This is done in the style of HP Lovecraft while using methamphetamine. This can be ENTIRE chapters. I find myself forwarding through the bloat. A little high language is good and very Lovecraftian, 20 minute DIATRIBES are not so good. It is ruining what would otherwise be a great story.
I remember a website tht will compose a story "in the style" of Lovecraft.
A pizza is ordered and arrives, "bloated, fleshy and all while shimmering in the light of and blasphemous! Fungoid material and hideous fleshy bits were scattered across the gibbous surface of the pie! This was as Crotchlift had ordered, but the loathesome stench that assaulted his nostrils...pineapple...it's hideous foetid mass polluted the pie."
Sorry. A little salt is good, a whole shaker is poison.
The good
1) a great premise.
2)well constructed plot.
3)well researched with excellent outside Lovecraftian plot lines interwoven.
The bad
4)when not constructing the story (which is often) the protgonist wanders into internal dialogue. This is done in the style of HP Lovecraft while using methamphetamine. This can be ENTIRE chapters. I find myself forwarding through the bloat. A little high language is good and very Lovecraftian, 20 minute DIATRIBES are not so good. It is ruining what would otherwise be a great story.
I remember a website tht will compose a story "in the style" of Lovecraft.
A pizza is ordered and arrives, "bloated, fleshy and all while shimmering in the light of and blasphemous! Fungoid material and hideous fleshy bits were scattered across the gibbous surface of the pie! This was as Crotchlift had ordered, but the loathesome stench that assaulted his nostrils...pineapple...it's hideous foetid mass polluted the pie."
Sorry. A little salt is good, a whole shaker is poison.
June 24, 2025
What I always wanted from Indiana Jones! Christopher Michael brings us an eldrich military archeological adventure like none other. Imagine raiders of the lost ark but realistic and with militaristic espionage. The atmosphere this story brings is practically tangible. The protagonist is both daring and cautious, never throughout the story did I feel like he was reckless or “plot-armor” cladded. Is “cladded” used correctly here? I’m not sure. The time period is spot on and the lovecraftian inspiration is very strong yet this story is still very much its own thing. I lost myself in the story without noticing. If you like H. P. Lovecraft, cosmic horror, and Indiana Jones then you definitely need to read this book. I give this book 5 slimy eldrich tentacles out of 5.
January 18, 2025
This unmissable book is the first in the saga Danforth: Eldritch Tales of WWII, written by Christopher Michael. Tomb of the Black Pharaoh follows Robert B. Danforth, a former Miskatonic University scholar still recovering from the horrific events at the Mountains of Madness. Now, he must overcome new challenges and challenges.
One of the things I liked most about this installment is that although the book is fiction, it has a lot of historical data from the Second World War. Furthermore, the characters are extremely well described and the plot is captivating.
Obviously, I can't wait to read the entire saga so I can continue enjoying this fascinating story.
One of the things I liked most about this installment is that although the book is fiction, it has a lot of historical data from the Second World War. Furthermore, the characters are extremely well described and the plot is captivating.
Obviously, I can't wait to read the entire saga so I can continue enjoying this fascinating story.
January 18, 2025
Danforth: Eldritch Tales of WWII by Christopher Michael is an interesting blend of the arcane, supernatural, horror and historical World War Two events. The scholar Danforth, after having braved the horrors at The Mountain of Madness, must now foil a Nazi plot to use an amulet of unimaginable power – and evil. Danforth needs to save not just earth but the entire cosmos from the horror of what the nazi’s are trying to unleash.
Fans of horror stories like those by Lovecraft may particularly enjoy this novel. Personally, the blend of esoteric horrors together with the already terrible Nazo atrocities is “overkill” so to speak. As a result, I am giving this book four stars out of five.
Fans of horror stories like those by Lovecraft may particularly enjoy this novel. Personally, the blend of esoteric horrors together with the already terrible Nazo atrocities is “overkill” so to speak. As a result, I am giving this book four stars out of five.
November 23, 2024
Mysterious. Dark. Brooding. The author has done a splendid job bringing the Lovecraftian atmosphere into play. Gripping plot with interesting characters and for me, adding Nazis into the mix gave it an Indiana Jones flair. Well done!
Want to read
March 24, 2025I have never received my copy of tomb of the black pharaoh.
Want to read
June 19, 2025I won this book in December but have yet to receive it.
January 23, 2025
This story is about locating a dangerous and powerful stone in Egypt before the Nazis get their hands on it. Robert Danforth is tasked with locating the stone before it falls into the wrong hands. Things are not always as simple as they seem and Robert finds himself frustrated trying to find anyone who could help him to the site where the stone was expected to be. When he makes his way to the site, he learns that the Nazis have already excavated the area and have begun to locate the stone. With his skills and intelligence, Robert finds his way among the Nazis and eventually to the stone. Chaos ensues leading to a moment of combat and eventually the handling of the stone.
I liked how dark and mysterious the setting was. Robert felt like a real-life person who was curious but also doing the job he was asked to do. I found the beginning a little slow moving but once Robert was in Egypt, the story got interesting, and I really enjoyed it from there.
I liked how dark and mysterious the setting was. Robert felt like a real-life person who was curious but also doing the job he was asked to do. I found the beginning a little slow moving but once Robert was in Egypt, the story got interesting, and I really enjoyed it from there.
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