Last Rites

Dark Winter #3

by John Hennessy

The final chapter in the Dark Winter series.

* * *

What would you risk losing, in order to win?

As the Crescent Moon set on that last day of winter, the residents of Gorswood realised that the horrors that had been contained in the woods for so long, had finally risen, and were coming for them.

With the fate of Romilly, Beth, and Gorswood’s greatest ever witch uncertain, an age-old evil senses its time has come, threatening to cover the inhabitants of Gorswood in a new and never ending terror.

Even if the newest owner of the Mirror of Souls is to prevail, at what cost will her victory be?

Meanwhile, the last rites on a long dead demon need to be performed. But her spirit resides in the most terrifying place of all, meaning that a choice will have to be made.

A choice that will affect the entire world…..

Note: Mature content. Story contains elements of strong psychological horror, infrequent but strong swearing, and gory scenes throughout. Also contains themes of bullying, suicide, and sexual abuse. Not recommended for anyone younger than fifteen years of age.

Genres: Paranormal, Horror, Fantasy, Fiction

500 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 21, 2016

About the author

John Hennessy is the British author of paranormal fantasy horror for YA, psychological horror and murder mysteries, plus his own unique take on vampire lore. He has also written ghost stories and delved into high epic fantasy with a hint of romance.

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John is an international best selling author. The Ghost of Normandy Road reached Number One for British Horror Fiction in July 2020 on Amazon.com, Children of the Dark Light also topped the charts for the same category in August 2020.

His 2015 YA Horror novel, The Ghost of Normandy Road: Haunted Minds I won the Silver Award for its category at the 2016 Readers Favourite International Book Contest.

His 2018 Non-fiction work, The Mastery of Martial Arts: End Fights in Seconds, had a featured review in the prestigious and highly respected Wing Chun Illustrated magazine (Issue 53 April 2020 edition)

A TALE OF VAMPIRES: SERIES - for anyone new to the author's series, this is the sugested reading order:-

Prequel: Dawn of the New Breed
I: Murderous Little Darlings
Murderous Little Christmas Darlings (2022)
II: The Blood and the Raven (Free to subscribers)
III: Innocent While She Sleeps
IV: Dream the Crow's Black Dream
V: Reunion of the Blood
VI: Our Hearts Go to Their Graves

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Five Star Seal Awarded to The Ghost of Normandy Road by Readers' Favourite

Reviews

[Rachel Maniacup · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in Dark Winter Trilogy,the most awaited sequel,and a great continuation to the story. And if you haven't read this yet,I advise you to read the first two books first Dark Winter: The Wicca Circle and Dark Winter: Crescent Moon so you would be able to grasp and understand the depth of all the characters.

In this book,Romillyn,Beth and Toril are trying hard to figure out the things that would help them defeat the demons who are so intent to destroy them and their towns,because it appears that they're the only hope of their circle and their loved ones.And they think that being away from each other wouldn't accomplish or resolve anything. But how would they remain close and intact to one another in order for them to succeed,when one of them committed an act of betrayal? So yes,aside from a thrilling,heart pounding horror rollercoaster ride,action and suspense with so many twists and turns,this book is also about trust, friendship, love and revealing of SECRETS.

"You've read the Art of War,I presume? A martial artist,a fighter would not train without the aid of such a text"

-again,I loved how the author incorporated his great knowledge of kung fu on Romillyn here. But I could have been more delighted if Romillyn did really use the Martial Art skills,and put into a lot of action. Yet,true to her word about why she is "WHAT" she is,"but a reluctant one..not a heroine.I was never the heroine."I truly believed her on that,because as Curie said,Romillyn always had help to accomplish what she must. And this is why,she isn't my favorite here..On this finale, I am much more a fan of Toril,Tori Suzanne and Beth..oh yes,especially BETH because I find her the bravest of them all!

John Hennessy always had a vivid and creepy imagination that made him the symbol of a great fictional horror/paranormal writer. And I thought,he did a very nice job in the amazing conclusion to the trilogy,especially with the characters.

Thank you so much, JOHN HENNESSY,my ever so thoughtful friend for sending me the pdf copy of this exhilarating book! I think, I may want to purchase your Martial Arts book "The Essence of Martial Arts: Making Your Skills Work in Practice" one of this days,so I may learn a lot of self-defense.(All women should be prepared,right John?)^^

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Happy Release Day - Dark Winter!



Gorgeous cover!

[J. Kahele · Rating 5 out of 5]

When death is all around you, all you can feel is the strangest kind
of silence. There’s a scent, the unmistakable sense of death. This is the first line of the prologue and I knew, this was going to be a good book. John has the ability to capture a reader right away with his captivating words. It is why I am such a big fan of his writing.
The story begins ten years into the future, where Romilly is sitting before Beth’s grave, contemplating on using her gifts to change the future, to bring Beth back. She has lost everyone that she has loved and is not willing to lose another. Will changing the future bring back Beth? Or will it be detrimental to all.
I stayed up all night reading this book and am not writing this review with weary eyes. I first need to point out that John writing is intense and will pull you into the darkest worlds of witches
Vampires
A poor cursed girl
And keep you there.
Dark Rites, has stories woven within each other, and I loved that because it gave me a better understanding to what was going on. Through this tale you will feel Romilly’s pain and hope that she finds the peace that she is searching for. This is far the best book written by Mr. Hennessey and I applaud him for his skillful writing and his ability to grab my emotions and tear them apart. LOL!!!! Great job!

[Adriana Girolami · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a dark riveting quality to john Hennessy's writings, but at times it is also poetic and enticing. He captures your imaginations by the eloquence of his words as they sink deeply into your soul. I believe his latest offering "Dark Winter: Last Rites", the final story in the Dark Winter trilogy, is the best of all his writings. Although I was not a fan of the genre at first, he converted me quickly to his side. It's hard not to like Romilly; you almost feel her pain, fears and disappointments. You follow her fantastic voyage eagerly, captured in the whirlwind of excitement created by the talented author. However her fantastic search for solutions might never materialize even in her wildest dreams. But you can still relate to her through the disappointments and fears we all experience in life.

"In my head, it’s not exactly silent. It’s like a score of scorpions banging on the inside of my skull. When the last
wisp of sunlight fades, the night comes quickly, swiftly, and I
cannot sleep. I am afraid to close my eyes but also afraid of what I
will see when I open them."

There is a gentleness and also helplessness to Romilly character that truly touches you and keeps you glued to the book through all the amazing twists of the storyline, until the satisfying ending. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more exciting stories from Mr. Hennessy

[SheReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The phrase "saved the best for last" was created for times like these. I've enjoyed every page of this series, but this final book is far and above the best of the three.

Nothing is as it seems in these books. That's the main thing I've come to learn and appreciate. Whatever you think is going on, whatever you think something means, forget about it. The people that have proven to be untrustworthy, may not be betraying their friends after all. The one holding the knife is probably possessed by a demon.

Here's a question for you: Can you forgive a friend anything just because they weren't completely in control? Can you still look into the face of your betrayer with any kind of loyalty just because they thought they were doing what was right?

These are questions Romilly has to face. More of her friends have betrayed her than not. Heck, she even has a demon within herself - as does the last person she knows she can trust. When you commit an act of evil of your own will, can you still blame it on the one that resides within you? Is it okay just because its for the good of the ones you love.

There is evil and then there are those who will do whatever must be done to defeat that evil? The difference between the two might not be as large as you think. In this book, we delve into more of the past, into the circumstances that created the current happenings. This all leads to the final showdown. We've got demons that need to be expelled, a mirror that needs to be destroyed, and finally Don Curie needs to die once and for all.

I love the characters that have been created. You never once say to yourself "but they're just a bunch of teenage girls." There's constantly the impression that they can get it done and are willing to pay the cost.

I don't read much in the horror genre, but this one gripped me. The writing alternates between simple, easy to read entertainment and deep, meaningful lines that make you really think. It takes a masterful storytelling to tow that line between pop fiction and literary genius. Well done.

[Sharon Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So we come to the end of what has been a great series. I have followed the story of Romilly, Beth, Toril, Troy, and Dana. Don Curie played a great role and I even managed to feel a little sorry for him. John Hennessy created these characters and has allowed us to grow with them, not once has he made a mistake in any of their development. This, for me, created a relationship with them that only great writing can lay a claim to.

In Dark Winter: The Last Rites the story concludes in the best possible way, totally different from what I had imagined. Again, the author reels you in from the beginning and keeps you there. I read on with a heavy heart because I knew it was the last. It didn't stop me from reading or wrong guessing the outcome. Hennessey is a fabulous storyteller AND writer, yet, again, he leaves you with questions that only you as the reader can answer. Hennessy writes for the whole spectrum of readers and they take away their own thoughts from his work. This is exactly what he has done in the last of the Dark Winter series.

I am sad to know I won't be reading about Romilly again BUT I am also delighted because that means John Hennessy is busy penning his next title.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third and final book was dark, dark, and more darkness.......the same complex and well-developed beloved characters are back trying to stop the evil that invaded Gorswood. At the end.......well I do not want to leave a spoiler but it was a good one. The perfect ending to a great trilogy!!

[Donna O'neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you John for creating a group of characters I don't think I will be able to forget. I like to think I am a reader but I have been slow to read this series, and yet I wanted to know what would happen to the group from the corking end of the last book.

When I've read the close of other series, there's always been the feeling of 'what if this had happened' or something like that. I think no matter what I would have been happy with, there would have been plenty I would not have liked.

The positives are that this book gets perhaps the best ending possible. It won't please everyone, but it pleased me.

The drama was built up nicely and although the prologue is long, it is a good prologue, covering some real interesting ground. I liked how it linked with later events in the story while at the same time leaving a few things unanswered. maybe john will tell us one day what they are.

Last Rites is a book that has a big job - finish off a story that feels simple on the surface. The relationships are what keeps this book going and readers reading, the characters are so good and enjoyable that even though some of their decisions had me tearing my hair out, I enjoyed what they did, even when it was not what I expected them to do.

Treat this book as part of a bigger hole. Read The Wicca Circle, then read the superior Crescent Moon. As to whether Last Rites is the best of the three, I really don't know. I am still running the events through my head. I love this author's writing and would be hard pressed to find a series to top this. As young-ish paranormal horror that works for adults too, I hope Dark Winter is enjoyed by many. I know I did.

[Charlotte Marie Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed each twist and turn of this series but it has been a shame to reach the end, though I understand the author's reasons for doing so. But I really loved the characters and through each book John has made us cheer for one, hate another, then make us fall for them again. All this in a horror setting that really did have me read the book in the daylight.

Dark Winter: Last Rites has some truly unsettling scenes but isn't as scary as its predecessor, but that doesn't mean this final story is the weakest. In many ways it is the best of the three. I always wondered from the moment Romilly got her hands on the mirror just how it was going to end.

Dark Winter's strength is in a detailed set-up but especially in the character design. For me, Romilly and the other characters are living, breathing people, and made more real by their flaws and insecurities.

This is the best paranormal series I have ever read and while I still think Crescent Moon was the high point of the series, each book should be lumped together so that you treat it like one story. Give it a chance, you won't be disappointed.

[Brenda Mohammed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought all three books in this Trilogy at the same time, and had the advantage of reading all three within a short space of time.
Wicca Circle and Crescent Moon were both masterpieces, but Last Rites surpassed them both.
In this amazing conclusion to the story, John Hennessy made some very interesting revelations, and has answered provocative questions in this the third book in the series, Dark Winter: Last Rites.
Three brave young friends Romilly, Toril and Beth risked their lives to destroy an age-old evil, to save the inhabitants of Gorswood, and to perform the last rites on a long dead demon.
They overcame the horror of witchcraft, demons, trickery, deception, and evil, which invaded their bodies, in their quest to do so..
Romilly’s true heritage was finally revealed to her, and it became clear why she survived so many catastrophes and encounters with demons.
When her Nan bequeathed the Mirror of Souls to Romilly she had strong reasons to do so.
In the author’s articulate story – telling style, the book was an easy read.
I recommend it to all who love this genre.

[Merril Anil · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say that I haven’t said before.? That John is the best. Nope I think I have mentioned it at least thousand times by now :P so what next? Oh yeah that he is the best horror writer ? Nope I think I have almost ingrained that to the very grounds John walks on. So what is left? I guess nothing expect that he has done it again with Dark winter finale

So A HUGE THANKS TO JOHN HENNESSY for the copy of the book and a whole lot of things that would not fit into this small place so I just going to type and leave a short thank you as a reminder to the amazing writer and person you are.


THANK YOU

Also a short apology for taking so long to leave in this review because I had a lot to say and write and I didn’t want to wrap it up in few words

OK now I am going to halt my personal admiration and worship session for a while and get on with the real reason as to why we all have gathered here…

Right…so Lets Begin

Let me repeat the fact that I have been mentioning over and over in my reviews of his books as to how scary it is to see how good John is with dark and horror subjects. Horror, for all I know was more effective in visual medium until I stumbled upon the dark winter series and that is when I learnt that even a book can scare the bejeesus out of one if the author really wants to.

Alfred Hitchcock would had send Mr. Psycho for your brain, John, if he was still alive. You would had replaced Janet Leigh in that epic shower scene


John consistently reinvents his work and that to me is one of the best parts that I can look forward in each of his books. Each book is so far superior and better that the evolution simply astonishes you. The finale of Dark winter brings forward answers to a lot of questions and while continuing with what was left at the second book is also playing at a whole new level and with a lot more complex and developed characters

The characters really play with your head and have so many deeper layers to them that the chapters bring out different colors in these characters. Some puzzles you with their actions, some irate you while some just draw your emotions out. So each character and their role in the book is very powerfully crafted

Now if you know me, you will understand when I say that I am forced by my habit to nitpick that I did find the narrator blurring in between lines. To be more simply put, sometimes it is just difficult to see the narrator, whether it is being done by a third person or a character. Sometimes the entity of the narrator of a scene kind of appears blurry.

While in the first two book the whole story moves within the group of these friends that form our central characters, this time the author had given each character their own portions through which the story moves back and forth and narrating what is happening, what had happened and what is bound to happen. So the story moves in blocks through the different characters. This treatment has in turn help you deduce the nature of our characters more perfectly too.

Do not let John tell you a story, if you ever want to sleep without nightmares. I am afraid with John’s talent for horror, especially dark horror, Cinderella would be walking with head turned around and an axe in hand, hunting for her lost shoe, if John ever sit down to narrate that story



So as usual John has set the bars way too high for horror and i can't wait for his next book... Too bad Dark Winter came to an end

[Poet Gentleness · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Hennessy brings another great horror/thriller story.
Although I am not a fan of horror, I am a fan of Mr. Hennessy because he does know how to entwined his words and characters in a Stephen king way.
Very enjoyable reading.