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The Beast Beneath the Chapel: A Gothic Tale of Power, Hunger, and the Ghosts We Inherit
A haunting gothic fantasy of blood, power, and the inescapable grip of the past. Perfect for fans of A Dowry of Blood, Interview with the Vampire, and The Haunting of Hill House.
“Darkly mesmerizing. A tale of curses, hunger, and the terrifying intimacy of power.” — Janice Z. Tobin
“This book lingers—in the best and worst ways. A gothic masterpiece.” — Orlando J. Brown
There are things beneath this house that do not need your curiosity.
Clarissa Montcroix has spent her life suffocating under her family’s control. Their legacy is one of power and silence, of secrets whispered behind closed doors. But when she begins uncovering the truth hidden in the Montcroix estate—sealed chapel doors, forgotten records, a crypt built long before her family claimed the land—she realizes her family is not protecting their fortune.
They are keeping something locked away.
Buried beneath Montcroix Manor is a creature bound in chains, a mistake erased from history, a monster with golden eyes and a voice like a blade. His name is Elias, and he was never meant to be freed.
As rumors of a beast lurking near the chapel spread and her father closes his grip around her future, Clarissa finds herself trapped in a different kind of cage—one made of old blood and older curses, of forgotten names and debts that demand to be paid. And Elias, patient and hungry, is watching her with something too knowing, too human.
She went looking for answers. But some truths are meant to stay buried.
“Darkly mesmerizing. A tale of curses, hunger, and the terrifying intimacy of power.” — Janice Z. Tobin
“This book lingers—in the best and worst ways. A gothic masterpiece.” — Orlando J. Brown
There are things beneath this house that do not need your curiosity.
Clarissa Montcroix has spent her life suffocating under her family’s control. Their legacy is one of power and silence, of secrets whispered behind closed doors. But when she begins uncovering the truth hidden in the Montcroix estate—sealed chapel doors, forgotten records, a crypt built long before her family claimed the land—she realizes her family is not protecting their fortune.
They are keeping something locked away.
Buried beneath Montcroix Manor is a creature bound in chains, a mistake erased from history, a monster with golden eyes and a voice like a blade. His name is Elias, and he was never meant to be freed.
As rumors of a beast lurking near the chapel spread and her father closes his grip around her future, Clarissa finds herself trapped in a different kind of cage—one made of old blood and older curses, of forgotten names and debts that demand to be paid. And Elias, patient and hungry, is watching her with something too knowing, too human.
She went looking for answers. But some truths are meant to stay buried.
Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 15, 2025
This was such a fun and haunting read! I got pulled in right from the first page and couldn’t stop. The atmosphere is gothic and eerie, and the Montcroix manor felt like a character of its own—dark, mysterious, and full of secrets.
Clarissa is a great main character—quiet but strong—and I loved how she slowly uncovered the truth behind her family’s past. Elias, the so-called “beast,” is both tragic and fascinating. Their connection builds slowly and kept me hooked.
The writing was emotional without being overly graphic, and the story kept a nice pace throughout. If you like dark fantasy with a touch of romance and mystery, definitely give this one a try.
Clarissa is a great main character—quiet but strong—and I loved how she slowly uncovered the truth behind her family’s past. Elias, the so-called “beast,” is both tragic and fascinating. Their connection builds slowly and kept me hooked.
The writing was emotional without being overly graphic, and the story kept a nice pace throughout. If you like dark fantasy with a touch of romance and mystery, definitely give this one a try.
March 31, 2025
This was such an enjoyable read! I finished it in less than a day.
I loved the dark and ominous setting. The Montcroix manor sets such a vivid and menacing scene, and the characters are exactly how you would want them to be in an upper class, grim and pretentious family.
Clarissa Montcroix is an authentic and relatable main character and I really enjoyed her quiet strength and deviance.
And, Elias is just so deliciously beautiful and tortured, he genuinely made my heart ache at times, and I kept wanting Clarissa to just give him a hug.
I particularly enjoyed how much emotion this story evoked, without any gore, swearing or explicit scenes. I think this is a really well written and skillfully plotted, gripping dark fantasy for young adults, and adults, alike.
I also think the blurb was adequately intriguing, and even though I do like dark fantasy in general, this one really pulled me in;
-- There are things beneath this house that do not need your curiosity.
Clarissa Montcroix has spent her life suffocating under her family’s control. Their legacy is one of power and silence, of secrets whispered behind closed doors. But when she begins uncovering the truth hidden in the Montcroix estate—sealed chapel doors, forgotten records, a crypt built long before her family claimed the land—she realizes her family is not protecting their fortune.
They are keeping something locked away.
Buried beneath Montcroix Manor is a creature bound in chains, a mistake erased from history, a monster with golden eyes and a voice like a blade. His name is Elias, and he was never meant to be freed.
As rumors of a beast lurking near the chapel spread and her father closes his grip around her future, Clarissa finds herself trapped in a different kind of cage—one made of old blood and older curses, of forgotten names and debts that demand to be paid. And Elias, patient and hungry, is watching her with something too knowing, too human.
She went looking for answers. But some truths are meant to stay buried. --
I loved the dark and ominous setting. The Montcroix manor sets such a vivid and menacing scene, and the characters are exactly how you would want them to be in an upper class, grim and pretentious family.
Clarissa Montcroix is an authentic and relatable main character and I really enjoyed her quiet strength and deviance.
And, Elias is just so deliciously beautiful and tortured, he genuinely made my heart ache at times, and I kept wanting Clarissa to just give him a hug.
I particularly enjoyed how much emotion this story evoked, without any gore, swearing or explicit scenes. I think this is a really well written and skillfully plotted, gripping dark fantasy for young adults, and adults, alike.
I also think the blurb was adequately intriguing, and even though I do like dark fantasy in general, this one really pulled me in;
-- There are things beneath this house that do not need your curiosity.
Clarissa Montcroix has spent her life suffocating under her family’s control. Their legacy is one of power and silence, of secrets whispered behind closed doors. But when she begins uncovering the truth hidden in the Montcroix estate—sealed chapel doors, forgotten records, a crypt built long before her family claimed the land—she realizes her family is not protecting their fortune.
They are keeping something locked away.
Buried beneath Montcroix Manor is a creature bound in chains, a mistake erased from history, a monster with golden eyes and a voice like a blade. His name is Elias, and he was never meant to be freed.
As rumors of a beast lurking near the chapel spread and her father closes his grip around her future, Clarissa finds herself trapped in a different kind of cage—one made of old blood and older curses, of forgotten names and debts that demand to be paid. And Elias, patient and hungry, is watching her with something too knowing, too human.
She went looking for answers. But some truths are meant to stay buried. --
April 6, 2025
There were a lot of things I liked about The Beast Beneath the Chapel. The idea is wonderful, it reminded me a bit of Bram Stoker's Dracula with the situation reversed - the vampire is being held captive in the girl's home.
For the good - I liked the FMC and her struggles felt real. The author did a good job in setting up the tone of the book, from the creepy house and cold parents, to the dark winding tunnels beneath the manor.
There was a lot of potential for tension between Clarissa and Elias, but it felt like it never quite paid off. I also really loved the dynamic between Clarissa and her brother. I found myself wanting to know more about his character.
That said, there were some parts of the story that felt disjointed. At one point Clarissa is searching records and states she didn't find anything except blueprints. Then there is a scene change, and she suddenly has a letter. Another time she had an opportunity to flee and she instead chose to go look for clues at the house... the next chapter begins with her trying to escape, and no mention of if she found anything, or even a reference to her wasted opportunity. There's also one part in the middle of the book that changes POV and that felt a bit jarring, as it's the only time.
There are a few other plot holes and the scene changes felt overused - it could just be a personal quirk, but I think if you're regularly having 3-5 scene changes per chapter, it could be reworked.
In all, the meat and bones of this story was great and I felt so much potential for these characters. I would love to see more of the side characters fleshed out in future books!
For the good - I liked the FMC and her struggles felt real. The author did a good job in setting up the tone of the book, from the creepy house and cold parents, to the dark winding tunnels beneath the manor.
There was a lot of potential for tension between Clarissa and Elias, but it felt like it never quite paid off. I also really loved the dynamic between Clarissa and her brother. I found myself wanting to know more about his character.
That said, there were some parts of the story that felt disjointed. At one point Clarissa is searching records and states she didn't find anything except blueprints. Then there is a scene change, and she suddenly has a letter. Another time she had an opportunity to flee and she instead chose to go look for clues at the house... the next chapter begins with her trying to escape, and no mention of if she found anything, or even a reference to her wasted opportunity. There's also one part in the middle of the book that changes POV and that felt a bit jarring, as it's the only time.
There are a few other plot holes and the scene changes felt overused - it could just be a personal quirk, but I think if you're regularly having 3-5 scene changes per chapter, it could be reworked.
In all, the meat and bones of this story was great and I felt so much potential for these characters. I would love to see more of the side characters fleshed out in future books!
April 3, 2025
I picked this book funny enough because the title and cover reminded me of the game Diablo 1, which I love. The writing is sufficiently good, the plot is interesting, and characters, including those like Clarissa and Laurent, are well-developed. At the end of the book is a music playlist for the novel which I found amusing and endearing. Actually, I like all the songs on the playlist, especially those by Halsey, Billie Eilish, Delta Rae, and Hozier. That’s a fun touch and concept that kind of makes me want to read it again while listening to the songs. I think the author is very thoughtful.
Overall, the gothic atmosphere grabbed me immediately. I felt the chill. Clarissa’s relationship with her controlling father was engaging and well-written. She lives trapped between family expectations and her growing fascination with what lurks beneath the chapel.
The vampire Elias surprised me. His hunger feels real and dangerous while his humanity remains questionable throughout. Their slow-burn connection develops naturally amid the horror of the circumstances the novel presents. Though not perfect, I think the exploration of power, inheritance, and the monsters we create gives this story weight beyond typical gothic fare. It reminds me a bit of Crimson Peak but with a more satisfying conclusion.
Worth a read!
Overall, the gothic atmosphere grabbed me immediately. I felt the chill. Clarissa’s relationship with her controlling father was engaging and well-written. She lives trapped between family expectations and her growing fascination with what lurks beneath the chapel.
The vampire Elias surprised me. His hunger feels real and dangerous while his humanity remains questionable throughout. Their slow-burn connection develops naturally amid the horror of the circumstances the novel presents. Though not perfect, I think the exploration of power, inheritance, and the monsters we create gives this story weight beyond typical gothic fare. It reminds me a bit of Crimson Peak but with a more satisfying conclusion.
Worth a read!
April 26, 2025
When Clarissa finds a body chained up in the chapel vault of her family home, she investigates and discovers he’s alive, or rather undead. Elias is a vampire and he has been chained up for centuries. He’s starving and she brings him small animals to eat. He doesn’t kill humans – a bit like Angel after he was cursed by gypsies. As he regains his strength, something else awakens in Montcroix Manor – something ancient that Elias is bound to. And only Clarissa and Elias can stop it.
It's an okay book. I wouldn’t say great because it drags for a long time. About 90% of the book is narration and it is very repetitive with over-the-top descriptions that are constantly repeated. Yes, the manor is old and dark and something evil lurks there. I got that the first time. Yes, the family are dour and miserable. Got that. Yes, Elias is haunted. Check. No need to keep telling me.
Really, very little happens until the last 30% of the book and I saw it coming a mile off.
There were no smiles in this book, well one or two at the end. No moment of joy or happiness to contrast with the darkness. To make the horror more horrible.
I had high hopes for this book from the blurb and gushing reviews but it fell down badly for the reasons I have mentioned. I did read all of it but only because I hate to DNF any book. But at least he didn’t sparkle.
It's an okay book. I wouldn’t say great because it drags for a long time. About 90% of the book is narration and it is very repetitive with over-the-top descriptions that are constantly repeated. Yes, the manor is old and dark and something evil lurks there. I got that the first time. Yes, the family are dour and miserable. Got that. Yes, Elias is haunted. Check. No need to keep telling me.
Really, very little happens until the last 30% of the book and I saw it coming a mile off.
There were no smiles in this book, well one or two at the end. No moment of joy or happiness to contrast with the darkness. To make the horror more horrible.
I had high hopes for this book from the blurb and gushing reviews but it fell down badly for the reasons I have mentioned. I did read all of it but only because I hate to DNF any book. But at least he didn’t sparkle.
April 17, 2025
This book is classic gothic storytelling: the brooding atmosphere of Montcroix Manor which holds many secrets; the tense stifling relationship with an angry and unpredictable father who could explode into fury at a moment’s notice; and the magnetic presence of the stranger locked under the chapel; the terrible consequences unleashed when the ancient blood-seal is broken and a vicious, blood-hungry power is released, and the need for the main character, Clarissa, to escape from her arranged marriage to a cruel, controlling man and claim her freedom. This book’s strength is in the slow build-up of tension in the manor as Clarissa’s relationship with Elias, the vampire bound beneath the chapel develops while in the meantime the invisible shackles of her family and future husband’s control tighten around her in frightening, claustrophobic ways. This is a really good read and is definitely one which will be enjoyed by for those who like their vampire horror on the brooding, gothic side as opposed to the gory side.
April 8, 2025
If you enjoy horror that’s not just in your face but thoughtful, with a bit of mystery added, then The Beast Beneath the Chapel is a good choice. Of course, it’s a vampire book, so it follows that the book explores guilt, and redemption It also delves into the nature of evil and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets.
It has all the traditional elements of gothic horror, with a secluded castle, a vampire in the basement, and a terrified family held captive by a terrible evil. The heroine of the book is about to be married to a man who wants to break her will. But she also has a secret that she will soon unchain.
The writing style is a little different, with a lot of short sentences much like poetry, but the plot moves along at a fast pace and keeps your interest. The ending I found a little abrupt, but this is the first book in a series, and some of my questions will be answered in future books. All in all, a good read.
I
It has all the traditional elements of gothic horror, with a secluded castle, a vampire in the basement, and a terrified family held captive by a terrible evil. The heroine of the book is about to be married to a man who wants to break her will. But she also has a secret that she will soon unchain.
The writing style is a little different, with a lot of short sentences much like poetry, but the plot moves along at a fast pace and keeps your interest. The ending I found a little abrupt, but this is the first book in a series, and some of my questions will be answered in future books. All in all, a good read.
I
April 25, 2025
I knew I was going to enjoy this book from the very first page. It dives straight into action, introducing us to Elias, a so-called “beast” who turns out to be a vampire shackled beneath a house for centuries. MC Clarissa, a curious and brave young girl, discovers the truth behind the rumors and revives him. Their dynamic is one of the book's highlights. I especially appreciated how their relationship evolved gradually and naturally, particularly in the first part of the story. I kept asking myself, does she want to be like him? Will she be like him?
The introduction of Val added an extra layer of tension and depth, especially as conflict grew within Clarissa’s family about what was best for her. While the story had some plot holes and moments where descriptions felt repetitive, the overall gothic atmosphere and eerie storytelling more than made up for it. Fans of vampire tales with dark, moody undertones will enjoy this creepy, character-driven read.
The introduction of Val added an extra layer of tension and depth, especially as conflict grew within Clarissa’s family about what was best for her. While the story had some plot holes and moments where descriptions felt repetitive, the overall gothic atmosphere and eerie storytelling more than made up for it. Fans of vampire tales with dark, moody undertones will enjoy this creepy, character-driven read.
March 21, 2025
What a beautifully written story! The gothic vibes in this novel were spot-on and made me feel like I was there, seeing the castle through Clarissa’s eyes. I was captivated by the mystery and the suspense. The author caught my attention and interest in this story starting on the first page, which is rare. It began on an interesting note, and the world-building was weaved into the story. The romance was a slow burn, leaving me wanting more. It is a perfect novel for teens and young adults. It was an effortless and fun read.
I am looking forward to the next installment in this series. With that stated, it did not end on a cliffhanger so as a reader, I felt satisfied with the ending even if I did want more! I think there is a lot that can come from this series. The characters are interesting and have lots of room to grow.
I am looking forward to the next installment in this series. With that stated, it did not end on a cliffhanger so as a reader, I felt satisfied with the ending even if I did want more! I think there is a lot that can come from this series. The characters are interesting and have lots of room to grow.
March 25, 2025
“The Beast Beneath the Chapel: A Gothic Tale of Power, Hunger, and the Ghosts We Inherit” by Tyrese Joanne Nagamos is a creepy and suspenseful thriller. Twenty-year-old Clarissa Montcroix uncovers a dark family secret hidden in her ancestral home. In an underground crypt, a gaunt creature, a vampire named Elias, is kept prisoner. Elias claims to feed only upon the blood of animals. Clarissa brings him sustenance, and watches in a mixture of fascination and disgust as he feeds. She lives in her own gilded cage; her father views her as a commodity, soon to be sold off in marriage to a cruel and influential man. Elias reveals that his jailer was his creator, a vicious powerful vampire whose own chains are wearing thin. Will Clarissa free Elias, and if so, will he prove to be more of a monster than she could have imagined? The story is elevated by engaging and creative prose.
March 20, 2025
Well written
Now THIS is a vampire story. No sparkly nonsense, just the yearning to be something lost forever; more Angel than Edward. It was an intense thrill and very enjoyable! Poe would be proud.
Now THIS is a vampire story. No sparkly nonsense, just the yearning to be something lost forever; more Angel than Edward. It was an intense thrill and very enjoyable! Poe would be proud.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews