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Grimdark
A mesmerizing, atmospheric modern gothic story set in a sinister English manor house where a woman discovers her destiny winding through centuries of previous incarnations . . .
Teetering on the edge of the North Sea in Norfolk, Grimdark Hall is both grim and dark in name and nature. When Cló and Jude Honeyborne arrive from Toronto to claim Jude’s inheritance, Cló is unsettled by the foreboding ancient building and the hostility of Jude’s sisters, who stalk her every move.
But Cló is drawn to the strange energy of the treacherous fens and the haunting sadness of a drowned village in the bay where ghostly church bells toll thirteen, sweeping her back into another woman’s memories . . .
In 1645 Euphemia Figgis was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake, screaming a curse on the Honeybornes as the flames consumed her. Now, flashes of Effie’s life torment Cló at every turn.
Cló isn’t the only one who’s lived an odd little girl lurks about Grimdark claiming to be the reincarnation of a notorious pirate, and waiting in the shadows is a darker, vengeful incarnation who has hunted them both through the centuries in search of a medieval treasure.
As echoes of Cló’s past lives converge in present threats, she must confront a final reckoning of old betrayals and relentless greed to end an eight-hundred-year-old quest for vengeance.
Teetering on the edge of the North Sea in Norfolk, Grimdark Hall is both grim and dark in name and nature. When Cló and Jude Honeyborne arrive from Toronto to claim Jude’s inheritance, Cló is unsettled by the foreboding ancient building and the hostility of Jude’s sisters, who stalk her every move.
But Cló is drawn to the strange energy of the treacherous fens and the haunting sadness of a drowned village in the bay where ghostly church bells toll thirteen, sweeping her back into another woman’s memories . . .
In 1645 Euphemia Figgis was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake, screaming a curse on the Honeybornes as the flames consumed her. Now, flashes of Effie’s life torment Cló at every turn.
Cló isn’t the only one who’s lived an odd little girl lurks about Grimdark claiming to be the reincarnation of a notorious pirate, and waiting in the shadows is a darker, vengeful incarnation who has hunted them both through the centuries in search of a medieval treasure.
As echoes of Cló’s past lives converge in present threats, she must confront a final reckoning of old betrayals and relentless greed to end an eight-hundred-year-old quest for vengeance.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published July 29, 2025
About the author
Shannon Morgan
4 books572 followersShannon has had a nomadic past involving, but not limited to, nearly being shot in Kashmir, playing a marathon, ten-hour game of backgammon on the side of the road in Turkey, getting horribly sea-sick off the coast of Madagascar, and milking a camel in the Sahara Desert.
More recently, she moved from Africa with her husband and their four boys to the windswept moors of western England, where she gives in daily to her obsession to write. If not writing or reading, she will be collecting a worrying number of unusual and rather macabre plants, many of them poisonous as they tend to produce the most interestingly weird flowers.
Shannon is the author of HER LITTLE FLOWERS, IN THE LONELY HOURS and GRIMDARK, which are all available for purchase at all the usual retailers. Her upcoming title, A PENANCE FOR CROWS, is due for release on 28 July 2026.
For further details to see Shannon's book news check out the links here:
https://linktr.ee/shannonmorganauthor
More recently, she moved from Africa with her husband and their four boys to the windswept moors of western England, where she gives in daily to her obsession to write. If not writing or reading, she will be collecting a worrying number of unusual and rather macabre plants, many of them poisonous as they tend to produce the most interestingly weird flowers.
Shannon is the author of HER LITTLE FLOWERS, IN THE LONELY HOURS and GRIMDARK, which are all available for purchase at all the usual retailers. Her upcoming title, A PENANCE FOR CROWS, is due for release on 28 July 2026.
For further details to see Shannon's book news check out the links here:
https://linktr.ee/shannonmorganauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 25, 2025
Title/Author: Grimdark by Shannon Morgan
Format Read: Audiobook/hoopla
Pub date: July 29th, 2025
Publisher: Kensington
Page Count: 337/audiobook 9 hrs. 28 min
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978149675...
Recommended for readers who enjoy:
- Dual timelines/narratives, Gothic fiction
- Relatable, flawed, quirky, female MC, sisters-in-law
- Remote, English seaside town, Fens
- Huge, ancestral family estate and inheritance
- Family secrets & lies, local history, pirates/treasure
- Ghosts/paranormal activities, revenge
Short Description: After arriving at a crumbling estate in Norfolk, Cló Honeyborne is haunted by memories of a woman burned for witchcraft in 1645, uncovering a centuries-old curse, echoes of past lives, and a deadly search for a lost medieval treasure.-Novelist
__
Minor complaints:
- There are quite a lot of characters because of the dual timelines-sometimes I got mixed up between the two--especially with the audiobook
- I liked the idea of reincarnation playing a large role in the story but I'm not sure it was executed properly--it was a bit muddy and loose on specifics/details
- I love Cló (the MC) but she was also a bit annoying at times (especially in the audiobook)
Final recommendation: My favorite character in this book is the ancestral estate--filled with artifacts, antiques, oddities, and an enormous library--the best scenes were spent on exploring its halls and rooms. Cló and her husband, Jude are an endearing married couple. I instantly fell in love with them and I love how Shannon Morgan writes characters of all ages. This is my third book by this author and I feel a deep connection to the way she writers her MCs (especially Her Little Flowers).
Once the couple arrives at his soon-to-be inherited familial estate, we meet his two sisters who are a nightmare.
The dynamic between the siblings is entertaining but I did feel like the vitriol aimed at Cló (whom they've never met) was a bit over-the-top.
A wee content warning for fat shaming. The MC's weight and comments about her body comes up a lot.
I wasn't in love with the historical timeline, I preferred the present-day narrative so much more, but toward the end, it all comes together nicely. This was a pretty entertaining audiobook and I had fun exploring this exquisitely detailed gothic estate by the sea with a very curious, quirky insomniac with no fear.
Comps: The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan, A Stitch in Time by Kelley Armstrong, The Woman in the Mirror by Rebecca James, The Dark Between the Trees by Fiona Barnett
Format Read: Audiobook/hoopla
Pub date: July 29th, 2025
Publisher: Kensington
Page Count: 337/audiobook 9 hrs. 28 min
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978149675...
Recommended for readers who enjoy:
- Dual timelines/narratives, Gothic fiction
- Relatable, flawed, quirky, female MC, sisters-in-law
- Remote, English seaside town, Fens
- Huge, ancestral family estate and inheritance
- Family secrets & lies, local history, pirates/treasure
- Ghosts/paranormal activities, revenge
Short Description: After arriving at a crumbling estate in Norfolk, Cló Honeyborne is haunted by memories of a woman burned for witchcraft in 1645, uncovering a centuries-old curse, echoes of past lives, and a deadly search for a lost medieval treasure.-Novelist
__
Minor complaints:
- There are quite a lot of characters because of the dual timelines-sometimes I got mixed up between the two--especially with the audiobook
- I liked the idea of reincarnation playing a large role in the story but I'm not sure it was executed properly--it was a bit muddy and loose on specifics/details
- I love Cló (the MC) but she was also a bit annoying at times (especially in the audiobook)
Final recommendation: My favorite character in this book is the ancestral estate--filled with artifacts, antiques, oddities, and an enormous library--the best scenes were spent on exploring its halls and rooms. Cló and her husband, Jude are an endearing married couple. I instantly fell in love with them and I love how Shannon Morgan writes characters of all ages. This is my third book by this author and I feel a deep connection to the way she writers her MCs (especially Her Little Flowers).
Once the couple arrives at his soon-to-be inherited familial estate, we meet his two sisters who are a nightmare.
The dynamic between the siblings is entertaining but I did feel like the vitriol aimed at Cló (whom they've never met) was a bit over-the-top.
A wee content warning for fat shaming. The MC's weight and comments about her body comes up a lot.
I wasn't in love with the historical timeline, I preferred the present-day narrative so much more, but toward the end, it all comes together nicely. This was a pretty entertaining audiobook and I had fun exploring this exquisitely detailed gothic estate by the sea with a very curious, quirky insomniac with no fear.
Comps: The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan, A Stitch in Time by Kelley Armstrong, The Woman in the Mirror by Rebecca James, The Dark Between the Trees by Fiona Barnett
May 18, 2026
Shannon continues to be such a unique gothic storyteller that weaves such intricate and captivating stories together, almost like a modern day Shirley Jackson. And I love it. The names are always unheard of but easy to grasp and remember and the settings and prose are so beautiful and descriptive that you can’t help but close your eyes and be transported there while reading. Clo is such a real and layered antagonist and I love the different angles of anxiety and misunderstanding, through figuring out who owns the home, to ancestrying her past, and did I mention major levels and layers of reincarnation and past life living, which especially for the historical and honors treasure hunting aspects, I was here for. The only thing that holds me back and it might honestly be a me problem, was there are so many past lives and characters who jump around that I lost the plot occasionally and didn’t feel some deep pivotal moments like I wish I had upon first read through. This is definitely one that will be sitting in my mind and I love its take and I might have to give it a reread sometime to grasp it better and give it the higher praise I feel it deserves. Also lowkey this would make an excellent one season short series on Netflix or something, just sayin. 3.75/5
July 29, 2025
Grimdark by Shannon Morgan is an interesting, eerie historical fiction that kept me engaged.
This historical fiction that has multiple timelines is an interesting book that creates an eerie, gothic mystery that kept me turning the page again and again.
The balance between realism and mystical evened out well to give a nice pace and plot. The location of Norfolk, England really helps set the scene and adds to the overall theme. A quite ambitious task to help bolster several timelines (present day, 1645, and 1216), but I think it was pulled off nicely.
If you like mystery, historical fiction, and multiple timelines, this book is for you.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/29/25.
This historical fiction that has multiple timelines is an interesting book that creates an eerie, gothic mystery that kept me turning the page again and again.
The balance between realism and mystical evened out well to give a nice pace and plot. The location of Norfolk, England really helps set the scene and adds to the overall theme. A quite ambitious task to help bolster several timelines (present day, 1645, and 1216), but I think it was pulled off nicely.
If you like mystery, historical fiction, and multiple timelines, this book is for you.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/29/25.
August 31, 2025
4.0/5
If you like reading about haunted English manors, treacherous fens, reincarnation, burning witches, curses, and banshee winds summoned by the Old Gods . . . read Grimdark!
I liked this even more than Morgan’s Her Little Flowers and feel it showcases her growth as a writer. There’s a lot going on here with the multiple timelines and historical context but everything ties together really well. I look forward to reading her upcoming book, Penance of Crows, next year.
If you like reading about haunted English manors, treacherous fens, reincarnation, burning witches, curses, and banshee winds summoned by the Old Gods . . . read Grimdark!
I liked this even more than Morgan’s Her Little Flowers and feel it showcases her growth as a writer. There’s a lot going on here with the multiple timelines and historical context but everything ties together really well. I look forward to reading her upcoming book, Penance of Crows, next year.
September 2, 2025
3.5 ✨. A mash up of witches, reincarnation and historical fiction. Clo and Jude return to Jude's ancestral home and his bizarre older sisters. Clo turns out to be the reincarnation of two people and may know the location of King John's treasure, a supposedly true story of the crown jewels, lost in what is called The Wash in England. I was interested because I have heard the story of the lost treasure and that many people have searched for it since its disappearance in 1216. This was interesting but slow in places. I found myself skimming a bit during the past lives memories parts.
August 6, 2025
Thank you to the author and publisher for the book. Good story, easy to read, fun twists, and turns 4 stars. Stacey Bankey
July 2, 2025
Morgan's "Grimdark" consumed my nights, somehow managing to outshine her already fantastic "Her Little Flowers" with a story that seeped into my bones like the persistent chill of an ancient manor. I couldn't shake the feeling that the decrepit estate wasn't just a backdrop—it became a character itself, holding centuries of secrets within its shadowed corners.
I was amazed by how Morgan masterfully wove together three distinct timelines. Following Effie in the 1640s, I witnessed the brutal reality of healing women branded as witches, their knowledge twisted into something monstrous by fearful men. These historical sections hit me with a raw authenticity that made the injustice feel visceral rather than distant.
The medieval timeline with the brothers, filled with treasure, betrayal, and vengeance, added another level to this unfolding story of reincarnation. Their fateful choices echoed through centuries, setting the stage for what was to come.
Clo's present-day journey captivated me with its delicate complexity. Her exploration of tarot and gradual acceptance of reincarnation created some moments I won't forget—times when the veil between past and present felt gossamer-thin. The convergence of all three narratives proved absolutely devastating.
What struck me most about "Grimdark" compared to Morgan's earlier work was how thoroughly she committed to the historical elements while maintaining supernatural dread throughout. The echoes between timelines created a haunting resonance that built toward an ending I still can't stop thinking about.
If you love gothic horror that blends historical depth with genuine supernatural terror, "Grimdark" will haunt your imagination long after the final page.
Special thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing the advance review copy, though all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I was amazed by how Morgan masterfully wove together three distinct timelines. Following Effie in the 1640s, I witnessed the brutal reality of healing women branded as witches, their knowledge twisted into something monstrous by fearful men. These historical sections hit me with a raw authenticity that made the injustice feel visceral rather than distant.
The medieval timeline with the brothers, filled with treasure, betrayal, and vengeance, added another level to this unfolding story of reincarnation. Their fateful choices echoed through centuries, setting the stage for what was to come.
Clo's present-day journey captivated me with its delicate complexity. Her exploration of tarot and gradual acceptance of reincarnation created some moments I won't forget—times when the veil between past and present felt gossamer-thin. The convergence of all three narratives proved absolutely devastating.
What struck me most about "Grimdark" compared to Morgan's earlier work was how thoroughly she committed to the historical elements while maintaining supernatural dread throughout. The echoes between timelines created a haunting resonance that built toward an ending I still can't stop thinking about.
If you love gothic horror that blends historical depth with genuine supernatural terror, "Grimdark" will haunt your imagination long after the final page.
Special thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing the advance review copy, though all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
September 18, 2025
This was a haunting tale of past lives, betrayals, deception and revenge.
It's a hunt for lost treasure, navigating reincarnation, and understanding the past to survive the present.
The ancestral home of Grimdark is full of secrets and ghosts, and Clo has to confront danger, death and herself to finally close the cycle that has haunted them through the decades.
I liked the gothic atmosphere, all the mysteries, the flashbacks to the past and how the story pieces together across their lives. It had some great twists and I enjoyed the historical aspects including witchcraft trials and pirates.
It's a hunt for lost treasure, navigating reincarnation, and understanding the past to survive the present.
The ancestral home of Grimdark is full of secrets and ghosts, and Clo has to confront danger, death and herself to finally close the cycle that has haunted them through the decades.
I liked the gothic atmosphere, all the mysteries, the flashbacks to the past and how the story pieces together across their lives. It had some great twists and I enjoyed the historical aspects including witchcraft trials and pirates.
September 25, 2025
Clo and Jude travel to claim Jude’s inheritance at GrimDark Hall. Clo is unsettled by the hostility of Jude’s sisters and dreams to the strange energy of a drowned village where she hears the tolls of ghostly church bells.
As if the bells trigger something in Clo, she is swept back into another woman’s memories. As the echoes of Clo’s past lives converge in present, she must confront her gem in order to proceed in peace.
This atmospheric, gothic tale is layered in three timelines; encompassing betrayal, revenge, reincarnation, superstition and the lives of one soul.
I think this will be a perfect spooky season read for someone.
🦇 Gothic
🔮 Supernatural/paranormal
🦇 Vengeance
🔮 Generational trauma
🦇 feminist rage
🔮 witches
🦇 curses
🔮 crumbling, isolated stately home
🦇 superstition
🔮 ancient crypts
🦇 atmospheric setting
Unfortunately for me, the book was too slow of a burn for me and I could not retain anything. I’m hoping it was just a timing thing because the book vibes definitely drew me in. I may have to revisit this and see if it hits different. I recommend checking this book out for yourself!
Thank you to the author, Shannon Morgan, and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.
July 25, 2025
GRIMDARK by Shannon Morgan
Shannon Morgan is now one of my favorite authors. Truly! I read (& loved!) her two previous books (Her Little Flowers and In The Lonely Hours) so I was excited to receive an invitation to read her latest, Grimdark.
Spanning eight hundred(!) years and three timelines (1216, 1645 and present day), this is an epic historical gothic mystery. It explores reincarnation and past lives, features women as healers and cunning folk, while giving a good dose of mysticism, superstition, betrayal, and revenge. The meticulous historical research shows in the details of the location (Norfolk, England), dialects/dialogue, and the atmospheric writing.
I do wish there was a family tree or cast of characters list included as there were many individuals to keep track of. Even a layout of Grimdark Hall would have been a fun addition!
All in all, this was a well written and immersive story. The timelines and characters converged quite seamlessly, and most satisfyingly at the end. Highly recommend!
Rating: 4.25/5 ⭐️
Pub Date: 07.29.25
**ARC courtesy of Netgalley & KensingtonBooks
Shannon Morgan is now one of my favorite authors. Truly! I read (& loved!) her two previous books (Her Little Flowers and In The Lonely Hours) so I was excited to receive an invitation to read her latest, Grimdark.
Spanning eight hundred(!) years and three timelines (1216, 1645 and present day), this is an epic historical gothic mystery. It explores reincarnation and past lives, features women as healers and cunning folk, while giving a good dose of mysticism, superstition, betrayal, and revenge. The meticulous historical research shows in the details of the location (Norfolk, England), dialects/dialogue, and the atmospheric writing.
I do wish there was a family tree or cast of characters list included as there were many individuals to keep track of. Even a layout of Grimdark Hall would have been a fun addition!
All in all, this was a well written and immersive story. The timelines and characters converged quite seamlessly, and most satisfyingly at the end. Highly recommend!
Rating: 4.25/5 ⭐️
Pub Date: 07.29.25
**ARC courtesy of Netgalley & KensingtonBooks
November 23, 2025
4.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was just such a perfect, atmospheric read for the fall. It was dark, gloomy, and mysterious - I felt like I was actually at the manor or in the town the entire time. I also just loved how Shannon Morgan intertwined the stories from three different generations/time periods. The witches, pirates, greed for the lost treasure and generational trauma - it was actually just so well-thought out. It always amazes me how she can tie multiple side stories into the main plot. I really enjoyed this entire experience!
Like her previous novel, this was also a bit of a slow-burning mystery and you won't really see the full story fleshed out until the end. If you need a cozy yet eerie gothic mystery, definitely check out this book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was just such a perfect, atmospheric read for the fall. It was dark, gloomy, and mysterious - I felt like I was actually at the manor or in the town the entire time. I also just loved how Shannon Morgan intertwined the stories from three different generations/time periods. The witches, pirates, greed for the lost treasure and generational trauma - it was actually just so well-thought out. It always amazes me how she can tie multiple side stories into the main plot. I really enjoyed this entire experience!
Like her previous novel, this was also a bit of a slow-burning mystery and you won't really see the full story fleshed out until the end. If you need a cozy yet eerie gothic mystery, definitely check out this book!
February 1, 2026
I too firmly believe I am a reincarnated accused witch who cursed an entire bloodline.
September 12, 2025
Started this on a whim and fell in love with it! Grimdark is an all encompassing gothic horror novel with ghosts, witches, reincarnation, three different timelines/perspectives, and major suspense. Each era (1200s, 1600s, and present day) weave together to solve the quest of hidden stolen treasure and vengeance that has stretched over 800 years!
My biggest dislike was the ending twist of Ruth being the villain/Brother Simon/Matthew Hopkins and not Constance. I personally thought that took away from Constance's cruelty throughout the rest of the novel, and she wasn't redeemed by the end of the novel. Both sisters were unjustly vicious and could have potentially been one character entirely.
My biggest dislike was the ending twist of Ruth being the villain/Brother Simon/Matthew Hopkins and not Constance. I personally thought that took away from Constance's cruelty throughout the rest of the novel, and she wasn't redeemed by the end of the novel. Both sisters were unjustly vicious and could have potentially been one character entirely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
Interesting!
I hadn't read what this was about before I began reading it. So it became pretty interesting when it began centering around reincarnation! That was crazy! But I enjoyed Shannon's other books so much, I couldn't wait to get this one. I especially enjoyed the narrator since I decided to also listen to this one.
This is a writer who was new to me a few months ago. And now I can hardly wait for her future novels!
I hadn't read what this was about before I began reading it. So it became pretty interesting when it began centering around reincarnation! That was crazy! But I enjoyed Shannon's other books so much, I couldn't wait to get this one. I especially enjoyed the narrator since I decided to also listen to this one.
This is a writer who was new to me a few months ago. And now I can hardly wait for her future novels!
August 27, 2025
A gripping witchy read!! 🧙♀️
September 4, 2025
Oh Grimdark, you had me at ‘gothic’.
July 8, 2026
I really enjoy Shannon Morgan's way of writing and have yet to pick up a book of hers that I don't finish.
I will say though, I unfortunately disliked the main character (Cló) a lot. The chapters focusing on the other lives were what kept me reading.
I will say though, I unfortunately disliked the main character (Cló) a lot. The chapters focusing on the other lives were what kept me reading.
May 29, 2026
Another win for Shannon Morgan! I haven’t read one that I haven’t loved yet! Grimdark was another great gothic mystery, although this time instead of a ghost story this was a unique tale about past lives and family curses. Grimdark also has beautifully interwoven the tragedies of the 17th century witch hunts that took so many lives, into the story. Shannan Morgan is a master storyteller and I will continue to read her books as long as she writes.
August 30, 2025
Atmospheric, a good book to peek into the Fall season. I won a copy of this and am always happy to read a dark gothic novel. I did like the setting and tone. Some of the plot felt like I had to suspend judgement enough to take me out of the moment, but it was enjoyable.
August 18, 2025
Started well and then quickly devolved into utter nonsense. 3 lifetimes connected through random people, lost treasure, pirates, witches- despite so many interesting ingredients, it was one of the most boring reads.
Not one of the characters was likable (except maybe Luna)- Clo, the protagonist, was insufferable. And despite going on and on about how much Jude depended on her, we learned nothing about him or his nature except that he was traumatized by his sisters as a child.
By the time the big reveal arrived, that weird Ruth was actually Brother Simon, I was past caring- was skimming through and flipping past pages at this point.
Godawful waste of time!
Not one of the characters was likable (except maybe Luna)- Clo, the protagonist, was insufferable. And despite going on and on about how much Jude depended on her, we learned nothing about him or his nature except that he was traumatized by his sisters as a child.
By the time the big reveal arrived, that weird Ruth was actually Brother Simon, I was past caring- was skimming through and flipping past pages at this point.
Godawful waste of time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2026
Last year Shannon Morgan released her third novel, Grimdark. With her fourth book just around the corner, I wanted to catch up on this one first.
Grimdark starts off when Cló’s husband, Jude, unexpectedly inherits his estranged family’s estate in Norfolk. The couple travel there to oversee the new ownership, but Jude’s cruel, much older sisters are there, too. Cló spends her time exploring the storied mansion and grounds, but strange visions are starting to inundate her. Divided between three timelines—the 1200s, 1600s, and now—Cló will need to figure out what happened in her past lives if she’s going to save herself now.
What I Liked:
- Reincarnation. I find the topic of reincarnation fascinating, and that was an element I enjoyed here. What are these visions Cló seems to have from hundreds of years ago? Are they vivid dreams… or genuine memories from a past life? Even more bizarre is that Cló doesn’t seem to be the only one with memories of a previous life (or lives); the little girl who lives nearby also has unexplainable knowledge of the past. How do these divergent lives connect now?
- Three timelines. There are ultimately three incarnations of these characters: first 1216, then 1645, and finally present day. The initial timeline lends a medieval atmosphere; the second highlights the witch trials of the era. But now, it’s up to Cló to uncover why her life is repeatedly intertwined with these other characters, why they mean to kill her, and what they’re really after.
- Creepy characters. The two sisters-in-law? Super weird and mean. The little girl who keeps breaking in? Ethereal and cryptic. Even Cló herself, with her eyes of different colors and her penchant for wandering around at night, isn’t a particularly conventional person. Each character stands out, usually for something uncanny about them. (All that said, I actually like Cló a lot!)
What Didn’t Work for Me:
- A bit disjointed. As much as I liked the three timelines and themes of reincarnation, the disparate threads didn’t come together much until very late in the book. As such, there were a lot of characters and themes to keep track of, and little to connect them for a long time.
- Fat shaming. Cló’s two sisters-in-law are constantly making comments about her weight, frequently calling her a “fat mouse.” Their immediate hatred and body shaming toward Cló felt rather over-the-top and unwarranted, especially at the beginning. I also wish that Cló didn’t have so much internalized shame about her weight. This element made me hate the sisters even more, but I would have liked to see Cló more self-assured about her body.
Final Thoughts
Grimdark is an imaginative and twisting story of greed, family issues, and women striving to save themselves. I enjoyed seeing the world through Cló’s perspective, in particular, and watching as she unraveled centuries-old secrets. This was my first time reading Shannon Morgan, and I’m excited to read her forthcoming novel, A Penance for Crows, due out next week.
Special thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
* Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! *
Grimdark starts off when Cló’s husband, Jude, unexpectedly inherits his estranged family’s estate in Norfolk. The couple travel there to oversee the new ownership, but Jude’s cruel, much older sisters are there, too. Cló spends her time exploring the storied mansion and grounds, but strange visions are starting to inundate her. Divided between three timelines—the 1200s, 1600s, and now—Cló will need to figure out what happened in her past lives if she’s going to save herself now.
What I Liked:
- Reincarnation. I find the topic of reincarnation fascinating, and that was an element I enjoyed here. What are these visions Cló seems to have from hundreds of years ago? Are they vivid dreams… or genuine memories from a past life? Even more bizarre is that Cló doesn’t seem to be the only one with memories of a previous life (or lives); the little girl who lives nearby also has unexplainable knowledge of the past. How do these divergent lives connect now?
- Three timelines. There are ultimately three incarnations of these characters: first 1216, then 1645, and finally present day. The initial timeline lends a medieval atmosphere; the second highlights the witch trials of the era. But now, it’s up to Cló to uncover why her life is repeatedly intertwined with these other characters, why they mean to kill her, and what they’re really after.
- Creepy characters. The two sisters-in-law? Super weird and mean. The little girl who keeps breaking in? Ethereal and cryptic. Even Cló herself, with her eyes of different colors and her penchant for wandering around at night, isn’t a particularly conventional person. Each character stands out, usually for something uncanny about them. (All that said, I actually like Cló a lot!)
What Didn’t Work for Me:
- A bit disjointed. As much as I liked the three timelines and themes of reincarnation, the disparate threads didn’t come together much until very late in the book. As such, there were a lot of characters and themes to keep track of, and little to connect them for a long time.
- Fat shaming. Cló’s two sisters-in-law are constantly making comments about her weight, frequently calling her a “fat mouse.” Their immediate hatred and body shaming toward Cló felt rather over-the-top and unwarranted, especially at the beginning. I also wish that Cló didn’t have so much internalized shame about her weight. This element made me hate the sisters even more, but I would have liked to see Cló more self-assured about her body.
Final Thoughts
Grimdark is an imaginative and twisting story of greed, family issues, and women striving to save themselves. I enjoyed seeing the world through Cló’s perspective, in particular, and watching as she unraveled centuries-old secrets. This was my first time reading Shannon Morgan, and I’m excited to read her forthcoming novel, A Penance for Crows, due out next week.
Special thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
* Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! *
September 24, 2025
Thrilling and melancholic, with a through line of female connection and courage across centuries, this ambitious and evocative novel spans three timelines—present day, 1645, and 1216—in a remote English seaside town where legends of witches and ghosts obscure an even stranger truth. For fans of Simone St. James, Eve Chase and Jennifer McMahon.
Teetering on the edge of the North Sea in Norfolk, Grimdark Hall is both grim and dark in name and nature. When Cló and Jude Honeyborne arrive from Toronto to claim Jude’s inheritance, Cló is unsettled by the foreboding ancient building and the hostility of Jude’s sisters, who stalk her every move.
But Cló is drawn to the strange energy of the treacherous fens and the haunting sadness of a drowned village in the bay where ghostly church bells toll thirteen, sweeping her back into another woman’s memories . . .
In 1645 Euphemia Figgis was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake, screaming a curse on the Honeybornes as the flames consumed her. Now, flashes of Effie’s life torment Cló at every turn.
Cló isn’t the only one who’s lived before: an odd little girl lurks about Grimdark claiming to be the reincarnation of a notorious pirate, and waiting in the shadows is a darker, vengeful incarnation who has hunted them both through the centuries in search of a medieval treasure.
As echoes of Cló’s past lives converge in present threats, she must confront a final reckoning of old betrayals and relentless greed to end an eight-hundred-year-old quest for vengeance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arriving at Grimdark Hall to claim her husband's inheritance, Cló and Jude Honeyborne believe they will be there for a while and then return to their lives in Canada. However, nothing goes to plan as Cló begins to remember lives centuries past, including Euphemia Figgis, who in 1645 was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake, screaming a curse on the Honeybornes as flames consumed her.
Shannon Morgan creates a beautifully atmospheric novel where the gothic creeps in from the corners and the past consumes the present until the lines between blur. Cló was an amazing character to follow, as she doesn't understand what is happening but listens to the whispers of the past with a mixture of curiosity and fear. She feels incredibly realistic, where she freaks out at the haunts and connects to the "weird" locals that others ignore and treat with disgust.
Overall, Grimdark is a beautifully gothic tale of reincarnation, mystery, and treasure lost centuries past. Morgan's book is definitely a must-read for anyone obsessed with the gothic.
Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing, for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Teetering on the edge of the North Sea in Norfolk, Grimdark Hall is both grim and dark in name and nature. When Cló and Jude Honeyborne arrive from Toronto to claim Jude’s inheritance, Cló is unsettled by the foreboding ancient building and the hostility of Jude’s sisters, who stalk her every move.
But Cló is drawn to the strange energy of the treacherous fens and the haunting sadness of a drowned village in the bay where ghostly church bells toll thirteen, sweeping her back into another woman’s memories . . .
In 1645 Euphemia Figgis was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake, screaming a curse on the Honeybornes as the flames consumed her. Now, flashes of Effie’s life torment Cló at every turn.
Cló isn’t the only one who’s lived before: an odd little girl lurks about Grimdark claiming to be the reincarnation of a notorious pirate, and waiting in the shadows is a darker, vengeful incarnation who has hunted them both through the centuries in search of a medieval treasure.
As echoes of Cló’s past lives converge in present threats, she must confront a final reckoning of old betrayals and relentless greed to end an eight-hundred-year-old quest for vengeance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arriving at Grimdark Hall to claim her husband's inheritance, Cló and Jude Honeyborne believe they will be there for a while and then return to their lives in Canada. However, nothing goes to plan as Cló begins to remember lives centuries past, including Euphemia Figgis, who in 1645 was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake, screaming a curse on the Honeybornes as flames consumed her.
Shannon Morgan creates a beautifully atmospheric novel where the gothic creeps in from the corners and the past consumes the present until the lines between blur. Cló was an amazing character to follow, as she doesn't understand what is happening but listens to the whispers of the past with a mixture of curiosity and fear. She feels incredibly realistic, where she freaks out at the haunts and connects to the "weird" locals that others ignore and treat with disgust.
Overall, Grimdark is a beautifully gothic tale of reincarnation, mystery, and treasure lost centuries past. Morgan's book is definitely a must-read for anyone obsessed with the gothic.
Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing, for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 17, 2025
With witches, curses, and ghosts, this gothic atmospheric read is a good fit for spooky season. Deeply layered and taking place across three time lines, Grimdark is a mysterious tale featuring a crumbling ancient estate, superstitions and reincarnated souls.
Cló accompanies her husband, Jude, to his ancestral home which he has now inherited even though he wants nothing to do with it or his sisters. Jude’s sisters, Constance and Ruth, tortured him as a child, and he has no fond memories of his time growing up here. Constance and Ruth are unhappy that the house was left to him and even less so now that he has brought home his ‘overfed mouse’ of a wife. As time passes, old curses, ghosts and unexplained flashes of the past begin to take their toll on Cló’s sanity and Jude’s personality.
Cló’s character is filled with curiosity and low self confidence in the beginning, but as the story unfolds, she demonstrates strength and growth from learning how women were treated in the past. The house, Grimdark, is as much a character as the people and is written in a way that makes it seem alive. You can viscerally feel the impact the house has on the people living within it. Jude’s character is not well developed and almost seemed to be an afterthought as his role is pushed to the side for the bigger stories of Cló, Germaine and Effie, and his sisters.
An intriguing read filled with lyrical writing and vivd descriptions, I found it occasionally slow paced and felt that some of the scenes from past times could be shortened a bit to keep the narrative flowing. Overall, a complex read blending history with fiction that focuses on the themes of family relationships and women’s resilience wrapped in the dark world of Gothic Literature.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
September 23, 2025
Thanks to author Shannon Morgan and Happily Booked PR for the gifted ARC.
Grimdark is a well crafted, highly atmospheric, supernatural mystery. I almost dnf this book, as it was a very slow buildup with the story only picking up pace in the last 80 or so pages. Once it did pick up though, it was very interesting and I’m glad I stuck with it. Though at first the atmospheric tension and developing relationship dynamics felt tedious, it ultimately came together quite nicely, with all the little pieces fitting together at the climax.
Grimdark was an interesting study into the phenomenon of reincarnation. Telling the story of one soul, through 3 lives and 3 vastly different timelines was unique and interesting. I particularly enjoyed the flashbacks to Cló’s previous lives, as they delved more into the rich history of England’s power plays amongst the ruling class and the tragic plight of many women during the witch trials in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
While I appreciate the atmosphere, the history, and all the complexities of telling a story through three different, but interconnected perspectives, Grimdark just wasn’t my vibe, thus I rate it 3.75/5 (rounded up to 4). The pace dragged at points, and the ending felt a little lackluster. That being said, just because it wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it isn’t right for you! If you enjoy slow story pacing, highly atmospheric settings, and a blend of historical and supernatural mystery check out Grimdark.
Grimdark is a well crafted, highly atmospheric, supernatural mystery. I almost dnf this book, as it was a very slow buildup with the story only picking up pace in the last 80 or so pages. Once it did pick up though, it was very interesting and I’m glad I stuck with it. Though at first the atmospheric tension and developing relationship dynamics felt tedious, it ultimately came together quite nicely, with all the little pieces fitting together at the climax.
Grimdark was an interesting study into the phenomenon of reincarnation. Telling the story of one soul, through 3 lives and 3 vastly different timelines was unique and interesting. I particularly enjoyed the flashbacks to Cló’s previous lives, as they delved more into the rich history of England’s power plays amongst the ruling class and the tragic plight of many women during the witch trials in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
While I appreciate the atmosphere, the history, and all the complexities of telling a story through three different, but interconnected perspectives, Grimdark just wasn’t my vibe, thus I rate it 3.75/5 (rounded up to 4). The pace dragged at points, and the ending felt a little lackluster. That being said, just because it wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it isn’t right for you! If you enjoy slow story pacing, highly atmospheric settings, and a blend of historical and supernatural mystery check out Grimdark.
March 26, 2026
2.5 stars!
So, why did this book feel like it was 788 pages when it was only 313. I’ll tell you why, the big reveal happens around 200 pages in then there is another 113 pages where almost nothing happens. It could’ve wrapped up around 260. I did enjoy this premise and the duel timelines. The writing is good but drops in quality toward the 3rd act. It becomes a bit repetitive with phrasing and structure. I love anything that involves witchcraft, witch trails and forbidden magic. The story telling is really nice but the execution as a whole felt very long.
Clo & Effie were well balanced characters. They tell the story well, while being timelines apart from each other. There are several small reveals that get put together pretty quickly in the beginning of the story. I enjoyed the way thorn of these women were written and how their story progresses.
The atmosphere was there and I knew where I was in time through the whole book. The use of adjectives and nuance writing was well done and placed appropriately. The little Easter eggs written in were nice touches.
Overall, my issue was with pacing. Things became repetitive very quickly and the story ended exactly how I thought it was going too. There was little left to the readers imagination once the big reveal happens. There are very few things that would make sense in the final scene and the author played it safe.
I will continue to read this author but may switch to audio.
So, why did this book feel like it was 788 pages when it was only 313. I’ll tell you why, the big reveal happens around 200 pages in then there is another 113 pages where almost nothing happens. It could’ve wrapped up around 260. I did enjoy this premise and the duel timelines. The writing is good but drops in quality toward the 3rd act. It becomes a bit repetitive with phrasing and structure. I love anything that involves witchcraft, witch trails and forbidden magic. The story telling is really nice but the execution as a whole felt very long.
Clo & Effie were well balanced characters. They tell the story well, while being timelines apart from each other. There are several small reveals that get put together pretty quickly in the beginning of the story. I enjoyed the way thorn of these women were written and how their story progresses.
The atmosphere was there and I knew where I was in time through the whole book. The use of adjectives and nuance writing was well done and placed appropriately. The little Easter eggs written in were nice touches.
Overall, my issue was with pacing. Things became repetitive very quickly and the story ended exactly how I thought it was going too. There was little left to the readers imagination once the big reveal happens. There are very few things that would make sense in the final scene and the author played it safe.
I will continue to read this author but may switch to audio.
July 21, 2025
Grimdark weaves three timelines spanning 800 years but begins in the modern age as a gothic tale with a Canadian woman, Cló, and her husband Jude traveling to England upon the death of his father to settle affairs on his childhood home, a creepy crumbling estate manor. Jude has only memories of trauma at the hands of his two older sisters, who still live in the manor, but Cló can’t help but be excited, curious, and ready to explore.
Soon, Cló‘s dreams and memories begin overlapping with the perspectives we read from the other timelines, and I couldn’t read fast enough to see how they and the people around her are connected.
Grimdark has themes of witchcraft, including real historical characters such as the Witchfinder Matthew Hopkins and King John (or, as the song from Disney’s Robin Hood always reminds us, “John the Worst”), pirates, and legends of lost treasure but with real emotional depth such as the impact that multiple failed attempts to carry a child to term have on Cló and Jude’s relationship.
At times, following the threads of multiple storylines and many characters was a little complex, but it led to a pretty thrilling climax, so it’s worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Soon, Cló‘s dreams and memories begin overlapping with the perspectives we read from the other timelines, and I couldn’t read fast enough to see how they and the people around her are connected.
Grimdark has themes of witchcraft, including real historical characters such as the Witchfinder Matthew Hopkins and King John (or, as the song from Disney’s Robin Hood always reminds us, “John the Worst”), pirates, and legends of lost treasure but with real emotional depth such as the impact that multiple failed attempts to carry a child to term have on Cló and Jude’s relationship.
At times, following the threads of multiple storylines and many characters was a little complex, but it led to a pretty thrilling climax, so it’s worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 10, 2026
I won a finished paperback copy of this novel in a Goodreads Giveaway and really enjoyed it! It reminded me, in part, of Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick, at least if it were crossed with Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier, The Last Witch in Edinburgh by Marielle Thompson, and/or Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. It was very modern sounding, which wasn’t bad, especially as it helped distinguish the current-day timeline with that of the historical ones (of which there were several). But personally, I think I would have enjoyed this story more if the central timeline had been a bit more historical and less of a thriller/mystery and more of a true horror (i.e., less Jamaica Inn and more Mexican Gothic). This might just be my personal preference, however!
As-is, the story contains lots of elements, with distinct characters and settings. I found the reincarnation timeline somewhat confusing, but for the most part thought Morgan did a solid job of transitioning readers in and out of periods and places while trying to make it clear how the history of the intertwined characters unfolded. I’d almost like to reread this one to better understand how everything worked, including the foreshadowing and beyond. But for now, I plan to pass this along to friends and see what they think!
As-is, the story contains lots of elements, with distinct characters and settings. I found the reincarnation timeline somewhat confusing, but for the most part thought Morgan did a solid job of transitioning readers in and out of periods and places while trying to make it clear how the history of the intertwined characters unfolded. I’d almost like to reread this one to better understand how everything worked, including the foreshadowing and beyond. But for now, I plan to pass this along to friends and see what they think!
September 16, 2025
What to expect
Sinister English old manners
Burning witches
Curses
Reincarnation – multiple timelines
Horror, gothic settings
Historical fiction
Slowburn
Series – standalone
Gothic horror? Heck yes! Perfect for this time of year! I haven’t read anything by this author before, but I will definitely be looking into her other books for sure! Such an shaking historical fiction, kept me reading, with multiple timelines mixed with real realism and supernatural. I was turning the pages as quick as I could read! The different timelines was pulled off nicely, cause sometimes that can be confusing and Shannon nailed this! (It was a bit complex at time but at the climax of it… 🔥🔥) grim dark has themes of witchcraft, which I am such a sucker for! Also loved how there was historical fiction with the which fender Matthew Hopkins, and then King John got into the story.
The characters were well developed, love the witches and curses I just couldn’t read this fast enough thank you Shannon, Morgan, and Nick Galley for this read this is my unbiased opinion !
“ Grimdark hall, brooded in sullen defiance of the sun.”
Sinister English old manners
Burning witches
Curses
Reincarnation – multiple timelines
Horror, gothic settings
Historical fiction
Slowburn
Series – standalone
Gothic horror? Heck yes! Perfect for this time of year! I haven’t read anything by this author before, but I will definitely be looking into her other books for sure! Such an shaking historical fiction, kept me reading, with multiple timelines mixed with real realism and supernatural. I was turning the pages as quick as I could read! The different timelines was pulled off nicely, cause sometimes that can be confusing and Shannon nailed this! (It was a bit complex at time but at the climax of it… 🔥🔥) grim dark has themes of witchcraft, which I am such a sucker for! Also loved how there was historical fiction with the which fender Matthew Hopkins, and then King John got into the story.
The characters were well developed, love the witches and curses I just couldn’t read this fast enough thank you Shannon, Morgan, and Nick Galley for this read this is my unbiased opinion !
“ Grimdark hall, brooded in sullen defiance of the sun.”
April 6, 2025
Grimdark is a historical, gothic novel about Cló, a Canadian ornithologist who goes with her husband Jude to settle the estate of his late parents at Grimdark Hall, the family’s rambling mansion. Jude’s sisters still live in the house, and hate him and, by extension, Cló.
This story has a dual timeline (sometimes with a third), which was an interesting way to tell the story of the three reincarnated people in the story. Some have had an issue keeping track of these, but my opinion is that Shannon Morgan did an excellent job using these, and they were used in a way that fleshed out the story beautifully.
As I think back on my time reading this story, I really don’t think much happened, but it was still an enjoyable read. In my view, Jude’s presence in the story did nothing to advance the plot other than getting Cló to Grimdark Hall. While an important part of the exposition of the story, all scenes with Jude felt unnecessary and almost like an afterthought.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this chance to read this book in advance!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2025
Grimdark Hall is the perfect setting for a modern gothic tale: sinister, windswept, and brimming with secrets. From the creeping tension of the manor house to the haunting toll of church bells, the vibes were fantastic and exactly what I want to curl up with during the 'ber months. I’ve been to Norfolk before, so I could really picture the windswept coast and eerie fens. That little personal connection made the historical threads of this story feel even richer.
There is a lot happening here. Multiple timelines, reincarnations, and centuries of history. At times, the narrative jumped around more than I’d like, but if you’re in the mood for something layered and intricate, it’s fantastic. Sometimes I just prefer a book I don’t have to think too hard about.
Overall, if you’re looking for something moody, atmospheric, and unapologetically gothic, this is a perfect pick for autumn nights. A dark English manor, ghosts, witches, and centuries-old vengeance....what more could you want?
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and the author for an ARC copy of this book.
There is a lot happening here. Multiple timelines, reincarnations, and centuries of history. At times, the narrative jumped around more than I’d like, but if you’re in the mood for something layered and intricate, it’s fantastic. Sometimes I just prefer a book I don’t have to think too hard about.
Overall, if you’re looking for something moody, atmospheric, and unapologetically gothic, this is a perfect pick for autumn nights. A dark English manor, ghosts, witches, and centuries-old vengeance....what more could you want?
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and the author for an ARC copy of this book.
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