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Copperheart
The origins of the werewolf myth . . .
All towns hold secrets, and the town of Campion is no different . . .
Eighteen year old Ash Copperheart is suffering depression after witnessing his best friend's death four years earlier. Fearing for her son's mental health, Lily, accepts her boyfriend, Jude's, invitation and with an unwilling Ash moves to Campion to live with him. They are leaving behind more than bad memories, and there is one thing Ash doesn't want to let go.
It isn't long before things start to go wrong.
Jude is hiding an unusual secret, one Ash discovers in the disused outhouse. At first sight it looks like an old, dirty, fur cloak. But there is more to it than meets the eye. When Ash touches the cloak, he sees something inexplicable and terrifying.
Later, when the cloak disappears, he knows Jude has taken it.
Ash has a secret too . . . he sees the earthbound dead, and that talent aids him in tracing the inhuman spirit attached to the cloak.
In the town of Campion a struggle is taking place between two men, between sanity and insanity, and between man and beast. Whoever claims the cloak will gain the power of a creature belonging to myth . . .
But the creature is cunning and desperate to escape its imprisonment. Is it manipulating Ash to gain its freedom, or does it have more to offer the disillusioned young man?
Under night, when Mother Moon is full, emotions spill over . . .
'Leave it alone, Ash. The times you fear it is when it's telling you the truth.'
All towns hold secrets, and the town of Campion is no different . . .
Eighteen year old Ash Copperheart is suffering depression after witnessing his best friend's death four years earlier. Fearing for her son's mental health, Lily, accepts her boyfriend, Jude's, invitation and with an unwilling Ash moves to Campion to live with him. They are leaving behind more than bad memories, and there is one thing Ash doesn't want to let go.
It isn't long before things start to go wrong.
Jude is hiding an unusual secret, one Ash discovers in the disused outhouse. At first sight it looks like an old, dirty, fur cloak. But there is more to it than meets the eye. When Ash touches the cloak, he sees something inexplicable and terrifying.
Later, when the cloak disappears, he knows Jude has taken it.
Ash has a secret too . . . he sees the earthbound dead, and that talent aids him in tracing the inhuman spirit attached to the cloak.
In the town of Campion a struggle is taking place between two men, between sanity and insanity, and between man and beast. Whoever claims the cloak will gain the power of a creature belonging to myth . . .
But the creature is cunning and desperate to escape its imprisonment. Is it manipulating Ash to gain its freedom, or does it have more to offer the disillusioned young man?
Under night, when Mother Moon is full, emotions spill over . . .
'Leave it alone, Ash. The times you fear it is when it's telling you the truth.'
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2014
12 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Farrow
2 books68 followersGemma has been writing horror and psychological stories for a number of years. She has had short stories published in magazines and on E-zines, such as Supernatural Tales, Twisted Dreams and Micro Horror. Gemma's stories can be found on her Trinity Hanging blog.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 15, 2014
When Ash and his mother Lily move in with her new boyfriend Jude, it is a new start. Lily hopes fervently that this second chance will heal the wounds in her son’s heart and mind. She’s counting on leaving behind the ghosts of the past and starting afresh. But Jude has a few secrets of his own. Can Ash overcome his haunted past without falling into Jude’s?
I have come across many wonderful books and authors in my time between the pages - and I admit to spending quite a lot of time there. I’ve enjoyed some stories, been unable to finish some and raved about a select few. But there are only a handful of authors I would consider ‘great writers’ and Gemma Farrow has managed to get herself onto my ‘wow’ list.
There is something so poignant and real about her writing style, that it makes you want to slow the book down and savor each word. Ms Farrow has a knack for packing maximum meaning and emotion into a small amount of words. This, I discovered when reading her first published novelette ‘Beneath the willows’ and she has expertly carried this skill over to this, her first full length novel. Each sentence, regardless of how short, has some kind of deeper meaning beyond the words themselves - or more likely, because of the words she has chosen to use.
The characters Ms Farrow has created are so wonderfully ‘wrong’. They bring to mind the intensity of a black and white movie with their deep, dark passions and outwardly dull lives. Ms Farrow’s portrayal of the cultural aspects of Ash’s environment adds flavor to the mix. The picture of that opening scene with the frying pan of chicken feet is one that will stick with me for a long time. The combination of natural dialogue, captured accents, stark descriptions and underlying symbolism resonate with the reader.
Themes of mental health, reality, familial dynamics, acceptance, depression and spiritual beliefs, amongst others, are littered throughout the story. This is one of those novels that leave you quiet and thoughtful when you’re done.
Gemma Farrow is one author you need to put on your ‘preorder anything she writes’ list. You’ll never be disappointed.
I have come across many wonderful books and authors in my time between the pages - and I admit to spending quite a lot of time there. I’ve enjoyed some stories, been unable to finish some and raved about a select few. But there are only a handful of authors I would consider ‘great writers’ and Gemma Farrow has managed to get herself onto my ‘wow’ list.
There is something so poignant and real about her writing style, that it makes you want to slow the book down and savor each word. Ms Farrow has a knack for packing maximum meaning and emotion into a small amount of words. This, I discovered when reading her first published novelette ‘Beneath the willows’ and she has expertly carried this skill over to this, her first full length novel. Each sentence, regardless of how short, has some kind of deeper meaning beyond the words themselves - or more likely, because of the words she has chosen to use.
The characters Ms Farrow has created are so wonderfully ‘wrong’. They bring to mind the intensity of a black and white movie with their deep, dark passions and outwardly dull lives. Ms Farrow’s portrayal of the cultural aspects of Ash’s environment adds flavor to the mix. The picture of that opening scene with the frying pan of chicken feet is one that will stick with me for a long time. The combination of natural dialogue, captured accents, stark descriptions and underlying symbolism resonate with the reader.
Themes of mental health, reality, familial dynamics, acceptance, depression and spiritual beliefs, amongst others, are littered throughout the story. This is one of those novels that leave you quiet and thoughtful when you’re done.
Gemma Farrow is one author you need to put on your ‘preorder anything she writes’ list. You’ll never be disappointed.
December 14, 2014
Like BENEATH THE WILLOW, Ms. Farrow adopts the perfect pace to build suspense in this psychological thriller. An old fur is discovered by Ash Copperheart, a young man who is desperately trying to overcome his psychic disturbances. His mother has brought him to Campion for a fresh start, but he can't find work and he falls in with unsavory friends. And he fur entices him, while he fights against the only person who understands his growing compulsion.
I'm not a horror fan, but Ms. Farrow offers so much more than action scenes. Showing great empathy for her characters, Ms. Farrow deftly explores the personal misfortunes that have molded the characters that enter Ash's life. To say more, I might be revealing too much of the plot.
I'm not a horror fan, but Ms. Farrow offers so much more than action scenes. Showing great empathy for her characters, Ms. Farrow deftly explores the personal misfortunes that have molded the characters that enter Ash's life. To say more, I might be revealing too much of the plot.
January 4, 2015
A visceral, yet haunting werewolf story that's nothing like any other shapeshifter story I've ever read.
This isn't the tale of an ancient, hierarchical society that's hidden in secret among humans for centuries - oh, no. These beings are few and far between, their bonds far more spiritual and intangible than one made of blood.
The tale meanders through Ash's life, much as he drifts through it, until it reaches a murky end that paves the way for another book in the series.
If you like your werewolves mythical and more into killing than copulating (though they do that, too), definitely pick this up. I know I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel.
This isn't the tale of an ancient, hierarchical society that's hidden in secret among humans for centuries - oh, no. These beings are few and far between, their bonds far more spiritual and intangible than one made of blood.
The tale meanders through Ash's life, much as he drifts through it, until it reaches a murky end that paves the way for another book in the series.
If you like your werewolves mythical and more into killing than copulating (though they do that, too), definitely pick this up. I know I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel.
January 8, 2015
I had to put the book down after reading through 60% of it - it was freaking me out!
The writer pulls you in with a twisted mindplay that grabs hold of you and won't let go. I kept wanting to know more but was also so creeped out by what was unfolding. I couldn't finish it, and am going to have to counteract it by watching a happy, fluffy movie. Like a Stephen King.
The writer pulls you in with a twisted mindplay that grabs hold of you and won't let go. I kept wanting to know more but was also so creeped out by what was unfolding. I couldn't finish it, and am going to have to counteract it by watching a happy, fluffy movie. Like a Stephen King.
December 14, 2014
I really enjoy the way Gemma Farrow builds a haunting story for her readers and found this to be a very addicting read. The story draws you into the darkness with well-developed characters and descriptive settings. Following Ash through his discoveries was perfectly scary and fun.
December 31, 2014
Well developed characters and a haunting story that drags the reader in. It was too descriptive for me, hence the 3 stars. All in all though a must read. As far as psychological thrillers go its a must read.
January 20, 2015
Wow - where to start?! This was my first book to read from Gemma Farrow, and it certainly will not be my last. I think I just found my new favorite horror author! After a harrowing, haunting prologue, the reader is introduced to one Ash Copperheart - a depressed eighteen-year old who is recovering from seeing his best friend die. He and mother Lily move in with her boyfriend, Jude, in Campion. As they make their transition, Ash runs across Jude's secret, which mixes with his own secrets in a most horrifying way.
The absolute beauty in this book is in the writing. The descriptions are so lush and full, reminding me heavily of the way Stephen King or Dean Koontz goes about handling description. The characters came across as real people with real problems just trying to live life, yet caught in the supernatural / paranormal horrific world. I am also glad to know it is a trilogy and that we will get to see more of this world in the future. I highly, highly recommend this novel for fans of Stephen King and Dean Koontz, as well as fans of paranormal and supernatural horrors. You will not be disappointed!
The absolute beauty in this book is in the writing. The descriptions are so lush and full, reminding me heavily of the way Stephen King or Dean Koontz goes about handling description. The characters came across as real people with real problems just trying to live life, yet caught in the supernatural / paranormal horrific world. I am also glad to know it is a trilogy and that we will get to see more of this world in the future. I highly, highly recommend this novel for fans of Stephen King and Dean Koontz, as well as fans of paranormal and supernatural horrors. You will not be disappointed!
February 3, 2015
Copperheart Road
Troubled eighteen-year-old Ash and his mother Lily move in with Jude.
"Sometimes Ash believed Jude felt his difference, a complicated expression would cross his face, or his words would be clipped instead of their usual lightness. There were occasions where he would catch Jude watching him. It always made Ash wonder whether his dad had given him similar contemplating looks. Other times, like now, Jude treated him as casually as his mum, Mr. Danton, and Chicken George.
"Some people didn’t react at all. They didn’t seem to sense anything emanating from him. Mr. Danton and Chicken George were examples. His mum knew something wasn’t right, it hadn’t been for a long time, but she couldn’t trade a psychological problem for a psychic one.
"There were no such things as ghosts."
Gemma Farrow's Copperheart (The Disenchantment Trilogy Book 1) is full of spine-tingling secrets. Ms. Farrow gives the reader clues, using her unique brand of excellent foreshadowing. Ms. Farrow is also the author of the short work "Beneath the Willows," a horror story.
Troubled eighteen-year-old Ash and his mother Lily move in with Jude.
"Sometimes Ash believed Jude felt his difference, a complicated expression would cross his face, or his words would be clipped instead of their usual lightness. There were occasions where he would catch Jude watching him. It always made Ash wonder whether his dad had given him similar contemplating looks. Other times, like now, Jude treated him as casually as his mum, Mr. Danton, and Chicken George.
"Some people didn’t react at all. They didn’t seem to sense anything emanating from him. Mr. Danton and Chicken George were examples. His mum knew something wasn’t right, it hadn’t been for a long time, but she couldn’t trade a psychological problem for a psychic one.
"There were no such things as ghosts."
Gemma Farrow's Copperheart (The Disenchantment Trilogy Book 1) is full of spine-tingling secrets. Ms. Farrow gives the reader clues, using her unique brand of excellent foreshadowing. Ms. Farrow is also the author of the short work "Beneath the Willows," a horror story.
March 12, 2015
Creepy and cerebral.
A contemplative, old-school-style horror/dark fantasy tale. Slower paced than most modern works, with a building, pervasive tension. Invokes the fear of the unknown with great skill. Incredibly originality. Is this a werewolf tale? A tale of demonic possession? Something else entirely? Whatever it is, it doesn't disappoint. I enjoyed this book, and look forward to the sequel.
A contemplative, old-school-style horror/dark fantasy tale. Slower paced than most modern works, with a building, pervasive tension. Invokes the fear of the unknown with great skill. Incredibly originality. Is this a werewolf tale? A tale of demonic possession? Something else entirely? Whatever it is, it doesn't disappoint. I enjoyed this book, and look forward to the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews