“A fabulously entertaining combination of Victorian conventions, sensuous undertones, and some seriously evil magic.” –Charlaine Harris, author of Dead to the World, on Ghosts of Albion: Accursed
Before you can save Albion, you must destroy the poison in its black heart.
William and Tamara Swift’s newfound sorcerous powers as Protectors of Albion pale before the demonic forces threatening Britannia. But William and Tamara have formidable allies in Lord Byron, Queen Bodicea, and Lord Admiral Nelson–England’s noble, notorious Ghosts of Albion.
Responding to a plea from Cornwall, Tamara discovers that the rumors of young women, both human and fairy, vanishing without a trace are horribly true. Instead of hard clues, she uncovers only whispers of witches, infernal abductions, and a pyre of innocents planned for the solstice. Indeed, Tamara has never faced a more dangerous task–for the legendary land of King Arthur’s Camelot also harbors dark, bloody deeds and a waking evil. Soon nothing, not even mighty Albion, will be safe from the deadly peril.
Amber Benson, who immortalized Tara in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Christopher Golden, Bram Stoker Award—winning author of the Shadow Saga, have created a voluptuous, twisted thriller. Based on the BBC Web series that became a smash hit in England,Ghosts of Albion: Witcherybrings to life a sizzling, ninteenth century world of fiends, phantoms, and spine-tingling terror.
Praise for Ghosts of Albion: Accursed
“Demons, bodice-ripping passion, and some good old murky London gloom; all one can ask for in a dark night’s reading.” –Kirkus Reviews
“Equal doses of dark humor and genuine horror.” –Library Journal
It’s a well written, enjoyable read, filled with interesting and colorful characters such as witches, demons, fairies, and sprites. I found the little sprite Serena particularly delightful. The main characters have a very serious task to accomplish and several lives depend on it. It didn’t necessarily keep me on the edge of my seat, but it did make me care what happens.
The second of the full length Ghosts of Albion series, this one takes on a more gothic feel than the last and centers more on ancient magics, curses and demons than the first.
It also steps a it further afield from its Victorian feel, having more internal dialog and emotional 'feel' to the characters, especially the protagonist Tamara.
It ends on a tragic cliff-hanger note, which is mildly annoying as it appears that the series may not have a third volume (its 4 years now since this was published and when I read it, with no third book as yet announced).
Overall well written, though occasionally it seems to telegraph events before they are to happen, but I can't tell if that's an imitation of some writers of the period it is set in or simply the authors not realizing that such can be easily recognized by avid readers of related tales.
This is one of those books you are glad to know it is part of a series because you want to read more. The problem is, the authors, Amber Benson and Christopher Golden have a lot of other books, movies, tv shows out there to their credit, so it means a little research and a whole lot of reading and watching coming on. Amber, by the way, played Tara in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so she has the background for paranormal writing.
Tamara and William, brother and sister, are the Protectors of Albion (England), and are caught up in magic, demons, witches and ghosts. There is even a vampire thrown in. This is a win-win situation. A really great read.
The sequel to Accursed. Things continue to get harder for Tamara and William; the more magic in their lives, the harder all their relationships, even with each other, become. Some really neat stuff. I knew Sophia was asking for trouble, but DAMN I had no idea THAT would happen…. Yay. Can’t wait for another.
And p.s. there is one super super sexy scene that really took my breath away. So you know, there’s that. As well.
This book was better than the first one in the series. It develops the story even better than it's predecessors, and has some unexpected twists and turns. I'm still a little lost, having missed out on the online adventures, but there is always time to catch up.