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The Mortecarni

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THE YEAR IS 1348 AND THE BLACK DEATH IS RAVAGING ENGLAND. For Brother Maurice, a monk and physician, the disease is the most terrifying he’s ever seen. But Maurice soon learns of an even more deadly threat: the exanimate Mortecarni. After his first unexpected encounter with the creatures, Maurice is pulled into a world of savagery and secrecy. As he travels across the country, investigating both the plague and the Mortecarni, Maurice questions how such unholy suffering is possible. When his own family is struck down, his beliefs falter. Can he regain his faith and save both England and himself?

262 pages, Paperback

Published March 2, 2017

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407 people want to read

About the author

Kelly Evans

15 books84 followers
Kelly Evans
Award-Winning Author

Kelly Evans writes historical fiction about real but little-known women from history. She earned a degree in medieval history before moving to London, England where she could usually be found ambling about one of the many museums. While continuing her historical studies, Kelly fell into investment banking and still has no idea how it happened. After a successful career, she moved back to Canada where she gave up corporate life to write full time. When not working on her novels, Kelly writes Audio Description scripts for visually impaired individuals. She enjoys studying medieval medicine and gardening, and watching old sci fi movies.
Read free excerpts from my novels here: https://kellyaevans.com

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5 stars
26 (40%)
4 stars
23 (35%)
3 stars
12 (18%)
2 stars
2 (3%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for William Bitner Jr..
601 reviews34 followers
May 29, 2017
Just finished reading “The Mortecarni” by Kelly Evans. I would first like to take a moment to say thank you to Kelly for the eCopy of this book. I will say from the get go that Zombie Books are not normally my cup of tea. However, reading this book was akin to reading a work of classic horror literature. I really did not want this book to end. A well written and incredibly well researched piece of historical fiction with just the right touches of the macabre to satisfy that horror bug. In the Prologue this book begins in present day where a group of archaeologists come across a journal/diary buried in the crypt of the tomb of a fourteenth century monk. That monk is Welsh born Brother Maurice, physician and teacher by trade. The remainder of the book, with the exception of the Epilogue, is told from Brother Maurice’s point of view by way of his journal. An exciting adventure ensues with some very interesting and well formulated characters, plots and story line. Brother Maurice goes through many different stages in his young life and his faith is tested beyond his limits at times. He must deal with the Black Plague and at the same time be on the lookout for the diseased and monstrous beings known as “The Mortecarni” or zombies. From the first page of Brother Maurice’s diary to the end this was captivating and just plain brilliant. I adored this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction, horror, adventure or just looking for a really well written piece of literature. I look forward to reading more of Kelly’s work.

Synopsis (from back cover): The year is 1348 and the Black Death is ravaging England.

For Brother Maurice, a monk and physician, the disease is the most terrifying he’s ever seen. But Maurice soon learns of an even more deadly threat: the exanimate Mortecarni. After his first unexpected encounter with the creatures, Maurice is pulled into a world of savagery and secrecy.

As he travels across the country, investigating both the plague and the Mortecarni, Maurice questions how such unholy suffering is possible. When his own family is struck down, his beliefs falter. Can he regain his faith and save both England and himself?
Profile Image for Kiera.
106 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2017
There'd better be a book two!!!

I'm not even slightly a fan of zombies, but the premise of a mediaeval monk taking on a plague of zombies was intriguing enough for me to try this book, and I'm glad I did.

Kelly Evans has obviously researched her subject thoroughly, as the period feel of the book is well done; Brother Maurice is a fully-realised character with solid and consistent motivations. Being a Londoner now living in the Midlands I got a lovely scared shiver when I recognised places mentioned in the story.

My only criticism is the cliffhangery nature of the ending; it's very abrupt and I'd have liked more...but I'm trusting and praying there's a boom two to come, PLEASE.

I think The Mortecarni will appeal to many readers, not just horror fans. The *why* of the Mortecarni plague is mysterious but sensible, as is how the author has expressed it in terms appropriate to the time period. I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SPIRIT MOSS.

Please :)

Five big, shiny stars.
Profile Image for verbava.
1,147 reviews162 followers
June 11, 2022
роман про середньовічних зомбі, написаний із великою медієвістською дбайливістю. на дуже добре зроблену історичну основу нанизано порівну жахів і теології, усе-таки воскресіння тіл is kind of a big deal для християнства, і коли з могил починає вставати ні разу не осяяна небесним світлом плоть, у вірних можуть виникнути запитання: не тільки про те, чи точно ще не настав останній суд, а й про те, чи ісусове воскресіння було зовсім таке, як про нього розказують. а значить, із навалою зомбі боротися треба якомога тихіше; благо, надворі рік божий 1348 і живі мерці легко губляться на загальному тлі чорної смерті.
Profile Image for Michelle Lowe.
Author 22 books92 followers
March 15, 2017
A fresh new look at zombies slow domination on a massive scale. The Mortecarni delivers an in depth tale of the struggles of one Brother Maurice who had gone into medical practice to help the sick, but finds himself moonlighting as zombie slayer! Although Maurice is a kind, peace-loving man, his need to protect the living is put to the ultimate test, even if that means learning to kill behind a sword. This book is a well-written and well researched story that takes readers on a new kind of journey through the horror of uprising of the undead!
Profile Image for Renee.
338 reviews
July 3, 2017
This would be a great movie in the right hands! I couldn't put it down. I am NOT a zombie fan and tire easily of the blood and guts that dominate most stories in that genre. This is different. Maybe it's the historical perspective, maybe it's the plight of the monk/healer in challenging times or maybe it's the fact that the author paced the story well and kept me in suspense, the right way. The size of this book was perfect... we all know other writers who wouldn't think twice about about turning it into a 600 page monstrosity. Somehow, it felt big without all the tedious weight of poor story telling that I see too frequently in writing today. This was edited well. Great job!
Profile Image for Samantha.
Author 20 books420 followers
April 2, 2021
As other reviewers have noted, this book is much more than it appears to be at first glance. It is about zombies, known by our monk protagonist as Mortecarni, and that is the type of story I would not typically think to pick up. However, the story is about so much more and goes so much deeper. I really enjoyed Brother Maurice's journey from a young novice with a passion for plants into a knowledgeable healer who thought the worst thing he could face was the plague. Maurice's experiences challenge his wisdom and his faith, and he also fights zombies! This was a great story with gothic horror vibes, and the author demonstrated deep historical knowledge. I found myself surprisingly captivated!
Profile Image for Sarah Stuart.
Author 22 books104 followers
May 18, 2018
Reviewed by Sarah Stuart for Readers' Favorite

The Mortecarni by Kelly Evans has prologue set in the future that shows the military forcibly entering a church to enable archaeologists to investigate the tomb where Brother Maurice of Montgomery, an early fourteenth-century monk, lies. He has a crucifix with Arabic engraving that refers to a man named Fala. Is it heresy that a Roman Catholic monk should have accepted such a gift? Can the secrets of Brother Maurice’s journal defeat undisclosed troubles that beset the world? Travel with Maurice from Wales to Italy, and onward, until Edward, king of England, asks the pope for help. Brother Maurice is charged with the task of aiding His Majesty, who cannot reveal a deadly danger to more than a select few for fear of shaking the common mans’ belief in the risen Christ.

The Mortecarni is one of the best truly terrifying horror stories I have ever read, and the root of its power lies in the brilliant presentation of ordinary life seven centuries ago. Every detail is accurate, from the food people ate, their clothing and mode of travel, to the medicines available to them and the surgical procedures they undertook. The early part of the book, without the hint of menace planted in the prologue, could be a superb historical novel, but it is so much more: a mystery, a thriller, a story of love... Kelly Evans is a very talented author who has created a dark plague of horror that threatens the world and defies disbelief. It is not a book I shall find easy to forget, or indeed not be tempted to reread.
Profile Image for Christian Orton.
405 reviews14 followers
June 19, 2020
Really, really solid entertaining read. It's not hokey in the least and it reads like a genuinely legit historical novel. I'd put this off for other books over and over and I'm glad o finally read it. Definitely another author to keep tabs on.
Profile Image for Lorena Cosimo.
5 reviews
July 25, 2018
What a wonderfully written book - I just loved the story - I just couldn't put it down! Kelly Evans weaves a wonderful tale that makes you want to journey with Brother Maurice in his adventures!
Profile Image for Morgan Tanner.
Author 13 books36 followers
April 21, 2019
I’m not an avid reader of zombie fiction. I do enjoy the genre but feel I need to pace myself with it as many of the stories in this world tend to be a little samey.

Thankfully, that cannot be said about this book.

I never knew I was such a fan of historical fiction! The setting here, the 1340s, is perfectly executed. The prose describes this time brilliantly and a lot of research has obviously gone into this.

But what I really enjoyed was the fresh take on the zombie genre. With many contemporary undead tales, the characters kind of know about zombies and how to kill them. But here, the word zombie isn’t mentioned once (I don’t think). These rotting, mutilated, walking dead monstrosities are referred to as The Mortecarni.

We follow Brother Maurice, a monk who is also a medical man; able to treat patients’ ailments of both a physical and spiritual nature. Certainly a handy dude to have around the place.

As the plagues (the Black Death one and the zombie one) arrive, Maurice is sent first to the Pope, and then the King of England to help find a cure for these terrible afflictions.

Of course, as Bro Maurice journeys to various villages and towns to try and heal the infected, he has to do his fair share of decapitations, as this is the one known way to defeat the beasts. He turns from a peaceful guy into a highly efficient zombie killing machine faster than a certain Ash does!

As the story progresses he learns of a cure, but finding the details of this proves more than a little difficult.

As mentioned earlier, the undead rising to bite and infect the living is a totally new concept to the characters in this book. Of course we, the readers know what’s going on, but there’s never a sense of “Oi, idiots, they’re zombies; shoot em in the head,” creeping into the reading experience. The nature of the storytelling really makes you empathise with their medieval ignorance.

If you like zombies but feel there’s nothing that new in the genre these days, this is definitely a book you should be checking out.
Profile Image for Bookewyfe.
465 reviews
November 21, 2017
There is nothing I love more than medieval. When Medievalists.net announced this book, I knew I had to read it. There are a few words that are out of place, that wouldn't have been used in the 14th century, and a few time schemes are a little off. Some things I feel should be expanded on, but I can look these things over. I still loved this book. The Walking Dead in the 14th century...and one bad ass monk to fight them.
Profile Image for S. Nash.
Author 6 books23 followers
February 12, 2018
Stories about ravenous undead are a dime a dozen, and they all have pretty much the same core plot: A virus/disease/catastrophe unleashes mindless, flesh-eating revenants, and the humans who remain fight to stay alive. Every zombie book I’ve read is set in the present day and describes a post-apocalyptic world. It’s popular because it’s familiar and readers know what to expect. For prolific readers like me, the repetition gets old. When authors shake things up and deviate from the norm, it gets my attention.

(read the rest at http://www.horror-writers.com/the-mor...)
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews101 followers
May 27, 2017
1348, Shrewsbury, England. St. Cuthbert monastery. Journey into the depths of hell with Brother Maurice. He is sent out by Pope Clement on a crusade to destroy the dreadful Mortecarni.
A diseased monster who wreaks havoc all through/over the various villages & cities.
An herbalist & healer by trade also; will he be able to find a cure & eradicate this horrible creature/disease?
What other missions will Pope Clement send Brother Maurice & his sidekick Hugh on?

Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content. It may be offensive to some readers.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written paranormal book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great paranormal movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. Not for the faint at heart. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Eska Publishing; Author; Autographed; paperback book

Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Profile Image for Andrew.
Author 7 books23 followers
September 8, 2017
Normally zombie books are not my go-to horror subject of choice. Yes, I've watched The Walking Dead, and nearly all of the books and films I've seen of this subject are the same: zombie apocalypse, it's the end of the world and some of the people struggling to stay alive are worse than the zombies. But this book was a different take on the genre, and for a book set in the medieval period it had a surprising start. Enjoyed it, hopefully there will be a book two.
Profile Image for Jonas.
2 reviews
December 12, 2017
This zombie-in-the-Middle-Ages book is far above your typical horror novel, in terms of writing, but also regarding the psychology of the characters. The theme of zombies in historical times has been, sometimes, adapted in movies, but most of them are quite bad.

Thankfully, great books can also be made from this theme, and Kelly Evans wrote a zombie book that puts usual "zombisploitation" to shame! As a fan of zombie movies (and horror in general), as well as medieval history, I had a good feeling about this book, but my expectations were surpassed. For there are plenty of walking deads (and limbs being cut off) in "The Mortecarni", but, parallelly, life in medieval times is described with a surprising precision. The bibliography at the end illustrates how much research was put in order to paint a realistic frame for the story.

I found that some elements of the story tend to be resolved a bit fast, while some others did not seem to contribute to the general story. But, in the end, the book never gets dull, and you'll grow attached to the characters, each one with a unique yet realistic psychology.

I'm looking forward to the forthcoming books of Kelly Evans, whether medieval-themed, or in the horror genre. I highly recommend this book for fans of both!
39 reviews5 followers
July 17, 2017
I received this book as part of a goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed this somewhat new take on zombies. It is like a zombie origin story. For some reason, I kept thinking about Nostradamus when he traveled as a doctor trying to treat plague victims. The story is well balanced with detailed character development and a flowing story line. Employing a medical monk as the intrepid, though reluctant, warrior is a nice touch. His presence deepens the story, adds elements of religious contemplation, and provides our unfortunate Mortecarni with a contemplative and caring executioner. The internal conflicts he suffers between his conscious, God, and his inability to cure those stricken by the mysterious ailment are palpable and draw the reader into the hero's slowly building psychological turmoil.
Profile Image for M.R. Tapia.
Author 8 books35 followers
September 10, 2017
What a great read! Mix medieval knights and zombies and one badass monk who goes by the name of Brother Maurice, and you have The Mortecarni. It is very well constructed and written and very well researched. From village to village and zombie to zombie, The Mortecarni will keep you flipping from page to page. I am very excited for the sequel to come about. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Véronique Lessard.
Author 3 books8 followers
October 20, 2017
For those of you out there who enjoy medieval stuff and the Walking Dead, this book is for you. Canadian author Kelly Evans writes the journey of Brother Maurice and his squire beautifully, in the 14th century England, with very little historical inaccuracies, and some descriptions that will make you cringe with disgust. Loved it from beginning to end!
Profile Image for Brooke.
467 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2017
This horror/ thriller book was amazing. It kept me wanting to keep turning the page even though zombies are not my thing. It just seemed like it really could've happened. Following Brother Maurice through his journey and watching Hugh grow up really keeps you rooting for the good guys!!
Profile Image for S. Martinez.
Author 19 books89 followers
May 31, 2018
Mortecarni is a fantastic read full of medieval goodness and undead horrors. You can definitely tell the author did tons of historical research to get all the details correct in this fun, exciting story. I definitely would recommend.
Profile Image for Jude Fawley.
Author 14 books22 followers
July 7, 2019
What struck me first about this book is the diction—punishment is meted out, people avail themselves, and whom is unleashed in all its proper glory, to name a few. I finally learned the rule that separates American English “traveled” and British English “travelled,” but that’s more of a personal victory than it is a reflection of the book. The diction goes a long way in establishing the setting, a medieval tour of Europe through the eyes of a medicinal monk.

At times I wish the book asserted its historicity more. There’s city names and a few famous popes/kings, and a general awareness of the plague that parallels the movements of the zombies (I apologize if that’s reductionist, these are the ‘mortecarni,’ who are never blessed or cursed with the designation of ‘zombie’ that we’ve come to adore). But the book’s focus generally lies elsewhere, which is definitely not a fault.

I enjoyed myself the most when the mortecarni took a back seat and the main character, Brother Maurice, follows his real passion—herbology and medicine. He’s only ever reluctantly a fighter, but manages to stumble through one encounter after the other. The book unfolds episodically, each with a different setting and moral quandary and time for reflection afterward by the strugglingly devout monk, which lends an interesting structure to the novel, giving it quick momentum and quick reward throughout.

Some of the motifs I enjoyed:

A kabbalistic outlook on religion, where secrets are kept by those in power to ‘maintain the faith of the plebs.’ This often goes hand in hand with the question, to me funny but probably also with a strange grain of truth, “Would zombies cheapen the resurrection of Christ?”

A narrative to willingness to delve into morbid details; I had to train myself away from eating while reading this book.

And finally a willingness to accept Moors as a source for Christianhood; controversial, yes, but it certainly pays off for the characters in the end, which is a moral in itself.
Profile Image for Dave Wickenden.
Author 9 books109 followers
May 31, 2018
Set in the 14th century, with the Black Plague savaging Europe, Maurice, a Christian monk turned healer becomes part of a secret society put together by Pope Clement and King Edward of England. The Knights of the Garter sole goal is to hunt down and eliminate an ancient evil called the Mortecarni, infected individuals who are undead and crave only human flesh.
Ms. Evans clearly has done a magnificent job of recreating medieval Europe. You can almost smell the wood smoke and hear the cries of superstitious mobs as they hunt those presumed to be witches. The research into herbs and heal methods of the period points to a master story teller that brings history alive. Although the main villain is the undead, Ms Evans shared the actual horrors of this dark and deadly time in history of early Europe.
This is the Pillars of the Earth meets the Walking Dead in a beautifully written tale of the horror in a time of pestilence and evil. I am truly anxious to visit with Brother Maurice in his next adventure.
Profile Image for M.
1,576 reviews
August 12, 2017
OMG! This Book is About Zombies!

Had I known, I'd have never downloaded it! I don't like reading about zombies or vampires, and I'll not start with this one. I'd give this time-wasting rubbish -5 stars if I could.
37 reviews
April 4, 2018
really enjoyable.. its The Name of the Rose meets zombies... fun read
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