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Nemesis of the Gods #3
Damned by the Ancients
Vienna, 1908: Gabriele Ziegler is a young art student who becomes infatuated with charismatic archaeologist Dr. Emeryk Quintillus. Only too late does she realize his true designs on her. He is obsessed with resurrecting Cleopatra and has retained the famed artist Gustav Klimt to render Gabriele as the Queen of the Nile, using ashes from Cleopatra’s mummy mixed with the paint. The result is a lifelike portrait emitting an aura of unholy evil...
Vienna, 2018: The Mortimer family has moved into Quintillus’s former home, Villa Dürnstein. In its basement they find an original Klimt masterpiece - a portrait of Cleopatra art scholars never knew existed. But that’s not all that resides within the villa’s vault. Nine-year-old Heidi Mortimer tells her parents that a strange man lives there.
Quintillus’s desire to be with Cleopatra transcends death. His spirit will not rest until he has brought her back from the netherworld. Even if he has to sacrifice the soul of a child...
Vienna, 2018: The Mortimer family has moved into Quintillus’s former home, Villa Dürnstein. In its basement they find an original Klimt masterpiece - a portrait of Cleopatra art scholars never knew existed. But that’s not all that resides within the villa’s vault. Nine-year-old Heidi Mortimer tells her parents that a strange man lives there.
Quintillus’s desire to be with Cleopatra transcends death. His spirit will not rest until he has brought her back from the netherworld. Even if he has to sacrifice the soul of a child...
- GenresHorrorParanormal
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2018
5 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cavendish
41 books425 followersHello, my name's Catherine Cavendish and I write suspense novels, novellas and short stories of the ghostly, haunted, creepy kind that include supernatural, paranormal, Gothic and other, related themes.
THE STONES OF LANDANE is out now from Flame Tree Press - When Jonathan agrees to accompany his girlfriend, Nadia, on a trip to Landane, he imagines a short relaxing break in the countryside, but he quickly discovers that Nadia isn’t just drawn to the ancient Neolithic stone circle, she is obsessed by the megaliths. One in particular holds a fascination for her. Within hours, her personality begins to change, and it isn’t long before Jonathan starts to fear for her sanity. All too soon he realizes, it isn't only Nadia who is in danger
My other novels from Flame Tree Press are:
THOSE WHO DWELL IN MORDENHYRST HALL - Evil runs deep at Mordenhyrst Hall… When Grace first sets eyes on the imposing Gothic house, she is struck with an overwhelming sense that something doesn’t want her there. Her fiancé’s sister heads a coterie of Bright Young Things whose frivolous lives hide a sinister intent. Simon, Grace’s fiancé, is not the man she fell in love with, and the local villagers eye her with suspicion that borders on malevolence.
Her friend, Coralie, possesses the ability to communicate with powerful spirits. She convinces Grace of her own paranormal gifts – gifts Grace will need to draw deeply on as the secrets of Mordenhyrst Hall begin to unravel.
THE AFTER-DEATH OF CAROLINE RAND - Alli is caught between fantasy and reality, past and present, in the life of a famous singer from the 1960s and soon learns that evil infests the once-holy building she called
home. Before long, Alli's fate will be sealed, and she will learn about her role in the after-death of Caroline Rand. It begins with a chilling greeting: "Welcome to The Columbine, Miss Sinclair. You are expected."
DARK OBSERVATION - is published by Flame Tree Press. In the dark days of war-torn London, Violet has more to fear than bombs. From deep within the Earth, demonic forces are rising.
IN DARKNESS, SHADOWS BREATHE. Carol and Nessa are strangers with one thing in common, they are in the hands of an entity that knows no boundaries and crosses dimensions - bending and twisting time itself - where danger waits in every shadow
THE GARDEN OF BEWITCHMENT. Historical haunted Gothic horror set in the wilds of the Yorkshire moors - pure Bronte country - with a Bronte theme.
And - THE HAUNTING OF HENDERSON CLOSE. Ghostly horror set in Edinburgh's Old Town.
THE CROW WITCH AND OTHER CONJURINGS is my first short fiction collection and is out now from Weird House Press.
My novellas THE DARKEST VEIL, COLD REVENGE, MISS ABIGAIL'S ROOM, THE DEMONS OF CAMBIAN STREET, DARK AVENGING ANGEL, LINDEN MANOR, THE DEVIL INSIDE HER and THE SECOND WIFE are published by Crossroad Press.
My novels THE DEVIL'S SERENADE and SAVING GRACE DEVINE have also been released in new editions by Crossroad Press, as has my novel of the Lancashire Witches - THE PENDLE CURSE.
I live with a long-suffering husband and a delightful black cat who has never forgotten that her species used to be worshipped in ancient Egypt. She sees no reason why that practice should not continue. Who am I to argue?
When not slaving over a hot computer, I enjoy wandering around Neolithic stone circles and visiting old haunted houses.
THE STONES OF LANDANE is out now from Flame Tree Press - When Jonathan agrees to accompany his girlfriend, Nadia, on a trip to Landane, he imagines a short relaxing break in the countryside, but he quickly discovers that Nadia isn’t just drawn to the ancient Neolithic stone circle, she is obsessed by the megaliths. One in particular holds a fascination for her. Within hours, her personality begins to change, and it isn’t long before Jonathan starts to fear for her sanity. All too soon he realizes, it isn't only Nadia who is in danger
My other novels from Flame Tree Press are:
THOSE WHO DWELL IN MORDENHYRST HALL - Evil runs deep at Mordenhyrst Hall… When Grace first sets eyes on the imposing Gothic house, she is struck with an overwhelming sense that something doesn’t want her there. Her fiancé’s sister heads a coterie of Bright Young Things whose frivolous lives hide a sinister intent. Simon, Grace’s fiancé, is not the man she fell in love with, and the local villagers eye her with suspicion that borders on malevolence.
Her friend, Coralie, possesses the ability to communicate with powerful spirits. She convinces Grace of her own paranormal gifts – gifts Grace will need to draw deeply on as the secrets of Mordenhyrst Hall begin to unravel.
THE AFTER-DEATH OF CAROLINE RAND - Alli is caught between fantasy and reality, past and present, in the life of a famous singer from the 1960s and soon learns that evil infests the once-holy building she called
home. Before long, Alli's fate will be sealed, and she will learn about her role in the after-death of Caroline Rand. It begins with a chilling greeting: "Welcome to The Columbine, Miss Sinclair. You are expected."
DARK OBSERVATION - is published by Flame Tree Press. In the dark days of war-torn London, Violet has more to fear than bombs. From deep within the Earth, demonic forces are rising.
IN DARKNESS, SHADOWS BREATHE. Carol and Nessa are strangers with one thing in common, they are in the hands of an entity that knows no boundaries and crosses dimensions - bending and twisting time itself - where danger waits in every shadow
THE GARDEN OF BEWITCHMENT. Historical haunted Gothic horror set in the wilds of the Yorkshire moors - pure Bronte country - with a Bronte theme.
And - THE HAUNTING OF HENDERSON CLOSE. Ghostly horror set in Edinburgh's Old Town.
THE CROW WITCH AND OTHER CONJURINGS is my first short fiction collection and is out now from Weird House Press.
My novellas THE DARKEST VEIL, COLD REVENGE, MISS ABIGAIL'S ROOM, THE DEMONS OF CAMBIAN STREET, DARK AVENGING ANGEL, LINDEN MANOR, THE DEVIL INSIDE HER and THE SECOND WIFE are published by Crossroad Press.
My novels THE DEVIL'S SERENADE and SAVING GRACE DEVINE have also been released in new editions by Crossroad Press, as has my novel of the Lancashire Witches - THE PENDLE CURSE.
I live with a long-suffering husband and a delightful black cat who has never forgotten that her species used to be worshipped in ancient Egypt. She sees no reason why that practice should not continue. Who am I to argue?
When not slaving over a hot computer, I enjoy wandering around Neolithic stone circles and visiting old haunted houses.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 23, 2018
4.5 stars!
DAMNED BY THE ANCIENTS is Book 3 in the Nemesis of the Gods series, by Catherine Cavendish. In the first book, we're introduced to Dr. Emeryk Quintillus and his obsession with the former Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra. His quest to bring her back to life to be "with him" for all time transcends the years, and even death, itself.
In this third book, Cavendish begins in the present time, with a new family--Ryan, Yvonne, and their nine-year-old daughter, Heidi, Mortimer--moving into Quintillus' former home, Villa Durnstein. It doesn't take long at all for the supernatural events that the fixated doctor set into motion to begin manifesting in front of the new tenants.
". . . Reality has lost some of its meaning . . . "
Then we change scenes/time and revisit Vienna in 1908. Once again, we are given some more insight into what Dr. Quintillus actually did and another innocent who was tangled into his web of deceit. Each of these sections that we are shown (including the ones from the first two books in the series) begin to show us a more complete picture of the complexity of his design. The ramifications--and all the lives impacted--by this one man spreads outward over the course of the years in a ripple effect.
". . . Some men don't have to do anything before you know they are inherently evil . . . "
When the author brings us back to events in the present time, we have a much better picture of the entire history regarding Quintillus' evil legacy.
". . . Some things shouldn't be meddled with."
Overall, I fell in love with this historical fiction series that Cavendish has given us. While each book tells its own complete story, they also build upon the knowledge gleaned from their predecessors. The brilliance and the complexity of this obsessed doctor's designs really comes full circle in this latest installment. Events that happened previously give us a whole new understanding and appreciation of the author's skills as we are able to "connect" the events of both past and present.
"You take normality for granted . . . until nothing in your life is normal . . . "
This was more than a mere journey. I felt as if this were the final piece of a jigsaw puzzle that I'd been anticipating. Cavendish shows true talent in her weaving of different timelines, true history, and fiction. The "Nemesis of the Gods" series is a great testament to that.
Highly recommended!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this book. All opinions expressed are uniquely my own.*
DAMNED BY THE ANCIENTS is Book 3 in the Nemesis of the Gods series, by Catherine Cavendish. In the first book, we're introduced to Dr. Emeryk Quintillus and his obsession with the former Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra. His quest to bring her back to life to be "with him" for all time transcends the years, and even death, itself.
In this third book, Cavendish begins in the present time, with a new family--Ryan, Yvonne, and their nine-year-old daughter, Heidi, Mortimer--moving into Quintillus' former home, Villa Durnstein. It doesn't take long at all for the supernatural events that the fixated doctor set into motion to begin manifesting in front of the new tenants.
". . . Reality has lost some of its meaning . . . "
Then we change scenes/time and revisit Vienna in 1908. Once again, we are given some more insight into what Dr. Quintillus actually did and another innocent who was tangled into his web of deceit. Each of these sections that we are shown (including the ones from the first two books in the series) begin to show us a more complete picture of the complexity of his design. The ramifications--and all the lives impacted--by this one man spreads outward over the course of the years in a ripple effect.
". . . Some men don't have to do anything before you know they are inherently evil . . . "
When the author brings us back to events in the present time, we have a much better picture of the entire history regarding Quintillus' evil legacy.
". . . Some things shouldn't be meddled with."
Overall, I fell in love with this historical fiction series that Cavendish has given us. While each book tells its own complete story, they also build upon the knowledge gleaned from their predecessors. The brilliance and the complexity of this obsessed doctor's designs really comes full circle in this latest installment. Events that happened previously give us a whole new understanding and appreciation of the author's skills as we are able to "connect" the events of both past and present.
"You take normality for granted . . . until nothing in your life is normal . . . "
This was more than a mere journey. I felt as if this were the final piece of a jigsaw puzzle that I'd been anticipating. Cavendish shows true talent in her weaving of different timelines, true history, and fiction. The "Nemesis of the Gods" series is a great testament to that.
Highly recommended!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this book. All opinions expressed are uniquely my own.*
March 18, 2021
I was quite lost with this one although I didn't hate it. I think now knowing it's the third in the series and I needed the previous two books to really understand what was going on. It is a good horror story and I saw someone compare it to Poltergeist which struck me as a really good comparison. It's suitable creepy and I could really visualise everything and see the build up to the end of the book. I normally enjoy this author when I've read some previous works so I think I'm going to go back to the start and then try it again.
August 25, 2018
I received a copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating of 3.5 stars.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I must admit that the premise interested me, hence why I requested it, but I didn't hold high hope for its execution. Boy, was I wrong!! Thank you Catherine for your story, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ryan, Yvonne and their nine year old daughter Heidi have recently moved to Vienna for Ryan's job. They found a big beautiful house that was relatively cheap for its size, everything was going well. That is, until Heidi tells her parents about the man she saw in the basement. The basement stands behind a large solid steel door, which is firmly closed behind numerous locks, so how is there someone down there? After going against the wishes of the landlord, and against better judgement, they hire a locksmith to open the door. Big mistake. What follows are nail biting and hair raising events all centered around Heidi, and Dr. Quintillas's (basement man) obsession with his one great love, Cleopatra. He wishes to resurrect her, and this time he is certain he will succeed, where before he failed.
The story starts in Vienna following the story and happenings of the small family in present day, about a third of the way through it switches to 1900-1908 and gives a bit of background on Quintillas and his previous attempt at raising Cleopatra. I found that the story's pacing was slightly interrupted by the switch, but once I got through it and back to the family in Vienna, I feel like it was appropriate because it gave more insight into Quintillas himself. As I haven't read warth of the ancients, I believe the switch was needed to give me a look into what happened before.
The creep factor was definitely there for this story and as I said at the start, I was pleasantly surprised. This is the first horror story I've read in a while that actually gave me the creeps at times. Well done. At times I felt it was a little repetitive, with the capture of the girl, then she escapes, then the capture, but overall, it made sense in the story itself.
What drew me to this story was the involvement of Egyptian mythology, and Cleopatra herself. While there wasn't actually a lot of the mythology itself in the story, it still entertained. I especially enjoyed the part with Klimt and him painting the portrait, very creepy.
Actual rating of 3.5 stars.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I must admit that the premise interested me, hence why I requested it, but I didn't hold high hope for its execution. Boy, was I wrong!! Thank you Catherine for your story, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ryan, Yvonne and their nine year old daughter Heidi have recently moved to Vienna for Ryan's job. They found a big beautiful house that was relatively cheap for its size, everything was going well. That is, until Heidi tells her parents about the man she saw in the basement. The basement stands behind a large solid steel door, which is firmly closed behind numerous locks, so how is there someone down there? After going against the wishes of the landlord, and against better judgement, they hire a locksmith to open the door. Big mistake. What follows are nail biting and hair raising events all centered around Heidi, and Dr. Quintillas's (basement man) obsession with his one great love, Cleopatra. He wishes to resurrect her, and this time he is certain he will succeed, where before he failed.
The story starts in Vienna following the story and happenings of the small family in present day, about a third of the way through it switches to 1900-1908 and gives a bit of background on Quintillas and his previous attempt at raising Cleopatra. I found that the story's pacing was slightly interrupted by the switch, but once I got through it and back to the family in Vienna, I feel like it was appropriate because it gave more insight into Quintillas himself. As I haven't read warth of the ancients, I believe the switch was needed to give me a look into what happened before.
The creep factor was definitely there for this story and as I said at the start, I was pleasantly surprised. This is the first horror story I've read in a while that actually gave me the creeps at times. Well done. At times I felt it was a little repetitive, with the capture of the girl, then she escapes, then the capture, but overall, it made sense in the story itself.
What drew me to this story was the involvement of Egyptian mythology, and Cleopatra herself. While there wasn't actually a lot of the mythology itself in the story, it still entertained. I especially enjoyed the part with Klimt and him painting the portrait, very creepy.
August 19, 2018
I enjoyed the Cleopatra Back to Life theme; but.... Cavendish's murder scene was over the top gruesome. This is a DARK read with terror and hopelessness presented. Although I read Wrath of the Ancients and gave it a high star rating; This Neimesis of Gods installment just was too shadowy. "A copy of this book was provided by Kensington Books via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my hones opinion"
August 30, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this eBook ARC from the author and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Yvonne, Ryan, and Heidi have all moved to Vienna due to Ryan's new job. When they are haunted by an evil malevolent ghost of a dead mad doctor and archaeologist who will do anything to bring Cleopatra back from the dead targeting their young daughter Heidi, Yvonne and Ryan will do whatever they can to stop him. Can they do so before its too late? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good and terrifying horror novel. Horror fans will enjoy this haunted house and thriller. If you enjoy stories of ghosts and more, be sure to check this book out when it officially releases to bookstores and wherever books are sold this October.
Yvonne, Ryan, and Heidi have all moved to Vienna due to Ryan's new job. When they are haunted by an evil malevolent ghost of a dead mad doctor and archaeologist who will do anything to bring Cleopatra back from the dead targeting their young daughter Heidi, Yvonne and Ryan will do whatever they can to stop him. Can they do so before its too late? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good and terrifying horror novel. Horror fans will enjoy this haunted house and thriller. If you enjoy stories of ghosts and more, be sure to check this book out when it officially releases to bookstores and wherever books are sold this October.
January 14, 2019
The gods are back. So’s the not so good doctor in the third part of the trilogy—although I must admit to a fondness for this dreadful man’s persistence regarding the love of his life, despite the devastation he wreaks on those unfortunate enough to find themselves within his grasp. No, he’s not nice. But he is a character.
In this final instalment, set in the present day, those unfortunate enough to be his latest ‘victims’ are a young couple and their little girl, Heidi. The fact she is a little girl is a nicely understated horror device. You keep saying to yourself, having read in the previous books all that Quintillus is capable of, surely she won’t be up for grabs? But you know deep down she will, so you keep reading-- it’s that chilling. And I’m giving no spoilers here as to the outcome.
The setting isn’t just Vienna--as in the previous two books-- it’s a dark, secret, creepy Vienna, where the author once again shows she knows her streets and her history. She also knows how to deliver a finely crafted gothic piece where the previous storylines from the trilogy walk side by side effortlessly with this one.
In this final instalment, set in the present day, those unfortunate enough to be his latest ‘victims’ are a young couple and their little girl, Heidi. The fact she is a little girl is a nicely understated horror device. You keep saying to yourself, having read in the previous books all that Quintillus is capable of, surely she won’t be up for grabs? But you know deep down she will, so you keep reading-- it’s that chilling. And I’m giving no spoilers here as to the outcome.
The setting isn’t just Vienna--as in the previous two books-- it’s a dark, secret, creepy Vienna, where the author once again shows she knows her streets and her history. She also knows how to deliver a finely crafted gothic piece where the previous storylines from the trilogy walk side by side effortlessly with this one.
November 5, 2018
he third in the Nemesis of the Gods series. We're back in Villa Durnstein in Vienna where another couple has just moved in. They have a little girl with some rather extraordinary powers herself. Just the right vessel for evil Dr. Quintillus to use to bring back his darling Cleopatra.
Set entirely in the present day, this is another nail-chewingly suspenseful horror from Catherine Cavendish. Her writing is deceivingly simply because it can pack a punch when it wants to in the house of horror that the poor couple have found themselves in. I was reminded of the child in the Exorcist which scared the living daylights out of me. Another excellent tale from this author.
Set entirely in the present day, this is another nail-chewingly suspenseful horror from Catherine Cavendish. Her writing is deceivingly simply because it can pack a punch when it wants to in the house of horror that the poor couple have found themselves in. I was reminded of the child in the Exorcist which scared the living daylights out of me. Another excellent tale from this author.
September 5, 2018
This is book 3 of Cat's series but can be read as a standalone, which is good because I haven't read the previous books.
The author's specialties are the gothic paranormal type and traditional ghost stories and she is very good at what she does. What makes this one special is that it contains ancient Egyption mythology as well which was fascinating.
My only complaint is that though it technically can be read as a stadalone, I think I would have preferred reading the other books first. Despite that, I very much enjoyed it and would recommend it to paranormal fans.
Rating... A
The author's specialties are the gothic paranormal type and traditional ghost stories and she is very good at what she does. What makes this one special is that it contains ancient Egyption mythology as well which was fascinating.
My only complaint is that though it technically can be read as a stadalone, I think I would have preferred reading the other books first. Despite that, I very much enjoyed it and would recommend it to paranormal fans.
Rating... A
September 12, 2018
Catherine Cavendish does it again with an eerie tale in Damned By the Ancients.
The Mortimer family has moved into a new home in Vienna, closer to Ryan’s new job. Very quickly, they realize that things aren’t what they seem. There is a padlock on the basement door and they are told by the owners that no one is allowed down there. Their daughter Heidi very quickly imparts some very disturbing information about their new home.
“Mum. Dad. There’s a man in the basement.”
Read more at Cats Luv Coffee
The Mortimer family has moved into a new home in Vienna, closer to Ryan’s new job. Very quickly, they realize that things aren’t what they seem. There is a padlock on the basement door and they are told by the owners that no one is allowed down there. Their daughter Heidi very quickly imparts some very disturbing information about their new home.
“Mum. Dad. There’s a man in the basement.”
Read more at Cats Luv Coffee
January 11, 2020
The last chapter on The Nemesis of the Gods... Or is it?
The most of the threads of the overarching plot in this series are woven together. This time the story is a little more emotional because it involves a young innocent child. What is her fate? A gothic paranormal thriller with intriguing Egyptian mysteries and deities. Now even the ancient gods get more personally involved and mete out their verdicts. Is the malicious threat ever really over?
The most of the threads of the overarching plot in this series are woven together. This time the story is a little more emotional because it involves a young innocent child. What is her fate? A gothic paranormal thriller with intriguing Egyptian mysteries and deities. Now even the ancient gods get more personally involved and mete out their verdicts. Is the malicious threat ever really over?
November 9, 2018
Catherine Cavendish scores again with her third novel in her Nemesis of the Gods series. You don’t need to read the first two, but the story is richer if you do. A family moves into a house in Vienna with a history of hauntings. Things go wrong from the start as they encounter possessed paintings and a cat that seems to be far more than it appears. This is the first in the series where a child character is part of the mystery and Ms. Cavendish handles the horror with her adeptly, walking the fine line between creepy and cliché. A master of Gothic horror, Ms. Cavendish delivers a splendid setting, well-developed characters, and a fascinating backstory that stretches back to ancient Egypt. Storylines from previous installments weave into this story seamlessly and make one wonder how intricate a plot she had lined out before she wrote the first installment. Fans of the genre will not be disappointed.
December 5, 2018
I hadn’t realised that Damned by the Ancients was the third of a series before requesting it. I was relieved to see that some said it could be taken as a standalone and I do agree to a certain extent. Judging by their blurbs they all seem to follow a similar format – the story of Dr Quintillus’ quest to reincarnate Cleopatra, intermixed with a modern day family caught up with the curse.
I must admit I wasn’t very impressed with this installment and it certainly hasn’t inspired me to go back and pick up any more of the series or keep an eye out for future titles. The writing style is poor, there’s too many convenient plot devices and the writer seems to think that every bit of knowledge or skill has to be linked back and explained. The daughter can see a man in the basement and obviously this is because a side effect of previously having meningitis was see-in-the-dark eyesight. The mother sees something that looks like a firefly and we get an in-depth description of how she knew all about fireflies from something she had watched recently. It’s a very immature style – some things we just accept that characters know for themselves, I haven’t watched a documentary on fireflies, but I know what one looks like!
There are also some truly annoyingly bad decisions on the part of the characters; they finally manage to get into the basement and think there’s something evil down there and then leave the door open while going to another part of the house. The husband in particular seems to have no feelings or emotions, his reaction to something very sad that happens later in the book (no spoilers) actually made me laugh at how unrealistic it was. He thinks it’s fine for his daughter to see a child psychologist or that there might be something evil in the basement but then he leaves his wife and child there and goes off to work several times right in the middle of the action.
The parts written in the past were a little less cringey and much more interesting. The whole book felt very repetitive towards the end though – they’d think they’ve escaped and then find out they hadn’t and it’d start all over again way more times than I felt was needed to remain interesting.
Overall it’s a storyline that intrigued me from it’s blurb but poor writing and bad plot let it down. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books – Lyrical Underground for a copy of the ARC in exchange for a (very!) honest review.
For more of my reviews, visit - www.kindig.co.uk
I must admit I wasn’t very impressed with this installment and it certainly hasn’t inspired me to go back and pick up any more of the series or keep an eye out for future titles. The writing style is poor, there’s too many convenient plot devices and the writer seems to think that every bit of knowledge or skill has to be linked back and explained. The daughter can see a man in the basement and obviously this is because a side effect of previously having meningitis was see-in-the-dark eyesight. The mother sees something that looks like a firefly and we get an in-depth description of how she knew all about fireflies from something she had watched recently. It’s a very immature style – some things we just accept that characters know for themselves, I haven’t watched a documentary on fireflies, but I know what one looks like!
There are also some truly annoyingly bad decisions on the part of the characters; they finally manage to get into the basement and think there’s something evil down there and then leave the door open while going to another part of the house. The husband in particular seems to have no feelings or emotions, his reaction to something very sad that happens later in the book (no spoilers) actually made me laugh at how unrealistic it was. He thinks it’s fine for his daughter to see a child psychologist or that there might be something evil in the basement but then he leaves his wife and child there and goes off to work several times right in the middle of the action.
The parts written in the past were a little less cringey and much more interesting. The whole book felt very repetitive towards the end though – they’d think they’ve escaped and then find out they hadn’t and it’d start all over again way more times than I felt was needed to remain interesting.
Overall it’s a storyline that intrigued me from it’s blurb but poor writing and bad plot let it down. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books – Lyrical Underground for a copy of the ARC in exchange for a (very!) honest review.
For more of my reviews, visit - www.kindig.co.uk
September 3, 2022
With the third novel of her Nemesis of the Gods saga, Catherine Cavendish shifts the mood and feel away from the Victorian Gothic of Wrath of the Ancients, past the New Gothic of Waking the Ancients, and into the realm of Modern Horror with Damned by the Ancients. It's a move I wasn't expecting, but one which works exceptionally well, perfect for exploring new facets of the mystery, and entirely suited to the new fears at its heart.
The story takes us, once again, into the haunted halls and cursed cellar of Villa Dürnstein, once home to Dr. Quintillus. Where the first book saw a young woman facing those horrors, and the second a couple, this time we have a family - including a precious, slightly odd young girl and her dolls. The first half of the story has a very Poltergeist feel to it, and you'll understand how much of a compliment that is if you share my love for the original. The addition of a child is neither clichéd nor tedious, but entirely chilling. As for the hauntings inside the house, they are not dissimilar from the first two books, but experiencing them through different eyes changes the feel of the tale, leaving us to fear not for the woman at the forefront of the tale, but for that child.
Once again, we get that abrupt shift in the second half of the novel to past events, exploring more of Dr. Quintillus' history, and shedding more light on the women in his life (and death). Maybe it's because all the pieces are starting to fall into place, but this time around that shift was neither as jarring as in the first book, nor as unwelcome as in the second book. What's more, it takes us away from the contemporary story just long enough for us to be suitably shocked by the developments waiting when we fast forward once again.
Somehow, against all odds and expectations, Cavendish has presented us with the strongest book in the series, finding ways to reinvigorate a haunting we thought already explored, and offering new surprises that lead to a satisfying climax. If Damned by the Ancients is then end, then it's a damned fine one, and if there are more stories to be told, then I look forward to seeing how Cavendish reinvents the tale next.
https://femledfantasy.home.blog/2018/...
The story takes us, once again, into the haunted halls and cursed cellar of Villa Dürnstein, once home to Dr. Quintillus. Where the first book saw a young woman facing those horrors, and the second a couple, this time we have a family - including a precious, slightly odd young girl and her dolls. The first half of the story has a very Poltergeist feel to it, and you'll understand how much of a compliment that is if you share my love for the original. The addition of a child is neither clichéd nor tedious, but entirely chilling. As for the hauntings inside the house, they are not dissimilar from the first two books, but experiencing them through different eyes changes the feel of the tale, leaving us to fear not for the woman at the forefront of the tale, but for that child.
Once again, we get that abrupt shift in the second half of the novel to past events, exploring more of Dr. Quintillus' history, and shedding more light on the women in his life (and death). Maybe it's because all the pieces are starting to fall into place, but this time around that shift was neither as jarring as in the first book, nor as unwelcome as in the second book. What's more, it takes us away from the contemporary story just long enough for us to be suitably shocked by the developments waiting when we fast forward once again.
Somehow, against all odds and expectations, Cavendish has presented us with the strongest book in the series, finding ways to reinvigorate a haunting we thought already explored, and offering new surprises that lead to a satisfying climax. If Damned by the Ancients is then end, then it's a damned fine one, and if there are more stories to be told, then I look forward to seeing how Cavendish reinvents the tale next.
https://femledfantasy.home.blog/2018/...
November 17, 2018
Damned by the Ancients (Nemesis of the Gods Book 3)Kindle Edition
by Catherine Cavendish
I received a complimentary copy of this novel via NetGalley and am leaving a fair and honest review.
I tried to read this book twice and both times I was unable to finish this plodding story of reincarnation and ancient gods and goddesses.
A mix of the Exorcist and the Bad Seed and an average reincarnation story. A family moves into the haunted house in Germany. The husband is a diplomat and mom is a cozy mystery writer. The daughter is nine years old and at the beginning, doesn't speak German.
In the kitchen, a large, heavy door is locked and is tempting to the family. Behind the door lurks the spirit of an evil archaeologist and two bodies of women. The daughter becomes possessed by one of the women and gets a familiar type cat that is the avatar of Sehkmet.
Just once, I wish that people who inhabited novels had a passing acquaintance of the paranormal, because the books they live in would move a long far more quickly! This is the case of DBTA. The mother, a writer, has no idea of what her daughter is going through, never mind the vast number of horror and fantasy novels and movies and shows that discuss reincarnation and possession.
The story is told in the semi-omniscient third person, yet still drags on. And on. It is the text itself and the way the mother constantly questions what she is told and what she observes.
The only interesting character was the cat.
I just couldn't put up with the vapidity of the parents and the way the text just didn't move along.
3 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Damned-Ancient...
The Book Nerd was bored to tears.
by Catherine Cavendish
I received a complimentary copy of this novel via NetGalley and am leaving a fair and honest review.
I tried to read this book twice and both times I was unable to finish this plodding story of reincarnation and ancient gods and goddesses.
A mix of the Exorcist and the Bad Seed and an average reincarnation story. A family moves into the haunted house in Germany. The husband is a diplomat and mom is a cozy mystery writer. The daughter is nine years old and at the beginning, doesn't speak German.
In the kitchen, a large, heavy door is locked and is tempting to the family. Behind the door lurks the spirit of an evil archaeologist and two bodies of women. The daughter becomes possessed by one of the women and gets a familiar type cat that is the avatar of Sehkmet.
Just once, I wish that people who inhabited novels had a passing acquaintance of the paranormal, because the books they live in would move a long far more quickly! This is the case of DBTA. The mother, a writer, has no idea of what her daughter is going through, never mind the vast number of horror and fantasy novels and movies and shows that discuss reincarnation and possession.
The story is told in the semi-omniscient third person, yet still drags on. And on. It is the text itself and the way the mother constantly questions what she is told and what she observes.
The only interesting character was the cat.
I just couldn't put up with the vapidity of the parents and the way the text just didn't move along.
3 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Damned-Ancient...
The Book Nerd was bored to tears.
October 31, 2018
Damned by the Ancients is the third book in the Nemesis of the Gods series by Catherine Cavendish, but you don't need to read the others in the series to understand the plot of this one. I really enjoyed the second book in the series, Waking the Ancients, and I enjoyed this book just as much.
Ryan, his wife, Yvonne, and their nine-year-old daughter, Heidi move into Villa Dürnstein in Vienna, the former home of Dr. Emeryk Quintillus, an archeologist obsessed with Cleopatra. After they move in, strange things start happening, like Heidi suddenly being able to speak another language, and Heidi seeing a man in the basement that no one else can see. Dr. Quintillus won't stop until his beloved Cleopatra is brought back to life...even if he has to use a child as the vessel.
I was looking forward to Damned by the Ancients since I read the last one in the series, so I had high expectations and it did not disappoint. Cavendish is excellent at creating relatable characters and I truly cared about the family in this book.
I thought this book would be very similar to the last book in the series, but in addition to Dr. Quintillus's odd obsession with Cleopatra, and the haunted Villa Dürnstein, there were a lot of other spooky elements added. I loved the scenes with the creepy doll, the cat that protects Heidi and secretly talks to her, and how Dr. Quintillus forces Gustav Klimt to use ashes from Cleopatra's mummy.
The ending left an opening for a sequel and I really hope Cavendish writes another book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ryan, his wife, Yvonne, and their nine-year-old daughter, Heidi move into Villa Dürnstein in Vienna, the former home of Dr. Emeryk Quintillus, an archeologist obsessed with Cleopatra. After they move in, strange things start happening, like Heidi suddenly being able to speak another language, and Heidi seeing a man in the basement that no one else can see. Dr. Quintillus won't stop until his beloved Cleopatra is brought back to life...even if he has to use a child as the vessel.
I was looking forward to Damned by the Ancients since I read the last one in the series, so I had high expectations and it did not disappoint. Cavendish is excellent at creating relatable characters and I truly cared about the family in this book.
I thought this book would be very similar to the last book in the series, but in addition to Dr. Quintillus's odd obsession with Cleopatra, and the haunted Villa Dürnstein, there were a lot of other spooky elements added. I loved the scenes with the creepy doll, the cat that protects Heidi and secretly talks to her, and how Dr. Quintillus forces Gustav Klimt to use ashes from Cleopatra's mummy.
The ending left an opening for a sequel and I really hope Cavendish writes another book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2018
2018, Present day, a young couple, Ryan and Yvonne move in the Villa Dürnstein. One would believe this haunted house was rid of its ghostly inhabitants would be sadly mistaken. When doors are bolted and walls sealed shut, usually it is for good reason. So when Yvonne hears scratching noises coming from the kitchen wall, what on earth could it be? Rats? A larger animal? Something else not of the living, perhaps? She brings her suspicions to her husband, who quickly dismisses her notions as merely a rodent problem and promises to have an exterminator come out and take a look. Hmm, how many times have we been down this road, readers? If you’ve been following this series as I have, we know the scratching noises can only mean one thing? Dr. Quintillus is rearing his ugly century old head again.
However, in order to truly grasp what is happening at the Villa Dürnstein, the reader must go back a hundred years or more to figure out why Quintillus refuses to let this house go! His beloved Cleopatra is always within his sights, as well as his heart, finds a new soul he can use as his vessel to bring her back to this world—Heidi, Ryan and Yvonne’s little girl. But can this be true? It’s one thing for Quintillus to take adults’ souls, but would he even dare try one so small? Well, if you know anything about Quintillus, you know he will stop at nothing, and I do mean, nothing, to bring the love of his life, Cleopatra back in his arms. Ooh, but what Quintillus didn’t count on were other Egyptian Gods to come to the rescue, or were they apart of a bigger scheme as well?
You’ll have to read to find out. As usual, Cavendish does a great job in bringing Egyptian mythology to life among the pages. This is really a great series! I love how each novel shows you a different perspective of the Villa Dürnstein and how other characters met Quintillus along the way bringing forth a colorful tale of horror. What a great read for October! Well done!
However, in order to truly grasp what is happening at the Villa Dürnstein, the reader must go back a hundred years or more to figure out why Quintillus refuses to let this house go! His beloved Cleopatra is always within his sights, as well as his heart, finds a new soul he can use as his vessel to bring her back to this world—Heidi, Ryan and Yvonne’s little girl. But can this be true? It’s one thing for Quintillus to take adults’ souls, but would he even dare try one so small? Well, if you know anything about Quintillus, you know he will stop at nothing, and I do mean, nothing, to bring the love of his life, Cleopatra back in his arms. Ooh, but what Quintillus didn’t count on were other Egyptian Gods to come to the rescue, or were they apart of a bigger scheme as well?
You’ll have to read to find out. As usual, Cavendish does a great job in bringing Egyptian mythology to life among the pages. This is really a great series! I love how each novel shows you a different perspective of the Villa Dürnstein and how other characters met Quintillus along the way bringing forth a colorful tale of horror. What a great read for October! Well done!
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September 3, 2020Obsession Plus Power Equals Horror
Catherine Cavendish has outdone herself with this third part of her epic series. She's clearly incorporated extensive research to bring life to her characters and the dark, brooding atmosphere. I easily became deeply concerned for the young girls as the evil, immortal Emeryk Quintillus ensnared them to become victims of his schemes.
I've tried hard not to reveal any spoilers!
Aside from Quintillus, there were a few despicable characters in the book, but it was easy to sympathize with and root for the central characters and some easily became favorites. I was particularly fond of young Heidi and her delightful and spooky cat, Sekhmet. Introducing a cat to a story gets me every time.
I haven't read all the books in the series and Cavendish is such a good writer that I had no trouble following the plot while reading this one as a stand-alone, but I encourage you to read the books in order to get the full enjoyment of the series. I feel like I may have robbed myself of a fuller enjoyment of what was a great read for fans of ancient Egypt and black sorcery. I want to read them all!
Catherine Cavendish has outdone herself with this third part of her epic series. She's clearly incorporated extensive research to bring life to her characters and the dark, brooding atmosphere. I easily became deeply concerned for the young girls as the evil, immortal Emeryk Quintillus ensnared them to become victims of his schemes.
I've tried hard not to reveal any spoilers!
Aside from Quintillus, there were a few despicable characters in the book, but it was easy to sympathize with and root for the central characters and some easily became favorites. I was particularly fond of young Heidi and her delightful and spooky cat, Sekhmet. Introducing a cat to a story gets me every time.
I haven't read all the books in the series and Cavendish is such a good writer that I had no trouble following the plot while reading this one as a stand-alone, but I encourage you to read the books in order to get the full enjoyment of the series. I feel like I may have robbed myself of a fuller enjoyment of what was a great read for fans of ancient Egypt and black sorcery. I want to read them all!
March 9, 2019
I would like to thank Kensington Publishing Corporation and Netgalley for this partnership.
I was immediately attracted by the magnificent cover of this book, I just think it's a pity that the site didn't indicate that it was a volume 3 but I would gladly read the other two volumes.
The story takes place in Vienna in 1908 and nowadays in 2018.
In the 20th century, Gabrielle, an art student who fell in love with an archaeologist, fell in love with him except that she met him too late with his feelings and wanted to revive Cleopatra.
As for a family in the 11th century, it finds in its garage a portrait of the famous Cleopatra, and their daughter tells them that a man lives in their house.
A third captivating volume, full of suspense and twists and turns. The characters are endearing, really looking forward to this series coming out in in complete box set. I strongly recommend to all fantasy, story, paranormal fans to read this series.
I was immediately attracted by the magnificent cover of this book, I just think it's a pity that the site didn't indicate that it was a volume 3 but I would gladly read the other two volumes.
The story takes place in Vienna in 1908 and nowadays in 2018.
In the 20th century, Gabrielle, an art student who fell in love with an archaeologist, fell in love with him except that she met him too late with his feelings and wanted to revive Cleopatra.
As for a family in the 11th century, it finds in its garage a portrait of the famous Cleopatra, and their daughter tells them that a man lives in their house.
A third captivating volume, full of suspense and twists and turns. The characters are endearing, really looking forward to this series coming out in in complete box set. I strongly recommend to all fantasy, story, paranormal fans to read this series.
November 8, 2018
Miss Cavendish's Damned by the Ancients (the third book in her Nemesis of the Gods trilogy) is the best one yet. Cavendish, one of the finest gothic horror authors working, is always good at spine-tingling scenes and spooky set-pieces and here she tops herself. The easy summary is the books have been about the very evil, very ghostly Quintillus, who'll stop at nothing to place his obsession, Cleopatra, into a new body. Each of the three books tops themselves, and the stakes are raised this time, I believe, by putting a young girl in danger of losing her soul. But, mainly, it's an excuse to hang wonderfully written trappings around a haunted house scenario: dark secrets, spooky rooms, haunting ghosts, suspense and thrills. You can't go wrong with Cavendish. Highly recommended.
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