Elysian: Gothic Tales and Poems

by Alienor Hughman

A collection of stories that will remind you of Neil Gaiman, Poppy Z. Brite, Jane Eyre and 19th century gothic, chockfull of ghosts, damsels in varying degrees of distress, and vampires - from the 15th century to the 21st. Magic, urban fantasy and horror interlace carefully, leaving you lost at sea, or running for your life in a derelict building or in a traditional British castle.

Come dance with Alienor Hughman’s demons, take a trip to hell, see how you like it.

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2018

Reviews

[Aidan Toomey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Elysian. Some stories, like Elysian and the Ogre are classic 19th century ghost stories with a twist, others interplay with The Lord of The Rings and an evil Necromancer - again with a twist. There are stories that evoke gaslighting and manipulation, such as The GreyFriars’ Kirkyard, but my favorite has got to be Hell, as a believable (entertaining and funnily disgusting) representation of that side of the world.

The poems are in turns lyrical, sad and beautiful. Some speak to me without my knowing why - I guess that’s the point...!

I truly recommend this new author. I wish Neil Gaiman and Tim Burton actually read her book!!

[Stuart Land · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elysian is both loving and creepy. Creepy in a good way. It makes the reader confront what they know about reality and shows them a different way to perceive it. There are many stories and poems, each with their own view on this incredible world we live in, and some worlds we don't. This is a night table book, one that can be read before you go to sleep (or maybe when you wake up), as each chapter is just long enough. But... be careful of nightmares!

[Zoe Addams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and surreal tales, that lead you down paths you did not expect.
A mix of the macabre with some romantic elements, and elements that had me at times questioning and altering my initial alliances with the characters presented before me. A great mix of tales, prose and poems. Given that gothic tales are not normally a genre I go for, I was surprisingly rivited.
My only critisism is that I wish some of the stories had gone on for longer!
A great read and once you open the pages you will be hooked!

[Sarahndipity]

Within reading the first couple paragraphs of each story, I felt I had to surrender to the surreal landscape I've been dropped into and not question it. Once I was there (in the story), I had to let go and let it pull me along because I knew I was being taken on a strange and surreal (and often creepy) ride. This style and genre of story isn't something I normally read so it was fun to get sucked into these worlds.

[Ellen Bard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and luscious, you'll be captivated by the monsters in the book. You might want to read it in the safe light of day!

[Latoriat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing from beginning to end!

[Faizal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why she say her interests unlimited then in very next line say no Islam. Typical dumb atheist contradicting herself because all non Muslim are contradiction especially atheist otherwise how you even here? Who is who writes this book that only 13 people like?

[Alienor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it... but then again I wrote it ;oD