What do you think?
Rate this book
Beneath London's Fog
Jonathan is the immortal master of Raven Hollow Manor - a decrepit mansion riddled with superstition, murder and restless ghosts. Beneath it lies a restless malice.
Its previous owner driven mad, violently kills his guests with a rusted ax, creating the perfect venue for Jonathan to seclude himself in a prison of his own device.
When the streets of London begin to run red with blood; the bodies exhibiting disturbing signs and baffling wounds, the identity of the killer remains elusive to police.
The bodies are just the beginning of Jonathan's troubles. A mysterious letter accusing Jonathan of committing the murders appear, raising suspicion in the police. Hidden beneath the mangled bodies, Jonathan soon realizes he is being forced to face demons he thought died in a forlorn past he attempted to escape.
One thing Jonathan knows for certain: He must deal with the demons of his past if he is to survive his future. Not only him but those he has come to love as well.
Its previous owner driven mad, violently kills his guests with a rusted ax, creating the perfect venue for Jonathan to seclude himself in a prison of his own device.
When the streets of London begin to run red with blood; the bodies exhibiting disturbing signs and baffling wounds, the identity of the killer remains elusive to police.
The bodies are just the beginning of Jonathan's troubles. A mysterious letter accusing Jonathan of committing the murders appear, raising suspicion in the police. Hidden beneath the mangled bodies, Jonathan soon realizes he is being forced to face demons he thought died in a forlorn past he attempted to escape.
One thing Jonathan knows for certain: He must deal with the demons of his past if he is to survive his future. Not only him but those he has come to love as well.
- GenresHorror
Paperback
Published January 1, 2019
184 people want to read
About the author
Iona Caldwell
3 books100 followersMy name is Iona Caldwell. I'm the author of the British Occult Fiction, Beneath London's Fog set to be published by FyreSyde Publishing October 2019. When I'm not busy weaving worlds of the arcane and dark, I'm spending time out in nature. I love books. My biggest inspirations are H.P Lovecraft, Stephen King, Neil Gaiman and Edgar Allen Poe. I blog about many things but mostly everything bookish.
All of my novels are stand-alone novellas, each with a cast of people I hope my readers will come to love as much as I have.
I do accept reviews but they're very selective and I urge you to check my review policy first.
For my books, please see my author website:
ionacaldwell.weebly.com
All of my novels are stand-alone novellas, each with a cast of people I hope my readers will come to love as much as I have.
I do accept reviews but they're very selective and I urge you to check my review policy first.
For my books, please see my author website:
ionacaldwell.weebly.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 28, 2019
Synopsis
A centuries-old vampire haunts the streets of London at night, but he isn't the monster one would expect. Jonathan once fell in love with a human, Anna, who died tragically, breaking his heart. Now he does not kill to feed, though it would make him stronger. He lives in the feared Raven Hollow Manor with his daughter, an orphaned human he adopted. Since he does not kill, he is safe from persecution, that is, until another vampire comes to town and this one doesn't share Jonathan's moral code...
Plot
This is a novella, which is both a strength and a weakness. It's a strength, because every word that Caldwell writes serves a purpose to either create atmosphere, plunge the plot forward, or develop three-dimensional characters. It's also a weakness because I wanted more!
This book is rocket-fast paced. It's designed as a quick and tumultuous adventure, rather than a long and arduous trek, which is often the case with Victorian-era vampire fiction.
There are many flashbacks throughout the story, but they felt a little too rushed to my liking. It often felt like a scene ended just when it was really beginning. Caldwell had a dynamic idea that could have easily been extended into a full-length piece.
The plot of this novel did seem familiar, as if I've read it before. While deemed "horror" the book isn't particularly scary. However, it does deal with some dark themes, (and vampires ripping out people's throats is always considered horror, right?). That said, I would categorize this book more as a compelling mystery masquerading as a Gothic vampire horror.
Characters
While fast-paced, the novel doesn't forego necessary character descriptions. Jonathan isn't a mysterious cloaked figure, but a well-fleshed out character. Caldwell does this through flashbacks as well as present-day interactions with his daughter.
Because of the shortness of the book, we don't get to see as much of other characters, such as the villain (I'll leave it vague since that's a spoiler!) or even his daughter, Anna. I would have liked to learn more about Anna, her motivations, and maybe experience more flashbacks to when she was first adopted by this creature of the night. What happens when a centuries-old vampire is raising a teenager? I'm hoping that future instalments in this series will give me the juicy details that I want!
Language
Beneath London's Fog reads like other classic vampire stories--particularly Dracula or Interview with the Vampire. The style is authentic to the time period. The writing is also almost epistolary in the way that Jonathan seems to address the reader, but this isn't extended throughout the whole story, which might have disconnected the readers from the action.
While Caldwell uses an older style of writing, this doesn't detract from the quick pace of reading. There aren't any long, monotonous speeches, as seen in classic horror novels such as Dracula. That said, there were occasional parts where the grammar seemed stilted, which is to be expected when using this style of writing.
Setting
Somehow in a 100-page novel, Caldwell hits all four readers advisory (librarian-nerd alert!) appeal factors--including setting, which is often neglected in shorter pieces. She takes her time describing the city, as well as Raven Hollow Manor. She provides twisted history of this building, which was a delightfully dark surprise. But again, I wish she had delved deeper into the beautiful world she created. I wanted to learn more about the madman that had once lived in Raven Hollow, or the monster that apparently lurks deep beneath it.
I recommend this novella to anyone looking for a cozy horror story to read on a cold evening while curled up by the fireplace with a cat on one side and a glass of blood--er--wine on the other.
*Thank you to FyreSyde Publishing for the advanced reader copy for review*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
Instagram | Blog | Website | Twitter
My 2019 Reading Challenge
A centuries-old vampire haunts the streets of London at night, but he isn't the monster one would expect. Jonathan once fell in love with a human, Anna, who died tragically, breaking his heart. Now he does not kill to feed, though it would make him stronger. He lives in the feared Raven Hollow Manor with his daughter, an orphaned human he adopted. Since he does not kill, he is safe from persecution, that is, until another vampire comes to town and this one doesn't share Jonathan's moral code...
Plot
This is a novella, which is both a strength and a weakness. It's a strength, because every word that Caldwell writes serves a purpose to either create atmosphere, plunge the plot forward, or develop three-dimensional characters. It's also a weakness because I wanted more!
This book is rocket-fast paced. It's designed as a quick and tumultuous adventure, rather than a long and arduous trek, which is often the case with Victorian-era vampire fiction.
There are many flashbacks throughout the story, but they felt a little too rushed to my liking. It often felt like a scene ended just when it was really beginning. Caldwell had a dynamic idea that could have easily been extended into a full-length piece.
The plot of this novel did seem familiar, as if I've read it before. While deemed "horror" the book isn't particularly scary. However, it does deal with some dark themes, (and vampires ripping out people's throats is always considered horror, right?). That said, I would categorize this book more as a compelling mystery masquerading as a Gothic vampire horror.
Characters
While fast-paced, the novel doesn't forego necessary character descriptions. Jonathan isn't a mysterious cloaked figure, but a well-fleshed out character. Caldwell does this through flashbacks as well as present-day interactions with his daughter.
Because of the shortness of the book, we don't get to see as much of other characters, such as the villain (I'll leave it vague since that's a spoiler!) or even his daughter, Anna. I would have liked to learn more about Anna, her motivations, and maybe experience more flashbacks to when she was first adopted by this creature of the night. What happens when a centuries-old vampire is raising a teenager? I'm hoping that future instalments in this series will give me the juicy details that I want!
Language
Beneath London's Fog reads like other classic vampire stories--particularly Dracula or Interview with the Vampire. The style is authentic to the time period. The writing is also almost epistolary in the way that Jonathan seems to address the reader, but this isn't extended throughout the whole story, which might have disconnected the readers from the action.
While Caldwell uses an older style of writing, this doesn't detract from the quick pace of reading. There aren't any long, monotonous speeches, as seen in classic horror novels such as Dracula. That said, there were occasional parts where the grammar seemed stilted, which is to be expected when using this style of writing.
Setting
Somehow in a 100-page novel, Caldwell hits all four readers advisory (librarian-nerd alert!) appeal factors--including setting, which is often neglected in shorter pieces. She takes her time describing the city, as well as Raven Hollow Manor. She provides twisted history of this building, which was a delightfully dark surprise. But again, I wish she had delved deeper into the beautiful world she created. I wanted to learn more about the madman that had once lived in Raven Hollow, or the monster that apparently lurks deep beneath it.
I recommend this novella to anyone looking for a cozy horror story to read on a cold evening while curled up by the fireplace with a cat on one side and a glass of blood--er--wine on the other.
*Thank you to FyreSyde Publishing for the advanced reader copy for review*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
Instagram | Blog | Website | Twitter
My 2019 Reading Challenge
August 16, 2019
This was Jonathan's story, a monster, taking the skin of a man, but with a heart of gold. Filled with love and pain, he lived his life in the darkness of the Raven Hollow Manor, making it his home along with spirits and other things which go bump in the night. An immortal master, benevolent to his adopted child Holly, he lived his life in relative ignominy. Till the murders started happening in the streets of London, and he was blamed...
My first book by Iona Caldwell, it was written with the patience and depth which such a story deserved. Jonathan was an interesting character who had layers to his nature. His past gave him his present. His love for Anna surpassed her death. His generosity of spirit was seen in the way he took just what was needed, and not a drop more. He was misunderstood, but he stood firm to his beliefs and duty.
I loved the way the story was told in glimpses of his past. His memories gave me a glimpse of the hidden love where two hearts beat as one for a transient time. An old enemy made centuries ago suddenly twisted the story. The book had the paranormal creatures and an ancient fight. It had a secret hidden in the crypts which added a flavor.
Iona Caldwell has written this paranormal story noir, in the ink of the fog, depicting a forgotten London, existing eons ago, where sometimes Church's warriors lived alongside with the dark heroes, existing in the eternal truth that sometimes monsters are different.
My first book by Iona Caldwell, it was written with the patience and depth which such a story deserved. Jonathan was an interesting character who had layers to his nature. His past gave him his present. His love for Anna surpassed her death. His generosity of spirit was seen in the way he took just what was needed, and not a drop more. He was misunderstood, but he stood firm to his beliefs and duty.
I loved the way the story was told in glimpses of his past. His memories gave me a glimpse of the hidden love where two hearts beat as one for a transient time. An old enemy made centuries ago suddenly twisted the story. The book had the paranormal creatures and an ancient fight. It had a secret hidden in the crypts which added a flavor.
Iona Caldwell has written this paranormal story noir, in the ink of the fog, depicting a forgotten London, existing eons ago, where sometimes Church's warriors lived alongside with the dark heroes, existing in the eternal truth that sometimes monsters are different.
October 10, 2019
The eerie cover of Beneath London’s Fog by Ilona Caldwell makes me think of Jack the Ripper and ghosts. Are you creeped out yet?
Jonathon has made himself a prisoner in Raven Hollow Manor, along with his daughter, Holly. He lost his love, Anna, but her ghostly presence lingers.
His past is coming back to haunt him when a serial killer goes wild in the foggy nights of London.
He is able to transform himself and I loved it. He becomes a cat, a Great Dane, or a mist in the night. Being immortal allows him to see without being seen. He is very protective of Holly and struggles to allow her some freedom. He is easily able to ‘spy’ on her, assuring her safety. After all, he knows first hand the monsters that lurk in the shadows. His oasis is by Anna’s gravesite. He reads Poe and Robert Frost to her.
Holly knows that he is an immortal. Authors have the freedom to create the immortal they want to portray, and I love Ilona Caldwell’s version.
I begin to wish for his happiness, for him to move on and create a new life, without Anna.
Enter…Walter Deverough, a detective on the hunt. I wonder….I feel we’ll be seeing a lot more of him.
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned and SHE will scorch the earth with her need for revenge.
We, also, have Leland…a hero to the end.
Fast paced. Suspenseful. A vampire of a different color. Great world building as I pictured him walking the streets of London, damp and weary. Ilona Caldwell draws pictures with her words.
I voluntarily reviewed and ARC of Beneath London’s Fog by Ilona Caldwell.
See more at fundinmental
Jonathon has made himself a prisoner in Raven Hollow Manor, along with his daughter, Holly. He lost his love, Anna, but her ghostly presence lingers.
His past is coming back to haunt him when a serial killer goes wild in the foggy nights of London.
He is able to transform himself and I loved it. He becomes a cat, a Great Dane, or a mist in the night. Being immortal allows him to see without being seen. He is very protective of Holly and struggles to allow her some freedom. He is easily able to ‘spy’ on her, assuring her safety. After all, he knows first hand the monsters that lurk in the shadows. His oasis is by Anna’s gravesite. He reads Poe and Robert Frost to her.
Holly knows that he is an immortal. Authors have the freedom to create the immortal they want to portray, and I love Ilona Caldwell’s version.
I begin to wish for his happiness, for him to move on and create a new life, without Anna.
Enter…Walter Deverough, a detective on the hunt. I wonder….I feel we’ll be seeing a lot more of him.
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned and SHE will scorch the earth with her need for revenge.
We, also, have Leland…a hero to the end.
Fast paced. Suspenseful. A vampire of a different color. Great world building as I pictured him walking the streets of London, damp and weary. Ilona Caldwell draws pictures with her words.
I voluntarily reviewed and ARC of Beneath London’s Fog by Ilona Caldwell.
See more at fundinmental
October 20, 2019
The narrator of the novel BENEATH LONDON'S FOG by author Iona Caldwell makes it known on the first page that they are not the hero of this novel but rather a villain. This villain is the immortal Jonathan Holloway who resides as the master of Raven Hollow Manor in London. Although the term vampire is never directly used to describe him, it is clear that he suffers from all the things that immortal living bring about.
Probably the most depressing trait of immortality is seeing people and things that you may have feelings for disappear or die away, as you continue to exist with no power to change this from occurring. The novel begins in the year 1910 and Jonathan is concerned about a brutal string of murders in the London area. He also is quite possessive of the one he refers to as his own daughter --- one-time street urchin, Holly. As much as he is able to do for Holly, he still recognizes that deep-down she will always see him as a monster.
A London Detective named Walter Deverough seeks out Jonathan Holloway one evening at Raven Hollow Manor. He has two reasons for being there ---the first is to officially ask for Jonathan's help with ending the current murder spree; the second, is to let it be known that he has become romantically involved with Holly and wants her hand. As Jonathan lends his involvement to the case he begins to see shocking similarities with the 'work' of someone he knew centuries earlier.
Iona Caldwell treats readers to various flashbacks, some going back as far as the 1500's. It is during that time that Jonathan lost his love, Annabelle, someone he has vowed to avenge. As the case continues and the murders begin to pile up, Jonathan is torn at learning his initial fears were accurate. The one behind these murders is none other than Catalina, the same immortal who claimed his Anna or Annabelle.
Jonathan must now find Catalina for the inevitable showdown that was long overdue, but will he be able to do that and keep his Holly safe at the same time? It is a complex situation made worse by the fact that Jonathan and Catalina has one-time been lovers, and we all know the old adage about a woman scorned. This is a terrific, quick read and I only wish BENEATH LONDON'S FOG had been longer. At barely over 100 pages, this novel leaves the reader wanting more --- and I can only hope Iona Caldwell is prepared to give that to us sometime in the near future.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for JournalStone
Probably the most depressing trait of immortality is seeing people and things that you may have feelings for disappear or die away, as you continue to exist with no power to change this from occurring. The novel begins in the year 1910 and Jonathan is concerned about a brutal string of murders in the London area. He also is quite possessive of the one he refers to as his own daughter --- one-time street urchin, Holly. As much as he is able to do for Holly, he still recognizes that deep-down she will always see him as a monster.
A London Detective named Walter Deverough seeks out Jonathan Holloway one evening at Raven Hollow Manor. He has two reasons for being there ---the first is to officially ask for Jonathan's help with ending the current murder spree; the second, is to let it be known that he has become romantically involved with Holly and wants her hand. As Jonathan lends his involvement to the case he begins to see shocking similarities with the 'work' of someone he knew centuries earlier.
Iona Caldwell treats readers to various flashbacks, some going back as far as the 1500's. It is during that time that Jonathan lost his love, Annabelle, someone he has vowed to avenge. As the case continues and the murders begin to pile up, Jonathan is torn at learning his initial fears were accurate. The one behind these murders is none other than Catalina, the same immortal who claimed his Anna or Annabelle.
Jonathan must now find Catalina for the inevitable showdown that was long overdue, but will he be able to do that and keep his Holly safe at the same time? It is a complex situation made worse by the fact that Jonathan and Catalina has one-time been lovers, and we all know the old adage about a woman scorned. This is a terrific, quick read and I only wish BENEATH LONDON'S FOG had been longer. At barely over 100 pages, this novel leaves the reader wanting more --- and I can only hope Iona Caldwell is prepared to give that to us sometime in the near future.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for JournalStone
October 30, 2019
"I am a monster wearing the face of a man."
Beneath London's Fog is a haunting tale of a tortured soul fighting to keep his humanity in the wake of his monstrous sins and urges. With notes of the macabre, like the works of Poe, and a sad tale not unlike Anne Rice's Louis, this one is sure to put you under its spell. It offers a tale of revenge, beauty, horror, and emotion.
This was such a satisfying story. Though it was short, it left me with the sense of having read a full book, because I never felt like anything was missed or left out. It was rich in detail, quick and easy to read, but also slow burning and very well developed.
I loved getting to know Jonathan and his story. He reminded me of Anne Rice's character Louis, and also of Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. But, he also had his own appeal and haunting characteristics that made him such a vivid character.
I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story. I loved the fact that the "evil" lurking in the fog of London was not what you would have expected from a horror story. I also loved how Jonathan fought to keep his humanity, despite being a monster himself.
I could definitely see myself reading this again, and I'm so glad I read this right before Halloween, because it really put me in the mood for my favorite holiday. It was hauntingly beautiful and really came to life, with just the right amount of horror and paranormal aspects. And the ending left me with hope for a second installment! What a satisfying read!
"I never claimed to be a good man but not all monsters are the same."
Quotes used are from the book written by the author and are from an advanced copy, so they may be subject to change.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Beneath London's Fog is a haunting tale of a tortured soul fighting to keep his humanity in the wake of his monstrous sins and urges. With notes of the macabre, like the works of Poe, and a sad tale not unlike Anne Rice's Louis, this one is sure to put you under its spell. It offers a tale of revenge, beauty, horror, and emotion.
This was such a satisfying story. Though it was short, it left me with the sense of having read a full book, because I never felt like anything was missed or left out. It was rich in detail, quick and easy to read, but also slow burning and very well developed.
I loved getting to know Jonathan and his story. He reminded me of Anne Rice's character Louis, and also of Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. But, he also had his own appeal and haunting characteristics that made him such a vivid character.
I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story. I loved the fact that the "evil" lurking in the fog of London was not what you would have expected from a horror story. I also loved how Jonathan fought to keep his humanity, despite being a monster himself.
I could definitely see myself reading this again, and I'm so glad I read this right before Halloween, because it really put me in the mood for my favorite holiday. It was hauntingly beautiful and really came to life, with just the right amount of horror and paranormal aspects. And the ending left me with hope for a second installment! What a satisfying read!
"I never claimed to be a good man but not all monsters are the same."
Quotes used are from the book written by the author and are from an advanced copy, so they may be subject to change.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 29, 2019
Love, lust, revenge...all of the qualities that can (and should) comprise a great vampire story. Iona Caldwell's debut novel showcases every single one of those qualities, and more.
In "Beneath London's Fog", we follow Jonathan Holloway as he tries to figure out who is brutally murdering innocent people in his territory. However, as we accompany him, playing detective alongside, we also learn about his past. We learn about his love, Annabelle, his "daughter", Holly, and who is truly after him. And it isn't a hunter.
This is the first book by Iona Caldwell and it truly delivers. Her writing is so elegant and her descriptions are so vivid. I'm excited to see what is next from Ms. Caldwell!
In "Beneath London's Fog", we follow Jonathan Holloway as he tries to figure out who is brutally murdering innocent people in his territory. However, as we accompany him, playing detective alongside, we also learn about his past. We learn about his love, Annabelle, his "daughter", Holly, and who is truly after him. And it isn't a hunter.
This is the first book by Iona Caldwell and it truly delivers. Her writing is so elegant and her descriptions are so vivid. I'm excited to see what is next from Ms. Caldwell!
November 7, 2019
I was really hoping to like this one more than I did. The cover just screams spooky setting but it really wasn’t all that spooky.
It’s told in the POV of Jonathan a vampire who has been around for a long time. He has raised a young girl up a young girl always protecting her from other monsters. Now it seems there is someone out there who is killing people and giving him a bad name and he is afraid that people will come around and bother him and he likes being secluded with just Holly.
He knows there is a dark evil that lurks and the more he finds out about what is happening he thinks he knows who is behind it but he can’t believe it because that person should have been dead. If he wants to protect Holly and her new boyfriend then he will have to come out and fight the monster that is lurking there drawing him out.
I really wanted to enjoy this but I think the length of this book was it’s downfall for me as it was just to short. I felt that I just didn’t have enough background on the characters. Jonathan is a vampire but where did he come from? I needed more information on him. We know he had lost his great love and he likes his solitude and we find out a few things about his past but not enough. Holly to is a bit vague, we find out he took her off the streets and raised her and now she is an adult and has met someone. Talk about a fast relationship because I swear she just met him but by the end she was going to marry him?? So I feel like I missed something in between.
I know I always say I am not one for a lot of descriptions and like a lot of dialogue but I feel like this one could have done with a bit more meat of the story to make it better. I am noticed a lot of great reviews on this one so maybe it’s just me, it just didn’t work for me but it might work for you.
It’s told in the POV of Jonathan a vampire who has been around for a long time. He has raised a young girl up a young girl always protecting her from other monsters. Now it seems there is someone out there who is killing people and giving him a bad name and he is afraid that people will come around and bother him and he likes being secluded with just Holly.
He knows there is a dark evil that lurks and the more he finds out about what is happening he thinks he knows who is behind it but he can’t believe it because that person should have been dead. If he wants to protect Holly and her new boyfriend then he will have to come out and fight the monster that is lurking there drawing him out.
I really wanted to enjoy this but I think the length of this book was it’s downfall for me as it was just to short. I felt that I just didn’t have enough background on the characters. Jonathan is a vampire but where did he come from? I needed more information on him. We know he had lost his great love and he likes his solitude and we find out a few things about his past but not enough. Holly to is a bit vague, we find out he took her off the streets and raised her and now she is an adult and has met someone. Talk about a fast relationship because I swear she just met him but by the end she was going to marry him?? So I feel like I missed something in between.
I know I always say I am not one for a lot of descriptions and like a lot of dialogue but I feel like this one could have done with a bit more meat of the story to make it better. I am noticed a lot of great reviews on this one so maybe it’s just me, it just didn’t work for me but it might work for you.
December 31, 2019
5 CRANKY STARS
Well, this book was not what I was expecting but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Vampire stories are always fun for me ever since I found author Ann Rice. This vampire is a little different and because it is a short easy read, it ended too soon.
I liked the concept of vampires (however, the main character doesn’t consider himself one) having different levels of magical power. Because he was created hundreds of years earlier, he has way more power. There are only a few like him still in hiding. He gives us some of his background and the story starts in the 1565 in London where he meets his true love Annabelle. It then jumps to 1910 and this is where I got confused.
Of course, it is many years after Annabelle’s death and Jonathan is raising a daughter named Holly. She seems to be in her late teens, early twenties and is just starting to spread her wings. It is just a short time after the Jack the Ripper scandal and Jonathan is hesitant to let her leave home at night. There is what appears to be a vampire hunting in the city and creating hideous corpses. Jonathan knows of only one other vampire capable of such atrocious behavior, but she is dead.
I’m not telling you anymore but there is action and suspense as Jonathan tries to help the police. A great quick read for a dreary afternoon.
Well, this book was not what I was expecting but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Vampire stories are always fun for me ever since I found author Ann Rice. This vampire is a little different and because it is a short easy read, it ended too soon.
I liked the concept of vampires (however, the main character doesn’t consider himself one) having different levels of magical power. Because he was created hundreds of years earlier, he has way more power. There are only a few like him still in hiding. He gives us some of his background and the story starts in the 1565 in London where he meets his true love Annabelle. It then jumps to 1910 and this is where I got confused.
Of course, it is many years after Annabelle’s death and Jonathan is raising a daughter named Holly. She seems to be in her late teens, early twenties and is just starting to spread her wings. It is just a short time after the Jack the Ripper scandal and Jonathan is hesitant to let her leave home at night. There is what appears to be a vampire hunting in the city and creating hideous corpses. Jonathan knows of only one other vampire capable of such atrocious behavior, but she is dead.
I’m not telling you anymore but there is action and suspense as Jonathan tries to help the police. A great quick read for a dreary afternoon.
December 19, 2019
I can't honestly say that I personally enjoyed it but it could just be me. The writing isn't too bad but I just don't think that I'm the right reader for it. I was very intrigued by the description of the manor that Jonathan lives in but the sentence in the synopsis is just about the only description of it. The atmosphere was set very well and the descriptions are done very well. I think others who like the more romantic "Dark Shadows" type of tortured soul vampire will enjoy it more.
My other issues with it are more specific. The way that Jonathan acts is just not consistent with the times. It's set in 1910 and he is just socially advanced beyond a believable degree for the time it is set in. Beyond the more vague anachronistic ideals and attitudes there were more specific anachronisms that I had trouble with.
I am not the kind to gripe about teeny tiny errors (like a bird being where it shouldn't) and I don't really expect a fantasy book to have to get into the minute details that I might expect from a more historically based novel. However, some of these were very glaring and also very easy to double check. For instance, one of the policemen uses the term "serial killer", a term that didn't come into use until the late seventies. There is also a female police woman who apparently has the authority to arrest another officer (male).
In all I'd say that even though the book wasn't for me, someone looking for a quick, light vampire story might have a better time with it.
My other issues with it are more specific. The way that Jonathan acts is just not consistent with the times. It's set in 1910 and he is just socially advanced beyond a believable degree for the time it is set in. Beyond the more vague anachronistic ideals and attitudes there were more specific anachronisms that I had trouble with.
I am not the kind to gripe about teeny tiny errors (like a bird being where it shouldn't) and I don't really expect a fantasy book to have to get into the minute details that I might expect from a more historically based novel. However, some of these were very glaring and also very easy to double check. For instance, one of the policemen uses the term "serial killer", a term that didn't come into use until the late seventies. There is also a female police woman who apparently has the authority to arrest another officer (male).
In all I'd say that even though the book wasn't for me, someone looking for a quick, light vampire story might have a better time with it.
December 19, 2019
Love-hate relationship with this one!
I enjoyed the lilt of the story
The diverse cast - humans, specters, vampires
The subtle undertone that highlighted the mystery and suspense - the foggy London weather, the dense forests - giving it an almost tangible flavor
The story had all the elements of an entertaining read -
past nemesis, lost loves, long-held regrets and lest us not forget new chances and budding romances
It was the cursed errors that spoiled the possible perfection
I enjoyed the lilt of the story
The diverse cast - humans, specters, vampires
The subtle undertone that highlighted the mystery and suspense - the foggy London weather, the dense forests - giving it an almost tangible flavor
The story had all the elements of an entertaining read -
past nemesis, lost loves, long-held regrets and lest us not forget new chances and budding romances
It was the cursed errors that spoiled the possible perfection
October 3, 2019
What. A. Book.
RTC on blog!!
RTC on blog!!
August 27, 2020
DNFed before I could even begin. This is not a book, it's a giant outline for a book. The entire thing is telling without ever showing, which makes it an outline. Not a book.
October 31, 2019
I want to preface this review with a loud disclaimer: I did not like this book, but others might. Therefore, I will be posting this review even though I received it from the publisher, and it's unfortunately not a rave review. The following are my honest thoughts on the novel.
Truthfully, this book was not for me. I honestly thought it could be, because I thought it would be a supernatural, haunting, creepy read with a vampire twist. I'm always intrigued by those kinds of novels, so I was anticipating to really like this book.
Beneath London's Fog is supposed to be about a vampire named Jonathan, and how for centuries he has been occupying London as one of the only vampires in the city. However another vampire comes along who murders his victims maliciously, unlike Jonathan, who only utilizes attractive humans for their blood and only so far as to quench his hunger, before leaving them to heal with their memories manipulated to remember nothing. Yet, Jonathan is being blamed for these murders.
Unfortunately, I didn't understand much of what Caldwell was trying to relay as far as a plot line, because the novel is written from Jonathan's point of view and much of his observations are just pure train of thought. There is little background information that creates imagery for the reader. This causes such a huge disconnect as Jonathan jumps from thought to thought- it creates such holes in the action.
I did understand that Jonathan's territory was being invaded by this malicious, mysterious vampire, but their backstory is sparsely revealed. Unfortunately, the writing is also overly dramatic, utilizing such heavy, emotionally impacting diction that it distracts from interpreting the relationships between the characters. I know Caldwell is trying to be a little unassuming to invoke some mystery and suspense into her writing, but to me, it comes off as trying too hard.
Another thing that detracted from my reader experience is that the setting of the novel doesn't exactly match the title. I was anticipating some atmospheric, haunting, eerie type setting, but it this picture isn't manifested at all. The fog is actually referring to Jonathan's ability to become the fog. Not exactly what I was expecting when supernatural experiences were mentioned.
Overall, this book did not stack up against the other supernatural reads that have completely captivated my attention and imagination. Could other readers enjoy this? Absolutely, and in fact there are other readers who have reviewed and said that this is a wonderful book. Unfortunately for me, I struggled to get through this book. And it wasn't a #moodreaderprobs because I am feeling ALL the fall creepy reads. This book just didn't do it for me.
As always, I feel terrible having to write a negative review, especially for an author who clearly is proud of their work and just trying their hardest to promote their brain child. But, if I've learned anything from reviewing for authors and publishers, no review or refusing to review something is worse than writing a less-than-raving review. So, I know they'll understand that I'm just trying to deliver the honest review that they asked for. I also wouldn't discourage anyone from checking out a book that piques their interest, no matter what I think of it.
Truthfully, this book was not for me. I honestly thought it could be, because I thought it would be a supernatural, haunting, creepy read with a vampire twist. I'm always intrigued by those kinds of novels, so I was anticipating to really like this book.
Beneath London's Fog is supposed to be about a vampire named Jonathan, and how for centuries he has been occupying London as one of the only vampires in the city. However another vampire comes along who murders his victims maliciously, unlike Jonathan, who only utilizes attractive humans for their blood and only so far as to quench his hunger, before leaving them to heal with their memories manipulated to remember nothing. Yet, Jonathan is being blamed for these murders.
Unfortunately, I didn't understand much of what Caldwell was trying to relay as far as a plot line, because the novel is written from Jonathan's point of view and much of his observations are just pure train of thought. There is little background information that creates imagery for the reader. This causes such a huge disconnect as Jonathan jumps from thought to thought- it creates such holes in the action.
I did understand that Jonathan's territory was being invaded by this malicious, mysterious vampire, but their backstory is sparsely revealed. Unfortunately, the writing is also overly dramatic, utilizing such heavy, emotionally impacting diction that it distracts from interpreting the relationships between the characters. I know Caldwell is trying to be a little unassuming to invoke some mystery and suspense into her writing, but to me, it comes off as trying too hard.
Another thing that detracted from my reader experience is that the setting of the novel doesn't exactly match the title. I was anticipating some atmospheric, haunting, eerie type setting, but it this picture isn't manifested at all. The fog is actually referring to Jonathan's ability to become the fog. Not exactly what I was expecting when supernatural experiences were mentioned.
Overall, this book did not stack up against the other supernatural reads that have completely captivated my attention and imagination. Could other readers enjoy this? Absolutely, and in fact there are other readers who have reviewed and said that this is a wonderful book. Unfortunately for me, I struggled to get through this book. And it wasn't a #moodreaderprobs because I am feeling ALL the fall creepy reads. This book just didn't do it for me.
As always, I feel terrible having to write a negative review, especially for an author who clearly is proud of their work and just trying their hardest to promote their brain child. But, if I've learned anything from reviewing for authors and publishers, no review or refusing to review something is worse than writing a less-than-raving review. So, I know they'll understand that I'm just trying to deliver the honest review that they asked for. I also wouldn't discourage anyone from checking out a book that piques their interest, no matter what I think of it.
October 30, 2019
I was really hoping to like this one more than I did. The cover just screams spooky setting but it really wasn’t all that spooky.
It’s told in the POV of Jonathan a vampire who has been around for a long time. He has raised a young girl up a young girl always protecting her from other monsters. Now it seems there is someone out there who is killing people and giving him a bad name and he is afraid that people will come around and bother him and he likes being secluded with just Holly.
He knows there is a dark evil that lurks and the more he finds out about what is happening he thinks he knows who is behind it but he can’t believe it because that person should have been dead. If he wants to protect Holly and her new boyfriend then he will have to come out and fight the monster that is lurking there drawing him out.
I really wanted to enjoy this but I think the length of this book was it’s downfall for me as it was just to short. I felt that I just didn’t have enough background on the characters. Jonathan is a vampire but where did he come from? I needed more information on him. We know he had lost his great love and he likes his solitude and we find out a few things about his past but not enough. Holly to is a bit vague, we find out he took her off the streets and raised her and now she is an adult and has met someone. Talk about a fast relationship because I swear she just met him but by the end she was going to marry him?? So I feel like I missed something in between.
I know I always say I am not one for a lot of descriptions and like a lot of dialogue but I feel like this one could have done with a bit more meat of the story to make it better. I am noticed a lot of great reviews on this one so maybe it’s just me, it just didn’t work for me but it might work for you.
It’s told in the POV of Jonathan a vampire who has been around for a long time. He has raised a young girl up a young girl always protecting her from other monsters. Now it seems there is someone out there who is killing people and giving him a bad name and he is afraid that people will come around and bother him and he likes being secluded with just Holly.
He knows there is a dark evil that lurks and the more he finds out about what is happening he thinks he knows who is behind it but he can’t believe it because that person should have been dead. If he wants to protect Holly and her new boyfriend then he will have to come out and fight the monster that is lurking there drawing him out.
I really wanted to enjoy this but I think the length of this book was it’s downfall for me as it was just to short. I felt that I just didn’t have enough background on the characters. Jonathan is a vampire but where did he come from? I needed more information on him. We know he had lost his great love and he likes his solitude and we find out a few things about his past but not enough. Holly to is a bit vague, we find out he took her off the streets and raised her and now she is an adult and has met someone. Talk about a fast relationship because I swear she just met him but by the end she was going to marry him?? So I feel like I missed something in between.
I know I always say I am not one for a lot of descriptions and like a lot of dialogue but I feel like this one could have done with a bit more meat of the story to make it better. I am noticed a lot of great reviews on this one so maybe it’s just me, it just didn’t work for me but it might work for you.
February 13, 2020
The protagonist of this novella is Jonathan, a vampire, who is trying to blend in into society, and this book is told from his perspective. I really liked the main character, he is charismatic and very human-like. I enjoyed his thoughts and feelings, it was quite surprising to see how much warmth and love a vampire can have. 🙂
The narrative of this novella is quite layered and the reader can enjoy not only the present events but also very amusing events from Jonathan’s past. I really liked the mystical creatures that the author used in this book, I found them very intriguing.
The setting of the book is very dark and spooky, I could feel the gloominess even when the events were supposed to be positive. The writing style and the narrative did feel unfinished and a little bit rough. It does have elegance and it has a good storyline, but it does need a little more work. The chapters of this book are quite short, and the novella didn’t leave me bored. I liked the ending of this book, it rounded the story well, but at the same time left me guessing of the possible outcomes.
So, to conclude, it was an interesting vampire story, filled with mysterious creatures and very human-like feelings. The plot was intriguing and I liked the story it had to tell.
The narrative of this novella is quite layered and the reader can enjoy not only the present events but also very amusing events from Jonathan’s past. I really liked the mystical creatures that the author used in this book, I found them very intriguing.
The setting of the book is very dark and spooky, I could feel the gloominess even when the events were supposed to be positive. The writing style and the narrative did feel unfinished and a little bit rough. It does have elegance and it has a good storyline, but it does need a little more work. The chapters of this book are quite short, and the novella didn’t leave me bored. I liked the ending of this book, it rounded the story well, but at the same time left me guessing of the possible outcomes.
So, to conclude, it was an interesting vampire story, filled with mysterious creatures and very human-like feelings. The plot was intriguing and I liked the story it had to tell.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews