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The Shadows of Auldham
Celina was born and raised in Romania. She receives a summer scholarship in Scotland although she is not a top student. She believes is because her mother was murdered, and it is a pity gift. In Scotland, the students are hosted in the Seacliff Mansion, a very old house built inside the walls of the Auldham Castel. The legends speak about Auldham Castle as being the headquarters for the followers of Saint Baldred that for many centuries fought the evil forces and demons serving the fallen angel Morfris. Just arrived and Celina starts to hear voices and has visions of people that nobody else sees. Then she discovers that she is good at guessing names for those that call upon her. Later on, she realizes that she is conjuring demons and by giving them a name, they get a human body and an entrance into this world.
She will have to find a way to deal with these demons, with Morfris, her unrestrained emotions, and the grief for her murdered mother. It is a dark story talking about good and evil and the choices we make. About the human struggle to be accepted and loved, and how sometimes demons are born out of grief and loneliness and are not always there to hurt us.
A dark story about shadows, fury, and loss. You will experience thrills, murders, mystery, the creation of demons, and the Battle between Good and Evil.
What is the author saying about this novel:
This is a story born in pain and despair and though it was not physical it was the strongest influence and best teacher of my life. This is the most powerful, emotional story I’ve written so far. I started working on it a long time ago but after many years, when the pain was gone and I found peace from the many demons that haunted me, I decided to share it with the world. The novel was built on many levels: you have the real-physical level, then the feeling-emotional level, only to dive deeper into the psychological level. I promise you, if you read this book many times (at a certain distance in time) you will see/feel/think it differently. The fiction of the novel was created around a true event: a girl from Romania gets a scholarship abroad and her true nature awakens.
She will have to find a way to deal with these demons, with Morfris, her unrestrained emotions, and the grief for her murdered mother. It is a dark story talking about good and evil and the choices we make. About the human struggle to be accepted and loved, and how sometimes demons are born out of grief and loneliness and are not always there to hurt us.
A dark story about shadows, fury, and loss. You will experience thrills, murders, mystery, the creation of demons, and the Battle between Good and Evil.
What is the author saying about this novel:
This is a story born in pain and despair and though it was not physical it was the strongest influence and best teacher of my life. This is the most powerful, emotional story I’ve written so far. I started working on it a long time ago but after many years, when the pain was gone and I found peace from the many demons that haunted me, I decided to share it with the world. The novel was built on many levels: you have the real-physical level, then the feeling-emotional level, only to dive deeper into the psychological level. I promise you, if you read this book many times (at a certain distance in time) you will see/feel/think it differently. The fiction of the novel was created around a true event: a girl from Romania gets a scholarship abroad and her true nature awakens.
440 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2019
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Sylvie Danielle Matias
10 books37 followersSylvie, was born in Romania, but raised by the world. She loves to travel as much as she loves to eat good food, read great books, and find her way through the inspiration hype. Her books are inspired by her travels, life, and coming from her higher self (inspiration, aka the Muse). Her stories are full of emotions and are unique in structure. She started to write in high school, but her first published work is the YA Romance trilogy "Gods' Immortality" (in Romanian: Imortalitatea Zeilor). Sylvie has published 3 books in English (as a second language), and 6 books in Romanian (mother tongue). She is experiencing different genres, too. Her books are all under the fiction genre so far, and they could be classified as psychological, high fantasy, romance, and even erotic (not as the primary genre).
Published books:
1. Gods' Immortality (Imortalitatea Zeilor) vol 1 (Available in Romanian)
2. Chess Mate (Imortalitatea Zeilor: Sah Mat) vol 2 (Available in Romanian)
3. Regressus (Imortalitatea Zeilor: Regressus) vol 3 (Available in Romanian)
4. The Hour of the Dragon - Kingdom of Masks (in original "Ora Dragonului - Regatul Mastilor) vol 1 at Editura UP (Available in Romanian)
5. The Hour of the Dragon - Kingdom of Dreams (in original "Ora Dragonului - Regatul Viselor) vol 2 at Editura UP (Available in Romanian)
6. The Hour of the Dragon - Kingdom of Scarmen (in original "Ora Dragonului - Regatul Cicatrizatilor) vol 3 at Editura UP (Available in Romanian)
7. The Shadows of Auldham (Available in English)
8. The Dark Triad - The Narcissist Book 1 (Available in English)
9. The girl in 1311 (Suspance, Mystery) (Available in English)
Published books:
1. Gods' Immortality (Imortalitatea Zeilor) vol 1 (Available in Romanian)
2. Chess Mate (Imortalitatea Zeilor: Sah Mat) vol 2 (Available in Romanian)
3. Regressus (Imortalitatea Zeilor: Regressus) vol 3 (Available in Romanian)
4. The Hour of the Dragon - Kingdom of Masks (in original "Ora Dragonului - Regatul Mastilor) vol 1 at Editura UP (Available in Romanian)
5. The Hour of the Dragon - Kingdom of Dreams (in original "Ora Dragonului - Regatul Viselor) vol 2 at Editura UP (Available in Romanian)
6. The Hour of the Dragon - Kingdom of Scarmen (in original "Ora Dragonului - Regatul Cicatrizatilor) vol 3 at Editura UP (Available in Romanian)
7. The Shadows of Auldham (Available in English)
8. The Dark Triad - The Narcissist Book 1 (Available in English)
9. The girl in 1311 (Suspance, Mystery) (Available in English)
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 17, 2025
Hello, readers! I’m SylvieDanielle Matias, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to Auldham’s Grim Awakening, my debut venture into the realm of Psychological Thrillers. You may know me from my Fantasy and Mystery works, including The Girl in 1311 (EN) and the Ora Dragonului (RO) series. In this new novel, I wanted to explore how fear, loss, and the power of our own minds can lead us down haunting paths—even when we’re searching for hope.
Set amid the misty highlands of Scotland, Auldham’s Grim Awakening follows Celina, who finds herself in the eerie halls of Seacliff Mansion, shadowed by the legends of Auldham Castle’s crumbling ruins. There, she encounters elusive apparitions, hidden traumas, and the lingering forces of a malevolent spirit. As Celina grapples with an unsolved family tragedy, she realizes that the line separating nightmares from reality can be terrifyingly thin.
I wrote this story with the rawness of personal anguish—the kind that lingers beneath the surface, shaping our every decision. My goal was to create a narrative that combines supernatural intrigue with the complexities of the human psyche. To me, it’s a testament to how, in the face of darkness, our resilience and our search for belonging can burn brighter than any fear.
I invite you to join Celina on her journey of self-discovery and survival in Auldham’s Grim Awakening. May it challenge and captivate you, and, most importantly, remind you that even our darkest fears can guide us toward the light of understanding and redemption. Thank you for reading!
This is a re-write, improved version of my initial novel "The Shadows of Auldham".
Set amid the misty highlands of Scotland, Auldham’s Grim Awakening follows Celina, who finds herself in the eerie halls of Seacliff Mansion, shadowed by the legends of Auldham Castle’s crumbling ruins. There, she encounters elusive apparitions, hidden traumas, and the lingering forces of a malevolent spirit. As Celina grapples with an unsolved family tragedy, she realizes that the line separating nightmares from reality can be terrifyingly thin.
I wrote this story with the rawness of personal anguish—the kind that lingers beneath the surface, shaping our every decision. My goal was to create a narrative that combines supernatural intrigue with the complexities of the human psyche. To me, it’s a testament to how, in the face of darkness, our resilience and our search for belonging can burn brighter than any fear.
I invite you to join Celina on her journey of self-discovery and survival in Auldham’s Grim Awakening. May it challenge and captivate you, and, most importantly, remind you that even our darkest fears can guide us toward the light of understanding and redemption. Thank you for reading!
This is a re-write, improved version of my initial novel "The Shadows of Auldham".
March 19, 2025
A Spellbinding Journey into the Heart of Fear and Hope
From the very first page, Auldham’s Grim Awakening seizes your attention and refuses to let go. Sylvie Danielle Matias masterfully weaves together elements of psychological tension, gothic atmosphere, and raw human emotion to deliver a story that is as chilling as it is heartfelt.
What I Loved:
1.Atmospheric Setting
Sylvie paints the Scottish highlands in such haunting detail—mists rolling over ancient ruins, echoing corridors, and the lingering hush of secrets left untold. Every turn of the page feels steeped in mystery.
2.Complex Heroine
Celina is a protagonist you can’t help but root for. Haunted by her mother’s unsolved murder, she’s vulnerable yet defiant. Her internal battles are just as gripping as the external threats she faces, and I found myself cheering for her at every twist.
3.Pulsing Tension
The novel effortlessly balances supernatural intrigue with psychological dread. Each apparition or eerie whisper feels like a puzzle piece, building to a finale that is both surprising and inevitable—a perfect blend for thriller fans.
4.Rich Emotional Depth
Despite its darker themes, there’s a thread of hope woven throughout. The characters grapple with grief, longing, and the desperate need for belonging. It’s these emotional undercurrents that make the story resonate on a deeply human level.
5.Masterful Storytelling
Sylvie’s prose is evocative—beautiful without being overwrought, and the pacing is spot-on. She knows exactly when to slow down and let the unease simmer, and when to pull the rug out from under the reader.
Overall Impression:
If you enjoy psychological thrillers laced with supernatural elements and a dash of gothic romance, Auldham’s Grim Awakening should be at the top of your list. It’s the kind of novel that keeps you glued to the page late into the night—and leaves you thinking about it long after you’ve finished. Highly recommended!
From the very first page, Auldham’s Grim Awakening seizes your attention and refuses to let go. Sylvie Danielle Matias masterfully weaves together elements of psychological tension, gothic atmosphere, and raw human emotion to deliver a story that is as chilling as it is heartfelt.
What I Loved:
1.Atmospheric Setting
Sylvie paints the Scottish highlands in such haunting detail—mists rolling over ancient ruins, echoing corridors, and the lingering hush of secrets left untold. Every turn of the page feels steeped in mystery.
2.Complex Heroine
Celina is a protagonist you can’t help but root for. Haunted by her mother’s unsolved murder, she’s vulnerable yet defiant. Her internal battles are just as gripping as the external threats she faces, and I found myself cheering for her at every twist.
3.Pulsing Tension
The novel effortlessly balances supernatural intrigue with psychological dread. Each apparition or eerie whisper feels like a puzzle piece, building to a finale that is both surprising and inevitable—a perfect blend for thriller fans.
4.Rich Emotional Depth
Despite its darker themes, there’s a thread of hope woven throughout. The characters grapple with grief, longing, and the desperate need for belonging. It’s these emotional undercurrents that make the story resonate on a deeply human level.
5.Masterful Storytelling
Sylvie’s prose is evocative—beautiful without being overwrought, and the pacing is spot-on. She knows exactly when to slow down and let the unease simmer, and when to pull the rug out from under the reader.
Overall Impression:
If you enjoy psychological thrillers laced with supernatural elements and a dash of gothic romance, Auldham’s Grim Awakening should be at the top of your list. It’s the kind of novel that keeps you glued to the page late into the night—and leaves you thinking about it long after you’ve finished. Highly recommended!
October 24, 2020
[ no spoilers here, only recommendations ]
The book had a fantastic opening, describing different cultures across the globe. Then, it's continuing with an unexpected plot and unveils great descriptions and images throughout the way. I was imagining all the scenes, such great visuals. I really felt that I was part of the story. From time to time I got scared, but continued to stay curious and flip the page. Yes! I have the book in hard copy. Thank you, Sylvie for such a great reading experience.
The book had a fantastic opening, describing different cultures across the globe. Then, it's continuing with an unexpected plot and unveils great descriptions and images throughout the way. I was imagining all the scenes, such great visuals. I really felt that I was part of the story. From time to time I got scared, but continued to stay curious and flip the page. Yes! I have the book in hard copy. Thank you, Sylvie for such a great reading experience.
April 2, 2021
What a beautiful emotional story of a young girl that loses her mother mysteriously. She is grieving and part of her grieving; she is mad with the world. She mistrusts people and feels misunderstood.
She receives a summer school scholarship and travels to Scotland together with 9 other colleagues.
What she doesn't know (her mother tried to protect her from their family curse) is that she has some abilities inherited on her feminine family line (I cannot what it is because it is much more fun to discover it for yourself). In Scotland, her abilities are triggered, and she finds herself surrounded by spirits that she cannot tell whether they are good or bad. She even doubts herself and her hidden intentions. The author speaks about "the shadow" opposed to "the light" that we all have. That helped me understand a deeper perspective of the story. I enjoyed reading the book, but it left me with the sensation that there is more to it than meets the eye, so I plan to re-read it soon and see if my perspective changes. Until then, I recommend you give the book a chance. Sylvie is a wonderful writer and character creator.
She receives a summer school scholarship and travels to Scotland together with 9 other colleagues.
What she doesn't know (her mother tried to protect her from their family curse) is that she has some abilities inherited on her feminine family line (I cannot what it is because it is much more fun to discover it for yourself). In Scotland, her abilities are triggered, and she finds herself surrounded by spirits that she cannot tell whether they are good or bad. She even doubts herself and her hidden intentions. The author speaks about "the shadow" opposed to "the light" that we all have. That helped me understand a deeper perspective of the story. I enjoyed reading the book, but it left me with the sensation that there is more to it than meets the eye, so I plan to re-read it soon and see if my perspective changes. Until then, I recommend you give the book a chance. Sylvie is a wonderful writer and character creator.
December 10, 2019
Long awaited book. I think I barely breathed while reading it. Sylvie never dissapoints. It starts normal, the story of a young girl that travels to a foreign land only to come into some powers she didn’t even know she had. And boom the Hell breaks ... So many things happen...it’s mindblowing, unexpected, unusual, unpredictable and in the end a young adult story that it is scary (a bit, don’t worry, it’s ok to read...not in horror genre), emotional, mysterious and still a LOVE story.
Yeah...I know...right...sounds...unreal. Yet, it’s a good book, authentic and the psychological process of the main character Celina So real and powerful. I recommend if you like powerful emoțional and psychological thrills mixed with some fiction-fantasy characters, a bit of teenager romance and the never ending fight between the Good and Evil.
Yeah...I know...right...sounds...unreal. Yet, it’s a good book, authentic and the psychological process of the main character Celina So real and powerful. I recommend if you like powerful emoțional and psychological thrills mixed with some fiction-fantasy characters, a bit of teenager romance and the never ending fight between the Good and Evil.
March 24, 2025
A Truly Gripping Read!
I just finished Auldham’s Grim Awakening, and I can’t stop thinking about it. From the very first chapter, the atmosphere pulled me right in—Scotland’s misty highlands, eerie castle ruins, and a main character (Celina) who’s bravely facing both personal tragedy and a darker, supernatural threat.
I loved how the author blends psychological suspense with haunting imagery. Each new twist kept me guessing, and I felt like I was right there, piecing together the clues alongside Celina. The pacing was spot-on; it never felt rushed, yet there was always a simmering tension.
If you enjoy thrillers that balance emotional depth with an unsettling, mysterious setting, I highly recommend giving Auldham’s Grim Awakening a try. It’s one of those books that will leave you looking over your shoulder—and wanting more long after you’ve turned the last page.
I just finished Auldham’s Grim Awakening, and I can’t stop thinking about it. From the very first chapter, the atmosphere pulled me right in—Scotland’s misty highlands, eerie castle ruins, and a main character (Celina) who’s bravely facing both personal tragedy and a darker, supernatural threat.
I loved how the author blends psychological suspense with haunting imagery. Each new twist kept me guessing, and I felt like I was right there, piecing together the clues alongside Celina. The pacing was spot-on; it never felt rushed, yet there was always a simmering tension.
If you enjoy thrillers that balance emotional depth with an unsettling, mysterious setting, I highly recommend giving Auldham’s Grim Awakening a try. It’s one of those books that will leave you looking over your shoulder—and wanting more long after you’ve turned the last page.
November 26, 2023
Another great discovery. A great story that will captivate you for sure.
March 17, 2025
About Sylvie
The author deserves more attention. I read all her books and I can tell you that they are unique, authentic and powerful. Her world is rich in feelings and knowledge, plus her books are all different which only demonstrates that Sylvie is a complex, talented writer and she bored time and time again that she can write pretty much anything. Look forward to her new book. It cannot be soon enough.
About The Shadows of Auldham
What a great book to read during the winter holidays. I bought the paperback version for a better experience. The book is about 440 pages, but it reads very fast and natural. It starts like any other story, a girl travels to a foreign land and discovers not only love but also that she is being haunted by a family inheritance she knew nothing about. She can see "spirits" or demons. She doesn't know what they are. With only a name and they can take a human body and they can walk in the human world. The book is full of emotions, visual stimulus, almost as if you are there and you feel what Celina is feeling, see what she is seeing, know her thoughts. Sylvie is a master character builder here and her ability to switch from a character perspective to another is impressive. The story is written from Celina's perspective but you can see the other characters evoulve around her and in the end, you see Celina coming a long way from how she first started.
The author deserves more attention. I read all her books and I can tell you that they are unique, authentic and powerful. Her world is rich in feelings and knowledge, plus her books are all different which only demonstrates that Sylvie is a complex, talented writer and she bored time and time again that she can write pretty much anything. Look forward to her new book. It cannot be soon enough.
About The Shadows of Auldham
What a great book to read during the winter holidays. I bought the paperback version for a better experience. The book is about 440 pages, but it reads very fast and natural. It starts like any other story, a girl travels to a foreign land and discovers not only love but also that she is being haunted by a family inheritance she knew nothing about. She can see "spirits" or demons. She doesn't know what they are. With only a name and they can take a human body and they can walk in the human world. The book is full of emotions, visual stimulus, almost as if you are there and you feel what Celina is feeling, see what she is seeing, know her thoughts. Sylvie is a master character builder here and her ability to switch from a character perspective to another is impressive. The story is written from Celina's perspective but you can see the other characters evoulve around her and in the end, you see Celina coming a long way from how she first started.
November 11, 2019
I'll start the reviews loop with an insight of what it meant for me to write this book:
This is a story born in pain and despair and though it was not physical it was the strongest influence and best teacher of my life. This is the most powerful, emotional story I’ve written so far. I started working on it long time ago but after many years, when pain was gone and I found peace from the many demons that haunted me, I decided to share it with the world. The novel was built on many levels: you have the real-physical level, then the feeling-emotional level, only to dive deeper into the psychological level. I promise you, if you read this book many times (at a certain distance in time) you will see/feel/think it differently. The fiction of the novel was created around a true event: a girl from Romania, gets a scholarship abroad and her true nature awakens.
This is a story born in pain and despair and though it was not physical it was the strongest influence and best teacher of my life. This is the most powerful, emotional story I’ve written so far. I started working on it long time ago but after many years, when pain was gone and I found peace from the many demons that haunted me, I decided to share it with the world. The novel was built on many levels: you have the real-physical level, then the feeling-emotional level, only to dive deeper into the psychological level. I promise you, if you read this book many times (at a certain distance in time) you will see/feel/think it differently. The fiction of the novel was created around a true event: a girl from Romania, gets a scholarship abroad and her true nature awakens.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews