What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fall of Castle Carrick
Alex O’Riley has always tried not to fit in. In his simple life, at his tiny house, he paints quiet masterpieces while living as a hermit. But with one phone call from a brash New York lawyer, Alex learns he’s inherited Castle Carrick, the grandest fortress in Northern Ireland. At Carrick, strange and dark events begin to swirl ever closer to Alex, turning his hoped-for quiet life inside out. Now, he must decide: flee from Ireland and give up his inheritance…or embrace the dark power which compels him to paint wondrous, yet terrifying things.
The Fall of Castle Carrick - a suspenseful tale of solitude and sacrifice from author J Edward Neill
The Fall of Castle Carrick - a suspenseful tale of solitude and sacrifice from author J Edward Neill
538 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2019
About the author
J. Edward Neill
64 books194 followersHi, I'm J Edward Neill,
Nice to meet you.
I write a lot. And when I say a lot, I mean a LOT. :)
I'm the author of sci-fi hits A Door Never Dreamed of and the Eaters of the Light trilogy. I wrote the dark fiction Tyrants of the Dead trilogy, penned Hollow Empire, a six-part medieval opera, and recently finished The Hecatomb, a horror novella. And I'm the creator of the Coffee Table Philosophy series, spanning twelve books and more than 1,100 party-ready philosophy questions.
I live in North GA, where the summers are blistering hot and winters really don't exist. I love the rain, good red wine, and I truly adore painting.
Catch up with me on my websites TesseraGuild.com and DowntheDarkPath.com.
Nice to meet you.
I write a lot. And when I say a lot, I mean a LOT. :)
I'm the author of sci-fi hits A Door Never Dreamed of and the Eaters of the Light trilogy. I wrote the dark fiction Tyrants of the Dead trilogy, penned Hollow Empire, a six-part medieval opera, and recently finished The Hecatomb, a horror novella. And I'm the creator of the Coffee Table Philosophy series, spanning twelve books and more than 1,100 party-ready philosophy questions.
I live in North GA, where the summers are blistering hot and winters really don't exist. I love the rain, good red wine, and I truly adore painting.
Catch up with me on my websites TesseraGuild.com and DowntheDarkPath.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 26, 2020
A dark, beautiful Gothic... Full of twists and turns, with an unpredictable storyline. Brooding protagonist, all the elements to enjoy in a perfect setting.
Personally, I loved it.
Personally, I loved it.
January 15, 2022
An absolutely superb book filled with emotion, drama and tension. Neill's art is incredible, and his writing is just as powerful.
I can tell he put a lot of himself into the character and life of the main character, Alex O'Riley, and 'The Fall of Castle Carrick' is all the better for it.
Although much of this tale is dark and brooding, even menacing at times, there is plenty of depth and beauty too. There are a couple of historical inaccuracies, but given the story is set in the present and involves plenty of fantasy elements, they can be forgiven.
Was surprised and delighted by the ending, too! Really well done.
Definitely worth a read.
I can tell he put a lot of himself into the character and life of the main character, Alex O'Riley, and 'The Fall of Castle Carrick' is all the better for it.
Although much of this tale is dark and brooding, even menacing at times, there is plenty of depth and beauty too. There are a couple of historical inaccuracies, but given the story is set in the present and involves plenty of fantasy elements, they can be forgiven.
Was surprised and delighted by the ending, too! Really well done.
Definitely worth a read.
January 27, 2020
I've wanted to read this book since I saw the cover art online. It's lovely--dark and gloomy--my favorite kind of read. A mystery set in an Irish castle? I'm in!
My excitement faded however as I became tired of the brooding, cantankerous "I just want to be alone to drink and paint too much" MC, his dismissiveness towards most of the women in the story (with two eventual exceptions, one who can help him and one he wants to sleep with), and the onslaught of sentences constructed in the passive-voice. Seriously they were everywhere (on very nearly Every. Single.Page).
I wanted to love it, but I didn't. This feels like a book that isn't quite done baking yet.
My excitement faded however as I became tired of the brooding, cantankerous "I just want to be alone to drink and paint too much" MC, his dismissiveness towards most of the women in the story (with two eventual exceptions, one who can help him and one he wants to sleep with), and the onslaught of sentences constructed in the passive-voice. Seriously they were everywhere (on very nearly Every. Single.Page).
I wanted to love it, but I didn't. This feels like a book that isn't quite done baking yet.
December 28, 2019
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
A hermit who leads a quiet life who tries not to fit in as he paints in his little home. Soon things changes when a lawyer calls him and tells he inherited a castle in Ireland. He decides to visit his inheritance as he sets off on his new journey.
The castle is a grand fortress in Northern Ireland. It allows him to paint dark masterpieces turn home that are terrifying to both his mind and art. Will he be able to accept this dark power or will he return home to his solitude where he has his peace of mind? What will he do for art?
A hermit who leads a quiet life who tries not to fit in as he paints in his little home. Soon things changes when a lawyer calls him and tells he inherited a castle in Ireland. He decides to visit his inheritance as he sets off on his new journey.
The castle is a grand fortress in Northern Ireland. It allows him to paint dark masterpieces turn home that are terrifying to both his mind and art. Will he be able to accept this dark power or will he return home to his solitude where he has his peace of mind? What will he do for art?
June 26, 2020
The only thing scary about this,is the amount of whiskey this guy drinks.
At first I found it interesting, then, I quickly read it just to be done with it.
It was too long & it could've been better had it not be so descriptive about every little thing..
I don't like the "hero". Even after the things that happened to him, he continued to basically be a drunk.
For a man to supposedly love & live for his son, he doesn't much act like it.
The entire thing read a as if it's being told by a person with no changes in emotions, no inflections of the voice. More of an almost robotic cadence.
For what the story involved,it should have brought some emotions for the reader. It's difficult to describe other than it left with me no feelings, other than gratitude it was over. It had an interesting concept, not well written out. It felt like the author kept adding things to make the story longer. Things that weren't needed. It was suppose to be scary, wasn't.
I don't recommend this.
At first I found it interesting, then, I quickly read it just to be done with it.
It was too long & it could've been better had it not be so descriptive about every little thing..
I don't like the "hero". Even after the things that happened to him, he continued to basically be a drunk.
For a man to supposedly love & live for his son, he doesn't much act like it.
The entire thing read a as if it's being told by a person with no changes in emotions, no inflections of the voice. More of an almost robotic cadence.
For what the story involved,it should have brought some emotions for the reader. It's difficult to describe other than it left with me no feelings, other than gratitude it was over. It had an interesting concept, not well written out. It felt like the author kept adding things to make the story longer. Things that weren't needed. It was suppose to be scary, wasn't.
I don't recommend this.
June 11, 2020
As a fan of castles, Ireland and mysteries I thought this should be interesting. The main character, a brooding introvert named Alex, is my favourite kind of narrator who often thinks more than he says, and the story was entertaining enough to keep me turning the page long after it became predictable. The Fall of Castle Carrick is the sort of book I would have loved if not for a few annoying mistakes. Historical inaccuracies aside (this is fiction, after all) it seems the author got Ireland and Northern Ireland confused. I guess it all looks the same from across the pond, but I couldn't help to feel disappointed by that. I think the setting deserved a bit more research and the writing could use some polish as well. It felt rushed and haphazard at times, which is a shame. Overall, it's still well worth the read for the fantasy aspect of it and the thought provoking themes hidden between the lines.
May 19, 2020
A stunning tale
This novel is at once enthralling and terrifying. It's full of great beauty and also great darkness. Its protagonist is recognizable to most of us: a person looking for the idealized happy life, not understanding that happiness is an individual experience. His journey to the truth is a compelling story, well told by the author.
Recommended for lovers of art & artists, storybook castles, stories of ancient magic, and the power of love to transform.
This novel is at once enthralling and terrifying. It's full of great beauty and also great darkness. Its protagonist is recognizable to most of us: a person looking for the idealized happy life, not understanding that happiness is an individual experience. His journey to the truth is a compelling story, well told by the author.
Recommended for lovers of art & artists, storybook castles, stories of ancient magic, and the power of love to transform.
July 29, 2020
Hypnotic, like a modern Poe
I lost myself in this story. Alex, the main character, feels like such a beautiful soul and I felt pulled into his character. Who doesn't want to inherit a castle in a remote region of Ireland? He feels like a real person to me.
The prose was beautiful, I loved the descriptions: "The green raiment she wore--the same color as the grass--clung to her body like rain on smooth stone, beading atop her skin." No one writes like this anymore, so poetic and yet real.
Reading this was a unique experience. There is nothing out there quite like this hauntingly beautiful style—like a modern day Poe. The way Neill writes is hypnotic. This was a quarantine read for me, a stressful time, but I lost track of time when I was reading and felt relaxed. It's an experience. The story moves slowly but steadily and in such a way that you feel the subtle and natural progression. Moments of mystery, terror, psychological torment, and high emotion kept me turning pages.
The message of the book, appreciating what you have and valuing the ones you love, was one that rang very true. It was a slow burn but I loved it, and it ended so perfectly. I will definitely be reading more by J. Edward Neill.
I lost myself in this story. Alex, the main character, feels like such a beautiful soul and I felt pulled into his character. Who doesn't want to inherit a castle in a remote region of Ireland? He feels like a real person to me.
The prose was beautiful, I loved the descriptions: "The green raiment she wore--the same color as the grass--clung to her body like rain on smooth stone, beading atop her skin." No one writes like this anymore, so poetic and yet real.
Reading this was a unique experience. There is nothing out there quite like this hauntingly beautiful style—like a modern day Poe. The way Neill writes is hypnotic. This was a quarantine read for me, a stressful time, but I lost track of time when I was reading and felt relaxed. It's an experience. The story moves slowly but steadily and in such a way that you feel the subtle and natural progression. Moments of mystery, terror, psychological torment, and high emotion kept me turning pages.
The message of the book, appreciating what you have and valuing the ones you love, was one that rang very true. It was a slow burn but I loved it, and it ended so perfectly. I will definitely be reading more by J. Edward Neill.
November 22, 2020
Moves way too slow... Boring until maybe last quarter...too little too late
I almost didn't finish this book (which is very rare for me). I picked it up and put it back down so many times I lost count. The last time I put it down, I was certain I was done...and probably would have been if not for a long car trip with no Wi-Fi access to down load a new book. With no other choices, this was it.
So...why did I keep putting it down and why was I done with it? First, it is v-e-r-y slow. The first half of the book centers on getting to know the main character, the kind of person he is, how he comes to acquire the castle and getting to Ireland. NOTHING happens! I was certain that once he got to Castle Carrick, weird, mysterious thing would start happening, but Nooooo; then we spend chapters on him getting settled in, meeting one of the locals and painting (he's an artist) in the hidden caverns below the Castle. And up to this point, I didn't even like the main character...at all. He's obsessed with being a hermit, wanting to be totally alone and do nothing but paint. He was morose and depressing and there was way too much introspection. I felt no empathy for him and, with nothing out of the ordinary happening, at the castle or otherwise, I was done....until my car trip.
And finally, probably more than halfway into the book, things start happening, albeit slowly. It's only maybe the last quarter of the book where things really start happening and coming to a head... this is what I was looking for, but unfortunately, so little, so late.
The main character does eventually grow on you. Discovering that he lost his parents at a young age and that he started to isolate himself to avoid the pain of loss in the future helps you understand him better and have more empathy towards him. (I think the author might have made her character more endearing to the reader, in spite of his moroseness, if she had included a prologue that highlighted him as a boy when he lost his parents and how he was affected by it.) The other thing that changes your attitude about him is that events he experiences in Ireland and the castle result in much self-discovery making him realize some truths about himself, what he really wants and what he always had.
There were some elements of the supernatural/magic, but there were also elementss of just evil people. As it is, the author touches on neither enough. I would have preferred one or the other...a mystery/thriller of unknown evil people trying to make the main character believe he was crazy and trying to figuring out the who and why; or a gothic, supernatural story where events of the past are affecting the main character and trying to figure out the what, why and his connection to It all. In the end we get a little of both with only a vague what and why. It left me wanting. Maybe 2.5 stars.
I almost didn't finish this book (which is very rare for me). I picked it up and put it back down so many times I lost count. The last time I put it down, I was certain I was done...and probably would have been if not for a long car trip with no Wi-Fi access to down load a new book. With no other choices, this was it.
So...why did I keep putting it down and why was I done with it? First, it is v-e-r-y slow. The first half of the book centers on getting to know the main character, the kind of person he is, how he comes to acquire the castle and getting to Ireland. NOTHING happens! I was certain that once he got to Castle Carrick, weird, mysterious thing would start happening, but Nooooo; then we spend chapters on him getting settled in, meeting one of the locals and painting (he's an artist) in the hidden caverns below the Castle. And up to this point, I didn't even like the main character...at all. He's obsessed with being a hermit, wanting to be totally alone and do nothing but paint. He was morose and depressing and there was way too much introspection. I felt no empathy for him and, with nothing out of the ordinary happening, at the castle or otherwise, I was done....until my car trip.
And finally, probably more than halfway into the book, things start happening, albeit slowly. It's only maybe the last quarter of the book where things really start happening and coming to a head... this is what I was looking for, but unfortunately, so little, so late.
The main character does eventually grow on you. Discovering that he lost his parents at a young age and that he started to isolate himself to avoid the pain of loss in the future helps you understand him better and have more empathy towards him. (I think the author might have made her character more endearing to the reader, in spite of his moroseness, if she had included a prologue that highlighted him as a boy when he lost his parents and how he was affected by it.) The other thing that changes your attitude about him is that events he experiences in Ireland and the castle result in much self-discovery making him realize some truths about himself, what he really wants and what he always had.
There were some elements of the supernatural/magic, but there were also elementss of just evil people. As it is, the author touches on neither enough. I would have preferred one or the other...a mystery/thriller of unknown evil people trying to make the main character believe he was crazy and trying to figuring out the who and why; or a gothic, supernatural story where events of the past are affecting the main character and trying to figure out the what, why and his connection to It all. In the end we get a little of both with only a vague what and why. It left me wanting. Maybe 2.5 stars.
March 31, 2020
First, thanks to the author and publisher for allowing me to read this free copy.
This was a nice read even if a bit unpolished. The story flows really well and the character, at first annoyingly brooding and dismissive towards people, does grow by the end of the book due to the events that take place. Many things were conveniently unexplained (usually those dealing with things that could or should happen in reality) but it may have served the book's tone well. The descriptions are enough to give you a good sense of setting without bogging you down in unnecessary detail. As already mentioned, the main character's personality can be a bit grating at first and it would have been better had the author found a way to make him a little more sympathetic starting out. The "lesson learned" theme is just a bit too obvious and more could have been done to integrate the historical and place aspects with the character growth. Overall, still an enjoyable read despite its few flaws.
This was a nice read even if a bit unpolished. The story flows really well and the character, at first annoyingly brooding and dismissive towards people, does grow by the end of the book due to the events that take place. Many things were conveniently unexplained (usually those dealing with things that could or should happen in reality) but it may have served the book's tone well. The descriptions are enough to give you a good sense of setting without bogging you down in unnecessary detail. As already mentioned, the main character's personality can be a bit grating at first and it would have been better had the author found a way to make him a little more sympathetic starting out. The "lesson learned" theme is just a bit too obvious and more could have been done to integrate the historical and place aspects with the character growth. Overall, still an enjoyable read despite its few flaws.
April 14, 2020
I wanted to enjoy this book, I really tried to; it was a gothic mystery set deep in a small Irish village; with mist, ghosts, witches, the paranormal and a historical background that effects the modern day people living in a castle.
However, I hated the main character, Alex O'Reilly; not for being the atypical brooding artist, but for being a complete bore. He drinks, he broods, he doesn't really like anyone, well, except for his son, Geoff. His ex-wife? He doesn't even know why he married her, when he has no concept of love.
He inherits a castle in Ireland, from an aunt; moves in because something is drawing him there. Ok, I could deal with that, but then he continues his "new life" by drinking and brooding; the same things day in and day out. When bad things begin to happen to him...good!
This entire book could have been written in half the volume, as repeating Alex's daily routine chapter by chapter....thank goodness for speed reading!
However, I hated the main character, Alex O'Reilly; not for being the atypical brooding artist, but for being a complete bore. He drinks, he broods, he doesn't really like anyone, well, except for his son, Geoff. His ex-wife? He doesn't even know why he married her, when he has no concept of love.
He inherits a castle in Ireland, from an aunt; moves in because something is drawing him there. Ok, I could deal with that, but then he continues his "new life" by drinking and brooding; the same things day in and day out. When bad things begin to happen to him...good!
This entire book could have been written in half the volume, as repeating Alex's daily routine chapter by chapter....thank goodness for speed reading!
November 26, 2020
This was a dark, Gothic thriller about man named Alex that inherits a castle in Ireland. He's a painter that is relatively well known. He moves from Savannah, GA, where he lives with his son to Ireland. He's seeing peace and quiet and wants to be isolated with his son. It turns out owning a castle is more than he bargained for.
This story had elements of witchcraft, history, and some spooks. While the story was interesting, especially the second half, I didn't much sympathize with the main character. He was very selfish. There were many times I wanted to feel bad for him but in the back of my mind I thought, "You're selfish and it's your own fault you're in this mess." I enjoyed some of the scenes in the Castle however. If you're interested in creepy castles, witchcraft, and Gothic type thrillers, you will enjoy this one.
Thanks to Goodreads and the publisher for the Kindle copy of this book for review.
This story had elements of witchcraft, history, and some spooks. While the story was interesting, especially the second half, I didn't much sympathize with the main character. He was very selfish. There were many times I wanted to feel bad for him but in the back of my mind I thought, "You're selfish and it's your own fault you're in this mess." I enjoyed some of the scenes in the Castle however. If you're interested in creepy castles, witchcraft, and Gothic type thrillers, you will enjoy this one.
Thanks to Goodreads and the publisher for the Kindle copy of this book for review.
May 15, 2020
THE FALL OF CASTLE CARRICK BY J EDWARD NEILL is the story of Alex O'Reilly , struggling artist,single father and drunk! Alex inherits Castle Carrick in Ireland and he goes there to live in this monstrosity of a castle, complete with the things that go bump in the night. Alex spends most of the story drunk . In the story,Alex says he's cutting down on drinking and lo and behold in comes a cask of booze. So much for cutting down on drinking!
I read the blurb and thought this would be a scary gothic book , but mostly it was Alex painting really creepy pictures , drinking and going after this creature who is "haunting" his life.
My advice to the author is to cut out the grumbling and the drinking and you would have a pretty good paranormal story.
I recieved this e book free from goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
I read the blurb and thought this would be a scary gothic book , but mostly it was Alex painting really creepy pictures , drinking and going after this creature who is "haunting" his life.
My advice to the author is to cut out the grumbling and the drinking and you would have a pretty good paranormal story.
I recieved this e book free from goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2020
Although The Fall of Castle Carrick is a slow burner, there is a lot of character development that continues throughout the plot. Vague hints of darkness keeps the reader guessing with thoughts that really pushes the reader deep into the protagonists perspective. This is a story of loss, hope, desolation, and depression. However, there's light in the darkness, and J Edward Neill has created a fantastic balance.
The only downside is that this is not a book from a reader who wants everything now, now, now. It takes time to grow and develop, so if you're not a fan of that type of style, you may not like this book. However, if you love slowburners and mysterious occurences to happen with a deep POV, then you'll love this book :)
The only downside is that this is not a book from a reader who wants everything now, now, now. It takes time to grow and develop, so if you're not a fan of that type of style, you may not like this book. However, if you love slowburners and mysterious occurences to happen with a deep POV, then you'll love this book :)
April 5, 2020
Very deep read.
So much depth to this one if you take the time to look.
On the surface, a very good novel. Wonderful story that keeps you on the edge of your seat guessing. Little magic, little mystery, a lot of substance.
But, and a big but at that, if you look closer you will find lessons that some of us need to learn still. Hard lessons. But good lessons all the same.
All in all, this is a book I will be purchasing for my personal library. Well worth a second or third read. One of my favorites so far from this author.
Despite everything, I still want a castle. So it seems I still have some lessons to learn myself. 😐
So much depth to this one if you take the time to look.
On the surface, a very good novel. Wonderful story that keeps you on the edge of your seat guessing. Little magic, little mystery, a lot of substance.
But, and a big but at that, if you look closer you will find lessons that some of us need to learn still. Hard lessons. But good lessons all the same.
All in all, this is a book I will be purchasing for my personal library. Well worth a second or third read. One of my favorites so far from this author.
Despite everything, I still want a castle. So it seems I still have some lessons to learn myself. 😐
January 27, 2021
(Won this book on GoodReads). Long lost Auntie leaves a castle in Ireland to her nephew who is looking for adventure. Alex is a divorced father of 1 whose passion is painting. However, he is not feeling like his life is going anywhere. Then he receives a phone call that can make a fresh start happen. However, not everyone is happy for the new occupant.
The book was a fast read with a story line easy to follow. I was surprised in some parts of the book and disappointed in others. I wish the ending had more to offer, it felt a little like there were unanswered questions left hanging.
The book was a fast read with a story line easy to follow. I was surprised in some parts of the book and disappointed in others. I wish the ending had more to offer, it felt a little like there were unanswered questions left hanging.
October 31, 2020
Haunted painter, mysterious dreams, inherited castle; what more could you ask for? A very spellbinding cross of hallucinated dream walking and delusions of love paced from the cobblestones of the dusty walls. Who wants him so badly that he cannot seem to awaken to the reality of life amongst people? Did he truly "lose himself" in his reclusive need to paint away the hours? Very scary themes when the reader wants to take the subject into a chokehold of fury and open his eyes. Whiskey is habit-forming but what else is present. Perfect for this season of veils between times.
July 6, 2023
I won this book from Goodreads.com in exchange for an honest review. I read 25% of the book and decided it wasn’t worth more of my time. Alex is an artist that does not want anything: wealth, relationships, etc. He is very proud of how sarcastic he is and continually smirks. Then he is notified that a long lost aunt had willed him an Irish Castle. He decides to go there and immediately feels at one with the rambling estate. He starts dreaming of a woman on the property and now feels he has a purpose to find this woman in real life. DNF
March 14, 2020
Dark, twisty, and wonderful
I really enjoyed this book. I picked up a copy of it and decided that it was time for a good horror, and was I glad this one was good? Oh, yes! It was great. Dark, twisty... with some romance. I will say it started off slow, but it had that cop show type slowness to it where the suspense needs to be built. The writing and flow of words is also what truly made this book. All in all, I would definitely recommend this to future readers.
I really enjoyed this book. I picked up a copy of it and decided that it was time for a good horror, and was I glad this one was good? Oh, yes! It was great. Dark, twisty... with some romance. I will say it started off slow, but it had that cop show type slowness to it where the suspense needs to be built. The writing and flow of words is also what truly made this book. All in all, I would definitely recommend this to future readers.
August 19, 2020
Overall, not a book that I found very engaging or memorable. I finished it because it wasn't very long, otherwise I would've put it down and never picked it back up.
The main character was very unlikable, as he was an alcoholic, brooding artist, who tended to be very sarcastic and dismissive with others.
The plot was nothing special, with not much happening for long stretches and a revelation towards the end that didn't amount to much.
The main character was very unlikable, as he was an alcoholic, brooding artist, who tended to be very sarcastic and dismissive with others.
The plot was nothing special, with not much happening for long stretches and a revelation towards the end that didn't amount to much.
December 4, 2023
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
While the premise was promising, once I started reading this I found myself putting off getting back into it repeatedly. There was something very blase about the writing that failed to capture my attention and for over a month I kept passing it up in favor of something else, so I figured it was time to DNF and move on. I may try again at some point, in which case I will edit this review.
While the premise was promising, once I started reading this I found myself putting off getting back into it repeatedly. There was something very blase about the writing that failed to capture my attention and for over a month I kept passing it up in favor of something else, so I figured it was time to DNF and move on. I may try again at some point, in which case I will edit this review.
March 16, 2020
Interesting and unexpected but also a bit wanting
I enjoyed the story for the most part until the end. I felt like the explanations of what was going on weren't complete enough and the very last chapter I didn't understand what happened. If there had been these missing details in the book, I would have probably rated it a 4.
I won this book through a goodreads giveaway.
I enjoyed the story for the most part until the end. I felt like the explanations of what was going on weren't complete enough and the very last chapter I didn't understand what happened. If there had been these missing details in the book, I would have probably rated it a 4.
I won this book through a goodreads giveaway.
April 13, 2020
Original story!
I really enjoyed this book. The main character, Alex, creates a world of solitude to his liking. He learns some very valuable life lessons during his stay in the castle that will stay with hime the rest of his life. This page turner kept me wanting more information. More from Alex, more from Carrick castle and the whole story itself!
I really enjoyed this book. The main character, Alex, creates a world of solitude to his liking. He learns some very valuable life lessons during his stay in the castle that will stay with hime the rest of his life. This page turner kept me wanting more information. More from Alex, more from Carrick castle and the whole story itself!
May 7, 2020
What a world this author has brought to life!
There is a presence about the book that drags you on. A mystery so slowly revealed that you want to skip ahead to see. You can not for there is a building that is shaping the magic. Witches, curses, and the walking dead. Love and dream romance real or in the mind. Or just greed and a twisted plot. This was a good one.
There is a presence about the book that drags you on. A mystery so slowly revealed that you want to skip ahead to see. You can not for there is a building that is shaping the magic. Witches, curses, and the walking dead. Love and dream romance real or in the mind. Or just greed and a twisted plot. This was a good one.
May 25, 2020
Mystery/almost gothic
I lived in Ireland and this book brought it all back! Superstitious abound and many (if not all) believe in ghosts.this book reminds you of ghosts,superstitious and murder. Great mystery!It kept me going and I finished it in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. I had to get at the truth! I recommend this book to everyone.
I lived in Ireland and this book brought it all back! Superstitious abound and many (if not all) believe in ghosts.this book reminds you of ghosts,superstitious and murder. Great mystery!It kept me going and I finished it in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. I had to get at the truth! I recommend this book to everyone.
June 8, 2020
I have to say I was intrigued at the beginning but his actions just kept dragging on and on . I’m talking about the main character who kinda drove me insane!! This could have been so much better if the author hadn’t repeated things so very much. I finished reading this. I so wanted to like this book and maybe others will but not so much for myself.
July 26, 2020
Review of The Fall of Castle Carrick: A Novel
I won this book from Goodreads after reading I am to review the book. Alex O'Riley is the main character in the book. He is a artist, single father, and drinks to much whiskey. He inherits a castle in Ireland. The novel is dark has witches, ghosts, and supernatural things.
I won this book from Goodreads after reading I am to review the book. Alex O'Riley is the main character in the book. He is a artist, single father, and drinks to much whiskey. He inherits a castle in Ireland. The novel is dark has witches, ghosts, and supernatural things.
October 30, 2020
Perfect Halloween read
For all the dark southern gothic written about Savannah, in this tale it is the bright safe home to which our protagonist returns with gratitude.
Herein is Ireland, full of ghosts and ghouls. Creepy haunted castles and obsession over centuries
I love magical realism but not usually so dark. This one captured my attention and kept it. Nicely done
For all the dark southern gothic written about Savannah, in this tale it is the bright safe home to which our protagonist returns with gratitude.
Herein is Ireland, full of ghosts and ghouls. Creepy haunted castles and obsession over centuries
I love magical realism but not usually so dark. This one captured my attention and kept it. Nicely done
November 11, 2020
Gothic but not horror
A dark and twisted tale of a man, an artist, divorced and with a young son. He’s contacted by a lawyer; an enormous castle was bequeathed to him by an aunt he hardly knew.
And so the tale begins... or does it.
A few editorial errors scattered throughout but none distracted from this tale.
A dark and twisted tale of a man, an artist, divorced and with a young son. He’s contacted by a lawyer; an enormous castle was bequeathed to him by an aunt he hardly knew.
And so the tale begins... or does it.
A few editorial errors scattered throughout but none distracted from this tale.
May 28, 2024
Slow to begin
But this is a story you stick with until the first encounter with terror. Of course by then you can't stop!
Warning: To anyone who dislikes the labyrinthine tunnels that seem to always hide beneath a castle, the author describes Alex's foray into the Underworld with the same confidence Alex has exploring.
But this is a story you stick with until the first encounter with terror. Of course by then you can't stop!
Warning: To anyone who dislikes the labyrinthine tunnels that seem to always hide beneath a castle, the author describes Alex's foray into the Underworld with the same confidence Alex has exploring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews