What do you think?
Rate this book
Book of Shadows #1
All Hallows Eve
Would you risk your soul to save your child?
Alice Jacobs doesn’t believe in ghosts… until one steals her daughter.
When her husband vanishes while investigating a string of strange happenings in 1780s Salem, Alice brings her young daughter Abigail to the fog-choked seaport in hopes of finding answers. But the townspeople live in fear. A century after the witch trials, they whisper that a woman unjustly hanged has returned from the grave. And she’s come for Salem’s children.
Alice dismisses the legend — until Abigail is taken from her bed by a woman made of smoke and mist.
With only a single night to save her daughter, Alice races through nightmarish cursed graveyards, forgotten dungeons, and haunted forests. Joined by a desperate sailor searching for his own missing child, she must face an evil born from Salem’s past and uncover a secret powerful enough to rescue Abigail — or lose her forever.
But darkness has deep roots in Salem, and Alice may have to sacrifice more than her life to bring her daughter home.
Atmospheric, emotional, and terrifying, All Hallows Eve delivers a haunting story of a mother who will walk through hell to save her child. Perfect for fans of witchcraft, historical horror, and stories drenched in supernatural dread.
Alice Jacobs doesn’t believe in ghosts… until one steals her daughter.
When her husband vanishes while investigating a string of strange happenings in 1780s Salem, Alice brings her young daughter Abigail to the fog-choked seaport in hopes of finding answers. But the townspeople live in fear. A century after the witch trials, they whisper that a woman unjustly hanged has returned from the grave. And she’s come for Salem’s children.
Alice dismisses the legend — until Abigail is taken from her bed by a woman made of smoke and mist.
With only a single night to save her daughter, Alice races through nightmarish cursed graveyards, forgotten dungeons, and haunted forests. Joined by a desperate sailor searching for his own missing child, she must face an evil born from Salem’s past and uncover a secret powerful enough to rescue Abigail — or lose her forever.
But darkness has deep roots in Salem, and Alice may have to sacrifice more than her life to bring her daughter home.
Atmospheric, emotional, and terrifying, All Hallows Eve delivers a haunting story of a mother who will walk through hell to save her child. Perfect for fans of witchcraft, historical horror, and stories drenched in supernatural dread.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2020
1326 people are currently reading
3903 people want to read
About the author
Michael Penning
12 books129 followersMichael Penning is a bestselling author and award-winning screenwriter of horror and dark fiction, crafting stories so chilling they could make a ghost shiver. He has been weaving nightmares since before he could finish his own sack of trick-or-treat candy. When he's not conjuring new ways to make readers sleep with one eye open, he enjoys traveling, photography, and brewing beer. He lives in Montreal with his wife and daughter, who have yet to flee in terror. For free giveaways and updates on new releases, visit www.michaelpenning.com and sign up for Michael's newsletter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
October 16, 2021
Alice Jacobs is looking for her missing husband Samuel. He did some research in Salem. When she arrives at Halloween eve the horror starts. Who is kidnapping the kids? What about Sarah Bridges, the witch? Is Rebecca Hayle responsible for the haunting of the town? What happened to her? Then we have a mysterious Mr Dicer. The story set in 19th century USA starts strong but the progress sometimes is a bit long winded. It's a very dark and eerie tale full of witchcraft, witch hunting, treason and revenge. But all parts didn't completely work with each other and the actions of the characters were a bit implausible at parts. The twists and the final denouement didn't fully convince me. Nevertheless it was a very intriguing read. Outstanding cover design. Good old fashioned tale for a cold autumn evenings. Recommended!
November 6, 2021
Wow! This historical haunting story was awesome!
A small backstory:
Setting: Salem - about 1792
Alice Jacobs along with her young daughter, Abigail go in search of Alice's husband Samuel as he was researching some weird incidents in the town of Salem and he has not returned. Alice decides to go to Salem to see if she can find out what happened to her husband, but she is not there long when her daughter, Abigail disappears. In a frantic search to locate Abigail, Alice goes on a journey into the heart of the town of Salem and ends up receiving help from a sailor named Jonas Hobbs as his daughter ends up missing as well.
Alice and Jonas discover things that are really beyond their control, but Alice is not only determined to find out what happened to her daughter she is desperate to find out what happened to her husband as well. As both of them set off to help each other they end up spiraling down into the dark recesses of the town as they learn that the ghost of a witch has taken revenge on the town of Salem and no one might not make it out alive!
Thoughts:
This book was just steeped in the town of Salem and the witch trials that had occurred there. This was a new author to me and I was impressed by this book being a debut book as well! The pace is just right and not once did it ever drag along.
I felt as I was reading the story that I was just transported back to that era and the author goes into great detail within the story which makes it feel like you are really there. The mystery of the story wraps itself around you and keeps you encased into that time era. I feel that this was one of the most spookiest historical haunting stories that I have ever read.
There is another book in this series that has the same character of Alice Jacobs but it goes down a different creepy avenue that I want to explore from this author. I will be curious to see where the author goes with that story and I will be continuing on with this series.
Giving this book five "Haunted Hallows Eve" stars.
Highly recommend to read around Halloween!
For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
A small backstory:
Setting: Salem - about 1792
Alice Jacobs along with her young daughter, Abigail go in search of Alice's husband Samuel as he was researching some weird incidents in the town of Salem and he has not returned. Alice decides to go to Salem to see if she can find out what happened to her husband, but she is not there long when her daughter, Abigail disappears. In a frantic search to locate Abigail, Alice goes on a journey into the heart of the town of Salem and ends up receiving help from a sailor named Jonas Hobbs as his daughter ends up missing as well.
Alice and Jonas discover things that are really beyond their control, but Alice is not only determined to find out what happened to her daughter she is desperate to find out what happened to her husband as well. As both of them set off to help each other they end up spiraling down into the dark recesses of the town as they learn that the ghost of a witch has taken revenge on the town of Salem and no one might not make it out alive!
Thoughts:
This book was just steeped in the town of Salem and the witch trials that had occurred there. This was a new author to me and I was impressed by this book being a debut book as well! The pace is just right and not once did it ever drag along.
I felt as I was reading the story that I was just transported back to that era and the author goes into great detail within the story which makes it feel like you are really there. The mystery of the story wraps itself around you and keeps you encased into that time era. I feel that this was one of the most spookiest historical haunting stories that I have ever read.
There is another book in this series that has the same character of Alice Jacobs but it goes down a different creepy avenue that I want to explore from this author. I will be curious to see where the author goes with that story and I will be continuing on with this series.
Giving this book five "Haunted Hallows Eve" stars.
Highly recommend to read around Halloween!
For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
June 2, 2022
4.75/5
All Hallows Eve by Michael Penning is a spellbinding, violent, and fast-paced read that I absolutely could not put down! Penning is an indie author and one I only recently heard of, but I wish I had known about this right when it came out because it was amazing. It is definitely a perfect book to read during the spooky season but being as it was raining and kind of icky when I read it, that seemed just as fitting. The story is told from various viewpoints but the main one is Alice and I loved her as a character. She does things in this book that I wouldn't even have an ounce of bravery for, and I was really rooting for her the entire time. I'm not entirely sure what the time period is, but it isn't a contemporary novel and that made the setting of Salem a little creepy which I loved.
This is a great book to read if you love anything with witches, curses, and ghosts, but you should be fully aware that this is not tame in any sense of the word. It is super gory at times and Penning does not skimp on any of the details. In other words, All Hallows Eve is not for the faint of heart but if you can read Karin Slaughter you will be able to handle it. My heart was racing for almost the entirety of the story and there are a ton of very suspenseful moments. There are some short lulls but for the most part, it is nonstop action, and I especially loved the way the author was able to bring Salem and whatever time period this is to life. It made me ache for all the women who had to go through the Salem witch trials, and it pulled at my heartstrings while scaring the crap out of me. I already started the second book of the series, and I can't wait to see where it goes!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
All Hallows Eve by Michael Penning is a spellbinding, violent, and fast-paced read that I absolutely could not put down! Penning is an indie author and one I only recently heard of, but I wish I had known about this right when it came out because it was amazing. It is definitely a perfect book to read during the spooky season but being as it was raining and kind of icky when I read it, that seemed just as fitting. The story is told from various viewpoints but the main one is Alice and I loved her as a character. She does things in this book that I wouldn't even have an ounce of bravery for, and I was really rooting for her the entire time. I'm not entirely sure what the time period is, but it isn't a contemporary novel and that made the setting of Salem a little creepy which I loved.
This is a great book to read if you love anything with witches, curses, and ghosts, but you should be fully aware that this is not tame in any sense of the word. It is super gory at times and Penning does not skimp on any of the details. In other words, All Hallows Eve is not for the faint of heart but if you can read Karin Slaughter you will be able to handle it. My heart was racing for almost the entirety of the story and there are a ton of very suspenseful moments. There are some short lulls but for the most part, it is nonstop action, and I especially loved the way the author was able to bring Salem and whatever time period this is to life. It made me ache for all the women who had to go through the Salem witch trials, and it pulled at my heartstrings while scaring the crap out of me. I already started the second book of the series, and I can't wait to see where it goes!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 16, 2023
I’ll admit that what initially drew me to this book was the fabulous cover! One of best covers I’ve seen all year! And the title grabbed my attention, too, as someone who absolutely loves Halloween! Then once I read the synopsis, I was all in—I knew I had to get this book!
It’s a wonderfully eerie ghost story that is steeped in history, taking place soon after the Revolutionary War and a century after the main focus of our story-- the Salem witch trials. It’s a time in history I absolutely love reading about! And what better time of the year to read a book like ALL HALLOWS EVE than October!
The author’s narrative and storytelling skills create a sense of horror and suspense that often makes you feel your heart pounding in your chest and your hair standing on end. The novel is filled with ghostly, terror-filled chapters that have you frantically turning pages, unable to put the book down for even a second. And you will love and admire our protagonist, Alice, who shows that the power of a mother’s love is a force to be reckoned with!! ALL HALLOWS EVE is a fabulously spine-chilling ghost story that will without a doubt get you into the Halloween spirit!!
It’s a wonderfully eerie ghost story that is steeped in history, taking place soon after the Revolutionary War and a century after the main focus of our story-- the Salem witch trials. It’s a time in history I absolutely love reading about! And what better time of the year to read a book like ALL HALLOWS EVE than October!
The author’s narrative and storytelling skills create a sense of horror and suspense that often makes you feel your heart pounding in your chest and your hair standing on end. The novel is filled with ghostly, terror-filled chapters that have you frantically turning pages, unable to put the book down for even a second. And you will love and admire our protagonist, Alice, who shows that the power of a mother’s love is a force to be reckoned with!! ALL HALLOWS EVE is a fabulously spine-chilling ghost story that will without a doubt get you into the Halloween spirit!!
March 1, 2024
There were lots of scenes with fantastic and gruesome imagery, but the language, while appropriate for the time where the story is set, made the reading experience seem so much more ponderous than it actually was, and I struggled to connect with the events and characters in the book because of it. Still, it was a pretty solid story, and it had some really anxiogenic moments.
November 6, 2021
I was super impressed by this! This is such a great creepy story. It feels like a classic witch story, the kind that gets under your skin and really freaks you out. I actually had a nightmare about a creepy-ass witch one night after I'd been reading this. That never happens!
Awesome, creepy, atmospheric book about a good old-fashioned, nasty witch (although, )!
This would make a freaky-ass movie! :)
I'll definitely be reading book 2!
Awesome, creepy, atmospheric book about a good old-fashioned, nasty witch (although, )!
This would make a freaky-ass movie! :)
I'll definitely be reading book 2!
October 18, 2021
This historic fiction is filled with action, fog, revenge, pirates, true love… wait.. That’s the Princess Bride.
K. Starting over!
This interestingly written historic fiction is filled with action, heart, fog, spirits, secrets, a curse most foul, and many other haunted things combined to make this one heck of a read. Reading about Salem during and after “the trials “ is always an interesting time, as we know. Perfect for Halloween 🎃!
”Curses! Curses!…..Get your curses here!”
This book has heart, substance, omens and a plot that though you might be guessing it ahead of time— has other interesting branches to keep you busy.
Also, on this night, in Salem… Lock your children away, because on All Hallow’s Eve, Rebecca Hale comes out of Hell to play!
🎃🎃🎃🎃 ✨Four and a wee one (half) Jack O’ the lanterns to light yer way ! 4.5
K. Starting over!
This interestingly written historic fiction is filled with action, heart, fog, spirits, secrets, a curse most foul, and many other haunted things combined to make this one heck of a read. Reading about Salem during and after “the trials “ is always an interesting time, as we know. Perfect for Halloween 🎃!
”Curses! Curses!…..Get your curses here!”
This book has heart, substance, omens and a plot that though you might be guessing it ahead of time— has other interesting branches to keep you busy.
Also, on this night, in Salem… Lock your children away, because on All Hallow’s Eve, Rebecca Hale comes out of Hell to play!
🎃🎃🎃🎃 ✨Four and a wee one (half) Jack O’ the lanterns to light yer way ! 4.5
October 23, 2024
I started to read this book last October, but saved it until the end of the month, and then time slipped away. Luckily, I got to it this October (it's a perfect read for the spooky month), and can kick myself for putting it off. A historically set story in Salem, witches and missing children. Yeah, I'm not usually into that type stuff, but isn't that what Halloween is all about. Opening your mind to the possibility that there is a realm that opens on a certain night of the year?
It took me a minute to get into the story, but it was well worth it. Even had a twist or two that I totally didn't expect
It took me a minute to get into the story, but it was well worth it. Even had a twist or two that I totally didn't expect
October 23, 2022
The most perfect historical, witchy horror set in Salem 100 years after the witch trials. I loved the setting, the rich storytelling, the detail of each scene. It was perfection all around. Historical fiction isn’t a genre I read often, but mixed in with supernatural horror set in Salem in October… YES PLEASE.
October 29, 2020
Perfect book for the season 🎃👻
May 20, 2025
This is my first time reading anything by Michael Penning All Hallows Eve was really good I was hooked from the first chapter. I felt like I was a part of the story, and I felt like I was in Salem with Alice Jacobs. I wish I could rate the book more than five stars because five stars doesn't do this story justice. I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves Salem or the Salem Witch Trials. I was shocked by the surprises throughout the book, and I learned a lot about Rebecca Hale during the witch trials because her story wasn't really told until now.
October 7, 2025
War okay, aber wirklich gegruselt hat es mich tatsächlich nicht.
October 24, 2022
I could not for the life of me get into this book. It was book club choice so I finished it but begrudgingly. I can't reconcile the fact it felt like two books. The chapters about random characters that are dead by the end of it really drove me up the wall, it added nothing to the book. The last 30% of the book finally got a little more interesting and then it was over. It was too slow a start for me and it didn't keep me hooked.
May 20, 2020
Received an advance copy of the novel, and I've read it twice already. The emotions run strong in the story: Fear, anguish, love, grudge, courage... You don't have to be a fan of the Salem Witches trial history to enjoy this book... but you might after reading it!
October 5, 2023
The perfect book to kick off October.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 15, 2025
I never rate books before book club but spoiler alert i loved this spooky lil number too much to keep my trap shut ❤️🎃
October 13, 2021
Honestly, I am in awe right now having just finished this book. Admittedly I’ve not read a ton of ghost/spooky horror, but this book is so fast paced and well written, I can’t believe it’s not on a best seller list. It played out like a movie, detailed and suspenseful, perfectly balanced! So good I had to immediately write a review. PERFECT for spooky season!!! 🎃 I will be reading the next book!
October 16, 2022
I struggled with the slow pace and inconsistent writing style for the first quarter of this book, but it became quite intriguing after that. Creepy, twisty, and surprising. If the beginning of the story had flowed like the latter part, it would have easily been a 5 star read instead of 4. I'm ready for the next book in this series!
May 27, 2020
I’m not much for creepy scary, but Penning’s handle on the genre keeps this nail biting and edge of the seat read a page turner without needless gore which would just be a turn-off.
August 10, 2023
Really enjoyed this one! A cozy story to get into the spirit for Halloween.
It was mostly pretty straight forward, but it definetly didn't end like I expected it to!
It was mostly pretty straight forward, but it definetly didn't end like I expected it to!
November 12, 2025
Ein Jahrhundert voller Schrecken hat euch nichts gelehrt. Diese Stadt braucht keinen Fluch, um ins Verderben zu stürzen. (Seite 296)
Was für ein tolles, schauriges Horror-Buch! Seit langem habe ich kein so gutes Gruselbuch mehr gelesen. Insbesondere während der nebligen Tage vor Halloween, hat das einfach wunderbar gepasst. 🎃
Manchmal hatte ich wirklich Schiss, doch ich musste unbedingt weiterlesen um zu erfahren, ob Alice ihre Tochter aus den Fängen der Geister befreien kann. 😱
Die Story beginnt recht unspektakulär, die bodenständige Alice ist zusammen mit ihrer Tochter auf der Suche nach ihrem Ehemann. Die Leute im Dorf sind sehr aufgeregt wegen der Nacht vor Allerheiligen, angeblich wird eine Hexe kommen und alle Kinder des Ortes entführen.
Alice gibt nichts auf das Geschwätz der Leute, was sich im Nachhinein als schwerer Fehler entpuppt. Abigail wird vor ihren Augen von einer Schattengestalt entführt. 👻
Alice hat somit nur noch bis zum Sonnenaufgang Zeit, ihre kleine Tochter von der Hexe zurückzuholen.
Ich fand auch toll, dass hier die Hexenverfolgung so thematisiert wurde und was diese Frauen alles erleiden mussten.
Wirklich eine große Empfehlung für unerschrockene Leser. 🎃
Zitate:
"Sarah Bridges ist die letzte Verbliebene einer Familie von Ausgestoßenen, die wegen ihrer heidnischen Praktiken vor Jahrzehnten aus Salem verbannt wurde.« »Von welcher Art von Praktiken reden wir?« »Schwarze Magie, Opferhandlungen, Beschwörungen. Viele Jahre lebten sie allein irgendwo tief in den nördlichen Wäldern. Niemand wusste, was sie dort draußen taten oder was aus ihnen wurde. Viele zogen es vor, zu glauben, sie wären tot. Mit der Zeit waren sie fast in Vergessenheit geraten, bis Sarah eines Nachts im letzten Jahr nach Salem zurückkehrte und einen schrecklichen Fluch prophezeite. Am nächsten All Hallows’ Eve– wenn der Schleier zwischen dieser Welt und der nächsten am dünnsten ist und die Seelen der Toten sich unter die Lebenden mischen können– wird angeblich der Geist von Rebecca Hale zurückkehren, um Rache zu nehmen.« (Seite 18)
»Angst ist eine Schwäche, Abigail. Nur wenn wir uns ihr stellen, können wir Erfahrungen sammeln und Wissen erlangen. In diesem Kampf ist unsere Vernunft unsere größte Tugend. Solange wir die Vernunft walten lassen, haben wir nichts zu befürchten. Verstehst du das?« (Seite 37)
»Womöglich ist es schon zu spät.« »Dann habe ich nichts zu verlieren und nichts, wofür es sich zu leben lohnt. Mein Leben begann mit meiner Tochter und es wird auch mit ihr enden. Der Herr ist mein Zeuge, dass ich vor nichts haltmachen werde, bis sie wieder bei mir ist!« (Seite 110)
Was für ein tolles, schauriges Horror-Buch! Seit langem habe ich kein so gutes Gruselbuch mehr gelesen. Insbesondere während der nebligen Tage vor Halloween, hat das einfach wunderbar gepasst. 🎃
Manchmal hatte ich wirklich Schiss, doch ich musste unbedingt weiterlesen um zu erfahren, ob Alice ihre Tochter aus den Fängen der Geister befreien kann. 😱
Die Story beginnt recht unspektakulär, die bodenständige Alice ist zusammen mit ihrer Tochter auf der Suche nach ihrem Ehemann. Die Leute im Dorf sind sehr aufgeregt wegen der Nacht vor Allerheiligen, angeblich wird eine Hexe kommen und alle Kinder des Ortes entführen.
Alice gibt nichts auf das Geschwätz der Leute, was sich im Nachhinein als schwerer Fehler entpuppt. Abigail wird vor ihren Augen von einer Schattengestalt entführt. 👻
Alice hat somit nur noch bis zum Sonnenaufgang Zeit, ihre kleine Tochter von der Hexe zurückzuholen.
Ich fand auch toll, dass hier die Hexenverfolgung so thematisiert wurde und was diese Frauen alles erleiden mussten.
Wirklich eine große Empfehlung für unerschrockene Leser. 🎃
Zitate:
"Sarah Bridges ist die letzte Verbliebene einer Familie von Ausgestoßenen, die wegen ihrer heidnischen Praktiken vor Jahrzehnten aus Salem verbannt wurde.« »Von welcher Art von Praktiken reden wir?« »Schwarze Magie, Opferhandlungen, Beschwörungen. Viele Jahre lebten sie allein irgendwo tief in den nördlichen Wäldern. Niemand wusste, was sie dort draußen taten oder was aus ihnen wurde. Viele zogen es vor, zu glauben, sie wären tot. Mit der Zeit waren sie fast in Vergessenheit geraten, bis Sarah eines Nachts im letzten Jahr nach Salem zurückkehrte und einen schrecklichen Fluch prophezeite. Am nächsten All Hallows’ Eve– wenn der Schleier zwischen dieser Welt und der nächsten am dünnsten ist und die Seelen der Toten sich unter die Lebenden mischen können– wird angeblich der Geist von Rebecca Hale zurückkehren, um Rache zu nehmen.« (Seite 18)
»Angst ist eine Schwäche, Abigail. Nur wenn wir uns ihr stellen, können wir Erfahrungen sammeln und Wissen erlangen. In diesem Kampf ist unsere Vernunft unsere größte Tugend. Solange wir die Vernunft walten lassen, haben wir nichts zu befürchten. Verstehst du das?« (Seite 37)
»Womöglich ist es schon zu spät.« »Dann habe ich nichts zu verlieren und nichts, wofür es sich zu leben lohnt. Mein Leben begann mit meiner Tochter und es wird auch mit ihr enden. Der Herr ist mein Zeuge, dass ich vor nichts haltmachen werde, bis sie wieder bei mir ist!« (Seite 110)
October 6, 2023
4.5 stars! That book was so much fun! The absolute perfect book for spooky season. 👻
This book is exactly what the synopsis says it is, a story about a witch seeking her vengeance in the late 1700’s in Salem, MA. No explanation. No Scooby do “ah ha” moments. Just straight up a ghostly tale. And I enjoyed it! It actually frightened me a bit. I kept thinking “oh my gosh this would be the scariest movie”. It was very woman in black vibes. No language, no sex. But there is some violence. I recommend it! What I do NOT recommend is listening to it, the audio was not awesome. This girl read the scariest scenes like she was reciting scripture. If you really want a good ghost story to get you into the Halloween spirit, then read this one. The only downside is you must read with your eyeballs. No audiobook.
Let me know what you think and if I’m a baby for getting scared even a bit 😅
This book is exactly what the synopsis says it is, a story about a witch seeking her vengeance in the late 1700’s in Salem, MA. No explanation. No Scooby do “ah ha” moments. Just straight up a ghostly tale. And I enjoyed it! It actually frightened me a bit. I kept thinking “oh my gosh this would be the scariest movie”. It was very woman in black vibes. No language, no sex. But there is some violence. I recommend it! What I do NOT recommend is listening to it, the audio was not awesome. This girl read the scariest scenes like she was reciting scripture. If you really want a good ghost story to get you into the Halloween spirit, then read this one. The only downside is you must read with your eyeballs. No audiobook.
Let me know what you think and if I’m a baby for getting scared even a bit 😅
October 16, 2025
“Come All Hallows’ Eve—when the veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest and the souls of the dead are free to mingle with the living—the spirit of Rebecca Hale would return to have her revenge.”
This was such a good read for October! Historical and spooky, right up my alley!
This was such a good read for October! Historical and spooky, right up my alley!
October 30, 2023
If Salem, Massachusetts and the witch trials interest you, then this book is a must read. Loved it.
January 6, 2024
Will read more in this series
October 21, 2024
Fun read! Perfect for spooky season!
Read
May 20, 2020Got this just in time for the balcony season, what an excellent excuse to put my feet up and immerse myself in a detailed and atmospheric tale of supernatural suspense. Incredibly more-ish, put down seldom and only reluctantly. Looking forward to the next installment from my new go-to author.
December 16, 2021
*Mild spoilers, but no character names or plot points are revealed*
2.5/5
I'll be honest, in spite of the overused Salem setting, I had some expectations from this book. Serve me some historical fiction with vengeful ghosts and curses sprinkled on top, I'll consume it with relish. What I mean to say is, it takes a lot for historical spook fiction to disappoint me.
The pace was nice, and I kind of liked the characters. Some had absolutely no use, except to serve as plot fillers, because there's only so much one can milk from a time period of one night. Giving us detailed back stories for those figures was really not required, and it took my attention away from the horror aspects. A character will be introduced randomly, and then killed by the end of the chapter - this happens multiple times. That chapter itself will just be back story, serving no function to the story. Even the ghosts - what are you doing? Why are you doing whatever it is you are doing? You're not scaring me, ghost. How about I scare you instead - what is your purpose, what justifies your existence in this book? Existential spooks aside - maybe I've seen too much CinemaSins, but I also think that a ghost randomly pulling at a character's body part and then letting go, when it could've killed them in a split second, is baffling.
Secondly, this book read exactly like a movie and when I say exactly, I mean that the glaring loopholes and an absence of the motivation behind some actions on part of the ghosts were also there. Many scenes that are present in this book work well on a visual medium, but not in prose. For instance, we are presented with a scene in which a ghost screams, and we are told that the the shriek has caused sound wave ripples (similar to when Thor's hammer hit Cap's shield in "The Avengers"). In another scene, the face of a ghost changes from a living, healthy one to that of a rotting corpse. Both of these imageries do not serve the plot in any way, and they fail to give me goosebumps either. It's something I like seeing, not reading about. In order to actually give the reader spooks, it'll take a MASSIVE imagination on the reader's part, which isn't always the case.
Thirdly, this book is just so heavy with descriptive imagery. It can't just be "xyz turned their face to look at abc who was walking behind them." It has to be "xyz turned their round face, which was etched with an expression of sorrow, towards abc, who was walking behind them, themselves with a pallid demeanor, their shirt's lacy collar flapping in the wind." (this is just an example I've made up). If the plot had some weight, I would've ignored the long wordy illustrations it takes to reach plot points - but it didn't, so, this gets annoying after a while.
So, yes, I'm a little disappointed. I was entertained, sure, but more in a something-I'd-read-on-a-flight-to-kill-time way, rather than as a serious horror story. I'd recommend shutting down the critical third eye before diving into this book, and enjoy the (for the lack of a better term) vibes, rather than the tale itself.
2.5/5
I'll be honest, in spite of the overused Salem setting, I had some expectations from this book. Serve me some historical fiction with vengeful ghosts and curses sprinkled on top, I'll consume it with relish. What I mean to say is, it takes a lot for historical spook fiction to disappoint me.
The pace was nice, and I kind of liked the characters. Some had absolutely no use, except to serve as plot fillers, because there's only so much one can milk from a time period of one night. Giving us detailed back stories for those figures was really not required, and it took my attention away from the horror aspects. A character will be introduced randomly, and then killed by the end of the chapter - this happens multiple times. That chapter itself will just be back story, serving no function to the story. Even the ghosts - what are you doing? Why are you doing whatever it is you are doing? You're not scaring me, ghost. How about I scare you instead - what is your purpose, what justifies your existence in this book? Existential spooks aside - maybe I've seen too much CinemaSins, but I also think that a ghost randomly pulling at a character's body part and then letting go, when it could've killed them in a split second, is baffling.
Secondly, this book read exactly like a movie and when I say exactly, I mean that the glaring loopholes and an absence of the motivation behind some actions on part of the ghosts were also there. Many scenes that are present in this book work well on a visual medium, but not in prose. For instance, we are presented with a scene in which a ghost screams, and we are told that the the shriek has caused sound wave ripples (similar to when Thor's hammer hit Cap's shield in "The Avengers"). In another scene, the face of a ghost changes from a living, healthy one to that of a rotting corpse. Both of these imageries do not serve the plot in any way, and they fail to give me goosebumps either. It's something I like seeing, not reading about. In order to actually give the reader spooks, it'll take a MASSIVE imagination on the reader's part, which isn't always the case.
Thirdly, this book is just so heavy with descriptive imagery. It can't just be "xyz turned their face to look at abc who was walking behind them." It has to be "xyz turned their round face, which was etched with an expression of sorrow, towards abc, who was walking behind them, themselves with a pallid demeanor, their shirt's lacy collar flapping in the wind." (this is just an example I've made up). If the plot had some weight, I would've ignored the long wordy illustrations it takes to reach plot points - but it didn't, so, this gets annoying after a while.
So, yes, I'm a little disappointed. I was entertained, sure, but more in a something-I'd-read-on-a-flight-to-kill-time way, rather than as a serious horror story. I'd recommend shutting down the critical third eye before diving into this book, and enjoy the (for the lack of a better term) vibes, rather than the tale itself.
October 30, 2021
5 amazingly haunting stars
This is an amazing historical fiction novel focusing on the Salem Witch trials and what can happen when revenge is sought after when an injustice is committed.
Based in Salem in 1792, Alice Jacobs and daughter Abigail set out to Salem from Boston in search of Samuel the husband and father, he has disappeared after going to research some mysterious occurrences in the town of Salem. He hasn’t come home in 2 months and Alice hasn’t had any contact with him. Alice doesn’t understand what she has just stepped into and what curses await the town.
Abigail and other town’s children go missing while they are there. Alice teams up with Jonas one of the local sailors who also has a missing child. Together they start to unravel the truth of what lies behind the town curse and what exactly happened to Rebecca Hale.
“Fear is a failing, Abigail. Only by struggling with it can we acquire experience and knowledge. And in this struggle, our reason is our greatest virtue. When we have reason, we have nothing to fear.”
When you open the pages, you step right into Salem at a time where things and people were misunderstood and the repercussions of those actions. This author captured the historical aspect, and the book was well thought out and I couldn’t put it down.
Alice was portrayed as a mother with unending love and that is exactly what you felt and experienced with her character. She showed great courage despite everything going on around her and chose her daughters life over everything else.
I cannot wait to read more stories by this author, he will defiantly be added to my list of future stories.
This story is perfect for a spooky Halloween read!!
This is an amazing historical fiction novel focusing on the Salem Witch trials and what can happen when revenge is sought after when an injustice is committed.
Based in Salem in 1792, Alice Jacobs and daughter Abigail set out to Salem from Boston in search of Samuel the husband and father, he has disappeared after going to research some mysterious occurrences in the town of Salem. He hasn’t come home in 2 months and Alice hasn’t had any contact with him. Alice doesn’t understand what she has just stepped into and what curses await the town.
Abigail and other town’s children go missing while they are there. Alice teams up with Jonas one of the local sailors who also has a missing child. Together they start to unravel the truth of what lies behind the town curse and what exactly happened to Rebecca Hale.
“Fear is a failing, Abigail. Only by struggling with it can we acquire experience and knowledge. And in this struggle, our reason is our greatest virtue. When we have reason, we have nothing to fear.”
When you open the pages, you step right into Salem at a time where things and people were misunderstood and the repercussions of those actions. This author captured the historical aspect, and the book was well thought out and I couldn’t put it down.
Alice was portrayed as a mother with unending love and that is exactly what you felt and experienced with her character. She showed great courage despite everything going on around her and chose her daughters life over everything else.
I cannot wait to read more stories by this author, he will defiantly be added to my list of future stories.
This story is perfect for a spooky Halloween read!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews