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Dark Divinations
It's the height of Queen Victoria's rule. Fog swirls in the gas-lit streets, while in the parlor, hands are linked. Pale and expectant faces gaze upon a woman, her eyes closed and shoulders slumped. The medium speaks, her tone hollow and inhuman. The seance has begun.
Join us as we explore fourteen frightening tales of Victorian horror, each centered around a method of divination. Can the reading of tea leaves influence the future? Can dreams keep a soldier from death in the Crimea? Can a pocket watch foretell a deadly family curse? From entrail reading and fortune-telling machines to prophetic spiders and voodoo spells, sometimes the future is better left unknown. Choose your fate.
Choose your Dark Divinations, with stories by: Hannah Hulbert, Ash Hartwell, Joe L. Murr, Emerian Rich, Naching T. Kassa, Michael Fassbender, Jon O'Bergh, Stephanie Ellis, H.R.R. Gorman, R.L. Merrill, Rie Sheridan Rose, Daphne Strasert, Alan Fisher, and Jeremy Megargee.
Join us as we explore fourteen frightening tales of Victorian horror, each centered around a method of divination. Can the reading of tea leaves influence the future? Can dreams keep a soldier from death in the Crimea? Can a pocket watch foretell a deadly family curse? From entrail reading and fortune-telling machines to prophetic spiders and voodoo spells, sometimes the future is better left unknown. Choose your fate.
Choose your Dark Divinations, with stories by: Hannah Hulbert, Ash Hartwell, Joe L. Murr, Emerian Rich, Naching T. Kassa, Michael Fassbender, Jon O'Bergh, Stephanie Ellis, H.R.R. Gorman, R.L. Merrill, Rie Sheridan Rose, Daphne Strasert, Alan Fisher, and Jeremy Megargee.
- GenresHorror
227 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2020
2 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Naching T. Kassa
63 books15 followersNaching T. Kassa is a wife, mother, and horror writer. She’s created short stories, novellas, poems, and co-created three children. She lives in Eastern Washington State with her husband, Dan Kassa.
Naching is a member of the Horror Writers Association and Mystery Writers of America. She's Head of Publishing for HorrorAddicts.net and an assistant at Crystal Lake Publishing. Naching also enjoys Sherlock Holmes and is a member of the Sound of the Baskervilles and The Sherlock Holmes Society of London.
Naching is a member of the Horror Writers Association and Mystery Writers of America. She's Head of Publishing for HorrorAddicts.net and an assistant at Crystal Lake Publishing. Naching also enjoys Sherlock Holmes and is a member of the Sound of the Baskervilles and The Sherlock Holmes Society of London.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 28, 2020
This anthology contains fourteen tales all set in Victorian times; each story begins with the location (UK or USA ) and the year it is set. The authors are a mix of Brits and Americans too. The theme of the anthology is hinted at in the title – all manner of divination methods are explored in these tales. We have scrying, (mirrors/bowls), entrail reading, fortune-telling penny slot automata machines, seances, tasseography (reading tea leaves), human seers, animals who can prophesy the future and voodoo spells. The choice of ways in which the characters try to foretell their future or discover hidden secrets is rich and dizzying.
This sort of read is very much up by dark historical alleyway- loving, as I do, all things Victorian, supernatural and gas lit.
There wasn’t a story I didn’t enjoy in the anthology- a couple did seem to end a little abruptly and didn’t feel fully finalised to this reader. However I do want to mention a few of my favourites, always a personal choice I realise.
Alan Fisher’s “The Moat House Cob” is set in the Tower of London for a start which piqued my interest and is possibly the most unusual and original take on the anthology’s theme and is memorable, especially as I have, (like the main character) intense arachnophobia! The Cob is not what you might think it is by the way.
Hannah Hulbert’s opening story, “Power and Shadow” (set in my home town of Norwich!) - for the depiction of the dominating Mother and the rather nice clever twist in its ending.
Jon O’Bergh’s “The Bell”- don’t want to give too much away here but if you suffer from claustrophobia and/or taphophobia- be warned – this story will not make you feel better.
Stephanie Ellis’ “Romany Rose”- a fully realised world within this story, a lovely depiction of the street urchins and the ending packs a punch.
Shout out to the cover artist, Kladyk, for the stunningly gorgeous image which I’d have as a poster in my study no problem
This sort of read is very much up by dark historical alleyway- loving, as I do, all things Victorian, supernatural and gas lit.
There wasn’t a story I didn’t enjoy in the anthology- a couple did seem to end a little abruptly and didn’t feel fully finalised to this reader. However I do want to mention a few of my favourites, always a personal choice I realise.
Alan Fisher’s “The Moat House Cob” is set in the Tower of London for a start which piqued my interest and is possibly the most unusual and original take on the anthology’s theme and is memorable, especially as I have, (like the main character) intense arachnophobia! The Cob is not what you might think it is by the way.
Hannah Hulbert’s opening story, “Power and Shadow” (set in my home town of Norwich!) - for the depiction of the dominating Mother and the rather nice clever twist in its ending.
Jon O’Bergh’s “The Bell”- don’t want to give too much away here but if you suffer from claustrophobia and/or taphophobia- be warned – this story will not make you feel better.
Stephanie Ellis’ “Romany Rose”- a fully realised world within this story, a lovely depiction of the street urchins and the ending packs a punch.
Shout out to the cover artist, Kladyk, for the stunningly gorgeous image which I’d have as a poster in my study no problem
October 22, 2020
Dark Divinations is a horror anthology consisting of 14 frightening tales set in Victorian times. Each story is geared- around a method of divination and is written by a different author. The collection of stories consists of a young woman with powers to manipulate, an Englishman discovering powers in dreams, a young American bride returning to her English husband, and more.
The stories had each setup, character building, and historical references. The work is more suitable for people who like historical novels and short read stories. The authors had a good hand in writing, and I enjoyed the thoughtful considerations that were embedded in the stories.
The literature was like an anthology for those who like Gothic short stories.
I particularly enjoyed the parts where the old ways of shady medical treatments and police investigations merged with dark horror plots. Everything about the stories then became unique to its time structure, and that influenced where the story was going.
The stories had each setup, character building, and historical references. The work is more suitable for people who like historical novels and short read stories. The authors had a good hand in writing, and I enjoyed the thoughtful considerations that were embedded in the stories.
The literature was like an anthology for those who like Gothic short stories.
I particularly enjoyed the parts where the old ways of shady medical treatments and police investigations merged with dark horror plots. Everything about the stories then became unique to its time structure, and that influenced where the story was going.
May 22, 2020
Big thanks to Jon O’Bergh and Naching Kassa for reaching out and sending a digital copy of this horror anthology presented by HorrorAddicts.net
Set during the height of Queen Victoria’s rule, ‘Dark Divinations‘ featured 13 stories all told around the dark arts. There were only two authors I was familiar with prior to reading this – Jon and Stephanie Ellis. So, it was a great introduction to 11 other writers.
What I liked: With this all being set in the same time period, it made for a well-focused anthology. There was no risk of enjoying someone being slaughtered in the back alley behind a brothel and then the next story features computers and cellphones. While that isn’t always a bad thing, it was nice to see an anthology that had a theme and a focus.
With anthologies like this, I try not to single one story out as all of them were very enjoyable, but I do need to give a special mention to ‘The Bell‘ by Jon O’Bergh. Growing up, I was always creeped out big-time, by the idea that some people were buried with a bell just in case they weren’t actually dead. INSANE! John’s story was the one that made me squirm the most and that was purely because of my lifelong fascination with that practice.
What I didn’t like: Ah, the short story problem. As I said, I really did enjoy all of the stories. The opener ‘Power and Shadow‘ was just as enthralling as the final story ‘Of Blood and Bones.’ The issue is always those stories that end and you are enraged wanting more or the ones that would’ve been superb if they were a little shorter. This will never change, as is the case with the short form.
Why you should buy it: This is definitely an anthology for those who love Gothic short stories and who really enjoy those stories set around the time of Jack the Ripper. When police work was shoddy and medical training even worse. When tarot card readers would be millionaires and were scientists looked at with horror for wanting to see what was under the skin. The stories here are a fantastic cross-section of all the dark stuff we love, as horror readers and a great introduction to a number of fantastic voices.
Set during the height of Queen Victoria’s rule, ‘Dark Divinations‘ featured 13 stories all told around the dark arts. There were only two authors I was familiar with prior to reading this – Jon and Stephanie Ellis. So, it was a great introduction to 11 other writers.
What I liked: With this all being set in the same time period, it made for a well-focused anthology. There was no risk of enjoying someone being slaughtered in the back alley behind a brothel and then the next story features computers and cellphones. While that isn’t always a bad thing, it was nice to see an anthology that had a theme and a focus.
With anthologies like this, I try not to single one story out as all of them were very enjoyable, but I do need to give a special mention to ‘The Bell‘ by Jon O’Bergh. Growing up, I was always creeped out big-time, by the idea that some people were buried with a bell just in case they weren’t actually dead. INSANE! John’s story was the one that made me squirm the most and that was purely because of my lifelong fascination with that practice.
What I didn’t like: Ah, the short story problem. As I said, I really did enjoy all of the stories. The opener ‘Power and Shadow‘ was just as enthralling as the final story ‘Of Blood and Bones.’ The issue is always those stories that end and you are enraged wanting more or the ones that would’ve been superb if they were a little shorter. This will never change, as is the case with the short form.
Why you should buy it: This is definitely an anthology for those who love Gothic short stories and who really enjoy those stories set around the time of Jack the Ripper. When police work was shoddy and medical training even worse. When tarot card readers would be millionaires and were scientists looked at with horror for wanting to see what was under the skin. The stories here are a fantastic cross-section of all the dark stuff we love, as horror readers and a great introduction to a number of fantastic voices.
June 15, 2020
An anthology pried from the cold, dead, ghostly hands of the Victorian era, Dark Divinations leads the reader down a trail of blood chilling seances, ominous tea leaves, and curses that echo through the ages.
From a stellar list of writers including Jon O’Bergh, Hannah Hulbert, and the editor themselves Naching T. Kassa, this is an anthology chocked full of atmosphere, tension, and a building dread. From the blood curdling dreams of the doting wife Jennie in Ash Hartwell’s Copper and Cordite, to the ominous appearance of a fortune telling automaton bearing only grave news in Stephanie Ellis’s Romany Rose, Dark Divinations spans a century of Victorian characters and the perils that lie within attempting to see, or even change, ones own fate.
With a strength in tone and immersive atmosphere, this is a collection of story for the historically leaning, and for anyone who loves a good old bewitching tale of the unchangeable tapestry of destiny. There are methods for every enthusiast in this anthology, and you will not be disappointed by the variety.
From a stellar list of writers including Jon O’Bergh, Hannah Hulbert, and the editor themselves Naching T. Kassa, this is an anthology chocked full of atmosphere, tension, and a building dread. From the blood curdling dreams of the doting wife Jennie in Ash Hartwell’s Copper and Cordite, to the ominous appearance of a fortune telling automaton bearing only grave news in Stephanie Ellis’s Romany Rose, Dark Divinations spans a century of Victorian characters and the perils that lie within attempting to see, or even change, ones own fate.
With a strength in tone and immersive atmosphere, this is a collection of story for the historically leaning, and for anyone who loves a good old bewitching tale of the unchangeable tapestry of destiny. There are methods for every enthusiast in this anthology, and you will not be disappointed by the variety.
October 14, 2020
I am a fan of anthologies as they are a great way to find new writing talent, but I usually find there are one or two stories I don't enjoy. That was not the case for this anthology which included fourteen short stories that were all of a very good quality and all of which had a unique and interesting storyline.
The common theme for this anthology is the inclusion of a method of divinations and there were some fairly different ones such as fortune-telling machines and a pocket watch. Every story was dark and creepy and kept me on the edge of my seat.
My three favourite stories in this anthology are as follows:
The Pocket Watch by Emerian Rich - Gretchen, a beautiful red-head and the daughter of a wealthy family from Manhatten, has married the young and handsome, Lord Windemere and relocated to his family estate in England to start her married life. Soon after their arrival, her new husband gives her the gift of a pocket watch from his deceased mother. Gretchen soon discovers that the pocket watch contains a dark secret and the key to her survival;
Miss Mae's Prayers by H.R.R. Gorman - A young preacher and his heavily pregnant wife are woken up in the early hours of the morning by a member of his rural congregation who desperately wants the preacher to read him a couple of verses from the Bible. The anxious man is even more disturbed when the reading is over and vows to go back to the elderly woman who gave him the Bible references with an indication that they related to his future. The preacher, who has heard other stories about the old woman, known as Miss Mae, decides to seek her out and speak to her about her witchery. His mission has most unintended consequences;
Broken Crystal by Rie Sheridan Rose - Young Molly has a gift, she has The Sight, and her mother is determined to use it to make their fortune. Molly changes her name to Madame Rose and starts to give consultations for which she charges. Molly is a kindly girl and feels conflicted about taking money from very poor and needy people. One day a rough and angry man comes to her from a consultation following the elopement of his son. The consultation follows a different path with a unique outcome for both the father and Madame Rose.
The common theme for this anthology is the inclusion of a method of divinations and there were some fairly different ones such as fortune-telling machines and a pocket watch. Every story was dark and creepy and kept me on the edge of my seat.
My three favourite stories in this anthology are as follows:
The Pocket Watch by Emerian Rich - Gretchen, a beautiful red-head and the daughter of a wealthy family from Manhatten, has married the young and handsome, Lord Windemere and relocated to his family estate in England to start her married life. Soon after their arrival, her new husband gives her the gift of a pocket watch from his deceased mother. Gretchen soon discovers that the pocket watch contains a dark secret and the key to her survival;
Miss Mae's Prayers by H.R.R. Gorman - A young preacher and his heavily pregnant wife are woken up in the early hours of the morning by a member of his rural congregation who desperately wants the preacher to read him a couple of verses from the Bible. The anxious man is even more disturbed when the reading is over and vows to go back to the elderly woman who gave him the Bible references with an indication that they related to his future. The preacher, who has heard other stories about the old woman, known as Miss Mae, decides to seek her out and speak to her about her witchery. His mission has most unintended consequences;
Broken Crystal by Rie Sheridan Rose - Young Molly has a gift, she has The Sight, and her mother is determined to use it to make their fortune. Molly changes her name to Madame Rose and starts to give consultations for which she charges. Molly is a kindly girl and feels conflicted about taking money from very poor and needy people. One day a rough and angry man comes to her from a consultation following the elopement of his son. The consultation follows a different path with a unique outcome for both the father and Madame Rose.
January 3, 2021
Its scary
I won this in a contest from the author. I asked for a book that was not to scary. It was scary enough for me. I could only read one or two of stories then I'd have to put it away for a week and then start reading again.
It reminded me of Twilight Zone, Creature Feature, Short scary stories. Weird. Supernatural.
It also reminds me of Goosebumps movies in a way.
Anyhow, I enjoyed the book. I didn't read a bad story in here.
I was glad I didn't have nightmares as I read before I went sleep.
Well wrote, if you like reading scary stories I believe you'd enjoy this book.
I won this in a contest from the author. I asked for a book that was not to scary. It was scary enough for me. I could only read one or two of stories then I'd have to put it away for a week and then start reading again.
It reminded me of Twilight Zone, Creature Feature, Short scary stories. Weird. Supernatural.
It also reminds me of Goosebumps movies in a way.
Anyhow, I enjoyed the book. I didn't read a bad story in here.
I was glad I didn't have nightmares as I read before I went sleep.
Well wrote, if you like reading scary stories I believe you'd enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews