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Baba Lenka: Pure Occult Horror
1970, and Baba Lenka begins in an icy Bavarian village with a highly unorthodox funeral. The deceased is Baba Lenka, great-grandmother to Eva Hart. But a terrible thing happens at the funeral, and from that moment on everything changes for seven year old Eva. The family fly back to Yorkshire but it seems the cold Alpine winds have followed them home...and the ghost of Baba Lenka has followed Eva. This is a story of demonic sorcery and occult practices during the World Wars, the horrors of which are drip-fed into young Eva's mind to devastating effect. Once again, this is absolutely not for the faint of heart. Nightmares pretty much guaranteed...
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2020
101 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 5, 2021
Eva and her family attend the funeral of Baba Lenka in Bavaria and things go horribly wrong when the coffin is dropped. During the ruckus a small doll rolls over towards Eva, who picks it up and takes it home without anyone noticing. Over the course of the next few months, Eva gets very unwell, her parents believe it's a mental health issue from witnessing what she saw at the funeral and ship her off to live with her grandparents. Every night, Baba Lenka's life is replayed via Eva's dreams, and eventually she is approached to join a secret society of the elite...
I really enjoyed this book although it took me longer to read than books usually do! Mid way through it goes back in time and Baba Lenka's story is told in more detail. There was some truly frightening scenes in this book!
Witchcraft and occultism in abundance, if you like these story plots this is definitely worth reading!
This was the first book I've read by S.E. England and won't be the last!
I really enjoyed this book although it took me longer to read than books usually do! Mid way through it goes back in time and Baba Lenka's story is told in more detail. There was some truly frightening scenes in this book!
Witchcraft and occultism in abundance, if you like these story plots this is definitely worth reading!
This was the first book I've read by S.E. England and won't be the last!
January 25, 2021
Listened to this on Audible. Holy Hell! This is one helluva creepy ass story. Granted, it starts out a little slow with some punctuated moments to keep you engaged, but once the actual story of Baba Lenka herself kicks in, I found it engrossing. And some of the scenes with certain rituals were friggin chilling in their creepiness. Sarah is phenomenal at creating a sense of dread. She takes the supernatural dead serious. I mean true believer dead serious. She has researched demonic and occult related stuff extensively and it shows, from terminology, to the variety of aspects she includes, to the details of the rituals and languages utilized, etc. She nails it. I loved this book. And if supernatural stuff creeps you out, then this book will curl your freakin toe nails and curse em with a black magic fungus straight from Satan himself. So what are you waiting for? Go read this book. Or listen to it because the narrator was quite good as well.
August 5, 2020
I've read and enjoyed all of England's books, but this one has now become my favourite. It's the best type of horror - disturbing and thought provoking, nerve jangling and no over use of blood, guts and gore.
After attending the funeral of her great-grandmother, 7 year old Eva begins to suffer from nightmares, in which her great-grandmother tries to communicate with her. Just over 8 years later, Eva disappears. She writes her best friend, Nicky, a letter explaining what had happened.
This story perfectly illustrates why you should be careful what you wish for, and why material wealth and possessions are not worth as much as your soul. Baba Lenka needs to tell Eva her story so that Eva doesn't make the same mistakes she did.
Having some parts of the book told from Lenka's POV, and others from Eva's made for interesting reading. Once I'd started this book I knew I'd fly through it - thanks to England's excellent writing and ability to put the reader inside the story. VERY highly recommended.
After attending the funeral of her great-grandmother, 7 year old Eva begins to suffer from nightmares, in which her great-grandmother tries to communicate with her. Just over 8 years later, Eva disappears. She writes her best friend, Nicky, a letter explaining what had happened.
This story perfectly illustrates why you should be careful what you wish for, and why material wealth and possessions are not worth as much as your soul. Baba Lenka needs to tell Eva her story so that Eva doesn't make the same mistakes she did.
Having some parts of the book told from Lenka's POV, and others from Eva's made for interesting reading. Once I'd started this book I knew I'd fly through it - thanks to England's excellent writing and ability to put the reader inside the story. VERY highly recommended.
January 19, 2024
Trigger warning: multiple graphic rapes
A well written and engaging book, however I felt it just didn't go anywhere. It was the same tale repeated multuple times. I was waiting for it to move forwards but it didn't. It feels like the beginning of a series but I don't believe it is.
I really ejoy Sarah E. England's books but this one wasn't for me.
A well written and engaging book, however I felt it just didn't go anywhere. It was the same tale repeated multuple times. I was waiting for it to move forwards but it didn't. It feels like the beginning of a series but I don't believe it is.
I really ejoy Sarah E. England's books but this one wasn't for me.
October 24, 2023
A wonderfully chilling tale of family ties. Bab Lenka divides the perspective between young Eva, who has just returned from a family funeral abroad and her great grandmother, Lenka.
Eva attends Baba Lenka's funeral and finds a handmade poppet doll. She secretes it away and takes it home. But Eva soon realises that she may have returned home with more than a doll.
Meanwhile, the reader is taken into the mysterious past of Lenka, taking us on the journey with her as she rises to new challenges to meet her destiny head on.
This story was surprisingly dark with a ton of unsettling imagery throughout. The main characters were relatable and you will want to root for them. My first read by S.E England but certainly not my last. I hear great things about her other books.
Highly recommend this immersive take of horror and family.
Eva attends Baba Lenka's funeral and finds a handmade poppet doll. She secretes it away and takes it home. But Eva soon realises that she may have returned home with more than a doll.
Meanwhile, the reader is taken into the mysterious past of Lenka, taking us on the journey with her as she rises to new challenges to meet her destiny head on.
This story was surprisingly dark with a ton of unsettling imagery throughout. The main characters were relatable and you will want to root for them. My first read by S.E England but certainly not my last. I hear great things about her other books.
Highly recommend this immersive take of horror and family.
June 10, 2020
A Masterclass in Terror
I have had the pleasure of reading this outstanding author for four years now. Every book is different but the one constant is they get better and better...this one is no exception to that rule. Prepare to enter a world of darkness, of witchcraft, occult ceremony and the demonic. A world of lies and manipulation where nothing is what it seems. Starting in Bavaria in the 1970s, young Eva and her parents have travelled from England to attend the funeral of Baba Lenka, Eva's great grandmother. However, things go horribly wrong at the funeral. The graveside scene is pure horror at its best. My scalp crawled and the images of what happened will stay with me for a long time. Obviously it doesn't end there. Eva picks up a strange doll left on the path and takes it home with her back to England...then the nightmares really begin...quite literally. I'm not easy to scare but the ensuing night terrors had the goose flesh rising on my arms. Baba Lanka's life is fed to Eva night after night , images of occultism and devil worship as Lenka is inducted into a secret society of Satanists . A society that wants to plunge the human race into fear, hatred and war. Eva can only watch in horror as she sees Lenka's instrumental role in both world wars, her and her legion of demons...demons that have now attached themselves to Eva.
I won't give any more of the plot away , just to say that you will absolutely live Eva's story as you follow her into darkness. Once more, the research is exemplary. Whether it's nineteenth century Europe or 1970s Britain, Sarah pulls you right in to history and brings it to life in front of your eyes. The characterisation is perfect too, from the decent to the diabolical to the grotesque. Honestly, wait until you meet Earl Hart...one of the most repulsive characters in modern fiction. All vividly brought to life at the hands of a master story teller.
The ending is deeply poignant and as ever with Sarah, completely unexpected. This author always has the ability to pull the rug from under you right at the end. This is no exception. Personally, I loved it...It felt completely right. A ray of hope in the darkness...I think we all need that. Particularly in the dark days we are living through now. So, if you love dark fiction or if you just love superb writing, this is the book for you.
This is an author at the height of her powers, and in my opinion, the finest writer of dark fiction working in Britain today.
I have had the pleasure of reading this outstanding author for four years now. Every book is different but the one constant is they get better and better...this one is no exception to that rule. Prepare to enter a world of darkness, of witchcraft, occult ceremony and the demonic. A world of lies and manipulation where nothing is what it seems. Starting in Bavaria in the 1970s, young Eva and her parents have travelled from England to attend the funeral of Baba Lenka, Eva's great grandmother. However, things go horribly wrong at the funeral. The graveside scene is pure horror at its best. My scalp crawled and the images of what happened will stay with me for a long time. Obviously it doesn't end there. Eva picks up a strange doll left on the path and takes it home with her back to England...then the nightmares really begin...quite literally. I'm not easy to scare but the ensuing night terrors had the goose flesh rising on my arms. Baba Lanka's life is fed to Eva night after night , images of occultism and devil worship as Lenka is inducted into a secret society of Satanists . A society that wants to plunge the human race into fear, hatred and war. Eva can only watch in horror as she sees Lenka's instrumental role in both world wars, her and her legion of demons...demons that have now attached themselves to Eva.
I won't give any more of the plot away , just to say that you will absolutely live Eva's story as you follow her into darkness. Once more, the research is exemplary. Whether it's nineteenth century Europe or 1970s Britain, Sarah pulls you right in to history and brings it to life in front of your eyes. The characterisation is perfect too, from the decent to the diabolical to the grotesque. Honestly, wait until you meet Earl Hart...one of the most repulsive characters in modern fiction. All vividly brought to life at the hands of a master story teller.
The ending is deeply poignant and as ever with Sarah, completely unexpected. This author always has the ability to pull the rug from under you right at the end. This is no exception. Personally, I loved it...It felt completely right. A ray of hope in the darkness...I think we all need that. Particularly in the dark days we are living through now. So, if you love dark fiction or if you just love superb writing, this is the book for you.
This is an author at the height of her powers, and in my opinion, the finest writer of dark fiction working in Britain today.
February 27, 2021
This has to be England’s scariest novel yet. Following the journey of eight-year-old Eva as she travels to attend her great-grandmother’s funeral, the stirrings of the occult begin when a poppet is blown on the wind & Baba Lenka’s coffin opened to expose her rotting corpse. As the years pass, Eva’s dreams begin to evolve, showing her the legacy of supernatural gifts that she has inherited from Baba Lenka. Dark, horrifying in places, yet deliciously creepy, I’ve loved every chapter & commend the author on a very imaginative & well told tale.
May 2, 2023
I don't know what to make of this one. It was trundling along and then just seemed to end out of nowhere into nothing. I did enjoy the folk horror aspect of the story and it was heading for solid 4 out of 5 stars, but once we left Baba Lenka's story it lost something.
I felt the book was far too short to tell the story that was there lurking in the background begging to be written about. I also had no feelings for any of the characters at all, which is always a let down for any reader.
Baba Lenka reminded me of one of those typical folk horror stories that were always shown in the 80's when I was a kid on the BBC on a Saturday night. The ones the BBC used to churn out on mass because they were so cheap to make.
Baba Lenka could have been so much better if the author S.E England had of just pushed the boat out just a little further. It had plenty to the background story to work with and all the elements where there, but for me I think the delivery wasn't imaginative or fast paced enough and it's delivery lacked the courage to fall fully into the horror genre which left it rather dry so I gave it a middle of the road 3 out of 5 stars.
It's a good read, no one will come away from it not entertained, but they will not come away needing to rave to someone about it either and you'll sleep soundly in your bed forgetting you ever read this horror story come the morning.
I felt the book was far too short to tell the story that was there lurking in the background begging to be written about. I also had no feelings for any of the characters at all, which is always a let down for any reader.
Baba Lenka reminded me of one of those typical folk horror stories that were always shown in the 80's when I was a kid on the BBC on a Saturday night. The ones the BBC used to churn out on mass because they were so cheap to make.
Baba Lenka could have been so much better if the author S.E England had of just pushed the boat out just a little further. It had plenty to the background story to work with and all the elements where there, but for me I think the delivery wasn't imaginative or fast paced enough and it's delivery lacked the courage to fall fully into the horror genre which left it rather dry so I gave it a middle of the road 3 out of 5 stars.
It's a good read, no one will come away from it not entertained, but they will not come away needing to rave to someone about it either and you'll sleep soundly in your bed forgetting you ever read this horror story come the morning.
July 6, 2020
Baba Lenka is a supernatural novel that switches back and forth between the two females Baba Lenka and Eva Hart, who have a terrible legacy to fulfil.
Poor Eva is witness to Baba Lenkas funeral and unwittingly takes seething home with her, what follows is literally Hell on Earth for the 8 year old girl.
Demons, ghosts and devils galore as the young girl first fights then slowly accepts her fate but wait, does she?
Another great, well written horror story from Sarah England, she never disappoints
Poor Eva is witness to Baba Lenkas funeral and unwittingly takes seething home with her, what follows is literally Hell on Earth for the 8 year old girl.
Demons, ghosts and devils galore as the young girl first fights then slowly accepts her fate but wait, does she?
Another great, well written horror story from Sarah England, she never disappoints
May 25, 2022
I was recommended to read this author by one of my favourite authors. Occult horror at it's best. The story of the legacy of the Blood Witch as it is passed on when three girls all from the same family are initiated into the Dark Arts. The way this author writes is rich in description and beautifully written. The story follows Lenka from the age of sixteen when she was initiated to the evil deeds she was coerced to carry out until her hideous death. Eva attends a funeral like no other in Bavaria where she unwittingly receives the Legacy. Reading this amazing book I felt like an invisible bystander witnessing first hand the struggles and terrors the Blood Witch has to endure. I could not put this book down and finally turned the last page at 2.am, and I must admit with all the lights on. I have already downloaded everything else that this author has written. One of the best books I have read in this genre and I can't wait to read more.
May 25, 2024
A deeply unnerving, gripping and intricate tale. I really enjoyed this. Brilliant writing and characters with an atmosphere so tense I wasn't sure how to feel when I'd finished!
April 4, 2021
What an interesting story and I really wasn't sure what to expect. It was dark but not as dark as I expected which was a pleasant surprise.
Generally I don't read this genre but this just looked amazing and I love the way that this was presented
Generally I don't read this genre but this just looked amazing and I love the way that this was presented
October 26, 2020
Really, very, very good. I've not come across this author before but if this is the type of writing she puts out then I'm definitely going to find more of her work. A great story line, great characters and a foreboding menace that you get from the very start to the end. I do hope that there is a sequel to this book because it deserves one.
May 23, 2025
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Baba Lenka' by Sarah E England.
This is the second book I have read by this absolutely incredible and chilling author and it definitely wont be my last!! I have also read 'The Droll Teller' which I would also highly recommend for any horror fans!
LOVE, LOVE, ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS AMAZING CHILLING, HAUNTING AND MUST READ HORROR STORY!!! IF YOU LOVE HORROR AND YOU HAVE NOT READ THIS THEN YOU ARE MISSING OUT!!! GET YOUR COPY TODAY BUT I WOULD SERIOUSLY READ IT IN THE DAY BEFORE THE DARK CREEPS IN!!
Wow!!! This book is fantastically written and had me hook, line and sinker from beginning to end. The descriptions were so in depth and vivid that I could feel the chills and hear the torture and nightmares in the storyline. The hair on my arms was standing on the ends and my heart was pounding throughout. The synopsis, title and cover were perfect for the storyline.
WELL, WELL, WELL, I absolutely LOVED this spine tingling, chilling ghost story!!! This book is, unique, addictive and explosive!!! Do not read this before bed time as you'll be hearing noises all night!! I was absolutely absorbed throughout this page turner. It is filled with tension, suspense, ghosts, mystery, horror, and absolutely everything you could ever want in an explosive occult horror story!!! One of the most gripping unputdownable nerve wracking books I have EVER read!!! I had heard of Baba Lenka before reading this book from horror films but this book takes you on a serious tour of her life!! I was absolutely fascinated throughout, flying through the pages until I had devoured it in one sitting. In this absolutely incredible and one of a kind book Sarah England transports the readers into the lives of Nicky Dixon in Yorkshire, Eva Hart in Bavaria and Yorkshire and Baba Lenka in Bohemia and Germany. She also transports the reader from the year 1979 back to 1970, then further back to 1890, forward to to 1891, forward again to 1978 and finally ending back in the year 1979. In 1979 we meet Nicky Dixon who has received a worrying letter from Eva Hart. Eva had been her best friend from the age of 8 until she was 16 when she had vanished out of Nicky's life. A year later she has sent Nicky a very worrying letter. We are then transported into the year 1970, 9 years previous, where we discover Eva's story. Eva had travelled with her Mother to Rabenwald, Bavaria to attend the funeral of Baba Lenka who was her Grandmother, although they had never met. During the funeral something tragic happens and Eva ends up discovering a small figure which had a hemp body, crow like skull and hooked beak which she kept. The villagers said that Baba Lenka was a Bluthexe and refused to attend the funeral. Not long after they got home Eva attacked a child in her school but had no memory of it so the family decided to move home. However, the move changed nothing and Eva started seeing and hearing Baba Lenka and if that wasn't bad enough she also started living Baba Lenka's life at nights when she slept. We then move on to discover Baba Lenka who we meet in the year 1980 and discover her life. Baba Lenka was originally called Lenka Heller and her story starts when she has just turned 16. Her Mother Clara tells Lenka Heller that they must visit her Gran Baba Olga, who she has also never seen, as she is ill and Lenka Heller needs to go to inherit Baba Olga's gift. I wont go into too much more detail about the storyline as I do not want to give anything away but I will say that the gift she is due to inherit was not one that anyone would want to receive!!! If you want to discover more about the lives of Eva and Baba Lenka then you will have to grab your copy of this absolutely spine tingling, chilling, creepy occult horror today and I can PROMISE that you will NOT regret it. If you are a fan of horrors and have never read any of Sarah/ S.E. England's books before then you can not call yourself a true horror fan until you do!!! I will tell you now, Stephen King's books read more like children's stories after I have read 2 of this incredible author's books!!! With an absolutely gritty storyline ram packed with horror, occult, fear, terror, gruesomeness, ghosts, darkness, witchcraft, Satanism, lies, treachery, hatred, manipulation, war, deceit and absolutely everything you could ask for in a hair raising novel and so, SO much more, what on Earth, or is it Hell, are you waiting for?? Grab your copy and discover Baba Lenka for yourself but let me warn you, this is not a light hearted read and I would recommend you stop reading it before the sun goes down!! I absolutely loved this Gothic horror with its creepy locations and could not get enough of it. You lady have one hell of a talent and I cannot wait to get hold of your previous and future books. The storyline is filled with shocks, suspense, horror, tension and so much more! There was so much going on and it was very fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Sarah's writing style and depth had me so engrossed that when I looked up it took me a moment to realise I was even reading!! Clear your schedule before you start as I read this in one sitting as I could not put it down!! I was absolutely hooked!! I would absolutely love to see this turned into a movie!!!! If Sarah's other books are even a quarter as good as this then I will I cannot wait to get stuck into them!! There's nothing like a good ghost/occult/horror story and this has got to be one of the best!!! I was completely invested in the storyline and the characters in this book and if you love to feel the hair on your arms raise and feel a chill down your spine then get your copy today!! You won't be disappointed!!
Clear your schedules and turn on the lights before even looking at the first page as you will not be able to put this book down!!!!
This book has got to be in my top 5 books of all time and considering I have read hundreds and hundred that is one hell of an achievement!! This is also the reason that you are my favourite ghost/horror/occult story telling author ever!! HUGE WELL DONE Sarah and here's to your next success 🥂
Congratulations Sarah on yet another true page turner! It is creepy, gripping, atmospheric, gothic, scary addictive and everything I could ever ask for in a page turning book!
Overall an absolutely heart racing, gothic, chilling , suspense and tension filled addictive and explosive ghost story that will keep you up at night!!!
#BabaLenka #SarahEngland #SEEngland #SarahEnglandAuthor
@SarahEngland @SEEngland @SarahEnglandAuthor
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Review for 'Baba Lenka' by Sarah E England.
This is the second book I have read by this absolutely incredible and chilling author and it definitely wont be my last!! I have also read 'The Droll Teller' which I would also highly recommend for any horror fans!
LOVE, LOVE, ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS AMAZING CHILLING, HAUNTING AND MUST READ HORROR STORY!!! IF YOU LOVE HORROR AND YOU HAVE NOT READ THIS THEN YOU ARE MISSING OUT!!! GET YOUR COPY TODAY BUT I WOULD SERIOUSLY READ IT IN THE DAY BEFORE THE DARK CREEPS IN!!
Wow!!! This book is fantastically written and had me hook, line and sinker from beginning to end. The descriptions were so in depth and vivid that I could feel the chills and hear the torture and nightmares in the storyline. The hair on my arms was standing on the ends and my heart was pounding throughout. The synopsis, title and cover were perfect for the storyline.
WELL, WELL, WELL, I absolutely LOVED this spine tingling, chilling ghost story!!! This book is, unique, addictive and explosive!!! Do not read this before bed time as you'll be hearing noises all night!! I was absolutely absorbed throughout this page turner. It is filled with tension, suspense, ghosts, mystery, horror, and absolutely everything you could ever want in an explosive occult horror story!!! One of the most gripping unputdownable nerve wracking books I have EVER read!!! I had heard of Baba Lenka before reading this book from horror films but this book takes you on a serious tour of her life!! I was absolutely fascinated throughout, flying through the pages until I had devoured it in one sitting. In this absolutely incredible and one of a kind book Sarah England transports the readers into the lives of Nicky Dixon in Yorkshire, Eva Hart in Bavaria and Yorkshire and Baba Lenka in Bohemia and Germany. She also transports the reader from the year 1979 back to 1970, then further back to 1890, forward to to 1891, forward again to 1978 and finally ending back in the year 1979. In 1979 we meet Nicky Dixon who has received a worrying letter from Eva Hart. Eva had been her best friend from the age of 8 until she was 16 when she had vanished out of Nicky's life. A year later she has sent Nicky a very worrying letter. We are then transported into the year 1970, 9 years previous, where we discover Eva's story. Eva had travelled with her Mother to Rabenwald, Bavaria to attend the funeral of Baba Lenka who was her Grandmother, although they had never met. During the funeral something tragic happens and Eva ends up discovering a small figure which had a hemp body, crow like skull and hooked beak which she kept. The villagers said that Baba Lenka was a Bluthexe and refused to attend the funeral. Not long after they got home Eva attacked a child in her school but had no memory of it so the family decided to move home. However, the move changed nothing and Eva started seeing and hearing Baba Lenka and if that wasn't bad enough she also started living Baba Lenka's life at nights when she slept. We then move on to discover Baba Lenka who we meet in the year 1980 and discover her life. Baba Lenka was originally called Lenka Heller and her story starts when she has just turned 16. Her Mother Clara tells Lenka Heller that they must visit her Gran Baba Olga, who she has also never seen, as she is ill and Lenka Heller needs to go to inherit Baba Olga's gift. I wont go into too much more detail about the storyline as I do not want to give anything away but I will say that the gift she is due to inherit was not one that anyone would want to receive!!! If you want to discover more about the lives of Eva and Baba Lenka then you will have to grab your copy of this absolutely spine tingling, chilling, creepy occult horror today and I can PROMISE that you will NOT regret it. If you are a fan of horrors and have never read any of Sarah/ S.E. England's books before then you can not call yourself a true horror fan until you do!!! I will tell you now, Stephen King's books read more like children's stories after I have read 2 of this incredible author's books!!! With an absolutely gritty storyline ram packed with horror, occult, fear, terror, gruesomeness, ghosts, darkness, witchcraft, Satanism, lies, treachery, hatred, manipulation, war, deceit and absolutely everything you could ask for in a hair raising novel and so, SO much more, what on Earth, or is it Hell, are you waiting for?? Grab your copy and discover Baba Lenka for yourself but let me warn you, this is not a light hearted read and I would recommend you stop reading it before the sun goes down!! I absolutely loved this Gothic horror with its creepy locations and could not get enough of it. You lady have one hell of a talent and I cannot wait to get hold of your previous and future books. The storyline is filled with shocks, suspense, horror, tension and so much more! There was so much going on and it was very fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Sarah's writing style and depth had me so engrossed that when I looked up it took me a moment to realise I was even reading!! Clear your schedule before you start as I read this in one sitting as I could not put it down!! I was absolutely hooked!! I would absolutely love to see this turned into a movie!!!! If Sarah's other books are even a quarter as good as this then I will I cannot wait to get stuck into them!! There's nothing like a good ghost/occult/horror story and this has got to be one of the best!!! I was completely invested in the storyline and the characters in this book and if you love to feel the hair on your arms raise and feel a chill down your spine then get your copy today!! You won't be disappointed!!
Clear your schedules and turn on the lights before even looking at the first page as you will not be able to put this book down!!!!
This book has got to be in my top 5 books of all time and considering I have read hundreds and hundred that is one hell of an achievement!! This is also the reason that you are my favourite ghost/horror/occult story telling author ever!! HUGE WELL DONE Sarah and here's to your next success 🥂
Congratulations Sarah on yet another true page turner! It is creepy, gripping, atmospheric, gothic, scary addictive and everything I could ever ask for in a page turning book!
Overall an absolutely heart racing, gothic, chilling , suspense and tension filled addictive and explosive ghost story that will keep you up at night!!!
#BabaLenka #SarahEngland #SEEngland #SarahEnglandAuthor
@SarahEngland @SEEngland @SarahEnglandAuthor
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August 17, 2020
Eva Hart is only 7 years old when she is forced to travel with her parents to an icy cold Bavarian village for her great-grandmother's funeral but this was no conventional funeral and something happened there that would completely change the course of Eva's Life. Eva was warned but did she heed that warning? You will have to read the book to find out. Reading this book with everything that is going on around the world gave me chills because it makes you think about the evil in this world both seen and unseen. Sarah's writing is beautiful even when writing about something as serious as the occult. It draws you in and doesn't let go even after you've read the final page. You will be thinking about this one long after it's finished. Another amazing story by the talented Sarah England!
July 12, 2021
This is the first time that I've read a book by this author and was looking forward to reading it. However, overall I was disappointed. The plot was good, the idea quite interesting, but the delivery was sadly a let-down. The middle third of the novel was by far the best part but my main issue was the lack of character development and mundane dialogue. Random cameo appearances and rushed plot developments felt jarring and the attitude of the two main female characters to abuse was odd and too casual. Became hard to feel any sympathy for the MC, especially the scenes in the old folks' home which was totally out of character. I might try the author in the future, but would hope for an improvement.
July 11, 2020
I love sarahs books but this one i think must be her best book so far....
I started reading this book one night in bed and i must admit i was a bit scared so had to put it down so i could sleep.....But the next day i was back into it as i wanted to know what was happening a brilliant book its creepy and terrifying ...
Very well written......I need another Sarah England book to read just love the books
I started reading this book one night in bed and i must admit i was a bit scared so had to put it down so i could sleep.....But the next day i was back into it as i wanted to know what was happening a brilliant book its creepy and terrifying ...
Very well written......I need another Sarah England book to read just love the books
October 22, 2020
2.5 stars. An okay read about a girl becoming a witch and what happens to her, and what happened to her grandmother, Baba Lenka. I didn't really find it scary, but more frustrating that each girl is as gullible and pretty much dumb as the previous one. I kept waiting for her to grow into power and be strong and vengeful on those who'd wronged her (both Eva and her grandmother), but it's more about the Satanic cult of men who constantly take advantage of women's lives, bodies, and minds.
July 6, 2020
I love this writer, I get great pleasure in reading all her books and this has to be her darkest one yet. A story of the occult through generations of one family and the heartbreak and suffering that results from this evil practice. My favourite genre this is up there with the very best that I have read. An excellent read. 5* from me.
September 3, 2020
This is the one that they should make into a film! Now, I would love for the 'Father of Lies' Trilogy plus 'The Owlmen' to be made into a movie, but the scope of that story would be REALLY difficult and a lot of work. 'Baba Lenka,' on the other hand, has the perfect amount of terror combined with a story that could be told so perfectly on screen. I know this has nothing to do with my review, but it is the PERFECT of England's book to make into a movie.
Eva Hart is young girl when she goes with her parents to her grandmother's funeral in a small Bavarian village. From the beginning, she notices the strangeness of the circumstance they are in. The villagers and the priest do not want to bury Baba Lenka and it only happens after Eva's mother finally convinces the priest to do it outside of the village. A strange group of people prepare Lenka's body and Eva is so confused by everything that is happening around her. The people at the funeral start wailing in a crazed, frightening manner, so Eva's parents, the priest, and she run the moment they start spinning the casket around. Without her mother's knowledge, Eva finds, but is really gifted with, what she believes is a doll. From then on, Eva's and her family's troubles begin. The story then goes into Lenka's point of view and the knowledge and horror of the "family legacy" is revealed.
Sarah England scares me like no other author before her. Everyone finds a lot of the major horror writers to be frightening, but Ms. England delivers the occult with a knowledge that I will never understand. This book told the story of Lenka and Eva with such grace and terror that I could see it being on the screen about halfway through. It was just one of those books that makes you feel for the characters--they are normal, human beings until the legacy takes hold. The characters are so relatable that you feel for them as they sink into a darkness that no one has been able to stop yet.
This horrifying book gets an A- from me and, once again, I would love to see this story on screen!!
Eva Hart is young girl when she goes with her parents to her grandmother's funeral in a small Bavarian village. From the beginning, she notices the strangeness of the circumstance they are in. The villagers and the priest do not want to bury Baba Lenka and it only happens after Eva's mother finally convinces the priest to do it outside of the village. A strange group of people prepare Lenka's body and Eva is so confused by everything that is happening around her. The people at the funeral start wailing in a crazed, frightening manner, so Eva's parents, the priest, and she run the moment they start spinning the casket around. Without her mother's knowledge, Eva finds, but is really gifted with, what she believes is a doll. From then on, Eva's and her family's troubles begin. The story then goes into Lenka's point of view and the knowledge and horror of the "family legacy" is revealed.
Sarah England scares me like no other author before her. Everyone finds a lot of the major horror writers to be frightening, but Ms. England delivers the occult with a knowledge that I will never understand. This book told the story of Lenka and Eva with such grace and terror that I could see it being on the screen about halfway through. It was just one of those books that makes you feel for the characters--they are normal, human beings until the legacy takes hold. The characters are so relatable that you feel for them as they sink into a darkness that no one has been able to stop yet.
This horrifying book gets an A- from me and, once again, I would love to see this story on screen!!
January 16, 2021
Take it... From me... To you...
No spoilers. 3 stars.
Bohemia, 1890, Lenka Heller has just turned 16 years old... her mother gives her liquor and tells Lenka the story of her family legacy...
Lenka finds out the hard way that her inheritance is part of a bigger picture of demonic control of world power... There is nothing she can do to prevent participation...
Fast forward to the 1970s, Baba Lenka, as she is known, is old and dying so she must pass on the legacy to a new Baba or be tortured in the afterlife for eternity...
Lenka sends for her rightful heir living in England. The family, including her 8 year old granddaughter Eva, arrive just in time for Lenka to pass the inheritance to Eva by way of a rustic stick figure...
Lenka whispers to Eva: Take it... From me... to you... and with the transference of the doll, Eva unknowingly accepts her inherited legacy of satan worship...
Well, in this year of not-so-stellar "most anticipated" novels this was not the worst novel I've read but I removed some stars for a few problems.
I removed 1 star because though there was adequate development of the character Baba Lenka, most of the others were fairly cardboard and were trotted out only when needed. I would have liked to know more about the secret society and its members who were introduced into the story.
I removed another star for too much repetition and many loose ends (one of my pet peeves). COME CLOSER by Sara Gran is an excellent book if you're looking for a story about demon possession.
No spoilers. 3 stars.
Bohemia, 1890, Lenka Heller has just turned 16 years old... her mother gives her liquor and tells Lenka the story of her family legacy...
Lenka finds out the hard way that her inheritance is part of a bigger picture of demonic control of world power... There is nothing she can do to prevent participation...
Fast forward to the 1970s, Baba Lenka, as she is known, is old and dying so she must pass on the legacy to a new Baba or be tortured in the afterlife for eternity...
Lenka sends for her rightful heir living in England. The family, including her 8 year old granddaughter Eva, arrive just in time for Lenka to pass the inheritance to Eva by way of a rustic stick figure...
Lenka whispers to Eva: Take it... From me... to you... and with the transference of the doll, Eva unknowingly accepts her inherited legacy of satan worship...
Well, in this year of not-so-stellar "most anticipated" novels this was not the worst novel I've read but I removed some stars for a few problems.
I removed 1 star because though there was adequate development of the character Baba Lenka, most of the others were fairly cardboard and were trotted out only when needed. I would have liked to know more about the secret society and its members who were introduced into the story.
I removed another star for too much repetition and many loose ends (one of my pet peeves). COME CLOSER by Sara Gran is an excellent book if you're looking for a story about demon possession.
March 23, 2025
Loved this book!
I literally couldn't put the book down. I loved the way it was written in that English accent of that area of Britain, and how it was done through the eyes of a child who had to grow up under extreme circumstances. It was charming in its delivery while it was simultaneously disturbing beyond beleif. The ending was not happy per se but it was about as "positive" as it could have been and still be "realistic" or true to the story line. I think deep down inside we all know that something like this is happening in the world (and always has been)... it is as far out as it is believable when one really searches inside and takes the time to give it some honest reflection. We are given little hints (even big hints) that something sinister is at work when we read history books or watch the news. I felt the book and the story were insightful and provoking. The content and the events were disturbing. It is tempting to regard the
resistance to, and confrontation of, this ruthless and ancient conspiracy as a futile endeavor, but that is what "he" wants us to believe. We cannot give in to evil, it can be (and has been) vanquished, as long as we are prepared to sacrifice the self in the service of He who is light... even unto death should we ever be faced with the choice as Eva was. There is little doubt that, on some level, each of us will face this crossroad individually and have to make a choice like Eva did. This was a great book. Truth embedded under the guise of fiction.
I literally couldn't put the book down. I loved the way it was written in that English accent of that area of Britain, and how it was done through the eyes of a child who had to grow up under extreme circumstances. It was charming in its delivery while it was simultaneously disturbing beyond beleif. The ending was not happy per se but it was about as "positive" as it could have been and still be "realistic" or true to the story line. I think deep down inside we all know that something like this is happening in the world (and always has been)... it is as far out as it is believable when one really searches inside and takes the time to give it some honest reflection. We are given little hints (even big hints) that something sinister is at work when we read history books or watch the news. I felt the book and the story were insightful and provoking. The content and the events were disturbing. It is tempting to regard the
resistance to, and confrontation of, this ruthless and ancient conspiracy as a futile endeavor, but that is what "he" wants us to believe. We cannot give in to evil, it can be (and has been) vanquished, as long as we are prepared to sacrifice the self in the service of He who is light... even unto death should we ever be faced with the choice as Eva was. There is little doubt that, on some level, each of us will face this crossroad individually and have to make a choice like Eva did. This was a great book. Truth embedded under the guise of fiction.
July 8, 2020
Oh My Days! This book chilled me to the bone, and gave me a rather weird night of semi-sleep...! It's not my first outing with this author so I knew what to expect as she always hits me with all things spooky and, especially in this case, frightening.
We start back in the past when a young Eva travels with her parents to attend the funeral of her grandmother Baba Lenka. It is at this event that she inadvertently picks up something despite being told very sternly NOT to take anything away with her. This kick starts something within her and she soon finds that she is powerless to resist. The something turns out to be very dark and during the time that follows, she learns what happened to Baba Lenka. All this being told in the form of a book sent to her childhood friend. It's a story of devil worship, of some really nasty things that happen in and around this. It's a tale of heartbreak and illness, with a side order of revenge. It's not for the faint hearted as quite a lot is very hard hitting. But all within the story; never for sensationalism.
The story gets on with itself very well with no superfluous waffle and there are the more quiet times which I really needed for a bit of respite from the horrors that were going on. Characterisation is excellent. Each, main and supporting, are all very well described and felt real. Part of why the book scared me so much!
All in all, another winner from an author who is now firmly cemented on my watch list.
We start back in the past when a young Eva travels with her parents to attend the funeral of her grandmother Baba Lenka. It is at this event that she inadvertently picks up something despite being told very sternly NOT to take anything away with her. This kick starts something within her and she soon finds that she is powerless to resist. The something turns out to be very dark and during the time that follows, she learns what happened to Baba Lenka. All this being told in the form of a book sent to her childhood friend. It's a story of devil worship, of some really nasty things that happen in and around this. It's a tale of heartbreak and illness, with a side order of revenge. It's not for the faint hearted as quite a lot is very hard hitting. But all within the story; never for sensationalism.
The story gets on with itself very well with no superfluous waffle and there are the more quiet times which I really needed for a bit of respite from the horrors that were going on. Characterisation is excellent. Each, main and supporting, are all very well described and felt real. Part of why the book scared me so much!
All in all, another winner from an author who is now firmly cemented on my watch list.
May 23, 2023
I definitely bought and read this book because of the hype around it. Having read it, there were lots of bits I enjoyed and I am generally a fan of the subject matter but I was surprised how clumsy some of it was.
In particular, a lot of the dialogue wasn't brilliant. I did like that she's written in the style of the dialect as it helps to paint a picture but I found that often, characters over-explained without prompting in an unnatural way clearly just to further the plot and there were some other unlikely conversation patterns. Unfortunately, this took me right out of the story in a lot of places.
The other disappointing thing here was that the characters weren't very well developed. There were some odd and in some cases out of character behaviours throughout and it seemed to me that the main character never got particularly fleshed out and was a bit all over the place - and not in a realistic, troubled way - I mean that her moral compass, core beliefs and general attitude were inconsistent.
Otherwise, it's a good story. I think it was over-hyped for what it was but it was worth a read. It had a very strong start and there were sections when I didn't want to stop reading (in particular the middle section) but the ending was quite flat, especially for a horror. I also didn't find it particularly scary - which surprised me with all these rave reviews. The scariest bit in my opinion was the close of Chapter 4. That was particularly well done. :)
In particular, a lot of the dialogue wasn't brilliant. I did like that she's written in the style of the dialect as it helps to paint a picture but I found that often, characters over-explained without prompting in an unnatural way clearly just to further the plot and there were some other unlikely conversation patterns. Unfortunately, this took me right out of the story in a lot of places.
The other disappointing thing here was that the characters weren't very well developed. There were some odd and in some cases out of character behaviours throughout and it seemed to me that the main character never got particularly fleshed out and was a bit all over the place - and not in a realistic, troubled way - I mean that her moral compass, core beliefs and general attitude were inconsistent.
Otherwise, it's a good story. I think it was over-hyped for what it was but it was worth a read. It had a very strong start and there were sections when I didn't want to stop reading (in particular the middle section) but the ending was quite flat, especially for a horror. I also didn't find it particularly scary - which surprised me with all these rave reviews. The scariest bit in my opinion was the close of Chapter 4. That was particularly well done. :)
July 14, 2020
This is the stuff nightmares are made of! Dennis Wheatley eat your heart out. A tale of witchcraft and sorcery set in Bavaria and Yorkshire, revolving around a legacy which is passed on between the female members of a family. Poppets, demonic symbols and satanic rituals set the scene!
This is such a dark and disturbing story. It’s Sarah England’s scariest book yet. It’s definitely one to read with the light on or, even better, during daylight hours! Some of the characters frightened the life out of me. It’s well written with a macabre but gripping plot line. I have to admit that at times I found it a little too unsettling as some of the scenes are quite disquieting and intense. But, all in all, a chilling and blood curdling page turner which fans of this genre should love. A word of warning, though, it’s certainly not for the faint hearted. It will have you quaking in your boots! 😈
This is such a dark and disturbing story. It’s Sarah England’s scariest book yet. It’s definitely one to read with the light on or, even better, during daylight hours! Some of the characters frightened the life out of me. It’s well written with a macabre but gripping plot line. I have to admit that at times I found it a little too unsettling as some of the scenes are quite disquieting and intense. But, all in all, a chilling and blood curdling page turner which fans of this genre should love. A word of warning, though, it’s certainly not for the faint hearted. It will have you quaking in your boots! 😈
June 26, 2024
For someone who has been reading horror (almost exclusively) for more than 40 years, it's not often that I come across a new author that really grabs; Sarah England has done just that. I started with her Father of Lies trilogy (which I will review cause it's so freakin awesome) but I wanted to start with Baba Lenka as that is my favourite book from her thus far.
Baba Lenka, like many of Sarah's other works, falls firmly in the occult horror genre. A brilliant tale that spans generations and includes, witchcraft, magick, possession and so on. Sarah manages to really pull the reader in with the main characters dealing with such despair and fear at the sheer horror that they are facing while knowing her subject so well from either first hand experience or a hell of a lot of research. Both perhaps?
If you love horror and have not read any of Sarah's work as yet, I recommend starting here and then move onto the Father of Lies trilogy. 5/5 all the way!
Baba Lenka, like many of Sarah's other works, falls firmly in the occult horror genre. A brilliant tale that spans generations and includes, witchcraft, magick, possession and so on. Sarah manages to really pull the reader in with the main characters dealing with such despair and fear at the sheer horror that they are facing while knowing her subject so well from either first hand experience or a hell of a lot of research. Both perhaps?
If you love horror and have not read any of Sarah's work as yet, I recommend starting here and then move onto the Father of Lies trilogy. 5/5 all the way!
June 14, 2020
Brilliantly terrifying !!
A terrifying story of horrific satanic worship , rituals and curses told through the eyes of the females in a family that are cursed from a young age to endure heart break and suffering. From the very first few pages you are totally immersed in the lives of innocent girls that are unaware of how their destinies are changed and already planned out . The suffering they endure is gut wrenching and have you so engrossed that you will struggle to put the book down .
Sarah England is the absolute queen of occult horror and has yet again wrote a fantastic book that has exceeded expectations.
To anyone who already loves occult horror or is just starting off , I would highly recommend Baba Lenka as it’s nothing short of brilliant.
Thank you for writing another wonderful book .
A terrifying story of horrific satanic worship , rituals and curses told through the eyes of the females in a family that are cursed from a young age to endure heart break and suffering. From the very first few pages you are totally immersed in the lives of innocent girls that are unaware of how their destinies are changed and already planned out . The suffering they endure is gut wrenching and have you so engrossed that you will struggle to put the book down .
Sarah England is the absolute queen of occult horror and has yet again wrote a fantastic book that has exceeded expectations.
To anyone who already loves occult horror or is just starting off , I would highly recommend Baba Lenka as it’s nothing short of brilliant.
Thank you for writing another wonderful book .
July 16, 2020
Wow. If the blurb doesn’t put fear into your bones, the book certainly will. This is a tale of the darkest powers, practices and beliefs and it sends shivers down your spine with every page.
Eva experiences a funeral that no child should ever be part to with horrific consequences. She is ripped from her home, her parents and her own little self, forced to grow up and accept that she is a pawn in something much bigger and stronger than anything she ever knew and believed in.
The story of Baba Lenka is fascinating, cruel and sad all at once with the added disbelief of what one person can actually be put through. The lives of those girls are torn away from them when very young and their paths set up into a life of hatred, darkness and loneliness.
Fantastic book and highly recommended to anyone with interest in the paranormal and all things occult.
Eva experiences a funeral that no child should ever be part to with horrific consequences. She is ripped from her home, her parents and her own little self, forced to grow up and accept that she is a pawn in something much bigger and stronger than anything she ever knew and believed in.
The story of Baba Lenka is fascinating, cruel and sad all at once with the added disbelief of what one person can actually be put through. The lives of those girls are torn away from them when very young and their paths set up into a life of hatred, darkness and loneliness.
Fantastic book and highly recommended to anyone with interest in the paranormal and all things occult.
July 7, 2020
Wow, I have to confess that I think this is by far the scariest book of Sarah England's I have read! I couldn't even read it at night, lol, which is why it took me a little bit longer than normal to read.
The story is told from the points of view of Eva Hart as well as her grandmother, Baba Lenka, and spans many years. Of course, there is plenty of terrifying and creepy to be read in this story, to an overwhelming degree, sometimes. I love the relationship that Eva had with Nicky and her mother, but that is about the only light to go with the shade. I liked the way the book ended, I wasn't sure how it was going to be wrapped up. And I cheered when Eva's grandfather got what was coming to him!
There is much out there that we just can't explain yet....
4.5 stars from me.
The story is told from the points of view of Eva Hart as well as her grandmother, Baba Lenka, and spans many years. Of course, there is plenty of terrifying and creepy to be read in this story, to an overwhelming degree, sometimes. I love the relationship that Eva had with Nicky and her mother, but that is about the only light to go with the shade. I liked the way the book ended, I wasn't sure how it was going to be wrapped up. And I cheered when Eva's grandfather got what was coming to him!
There is much out there that we just can't explain yet....
4.5 stars from me.
August 24, 2022
8-year old Eva is a normal everyday girl until she attends the funeral of her great-grandmother and returns with a seemingly harmless doll.
This is the premise for the story of the title character which begins in 1890 and continues through until the late 1970s as Eva finally realises way fate has befallen her.
This is a fascinating supernatural, occult read and some really chilling moments that are certainly not for the faint hearted. The characters are well developed - from the genuine nice one through to the thoroughly evil and some good twists, surprises and shocks along the way. While not particularly gruesome, it is often graphic in certain descriptions so it won't be for everyone but if you want a thoroughly dark read which will make you think, then check Baba Lenka!!
This is the premise for the story of the title character which begins in 1890 and continues through until the late 1970s as Eva finally realises way fate has befallen her.
This is a fascinating supernatural, occult read and some really chilling moments that are certainly not for the faint hearted. The characters are well developed - from the genuine nice one through to the thoroughly evil and some good twists, surprises and shocks along the way. While not particularly gruesome, it is often graphic in certain descriptions so it won't be for everyone but if you want a thoroughly dark read which will make you think, then check Baba Lenka!!
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