What do you think?
Rate this book
Deeper, Older, Darker
Ancient yew trees - living links between the past and present - embody a magical discipline that offers a way to reach beyond the mundane world. An occult group has rediscovered this knowledge, and uses it to experience a reality where legends live, magic is currency and willpower is a weapon. They find themselves drawn into a hunt for the last magical artifacts left in Britain - but the land is an entity with its own deadly agenda, and is harnessing these individuals for its own ends.
- GenresFantasy
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2020
12 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 3, 2021
3.5/5 stars
Deeper, Older Darker is an urban fantasy set in the wilds of Somerset and steeped in English Folklore.
So with that, it immediately got a plus point from me as I very rarely see a fantasy using English Folklore much, and there is a rich vein of myths and legends that do not wholly revolve around King Arthur or Robin Hood. Yes, some of them may tie in, such as the Girt dog of Langport, but if you go around the British Isles there are all sorts of stories.
So, when I read the blurb for this and read about this fact, I was quietly excited, to be honest.
The story revolves around a shadow organisation called the Bowlore, which kind of works outside the parameters of normal existence and is comprised of a set of different independent groups, named after certain ancient British landmarks, like Silbury hill or Badbury Rings.
Within this organisation, there is a lot of jockeying for position and the possession of certain artefacts of power that will increase the standing in the organisational structure of the Bowlore.
And it Is with that we get the crux of the story, as we centre on the possession of a particular artefact called the wolf stone thus increasing the power of the group that owns it.
I liked this book. I liked how it took folklore as the main driver of the story and how it integrates and impacts not only on the Bowlore, but on the groups within it. Like I said, it really is steeped in folklore with such things as the power of healing obtained from Yew trees, the thirteen treasures of the Island of Britain, the legend of Wayland’s Smithy and all the mystical things associated with England.
PJ Richards does a really good job of weaving these fascinating aspects of British folklore into the story, using it as a driver for the plot. However, not only are these legends used but also the very land and sites around England associated with these legends.
In terms of the book itself, as I said, I felt that it fell into urban fantasy and it is a while that I dipped into this aspect of fantasy, and with Deeper, Older, Darker, PJ Richard’s presents a good read for any fans of the genre.
I did have some things that didn’t quite click with me. However, that entirely depends on where this book goes.
Let me explain! I felt that the characters of the book were secondary characters to the main character, which was the Bowlore itself. I would have liked to have some more history and information about the organisation of the Bowlore, like its hierarchical structures, how it was developed, what some of the terminologies meant.
I think for me, this was one of the most difficult parts of the book as I would frequently become lost, trying to work out the structures of the different groups and some of the terms used in the book. In addition to this, there were points in the story where I couldn’t recall which character was which and how they stood within that regime of the different groups.
When it came to the characters of the story, most of them are pretty morally grey, and their motivations tended to revolve around their own personal motivations, machinations and selfish obtaining of power, and they have no inclination to care for those that they hurt in the process.
I have to say that I didn’t find them particularly likeable at all, but I am not averse to morally grey, unlikeable characters as long as they are interesting, and I certainly found them to have that in common.
However, as I said I did feel like the characters of the book played a secondary role to the Bowlore itself.
Did this spoil the enjoyment of the plot? Not particularly, as the pace of the plot kept it flowing along quite nicely.
Now going back to my earlier point, which I said earlier before I described my own personal little foibles with the book. These foibles depend on whether this is intended as a series (which I feel that it does have scope for). If this is to be a series, then some of these things don’t particularly matter as much as I am sure that they will be expanded on later in the series and so will the characters, making this a good introduction to the world of the Bowlore. However, if it is a standalone, then those points would come back into play.
On top of this, there were certain facets of English folklore that I was not aware of, like the Girt Dog of Langport which would send me off into a flurry of gaining more information about this, which I have to say that personally, I enjoyed immensely. I love going off and looking at titbits of information and coming out of a book with more knowledge than I went in. However, I am sure that there will be people that will have a converse opinion to that.
I think P. J. Richard’s trusts that the reader will gain the necessary bits of information themselves rather than spoon-feeding it to the reader. Although, equally at some points some background exposition may be useful.
So, if you are interested in a unique slice of urban fantasy steeped in English folklore, then I think that you may enjoy this one.
Deeper, Older Darker is an urban fantasy set in the wilds of Somerset and steeped in English Folklore.
So with that, it immediately got a plus point from me as I very rarely see a fantasy using English Folklore much, and there is a rich vein of myths and legends that do not wholly revolve around King Arthur or Robin Hood. Yes, some of them may tie in, such as the Girt dog of Langport, but if you go around the British Isles there are all sorts of stories.
So, when I read the blurb for this and read about this fact, I was quietly excited, to be honest.
The story revolves around a shadow organisation called the Bowlore, which kind of works outside the parameters of normal existence and is comprised of a set of different independent groups, named after certain ancient British landmarks, like Silbury hill or Badbury Rings.
Within this organisation, there is a lot of jockeying for position and the possession of certain artefacts of power that will increase the standing in the organisational structure of the Bowlore.
And it Is with that we get the crux of the story, as we centre on the possession of a particular artefact called the wolf stone thus increasing the power of the group that owns it.
I liked this book. I liked how it took folklore as the main driver of the story and how it integrates and impacts not only on the Bowlore, but on the groups within it. Like I said, it really is steeped in folklore with such things as the power of healing obtained from Yew trees, the thirteen treasures of the Island of Britain, the legend of Wayland’s Smithy and all the mystical things associated with England.
PJ Richards does a really good job of weaving these fascinating aspects of British folklore into the story, using it as a driver for the plot. However, not only are these legends used but also the very land and sites around England associated with these legends.
In terms of the book itself, as I said, I felt that it fell into urban fantasy and it is a while that I dipped into this aspect of fantasy, and with Deeper, Older, Darker, PJ Richard’s presents a good read for any fans of the genre.
I did have some things that didn’t quite click with me. However, that entirely depends on where this book goes.
Let me explain! I felt that the characters of the book were secondary characters to the main character, which was the Bowlore itself. I would have liked to have some more history and information about the organisation of the Bowlore, like its hierarchical structures, how it was developed, what some of the terminologies meant.
I think for me, this was one of the most difficult parts of the book as I would frequently become lost, trying to work out the structures of the different groups and some of the terms used in the book. In addition to this, there were points in the story where I couldn’t recall which character was which and how they stood within that regime of the different groups.
When it came to the characters of the story, most of them are pretty morally grey, and their motivations tended to revolve around their own personal motivations, machinations and selfish obtaining of power, and they have no inclination to care for those that they hurt in the process.
I have to say that I didn’t find them particularly likeable at all, but I am not averse to morally grey, unlikeable characters as long as they are interesting, and I certainly found them to have that in common.
However, as I said I did feel like the characters of the book played a secondary role to the Bowlore itself.
Did this spoil the enjoyment of the plot? Not particularly, as the pace of the plot kept it flowing along quite nicely.
Now going back to my earlier point, which I said earlier before I described my own personal little foibles with the book. These foibles depend on whether this is intended as a series (which I feel that it does have scope for). If this is to be a series, then some of these things don’t particularly matter as much as I am sure that they will be expanded on later in the series and so will the characters, making this a good introduction to the world of the Bowlore. However, if it is a standalone, then those points would come back into play.
On top of this, there were certain facets of English folklore that I was not aware of, like the Girt Dog of Langport which would send me off into a flurry of gaining more information about this, which I have to say that personally, I enjoyed immensely. I love going off and looking at titbits of information and coming out of a book with more knowledge than I went in. However, I am sure that there will be people that will have a converse opinion to that.
I think P. J. Richard’s trusts that the reader will gain the necessary bits of information themselves rather than spoon-feeding it to the reader. Although, equally at some points some background exposition may be useful.
So, if you are interested in a unique slice of urban fantasy steeped in English folklore, then I think that you may enjoy this one.
July 21, 2021
3.5🌟
January 5, 2026
I liked the setting of this book and could picture all the places mentioned. I wanted to love it but found it confusing. Not enough explanation of the groups and characters. Glad to have finished it. sorry.
May 3, 2021
I wanted to like this book. I really did. But I didn’t. I felt like it was missing a beginning. It just jumped into action with no context. The plot felt very disjointed. It was confusing keeping track of all the characters - and I have read a lot of Russian literature so keeping track of characters is something I am pretty good at. Maybe if I was more familiar with the mythology I would have enjoyed this more but unfortunately I just didn’t enjoy it at all.
March 6, 2022
I very much enjoyed this book full of English Folklore and fantasy- a perfect mix.
First of all the lyrical language fascinated me. There were many lines I savoured and wanted to read more than once.
Not living in Britain I only knew a few sites of the described
British landmarks/Neolithic sights. So I had some fun looking them up, too and felt the urge to visit them or to remember seeing Dartmoor, Stonehenge and the Tor many years ago.
The story concentrates on an organisation called the
Bowlore and it’s different groups that possess artifacts or treasures.
The so-called wolf stone unfolds it’s power… So the mystical Black Dog can‘ t be far…
The illustrations/ chapter headers by the author herself are very nice and helped me to picture the mentioned sights.
Last but not least I have to mention the ancient yew trees. They lend the story their (healing) magic, fascinated me and pulled me into the storyline.
„Jed and Lawrence carried their First over to the yew. […] They found an opening facing towards the empty farmland, where the roots flared up and over the stones of the wall. It was a tapered split corniced with rumpled bark and fringed with spray of twigs, just wide enough as it’s base to allow entry. […] The floor of the hollow was soft with dry leaves and sloughed bark, the walls were made up of a sinuous tangle of red heartwood buttresses, flowing upwards and around navel knots pressed in swells and curves of the pale exposed sapwood, or draped across deep slits in the grain. A living cave, in a primeval, infinitely slow dance.“
I would love a sequel „after the storm“ and am hopeful that there will be one in the near future. There are lots of sights and artifacts to explore!
First of all the lyrical language fascinated me. There were many lines I savoured and wanted to read more than once.
Not living in Britain I only knew a few sites of the described
British landmarks/Neolithic sights. So I had some fun looking them up, too and felt the urge to visit them or to remember seeing Dartmoor, Stonehenge and the Tor many years ago.
The story concentrates on an organisation called the
Bowlore and it’s different groups that possess artifacts or treasures.
The so-called wolf stone unfolds it’s power… So the mystical Black Dog can‘ t be far…
The illustrations/ chapter headers by the author herself are very nice and helped me to picture the mentioned sights.
Last but not least I have to mention the ancient yew trees. They lend the story their (healing) magic, fascinated me and pulled me into the storyline.
„Jed and Lawrence carried their First over to the yew. […] They found an opening facing towards the empty farmland, where the roots flared up and over the stones of the wall. It was a tapered split corniced with rumpled bark and fringed with spray of twigs, just wide enough as it’s base to allow entry. […] The floor of the hollow was soft with dry leaves and sloughed bark, the walls were made up of a sinuous tangle of red heartwood buttresses, flowing upwards and around navel knots pressed in swells and curves of the pale exposed sapwood, or draped across deep slits in the grain. A living cave, in a primeval, infinitely slow dance.“
I would love a sequel „after the storm“ and am hopeful that there will be one in the near future. There are lots of sights and artifacts to explore!
March 26, 2021
An enthralling piece of dark contemporary folklore. Richards shows the utmost respect to her readers, and the narrative is organically revealed in layers, each imparting something darker and more thrilling. The complex and dynamic relationships, between people, myth, and the landscape itself, take centre stage in every scene, each brought to life with their own unique vibrancy.
After the first two chapters I was completely hooked and read nothing else until I had turned that final expectant page.
Definitely worth a read.
After the first two chapters I was completely hooked and read nothing else until I had turned that final expectant page.
Definitely worth a read.
January 2, 2021
A perfect read for those familiar with the Folklore of the Black Dog and the Neolithic sites of Somerset, England - which were here given an ingenious hidden purpose. I am curious to see whether other sites from the British Isles will prompt a sequel.
The little illustrations (by the author herself) at the beginning of each chapter were the extra cherry on top of this cake that is sure to satisfy seekers of old ways, alchemy, symbolism, and the occasional Lord of the Rings reference.
The little illustrations (by the author herself) at the beginning of each chapter were the extra cherry on top of this cake that is sure to satisfy seekers of old ways, alchemy, symbolism, and the occasional Lord of the Rings reference.
January 27, 2022
Where do I start? You are placed right into the heart of the action and mystery from page one. The fantastic phrasing and sentence structure almost physically drags you through the very English folk landscape. Set in modern day this was very much the book i couldn't put down. Cannot wait for more in the series, I just want to learn more about the Bowlore!.
December 8, 2020
Loved it! The characters were alive, the imagery vivid and the story engaging. One of those "accidentally stayed up way too late reading" kind of books. Really recommend it and hope for more tales soon!
March 12, 2021
Original, story that draws you in.
Great story. I haven't read anything so based in English folklore for ages. And very original. Now we need to know what happens next and if more treasures are found.
Great story. I haven't read anything so based in English folklore for ages. And very original. Now we need to know what happens next and if more treasures are found.
July 21, 2022
picked this up from a little shop in Glastonbury, wonderful, original, modern day but folkloric tale. Puts you in the heart of the action and lets you discover and learn about this intriguing story and its characters as you go. Best book i've read in a long while!
August 3, 2022
Could not finish.
The premise, using English folklore as the basis for the story, was interesting. However, when I started reading I found that I was constantly flicking back to see whether I had missed some pages. It then got so that I checked to see whether I was reading book 2 in a series as the author seemed to assume that I understood the entire world he had created.
Now I normally like finding bits out and building a sense of place in a new book, but this one just rattled on far too quickly for me.
The premise, using English folklore as the basis for the story, was interesting. However, when I started reading I found that I was constantly flicking back to see whether I had missed some pages. It then got so that I checked to see whether I was reading book 2 in a series as the author seemed to assume that I understood the entire world he had created.
Now I normally like finding bits out and building a sense of place in a new book, but this one just rattled on far too quickly for me.
January 10, 2022
Candy for you soul. Soul candy.
Definitely, definitely check out this apsolute jewel of a book!! You will not be able to put it down, and once you do, you will not be able to stop thinking about it. I honestly cannot recommend it highly enough. It is candy for your soul. Soul candy.
Definitely, definitely check out this apsolute jewel of a book!! You will not be able to put it down, and once you do, you will not be able to stop thinking about it. I honestly cannot recommend it highly enough. It is candy for your soul. Soul candy.
December 28, 2020
An enjoyable read. It pulled me along with plenty of energy and intrigue. Full of folklore and imagination.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews