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Wraith
“Wheaton loads his narrative with shocking moments…the pace continuously escalates, and each of Cecily’s discoveries about her family’s past makes her more determined to understand the curse and to figure out how to survive it…an involving and fast-moving family-ghost thriller…” -- Kirkus Reviews
After witnessing the death of her mother at a young age, Cecily LeClercq grows up hiding herself away in the remote Carolina wetlands. When a stranger arrives from Paris saying a distant, elderly relative is desperate to see her before she dies, Cecily travels to an old chateau deep in the French woods. There she learns of an ancient curse that has consumed generations of her ancestors, personified by a vicious, ghostly wraith who emerges from the forest when the death of a LeClercq is near...
"Spanning continents and centuries, Wraith is a uniquely modern take on the classic gothic ghost story," -- Dan Whitehead, IGF award-nominated games writer and comic book author of Hex Loader and Frankenstein, Texas
After witnessing the death of her mother at a young age, Cecily LeClercq grows up hiding herself away in the remote Carolina wetlands. When a stranger arrives from Paris saying a distant, elderly relative is desperate to see her before she dies, Cecily travels to an old chateau deep in the French woods. There she learns of an ancient curse that has consumed generations of her ancestors, personified by a vicious, ghostly wraith who emerges from the forest when the death of a LeClercq is near...
"Spanning continents and centuries, Wraith is a uniquely modern take on the classic gothic ghost story," -- Dan Whitehead, IGF award-nominated games writer and comic book author of Hex Loader and Frankenstein, Texas
282 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
October 28, 2022
2.5 stars
Witnessing the murder of your mother is a terrible fate. For Cecily LeClercq, who was an event that would shape her life. Cecily decides to hide herself away until she receives a missive from a stranger telling her a relative was dying and wants to see her.
She decides to travel to France but even before that she sees an apparition that seemed to bring menace. Little does Cecily know but this apparition, this wraith, was tasked to bring death and destruction to the LeClerq family. Why though was this the case?
While the narrator did a fine job with the story, the story itself had uneven times, some being promising and others being dull. Certainly, not what I was expecting from a story that I so wanted to set me in the Halloween mood.
Perhaps this story might make a decent movie, but for me it unfortunately did not work to well.
Thank you to Mark Wheaton, Annalee Scott (narrator) and NetGalley for the audio version of this story due out December 3, 2022
Witnessing the murder of your mother is a terrible fate. For Cecily LeClercq, who was an event that would shape her life. Cecily decides to hide herself away until she receives a missive from a stranger telling her a relative was dying and wants to see her.
She decides to travel to France but even before that she sees an apparition that seemed to bring menace. Little does Cecily know but this apparition, this wraith, was tasked to bring death and destruction to the LeClerq family. Why though was this the case?
While the narrator did a fine job with the story, the story itself had uneven times, some being promising and others being dull. Certainly, not what I was expecting from a story that I so wanted to set me in the Halloween mood.
Perhaps this story might make a decent movie, but for me it unfortunately did not work to well.
Thank you to Mark Wheaton, Annalee Scott (narrator) and NetGalley for the audio version of this story due out December 3, 2022
October 2, 2022
Cecily LeClercq witnessed her mother’s death at a very young age and spent her youth in the Carolina wetlands. One day, Cecily is approached by a stranger from Paris who informs her that an elderly distant relative would like to see her before she dies. Cecily then travels to a remote chateau deep in the French woods where she learns of a curse which has been plaguing her family for generations. A ghostly wraith who only appears when a LeClercq is nearby.
This book sounded interesting and like a great read/listen for the fall season. While parts of this were entertaining and enjoyable, the other parts were not that thrilling. I was hoping for more creepy elements, more of a Gothic feel, more suspense, and more tension. I did not feel that the Wraith itself was very scary, but I was intrigued to learn the connection with the family.
Unfortunately, this book was not for me. Others enjoyed this more than I did, so please seek out their reviews as well.
Thank you to Southbound and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
This book sounded interesting and like a great read/listen for the fall season. While parts of this were entertaining and enjoyable, the other parts were not that thrilling. I was hoping for more creepy elements, more of a Gothic feel, more suspense, and more tension. I did not feel that the Wraith itself was very scary, but I was intrigued to learn the connection with the family.
Unfortunately, this book was not for me. Others enjoyed this more than I did, so please seek out their reviews as well.
Thank you to Southbound and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
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November 9, 2022
40% in
- I think I am going to DNF. I really tried, but I've been trying for days to make myself pick it up again, and I just don't care. There’s nothing about the story that makes me want to read more. Maybe it gets better as the book goes on, but I’d rather be reading something I enjoy more.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC of Wraith by Mark Wheaton in exchange for an honest review.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC of Wraith by Mark Wheaton in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2022
I'm going to be honest...when I started reading this book, I wasn't sure about it. I didn't care for the main character so much and the plot seemed a little old-fashioned.
But then I met (and loved) a certain salty Frenchman and I was in - so in!
I'm happy to say that Cecily grew on me, I became thoroughly involved in a certain truly dreadful family curse, and there was one purely iconic scene that involved bones and more bones and more bones.
This ended up being such a fun book and I'm glad I stuck with it!
*ARC via Publisher
But then I met (and loved) a certain salty Frenchman and I was in - so in!
I'm happy to say that Cecily grew on me, I became thoroughly involved in a certain truly dreadful family curse, and there was one purely iconic scene that involved bones and more bones and more bones.
This ended up being such a fun book and I'm glad I stuck with it!
*ARC via Publisher
May 9, 2024
I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by how good this book was to listen to. I had never read anything previously by this author, so I was unsure how the book would turn out. But I quite liked the story. I would have liked to learn more about the family's past and the curse, but all in all, a really good book.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
February 20, 2022
This is the best horror I've read since Hetty (Eddie Generous) and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a supernatural/fantasy/sci fi read. At around 200 pages it did not at all feel like a short story. The plot was fully developed, the characters were rounded and the mystery took quite a number of turns. The descriptions were vivid and I was really able to visualise and almost smell and feel the forest and underground scenes.
What I loved most? The full on Walking Dead vibes despite it not being a zombie adventure. The absence of an expected or neatly tied up ending...yet still fully satisfying.
I'm not even taking off any stars for the occasional use (Only twice I think) of blasphemy, a pet peeve of mine.
Perhaps an overused phrase, but I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN.
I will definitely be buying this for our library and promoting it to readers.
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
What I loved most? The full on Walking Dead vibes despite it not being a zombie adventure. The absence of an expected or neatly tied up ending...yet still fully satisfying.
I'm not even taking off any stars for the occasional use (Only twice I think) of blasphemy, a pet peeve of mine.
Perhaps an overused phrase, but I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN.
I will definitely be buying this for our library and promoting it to readers.
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
February 17, 2022
Gothic Fan? Lite Horror? This super creepy book has all the elements you are looking for!
The WRAITH is a perfect creepy tale. Cecily LeClerq is living a reclusive life in South Caroline when she learns that she has distant relatives in Paris. More importantly, one relative needs to see her urgently. Cecily is overwhelmed and weary of flying but the assistant to the relative ( a lovely character) has been dispatched to assist her and off she goes!
Cecily arrives completely mesmerized in Paris. She is taken to an old chateau deep in the French woods where she learns of an ancient curse that has befallen her family. The Wraith is a mysterious ghostlike image that appears as a harbinger of evil. What happens when Cecily sees it?
Loved this novel! If you like gothic tales, creepy stories and lite horror then the #Wraith is for you #MarkWheaton #netgalley #netgalleyreads
The WRAITH is a perfect creepy tale. Cecily LeClerq is living a reclusive life in South Caroline when she learns that she has distant relatives in Paris. More importantly, one relative needs to see her urgently. Cecily is overwhelmed and weary of flying but the assistant to the relative ( a lovely character) has been dispatched to assist her and off she goes!
Cecily arrives completely mesmerized in Paris. She is taken to an old chateau deep in the French woods where she learns of an ancient curse that has befallen her family. The Wraith is a mysterious ghostlike image that appears as a harbinger of evil. What happens when Cecily sees it?
Loved this novel! If you like gothic tales, creepy stories and lite horror then the #Wraith is for you #MarkWheaton #netgalley #netgalleyreads
September 30, 2022
Great premise, great horror elements, great story and characters and setting. There were a few little inconsistencies or unrealities (e.g. two characters riding on bikes having a full-on conversation and checking their phones...seems a bit impossible) and I wanted more from the ending. BUT this was a really good read and I highly recommend it to horror readers!
*Thank you to the author for a free digital galley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
*Thank you to the author for a free digital galley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
April 18, 2022
This is the first time I read this author and I can say that it wouldn’t be my last.
“You are never alone!”
This was an absolutely cleverly written book albeit a bit terrifying!!!
Cecily is our protagonist and she avoids people. She can’t stand to be around them. Why? You ask. Well, you have to read to find out!!
A French gentleman comes to her and tells her that her great grandmother has requested to see her. Cecily makes her first trip to France and everything unravels as she comes to understand the family curse.
A riveting and cleverly crafted novel. I enjoyed this so much. The author is a great storyteller, I was hooked and kept turning the pages to know more.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
“You are never alone!”
This was an absolutely cleverly written book albeit a bit terrifying!!!
Cecily is our protagonist and she avoids people. She can’t stand to be around them. Why? You ask. Well, you have to read to find out!!
A French gentleman comes to her and tells her that her great grandmother has requested to see her. Cecily makes her first trip to France and everything unravels as she comes to understand the family curse.
A riveting and cleverly crafted novel. I enjoyed this so much. The author is a great storyteller, I was hooked and kept turning the pages to know more.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 25, 2022
ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
“Wraith” is a horror/mystery/supernatural novel. It follows the story of Cecily LeClercq, the protagonist who is surrounded by tragedy. At a young age, Cecily becomes the sole witness of her mother’s death. Years later, Cecily has followed in her mother’s footsteps in her avoidance of people. Cecily limits all contact with other humans to the absolute minimum. Cecily works with a florist, traveling into the remote Carolina wetlands to retrieve cuttings and pieces of plants for the florist’s use.
One day, as Cecily stops into her employer’s building, a stranger named Rene comes looking for her. Rene is from Paris and claims that a distant elderly relative must see Cecily before she dies. Cecily finally agrees to travel to France to meet the last bit of her mother’s family that remains alive. However, the trip is not as simple as it seems.
While in France, Cecily begins to learn the frightening history of her LeClercq ancestors. Death stalks the LeClercq family, materializing as a vicious wraith who makes itself known whenever the death of a LeClercq is near. As Cecily fights to untangle the historical mystery that brought the wraith’s vengeance upon the LeClercq family, the wraith sets its sights on her. Will Cecily solve the mystery and free the LeClercq family before the curse claims her as its next victim?
I greatly enjoyed this book. The author did a great job balancing and blending the horror, mystery, and supernatural elements in this book. I was brought along for the ride with Cecily in her race against time to solve and banish the LeClercq curse. I was immediately engrossed in the novel, and I tore through it quickly. The writer’s style is easy and engaging. The main characters are flushed out nicely, drawing the reader in as this rollercoaster of a book moves forward. I found myself cheering on Cecily while fearing for both her and those around her. The plot builds, escalating the danger as it barrels toward the end.
I must say I both did and did not like the ending. This is where I dropped my five-star rating to four. I was on the edge of my seat as the ending approached, reading faster and faster to find out how Cecily’s story would end. I was actually surprised as the ending unfolded, which is quite a feat as I usually figure it out beforehand. Without giving anything away, the novel wraps up in a way that leaves me full of questions, feeling as though something was a bit too unresolved.
Overall, I loved this book. I would greatly recommend this for a variety of readers. I believe it would please most fans of horror, mystery, supernatural, and gothic tales. It is an engaging read that should not be passed up. Pick up this novel and enjoy the ride!
“Wraith” is a horror/mystery/supernatural novel. It follows the story of Cecily LeClercq, the protagonist who is surrounded by tragedy. At a young age, Cecily becomes the sole witness of her mother’s death. Years later, Cecily has followed in her mother’s footsteps in her avoidance of people. Cecily limits all contact with other humans to the absolute minimum. Cecily works with a florist, traveling into the remote Carolina wetlands to retrieve cuttings and pieces of plants for the florist’s use.
One day, as Cecily stops into her employer’s building, a stranger named Rene comes looking for her. Rene is from Paris and claims that a distant elderly relative must see Cecily before she dies. Cecily finally agrees to travel to France to meet the last bit of her mother’s family that remains alive. However, the trip is not as simple as it seems.
While in France, Cecily begins to learn the frightening history of her LeClercq ancestors. Death stalks the LeClercq family, materializing as a vicious wraith who makes itself known whenever the death of a LeClercq is near. As Cecily fights to untangle the historical mystery that brought the wraith’s vengeance upon the LeClercq family, the wraith sets its sights on her. Will Cecily solve the mystery and free the LeClercq family before the curse claims her as its next victim?
I greatly enjoyed this book. The author did a great job balancing and blending the horror, mystery, and supernatural elements in this book. I was brought along for the ride with Cecily in her race against time to solve and banish the LeClercq curse. I was immediately engrossed in the novel, and I tore through it quickly. The writer’s style is easy and engaging. The main characters are flushed out nicely, drawing the reader in as this rollercoaster of a book moves forward. I found myself cheering on Cecily while fearing for both her and those around her. The plot builds, escalating the danger as it barrels toward the end.
I must say I both did and did not like the ending. This is where I dropped my five-star rating to four. I was on the edge of my seat as the ending approached, reading faster and faster to find out how Cecily’s story would end. I was actually surprised as the ending unfolded, which is quite a feat as I usually figure it out beforehand. Without giving anything away, the novel wraps up in a way that leaves me full of questions, feeling as though something was a bit too unresolved.
Overall, I loved this book. I would greatly recommend this for a variety of readers. I believe it would please most fans of horror, mystery, supernatural, and gothic tales. It is an engaging read that should not be passed up. Pick up this novel and enjoy the ride!
April 7, 2022
At age 11, Cecily LeClerq witnessed her mother walk into the ocean during a hurricane. Although Cecily sees a wraith in her home prior to her mother running into the hurricane, she is told that there was no wraith and that she imagined it to deal with her mother’s suicide. Ten years later, Cecily is summoned to France to visit her great grandmother, Marguerite, in hospice care. Before Cecily arrives, her Marguerite kills herself in the forest. This starts Cecily on a path to discover why her Marguerite wanted to speak to her before she died. Why do so many people in the LeClerq family die by suicide. Is it because trauma begets trauma or is the family cursed by a wraith intent on punishing some past misdeed?
This is the first book that I have read by Mark Wheaton, but it will not be my last. I was hooked right from the beginning when young Cecily first saw the wraith. I loved that Cecily was so knowledgeable about plant life and how that was important to the story. I also liked how the mystery progressed as Cecily learned about her family history while also learning about the bloody history of France itself. It was the perfect mix of horror and mystery with a very small dash of history thrown in just for fun. After all, history is full of true horror of how humans commit atrocities against others since the beginning.
This is the first book that I have read by Mark Wheaton, but it will not be my last. I was hooked right from the beginning when young Cecily first saw the wraith. I loved that Cecily was so knowledgeable about plant life and how that was important to the story. I also liked how the mystery progressed as Cecily learned about her family history while also learning about the bloody history of France itself. It was the perfect mix of horror and mystery with a very small dash of history thrown in just for fun. After all, history is full of true horror of how humans commit atrocities against others since the beginning.
March 10, 2022
“𝙾𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚛, 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚍𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚗𝚞𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚘 𝚎𝚜𝚌𝚊𝚙𝚎.“
Wow, this one had me hooked from the very first page! It was everything I love in a gothic horror and more. This atmospheric ghost story introduces us to Cecily, who begins her tale in the prologue as a child recalling the lonely , nomadic life she has been living with her mother, Sandrine. Sandrine’s family and past are haunted by a curse that has all but destroyed her ancestors and shows no signs of giving up its hold on the LeClercq lineage. This is more than obvious to us very early in the narrative.
“𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚊 𝚋𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚍𝚘𝚣𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕. 𝙸𝚝 𝚎𝚡𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚞𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝙲𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚕𝚢‘𝚜 𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚊 𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚕𝚎 𝚏𝚕𝚊𝚖𝚎.“
Getting a peek into the childhood of our main character helps us formulate an understanding of who, and why, they are. In Cecily’s case, her present is inescapably intertwined with her past. Trauma is a thief, something Cecily knows all too well.
“𝚂𝚑𝚎 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊 𝚋𝚎𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊.“
The rest of our story follows Cecily, now an isolated, young woman, as she travels from Charleston to Paris to meet a great grandmother she has never known. While in Paris, we become immersed in our surroundings through the beautifully written imagery and the artfully descriptive language.
“𝙸𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚌𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚌𝚑 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚛𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝚑𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚌𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚟𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚛𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚎𝚝𝚜 𝚘𝚛𝚋𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛.“
This story was an easy, quick, and thoroughly entertaining read full of glorious scenery, creepy subject matter, and likeable characters. Although it did become a little confused and repetitive in later chapters, and a few small reveals were somewhat predictable, it was frightfully delightful and well worth the read. I must warn you, however, if you are expecting a bright and cheery happy ending, this story is not for you. In a refreshing twist, we do not get a happily ever after here. Not even close.
Wow, this one had me hooked from the very first page! It was everything I love in a gothic horror and more. This atmospheric ghost story introduces us to Cecily, who begins her tale in the prologue as a child recalling the lonely , nomadic life she has been living with her mother, Sandrine. Sandrine’s family and past are haunted by a curse that has all but destroyed her ancestors and shows no signs of giving up its hold on the LeClercq lineage. This is more than obvious to us very early in the narrative.
“𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚊 𝚋𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚍𝚘𝚣𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕. 𝙸𝚝 𝚎𝚡𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚞𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝙲𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚕𝚢‘𝚜 𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚊 𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚕𝚎 𝚏𝚕𝚊𝚖𝚎.“
Getting a peek into the childhood of our main character helps us formulate an understanding of who, and why, they are. In Cecily’s case, her present is inescapably intertwined with her past. Trauma is a thief, something Cecily knows all too well.
“𝚂𝚑𝚎 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊 𝚋𝚎𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊.“
The rest of our story follows Cecily, now an isolated, young woman, as she travels from Charleston to Paris to meet a great grandmother she has never known. While in Paris, we become immersed in our surroundings through the beautifully written imagery and the artfully descriptive language.
“𝙸𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚌𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚌𝚑 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚛𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝚑𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚌𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚟𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚛𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚎𝚝𝚜 𝚘𝚛𝚋𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛.“
This story was an easy, quick, and thoroughly entertaining read full of glorious scenery, creepy subject matter, and likeable characters. Although it did become a little confused and repetitive in later chapters, and a few small reveals were somewhat predictable, it was frightfully delightful and well worth the read. I must warn you, however, if you are expecting a bright and cheery happy ending, this story is not for you. In a refreshing twist, we do not get a happily ever after here. Not even close.
March 5, 2022
“Ours is a life in constant motion, Sandrine once told her, you and me against the world”.
Trying to piece her life together after a traumatic childhood event, Cecily lives an isolated exhistance preferring the quiet company of plants. However, there are some things you simply can’t run from. With the arrival of a stranger, Cecily’s life is about to be drastically turned upside down when she is faced with a lineage of dark family secrets.
This book had so many aspects to it that I enjoyed. I found that the writing and detailed descriptions made the story all the more realistic and easy to envision. The plot flowed easily, which in turn made the story that much more engaging. I would have enjoyed a bit more in depth history of the family members, specifically more background information on key characters, but found that the length of the book was just right for a “finish in one sitting” read.
In its entirety I found it to be an exhilarating and riveting read, and would recommend to readers who enjoy horror/thriller genres.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
Trying to piece her life together after a traumatic childhood event, Cecily lives an isolated exhistance preferring the quiet company of plants. However, there are some things you simply can’t run from. With the arrival of a stranger, Cecily’s life is about to be drastically turned upside down when she is faced with a lineage of dark family secrets.
This book had so many aspects to it that I enjoyed. I found that the writing and detailed descriptions made the story all the more realistic and easy to envision. The plot flowed easily, which in turn made the story that much more engaging. I would have enjoyed a bit more in depth history of the family members, specifically more background information on key characters, but found that the length of the book was just right for a “finish in one sitting” read.
In its entirety I found it to be an exhilarating and riveting read, and would recommend to readers who enjoy horror/thriller genres.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
March 10, 2022
Wraith is a horror mystery novel. When the wraith is in a scene, you have more of a horror story, then in between wraith visits, we get the mystery part of the story where Cecily tries to discover why her family line has been cursed.
I really liked this book. The first 30% of the story was a bit slow, but when Cecily leaves for France is when this story really picks up and gets interesting. The characters are wonderful. Any scene that the wrath is in (short scenes scattered throughout) is amazing. The author really brought her to life. The wraith brings with her a level of tension and creepiness.
I really enjoyed reading this book and would definitely read more by this author.
Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review which is not affiliated with any brand.
#NetGalley #Wraith
I really liked this book. The first 30% of the story was a bit slow, but when Cecily leaves for France is when this story really picks up and gets interesting. The characters are wonderful. Any scene that the wrath is in (short scenes scattered throughout) is amazing. The author really brought her to life. The wraith brings with her a level of tension and creepiness.
I really enjoyed reading this book and would definitely read more by this author.
Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review which is not affiliated with any brand.
#NetGalley #Wraith
April 10, 2022
Read this book if you like: Supernatural aspects, creepy scenes
After witnessing the death of her mother at a young age, Cecily LeClercq grows up hiding herself away in the remote Carolina wetlands. A stranger arrives from Paris to tell Cecily a distant, elderly relative is desperate to see her before she dies. She travels to an old chateau deep in the French woods. I love the feel of the book. It's eerie and creepy. When I started this book I didn't expect it to be supernatural. I was happily surprised.
In Paris she learns of an ancient curse that has consumed generations of her ancestors, personified by a vicious, ghostly wraith who emerges from the forest when the death of a LeClercq is near. She sees the wraith and tries to escape.
Wow! This book was really good. The flow of his writing was perfect. The feel of the book really fit the story being told. This is my first read by Mark Wheaton and won't be my last. Highly recommend this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author Mark Wheaton for the ARC!
After witnessing the death of her mother at a young age, Cecily LeClercq grows up hiding herself away in the remote Carolina wetlands. A stranger arrives from Paris to tell Cecily a distant, elderly relative is desperate to see her before she dies. She travels to an old chateau deep in the French woods. I love the feel of the book. It's eerie and creepy. When I started this book I didn't expect it to be supernatural. I was happily surprised.
In Paris she learns of an ancient curse that has consumed generations of her ancestors, personified by a vicious, ghostly wraith who emerges from the forest when the death of a LeClercq is near. She sees the wraith and tries to escape.
Wow! This book was really good. The flow of his writing was perfect. The feel of the book really fit the story being told. This is my first read by Mark Wheaton and won't be my last. Highly recommend this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author Mark Wheaton for the ARC!
March 31, 2022
I'd like to thank NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Really enjoyed this book!
First of all, love the cover - main reason I've requested the book. Love me some nature horror. Second: the blurb & first few pages seemed to me like a bit run-off-the-mill-horror, but as the plot moved forward this changed into an interesting & unique adventure. It was easy to connect with Cecily, and all her actions seemed reasonable, in character, and something a real person would do.
While the main plot resolution was kind of expected, the ending a surprise and left me wishing for a sequel.
Really solid read!
Really enjoyed this book!
First of all, love the cover - main reason I've requested the book. Love me some nature horror. Second: the blurb & first few pages seemed to me like a bit run-off-the-mill-horror, but as the plot moved forward this changed into an interesting & unique adventure. It was easy to connect with Cecily, and all her actions seemed reasonable, in character, and something a real person would do.
While the main plot resolution was kind of expected, the ending a surprise and left me wishing for a sequel.
Really solid read!
March 27, 2022
Cecily LeClerq hids herself away in the Carolina wetlands after her mother dies. She goes to Paris when she is told that a relative is dying and she learns of an ancient curse of a ghostly wraith that has consumed generations of her ancestors and emerges from the forest when the death of a LeClercq is near. This is a gothic tale of horror of a ghostlike image of evil. I found this book to be creepy and suspenseful with vivid descriptions. The characters are well-developed and the plot was intense. This book would make an awesome movie as it was hard to put down. If you like supernatural fantasy with bits of sci-fi and mystery, then you would enjoy this book. I would like to thank Southbound Films and NetGalley for a copy for an honest review. This book will be published on 4/13/22.
October 5, 2022
Reading the premise of this book, I was so intrigued. I am always in the mood for spooky books in October so I instantly requested it.
Wraith over promised and under delivered.
There were consistency issues throughout the entire book. Things didn't add up in any way, shape, or form. The setting of the old family castle could have been incredible, except we were never there. The main plot pieces were repetitive, with nothing changing with every confusing encounter when the Wraith came on page.
There was so much potential here, but it fell incredibly flat. Also, the story could have ended 200 pages sooner than it did. Easily.
Thank you to NetGalley and Southbound for a copy of the e-audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Wraith over promised and under delivered.
There were consistency issues throughout the entire book. Things didn't add up in any way, shape, or form. The setting of the old family castle could have been incredible, except we were never there. The main plot pieces were repetitive, with nothing changing with every confusing encounter when the Wraith came on page.
There was so much potential here, but it fell incredibly flat. Also, the story could have ended 200 pages sooner than it did. Easily.
Thank you to NetGalley and Southbound for a copy of the e-audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2022
After witnessing the death of her mother at a young age, Cecily LeClercq grows up hiding herself away in the remote Carolina wetlands. When a stranger arrives from Paris saying a distant, elderly relative is desperate to see her before she dies, Cecily travels to an old chateau deep in the French woods. There she learns of an ancient curse that has consumed generations of her ancestors, personified by a vicious, ghostly wraith who emerges from the forest when the death of a LeClercq is near...
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own hone\st voluntary review
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own hone\st voluntary review
April 19, 2022
Very scary read! This book is definitely one of the scariest I’ve read so far. Paranormal things can really get to me, and the wraith from this book is terrifyingly vivid.
I found some similarities from this wraith to the witch in Hex by Heuvelt, Both are scary looking women seeking to avenge something that happened to them, and are seemingly attached to a group by a curse. I find the idea of them just being around horrifying.
It was very fast paced; maybe even a little too fast paced for me at times. I would have liked to see the relationships between characters developed a little more to heighten the stakes.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I will be thinking about this book for a while.
Copy received from NetGalley
I found some similarities from this wraith to the witch in Hex by Heuvelt, Both are scary looking women seeking to avenge something that happened to them, and are seemingly attached to a group by a curse. I find the idea of them just being around horrifying.
It was very fast paced; maybe even a little too fast paced for me at times. I would have liked to see the relationships between characters developed a little more to heighten the stakes.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I will be thinking about this book for a while.
Copy received from NetGalley
March 25, 2022
Finished this one this morning and I have to say there are many twists and turns in this book as Cecily LaClercq uncovers truths about her family's past and the curse. It'll spook you for sure. If you're into horror with a little mystery, this book is for you. Definitely a 5 star book for me. Thank you, Netgalley for choosing me to read this. I'm not sure who the publisher is. I tried to look it up but couldn't find the name.
April 6, 2022
If you like a good thriller with a nicely creepy supernatural element, then this is the book for you. I could not put this down, even if at times I wanted to slap the main character around the head with a trowel. But then I think that may have made me like it even more. There were some good twists and turns, some I saw coming, some I did not, and I do love it when a book like this surprises me so much.
A must read!
A must read!
September 4, 2022
A story is always interesting to me when deep, dark and hidden secrets come into play. Oh, and a curse. I like when an ancient curse is thrown in. Let the mystery and adventure begin. A gothic ghost story that engrosses the reader to follow Cecily and her quest to find out why a curse was placed on her family. An enjoyable ghost story.
Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley Southbound Films for this ARC, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley Southbound Films for this ARC, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 20, 2022
Another absolute corker from Wheaton. I was privileged to be gifted a copy of this terrific book a few months ago and my only regret is in taking so long to read it! If you loved Emily Eternal and The Quake Cities, you won't be disappointed by Wraith.
April 21, 2022
A nail-biting journey through family secrets, family culture and folklore. I really enjoyed this book - it kept me engaged and wanting to know what would happen next.
February 8, 2022
This novel hooked me from the first few pages when Cecily witnesses the death of her mother in a shocking way. Then we met Rene and travelled to France to learn of Cecily's family curse with some exciting somewhat unexpected twists and turns. I finished this novel in one sitting and recommend picking up this book if you enjoy thrillers.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and authpr for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and authpr for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2022
“Wraith” by Mark Wheaton is a powerful, bold statement about what it means to carry a family legacy that is anything but heroic and admirable. Set in Paris, the city d’amour, this suspenseful story follows the last LeClerq heir on a journey that is anything but romantic or extraordinary.
After witnessing her mother’s death at a young age, Cecily LeClerq has whittled herself away to a remote area in California. She has a pretty sweet job that allows her to explore her interest in plants—especially the endangered ones. Though she hasn’t fully healed from her past trauma, she’s completely in her element working with nature.
Until a stranger arrives from Paris, telling her that a distant relative has requested to meet with her before she dies. After some hesitation, Cecily travels to a historical home located deep in the woods. When she arrives, she learns of a morbid curse that has taken the lives of the LeClerq family for generations. Cecily is warned there is no undoing the curse, that once the wraith comes to visit, her days are numbered.
This is the perfect mix of murder-mystery, horror, and paranormal. It’s full of gruesome deaths and a tragic history that creates a surreal picture of what Cecily’s fate will look like if she is unable to stop the family curse. Readers will be held in anxiety-inducing tension as they follow Cecily on her journey to finding answers and to save whatever family is left from a terrible and morbid end.
Without giving too much away, the wraith is an interesting figure. The idea behind it is fascinating, both its existence and capabilities, as well as its purpose in reference to the LeClerq family. Not only will the mystery aspect draw readers into Cecily’s grizzly affairs, as well as the beautiful descriptions of Paris, but the originality behind the wraith will appeal to many paranormal/horror fans.
Sometimes the attention to detail can slow the pace of the novel. There were times when there was too much description of the plants or scenery that didn’t feel out of place but was a little too lengthy. If the detail were to be cut back a bit more in a few places, the pace would have a continuous flow instead of going back and forth from intense to casual.
“Wraith” by Mark Wheaton is a must-read novel for those who enjoy horror, paranormal ghostly figures, and mystery. This book is set to be published on April 13th, 2022. Save the date and add it to your reading lists!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an e-arc of this novel and the chance to share my honest opinion in this review.
After witnessing her mother’s death at a young age, Cecily LeClerq has whittled herself away to a remote area in California. She has a pretty sweet job that allows her to explore her interest in plants—especially the endangered ones. Though she hasn’t fully healed from her past trauma, she’s completely in her element working with nature.
Until a stranger arrives from Paris, telling her that a distant relative has requested to meet with her before she dies. After some hesitation, Cecily travels to a historical home located deep in the woods. When she arrives, she learns of a morbid curse that has taken the lives of the LeClerq family for generations. Cecily is warned there is no undoing the curse, that once the wraith comes to visit, her days are numbered.
This is the perfect mix of murder-mystery, horror, and paranormal. It’s full of gruesome deaths and a tragic history that creates a surreal picture of what Cecily’s fate will look like if she is unable to stop the family curse. Readers will be held in anxiety-inducing tension as they follow Cecily on her journey to finding answers and to save whatever family is left from a terrible and morbid end.
Without giving too much away, the wraith is an interesting figure. The idea behind it is fascinating, both its existence and capabilities, as well as its purpose in reference to the LeClerq family. Not only will the mystery aspect draw readers into Cecily’s grizzly affairs, as well as the beautiful descriptions of Paris, but the originality behind the wraith will appeal to many paranormal/horror fans.
Sometimes the attention to detail can slow the pace of the novel. There were times when there was too much description of the plants or scenery that didn’t feel out of place but was a little too lengthy. If the detail were to be cut back a bit more in a few places, the pace would have a continuous flow instead of going back and forth from intense to casual.
“Wraith” by Mark Wheaton is a must-read novel for those who enjoy horror, paranormal ghostly figures, and mystery. This book is set to be published on April 13th, 2022. Save the date and add it to your reading lists!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an e-arc of this novel and the chance to share my honest opinion in this review.
March 10, 2022
A fast paced thrilling mystery about a Wraith that haunts an entire family line, extending all the way to the middle ages of France. The LeClerq family has tried everything to be rid of the curse, but only now has anyone tried to find the root of the cause and correct what was wrong.
I read it in one day.
I read it in one day.
April 8, 2022
It’s really odd to say but this is a very “nice” horror novel.
This book may be classified as a horror novel but it’s such a pleasant comfortable story to read that it doesn’t have a horror feel to it. I’m calling it a fantasy novel and I really like it.
This book may be classified as a horror novel but it’s such a pleasant comfortable story to read that it doesn’t have a horror feel to it. I’m calling it a fantasy novel and I really like it.
March 9, 2022
Loved it, although I did not find it frightening. Good characters, more of a gothic horror so not fast paced but very enjoyable.
I received this book from the publishers via Netgalley for a review.
I received this book from the publishers via Netgalley for a review.
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