Shirley Dobbins wants nothing more than to live a quiet life and become a head housekeeper at a prestigious house. So when she is invited to come work for the mysterious baronet Sir Joseph Hunting at his estate, she thinks it is the chance of a lifetime. However, from the moment she arrives things are not what they seem. As she becomes wrapped up in more of the baronet's radical science, she realizes something dark and otherworldly is loose within the estate. And if left unchecked, it'll claim the lives of all she holds dear.
Rami Ungar is a novelist from Columbus, OH specializing in horror and dark fantasy. He has published five books and a variety of short stories. His most recent book, "Hannah and Other Stories," was published in September 2023. When not writing, Rami enjoys reading, following his many interests, and giving readers the impression that he's not entirely human.
First of all I want to thank Henry Roi for contacting me and asking me to read and review The Pure World Comes. I really enjoyed reading this book!
The book is about Shirley Dobbins. She works for the Avondale family. She has a lazy eye, but it doesn't bother her at all. Nellie, is another maid whom she is training. When the Avondale's die and only the children Griffin and Lucinda are left. Their uncle Joseph Hunting comes and invites/takes them to the Hunting Lodge. Joseph offers Shirley a position as a maid at the Lodge. The Lodge is gorgeous on the outside. But in complete disarray on the inside. With only a few staff.
Joseph has a laboratory. And no one is allowed inside. After a few weeks Shirley is allowed to bring him his food. When she is inside the laboratory her curiosity wins and she is checking out the machine he is working on. At first Joseph is mad when he sees her. But when she says things about the machine that make a lot of sense. He hires her as his assistant immediately.
Shirley loves to learn more about science and is a devoted assistant. She reads all the books he gives her and she is incredibly happy.
Joseph tells her about his family. His son Wesley was deformed and died. And his daughter Emily died of a disease. The machine is built to heal imperfections in animals and humans. The machine is able to create pure energy.
But soon after the new arrivals in the Lodge are starting to see visions of people they knew or see scary visions that are real. The visions are able to hurt them.
And that is where the story kickstarts. What is real and what is not? Is the machine working? Is Joseph being honest? It's an exciting and fun book to read. I really enjoyed it immensely.
And I just need to mention Albedo. The white kitten! I wish she was real and she was mine!
If you love a quick mystery, horror book. Then definitely pick this one up. It's short, fun and entertaining!
Update: October 2022 Listened to the audiobook. The narrator does a great job, especially with the voices. This is such a great book. I enjoyed it even more second time around. I think I’ll have to add it to my yearly reread rotation.
I’m a fan of Ungar, the Master of Fear, and I absolutely loved this novel.
Shirley Dobbins is such a great character. I love how she handles the difficulties in her life, both physical and otherwise. Her humility and kindness make her a character you want to see succeed.
The setting of Victorian England is almost a character in itself. It’s obvious that the author has done a lot of research and it pays off, immersing you completely in the world.
There are lots of scary scenes - including one that will change how you look at a toilet! I’m not kidding, it’s a haunting scene that stays with you.
I also loved what The Pure World is, how it relates to the story and the broader implications of the theme.
My only niggle is that there were a couple of scenes that didn’t seem to match the tone of the era and broke my suspension of disbelief. While these scenes were well written, I became aware of the author’s voice rather than being fully immersed within the story as I was in the rest of the book.
Altogether a thrilling gothic horror that I highly recommend.
Bravo to the author! This is a great read; the intelligent narration and engaging main character grabbed my attention pretty much straight away. While it contains many themes typical of gothic horror-- 19th century settings, large creepy house, ill-advised science experiments-- The Pure World Comes also succeeds at feeling completely original thanks to an imaginative plot. Whether you're an enthusiast of gothic literature or just looking for something a little different I highly recommend checking it out either way.
One thing I loved about this book is how much research obviously went into it. Both Shirley's life as a maid and general aspects of the Victorian society she lives in are very well detailed. Equally impressive are the scenes of horror: spine chilling moments jump out at you from the pages when you're not expecting it, all of them so well written I could picture them playing out as easily as watching a horror movie unfold. Having already read a couple of other books by this author I'd say Rami Ungar is definitely a name to watch in the horror genre.
There wasn't a single character I didn't like; each one held my attention right to the end as they convincingly developed and revealed more about themselves as the story went on. A certain part of chapter 4 was a little bit too detailed for me, but that's the only complaint I have. Otherwise this was a thoroughly good read I'm happy to have experienced
I really like Gothic stories, so I was excited to read this, and it didn't disappoint.
I liked the protagonist very much. Shirley had many qualities that, for me, make a strong protagonist. She struck me as being a character who didn't rely on others for approval, and while she seemed a sensitive character in many ways, I felt that she was self-contained. She was not overly emotional, and it seemed that she had a realistic view of the world around her. I liked that.
The story itself was very gripping, and there were even some moments that caused me to gasp in surprise while I was reading. However, this was something that encouraged me to keep reading.
Something else that I enjoyed about this was that it wasn't too long or drawn out. It was a satisfying read, and intriguing read, but short enough to read in one sitting, if desired. The kind of thing that I might choose if I wanted a short book to read on the evening before my book club meeting. I have some friends who are keen on this type of story too, so I may recommend this book to them.
Shirley Dobbins longs to be a head housekeeper. She is at once (and perhaps in contrast to a lot of period set stories) relatable. When she's given that chance, she naturally jumps at the opportunity.
She is level-headed, pragmatic, the sort of woman everyone would get on with.
So when this fairly ordinary woman has weirdness thrust upon her in the era of Victorian London when Jack the Ripper is active finds out the person who owns the house has a weird lab that she (and everyone else) is forbidden to enter, of course our intrigue is stoked at the same time hers is stoked.
This feels like a traditional science romance for the modern age, but much easier to engage with. I listened to the audio version of this and must say the narrator was well-chosen here (even if, at first, I thought it was Jenna Coleman!)
‘The only thing we have to fear is fear itself’ - Franklin D Roosevelt
‘The Pure World Comes’ is a gothic horror novella set in Victorian England, and recounts the story of protagonist Shirley Dobbins. Shirley is a young maid of all work who harbours an ambition to one day become a housekeeper. She lives a life under the radar and knows her place in societies hierarchy, working for a wealthy industrialist in London. Shirley’s world is thrown into turmoil after the tragic & unexpected death of her master & mistress, and Shirley finds gainful employment with Sir Joseph, the only living relative of her previous employer’s children, who she relocates with to the sprawling & dilapidated Hunting Lodge estate. After unintentionally inspiring interest from the eccentric Sir Joseph, Shirley finds herself as his laboratory assistant; much to the chagrin of the house’s other servants, working on Sir Joseph’s scientific endeavours to infiltrate what he refers to as the ‘pure world’.
Shirley herself is a marvellous character. Despite her horrifying backstory, residing in the London boroughs of Whitechapel & Spitalfields, she is grounded, determined and has all of her morals in check. She is also incredibly courageous and adept at handling unpredictable situations.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It was clear that the author has undertaken thorough research into the Victorian era as well as reading many novels from the period. I don’t know if it was a coincidence or a nod to Victorian classics, but I liked that Nellie shares her name with the housekeeper & narrator from ‘Wuthering Heights’, and when Shirley muses on suitable names for her white kitten, the author name checks Dinah, the cat of the eponymous heroine in ‘Alice in Wonderland’.
The pace of the book was perfect too. Everything was recounted at the right speed and with enough detail to keep me on the edge of my seat. The author successfully frightened me whilst I read this alone, late at night! I will also never dally in the bathroom ever again!
The book is out on 10th May. I highly recommend.
Thank you to @rami_ungar_writer & @henryroi.pr for giving me the opportunity to read this fantastic book.
I love it when I'm pleasantly surprised by a book. Rami Ungar is not a debut author, (according to the back of the book, this is his fourth novel), but his work is new to me and so I went in not knowing what to expect.
What I got was a short novel so perfectly Victorian and utterly Gothic that it made my old-fashioned self giddy as a schoolgirl.
After the tragic death of her employers, housemaid Shirley Dobbins follows the teenage son and daughter of the house, Griffin and Lucinda, as they go to live with their elusive uncle, Sir Joseph Hunting, at the wryly named Hunting Lodge.
Hunting Lodge is a once-grand estate fallen into disrepair as Sir Joseph devotes all his time and resources into his mysterious scientific experiments. Shirley finds herself standing in as assistant to Sir Joseph, unlikely friend to young Lucinda, and budding romantic interest to Griffin, all while fighting off monstrous visions of her own--and then everyone else's--deepest fears as something evil intrudes upon the house.
Mixing classic-romantic Victorian elements with early science-fiction, tales of Jack the Ripper/Spring-Heeled Jack, and a bit of the occult, this book gives the reader a truly chilling and also slightly fun little Gothic adventure.
A gothic horror set in Victorian England which centres around 16 year old maid Shirley Dobbin.
Working for the Avondale family until a tragic accident sees her re-employed by Sir Joseph at the Hunting Lodge Estate.
Moving in along with Sir J's niece and nephew, Lucinda and Griffin Avondale, she is confronted with an understaffed and dilapidated mansion.
Sir J seems oblivious to the state of his home as he spends his time sequestered behind the closed doors of his ballroom working on secret experiments.
It's not long before Shirley's curiosity sees her being elevated to the position of scientific assistant.
For a short novel it's a slow burn to the scenes of horror giving plenty of time for character development and for the plot to breathe.
Sir J is caught up in the concept of Plato's theory of forms. The attainment of Perfection.
Appearance is a recurring theme. From Shirley's lazy eye to Lucinda's beauty, from the decrepit state of the lodge to the installation of new inventions like toilets, and the appearance of horror. Fear that is either real or imagined.
When the Fear manifests it it truly terrifying, whether it is otherworldly or a secret horror from Shirley's past involving a certain infamous Jack on the streets of Whitechapel.
Well written characters, vivid settings and realistic portrayal of Victorian life and an intriguing and exciting plot.
Highly recommended.
✨✨✨✨✨ 5 stars
(I was sent an advance Earc for review. Publication date is 10th May 2022)
Hints of gothic terror combined with daring science – especially in 1894 England - set the stage for The Pure World Comes. The protagonist is a young house maid, Shirley Dobbins, employed with the Avondale family. Content enough with her station in life, her world quickly changes when she finds herself working at The Hunting Lodge, an estate outside of London, England after family tragedy renders the Avondale heirs orphans. A mysterious uncle, Sir Joseph Hunting, comes to take his niece and nephew to live with him at his estate - Hunting Lodge. Shirley accompanies them.
She becomes involved with the baronet’s mysterious scientific project, while at the same time contending with romantic interest from Griffin Avondale. Terrifying visions and apparitions haunt the Lodge and Shirley must put the pieces of the puzzle together to save herself and others. During the story, Shirley’s ties with Jack the Ripper add another layer to the ghastly and gruesome events unfolding at Hunting Lodge.
The premise of the story caught my attention, but I think was weak in building suspense of a true gothic nature. However, if you are a fan of hideous gore, and mayhem, with an awkward romance woven throughout, it should appeal.
What I like about this book? It’s about science and victorian era so what’s not there to like? The story is about Shirley who dreams of becoming an ambitious housekeeper. Due to an unfortunate accident she ends up with no place to go. However things turn out well and she finds herself working for a mysterious baronet Joseph and peculiar things start happening a fews days after they arrive at his house. Soon Shirley finds herself working as a laboratory assistant for her baronet where together they delve into the world of science to create a machine in order to remove the imperfections found in nature. The story has a good twist and the characters were well developed. The writing style is enjoyable and I read this book in a few days or so.
What I do not like about this book? One tiny part where there was too much detail on the poo! Could have honestly done without that part and was so shocked that I was seriously considering to stop the book. However I moved on and glad I did so.
Do I recommend this book? Yes Especially if you’re a fan of both science and victorian gothic, you’re in for a treat.
If you are in a reading slump, I would definitely recommend you give this one a try!! It’s a bit of a shorter Gothic horror novel set in the Victorian era, but there are otherworldly spirits and a mad scientist (and even a bit of a romance thrown in there!).
I’m not always a fan of stories set in Victorian times (I know, I know, y’all can send me your hate mail) but this one was a smooth reading experience for me and I actually really enjoyed it. I liked how the author talked about “new inventions” like running toilets and electricity, and it was also cool to read about courting and why relationships were formed during this period (hint: it’s not cute or romantic).
Although the book never felt slow to me, I did feel that the first half didn’t contain nearly as much action and plot as the second half. I was expecting the spooky scenes to start coming up a lot sooner than they did. In saying that, I found that the delay of these scenes made for a really intense ending!!
Big thank you to Henry Roi for sending me my free copy in exchange for an honest review!
This is a wonderful thriller story. It seems about a haunted house from the cover but it's altogether something else.
Shirley, a maid at Avandoles' house is a simple girl having a dream of being a head housekeeper one day. But the Avandole couple is died in an unfortunate accident so she is brought to their uncle's house along with Lucinda and Griffin Avandole.
Now, here starts happening of the strange things. Uncle Joseph is working on Eden machine which will remove all imperfections of a human. He appoints Shirley as his assistant and they both start working on this strange machine which calls pure energy from the pure world. As they start experimenting, strange things starts to happen in the house.
The starting was slow but soon i was involved in the story as they shifted to Uncle Joseph's house. I liked chemistry between Griffin and Shirley. The climax was totally page turner. I couldn't stop reading.
The story is extraordinary. The character are developed very well. The writing style is attractive. Recommended for thriller and horror readers!
I really wanted to like this book but, unfortunately, I had a lot of issues with it. Some of the dialogue was way too modern; not at all the way people would have talked in Victorian England. I also didn’t find it believable that Shirley, a poor girl from the slums of Whitechapel, would be fluent in the works of Plato and Socrates.
The plot also felt very disjointed - there was really no motive for why some of the characters did what they did and even when everything’s ‘revealed’ at the end I was left with more questions than answers.
A lot of the characters felt one dimensional to me - they would say or do one thing and then in the next chapter do or say something that was completely inconsistent with the way they’d been portrayed so far. In turn, I found myself not really caring about any of the characters or connecting with them.
Again, I really wanted to like this, but it just fell really flat for me.
The idea of a pure world where pain and suffering doesn’t exist sounds incredible but life is about balance between good and evil. In his book, ‘The Pure World Comes’ Rami Ungar explores the idea.
The main character, Shirley, starts out as a maid, but the reader soon learns that she is mature beyond her years. Her difficult past could however not prepare her for the terrifying experiences she is subjected to. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book.
The story flows seamlessly and grows in intensity until it explodes at the end. I love stories where the characters evolve with the story. In ‘The Pure World Comes’ we watch Shirley go from being a maid to a brave, super smart young lady who defies the odds.
A great read for anyone who enjoys a mystery thriller sci fi story.
The pure world comes is the first book from Rami Ungar that I was reading and I'm not dissapointed.
Sophie dreams is to live a quiet life and be a the head housemaid of a big house. So when one day after a tragic event in which the previous owner where she use to work dies, she finally get offer a chance to go work for the mysterious baronet Sir Joseph Hunting. It could be her chance. But once she gets there, the estate is in a pretty bad shape. They're barelly enough maids thats working there and Sir Hunting spend is days in the ballroom that he have convert in a laboratory. The more she learn about the science of the barron, the more weird and creepy stuff happens in the estate. And once he ask for her to work him him as his assistant.... it get even darker and more dangerous than ever...
I have really loved this book. And I have received an arc of it from the author!
This story grabbed my attention from beginning to end. Every time the light goes out, I brace myself for the horrific scene that will unfold. The scary events are not over the top terrifying, but they are just enough to make one's heart race.
What I like about this book: 💡I like the pace, especially the even spacing of the horror scenes that gives way to an actual story. 💡The horror scenes stand for something and are not just written for the fear factor. 💡The backstories are quite interesting that are related to the overall plot. 💡I like Shirley because of her kindness to those who didn't treat her well. 💡Set in Victorian England is always a plus for me. 💡Underlying themes of fear and need to be perfect.
Overall, this was a well-written story with a good theme, plot, and relatable characters.
This Novella/ Short Story Packed a Powerful Punch. A Gothic Victorian Tale of Heart Retching HeartAche and Disparity to a Glorious Triumph. A Depiction of England around the Same time of White Chapel/and Jack the Ripper. This writers style and depth of description brings the reader right into the story as the events unfold. The Banter between the Characters is so natural. It will surely Become a Classic in its own Right.
This has elements of Dark Shadows Lara Parker (Angelique) books, as well as Thomas Megan and so many Victorian writers including Shirley Jackson
Romance 5s👻 Atmosphere. 5s👻 Supernatural 5s👻
Triggers Some
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3.75⭐️ This starts off a little slow, but then starts to show its Victorian horror/sci-fi claws. The end drops into madness and terror that is like a milder version of an Event Horizon, in where our characters’ fears are captured. Pretty good read, overall. My own personal vision of the last part of the book I found a little spooky.
The Pure World Comes by Rami Ungar The story started with a slow build which quickly turned into a page turner for me. It has a bit of a Frankenstein feel to it. It was a little out there but I really enjoyed it. Thanks to the publisher for the early copy
This is a really great gothic horror/sci fi mash-up. Think Crimson Peak meets H.G. Wells. There is a nice mix of ghostly horror blended with mad science. It works very well together and all comes together into a very satisfying climax.
Set in Victorian times. This is a very eerie gothic horror. It has mystery and almost a Sherlock Holmes feel to the narrative. - read more on Simply honest reviews - webador
I am going to admit, this is probably not a novel I would have picked up on my own, but I will say, I was pleasantly surprised. I was asked to read and review this novel for its release date (Today! Happy Publishing Day!)! This was a shorter Gothic Horror novel that actually kept me invested as I read through it. There was Victorian English class, but also mad scientists, death. and long lost relatives! Some of the big ending events were hinted at throughout the book, but I don’t think that makes this any less of a quality story. The writing was well done, and there was pretty decent character development.
If you are looking for a very spooky short read that delivers on gothic horror and spookiness, then this is the book for you. Set in 1894 in London England, we follow a young maid who dreams of moving up and someday becoming head housekeeper. She works for a family who has two children. She gets an offer to work on another estate with the mysterious Baronet Sir Joesph Hunting. She jumps at the opportunity. But nothing is as it seems, and something is terribly wrong. It was very refreshing to read this book between two very big reads. I definitely recommend this quick thrilling book 📚 4 🌟