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Welcome to a Gothic Medieval Romance novella sure to thrill and chill!

An abbey rooted in local legend.
A nun fearful for her life.
And a Mother Abbess who rules by Satan’s right hand.


Can Atreus de Norville save the woman he loves from the clutches of evil?

Mariana de Allerston was committed to the cloister of Whitby Abbey by her father who deemed her incorrigible for a tryst with a stable servant. For a noble family, that was a deeply shameful thing. They trusted that the nuns of Whitby would cure their daughter’s craving for unworthy flesh. But what Mariana’s father didn’t realize was that Whitby Abbey was under the control of a demon.

The Mother Abbess, formerly known as Gunilda Dunsley.

Enter Atreus de Norville. From the powerful de Norville family of Northwood Castle, a chance encounter with the lovely and fragile Mariana proved to be love at first sight for Atreus. Two years of wooing the postulate under the nose of the Mother Abbess has brought them to this point. On this very night, they intended to run away together and be married.

But the Mother Abbess knows of the plans.

Death awaits Mariana, though she does not know it yet. When she does not show up at the appointed place and time to meet Atreus, it is up to Atreus to locate—and save—Mariana before the Mother Abbess buries yet one more young woman alive, covering years of failure, evil, and greed.

Will Atreus be in time?


Previously published in the Upon a Midnight Dreary anthology

(Note: The hero's brother is the star of CASTLE OF BONES, the companion novella)

61 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2021

128 people are currently reading
43 people want to read

About the author

Kathryn Le Veque

324 books2,087 followers
Juggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.

Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.

Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.

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5 stars
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4 stars
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3 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for 🦉Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
September 22, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋

Spooky and entertaining storyline by Kathryn, this ticks all the necessary boxes.
Never ceases to amaze me at the scope of Kathryn Le Veque’s imagination, wonderful.

Very much enjoyed this novella, it’s perfect for the coming Halloween season.
Great characters and thrilling story, what’s not to love.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,736 reviews1,131 followers
September 30, 2024
My Review:

Nevermore was a delightful read! I was looking for a book to kick off the spooky season and this one just seemed just about perfect! I love her gothic historicals and this one is connected to her novella "Castle of Bones". This book wasn't as atmospheric as that one is, but still had a spooky vibe to it.

Our heroine, is forced into a nunnery and practically abused and forced to serve the abbess, and forced into the nunnery by her father who didn't want her around him. For two years she has snuck away and been meeting with her love and knight, Atreus de Norville, who is powerful and connected to some highly respected families in England. But when she is caught and Atreus can't find her, he is determined to see where she was taken and protect her no matter what.

What a intriguing novella. This is a fast fun read. I really enjoyed the setup and seeing how this all becomes resolved in the end. I wasn't a fan of the ending to be honest. Back then it would have been more authentic for the hero to be saving the day and I actually like that lol I have noticed a trend with this author which is probably why I am not sure I will continue with her cause her heroines are pretty much all the same. god forbid you let a man help you take down evil lol
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews145 followers
October 10, 2022
Straight Out Of A Convent🕍
Medieval🏰 Gothic Novella.
I have come to realize that creepy💀 and spooky👻 books ( movies too) are not my thing. Fortunately, this was a very short story and took only about two hours to read.
This is somewhat of a departure from my favorite historical Author📚 Le Veque's normal Medieval🏰 fare, but of course it still features a brave and honest Knight🐺💪🗡🐎.

I got this ebook from Amazon📚 with KU.
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,230 reviews34 followers
September 28, 2022
Quoth The Raven

The evil Mother Abbess of Whitby Abbey will go to any lengths to control all those within. Marianna de Allerston comes from a powerful family. Her father has left her at the abbey indefinitely. She meets Atreus de Norville and a two year love affair/courtship develops. Her father refuses to give his consent to marry, but Atreus will not give up. The stormy night they give their vows privately to each other, may be the last time they will be together. Death hangs over an open grave. Justice is served.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,570 reviews88 followers
September 23, 2022
This spine-chilling and blood-curdling Gothic novella had my heart beating faster as the plot gathered momentum. Mariana was banished to a convent by her overbearing father, thinking that the Abbess, Gunilda would bring about a reform. Little did they realize that she had her own evil motivation for keeping Mariana cloistered. A chance meeting with Atreus de Norville brings a potential escape for Mariana but also increases the threat against her. As the story escalated, it is fortunate that Atreus followed his gut feelings, and together with his cousin, he attempts an intervention, only to find that the situation is far worse than he thought. The novel closes on a gruesome note, with the Abbess and her cohorts receiving their just desserts. I received a copy of this novella as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Hayley.
335 reviews5 followers
September 16, 2022
This is really the perfect book for the fall/Halloween season. I wasn’t sure how creepy the story would be based on the synopsis, but it ended up having a touch of spookiness without giving you nightmares. I wish there had been more scenes of Atreus and Mariana interacting, but the little we did see of their relationship was quite enjoyable. Atreus was protective and strong, while still being emotionally vulnerable with Mariana. And Mariana was an admirably strong character who endured serious hardship with grace.

The antagonists were clear from the beginning, but their actions kept you guessing throughout the story. They were old-world, fairytale kind of villains. It would’ve been nice to receive a bit more background about why they were evil, but I understand there was limited time to develop these characters due to the book being a novella. The conflict scenes were interesting and exciting, and the resolution was satisfying.

Overall, this was a solid novella with hints of danger, love, and suspense. I recommend it to those looking for a quick, Halloween-themed read.

*I received an ARC of this book. This is my complete and honest review.*
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,355 reviews38 followers
November 4, 2021
This is the 1st book I read by Kathryn Le Veque. I enjoyed this book's storyline. I really liked the hot 🔥 & steamy scenes. I really liked the characters. I really liked the ending.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,147 reviews25 followers
September 22, 2022
Breathtaking, harrowing story!

This short story was first published as part of an anthology, "Upon a Midnight Dreary." It's a powerful story, despite its brevity, one that showcases the power of good over evil as love triumphs in the end.

Mariana has been abandoned by her family to a convent run by a ruthlessly evil Mother Abbess. The only hope she has lies with her suitor, the honorable and lethal knight, Atreus de Norville. Despite being thwarted at every turn, Atreus won't give up and the time has finally come to claim Mariana no matter what.

Atreus has tried every legal means to rescue her from the hellish life of abuse at Whitby Abbey, but when her life is threatened he knows he's run out of time. Based on a couple works by Edgar Allan Poe, this story moves at a brisk pace as our hero, along with his friend, Markus, confront the forces of evil, leading to a resolution that is horrifyingly justified.

While there is a very satisfying HEA at the end, this is a hauntingly dark and twisty story, one that you probably won't want to read in the dark. If you like dark gothic romances, this is the story you're looking for and I highly recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
56 reviews
September 29, 2022
Does this author evEr write a bad book?

Them only thing wrong with this book was it was too short. rather than put it out as a novel I would label it a short story. That said the premise was good the beginning had me hooked but? I believe the author could have taken the story line and developed a really interesting book.Sorry to say this is the first time I have criticized this author for normally I am a rabid fan of her work.
137 reviews
October 8, 2022
Kathryn Le Veque has written a wonderful gothic take perfect for this time of year. Mariana de Allerston has been sent to the Cloister of Whitby Abbey by her father. Mariana encounters Atreus de Norville and thus begins two years of secret meetings with Atreus.
When Mariana and Atreus finally decide to run away together, the cruel Mother Abbess has other deadly plans for Mariana. However Atreus has his own plans for a future with Mariana.
Highly recommend this short novella!
Profile Image for Cherie S.
1,112 reviews18 followers
September 16, 2022
Captivating Gothic Romance that actually gave me the shivers in the end.
The characters were charismatic, and I would have enjoyed a little more time with them but in a novella that isn't always possible.
This story proves that evil can lurk where you don't expect it.
Thankfully it has a happy ending.
Adult Advisory:
Profile Image for Petula.
3,099 reviews88 followers
September 19, 2022
This is a dark historical tale of two lovers being kept apart by a wicked woman and the rules of their time.  For an honourable knight from a respected family to act as he does in this story tells you just how evil the so called "Holy Mother" is. 

A short, creepy and exciting addition to the De Wolfe Pack Generations . 

Scary fun.  
Profile Image for Sue.
4,377 reviews5 followers
September 19, 2022
Kathryn's story about Atreus and Marianna was definitely spooky. The Abbess was definitely better suited somewhere else. She was mean and evil. Thank goodness Atreus and Markus figured out something was wrong when she didn't show up to meet him like she was supposed to. But a HEA for them anyway. Originally read this story in the anthology "Upon a Midnight Dreary".
Profile Image for Debbie Brown.
2,050 reviews18 followers
September 22, 2022
A perfect gothic Halloween story. I love Katheryn le Veque’s writing style she certainly knows how to bring a story to life in good verse evil and love always wins! Atreus and Mariana short story of two lovers being kept apart by a wicked woman. This story is one that will keep you guessing all the way to the end. I voluntarily read and reviewed the book.
Profile Image for Kat.
1,147 reviews20 followers
September 25, 2022
A very quick read, about 2 hours so in my mind more of a novella, but then I buy all of Kathryn Le Veque’s books. This is about Atreus, Hermes’ brother. I admit I was disappointed in the length and lack of depth, because Kathryn Le Veque is one of my top favorites. Atreus at least loved his postulate for two years before acting on their future. If you need a very quick read, this is your book. 🙂
Profile Image for Historical Junkie.
191 reviews5 followers
September 25, 2022
Nevermore is an easy to read gothic novella just in time for All Hallows Eve. The story reads like a full length novel, it doesn't feel like you missed a minute. It has great pace and depth. Passion, Justice and evil come to mind when describing this story. Definitely on my recommend list.


Review copy provided by Netgalley. All opinions are my own.





1,652 reviews15 followers
October 9, 2022
3.25 stars

Very short novella and I felt we only skimmed the service of the characters.

Lovemaking, heat level 1.5 out of 5. Didn't feel a connection to the H/h, they weren't together long enough.

Dark, violent and you could feel the evil coming from the Abbey.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, no romance and tad of spice. (ljb)
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,710 reviews22 followers
October 31, 2022
Well, this was eerie, spooky, dark, tense, rainy, windy & unsettling but very romantic too! Atreus de Norville & Mariana Prendwick de Allerston are planning her escape from the Whitby Abbey where she is being held captive & tortured as a postulate - will they succeed? A perfect Halloween "gotcha"!
132 reviews
September 23, 2022
Nevermore.

Spooky! I have visited Whitby many times, as I live not far from the Yorkshire coast , it's one of my favourite places to visit in Summer , when I go again I'll stay clear of the Abbey ruins , especially the grave yard.! 😁
Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,279 reviews37 followers
September 24, 2022
Oooooh, what a delicious and spooky tale Kathryn Le Veque writes, so perfect for this time of year!! This is a very short story but it's jam-packed with everything that matters....love, passion, evil and justice. Loved it!!
1,049 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2024
Short and creepy.

Artreus fell in love with a postulate, Mariana. His attempts to gain permission from her father to marry her were repeatedly denied. So they planned to run away but their plans were interrupted in the most creepy way. Evil lives in the abbey.
1,786 reviews6 followers
September 20, 2022
This was an entertaining, well-written novella. It was spooky and held my interest. I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and this author is a must-read for me.
474 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2022
This is a short story. It is a romance. It has violence and a sex scene in it. I enjoyed the storyline and characters so much.
511 reviews
September 23, 2022
Great

This is a great short story. I love this author. Her stories are always full of mystery and lots of love
Profile Image for Kathy Brickert.
3,490 reviews17 followers
September 23, 2022
Scary tale!

Another good Halloween story but one I have read before! Great nod to Edgar Allen Poe! Loved the raven. Good read!
10 reviews
September 23, 2022
Evil never wins

The de Wolfe Clan never disappoints. There love for family will having me buying ever book Le Venue writes. Already looking forward to the next one.
8 reviews
September 27, 2022
A just desert was served

I disliked mother sup eriour and the spys
and the father and in the end I feel they got whatsoever they deserved.
Profile Image for linda p locklear.
13 reviews
October 8, 2022
Not the best

This short story would have been good if it was written as a story. I love Kathryn’s books but this was a disappointment.
Profile Image for ella lanham.
20 reviews
November 8, 2022
To short

The book waa to short! It would have been another great novel if it had of talked about what happened after they were married.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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