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The Cracklock Saga
The Tale of Nathaniel Cracklock
The US Cracklocks avoid the Fae. Why? The answers lie in the 17th Century…
Fleeing the Witchfinders of England, Nathaniel Cracklock boards a ship bound for the Americas. In Boston, a quieter life beckons. Or that was his intention.
However, Nathaniel is not the only stranger to those shores. The New World holds a lost secret, buried deep for aeons. And when misguided others awaken this ancient terror, dark days lie ahead for humanity and the Fae both. Only Nathaniel and a desperate few can stand against it. But the toll they must pay will echo through the ages forever after…
This is a tale of love, loss, darkness and light. The present-day Cracklocks should heed it well. Their future depends on it.
Fleeing the Witchfinders of England, Nathaniel Cracklock boards a ship bound for the Americas. In Boston, a quieter life beckons. Or that was his intention.
However, Nathaniel is not the only stranger to those shores. The New World holds a lost secret, buried deep for aeons. And when misguided others awaken this ancient terror, dark days lie ahead for humanity and the Fae both. Only Nathaniel and a desperate few can stand against it. But the toll they must pay will echo through the ages forever after…
This is a tale of love, loss, darkness and light. The present-day Cracklocks should heed it well. Their future depends on it.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2022
3 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 10, 2022
I absolutely devoured this fantasy. I had not read anything by this author before, but this was a real treat. The imagery was perfect and created settings that grabbed the readers mind. The plot is strong from the very first scene and continues throughout the story. The characters protray the perfect battle between good and evil. Highly recommend this book.
December 6, 2022
THE TALE OF NATHANIEL CRACKLOCK BY C A DEEGAN
The Journey of the Seekers
"Sophia is my daughter. My only child. I cannot stand by and let them kill her. Regardless of the cost, what choice do I have?" An excerpt from page 142.
Nathaniel Cracklock is one of the prominent characters in The Cracklock Saga book series, one whose characterization is enthralling and evidenced in the third book series, Alice and the Mirror Glass. In this standalone, I was exposed to the ups and downs of Nathaniel's family history, and his storyline. It was an interesting read and in my terms, I like to consider it, The Journey of the Seekers.
I love how the story began. Nathaniel Cracklock had committed a great error that will ghastly affect his entire life on an outing with some friends, he had made a huge mistake that led him to become a wanted person in town. The Witchfinders were after him. His father, Jeremiah lamented how his mistake would affect the entire family of the Cracklocks questioning how foolish he was. However, the did has been done. The mistake cannot be reversed, they'd to look out for a solution, sharing ideas, suggestions, and propositions. Jeremiah, Josper, and Nathaniel mused hard until Jeremiah proposed that Nathaniel should travel to the Bewis, where the Witchfinders can never locate him, this was how the journey to the New World began.
Nathaniel's adventure to the New World was exhilarating, and well as emotional. He had lamented how much a single outing could drastically affect his life. He would miss his family members, and not sure if he will be able to reunite with them again. He had to leave, otherwise, the Witchfinders would seize him. Anxiety took over him as he dread what life would be like for him in the New World, would there be faes? Will he be able to locate his family after his years of departure? How long will people identify him as Adam Moll instead of Nathaniel Cracklock? Nathaniel embarked on the journey, and he eventually arrived in The New World.
This was followed by the introduction of amazing characters, the likes of Letitia, Sophia, and Adelina, the sisters of Cernunnos. Nathaniel was well received in his new environment, and when he began to seek for solutions to his problem, he felt the need to visit one Goodwife Adam. The story unfolds to the point where Nathaniel and Sophia were captured by Locuskemp, and how he demanded that they give him a book, The Grimoire of Cernunnos before he releases them. Nathaniel found his way back to Letitia, while Sophia remained captured by Locuskemp and it wouldn't let her go without the book.
Letitia and Nathaniel began to search for this "so-called extraordinary book" and that led them to visit Mother Magda with the hope that she can provide a solution and maybe have the said book. Upon their arrival at Magda's house, there was a slight disagreement as to if they will get the book or not, if Nathaniel was a liar, and if their stories are real or fabricated. I'd love to say that I enjoyed the slight fight that occurred between Magda and Nathaniel here. It was quite hilarious and it made for an interesting read.
I shall restrict from revealing further in an attempt to keep this review spoiler free, however, I would love you to find out if Sophia was released, if Locuskemp get the Grimoire of Cernunnos as requested. What happened when Magda, Nathaniel, and Letitia visited Locuskemp with a glamorized book so it may depict the Grimoire of Cernunnos? By the way, what was so special about the book? This is the story of Nathaniel, one that is quite enthralling and arouses curiosity.
Once again, Craig Deegan proves himself to be an adept fantasy writer and I'm a huge fan of his works. Even though his writing style here is a bit different from that of the Cracklock Saga book series, I still enjoy it. I'm happy to learn some facts about Nathaniel's history, hopefully, this would help me understand Dire Sorrows better as I'm already intrigued with Nate's characterization in Alice and The Mirror Glass. I admire Craig's descriptive features, use of words, characterization, plot, and settings.
I like to read a book as if I'm preparing for an exam, and the fact that this story is set in the 17th century made me compare and contrast Nathaniel's story in The Tale of Nathaniel Cracklock to his tale in Alice and the Mirror Glass, how himself and David Cracklock came to be. Also, I don't know if the Witchfinders of England in The Tale of Nathaniel can be likened to the crazy nerds in The Department of Otherworld Affair, not sure, just curious, though I know that this is standalone. Craig Deegan is a talent to keep an eye on for sure, and I solely recommend The Tale of Nathaniel Cracklock to lovers of fantasy and literature at large.
The Journey of the Seekers
"Sophia is my daughter. My only child. I cannot stand by and let them kill her. Regardless of the cost, what choice do I have?" An excerpt from page 142.
Nathaniel Cracklock is one of the prominent characters in The Cracklock Saga book series, one whose characterization is enthralling and evidenced in the third book series, Alice and the Mirror Glass. In this standalone, I was exposed to the ups and downs of Nathaniel's family history, and his storyline. It was an interesting read and in my terms, I like to consider it, The Journey of the Seekers.
I love how the story began. Nathaniel Cracklock had committed a great error that will ghastly affect his entire life on an outing with some friends, he had made a huge mistake that led him to become a wanted person in town. The Witchfinders were after him. His father, Jeremiah lamented how his mistake would affect the entire family of the Cracklocks questioning how foolish he was. However, the did has been done. The mistake cannot be reversed, they'd to look out for a solution, sharing ideas, suggestions, and propositions. Jeremiah, Josper, and Nathaniel mused hard until Jeremiah proposed that Nathaniel should travel to the Bewis, where the Witchfinders can never locate him, this was how the journey to the New World began.
Nathaniel's adventure to the New World was exhilarating, and well as emotional. He had lamented how much a single outing could drastically affect his life. He would miss his family members, and not sure if he will be able to reunite with them again. He had to leave, otherwise, the Witchfinders would seize him. Anxiety took over him as he dread what life would be like for him in the New World, would there be faes? Will he be able to locate his family after his years of departure? How long will people identify him as Adam Moll instead of Nathaniel Cracklock? Nathaniel embarked on the journey, and he eventually arrived in The New World.
This was followed by the introduction of amazing characters, the likes of Letitia, Sophia, and Adelina, the sisters of Cernunnos. Nathaniel was well received in his new environment, and when he began to seek for solutions to his problem, he felt the need to visit one Goodwife Adam. The story unfolds to the point where Nathaniel and Sophia were captured by Locuskemp, and how he demanded that they give him a book, The Grimoire of Cernunnos before he releases them. Nathaniel found his way back to Letitia, while Sophia remained captured by Locuskemp and it wouldn't let her go without the book.
Letitia and Nathaniel began to search for this "so-called extraordinary book" and that led them to visit Mother Magda with the hope that she can provide a solution and maybe have the said book. Upon their arrival at Magda's house, there was a slight disagreement as to if they will get the book or not, if Nathaniel was a liar, and if their stories are real or fabricated. I'd love to say that I enjoyed the slight fight that occurred between Magda and Nathaniel here. It was quite hilarious and it made for an interesting read.
I shall restrict from revealing further in an attempt to keep this review spoiler free, however, I would love you to find out if Sophia was released, if Locuskemp get the Grimoire of Cernunnos as requested. What happened when Magda, Nathaniel, and Letitia visited Locuskemp with a glamorized book so it may depict the Grimoire of Cernunnos? By the way, what was so special about the book? This is the story of Nathaniel, one that is quite enthralling and arouses curiosity.
Once again, Craig Deegan proves himself to be an adept fantasy writer and I'm a huge fan of his works. Even though his writing style here is a bit different from that of the Cracklock Saga book series, I still enjoy it. I'm happy to learn some facts about Nathaniel's history, hopefully, this would help me understand Dire Sorrows better as I'm already intrigued with Nate's characterization in Alice and The Mirror Glass. I admire Craig's descriptive features, use of words, characterization, plot, and settings.
I like to read a book as if I'm preparing for an exam, and the fact that this story is set in the 17th century made me compare and contrast Nathaniel's story in The Tale of Nathaniel Cracklock to his tale in Alice and the Mirror Glass, how himself and David Cracklock came to be. Also, I don't know if the Witchfinders of England in The Tale of Nathaniel can be likened to the crazy nerds in The Department of Otherworld Affair, not sure, just curious, though I know that this is standalone. Craig Deegan is a talent to keep an eye on for sure, and I solely recommend The Tale of Nathaniel Cracklock to lovers of fantasy and literature at large.
September 18, 2022
A Ripping Yarn
I haven’t read any of the other Cracklock books, but as this was a standalone novel, I decided to start here. The protagonist is part of a family that can see and communicate with Fae creatures and has access to certain powers. Nathaniel makes a fundamental error whilst out enjoying an evening of drinking and uses powers that mark him as a wielder of magic. Set in 17th century England, this is dangerous as witch-hunters and general fear of the supernatural abound. As a result of his actions, he has to leave his family and travel to Boston in the Americas.
Rather than finding sanctuary, he is part of a prophecy, and he must face creatures of the dark Fae. He seeks out Goody Adams and her daughters, loathed by the villagers of Saugus.
Deegan’s writing is compelling, and he tells a fast-paced yarn that draws the reader into his world. The historical setting is interesting and takes this beyond the imaginary fantasy worlds. Highly recommended for those who want an easy-to-read ripping yarn.
I haven’t read any of the other Cracklock books, but as this was a standalone novel, I decided to start here. The protagonist is part of a family that can see and communicate with Fae creatures and has access to certain powers. Nathaniel makes a fundamental error whilst out enjoying an evening of drinking and uses powers that mark him as a wielder of magic. Set in 17th century England, this is dangerous as witch-hunters and general fear of the supernatural abound. As a result of his actions, he has to leave his family and travel to Boston in the Americas.
Rather than finding sanctuary, he is part of a prophecy, and he must face creatures of the dark Fae. He seeks out Goody Adams and her daughters, loathed by the villagers of Saugus.
Deegan’s writing is compelling, and he tells a fast-paced yarn that draws the reader into his world. The historical setting is interesting and takes this beyond the imaginary fantasy worlds. Highly recommended for those who want an easy-to-read ripping yarn.
November 17, 2022
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Tale of Nathaniel Cracklock
Subtitle: (The Cracklock Saga #0)
Author: C.A. Deegan
Genre: Literature and Fiction/Young Adult
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: stand-alone
Best read after earlier books in series? Maybe
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This book may fit bets after the third in the series and before the fourth, but can be read as a stand-alone. Where in book 3 we met Alice and her grandad Nat Cracklock, we learn what happened all those years ago to the American branch of the family. How Nathaniel needed to escape the UK following a pub brawl gone wrong. And what happened when he reached America. Why do the American relatives fear the Fae?
What I liked about the book:
The book is well-written and action-filled.
What I didn’t like about the book:
Like the first three in the series, it was difficult to put the book down, and I was at risk of not getting enough sleep (just kidding, the book was just that good).
My favourite bits in the book:
The entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is a stand-alone book in the series, and the fourth book I’ve read by this author, and I can’t wait to read the next. I’m looking forward to reading the fourth book in the series.
What books could this be compared to and why?
Like stories about faeries and goblins? This is a story like no other.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like fiction with a bit of fairy dust, but lots of action and evil goblins, too, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
The US Cracklocks avoid the Fae. Why? The answers lie in the 17th Century…
Fleeing the Witchfinders of England, Nathaniel Cracklock boards a ship bound for the Americas. In Boston, a quieter life beckons. Or that was his intention.
However, Nathaniel is not the only stranger to those shores. The New World holds a lost secret, buried deep for aeons. And when misguided others awaken this ancient terror, dark days lie ahead for humanity and the Fae both. Only Nathaniel and a desperate few can stand against it. But the toll they must pay will echo through the ages forever after…
This is a tale of love, loss, darkness and light. The present-day Cracklocks should heed it well. Their future depends on it.
About the Author:
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Tale of Nathaniel Cracklock
Subtitle: (The Cracklock Saga #0)
Author: C.A. Deegan
Genre: Literature and Fiction/Young Adult
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: stand-alone
Best read after earlier books in series? Maybe
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This book may fit bets after the third in the series and before the fourth, but can be read as a stand-alone. Where in book 3 we met Alice and her grandad Nat Cracklock, we learn what happened all those years ago to the American branch of the family. How Nathaniel needed to escape the UK following a pub brawl gone wrong. And what happened when he reached America. Why do the American relatives fear the Fae?
What I liked about the book:
The book is well-written and action-filled.
What I didn’t like about the book:
Like the first three in the series, it was difficult to put the book down, and I was at risk of not getting enough sleep (just kidding, the book was just that good).
My favourite bits in the book:
The entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is a stand-alone book in the series, and the fourth book I’ve read by this author, and I can’t wait to read the next. I’m looking forward to reading the fourth book in the series.
What books could this be compared to and why?
Like stories about faeries and goblins? This is a story like no other.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like fiction with a bit of fairy dust, but lots of action and evil goblins, too, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
The US Cracklocks avoid the Fae. Why? The answers lie in the 17th Century…
Fleeing the Witchfinders of England, Nathaniel Cracklock boards a ship bound for the Americas. In Boston, a quieter life beckons. Or that was his intention.
However, Nathaniel is not the only stranger to those shores. The New World holds a lost secret, buried deep for aeons. And when misguided others awaken this ancient terror, dark days lie ahead for humanity and the Fae both. Only Nathaniel and a desperate few can stand against it. But the toll they must pay will echo through the ages forever after…
This is a tale of love, loss, darkness and light. The present-day Cracklocks should heed it well. Their future depends on it.
About the Author:
July 26, 2023
Fantasy isn’t my usual ‘go to’ read, but this book had been recommended to me, so I thought I’d give it a go. I’m very happy to say that I really enjoyed it. I soon got into the kind of family Nathaniel came from and wanted things to go right for him. The ‘New World’ of America in the sixteen hundreds was a far cry from the US we know today but similar superstitions and fears were abound there as here, so in effect, Nathaniel was running from one dangerous situation into another – and into another, even worse situation soon after he arrived. Upon learning he was apparently the key to ending the terrifying rule of the ‘dark ones’ (whose name I instantly forgot as soon as I finished reading it because fantasy has ‘those sort of names’), he set forth to see what had to be done.
I liked Nathaniel, Sophie, Letitia and the fae. This is a true tale of adventure that I’m sure most older children would enjoy; it is still your basic ‘good wins over evil’ kind of story, but it’s not that straightforward and there are many ‘oh no’ moments along the way, and times when you shiver because, if your imagination is good, you can feel that you should certainly shudder! Even near the end, when it seems that Nathaniel and Sophie are doomed, you wonder how it’s ever going to work out for them.
A brilliant story; I’m glad that I made my reluctant self read it, because if I hadn’t, I’d have really missed out on something that shouldn’t be missed out on. It looks like I now have to read the series!
I liked Nathaniel, Sophie, Letitia and the fae. This is a true tale of adventure that I’m sure most older children would enjoy; it is still your basic ‘good wins over evil’ kind of story, but it’s not that straightforward and there are many ‘oh no’ moments along the way, and times when you shiver because, if your imagination is good, you can feel that you should certainly shudder! Even near the end, when it seems that Nathaniel and Sophie are doomed, you wonder how it’s ever going to work out for them.
A brilliant story; I’m glad that I made my reluctant self read it, because if I hadn’t, I’d have really missed out on something that shouldn’t be missed out on. It looks like I now have to read the series!
August 21, 2024
Cracklock fans; prepare for a treat. In this book, we go way, way back. The story begins at the very start of the 16th Century and with the Witchfinder hot on his heels, Nathaniel escapes on an exciting sea-going journey to Boston. I love anything involving history and travel so this was brilliant. Nathaniel's escape from England and his voyage to the New World is descriptive and captivating, and that’s without ancient secrets and the supernatural dangers to follow.
The author’s skilful writing captures the atmosphere of 17th-century Boston beautifully while building suspense and taking us back in time with some of the characters we’ve come to love and some new ones to add to the mix. We have romance and a fair maid to rescue, which just adds to the overall loveliness of the book and it softens some of the warlock scenes nicely. It all ties up in a satisfactory ending and a big, tense finish.
The novel connects themes throughout, bridging the past to the present-day Cracklocks. The stakes are high for Nathaniel, all of humanity and the Fae. This is a well-thought-out and crafted tale with some nice nods to history that keep readers interested. England in 1604 was a dangerous place to be for the likes of Nathaniel but Boson wasn’t a bed of roses either.
Highly recommended for fae and realistic witchcraft fans, or anybody who loves to escape into a good story.
The author’s skilful writing captures the atmosphere of 17th-century Boston beautifully while building suspense and taking us back in time with some of the characters we’ve come to love and some new ones to add to the mix. We have romance and a fair maid to rescue, which just adds to the overall loveliness of the book and it softens some of the warlock scenes nicely. It all ties up in a satisfactory ending and a big, tense finish.
The novel connects themes throughout, bridging the past to the present-day Cracklocks. The stakes are high for Nathaniel, all of humanity and the Fae. This is a well-thought-out and crafted tale with some nice nods to history that keep readers interested. England in 1604 was a dangerous place to be for the likes of Nathaniel but Boson wasn’t a bed of roses either.
Highly recommended for fae and realistic witchcraft fans, or anybody who loves to escape into a good story.
November 10, 2022
The Tale of Nathaniel Cracklock, by C. A. Deegan.
The year is 1604: a dark and terrible time in British history when even the slightest hint of witchcraft could prove fatal for the one accused of such conjurations.
Nathaniel Cracklock is a good-natured fellow, law abiding and respectful to his father, Jeremiah. Nathaniel has been brought up to hide his powers, fearing the reprisals that may befall him and his family should he succumb.
A drunken brawl breaks out at his local tavern and Nathaniel has no choice but to use his powers to save himself and his friends, revealing his true self to everyone present.
The witchfinder is alerted and a warrant is issued for the arrest of Nathaniel Cracklock!
To save himself and his family, Nathaniel flees his village and boards a ship bound for the New World; in the hope of making a new life for himself.
This is a dark tale of witchcraft, goblins, fae, and friends—along with some terrifying monsters and an evil spirit intent on domination.
A beautifully written story. The fantasy world was described with great imagination, instilling a sense of intrigue as well as a huge dose of desperation as the story unfolded. A thoroughly enjoyable tale right to the last page in the book.
Highly recommended.
The year is 1604: a dark and terrible time in British history when even the slightest hint of witchcraft could prove fatal for the one accused of such conjurations.
Nathaniel Cracklock is a good-natured fellow, law abiding and respectful to his father, Jeremiah. Nathaniel has been brought up to hide his powers, fearing the reprisals that may befall him and his family should he succumb.
A drunken brawl breaks out at his local tavern and Nathaniel has no choice but to use his powers to save himself and his friends, revealing his true self to everyone present.
The witchfinder is alerted and a warrant is issued for the arrest of Nathaniel Cracklock!
To save himself and his family, Nathaniel flees his village and boards a ship bound for the New World; in the hope of making a new life for himself.
This is a dark tale of witchcraft, goblins, fae, and friends—along with some terrifying monsters and an evil spirit intent on domination.
A beautifully written story. The fantasy world was described with great imagination, instilling a sense of intrigue as well as a huge dose of desperation as the story unfolded. A thoroughly enjoyable tale right to the last page in the book.
Highly recommended.
August 17, 2023
An Awesome And Dark Fantasy Tale
If you have read the other books in the Cracklock Saga, which I really recommend you do if you haven’t by now then this story takes you to where it all began. In the early 17th century young Nathaniel Cracklock is on the run from witch hunters after accidentally revealing his abilities in a pub brawl of all places and boards a ship heading to The New World. Once there he slowly realises there is something off. There is hardly any Fae around and when he does find some they warn him of dark forces brewing. Teaming up with a kindly old woman and her daughter who have some unique abilities of their own they encounter dark elves and an evil fallen goddess who is intent to spread chaos and death throughout the world. If Nathaniel and his friends are to survive it might require a sacrifice that will have a traumatic implications for both the Earth and Fae realms for generations to come. As per usual from CA Deegan this a cleverly written tale that adds a twist to the fairytales. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read I can’t wait to read more.
If you have read the other books in the Cracklock Saga, which I really recommend you do if you haven’t by now then this story takes you to where it all began. In the early 17th century young Nathaniel Cracklock is on the run from witch hunters after accidentally revealing his abilities in a pub brawl of all places and boards a ship heading to The New World. Once there he slowly realises there is something off. There is hardly any Fae around and when he does find some they warn him of dark forces brewing. Teaming up with a kindly old woman and her daughter who have some unique abilities of their own they encounter dark elves and an evil fallen goddess who is intent to spread chaos and death throughout the world. If Nathaniel and his friends are to survive it might require a sacrifice that will have a traumatic implications for both the Earth and Fae realms for generations to come. As per usual from CA Deegan this a cleverly written tale that adds a twist to the fairytales. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read I can’t wait to read more.
November 4, 2022
I am plowing through the Cracklock saga, finding each book entertaining and thoroughly good reads (which I would Hartley recommend to those that both like fantasy and those that want to read good and well-put-together stories) and this standalone story did not disappoint. It’s a prequel of sorts, explaining the split in the family and how it occurs, and that begins with a drunken evening in the pub where something that should have been kept hidden, is exposed for all to see. Then we are thrown into the world of Fae, witches and so much more. It is set in the 17th century, several centuries removed from the main stories, where the Witchfinder General is a real fear for anyone who is remotely different let alone a witch. Deegan paints a rich world of good and evil that grabs the imagination wonderfully. If the novels can be described as a sort of fairy tale, then it’s a very different sort from the usual good fairy stories that have gone before. This is more dynamic and raw. Very, very enjoyable and refreshing.
January 24, 2023
An Awesome And Dark Fantasy Tale
If you have read the other books in the Cracklock Saga, which I really recommend you do if you haven’t by now then this story takes you to where it all began. In the early 17th century young Nathaniel Cracklock is on the run from witch hunters after accidentally revealing his abilities in a pub brawl of all places and boards a ship heading to The New World. Once there he slowly realises there is something off. There is hardly any Fae around and when he does find some they warn him of dark forces brewing. Teaming up with a kindly old woman and her daughter who have some unique abilities of their own they encounter dark elves and an evil fallen goddess who is intent to spread chaos and death throughout the world. If Nathaniel and his friends are to survive it might require a sacrifice that will have a traumatic implications for both the Earth and Fae realms for generations to come. As per usual from CA Deegan this a cleverly written tale that adds a twist to the fairytales. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read I can’t wait to read more.
If you have read the other books in the Cracklock Saga, which I really recommend you do if you haven’t by now then this story takes you to where it all began. In the early 17th century young Nathaniel Cracklock is on the run from witch hunters after accidentally revealing his abilities in a pub brawl of all places and boards a ship heading to The New World. Once there he slowly realises there is something off. There is hardly any Fae around and when he does find some they warn him of dark forces brewing. Teaming up with a kindly old woman and her daughter who have some unique abilities of their own they encounter dark elves and an evil fallen goddess who is intent to spread chaos and death throughout the world. If Nathaniel and his friends are to survive it might require a sacrifice that will have a traumatic implications for both the Earth and Fae realms for generations to come. As per usual from CA Deegan this a cleverly written tale that adds a twist to the fairytales. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read I can’t wait to read more.
January 22, 2023
The story begins with an introduction to Nathaniel Cracklock, a young man with a promising future in England but with a secret ability to see and talk to fairies and to produce magic. That secret is accidently revealed while in a drunken state that ends up with him in a bar fight. This revelation results in him being the target of a witch hunt that leads to a family decision for him to flee to the New World in America.
That’s when the adventure begins, and the story explodes into a wild ride of good magic against bad as Nathaniel encounters good fairies in a battle to preserve their very existence against the forces of dark, evil magic.
The story is well-developed, well-written, and a joy to read. This is not the usual genre that interests me, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
That’s when the adventure begins, and the story explodes into a wild ride of good magic against bad as Nathaniel encounters good fairies in a battle to preserve their very existence against the forces of dark, evil magic.
The story is well-developed, well-written, and a joy to read. This is not the usual genre that interests me, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
November 1, 2022
This book had me fully immersed in the story. The descriptions and the use of dialogue really made me feel like I was living the book rather than reading it. The descriptions of the various different fae creatures was fantastic, helping the reader to conjure perfect images of the mean and nasties, as well as the sweet and helpful ones. The story is exciting, and in places it is quite creepy.
This is the first cracklock book I have read, and I know it is part of a series, but this works really well as a stand alone. I’m sure I’ll be delving into the first book soon.
This is the first cracklock book I have read, and I know it is part of a series, but this works really well as a stand alone. I’m sure I’ll be delving into the first book soon.
August 4, 2023
Another amazing instalment
This book can be read on its own, but for those of us who’ve followed the Cracklocks it provides a detailed backstory for Nathaniel. As always it’s superbly written with all of the magic and mystery that we’ve come to expect. It’s a wonderful journey into other realms and meeting new and delightful creatures that keeps you enthralled.
Mix that with the darkness and evil that Nathaniel must battle and you have a story that will keep you turning pages.
If you haven’t yet read the rest of this amazing collection I’d strongly recommend you do!
This book can be read on its own, but for those of us who’ve followed the Cracklocks it provides a detailed backstory for Nathaniel. As always it’s superbly written with all of the magic and mystery that we’ve come to expect. It’s a wonderful journey into other realms and meeting new and delightful creatures that keeps you enthralled.
Mix that with the darkness and evil that Nathaniel must battle and you have a story that will keep you turning pages.
If you haven’t yet read the rest of this amazing collection I’d strongly recommend you do!
January 31, 2023
Dnf at 63%. This just was not for me. Tried relentlessly to like it. The first thing that threw me off was that there was chapter titles and no numbers it didn't feel like the story moved with them. The other aspects were that it was deemed to be about fae and witches. But mainly all I could hear was this guy who had escaped. Didn't make a lot of sense and I felt it was difficult to push through. 😕 might have been because it's connected to a series but I just didn't enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2023
A gritty, action-packed tale of the fair folk, but be warned: these fairies aren't to be messed with! And that's before we get to the dark elves and the disgruntled nature gods... An exciting read for YA and beyond, with plenty of pyrotechnic glamours, and lots of well-explained lore to get your teeth into. This is the first Cracklock book I've read, and it works well as a stand-alone - but it promises lots for the standard of the others. 5 stars.
May 20, 2023
A loss of heritage
This was my first reading of C. A. Design's book series and I found it a great standalone book by itself. I didn't know the characters previously but enjoyed them in this book. It was a shame how the story ended but I guess that was just the way the author wrote it.
The storyline was a cute fun story of the fae and other woodland creatures and a human who could see them. Unfortunately, he didn't abide by the rules and lost the ability to see them again.
This was my first reading of C. A. Design's book series and I found it a great standalone book by itself. I didn't know the characters previously but enjoyed them in this book. It was a shame how the story ended but I guess that was just the way the author wrote it.
The storyline was a cute fun story of the fae and other woodland creatures and a human who could see them. Unfortunately, he didn't abide by the rules and lost the ability to see them again.
July 21, 2023
I enjoyed this immensely. I wasn't convinced by the opening pages as a diary entry or letter isn't my favourite style.
But the story flowed well. I haven't read any other stories by this author, but I probably would venture back into this world.
Of particular note for me was the use of mythology: I wouldn't personally mix Norse and Celtic mythology but the author did well bringing authenticity to it.
A well paced story with great villains and a satisfying ending.
But the story flowed well. I haven't read any other stories by this author, but I probably would venture back into this world.
Of particular note for me was the use of mythology: I wouldn't personally mix Norse and Celtic mythology but the author did well bringing authenticity to it.
A well paced story with great villains and a satisfying ending.
March 3, 2025
An original magical realism story, set a little before the Salem witch hunter period, with a taste of both Greek and Norse mythology. I really liked watching young Nathaniel Cracklock mature as he progressed through the story. At one point I did wonder if I may have benefited from reading the books from the main Cracklock saga first, but in hindsight, I’m glad I hadn’t as it made the ending more unexpected. Looking forward to reading the other books now.
August 2, 2025
What An Unexpected Surprise
Wow! This is so unexpected because I normally don’t like these types of stories, but I was hijacked by Nathaniel’s adventures throughout, along with all of his friends and cohorts.
I loved the era that the story takes place in, and the language of that era. The author did a great job in making me feel that I was right there in the story with everyone else. Thank you for taking me on this wonderful journey!
Wow! This is so unexpected because I normally don’t like these types of stories, but I was hijacked by Nathaniel’s adventures throughout, along with all of his friends and cohorts.
I loved the era that the story takes place in, and the language of that era. The author did a great job in making me feel that I was right there in the story with everyone else. Thank you for taking me on this wonderful journey!
December 6, 2025
A magical adventure!
I enjoyed reading this adventurous story! There were a lot of fascinating mystical characters that inhabited a magical world. The excitement in the story intensifies to result in a suspenseful ending. Praise to the author for inspiring some radiant fantasy into my daily life!
I enjoyed reading this adventurous story! There were a lot of fascinating mystical characters that inhabited a magical world. The excitement in the story intensifies to result in a suspenseful ending. Praise to the author for inspiring some radiant fantasy into my daily life!
February 12, 2023
The Tale of Nathaniel Cracklock is an action packed story of fantasy. It's full of interesting characters of lore. It has a gripping story line that makes for an entertaining read. The author does a great job using imagery to pull the reader into the story. I highly recommend reading this novel.
July 23, 2023
A Great Stand Alone in the Series
While I suspect one would get a smidge out of reading this one after book 3, it stands alone just fine making it a great read. It is a bit darker than the others and has plenty of action. Definitely reccomend it!
While I suspect one would get a smidge out of reading this one after book 3, it stands alone just fine making it a great read. It is a bit darker than the others and has plenty of action. Definitely reccomend it!
July 31, 2023
Amazing. Read it in one sitting. Only thing that would make it better would be the rest of the stories from Nathaniel's line of Cracklocks.
Read
March 6, 2024I picked this up, alongside nine other Indie books, for the school reading challenge this year.
Unfortunately however, none of the sixteen 8th and 9th graders participating wanted to give it a try. They all backed off after having read the second chapter, because of the prose.
'This is hard to read!'
'I don't understand some of these words.'
'Why does he have to say it in such a complicated way?
These were some of the most commonly given complaints by the kids.
In short, the book didn't work for our 14 to 16 year old audience.
Unfortunately however, none of the sixteen 8th and 9th graders participating wanted to give it a try. They all backed off after having read the second chapter, because of the prose.
'This is hard to read!'
'I don't understand some of these words.'
'Why does he have to say it in such a complicated way?
These were some of the most commonly given complaints by the kids.
In short, the book didn't work for our 14 to 16 year old audience.
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