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Crowfield Abbey #2
The Crowfield Demon
What lies beneath?
Things are not right at Crowfield Abbey. The building has begun to crumble. And what Will finds beneath the floor of the side chapel is truly terrifying.
Is this the end of Crowfield forever?
395 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
21 people are currently reading
797 people want to read
About the author
Pat Walsh
5 books162 followersI was born in Cobham, Kent, and spent my early years in West Africa and Ireland, until my family eventually settled in Leicestershire. When I was nine years old, I decided I wanted to be an archaeologist, in the mistaken belief that they spent their time digging up dinosaur bones. When I discovered what they actually did, and got over the disappointment of a life without dinosaurs,I never looked back. I went on my first dig at the age of twelve, and spent school holidays happily up to my ears in mud on sites in England and Scotland. I worked for most of my adult life in archaeology, and most recently worked as an archaeological illustrator for a commercial unit in Northamptonshire. I now write full time and use my background in archaeology as a starting point for my books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
March 23, 2016
This review includes fanarts done by me. ^_^
How I write reviews for awesome books.
Step 1: Read a book (Duh!)
Step 2: Finish the book and celebrate my achievement with imaginary fans!
Step 3: "Write" a review.
Step 4: Post fanart and random comics instead.
I don't know why I'm addicted to middle-grade children horror books... Crowfield Abbey is not your typical kids series such as Harry Poter or Percy Jackson. We don't get a school for witches and wizards in the Scottish highlands or a hidden camp for demi-gods in the States. No, you'll be surprised because Crowfield abbey is a rather dark book, yet, the magic and the otherworldly are always present throughout the story.
Story
Life is peaceful once again in the Crowfield Abbey. Or at least as peaceful as it can be. Will is still helping the monks with everyday chores, while finding the time to practice playing the flute and dreaming of becoming a traveling musician. Hélas, the boring and mundane existence does not continue for long.
The abbey is falling apart and money aren't enough to even get some proper food for winter, let alone spend on reparations. Something lurks between the abbey's stones, causing rumors of demons and curses. When all suspicions fall on William, it's up to the boy to deal with the intruder before he alienates everyone or someone get hurt.
How do you defeat an evil that even the Unseelie King of the Fae is afraid of. How do you protect people from their own greed and stubbornness. Thankfully, Will's friends are there to help:
Shadlok - the Fae Warrior who has been cursed to serve a human master until his death
Brother Snail - the kind monk who has never doubted Will before.
Brother Walter - a monkey-like fae, aka habbgoblin, and Will's constant companion.
***What I like***
SO MUCH!
The Atmosphere was creepy and intense! You see a moving shadow on the walls of a room where everyone is standing still, the noise of flapping wings, unnatural destruction and it's not just the demons and the fae that are scary as hell.
Mix between history, fairy lore and christian mythology! Need I say more?
Character Where do I begin?
Will, our main hero, is kind, compassionate and full of dreams, but he's also envious, greedy and selfish like any normal kid. He's not a glorified version of innocence and good, instead, he's just a human. He has his own fears and doubts, and he makes stupid mistakes, but that's what makes him relatable.
Shadlok - the Seelie Fae warrior. He's the cool mysterious silent type that prefers not to get involved. Yet, because of his curse, he is bound to be a servant for the rest of his life. I was intrigued by him in the first book, but in the second one ... I was left with my jaw hanging open. Shadlok is such an emotionless and cold character most of the time, so when we DO see him express his feelings it's always in a very extreme way.
For instance, when Will complains about the Cook, Shadlok offers to turn the nasty man into a frog. Will thinks he's joking, but the fey just stares at him intensely and says - I can do it, you know. Just say the word. Whaaaaa? Jeeeeeezasss, that's freaking creepy! LOVE IT! And it leaves me dumbfounded! We know that there is deep hatred nestled in his soul and you don't want him as an enemy, but you can never guess it 75% of the time. It's a character that surprises you and leaves you wondering about his true intentions.
The Hobb- He's the cute fluffy character that reminds me that the world in this book is not as threatening and dangerous as it always seem.
The Unseelie King - I love every scene with him! I can't say anything without spoiling the book.
And many others.
***What I didn't like***
...Oh! I'm supposed to say something? Well, ok, let me think. Hmmmm...My only complain would be that the majority of the grown ups are rather 1-dimensional. Especially the monks, who come across as greedy, nasty or narrow-minded, without leaving any space for surprises.
If I'm recommending this book to anyone, I would warn them not to expect a cheery and adorable children's tale. The first half of the first book is slightly difficult to get into, the world is darker, the pace is rather slow and the horror...
Conclusion
I loved the Crowfield Curse, I ADORE the Crowfield Demon, and I can hardly wait to get my hands on the third installment ... well, I'll wait of course, but it will be so painful X(
Crowfield Demon:
First read: February 8 - 13, 2014
Last Reread: January 5 - 10, 2016
Rating: Still awesome!
March 9, 2012
(4.5 stars) In The Crowfield Curse, young William and his friends and allies righted a long-ago wrong at Crowfield Abbey and faced down the terrifying Unseelie King. But now another evil is rising at the abbey — one that has even the Unseelie King running scared.
The Crowfield Demon is even better and spookier than The Crowfield Curse. I didn’t realize how familiar the abbey had begun to feel after one relatively short book; when the structure begins to fail, it’s like a shattering of the world, albeit a small, circumscribed world. Pat Walsh builds the suspense well. Creepy, inexplicable art in the church; mysterious artifacts found beneath the stones; foul odors; unsettling dreams; hidden documents from the past — all of these add up to a great mystery. William, Shadlok, Brother Snail, and Brother Walter must piece together what’s going on and how to stop it, before things get even worse at Crowfield.
William continues to shine as a protagonist. How much do I love this kid? He’s so brave, and so good at heart. He’s been through some terrible things, and most of the monks seem to value him more for his strong shoulders than for his innate worth. One of the best aspects of The Crowfield Demon is William’s dawning realization that, while he has lost his family, he is beginning to build a new one with his dear friends and is no longer alone in the world. It’s so gratifying to see his life get a little warmer.
I don’t know how many books are planned in the Crowfield Abbey series, but I hope there will be more. Pat Walsh ties together history and folklore to create a terrific fantasy/horror setting, and brings it to life with well-drawn characters, both the admirable and the venal. I recommend these books to younger and older readers alike.
The Crowfield Demon is even better and spookier than The Crowfield Curse. I didn’t realize how familiar the abbey had begun to feel after one relatively short book; when the structure begins to fail, it’s like a shattering of the world, albeit a small, circumscribed world. Pat Walsh builds the suspense well. Creepy, inexplicable art in the church; mysterious artifacts found beneath the stones; foul odors; unsettling dreams; hidden documents from the past — all of these add up to a great mystery. William, Shadlok, Brother Snail, and Brother Walter must piece together what’s going on and how to stop it, before things get even worse at Crowfield.
William continues to shine as a protagonist. How much do I love this kid? He’s so brave, and so good at heart. He’s been through some terrible things, and most of the monks seem to value him more for his strong shoulders than for his innate worth. One of the best aspects of The Crowfield Demon is William’s dawning realization that, while he has lost his family, he is beginning to build a new one with his dear friends and is no longer alone in the world. It’s so gratifying to see his life get a little warmer.
I don’t know how many books are planned in the Crowfield Abbey series, but I hope there will be more. Pat Walsh ties together history and folklore to create a terrific fantasy/horror setting, and brings it to life with well-drawn characters, both the admirable and the venal. I recommend these books to younger and older readers alike.
December 8, 2018
What an amazing follow up to The Crowfield Curse.I have fancied Shadlock since I was fourteen, aha... I can't wait for the third book to come out, whenever that may be!
December 22, 2019
"Walk always in the light."
As good as the first book, if not even a bit better.
RTC
As good as the first book, if not even a bit better.
RTC
March 6, 2012
Absolutely fantastic. Having read and enjoyed the Crowfield Curse, I was delighted to discover there was a sequel. I read this book in a day. Darker than the previous novel, the Crowfield Demon returns us to 12th century England, to Crowfield Abbey and William the kitchen boy and Shadlock, the fay bound to his service. When a demon is unwittingly set loose, it is up to William and Shadlock to try and recapture it before it achieves its ultimate goal. The Author blends medieval life in an abbey perfectly with magic and myth to make a truly delightful story that draws you in from the start. There were still questions left to be answered at the end of the novel which leads me to hope a third installment is on the way. I think we can expect great things from this Author.
January 22, 2014
OHHH MY GOODNESS, I have a new favorite story! I really enjoyed the first book in the series, The Crowfield Curse, and now after reading The Crowfield Demon I think the series got even BETTER! I'm nearly dancing out of my seat right now because I loved it so much! The story has lovable characters, a thrilling plot, and lots of scary creatures and demons and things and stuff and more cool stuff that were really cool. *Breathless*
This book is definitely scarier than the last one, because of the church crumbling down and the whole demon thing going on in the Abby. I loved how the mysteries behind these events tied in together and how terrifying the results were.
The characters developed more too, Dame Alys is creepier and her role in the story is much bigger, Brother Martin is meaner and probably evil (in my opinion) and I think I'm falling in love with Shadlok because he's just so awesome.
If you've read The Crowfield Curse and enjoyed it, you HAVE to read this one too!~
This book is definitely scarier than the last one, because of the church crumbling down and the whole demon thing going on in the Abby. I loved how the mysteries behind these events tied in together and how terrifying the results were.
The characters developed more too, Dame Alys is creepier and her role in the story is much bigger, Brother Martin is meaner and probably evil (in my opinion) and I think I'm falling in love with Shadlok because he's just so awesome.
If you've read The Crowfield Curse and enjoyed it, you HAVE to read this one too!~
March 17, 2012
By rescuing the angel, Will may have broken the curse upon Crowfield Abby but their are darker creatures hidden beneath his home. Under the church lies a demon, and without the presence of the angel to keep it at bay, it’s starting to stir. With the help of noble fae Shadlock, the mischievous hob Brother Walter, and the frail monk Brother Snail , Will and his allies must decide what to do to keep the Abbey safe. But how will they be sure to make the right decisions when the lines between good and evil start to blur?
With The Crowfield Demon, the follow up to The Crowfield Curse, Pat Walsh ups the ante by presenting three foes for our young protagonist: the Dark King of the Unseelie Court, the wicked Dame Alice, and finally, the restless demon beneath the church. Although The Crowfield Demon is filled with plenty of satisfyingly spooky moments, I have to admit that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did The Crowfield Curse. This may be due to the fact that I felt The Crowfield Demon lacked the strong sense of place that I enjoyed so whole heatedly with The Crowfield Curse. It could also due to by discontent with how women were portrayed. It makes sense, given the Abbey setting, that the cast would be primarily male, but I can’t help but feel disappointed that the books sole female character of importance didn’t rise much beyond the wicked witch stereotype. Or perhaps the primary problems lies with me, as I’ve had hard time on concentrating on most books lately (at least one’s that aren’t graphic novels), because I can’t quite put my finger on why I didn’t find this story to be as engaging as the first.
At the same time, I have to admit that The Crowfield Demon did have plenty of good moments. I really enjoyed the introduction of The Dark King, and Brother Walter is such a fun character. I also felt there were certain moments that were really nail biting, such as the final confrontation with the demon. So even though I may not have enjoyed The Crowfield Demon as consistently as The Crowfield Curse, the book had enough to it to still be considered likable. I am interested to see how things will continue to develop, given how the story ended. If Pat Walsh decides to write a third book, chances are I will read it.
With The Crowfield Demon, the follow up to The Crowfield Curse, Pat Walsh ups the ante by presenting three foes for our young protagonist: the Dark King of the Unseelie Court, the wicked Dame Alice, and finally, the restless demon beneath the church. Although The Crowfield Demon is filled with plenty of satisfyingly spooky moments, I have to admit that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did The Crowfield Curse. This may be due to the fact that I felt The Crowfield Demon lacked the strong sense of place that I enjoyed so whole heatedly with The Crowfield Curse. It could also due to by discontent with how women were portrayed. It makes sense, given the Abbey setting, that the cast would be primarily male, but I can’t help but feel disappointed that the books sole female character of importance didn’t rise much beyond the wicked witch stereotype. Or perhaps the primary problems lies with me, as I’ve had hard time on concentrating on most books lately (at least one’s that aren’t graphic novels), because I can’t quite put my finger on why I didn’t find this story to be as engaging as the first.
At the same time, I have to admit that The Crowfield Demon did have plenty of good moments. I really enjoyed the introduction of The Dark King, and Brother Walter is such a fun character. I also felt there were certain moments that were really nail biting, such as the final confrontation with the demon. So even though I may not have enjoyed The Crowfield Demon as consistently as The Crowfield Curse, the book had enough to it to still be considered likable. I am interested to see how things will continue to develop, given how the story ended. If Pat Walsh decides to write a third book, chances are I will read it.
October 14, 2015
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I did the first novel in this series. In The Crowfield Curse the medieval theme was much stronger than the supernatural, the opposite is true in this sequel.
September 8, 2017
Gud hvor jeg dog Elsker denne historie! 😀
September 7, 2012
The bad news, this is one of those books that you really must read the first book (The Crowfield Curse) first otherwise this will be a bewildering read. The good news? That’s the only bad news (and book one was really enjoyable, too). William, a young boy left at Crowfield Abbey after his family died in a fire, has some new things to get used to. For one, Shadlock, the fay warrior, is now bound to him for life and the sour fay is slow to settle into monastic life. He is teaching William how to play a flute, the one activity Will actually likes.
However, things aren’t going well, even though William, Shadlock and the hob Will calls Brother Walter, saved an angel shot down in the abbey woods a century or more ago. Something is happening to the church. It is beginning to fall in. The first third of the book is them dealing with the possibility that this could happen and what it might mean, as it doesn’t look like a natural event.
As stone masons try to save the church, it becomes clear that the cause of the damage is the titular character, a demon imprisoned within the church and there is nothing that is going to stop it from getting free. Worse, it wants William as does Dame Alys, a practioner of the old ways of blood sacrifice. Sir Robert, the local lord, wants something of both William and Shadlock as well. Once the demon is free, what can William, Shadlock, Hob, and Brother Snail (a monk with a severe back deformity and friend to William and the fay) do to stop it before it takes William’s soul?
At it’s heart, this is a very simple story in setting and plot. There aren’t a half dozen subplots running around. That doesn’t mean it’s uninteresting in the least. I loved this every much as I did the first book. William, Shadlock, Brother Snail and even Hob are sympathetic and interesting characters. I was very excited at the end to see there will surely be another book. I’m not ready to say goodbye to them. Ms Walsh is an archeologist and her love of history is evident in this. About the only thing this is missing, for those who demand it, is a strong female character. However, given the setting of a medieval monastery, one would be both out of place and not very believable. I’m looking forward to the next one.
However, things aren’t going well, even though William, Shadlock and the hob Will calls Brother Walter, saved an angel shot down in the abbey woods a century or more ago. Something is happening to the church. It is beginning to fall in. The first third of the book is them dealing with the possibility that this could happen and what it might mean, as it doesn’t look like a natural event.
As stone masons try to save the church, it becomes clear that the cause of the damage is the titular character, a demon imprisoned within the church and there is nothing that is going to stop it from getting free. Worse, it wants William as does Dame Alys, a practioner of the old ways of blood sacrifice. Sir Robert, the local lord, wants something of both William and Shadlock as well. Once the demon is free, what can William, Shadlock, Hob, and Brother Snail (a monk with a severe back deformity and friend to William and the fay) do to stop it before it takes William’s soul?
At it’s heart, this is a very simple story in setting and plot. There aren’t a half dozen subplots running around. That doesn’t mean it’s uninteresting in the least. I loved this every much as I did the first book. William, Shadlock, Brother Snail and even Hob are sympathetic and interesting characters. I was very excited at the end to see there will surely be another book. I’m not ready to say goodbye to them. Ms Walsh is an archeologist and her love of history is evident in this. About the only thing this is missing, for those who demand it, is a strong female character. However, given the setting of a medieval monastery, one would be both out of place and not very believable. I’m looking forward to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2015
I liked this story better than the first, so I'm glad I decided to continue after a sort of middling feeling about it.
The strength of this story was the characterizations of our heroes - William, the hob, Shadlock and Brother Snail. Most of the other brothers are either insufferable or useless or both, except for poor Peter. (The hob, in particular, is a favorite.) I felt the characterizations were kind of flat in the first book - so it's a definitely improvement there, but the secondary characters are still pretty interchangeable and largely forgettable, and I do think Dame Alys' portrayal actually became more cliche and cartoony.
The story also maintains the strong atmospheric tone, which was a strength of the first book.
It was a bit slow in places, and I got annoyed at the Prior and most of the brothers being so small minded, and I did think the end battle was, perhaps, a bit too easy - but it was still pretty cool, for all that.
I had thought this was a duology, but the story leaves much open for another story - the king is still a problem, after all, and the heroes are warned of a coming darkness.
I might have been annoyed before learning there was a third (and final) in the works. When deciding whether to continue after the first book, the fact that there was only one more pushed me into the yes camp.
But after reading this one, I'm actually glad there will be another.
The strength of this story was the characterizations of our heroes - William, the hob, Shadlock and Brother Snail. Most of the other brothers are either insufferable or useless or both, except for poor Peter. (The hob, in particular, is a favorite.) I felt the characterizations were kind of flat in the first book - so it's a definitely improvement there, but the secondary characters are still pretty interchangeable and largely forgettable, and I do think Dame Alys' portrayal actually became more cliche and cartoony.
The story also maintains the strong atmospheric tone, which was a strength of the first book.
It was a bit slow in places, and I got annoyed at the Prior and most of the brothers being so small minded, and I did think the end battle was, perhaps, a bit too easy - but it was still pretty cool, for all that.
I had thought this was a duology, but the story leaves much open for another story - the king is still a problem, after all, and the heroes are warned of a coming darkness.
I might have been annoyed before learning there was a third (and final) in the works. When deciding whether to continue after the first book, the fact that there was only one more pushed me into the yes camp.
But after reading this one, I'm actually glad there will be another.
February 7, 2013
The Crowfield Demon is a great follow up to the Middle Grade book The Crowfield Curse. I think the publisher's blurb makes the book sound kind of silly. But Walsh does a great job of weaving an accurate historical picture of a 14th English Abbey and fantasy. She adds in historical content so well that you don't really realize it until you reach the glossary in the back. I found the inclusion of angels and demons along side fay and hobgoblins unique. I don't usually see that in fantasy books. But it is a great mesh of the new ways and the old ways. I was really amazed with this book and how the author made it just want to keep me reading the book because of all the suspense that the book created!! I also thought the characters were a lot of fun. Will is a great protagonist. He is kind, loyal, and smart. But, Brother Walter is the best character by far. He is funny and observant. I also really like Shadlok. He is mysterious and proud, but ultimately loyal to Will. The only thing I found strange was that most of the monks are not very nice to Will. Only Brother Snail seems to like Will's company. I'm not sure why that is. I really liked this and was well written. In the future I would like to read more books from Pat Walsh!
August 29, 2017
I really enjoyed Crowfield Curse, and Crowfield Demon met my high expectations easily. This story picks up three months after the last one ended, with Will and Shadlock bound to one another (though not really unhappily), and facing a new threat from an otherworldly demon, which has been causing trouble for the monks.
As far as plot goes, this one was quite engaging, but the story is really about the interesting characters. I particularly like that they are not black and white, even the bad guys are not wholly evil. Walsh has a really flowing style, which balances action with descriptiveness so well, that the story seems to constantly be moving, and the scenes are very vividly painted without her going overboard.
The only thing that might be missing is a female character, of which there is only one and she happens to be evil. All the same, I very much look forward to what is next for Will, Shadlock, the hob and Brother Snail.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
As far as plot goes, this one was quite engaging, but the story is really about the interesting characters. I particularly like that they are not black and white, even the bad guys are not wholly evil. Walsh has a really flowing style, which balances action with descriptiveness so well, that the story seems to constantly be moving, and the scenes are very vividly painted without her going overboard.
The only thing that might be missing is a female character, of which there is only one and she happens to be evil. All the same, I very much look forward to what is next for Will, Shadlock, the hob and Brother Snail.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
March 16, 2012
As with the first book, when I reached the end I found myself wishing I could read more. What impresses me about this series (and the author) is that the magic is subtle yet all-encompassing at the same time and the setting is limited (in a geographical sense) but somehow the narrative draws you in and effectively makes you a part of Will's life at the Abbey and its surrounding environs. The attention to historical detail and medieval superstitions does much to further the believability of the story. Character development continues in this book, though Shadlock still keeps his secrets close. I enjoyed seeing the interaction between him and the loveable Hob. I'm excited to continue reading as they embark on what promises to be an exciting journey in the next book. The only thing I'm sad about is having to wait till it is published. As far as I know the next book has not been announced, but it is inevitable and I look forward to it.
August 8, 2016
Dies ist bereits der zweite Teil um das Kloster Crowfield ( Erster Teil: Der Fluchvon Crowfield ) Williams Kloster scheint unter keinem guten Stern zu stehen, ein Dämon und ein einstürzender Turm bedrohen die kleine Abtei.
Das Buch spielt im Jahr 1348, hat eine düstere Atmosphäre und ist spannend geschrieben. Mir sind die Charaktere ein wenig ans Herz gewachsen, allen voran der Kobold Bruder Walter aber auch Bruder Schnecke, der Elf Chadwell und William. Das Klosterleben voller Entbehrungen und Arbeit wird gut beschrieben. Das Glossar erklärt Begriffe aus dieser Zeit und der abgedruckte Tagesablauf des Klosters gibt eine gute Übersicht über den Alltag der Mönche. Dank eines Lageplans des Klosters, kann man immer nachschauen, wo sich William gerade befindet.
Mir hat diese Geschichte sehr gut gefallen und ich hoffe sehr, dass irgendwann auch der dritte Teil erscheint.
Das Buch spielt im Jahr 1348, hat eine düstere Atmosphäre und ist spannend geschrieben. Mir sind die Charaktere ein wenig ans Herz gewachsen, allen voran der Kobold Bruder Walter aber auch Bruder Schnecke, der Elf Chadwell und William. Das Klosterleben voller Entbehrungen und Arbeit wird gut beschrieben. Das Glossar erklärt Begriffe aus dieser Zeit und der abgedruckte Tagesablauf des Klosters gibt eine gute Übersicht über den Alltag der Mönche. Dank eines Lageplans des Klosters, kann man immer nachschauen, wo sich William gerade befindet.
Mir hat diese Geschichte sehr gut gefallen und ich hoffe sehr, dass irgendwann auch der dritte Teil erscheint.
Read
April 20, 2015This is another book I read while I was supposed to be having a punishment. I'm not sure if it was that, or the fact that I accidentally stole it from my neighbour that made it feel like it was really forbidden at the time. It does make a story more enjoyable, that way.
Want to read
January 11, 2011I can't wait to read it! ^^
April 14, 2019
During an especially wet and nasty spring, the monks at Crowfield Abbey notice the chancel wall is starting to crack. But what is most disturbing about it is that it looks as if something is pushing the wall up from the ground. How could that be? And to make everything even more unsettling, the face of St. Christopher is missing on the chancel wall. All the other figures are fine and pristine, except for his. It’s almost as if something has purposely scratched it off. Who, or what would do that?
Trouble and darkness are heavily brewing at the abbey, so much so that the Dark Fay King is afraid to go near the place. After having a run in with the evil creature, young William learns of the fays wariness of the abbey and becomes rather unnerved himself. What could possibly make someone as malevolent as the Fay King not only want to stay away from the abbey, but flee the woods? What in God’s name is happening at the church!
A lot, as it turns out. Dame Alys and her creepy albino crow Fionn are at large, doing terrible things to ensure that her perverted version of a ‘god’ comes to power, by any means necessary. She cares not for the well-being of others, the only thing that matters to her is the fiendish entity she worships. The lady is absolutely mad!
Due to her despicable meddling and some unfortunate findings, the demon of Crowfield returns to the land and sows chaos. Everything is falling apart and the only people who stand a chance at defeating such evil are at a loss. How does a mere boy, hob, elf and a crippled monk defeat a being of such darkness and hate?
Not easily, I can tell you that! But even with the odds stacked against them, young William and Shadlok make their final stand and go toe to toe with the wretched demon. In the last book, Abbot Simon’s dying words were that William would be a brightness against the dark and that he would be instrumental in fighting it. Turns out the abbot was right! Faith and bravery serve William well, for he surprisingly saves them all.
This book was AWESOME! I love how everything plays out and the continuous feeling of foreboding, unease, and creepiness that seems to pervade the pages. Miss Walsh is a fantastic writer and really knows how to properly pace a story line. I was never bored while reading this book!
It has everything a person could want in novel; good vs. evil, adventure, mystery, suspense, fantasy etc. From beginning to end I was completely ensnared in the tale. It is so good! With that being said, the story does leaves off on a peculiar note though. It’s hinted at that William may start to remember what really happened to his family.
Now I would say we readers may finally get some answers to what happened on that terrible day, but sadly, I think the author may have stopped writing this series. It has been 8 years since this book came out and there is no third installment in sight. What an absolute shame!
This novel may have tied up some plot points, but there are still so many questions left up in the air that I wish we had answers to. I want more! Perhaps one day we’ll be lucky enough to get that third book. I'll keep hoping!
Anyways, this was a fantastic story and definitely worth the read. Perhaps one day I'll even re-read this series. It’s just that good.
Trouble and darkness are heavily brewing at the abbey, so much so that the Dark Fay King is afraid to go near the place. After having a run in with the evil creature, young William learns of the fays wariness of the abbey and becomes rather unnerved himself. What could possibly make someone as malevolent as the Fay King not only want to stay away from the abbey, but flee the woods? What in God’s name is happening at the church!
A lot, as it turns out. Dame Alys and her creepy albino crow Fionn are at large, doing terrible things to ensure that her perverted version of a ‘god’ comes to power, by any means necessary. She cares not for the well-being of others, the only thing that matters to her is the fiendish entity she worships. The lady is absolutely mad!
Due to her despicable meddling and some unfortunate findings, the demon of Crowfield returns to the land and sows chaos. Everything is falling apart and the only people who stand a chance at defeating such evil are at a loss. How does a mere boy, hob, elf and a crippled monk defeat a being of such darkness and hate?
Not easily, I can tell you that! But even with the odds stacked against them, young William and Shadlok make their final stand and go toe to toe with the wretched demon. In the last book, Abbot Simon’s dying words were that William would be a brightness against the dark and that he would be instrumental in fighting it. Turns out the abbot was right! Faith and bravery serve William well, for he surprisingly saves them all.
This book was AWESOME! I love how everything plays out and the continuous feeling of foreboding, unease, and creepiness that seems to pervade the pages. Miss Walsh is a fantastic writer and really knows how to properly pace a story line. I was never bored while reading this book!
It has everything a person could want in novel; good vs. evil, adventure, mystery, suspense, fantasy etc. From beginning to end I was completely ensnared in the tale. It is so good! With that being said, the story does leaves off on a peculiar note though. It’s hinted at that William may start to remember what really happened to his family.
Now I would say we readers may finally get some answers to what happened on that terrible day, but sadly, I think the author may have stopped writing this series. It has been 8 years since this book came out and there is no third installment in sight. What an absolute shame!
This novel may have tied up some plot points, but there are still so many questions left up in the air that I wish we had answers to. I want more! Perhaps one day we’ll be lucky enough to get that third book. I'll keep hoping!
Anyways, this was a fantastic story and definitely worth the read. Perhaps one day I'll even re-read this series. It’s just that good.
January 15, 2024
Why this book?
-I enjoyed the Crowfield Curse and I was excited to get back to William, Brother Walter (the hob) and Brother Snail. In the first book we saw William and friends solve a hundred-year-old mystery by removing the Crowfield Curse while facing down the Dark the King of the Unseelie Court. In the process of removing the curse William has become bonded to the fay warrior Shadlock. Shadlock, long exiled from the world of the fay, now finds his fate linked to William. William has made a terrible enemy in Comnath, King of the Unseelie Court, and something evil is stirring at Crowfield Abbey. Something so dangerous that even Comnath is frightened. An ancient and powerful entity is awakening, putting William, Shadlock, Brother Walter, and Brother Snail in danger. When WIlliam finds the mysterious object long hidden in the chapel, he stumbles into another mystery in which the stakes are greater than death. Will William and friends be able to save themselves, the Crowfield monks and villagers from the evil stirring in Crowfield Abbey? And what does this entity want from William?
Why did I like this book?
-Pat Walsh creates a wonderful world of magic and mystery. This world is our world, but Pat Walsh is able to mend the seen and unseen in a way that feels like it is truly possible. This story brings Crowfield Abbey to life as a place that could exist. The abbey feels wet and dreary, with cold stone and windy passages. As the William and monks confront the entity in Abbey, a sense of overwhelming danger is ever present, adding a greater darkness to the story than was seen in the Crowfield Curse. This is a much darker tale than the first book with the stakes being higher for William and his friends.
-The Crowfield books are a found family tale. William is a character that has gone through loss and in the first book we saw Brother Walter (the hob) and Brother Snail become William's friends. William was always a well written character with empathy, caring and courage and this continues in the 2nd book. But now Pat Walsh has added Shadlock. He too is a character with great depth with a mysterious backstory. As Shadlock and William face danger in Crowfield Abbey, you can see the true nature of Shadlock, and it makes him an incredibly compelling character and great addition to the found family aspect of books.
-This is an enjoyable tale with a descriptive and dark setting, and characters that you come to really care for. The overall atmosphere of the story is darker than the 1st book but as the danger increases so does the resolve and heart of Willam, Shadlock and friends. The Crowfield Demon is an incredible story of magic, good and evil, and the power of friendship.
-I enjoyed the Crowfield Curse and I was excited to get back to William, Brother Walter (the hob) and Brother Snail. In the first book we saw William and friends solve a hundred-year-old mystery by removing the Crowfield Curse while facing down the Dark the King of the Unseelie Court. In the process of removing the curse William has become bonded to the fay warrior Shadlock. Shadlock, long exiled from the world of the fay, now finds his fate linked to William. William has made a terrible enemy in Comnath, King of the Unseelie Court, and something evil is stirring at Crowfield Abbey. Something so dangerous that even Comnath is frightened. An ancient and powerful entity is awakening, putting William, Shadlock, Brother Walter, and Brother Snail in danger. When WIlliam finds the mysterious object long hidden in the chapel, he stumbles into another mystery in which the stakes are greater than death. Will William and friends be able to save themselves, the Crowfield monks and villagers from the evil stirring in Crowfield Abbey? And what does this entity want from William?
Why did I like this book?
-Pat Walsh creates a wonderful world of magic and mystery. This world is our world, but Pat Walsh is able to mend the seen and unseen in a way that feels like it is truly possible. This story brings Crowfield Abbey to life as a place that could exist. The abbey feels wet and dreary, with cold stone and windy passages. As the William and monks confront the entity in Abbey, a sense of overwhelming danger is ever present, adding a greater darkness to the story than was seen in the Crowfield Curse. This is a much darker tale than the first book with the stakes being higher for William and his friends.
-The Crowfield books are a found family tale. William is a character that has gone through loss and in the first book we saw Brother Walter (the hob) and Brother Snail become William's friends. William was always a well written character with empathy, caring and courage and this continues in the 2nd book. But now Pat Walsh has added Shadlock. He too is a character with great depth with a mysterious backstory. As Shadlock and William face danger in Crowfield Abbey, you can see the true nature of Shadlock, and it makes him an incredibly compelling character and great addition to the found family aspect of books.
-This is an enjoyable tale with a descriptive and dark setting, and characters that you come to really care for. The overall atmosphere of the story is darker than the 1st book but as the danger increases so does the resolve and heart of Willam, Shadlock and friends. The Crowfield Demon is an incredible story of magic, good and evil, and the power of friendship.
September 16, 2022
The Crowfield Demon improves on The Crowfield Curse in many ways. Gone is the laborious writing and meandering plot of Curse; instead the tension, gloom, and terror which built slowly throughout the first book have been ratcheted up to 11. Walsh is not afraid to make her characters suffer, and suffer they do, right up until the end (and possibly into the nonexistent third book as well).
Still, some elements could have been better.
Dame Alys, the demons, and the angels still remain an enigma to me. All the characters, Fay and human, acknowledge a “Creator” whose servants are the angels and demons. But only the monks of the abbey actually appear to be Catholic/religious. William feels almost agnostic--he believes in God but we never see him participate in the religious life of the abbey. He never attends mass, never prays, doesn’t even cross himself when in the presence of a literal demon (that’s like Catholic 101). And yet the book clearly operates with a Christian(ish) worldview, since the demon and its keeper, Dame Alys, are presented as cruel and villainous while virtuous William and his comrades fight for light and the truth, on the side of the angels.
This last was a bit of a stumbling point for me. Multiple times in The Crowfield Demon we are told what a bright light William is, how his heart is so pure that it actually draws evil to him in an attempt to stomp it out. But…is it? William is a perfectly pleasant protagonist but, like…he’s just a guy. And the more the book tried to convince me how special William was, the less I was actually convinced.
Now here’s hoping for that long-awaited third book.
Still, some elements could have been better.
Dame Alys, the demons, and the angels still remain an enigma to me. All the characters, Fay and human, acknowledge a “Creator” whose servants are the angels and demons. But only the monks of the abbey actually appear to be Catholic/religious. William feels almost agnostic--he believes in God but we never see him participate in the religious life of the abbey. He never attends mass, never prays, doesn’t even cross himself when in the presence of a literal demon (that’s like Catholic 101). And yet the book clearly operates with a Christian(ish) worldview, since the demon and its keeper, Dame Alys, are presented as cruel and villainous while virtuous William and his comrades fight for light and the truth, on the side of the angels.
This last was a bit of a stumbling point for me. Multiple times in The Crowfield Demon we are told what a bright light William is, how his heart is so pure that it actually draws evil to him in an attempt to stomp it out. But…is it? William is a perfectly pleasant protagonist but, like…he’s just a guy. And the more the book tried to convince me how special William was, the less I was actually convinced.
Now here’s hoping for that long-awaited third book.
August 7, 2025
3.5 stars
A very comforting, nostalgia read for me. I devoured The Crowfield Curse when I was in middle school, and will always carry some amount of fondness and warmth for the series. Reading this as an adult, I was obviously going to enjoy it less than I would've, had I read this sequel in school as well.
I really enjoyed the interactions between the characters, particularly Brother Walter, Brother Snail, Shadlock, and The Dark King. I felt like the book built on certain stereotypes, like Dame Alys and the "pagan" angel being demonic, and I wished it weren't so.
The book was spooky in all the right ways, and I enjoyed watching the plot unfold. In some places, it felt like it missed real tension and I wanted more things to happen. I'm not quite sure what, but it felt like there wasn't enough of a buildup and the resolution felt a little unsatisfactory.
A very comforting, nostalgia read for me. I devoured The Crowfield Curse when I was in middle school, and will always carry some amount of fondness and warmth for the series. Reading this as an adult, I was obviously going to enjoy it less than I would've, had I read this sequel in school as well.
I really enjoyed the interactions between the characters, particularly Brother Walter, Brother Snail, Shadlock, and The Dark King. I felt like the book built on certain stereotypes, like Dame Alys and the "pagan" angel being demonic, and I wished it weren't so.
The book was spooky in all the right ways, and I enjoyed watching the plot unfold. In some places, it felt like it missed real tension and I wanted more things to happen. I'm not quite sure what, but it felt like there wasn't enough of a buildup and the resolution felt a little unsatisfactory.
July 2, 2018
The book is so good! The suspense is thought out and there’s tension throughout the book. I couldn’t sleep at night, and not because I couldn’t stop reading it. The way Pat Walsh made the demon come to life is incredible. The setting and the characters like Raum and Shadlok are so well thought out that they seem like they are real people. It is a sequel to The Crowfield Curse, which is as exiting as this one. It definitely belongs to the horror genre. I think Pat Walsh as planned for this to be th last book in the series but that can always change. This book is amazing, 10/10!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2018
" A real PAge-turner...it belongs in the same dark place as the Spook Apprentice" Joseph Delaney.
and this time I can NOT argue with the Spook's author himself..
cos he is right ,absolutely ,truly right...
since I adored the spook's apprentice novels , I was a little annoyed when it was compared to the first novel Crowfield Curse,but not anymore, this one made amends, at least with me, loved it, and loved the dark atmosphere that was within this tale , especially when it came with Robin's encounter
and this time I can NOT argue with the Spook's author himself..
cos he is right ,absolutely ,truly right...
since I adored the spook's apprentice novels , I was a little annoyed when it was compared to the first novel Crowfield Curse,but not anymore, this one made amends, at least with me, loved it, and loved the dark atmosphere that was within this tale , especially when it came with Robin's encounter
February 18, 2023
This is really a four-star rating that has been downgraded due to my frustration that the author has not ever written the third installment to this series. There was word in the middle of 2022 that the book was finally in the works but no further news has come forward. I do enjoy these characters and the well-done research into the time period and setting. But I do so want the penultimate volume in the series! There is a little bit of everything in this one, an intriguing medieval setting, magic, fay beings, and angels, both fallen and not. I will keep hoping for that volume three.
December 17, 2019
I read the first book in this series The Crowfield Curse only because Pat Walsh wrote it and was very surprised to find a classic story about good and evil that I actually enjoyed reading with characters I wish I were able to meet. Then, of course, I had to read this second book in the series and it didn't disappoint.
October 18, 2022
i loved the book its definitely a good book if you like mystery and fantasy, but in my opinion i did not like the ending, i feel like they could have added on to it.but my favorite thing about the book is the detail of the characters and the setting.my favorite event in the book is when willam found out that the bread that robin gave him was the dead animal because it was a breaking/ realizing point for william.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2017
Good read, keeps me turning the pages. I'm intrigued by the dynamic between fay world, and the 'real' world. This one involves a demon haunting the church, and the inevitable showdown between good and evil. The hob continues to be my favorite character, but Shardake is growing on me. Still a little gory.
January 31, 2018
So good! I was moved several times. So much suspense and mystery and the atmosphere! The writing style and pacing and characters and world-building are just all my cup of tea. I am in great anticipation of the third book. :)
July 31, 2018
I love it. The two Crowfield novels are one of my favourite children's fantasy.
October 5, 2018
I love how William spend day with anxiety monks, and how Shadlock,William been nice to each other. It was very embarrassing,suspenseful reading. I hope we got third book.
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