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thetashc's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
A few of the very creepy and atmospheric spooky stories by the prolific author, Algernon Blackwood.
I honestly found most of these hard to get into. I think The Listener was my favourite about the man living in a house haunted by a leper who had died there. I found his stories unsatisfying because there was some tension but nothing that bad actually happened and everyone always survived.
I honestly found most of these hard to get into. I think The Listener was my favourite about the man living in a house haunted by a leper who had died there. I found his stories unsatisfying because there was some tension but nothing that bad actually happened and everyone always survived.
mistressvulca's review
3.0
Not scary but has some great ominous, unpredictable, vibes. Didn’t like the story that was the collections namesake but the others were quite fun.
vividynasty's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
gailalison's review
3.0
From what I understand, these stories were written around a hundred years ago, and it’s pretty obvious when reading them. They were a bit difficult to slog through at times. I definitely enjoyed The Listener the most as it was the most readable and actually quite scary. The first story was probably my least favorite. It was especially difficult to read, and the age difference between the 45 year old main character and his 17 year old “love interest” was pretty gross. I can see why this author would have been considered a master story teller, but his style just isn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for providing me access to this eARC for my honest opinion!
Thank you to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for providing me access to this eARC for my honest opinion!
blatdriver's review
5.0
I find Algernon Blackwood’s writing very smooth with tension slowly building giving you a sense that the characters are drifting further and further into a bad situation. Like a vintage version of the movie The Blair Witch Project.
Some of these stores have a H P Lovecraft feel to them also, which I loved.
The characters are exceptionally well written, and the story has a chilling atmosphere, and a excellent example of his work.
I would recommend this book if you like a good classic gothic story.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.*
Some of these stores have a H P Lovecraft feel to them also, which I loved.
The characters are exceptionally well written, and the story has a chilling atmosphere, and a excellent example of his work.
I would recommend this book if you like a good classic gothic story.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.*
jackalop3's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
gdaly18's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
k4nobi's review
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
kelamity_reads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
4.0
Full Disclosure: Algernon Blackwood is a favoured author of mine.
'Ancient Sorceries' contains four of Algernon Blackwood's better known tales - Ancient Sorceries, The Listner, The Sea Fit, and The Willows.
It should be noted for fans of the author that it does not contain all of the stories included in Blackwood's 'Ancient sorceries and other weird stories (1927)' as I had assumed it would.
Blackwood, named an inspiration by H. P. Lovecraft, excels in the art of atmospheric horror and leans heavily into humanity's fear of the unexplained.
Written in the early years of the twentieth century, these stories have a distinctly Victorian style, especially in regards to the tone and language. Unfortunately, it does mean that they also contain some of the unfavourable and, occasionally, bigoted views and beliefs of that era.
As far as an introduction to Blackwood's stories, I worry that the story order may deter some readers if they are unaccustomed to Victorian literature.
I personally always recommend newcomers to start with The Willows as I feel it provides an easier introduction to the Victorian writing style and to Blackwood's preference for slowly building tension through multiple subtle occurrences.
The book is bound by a gorgeously illustrated cover that I just have to have on my bookcase.
'Ancient Sorceries' contains four of Algernon Blackwood's better known tales - Ancient Sorceries, The Listner, The Sea Fit, and The Willows.
It should be noted for fans of the author that it does not contain all of the stories included in Blackwood's 'Ancient sorceries and other weird stories (1927)' as I had assumed it would.
Blackwood, named an inspiration by H. P. Lovecraft, excels in the art of atmospheric horror and leans heavily into humanity's fear of the unexplained.
Written in the early years of the twentieth century, these stories have a distinctly Victorian style, especially in regards to the tone and language. Unfortunately, it does mean that they also contain some of the unfavourable and, occasionally, bigoted views and beliefs of that era.
As far as an introduction to Blackwood's stories, I worry that the story order may deter some readers if they are unaccustomed to Victorian literature.
I personally always recommend newcomers to start with The Willows as I feel it provides an easier introduction to the Victorian writing style and to Blackwood's preference for slowly building tension through multiple subtle occurrences.
The book is bound by a gorgeously illustrated cover that I just have to have on my bookcase.
wildgurl's review
4.0
Ancient Sorceries and Other Stories
by: Algernon Blackwood
Pushkin Press
2022
**** 1/2 (4.5 stars)
What I enjoy most about Blackwood's stories is the eerie, atmospheric world building. The feeling of standing on the edge of a great decision, that could save your life or kill you; that could impact your livlihood, and your very existence. His characters draw you into their spooky and surreal world, which makes the decision on which way to go even more personal, and terrifying. You feel like part of the story.
The nine stories included here are spooky, wander between horror and fantasy and brilliantly showcase some of his best and most disturbing tales Blackwood has written. The title story, 'Ancient Sorceries', is about a tourist who decides to visit a small French town, and becomes enchanted with its history and secrets. My favorite, and the reason I bought the book, is the story 'The Willows' about 2 campers who chose the wrong place to settle for the night. One of my favorite short stories, ever.
If you prefer a psychological, atmospheric horror story, rather than a crazed slasher that kills everyone in sight, type horror story, this is an author you may enjoy. He is a master and one of the best horror writers ever.
by: Algernon Blackwood
Pushkin Press
2022
**** 1/2 (4.5 stars)
What I enjoy most about Blackwood's stories is the eerie, atmospheric world building. The feeling of standing on the edge of a great decision, that could save your life or kill you; that could impact your livlihood, and your very existence. His characters draw you into their spooky and surreal world, which makes the decision on which way to go even more personal, and terrifying. You feel like part of the story.
The nine stories included here are spooky, wander between horror and fantasy and brilliantly showcase some of his best and most disturbing tales Blackwood has written. The title story, 'Ancient Sorceries', is about a tourist who decides to visit a small French town, and becomes enchanted with its history and secrets. My favorite, and the reason I bought the book, is the story 'The Willows' about 2 campers who chose the wrong place to settle for the night. One of my favorite short stories, ever.
If you prefer a psychological, atmospheric horror story, rather than a crazed slasher that kills everyone in sight, type horror story, this is an author you may enjoy. He is a master and one of the best horror writers ever.