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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.
noshyira's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.5
booksnbrooches's review
mysterious
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
3.0
Enjoyable collection of weird fiction from Blackwood.
Ancient Sorceries 3 Stars
Interesting story that hasn’t aged too well in regard to female representation. The twist is given away way too early. I’m interested in more John Silence stories
The Listener 3 Stars
This was less horror or thriller and more atmospheric ghost story. I didn’t think the ending was shocking or scary.
The Sea Fit 5 Stars
My favorite story of the collection, and this is most likely due to its brevity. It is just enough without overanalyzing the oddity of the story. It was very atmospheric and interesting. I wonder if this inspired some of Lovecraft’s work or if that’s coincidence.
The Willows 4 Stars
This is the most famous story in this collection. I loved the first half, but the second half was not extremely interesting. I felt it was too vague but dull at the same time due to the narrator’s voice. Interesting premise though.
Ancient Sorceries 3 Stars
Interesting story that hasn’t aged too well in regard to female representation. The twist is given away way too early. I’m interested in more John Silence stories
The Listener 3 Stars
This was less horror or thriller and more atmospheric ghost story. I didn’t think the ending was shocking or scary.
The Sea Fit 5 Stars
My favorite story of the collection, and this is most likely due to its brevity. It is just enough without overanalyzing the oddity of the story. It was very atmospheric and interesting. I wonder if this inspired some of Lovecraft’s work or if that’s coincidence.
The Willows 4 Stars
This is the most famous story in this collection. I loved the first half, but the second half was not extremely interesting. I felt it was too vague but dull at the same time due to the narrator’s voice. Interesting premise though.
leela_wij's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Loved these stories so much. The writing was brilliant and I loved all of the descriptions of landscape and setting.
ancientbookseller's review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A delightful collection of short stories perfectly poised to instil disquiet in one's soul.
Blackwood doesn't much like cats though.
Blackwood doesn't much like cats though.
missbreathing's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
i_need_organization_skills's review
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
axartist's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0