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mxsallybend's review
4.0
My third encounter with the dark imagination of Catherine Cavendish in as many years, Wrath of the Ancients is a book that (rather fittingly) has the feel of a much older story. Like the darkest stories of Poe, Stevenson, and Doyle, it is a slow-burning tale of claustrophobia, madness, secrets, and myths. It may feel oddly structured to some readers, especially with the way it so abruptly departs from Adeline's story to explore other owners of the house, but it all pays off in the end.
This is a story that starts deep in a lost Egyptian tomb, and ends deep within a secret Victorian basement. It is a story of death, obsession, and occult powers . . . a story where nothing is to be trusted, not even your senses. Although slow-burning, it does have its share of scares, with some great scenes of supernatural horror that grab you by the throat and overwhelm you with the putrescence of death.
Where the story kicked into high gear for me was in the second half, when Adeline confides in someone outside the house and they embark upon an enthusiastic purging of the basement and its haunted horrors. There is so much action and drama in that arc, so much advancement of the overall mysteries, that you appreciate the lull that follows as a chance to catch your breath.
If there is one downside to the novel, it's that it relies a little too heavily on coincidences. The fact that Adeline is such a perfect candidate to see Dr. Emeryk Quintillus' final wishes carried out is an excusable one, but there were a few later on (particularly one involving a train) that stretched the old willing suspension of disbelief to a near-breaking point. Really, though, that is a small quibble in an otherwise highly entertaining work of period horror.
If you have yet to read Catherine Cavendish, then Wrath of the Ancients is a perfect place to start.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
This is a story that starts deep in a lost Egyptian tomb, and ends deep within a secret Victorian basement. It is a story of death, obsession, and occult powers . . . a story where nothing is to be trusted, not even your senses. Although slow-burning, it does have its share of scares, with some great scenes of supernatural horror that grab you by the throat and overwhelm you with the putrescence of death.
Where the story kicked into high gear for me was in the second half, when Adeline confides in someone outside the house and they embark upon an enthusiastic purging of the basement and its haunted horrors. There is so much action and drama in that arc, so much advancement of the overall mysteries, that you appreciate the lull that follows as a chance to catch your breath.
If there is one downside to the novel, it's that it relies a little too heavily on coincidences. The fact that Adeline is such a perfect candidate to see Dr. Emeryk Quintillus' final wishes carried out is an excusable one, but there were a few later on (particularly one involving a train) that stretched the old willing suspension of disbelief to a near-breaking point. Really, though, that is a small quibble in an otherwise highly entertaining work of period horror.
If you have yet to read Catherine Cavendish, then Wrath of the Ancients is a perfect place to start.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for review consideration. This does not in any way affect the honesty or sincerity of my review.
kirkw1972's review
4.0
To say this book occurs over around six decades it moves along at a fast pace. The characters from the different eras weave effortlessly between each part of the book with Adeline the common denominator in all but the beginning.
I enjoyed the timeline although I think certain bits could've been a bit longer. I really loved the references to the artists Klimt as well as Trotsky. I know a few bits and pieces about ancient Egypt but I didn't know Cleopatra had a sister so a bit of education for me too!
The nature of the timeline means the characters aren't always as in-depth as they could be except Adeline. And I would've liked more detail on the Cleopatra/Set/Arsinoe relationship and subsequent curse.
Overall I really enjoyed this, it's a fast read and the lead character is adorable. It's sufficiently spooky and gothic. Reccomended
Free arc from netgalley
I enjoyed the timeline although I think certain bits could've been a bit longer. I really loved the references to the artists Klimt as well as Trotsky. I know a few bits and pieces about ancient Egypt but I didn't know Cleopatra had a sister so a bit of education for me too!
The nature of the timeline means the characters aren't always as in-depth as they could be except Adeline. And I would've liked more detail on the Cleopatra/Set/Arsinoe relationship and subsequent curse.
Overall I really enjoyed this, it's a fast read and the lead character is adorable. It's sufficiently spooky and gothic. Reccomended
Free arc from netgalley
beckiebookworm1974's review
3.0
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.beckiebookworm.com
🌟🌟🌟 STARS.
This is my first Book By Catherine Cavendish and I found it to be suitably chilling with an almost gothic feel to it, overall I found this an enjoyable pleasant experience.
"Wrath of the Ancients" tells the story of archaeologist Dr Emeryk Quintillus and his quest and
obsession to resurrect his beloved Queen Cleopatra through any means necessary.
Doing this sets in motion an ancient curse that will have repercussions echoing down through the century.
So this is where our Adeline Ogilvy, a young widow, comes onto the playing field.
Miss Ogilvy comes across as a very sensible, pragmatic, and I would say not easily spooked young woman. I found her to be a very likeable character.
So Adeline is employed under false pretences to journey to Vienna to transcribe the late Dr Quintillus's memoirs. Supposedly being a direct descendant of Cleopatra herself she is needed to complete Dr Quintillus ritual. To be the vessel he needs to restore his beloved Queen.
What follows is a truly frightening and menacing experience for Adeline and all who attempt to aide her in her battle with this old ancient evil.
Now, this is the part of the story I loved and despite initially thinking I was going to struggle with the writing style I soon got into my stride, riveted with not only this eerie Egyptian horror tale but also so immersed in 1913 Vienna.
I especially loved the little snapshots of historical figures intercepted throughout, this was a very nice touch indeed.
Now if I was Rating on this part of the story alone, I would give this a four star all the way.
I couldn't put "Wrath Of The Ancients" down, so needed to know what was coming next.
My main issue was that despite the excellent woven tale I encountered in Part one of this book, Part two itself fell a trifle flat for me.
It seemed rather rushed, as well as short and didn't really flow that well, just my opinion.
In fact, I would go as far as to say, I found it an actual chore.
Surprisingly, I took longer to get through this short part two than its predecessor and it pulled for me, what was a so promising book down slightly.
Thankfully Part three made me smile again especially getting to connect with an Adeline who is now in her Eighty's.
I loved hearing her casual everyday observations of the differences in life she now experiences.
It was So removed from her life in 1918 showcasing the progression of time and its effects.
So It's now 1964 and Markus Von Durnstein resides in that dreaded house, he writes needing Adaline's help, so she agrees to travel to Vienna to assist, though nothing on earth will persuade her to reside in that evil house,(Don't bloody blame her) it's a hotel all though way for Adeline.
The two team up to try and defeat the darkness encroaching, this time hopefully for good.
So I'm gonna break this down as this is a hard one to fairly judge.
Part one - So good, definite four stars.
Part Two - Seemed rushed and too short, two stars at the most.
part three - back on form again, back up to a three.
There is also a very brief afterword which I will get to that in a minute.
so I've decided to meet in the middle and give this three stars.
I also wasn't quite onboard with the style of narrative, as besides the prologue, we spent so much time in Adeline's head, it was a major shock to suddenly find myself in another.
Maybe if an extra point of view had been thrown into part one, I wouldn't have felt as adrift later on, but that's just a personal opinion.
Now for the afterword, I will be short and sweet here.
I didn't like it, thought it was completly unnecessary and it left me with a very bad taste in my mouth indeed.
So there we have it a good solid read, which I experienced a few minor issues with.
Still very much worth giving a go.
So if you like spooky gothic ghost stories with a smidge of horror and if like me you like anything to do with Egyptology give this a go.
Thank you to NetGalley the publisher and the author for providing a free arc of "Wrath Of The Ancients" By Catherine Cavendish, this is my own personal unbiased opinion.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
https://www.beckiebookworm.com
🌟🌟🌟 STARS.
This is my first Book By Catherine Cavendish and I found it to be suitably chilling with an almost gothic feel to it, overall I found this an enjoyable pleasant experience.
"Wrath of the Ancients" tells the story of archaeologist Dr Emeryk Quintillus and his quest and
obsession to resurrect his beloved Queen Cleopatra through any means necessary.
Doing this sets in motion an ancient curse that will have repercussions echoing down through the century.
So this is where our Adeline Ogilvy, a young widow, comes onto the playing field.
Miss Ogilvy comes across as a very sensible, pragmatic, and I would say not easily spooked young woman. I found her to be a very likeable character.
So Adeline is employed under false pretences to journey to Vienna to transcribe the late Dr Quintillus's memoirs. Supposedly being a direct descendant of Cleopatra herself she is needed to complete Dr Quintillus ritual. To be the vessel he needs to restore his beloved Queen.
What follows is a truly frightening and menacing experience for Adeline and all who attempt to aide her in her battle with this old ancient evil.
Now, this is the part of the story I loved and despite initially thinking I was going to struggle with the writing style I soon got into my stride, riveted with not only this eerie Egyptian horror tale but also so immersed in 1913 Vienna.
I especially loved the little snapshots of historical figures intercepted throughout, this was a very nice touch indeed.
Now if I was Rating on this part of the story alone, I would give this a four star all the way.
I couldn't put "Wrath Of The Ancients" down, so needed to know what was coming next.
My main issue was that despite the excellent woven tale I encountered in Part one of this book, Part two itself fell a trifle flat for me.
It seemed rather rushed, as well as short and didn't really flow that well, just my opinion.
In fact, I would go as far as to say, I found it an actual chore.
Surprisingly, I took longer to get through this short part two than its predecessor and it pulled for me, what was a so promising book down slightly.
Thankfully Part three made me smile again especially getting to connect with an Adeline who is now in her Eighty's.
I loved hearing her casual everyday observations of the differences in life she now experiences.
It was So removed from her life in 1918 showcasing the progression of time and its effects.
So It's now 1964 and Markus Von Durnstein resides in that dreaded house, he writes needing Adaline's help, so she agrees to travel to Vienna to assist, though nothing on earth will persuade her to reside in that evil house,(Don't bloody blame her) it's a hotel all though way for Adeline.
The two team up to try and defeat the darkness encroaching, this time hopefully for good.
So I'm gonna break this down as this is a hard one to fairly judge.
Part one - So good, definite four stars.
Part Two - Seemed rushed and too short, two stars at the most.
part three - back on form again, back up to a three.
There is also a very brief afterword which I will get to that in a minute.
so I've decided to meet in the middle and give this three stars.
I also wasn't quite onboard with the style of narrative, as besides the prologue, we spent so much time in Adeline's head, it was a major shock to suddenly find myself in another.
Maybe if an extra point of view had been thrown into part one, I wouldn't have felt as adrift later on, but that's just a personal opinion.
Now for the afterword, I will be short and sweet here.
I didn't like it, thought it was completly unnecessary and it left me with a very bad taste in my mouth indeed.
So there we have it a good solid read, which I experienced a few minor issues with.
Still very much worth giving a go.
So if you like spooky gothic ghost stories with a smidge of horror and if like me you like anything to do with Egyptology give this a go.
Thank you to NetGalley the publisher and the author for providing a free arc of "Wrath Of The Ancients" By Catherine Cavendish, this is my own personal unbiased opinion.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
readbyfred's review
4.0
I enjoyed the book. A victorian horror with an ancient Egyptian theme was great.
The final battle at the home in Vienna was anti climatic for me, but the story was very good.
The final battle at the home in Vienna was anti climatic for me, but the story was very good.
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