ThTitle
Title: Charlotte Markham and the House of Darkling
(Amazon, Goodreads)
Author: Michael Boccaciano
(Amazon, Goodreads)
Series: None
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Gothic
Format: EBook
Source: Author (met at BEA 2012)
Synopsis:
Debut novelist Michael Boccacino invites readers into the world beyond the realm of the living in Charlotte Markham and the House of Darkling, a Victorian gothic tale of the strange and supernatural. But all who enter this house must beware–for there is a price to pay for visitors who wish to save those they love. The story of a British governess and her young charges seduced by the otherworldly enticements of a mysterious mansion in the forest following the inexplicable death of the former nanny, this Tim Burton-like tale of dark fantasy is a bewitching treat for fans of horror and paranormal fiction, as well as readers who love creepy gothic tales and mysterious shadowy English manor houses. Not since Suzanna Clarke introduced Jonathan Strange to Mr. Norrell, and Neil Gaiman’s Coraline crawled through a secret door into a twisted and sinister mirror world, has there been a journey as wondrously fantastic and terrifying as Charlotte Markham’s adventures in the House of Darkling.
Review:
I met Boccacino at an event during BEA this year, and he sold me on his book. We discussed many books that I enjoyed as well as his upcoming novel. I couldn’t wait to get it in my hands, and he kindly sent me an e-book of it.
The first half was somewhat slow and very typical of a gothic novel. With plenty of story building, and smaller events to pull you into the story, it took some time to really start moving, but once the story picked up pace, Boccacino didn’t stop until the very last page. My Kindle Fire wouldn’t charge correctly and so I was forced to put the book aside for a bit right when the action was picking up. I couldn’t wait to get my issues resolved so I could get back to Charlotte’s tale.
A beautifully told story with smaller stories within puts this book on my keeper shelves. I am a sucker for fairy tales and stories that present a new look at the fairy tale. Boccacino weaves a world around the House of Darkling full of mysterious and unique characters creating a world you can’t wait to visit. And yet, there is something more to this world and that the inhabitants have more sinister motives below the surface.
I’m very impressed with Boccacino’s ability to create such a magnificent world. I only hope that this is not the last we see of Boccacino’s fantastic realm.