the_weirdling's review against another edition
5.0
This is Algernon Blackwood’s version of an Innsmouth type tale. Instead of fish people in New England and the sea, we’ve got rural France, the woods (obvious for Blackwood), cat people, witches, reincarnation (again, obviously), dream states, Satanism, queens, and princesses all in play. It’s a classic. While not as well written as Lovecraft’s Innsmouth, it has a great deal more going on. It’s more richly layered and textured. It’s a story that ought to be more revered by aficionados of Weird Fiction than it currently is.
pilot's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
calalo's review against another edition
3.0
un caso más de Juanito Silencio, en un pueblo de pasado y antiguas brujerías. Sospecho cierta inspiración posterior de parte de los vecinos de Innsmouth
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
cthuwu's review against another edition
3.0
Cats continue to be inscrutable and maybe also servants of the devil—anyone who owns a cat can confirm.