A review by booksnbrooches
Ancient Sorceries Deluxe Edition by Algernon Blackwood
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.