Title: Dark Possession
Author: Carol Goodman
First published September 3, 2013
320 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780091953133 (ISBN10: 0091953138)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
What would you do to save your loved ones? The answer for Caroline “Callie” McFay is simple: anything.
When her hometown of Fairwick is threatened by an ancient evil, Callie embarks on a perilous journey to find a way to stop it. But her quest takes her beyond the boundaries of time and space, to a land where magic and myth are very real.
In 17th century Scotland, Callie comes face to face with the demon she once loved, and the memories of their passionate affair come flooding back. As Callie races against time to save her town and unravel a centuries-old mystery, she must also confront her own heart and the dark possession that threatens to consume her.
About the Author
Meet Carol Goodman, an accomplished author who has won several prestigious awards for her novels, including The Lake of Dead Languages, The Seduction of Water, The Widow’s House, and The Night Visitors. She also co-authored the Watchtower fantasy trilogy with her husband, Lee Slonimsky.
Her writing has been featured in esteemed publications like The Greensboro Review, Literal Latte, The Midwest Quarterly, and Other Voices.
Carol’s passion for language and literature began at Vassar College, where she majored in Latin and later taught the language in Austin, Texas. After that, she pursued an M.F.A. in fiction from the New School University.
Currently, she shares her expertise in literature and writing by teaching at The New School and SUNY New Paltz. Carol and her family reside in the picturesque Hudson Valley.
Editoral Review
Dark Possession by Carol Goodman is a suspenseful and eerie novel that follows the story of a young woman named Vivi, who finds a mysterious manuscript while cleaning out her parents’ attic. In her pursuit of deciphering the manuscript’s contents and discovering its author, Vivi uncovers a dark secret about her family’s past that sets her on a dangerous and thrilling adventure.
Carol Goodman is an American author known for her gothic and suspenseful novels. Her books often explore themes of family secrets, hidden histories, and the supernatural.
Dark Possession is no exception. The novel is a masterfully crafted mix of historical fiction, mystery, and horror, that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish.
Goodman’s writing style is elegant and evocative, setting the mood and atmosphere of each scene with incredible detail. The characters are well developed, with complex motivations and backstories that keep the reader invested in their journey.
The pacing is spot on, with just the right balance of exposition and action. The novel’s setting is also worth noting.
Goodman expertly weaves together two timelines, one taking place in the present-day Hudson Valley and the other in 19th century New York City. The historical setting adds depth and richness to the story, as well as shining a light on the social injustices and inequalities of the time.
One of the most impressive aspects of Dark Possession is how it balances multiple genres while maintaining a cohesive and engaging story. It combines elements of gothic horror, historical fiction, and mystery to create a unique and unforgettable reading experience.
The supernatural elements are handled with subtlety and nuance, adding an extra layer of tension and intrigue. If there is one area where Dark Possession could improve, it would be in its predictability.
While the novel is expertly crafted and highly enjoyable, some readers may find that the plot twists and reveals are somewhat easy to anticipate. However, this does not detract from the overall quality of the novel.
In conclusion, Dark Possession is a gripping and atmospheric novel that is sure to satisfy fans of gothic horror and historical fiction. It is well-written, well-paced, and full of intriguing characters and plotlines.
Carol Goodman has once again proven herself to be a master of the genre, and fans of her work will not be disappointed. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
Rating: 4/5