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Blood Point
An Irish escape becomes a Midsummer Night's terror inBlood Irish folklore meets modern horror in a fight for survivalWidowed Josh plans a birthday trip to Ireland with his daughter Holly and friends. But luxury soon turns to terror as a dark secret emerges from the mysterious Kinnitty Pyramid.
Josh must team up with an unlikely ally to save Holly, facing a final showdown with a vengeful spirit that hungers for power. Even if they succeed, a grim choice awaits — a life forever changed or a sacrifice beyond imagining.
Blood Point is a chilling blend of folk horror and family drama that will haunt you long after the final page.
Josh must team up with an unlikely ally to save Holly, facing a final showdown with a vengeful spirit that hungers for power. Even if they succeed, a grim choice awaits — a life forever changed or a sacrifice beyond imagining.
Blood Point is a chilling blend of folk horror and family drama that will haunt you long after the final page.
- GenresHorror
360 pages, Hardcover
Published May 6, 2025
About the author
Alexander Lane
3 books8 followersAlexander Lane has almost died on several continents. When he’s not writing, he’s thinking about travelling around our planet or into the stars. Much like Max Headroom, he lives about 15 minutes into the future.
He’ll be wondering whether scuba diving is truly as safe as it is incredible, planning his next trip to somewhere that’s hopefully more fun than fatal, or dreaming of the many ways that space travel could be both wonderful and dangerous. He always buys good travel insurance, and so should you.
He graduated with a distinction from the creative writing MA at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, in 2020. His first published novella is Blood River, and he’s currently working on the first two books of a science fiction series, In Machina.
He currently lives in Birmingham, where there are no snakes or large predators, with his partner and their dog.
He’ll be wondering whether scuba diving is truly as safe as it is incredible, planning his next trip to somewhere that’s hopefully more fun than fatal, or dreaming of the many ways that space travel could be both wonderful and dangerous. He always buys good travel insurance, and so should you.
He graduated with a distinction from the creative writing MA at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, in 2020. His first published novella is Blood River, and he’s currently working on the first two books of a science fiction series, In Machina.
He currently lives in Birmingham, where there are no snakes or large predators, with his partner and their dog.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 18, 2026
4.5☆
Lane takes the reader into an Irish folklore filled tale in Blood Point. Tales of the Sídhe (Good or Little Folk), the Ban-sídh (Banshee) and the Bean feasa (Wise Woman/Witch) are all incorporated within the larger story. These tales help the slow growing horror of what happens. And, they are creepy in themselves!
Be prepared to learn a few Irish/Gaelic words with more consonants and/or vowels than necessary! For example, Bean feasa is pronounced "ban fasa," and the only reason I know this is because I, my Aunties, and generations of grandmothers are all Bean feasa. It's an Irish generational thing.
The format of the novel is a bit unusual. The entire story is told through written, video and audio diaries, letters, DMs and an old manuscript. The story still flows but shifting between several points of view in varying ways causes small stumbles. This makes my rating drop 0.5 points.
Overall I truly enjoyed this novel. I will place it among my favorites.
Favorite Words:
"It is the responsibility of the bean feasa to aid and protect her community."
Róisin Ní Scáthach
Lane takes the reader into an Irish folklore filled tale in Blood Point. Tales of the Sídhe (Good or Little Folk), the Ban-sídh (Banshee) and the Bean feasa (Wise Woman/Witch) are all incorporated within the larger story. These tales help the slow growing horror of what happens. And, they are creepy in themselves!
Be prepared to learn a few Irish/Gaelic words with more consonants and/or vowels than necessary! For example, Bean feasa is pronounced "ban fasa," and the only reason I know this is because I, my Aunties, and generations of grandmothers are all Bean feasa. It's an Irish generational thing.
The format of the novel is a bit unusual. The entire story is told through written, video and audio diaries, letters, DMs and an old manuscript. The story still flows but shifting between several points of view in varying ways causes small stumbles. This makes my rating drop 0.5 points.
Overall I truly enjoyed this novel. I will place it among my favorites.
Favorite Words:
"It is the responsibility of the bean feasa to aid and protect her community."
Róisin Ní Scáthach
April 10, 2026
Blood Point is an irish folk horror for the modern world.
Josh and his daughter Holly are on a glamping trip with his university friends and girlfriend, Maebh. But when they find themselves at a great stone pyramid in a cemetery with solid locks on the door, they find themselves drawn into a battle that has raged for centuries. With a malevolent banshee unwittingly unleashed on the world, it is up to Josh to stop the end of the world as they know it.
This is a really engaging story told through the perspective of video, flashback, and WhatsApp conversations, which add extra elements of pacing. There are multiple timelines to keep you enthralled as the stop unfolds, and the ending is bittersweet and heartbreaking.
The character work through Blood Point is very skilfully done, with character traits unveiled over time, flaws and all. Relationships in the group are complicated to say the least, which gives you an even more gripping read.
When I was young I read a lot of the Irish myths and legends, and Blood Point gave me that nostalgic feeling even as the legends become even more drenched in blood!
This was my first read by Alexander Lane, and it was not a disappointment: I’ll be reading more of his work for sure.
Josh and his daughter Holly are on a glamping trip with his university friends and girlfriend, Maebh. But when they find themselves at a great stone pyramid in a cemetery with solid locks on the door, they find themselves drawn into a battle that has raged for centuries. With a malevolent banshee unwittingly unleashed on the world, it is up to Josh to stop the end of the world as they know it.
This is a really engaging story told through the perspective of video, flashback, and WhatsApp conversations, which add extra elements of pacing. There are multiple timelines to keep you enthralled as the stop unfolds, and the ending is bittersweet and heartbreaking.
The character work through Blood Point is very skilfully done, with character traits unveiled over time, flaws and all. Relationships in the group are complicated to say the least, which gives you an even more gripping read.
When I was young I read a lot of the Irish myths and legends, and Blood Point gave me that nostalgic feeling even as the legends become even more drenched in blood!
This was my first read by Alexander Lane, and it was not a disappointment: I’ll be reading more of his work for sure.
September 12, 2026
Oddly enough, I was visiting Ireland and landed in Kinnitty and actually saw the Bernard Family Pyramid! I thought it was fiction but it’s very real and pretty cool. Also, very good food at Peavoys down the road. Anyway, I enjoyed the book.
June 9, 2025
This story was so engaging I finished reading it in about eight hours. From the opening pages about this group of family and friends; to the tragic end. I am a great believer in folklore, especially about the fairy realm. This story was not the kid version of fairies. Nope this was brutal warfare between a princess and the people who had wronged her. I was truly frightened by the things Norig was capable of; through song. She made people do the unimaginable. History thought she had been properly hidden but little did Black Thomas ‘ family realize they had done the spells wrong. When modern day people entered the tomb they unwittingly disturbed an ancient evil that would have no boundaries. Because so much time had passed and new era people did not believe the old stories; what was about to happen would easily be overlooked. I know most people think of folklore as old stories meant to scare children into being good but maybe there is truth to the old stories, us humans just have been trained to forget. A must read for fans of folklore horror.
May 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The story moves at a good pace and the characters are well developed. It had me hooked from the opening pages.
June 10, 2025
Author interview coming soon - https://beccahughes96.wixsite.com/bec...
Blood Point follows a group of old friends on a trip to a small Irish town. Among them are Josh, his daughter Holly, and his new girlfriend Meabh. The plan is to celebrate Josh’s 50th birthday with drinks and good company while staying at Kinnitty Castle, but things quickly begin to unravel.
Author, Alex Lane leans heavily into elements of Irish folklore throughout the novel. The inclusion of which had me constantly googling names and places. (Sparking this intrigue is a big thumbs up!) He includes references to places such as Kinnitty Castle and the Kinnitty Pyramid, and it was very pleasing when I found out both are real and can be found in Offaly, Ireland. These locations are well known among fans of haunted places and gothic stories, and their inclusion adds an extra layer of atmosphere and authenticity.
The novel is rich with mythological and cultural detail, drawing on lore such as fairy circles and banshees, and featuring traditions like Bealtaine, Midsummer and Samhain. These are not just passing references but are woven meaningfully into the plot, giving the story a strong sense of place and history.
The structure of the novel is distinctive and engaging. The story is presented as an account of what happened to Josh and the group, compiled from diary entries, handwritten notes, and video recordings which have been sent to his friend Alan. At the beginning of some chapters, Alan narrates what he sees in the video footage. Through these observations, we witness disturbing changes in Josh and Meabh, including references to their appearance becoming increasingly unwell and unnatural. The inclusion of the video footage, although read about on a page rather than watched on a screen, create a Blair Witch Project style documentary, or mock-umentary, feel.
The narrative shifts between the present day, with perspectives from the group and Cora, a local Garda, in the summer of 2023, and the past, told through the voice of Roisin, Cora’s great-great-great-grandmother in 1842, as recorded in ‘The Witches’ Book’. These perspective shifts are done clearly, with each being titled according to the character in questions. Additionally, some of the most revealing moments from the past come through the dreams of the characters. This can be slightly disorientating as a reader when it first happens, but then again, it reflects the experience of the characters themselves, who wake with a sense of having not only seen the past but also felt the emotions of those long dead.
Through these points of view we come to learn more about the dark history of the town and the pyramid relating to the Bernard family, specifically Thomas and his sister Marguerite. Whilst the family was also a real family, (which I think adds so much to the story telling and shows the author did some pretty mega research!) I'm not sure how accurate the events were that followed...but who knows!
The Kinnitty Pyramid is introduced early in the novel as the likely source of the group’s troubles. Meabh unaffectionately refers to it as the blood pyramid, a name which, with her Irish accent, could be taken either as a swear or as a chilling fact. Holly's connection to the pyramid quickly grows stronger. It begins to stir thoughts about death and her recently deceased mother. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly why she is more affected than the others, but it could be linked to the folklore trope of certain people being more susceptible to supernatural forces. Given Holly's recent grief and unresolved trauma, it could be argued that her emotional state leaves her more open to the influence of the pyramid. Irish tradition often speaks of certain places and times of year when the boundary between the living and the dead becomes thinner, and this idea recurs throughout the novel.
I really enjoyed Blood Point overall and it was as pleasure to read. I have only recently begun reading horror and whilst there are some gruesome and down right scary moments, I think Lane could have taken this further. My main point of reference is Grady Hendrix's books, some of which feature moments I can barely stand to read...but it in a good way! Of course, there's a fine line between good horror and outright horrible for the sake of it which often feels forced and unnecessary. I think the horror elements from Lane are executed well but for me they could be a littttle spookier. BUT that's personal preference.
Having said that I think many of Lane's spooks are woven throughout the plot in a more subtle way. Yes, there's the obvious violence and inhumane acts but what stuck with me was the aforementioned video footage that the reader only snatches insight into throughout the novel, up until the big reveal. This masterfully fits with the trope of fearing the unknown. As in classic Lovecraftian horror, a shadow, a whisper, a glowing eye, a spooky noise, a fleeting view of any monster is SCARY. However, as soon as that monster is just standing in the middle of the room letting you gawk? I'm kind of over it...
The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown. - H. P. Lovecraft
The characters are convincing and feel three-dimensional. The history between them, both good and bad, is authentic and gives meaning to some of the tough decisions they are forced to make. The modern day dialogue was fast paced and comedic. Which, in comparison made the 1800's dialogue and story telling feel a little slower and content heavy. A small moment to me that felt unclear was the interaction between Patrice and Hope that leads to a fair amount of drama. It seemed out of character and misplaced, purely added in as a plot device, but this may be because the supernatural elements had already started and I was yet to catch up!
The combination of the various Irish accents/dialects and the physical setting of Ireland solidly places the reader within the storyline and leaves them totally engrossed. The topics throughout such as grief, adultery, and finding new love later in life are dealt with sensitively and in a relatable way. These themes span genres but Lane has mindfully utilised them to carry the plot further and inform character decisions. For me there's nothing worse than a character doing something and, as a reader, thinking 'nope, they wouldn't do that...'. The back story we had of the friend group and the internal dynamics ensured this did not happen.
The pace was well balance with a clear increase in tempo towards the climax and ending of the book. Often folklore and supernatural events are used as symbols for the characters feelings figuratively rather than just being part of the plot. This may be the case here for some readers but for me I read it more as purely a solid base for storytelling and using tradition and lore to form the foundations of this novel.
Blood Point is a compelling fusion of folklore and horror, told in a fun and inventive way that makes it stand out in the genre. Fans of gothic mystery and psychological horror will likely find much to enjoy here.
AND YES - fun that the release date is Midsummer!
Blood Point follows a group of old friends on a trip to a small Irish town. Among them are Josh, his daughter Holly, and his new girlfriend Meabh. The plan is to celebrate Josh’s 50th birthday with drinks and good company while staying at Kinnitty Castle, but things quickly begin to unravel.
Author, Alex Lane leans heavily into elements of Irish folklore throughout the novel. The inclusion of which had me constantly googling names and places. (Sparking this intrigue is a big thumbs up!) He includes references to places such as Kinnitty Castle and the Kinnitty Pyramid, and it was very pleasing when I found out both are real and can be found in Offaly, Ireland. These locations are well known among fans of haunted places and gothic stories, and their inclusion adds an extra layer of atmosphere and authenticity.
The novel is rich with mythological and cultural detail, drawing on lore such as fairy circles and banshees, and featuring traditions like Bealtaine, Midsummer and Samhain. These are not just passing references but are woven meaningfully into the plot, giving the story a strong sense of place and history.
The structure of the novel is distinctive and engaging. The story is presented as an account of what happened to Josh and the group, compiled from diary entries, handwritten notes, and video recordings which have been sent to his friend Alan. At the beginning of some chapters, Alan narrates what he sees in the video footage. Through these observations, we witness disturbing changes in Josh and Meabh, including references to their appearance becoming increasingly unwell and unnatural. The inclusion of the video footage, although read about on a page rather than watched on a screen, create a Blair Witch Project style documentary, or mock-umentary, feel.
The narrative shifts between the present day, with perspectives from the group and Cora, a local Garda, in the summer of 2023, and the past, told through the voice of Roisin, Cora’s great-great-great-grandmother in 1842, as recorded in ‘The Witches’ Book’. These perspective shifts are done clearly, with each being titled according to the character in questions. Additionally, some of the most revealing moments from the past come through the dreams of the characters. This can be slightly disorientating as a reader when it first happens, but then again, it reflects the experience of the characters themselves, who wake with a sense of having not only seen the past but also felt the emotions of those long dead.
Through these points of view we come to learn more about the dark history of the town and the pyramid relating to the Bernard family, specifically Thomas and his sister Marguerite. Whilst the family was also a real family, (which I think adds so much to the story telling and shows the author did some pretty mega research!) I'm not sure how accurate the events were that followed...but who knows!
The Kinnitty Pyramid is introduced early in the novel as the likely source of the group’s troubles. Meabh unaffectionately refers to it as the blood pyramid, a name which, with her Irish accent, could be taken either as a swear or as a chilling fact. Holly's connection to the pyramid quickly grows stronger. It begins to stir thoughts about death and her recently deceased mother. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly why she is more affected than the others, but it could be linked to the folklore trope of certain people being more susceptible to supernatural forces. Given Holly's recent grief and unresolved trauma, it could be argued that her emotional state leaves her more open to the influence of the pyramid. Irish tradition often speaks of certain places and times of year when the boundary between the living and the dead becomes thinner, and this idea recurs throughout the novel.
I really enjoyed Blood Point overall and it was as pleasure to read. I have only recently begun reading horror and whilst there are some gruesome and down right scary moments, I think Lane could have taken this further. My main point of reference is Grady Hendrix's books, some of which feature moments I can barely stand to read...but it in a good way! Of course, there's a fine line between good horror and outright horrible for the sake of it which often feels forced and unnecessary. I think the horror elements from Lane are executed well but for me they could be a littttle spookier. BUT that's personal preference.
Having said that I think many of Lane's spooks are woven throughout the plot in a more subtle way. Yes, there's the obvious violence and inhumane acts but what stuck with me was the aforementioned video footage that the reader only snatches insight into throughout the novel, up until the big reveal. This masterfully fits with the trope of fearing the unknown. As in classic Lovecraftian horror, a shadow, a whisper, a glowing eye, a spooky noise, a fleeting view of any monster is SCARY. However, as soon as that monster is just standing in the middle of the room letting you gawk? I'm kind of over it...
The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown. - H. P. Lovecraft
The characters are convincing and feel three-dimensional. The history between them, both good and bad, is authentic and gives meaning to some of the tough decisions they are forced to make. The modern day dialogue was fast paced and comedic. Which, in comparison made the 1800's dialogue and story telling feel a little slower and content heavy. A small moment to me that felt unclear was the interaction between Patrice and Hope that leads to a fair amount of drama. It seemed out of character and misplaced, purely added in as a plot device, but this may be because the supernatural elements had already started and I was yet to catch up!
The combination of the various Irish accents/dialects and the physical setting of Ireland solidly places the reader within the storyline and leaves them totally engrossed. The topics throughout such as grief, adultery, and finding new love later in life are dealt with sensitively and in a relatable way. These themes span genres but Lane has mindfully utilised them to carry the plot further and inform character decisions. For me there's nothing worse than a character doing something and, as a reader, thinking 'nope, they wouldn't do that...'. The back story we had of the friend group and the internal dynamics ensured this did not happen.
The pace was well balance with a clear increase in tempo towards the climax and ending of the book. Often folklore and supernatural events are used as symbols for the characters feelings figuratively rather than just being part of the plot. This may be the case here for some readers but for me I read it more as purely a solid base for storytelling and using tradition and lore to form the foundations of this novel.
Blood Point is a compelling fusion of folklore and horror, told in a fun and inventive way that makes it stand out in the genre. Fans of gothic mystery and psychological horror will likely find much to enjoy here.
AND YES - fun that the release date is Midsummer!
June 23, 2025
This was a fantastic effort that has quite a lot to like about it. The main aspect to be gathered from this one is the incredibly detailed and established storyline that not only works to dive deep into local folklore but also features a remarkable tale on its own. The first half, going through a series of detailed explorations of many of the main characters, their history with each other, and the different history of their shared region of the country that includes the potential hardships that they faced, gives this the kind of in-depth exposition on the group to get to know what’s going on. With everything giving an extra boost by putting a select scattering of phrases with a written-out phonetic spelling to say everything in an Irish accent in the readers’ mind or to include extra bits about localized places or subtext to get an idea of the accuracy of everything going on, there’s a fun starting point to what’s going on.
This aligns with the somewhat intriguing narrative structure, which effectively handles the numerous characters in a stylish, if not always clear-cut, manner. With the presentation focusing on diary entries by the participants while they’re on the fateful trip that spelled their doom, or the broadcasting of videos that were recorded as well, it becomes somewhat of a found-footage documentary about the incidents that occurred. This means that the book brings about a strong stylistic shift when going through their various changes during the trip, as everything starts taking place through this constantly shifting approach in the writing. That can make the linear events somewhat hard to follow, as the storyline is split into three different periods, and characters appear in multiple sections, making it difficult to grasp the plot while working through everything in this linear fashion. It grows more obvious over time, thankfully, but at first does become something of a struggle to acclimate to.
With the different characters and timelines present throughout here, this takes a while to get going on it’s central plot involving the people running afoul of the various creatures living in the countryside who are tied to the history of witches and their attempts at consolidating magic through their collection of specific objects scattered in the countryside. Since we spend the majority of the first half working with the main friend group on their trek around the country for a big birthday celebration during a week-plus trip, the gradual discovery that certain members of the group falling victim to the influence and power of the evil forces comes about very gradually to the point where it’s sometimes hard to tell where the chills are supposed to come from. Even still, there’s not much about this that’s truly detrimental since this comes off as more of a personal preference than anything else.
What’s not a personal preference is the stellar attempts at exploring the genuinely chilling effects in the second half, once it finally starts generating some supernatural elements. Featuring the intriguing setup of the early dreams and visions that were taking place during the trip that get paid off incredibly well over time, the burgeoning dread once it becomes apparent that there’s something wrong with the behavior chances and physical degradation taking place leading to the big confrontations in the last third that focus well on incorporating Irish folklore into the events featured here. Some could make a veritable claim that there’s too much going on and that the odd setup might be a detriment due to the unnatural construction, but given its charm, there’s not much to dislike about it.
4.5/5
This aligns with the somewhat intriguing narrative structure, which effectively handles the numerous characters in a stylish, if not always clear-cut, manner. With the presentation focusing on diary entries by the participants while they’re on the fateful trip that spelled their doom, or the broadcasting of videos that were recorded as well, it becomes somewhat of a found-footage documentary about the incidents that occurred. This means that the book brings about a strong stylistic shift when going through their various changes during the trip, as everything starts taking place through this constantly shifting approach in the writing. That can make the linear events somewhat hard to follow, as the storyline is split into three different periods, and characters appear in multiple sections, making it difficult to grasp the plot while working through everything in this linear fashion. It grows more obvious over time, thankfully, but at first does become something of a struggle to acclimate to.
With the different characters and timelines present throughout here, this takes a while to get going on it’s central plot involving the people running afoul of the various creatures living in the countryside who are tied to the history of witches and their attempts at consolidating magic through their collection of specific objects scattered in the countryside. Since we spend the majority of the first half working with the main friend group on their trek around the country for a big birthday celebration during a week-plus trip, the gradual discovery that certain members of the group falling victim to the influence and power of the evil forces comes about very gradually to the point where it’s sometimes hard to tell where the chills are supposed to come from. Even still, there’s not much about this that’s truly detrimental since this comes off as more of a personal preference than anything else.
What’s not a personal preference is the stellar attempts at exploring the genuinely chilling effects in the second half, once it finally starts generating some supernatural elements. Featuring the intriguing setup of the early dreams and visions that were taking place during the trip that get paid off incredibly well over time, the burgeoning dread once it becomes apparent that there’s something wrong with the behavior chances and physical degradation taking place leading to the big confrontations in the last third that focus well on incorporating Irish folklore into the events featured here. Some could make a veritable claim that there’s too much going on and that the odd setup might be a detriment due to the unnatural construction, but given its charm, there’s not much to dislike about it.
4.5/5
August 25, 2025
Blood Point by Alexander Lane is an Irish ghost story of how an ancient evil terrorizes a group of tourists visiting there for the summer Solstice. Given the mystical elements at work at this time of year, it’s no surprise that a supernatural force long ago destroyed could be resurrected, even by accident. People who are not familiar with the history of ancient landmarks would see something that is “cool” without realizing that it could harbor ancient spirits not to be toyed with.
The story starts slow but it eventually picks up and once that happens, it’s hard to stop reading! I didn’t like the slow start, but I did appreciate how readers are given a chance to get to know the main characters better.
The backstory is told in strong detail and I was very fascinated by it. The backstory was more interesting than the main story, but I still kept reading both. Readers are encouraged to read the backstory, because it contains important information to know about things that happen later in the story.
The way this story is told, with the main characters, is that they are each telling their side of the story. This is good because it fills in a lot of blanks, but it does take a while to go through everything. But even so, their stories are told in so much detail and with bits of other character’s actions that they are pretty much accurate about.
I could totally understand Holly’s fascination with the pyramid, and I did love her idea of having a picnic at the pyramid when celebrating Midsummer Night. I mean, it’s one interesting way to pass the occasion! But little do they know what evil lurks within that pyramid, which of course some of them decide to explore.
As we dive further into the stories of the women who were murdered in the past, this female reader can certainly understand the anger and rage of these murdered women who were crushed under the heel of men. As Holly writes in her journal:
“These three women, they’re in me and around me. Beautiful Norig with her eyes full of stars, her skin like living, polished wood and I can touch her like she’s real, tracing the whorls and grain on her face with my fingers. Whorls. Marguerite told me to use that word. I thought Norig would be hard, like a tree, but she’s soft and warm like me, but with that raw Sídhe power flowing around inside her. It makes me tingle and then I remember where it came from. My poor French boy. Then there’s bloody, naked Eitigh, bruised and scratched from her final journey, the tracks of tears forever cutting through the grime on her cheeks. I’d love to wipe it away, put a bit of colour in her cheeks and eyes, see the girl who seduced a king. And black-lipped Marguerite, her chin cracked and scalded, eyes burning with a cold fury. She’s clever and educated, but all she had to look forward to was children and letting men make choices for her. Her pompous father and those arrogant brothers! No wonder she listened to Norig.” (Ppg. 279-80)
When these women tried to obtain power, they were accused of witchcraft and murdered by men. When they performed actions which other men felt were wrong, they were also accused of witchcraft by men and murdered by men. At the time both murders happened, women had no say, no rights and no kind of equality at all. Men had power over them and they used that power to either keep them subordinate or silence them.
It’s a terrible reminder of the horrors women faced in those days and how important it was for the women’s movement to happen so that women would have rights. So, the symbolism of a woman freeing an abused, murdered and wronged woman from long ago was a beautiful aspect in this story.
And what happens in the climax of the story is amazing! There is so much that is explained and shared in this part of the story. It brings all of the preceding events full circle and everything just falls into place.
The whole story is absolutely amazing. Yes, it starts off slow, but it is so worth it to hang in there for the rest of the story. The pace picks up eventually and it’s hard to stop reading as so many things happen!
Blood Point is a beautiful yet terrifying story of Irish folklore and ancient magic. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys reading Irish stories as well as stories of ancient magic and long-ago tales. It is a thrilling and scintillating story of the quest for power and vengeance. A story told from the POVs of the major characters, it draws readers in and keeps them turning the pages as the drama intensifies, the horrors take hold, and the quest for answers leads to a magical and otherworldly showdown.
The story starts slow but it eventually picks up and once that happens, it’s hard to stop reading! I didn’t like the slow start, but I did appreciate how readers are given a chance to get to know the main characters better.
The backstory is told in strong detail and I was very fascinated by it. The backstory was more interesting than the main story, but I still kept reading both. Readers are encouraged to read the backstory, because it contains important information to know about things that happen later in the story.
The way this story is told, with the main characters, is that they are each telling their side of the story. This is good because it fills in a lot of blanks, but it does take a while to go through everything. But even so, their stories are told in so much detail and with bits of other character’s actions that they are pretty much accurate about.
I could totally understand Holly’s fascination with the pyramid, and I did love her idea of having a picnic at the pyramid when celebrating Midsummer Night. I mean, it’s one interesting way to pass the occasion! But little do they know what evil lurks within that pyramid, which of course some of them decide to explore.
As we dive further into the stories of the women who were murdered in the past, this female reader can certainly understand the anger and rage of these murdered women who were crushed under the heel of men. As Holly writes in her journal:
“These three women, they’re in me and around me. Beautiful Norig with her eyes full of stars, her skin like living, polished wood and I can touch her like she’s real, tracing the whorls and grain on her face with my fingers. Whorls. Marguerite told me to use that word. I thought Norig would be hard, like a tree, but she’s soft and warm like me, but with that raw Sídhe power flowing around inside her. It makes me tingle and then I remember where it came from. My poor French boy. Then there’s bloody, naked Eitigh, bruised and scratched from her final journey, the tracks of tears forever cutting through the grime on her cheeks. I’d love to wipe it away, put a bit of colour in her cheeks and eyes, see the girl who seduced a king. And black-lipped Marguerite, her chin cracked and scalded, eyes burning with a cold fury. She’s clever and educated, but all she had to look forward to was children and letting men make choices for her. Her pompous father and those arrogant brothers! No wonder she listened to Norig.” (Ppg. 279-80)
When these women tried to obtain power, they were accused of witchcraft and murdered by men. When they performed actions which other men felt were wrong, they were also accused of witchcraft by men and murdered by men. At the time both murders happened, women had no say, no rights and no kind of equality at all. Men had power over them and they used that power to either keep them subordinate or silence them.
It’s a terrible reminder of the horrors women faced in those days and how important it was for the women’s movement to happen so that women would have rights. So, the symbolism of a woman freeing an abused, murdered and wronged woman from long ago was a beautiful aspect in this story.
And what happens in the climax of the story is amazing! There is so much that is explained and shared in this part of the story. It brings all of the preceding events full circle and everything just falls into place.
The whole story is absolutely amazing. Yes, it starts off slow, but it is so worth it to hang in there for the rest of the story. The pace picks up eventually and it’s hard to stop reading as so many things happen!
Blood Point is a beautiful yet terrifying story of Irish folklore and ancient magic. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys reading Irish stories as well as stories of ancient magic and long-ago tales. It is a thrilling and scintillating story of the quest for power and vengeance. A story told from the POVs of the major characters, it draws readers in and keeps them turning the pages as the drama intensifies, the horrors take hold, and the quest for answers leads to a magical and otherworldly showdown.
October 6, 2025
Blood Point - Alexander Lane
I have several thoughts about this one.
Let me first give the broad strokes of the plot. Several Europeans, some bound by familial ties, go to visit the Kinnitty Pyramid, a reconstruction of an Egyptian pyramid that actually exists in Ireland. While exploring the pyramid, they release what may be malevolent spirits, who take possession of some of their crew. The problems pile up from there.
There’s a lot I liked here. The writing is superb, really of literary quality. The characterization is all nicely done; the world building is adept.
It’s written in epistolary form, so you get the first-person voices of each of the characters, which results in a lot of great Irish vernacular. I captured this paragraph as an example:
###
Now, our family’s been in this house since practically the Stone Age, and let me tell you, we’ve hoarded some right bits and bobs over the years.
###
There was also a surprising amount of humor, especially when certain characters get possessed by entities from the past, and those entities express confusion at the technology and behavior of modern life.
My main complaint is that there weren’t a lot of surprises to the story; the plot unfurled about as you would expect if you’re familiar with these kinds of tales.
It’s also a pretty verbose book, which is not my usual bag. In a roundabout way, it reminded me a bit of Robert E. Howard, who penned the Conan novels, with its detailed description of the lore of various supernatural characters.
That said, I know some people love a good thick read, and if so, this book should be right up your alley.
4/5 stars.
I have several thoughts about this one.
Let me first give the broad strokes of the plot. Several Europeans, some bound by familial ties, go to visit the Kinnitty Pyramid, a reconstruction of an Egyptian pyramid that actually exists in Ireland. While exploring the pyramid, they release what may be malevolent spirits, who take possession of some of their crew. The problems pile up from there.
There’s a lot I liked here. The writing is superb, really of literary quality. The characterization is all nicely done; the world building is adept.
It’s written in epistolary form, so you get the first-person voices of each of the characters, which results in a lot of great Irish vernacular. I captured this paragraph as an example:
###
Now, our family’s been in this house since practically the Stone Age, and let me tell you, we’ve hoarded some right bits and bobs over the years.
###
There was also a surprising amount of humor, especially when certain characters get possessed by entities from the past, and those entities express confusion at the technology and behavior of modern life.
My main complaint is that there weren’t a lot of surprises to the story; the plot unfurled about as you would expect if you’re familiar with these kinds of tales.
It’s also a pretty verbose book, which is not my usual bag. In a roundabout way, it reminded me a bit of Robert E. Howard, who penned the Conan novels, with its detailed description of the lore of various supernatural characters.
That said, I know some people love a good thick read, and if so, this book should be right up your alley.
4/5 stars.
June 14, 2025
This is a fantastic novel filled with Irish legend, folklore, and accents which tells an absolutely terrifying story.
It's written in an epistolary style, telling the events from videos, letters, journal entries, Whatsapp messages, etc. There are multiple characters but the main focus is on Meabh, an Irish woman, and Josh, an English man. Josh has a daughter, Holly, and they've lost their wife and mother.
On a holiday to a small Irish village to celebrate Joshs' fiftieth birthday, Holly becomes obsessed with an old black pyramid along the woods. It's history is dark and full of blood and we'll hear about it as the book progresses.
One night while messing around, blood is spilled on the pyramid. And this will unleash a banshee type fairy of lore who will possess one of them to gain revenge for things which happened in the past. And it's going to be horrifying!
The other characters all play a part in this and the author does a great job of building each of them and giving them time to shine at certain points.
Since the narrative is told from an almost found footage style, we'll see how each of the characters responded and reacted to the freaky events taking place. But one thing's for certain, none of them will be the same again.
This one is great in my opinion. I realize that this style of storytelling puts some people off but it works perfectly here. It's suspenseful, it gets bloody, and the Irish location, legend, and folklore is fantastic. I highly recommend it.
It's written in an epistolary style, telling the events from videos, letters, journal entries, Whatsapp messages, etc. There are multiple characters but the main focus is on Meabh, an Irish woman, and Josh, an English man. Josh has a daughter, Holly, and they've lost their wife and mother.
On a holiday to a small Irish village to celebrate Joshs' fiftieth birthday, Holly becomes obsessed with an old black pyramid along the woods. It's history is dark and full of blood and we'll hear about it as the book progresses.
One night while messing around, blood is spilled on the pyramid. And this will unleash a banshee type fairy of lore who will possess one of them to gain revenge for things which happened in the past. And it's going to be horrifying!
The other characters all play a part in this and the author does a great job of building each of them and giving them time to shine at certain points.
Since the narrative is told from an almost found footage style, we'll see how each of the characters responded and reacted to the freaky events taking place. But one thing's for certain, none of them will be the same again.
This one is great in my opinion. I realize that this style of storytelling puts some people off but it works perfectly here. It's suspenseful, it gets bloody, and the Irish location, legend, and folklore is fantastic. I highly recommend it.
August 7, 2026
I am a staunch supporter of the idea that fairy tales are genuine horror stories. I love it when fairies behave like the dark, spooky fairies in legends. This time, I was particularly surprised by their ability to possess humans in a way so similar to how demons do in Catholic lore. I wasn’t surprised, however, that humans can behave even more monstrously than monsters. It's sad, but our cruelty knows no bounds.
Although found footage or journals aren't really my thing, this time they didn't pull me out of the story. The plot really flows between the different points of view and the time jumps. The characters are well-developed, and the relationships between them are believable and interesting. The immersion in magical Ireland is both delightful and terrifying. It made me Google a bunch of places and travel through enchanted Ireland from my couch, which is a sign that I’m enjoying what I’m reading. I love it when a book is well-researched. It makes the story solid and rounded.
The bittersweet ending, after so many deaths, blood, and mayhem, was satisfying to me. After all, this fairy tale isn't a Disney story—fortunately.
In short, a highly recommended read.
Although found footage or journals aren't really my thing, this time they didn't pull me out of the story. The plot really flows between the different points of view and the time jumps. The characters are well-developed, and the relationships between them are believable and interesting. The immersion in magical Ireland is both delightful and terrifying. It made me Google a bunch of places and travel through enchanted Ireland from my couch, which is a sign that I’m enjoying what I’m reading. I love it when a book is well-researched. It makes the story solid and rounded.
The bittersweet ending, after so many deaths, blood, and mayhem, was satisfying to me. After all, this fairy tale isn't a Disney story—fortunately.
In short, a highly recommended read.
July 21, 2025
Josh, a widowed father, takes his daughter Holly and some old friends to an Irish village to celebrate his 50th birthday. But when Holly accidentally awakens a vengeful spirit inside a strange old pyramid, their peaceful trip turns into a nightmare. As ancient Irish folklore comes to life, Josh must fight to protect his daughter from a deadly banshee with unfinished business.
October 4, 2025
“Blood Point” completely blew me away. From the first chapter, I was hooked by Alexander Lane’s dark, cinematic storytelling. The tension builds beautifully, every scene layered with secrets, betrayal, and raw emotion. The characters feel real flawed, haunted, and unforgettable. It’s the kind of thriller that makes your pulse race and your heart ache at the same time.
June 8, 2025
Dark, haunting, and unforgettable!
Blood blends Irish legend with real emotion in a gripping tale of a father’s fight against an ancient evil. Atmospheric, fast-paced, and chilling — I couldn’t put it down!
Blood blends Irish legend with real emotion in a gripping tale of a father’s fight against an ancient evil. Atmospheric, fast-paced, and chilling — I couldn’t put it down!
September 10, 2025
Irish countryside ride turned into terror nightmares. Great read. Highly recommend
September 21, 2025
Content warning:
April 1, 2026
Gritty and punchy, with a setting that almost serves as an additional character! Very tactile and descriptive.
June 3, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐ 5/5 stars
Blood Point grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go until the final, heart-pounding conclusion.
Lane has this incredible ability to make you feel like you're right there in the misty Irish countryside, surrounded by ancient secrets and things that go bump in the night.
What I loved most was how the horror builds slowly - it's not about cheap thrills but genuine psychological terror rooted in Celtic folklore. The characters are well-developed, and their reactions feel authentic, which makes me care about their fate even more. There were moments when I had to put the book down just to catch my breath!
The writing is atmospheric without being overly descriptive, and the dialogue feels natural. Lane clearly researched Irish folklore, and the supernatural elements feel authentic rather than manufactured.
My only minor complaint is that I wanted even more backstory on some of the folkloric elements, but that's honestly because I was so invested in this world Lane created.
Perfect for fans of folk horror, Celtic mythology, or anyone looking for a genuinely scary read that respects your intelligence. Can't wait to see where the Nightmare Vacations series goes next
Thank you, Alexander Lane/VoraciousReaders/ for this "AMAZING " eArc in advance in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own volition.
Blood Point grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go until the final, heart-pounding conclusion.
Lane has this incredible ability to make you feel like you're right there in the misty Irish countryside, surrounded by ancient secrets and things that go bump in the night.
What I loved most was how the horror builds slowly - it's not about cheap thrills but genuine psychological terror rooted in Celtic folklore. The characters are well-developed, and their reactions feel authentic, which makes me care about their fate even more. There were moments when I had to put the book down just to catch my breath!
The writing is atmospheric without being overly descriptive, and the dialogue feels natural. Lane clearly researched Irish folklore, and the supernatural elements feel authentic rather than manufactured.
My only minor complaint is that I wanted even more backstory on some of the folkloric elements, but that's honestly because I was so invested in this world Lane created.
Perfect for fans of folk horror, Celtic mythology, or anyone looking for a genuinely scary read that respects your intelligence. Can't wait to see where the Nightmare Vacations series goes next
Thank you, Alexander Lane/VoraciousReaders/ for this "AMAZING " eArc in advance in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own volition.
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