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The Mark of the Shadow Grove
Daughters of the gathering dusk and students of blackest spellcraft, the women of the Schermerhorn clan are enigmas made flesh. Seers for time immemorial, they are keepers of primeval knowledge.
They are wise in the ways of the Old Religion. And they are destroyers of men.
Do the women of the Schermerhorn clan drive the men they encounter to their destruction? Or are their actions governed by specters on the periphery of human consciousness?
The Schermerhorn women will soon learn what dwells in the oldest books and what lurks in the flickering shadows beyond the candlelight.
They are wise in the ways of the Old Religion. And they are destroyers of men.
Do the women of the Schermerhorn clan drive the men they encounter to their destruction? Or are their actions governed by specters on the periphery of human consciousness?
The Schermerhorn women will soon learn what dwells in the oldest books and what lurks in the flickering shadows beyond the candlelight.
245 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2016
About the author
Ross Smeltzer
8 books7 followersRaised in a village in the Berkshires that looks like the setting for a Washington Irving story, I grew up surrounded by overgrown woodlands and tumbled-down, derelict farmhouses. I grew up with an awareness that the past was omnipresent, a slyly pervasive power and a subtle influence on the present.
My fiction has appeared repeatedly in Bewildering Stories magazine, as well as in Quantum Fairy Tales, and Enchanted Conversation, an online fairy tale magazine. My first book, a collection of dark fantasy and Gothic horror novellas titled The Mark of the Shadow Grove, appeared in print in January of 2016. In the near future, my fiction will appear in an anthology by Egaeus Press, in Eldritch Embraces, a Lovecraftian anthology by Dragon's Roost Press, and in Body Parts Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 13, 2016
Dark, gripping and a fantastic read for a debut book.
October 30, 2015
Thank you Fantasy Works Publishing for the ARC.
There is something spooky about reading about dark arts at night, reading this at midnight crept me out. But it is the only time I have to read ebooks, because during the day I reserve my "do as I do example" and read a proper book, with pages.
The story starts in 1821, where a pompous man named Carver tries to seek a mushroom to advance in his research. With him was his assistant Tom met the target person they came for: a lady who calls herself Schermerhorn. The story takes a dark turn when Carver threw a childish tantrum, revealing himself to be nothing more than a fool who wants glory quickly. Soon, retribution arrives swiftly, and Tom was left wondering.
After that. the years fast forwarded to show Alice Schermerhorn became one of the first female to attend the newly co-ed college. This new chapter in the book shows the advancements of sorts. Initially it was a little dull as Alice tries to adjust to a new life as a student of a University. Things soon take a darker turn when the professor tries to dabble at things that he didn't understand. Being a Schemerhorn, Alice is drawn to the darkness and left to pickup the pieces.
The last story was the closing, told by the point of view of a young woman, apparently granddaughter of Alice. It is clear that she was a product of the second story. I am not sure of her motive, but her actions were disturbing as she obeys Grandmother Alice's instructions to perform a ritual. The ending was scary, although my lack of imagination stops me from wondering too much about what happened next.
But the fear the characters feel are palpable, each person had offended the spirits by disrespecting their ways. The wrath when the spirits awoken were quick and vengeful, and quite irreversible as well. I think the message here is do not mess with what you do not know.
The most important lesson here would be one of humility. Even when told, the last protagonist had somehow failed to comprehend the enormity of her undertaking, and paid dearly for it. While it is not a real ghost story, it is still quite scary when things go bump in the night.
There is something spooky about reading about dark arts at night, reading this at midnight crept me out. But it is the only time I have to read ebooks, because during the day I reserve my "do as I do example" and read a proper book, with pages.
The story starts in 1821, where a pompous man named Carver tries to seek a mushroom to advance in his research. With him was his assistant Tom met the target person they came for: a lady who calls herself Schermerhorn. The story takes a dark turn when Carver threw a childish tantrum, revealing himself to be nothing more than a fool who wants glory quickly. Soon, retribution arrives swiftly, and Tom was left wondering.
After that. the years fast forwarded to show Alice Schermerhorn became one of the first female to attend the newly co-ed college. This new chapter in the book shows the advancements of sorts. Initially it was a little dull as Alice tries to adjust to a new life as a student of a University. Things soon take a darker turn when the professor tries to dabble at things that he didn't understand. Being a Schemerhorn, Alice is drawn to the darkness and left to pickup the pieces.
The last story was the closing, told by the point of view of a young woman, apparently granddaughter of Alice. It is clear that she was a product of the second story. I am not sure of her motive, but her actions were disturbing as she obeys Grandmother Alice's instructions to perform a ritual. The ending was scary, although my lack of imagination stops me from wondering too much about what happened next.
But the fear the characters feel are palpable, each person had offended the spirits by disrespecting their ways. The wrath when the spirits awoken were quick and vengeful, and quite irreversible as well. I think the message here is do not mess with what you do not know.
The most important lesson here would be one of humility. Even when told, the last protagonist had somehow failed to comprehend the enormity of her undertaking, and paid dearly for it. While it is not a real ghost story, it is still quite scary when things go bump in the night.
January 7, 2016
I have not read such a wonderful book in a long, long time. My rating only goes up to five stars, but I want to give this book even more. I just want you to stop reading this review, go purchase the book, and start reading it!
There are very few books I have reread (Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel and various Christopher Pike books (in high school)), but I want to reread this one. I feel as if there are many layers to it, that I have not even begun to explore.
The book is split into three sections, starting in the early 1800’s and moving to the early 1900’s. In the first part, we meet Ebenezer Carver and his apprentice Tom. Carver is looking for a way to reanimate dead flesh, and eventually he and Tom find themselves in a small village, and in the company of the Witch of Kinderhook.
The section starts with entries from Carver’s diary, and slowly builds up the tension with strange occurrences and dreams. Tom then takes over and tells us the tale of how they ended up there in the place.
This part is written in a wonderful gothic voice. If the TV shows Salem and Penny Dreadful ever need another writer, I think Ross Smeltzer would be a perfect choice.
The imagery is beautiful and kept me reading, not wanting to skip a single word. And for me that is high praise. A lot of times when a book is super descriptive, I find myself skimming.
The second part happens in the late 1800’s at Pittsfield College, where the antagonist, Alice Schermerhorn, stumbles into Professor Hildersham’s lecture on comparative folklore. The college had recently started accepting female students, so Alice has to work twice as hard to be half as good as her male counterpoints. Alice is so entranced by the lecture and Prof. Hildersham, that she vows to meet him.
We then jump forward a bit and find out that the professor is in an insane asylum. There is no cure for the professor and whatever horrors he had seen that destroyed his mind. Alice feels guilty, and that the research she did for the professor ended him up in the asylum. So for a way to absolve some of her guilt she begins to write down the tale of what had happened.
“Above all: I must talk, and take you to a place where reason in negated and wonder takes hold.”
You can really see Smeltzer’s love of folklore and arcane history in this section. Professor Hildersham goes on tangents that are mini lectures. And we also see various ancient histories while Alice does her research.
This part had me wanting to keep stopping, so I could research the various ages, countries and peoples that were mentioned.
The third part has a more trippy feel to it. It begins with James having a dream about being visited by the mother of vipers. He’s had this dream many times, but finally realizes it’s not a dream, but a prophecy.
About 100 years have passed since the first part, and we’re now in 1923. James is a reporter, and has recently wrote an article on a very rich man, and art lover, who has recently disappeared without a trace. After talking with his editor, he starts to follow the trail to see if he can find out what happened.
James visits Mrs. Vaughn, the man’s wife, and she gives him her husband’s journal. It is the ramblings of a madman, but it leads him to Virginia Schiaparelli, who was most likely the last person to see him.
James has also been seeing a Dr. Holzmann to help him with his troubled dreams. The more he visits Virginia, the more strange his dreams become.
This section as a lot of Roman and Greek Mythology in it, with works perfectly with Virginia’s artwork, and the books tie back to the second section of this story.
I tried to lay the book out as quickly as possible, without giving anything away. It’s a shame that I can’t give any spoilers, because it would make the very brief synopsis, much richer in regards to the story.
All three sections are perfectly tied together. I think anyone who enjoys learning about witchcraft or the darker arts will really enjoy this story. It is just so wonderfully dark, and beautifully descriptive. And even though this is a relatively short book, it felt like a fully completely story.
There are very few books I have reread (Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel and various Christopher Pike books (in high school)), but I want to reread this one. I feel as if there are many layers to it, that I have not even begun to explore.
The book is split into three sections, starting in the early 1800’s and moving to the early 1900’s. In the first part, we meet Ebenezer Carver and his apprentice Tom. Carver is looking for a way to reanimate dead flesh, and eventually he and Tom find themselves in a small village, and in the company of the Witch of Kinderhook.
The section starts with entries from Carver’s diary, and slowly builds up the tension with strange occurrences and dreams. Tom then takes over and tells us the tale of how they ended up there in the place.
This part is written in a wonderful gothic voice. If the TV shows Salem and Penny Dreadful ever need another writer, I think Ross Smeltzer would be a perfect choice.
The imagery is beautiful and kept me reading, not wanting to skip a single word. And for me that is high praise. A lot of times when a book is super descriptive, I find myself skimming.
The second part happens in the late 1800’s at Pittsfield College, where the antagonist, Alice Schermerhorn, stumbles into Professor Hildersham’s lecture on comparative folklore. The college had recently started accepting female students, so Alice has to work twice as hard to be half as good as her male counterpoints. Alice is so entranced by the lecture and Prof. Hildersham, that she vows to meet him.
We then jump forward a bit and find out that the professor is in an insane asylum. There is no cure for the professor and whatever horrors he had seen that destroyed his mind. Alice feels guilty, and that the research she did for the professor ended him up in the asylum. So for a way to absolve some of her guilt she begins to write down the tale of what had happened.
“Above all: I must talk, and take you to a place where reason in negated and wonder takes hold.”
You can really see Smeltzer’s love of folklore and arcane history in this section. Professor Hildersham goes on tangents that are mini lectures. And we also see various ancient histories while Alice does her research.
This part had me wanting to keep stopping, so I could research the various ages, countries and peoples that were mentioned.
The third part has a more trippy feel to it. It begins with James having a dream about being visited by the mother of vipers. He’s had this dream many times, but finally realizes it’s not a dream, but a prophecy.
About 100 years have passed since the first part, and we’re now in 1923. James is a reporter, and has recently wrote an article on a very rich man, and art lover, who has recently disappeared without a trace. After talking with his editor, he starts to follow the trail to see if he can find out what happened.
James visits Mrs. Vaughn, the man’s wife, and she gives him her husband’s journal. It is the ramblings of a madman, but it leads him to Virginia Schiaparelli, who was most likely the last person to see him.
James has also been seeing a Dr. Holzmann to help him with his troubled dreams. The more he visits Virginia, the more strange his dreams become.
This section as a lot of Roman and Greek Mythology in it, with works perfectly with Virginia’s artwork, and the books tie back to the second section of this story.
I tried to lay the book out as quickly as possible, without giving anything away. It’s a shame that I can’t give any spoilers, because it would make the very brief synopsis, much richer in regards to the story.
All three sections are perfectly tied together. I think anyone who enjoys learning about witchcraft or the darker arts will really enjoy this story. It is just so wonderfully dark, and beautifully descriptive. And even though this is a relatively short book, it felt like a fully completely story.
Read
June 1, 2016The first of the official summer reads, you know, the kind where I just kick back on my patio and read and let the story take me where ever it's going to go. Nothing scholarly here, just a good, relaxing, blend of pulpish, old-fashioned creepiness. This book consists of three interconnected and atmospheric stories that in each case take the characters and the reader into the thick woods near Kinderhook, "a retiring town in New York's drowsy upper reaches," founded in 1609 under the Dutch.
The focus here is on the Schermerhorn clan, which, since the oldest times has "mediated" the "liminal space" between "invisible hidden things" and the earthly realm, and in 1821, Katrina Schermerhorn is left to continue the family tradition. Some of the locals view her as a witch, and warn strangers not to go near her secluded home; she sees herself as a healer, a skilled naturalist, and "one who possesses spirit power." The Schermerhorns have also long possessed the secrets of forbidden and very powerful knowledge, and in the first story, "The Witch of Kinderhook," it is this knowledge that drives a would-be necromancer named Carver to seek her out for his own bizarre purposes. The other two stories continue the saga of the powerful Schermerhorn women descended from Katrina; in the next one (also set in the 19th century) "Lord of All High and Hidden Places," a certain Professor Hildersham, who has made his life's work the study of the fertility deity known as the Horned God, finds an assistant in the form of student Alice Schermerhorn. Her task is to locate any old tomes that might have bearing on his research; he, much like Carver before him, has no idea what he's getting into when he decides he must possess certain dark knowledge. The third story, "The Role of Old Blood" (early 20th century), features newspaper reporter Jim Scordato, who is currently seeking the whereabouts of a missing wealthy businessman whose last known contact is with an artist we know only as Ms. Schiaparelli. She, of course, is the start of his search, and he soon finds himself with a different focus altogether.
All three stories are really quite engaging, focusing on the strengths of the women in this clan. The women, in fact, are the strongest characters portrayed here. In all three tales, the belief in reason and science help guide the men to their respective fates; normally reason and science are good things in the "realm in which you and I live," but have absolutely no place in a realm of gods and deities, "the cosmos of invisible, hidden things."
There is most definitely a lot of obvious Lovecraft influence here (for example, old gods, the skin-covered old tomes and even a mention of The Necronomicon), but to the author's credit, this is not a pastiche nor is this story explicitly derivative. The author has definitely put his own spin on things here and he does it well. As far as writing goes, overall the author's done a good job -- he throws you into atmosphere right away, and the uneasiness and the creep factor doesn't let up between stories. While on the whole I appreciated the literary tone he employs here, I must confess that I inwardly cringed when I saw the word "ecosystem" being used in the 1820s setting; a bit of research revealed that the term wasn't coined until 1935. That seemed to me to be just sloppy. Oh well.
Put this one in the beach bag, sit under your umbrella and enjoy. Definitely fun and deliciously creepy -- as I said earlier, just perfect for a summer read.
The focus here is on the Schermerhorn clan, which, since the oldest times has "mediated" the "liminal space" between "invisible hidden things" and the earthly realm, and in 1821, Katrina Schermerhorn is left to continue the family tradition. Some of the locals view her as a witch, and warn strangers not to go near her secluded home; she sees herself as a healer, a skilled naturalist, and "one who possesses spirit power." The Schermerhorns have also long possessed the secrets of forbidden and very powerful knowledge, and in the first story, "The Witch of Kinderhook," it is this knowledge that drives a would-be necromancer named Carver to seek her out for his own bizarre purposes. The other two stories continue the saga of the powerful Schermerhorn women descended from Katrina; in the next one (also set in the 19th century) "Lord of All High and Hidden Places," a certain Professor Hildersham, who has made his life's work the study of the fertility deity known as the Horned God, finds an assistant in the form of student Alice Schermerhorn. Her task is to locate any old tomes that might have bearing on his research; he, much like Carver before him, has no idea what he's getting into when he decides he must possess certain dark knowledge. The third story, "The Role of Old Blood" (early 20th century), features newspaper reporter Jim Scordato, who is currently seeking the whereabouts of a missing wealthy businessman whose last known contact is with an artist we know only as Ms. Schiaparelli. She, of course, is the start of his search, and he soon finds himself with a different focus altogether.
All three stories are really quite engaging, focusing on the strengths of the women in this clan. The women, in fact, are the strongest characters portrayed here. In all three tales, the belief in reason and science help guide the men to their respective fates; normally reason and science are good things in the "realm in which you and I live," but have absolutely no place in a realm of gods and deities, "the cosmos of invisible, hidden things."
There is most definitely a lot of obvious Lovecraft influence here (for example, old gods, the skin-covered old tomes and even a mention of The Necronomicon), but to the author's credit, this is not a pastiche nor is this story explicitly derivative. The author has definitely put his own spin on things here and he does it well. As far as writing goes, overall the author's done a good job -- he throws you into atmosphere right away, and the uneasiness and the creep factor doesn't let up between stories. While on the whole I appreciated the literary tone he employs here, I must confess that I inwardly cringed when I saw the word "ecosystem" being used in the 1820s setting; a bit of research revealed that the term wasn't coined until 1935. That seemed to me to be just sloppy. Oh well.
Put this one in the beach bag, sit under your umbrella and enjoy. Definitely fun and deliciously creepy -- as I said earlier, just perfect for a summer read.
January 15, 2016
Read my full review here -
http://anchoredgypsy.com/2016/01/15/r...
The Mark of the Shadow Grove is a horror novel telling three separate stories loosely connected by the leading women's bloodline and monsters they revolve around. Each ending is a little open, giving them creepish mystery. I don't usually like open endings but it worked so well for this book I can't say anything else would be better. The book explores witchcraft, ancient cults, and necromancy.
Ross Smeltzer has a writing style which could be considered antiquated. His language architecture often reminds me of Wilde, Emerson and Lovecraft. Part of this may be because the book is set in the past so the language style fits its time period. I think there is more to it. Smeltzer possesses the old talent of creating a captivating setting by using long, flowing descriptions. His style is old fashioned. At the same time he manages not to droll. Many of his strongest lines were simple.
"True evil needn't be flamboyant about itself."
The above statement is said in a very colorful setting by a dramatic character. It is one of the most basic lines in the chapter. However, the line caught my attention with it's simple truth. Smeltzer has similar moments scattered throughout his book, and they are my favorite parts of his writing style.
This book is not a light read. It's prose sweeps you in and manages to make mundane things come alive with the dark, gloomy mood Smelter casts over his setting. I wouldn't recommend it for most readers. This book is a certain style built for a certain taste, but the audience it is written for is sure to love it. People with an adventurous, dark and curious side will love it too. The Mark of The Shadow Grove is a gritty example of gothic horror, and I enjoyed it so much I think I will start picking up more of the genre again.
http://anchoredgypsy.com/2016/01/15/r...
The Mark of the Shadow Grove is a horror novel telling three separate stories loosely connected by the leading women's bloodline and monsters they revolve around. Each ending is a little open, giving them creepish mystery. I don't usually like open endings but it worked so well for this book I can't say anything else would be better. The book explores witchcraft, ancient cults, and necromancy.
Ross Smeltzer has a writing style which could be considered antiquated. His language architecture often reminds me of Wilde, Emerson and Lovecraft. Part of this may be because the book is set in the past so the language style fits its time period. I think there is more to it. Smeltzer possesses the old talent of creating a captivating setting by using long, flowing descriptions. His style is old fashioned. At the same time he manages not to droll. Many of his strongest lines were simple.
"True evil needn't be flamboyant about itself."
The above statement is said in a very colorful setting by a dramatic character. It is one of the most basic lines in the chapter. However, the line caught my attention with it's simple truth. Smeltzer has similar moments scattered throughout his book, and they are my favorite parts of his writing style.
This book is not a light read. It's prose sweeps you in and manages to make mundane things come alive with the dark, gloomy mood Smelter casts over his setting. I wouldn't recommend it for most readers. This book is a certain style built for a certain taste, but the audience it is written for is sure to love it. People with an adventurous, dark and curious side will love it too. The Mark of The Shadow Grove is a gritty example of gothic horror, and I enjoyed it so much I think I will start picking up more of the genre again.
January 9, 2016
The Mark of the Shadow Grove is a collection of three short stories following the Schermerhorn women through generations of troubling encounters with the men in their lives. The author has a rich vocabulary, and a talent for evocative description. The characters are just twisted enough for these dark tales, and just likable enough for the reader to worry about them despite their own folly. As each tale unfolds, the reader is carefully reminded of the danger of dabbling with that which cannot be understood. This is an engaging read that will leave you haunted.
January 16, 2016
Ross Smeltzer's debut book, The Mark of the Shadow Grove, is a haunting collection of three stories tied together by family lineage and geography. The dysfunctional blood lines and claustrophobic geography pull the reader into the story. By the second part I was mired in it, unable to surface. The expertly created characters both repelled me and forced me to self-identify with their humanness. They ultimately told me more about myself than I perhaps wanted to know.
The Mark of the Shadow Grove brought the woods alive and the suffocating setting mirrors the dark aspects of ourselves. Despite the fact that this is a work of fantasy, the book explored our humanness. Through Smeltzer's stories, we see gritty and unbearable madness (Alice's story), inescapable evil (James's story), but also the beauty of embracing the dark side, which may not even be so dark after all (Tom and Katrina). Ultimately though, the message is not to meddle with evil because it could eventually overcome and destroy us. I believe I will obey this message.
Excellent first book from Ross Smeltzer and I highly recommend it.
The Mark of the Shadow Grove brought the woods alive and the suffocating setting mirrors the dark aspects of ourselves. Despite the fact that this is a work of fantasy, the book explored our humanness. Through Smeltzer's stories, we see gritty and unbearable madness (Alice's story), inescapable evil (James's story), but also the beauty of embracing the dark side, which may not even be so dark after all (Tom and Katrina). Ultimately though, the message is not to meddle with evil because it could eventually overcome and destroy us. I believe I will obey this message.
Excellent first book from Ross Smeltzer and I highly recommend it.
January 19, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. For my reviews visit GenuineJenn.com
I enjoyed this book. At first I was really thrown off when I saw it was in three parts but not in chapters. I like chapters :) but this was still a really good read. It follows 3 different storylines, really it was time frames with different characters that are all some how attached to the first mysterious women name Katrina. The "witch" of the village who lives in the woods.
This is a very dark, occult type of story, creepy in spots. There is a book that everyone is after in each story and once it is read they disappear or go "insane", just reading Ross's book made me feel twisted and weird. It was like walking with the main characters. The book reads like a journal following the characters through that time frame and weird happens. It is sort of hard to explain without giving too much away. You really should read it but be prepared to go "insane" yourself.
I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
I enjoyed this book. At first I was really thrown off when I saw it was in three parts but not in chapters. I like chapters :) but this was still a really good read. It follows 3 different storylines, really it was time frames with different characters that are all some how attached to the first mysterious women name Katrina. The "witch" of the village who lives in the woods.
This is a very dark, occult type of story, creepy in spots. There is a book that everyone is after in each story and once it is read they disappear or go "insane", just reading Ross's book made me feel twisted and weird. It was like walking with the main characters. The book reads like a journal following the characters through that time frame and weird happens. It is sort of hard to explain without giving too much away. You really should read it but be prepared to go "insane" yourself.
I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
June 23, 2017
The Mark of the Shadow Grove is a dark, twisted tale and I was bewitched by it. I had to read during the day because it scared the crap of me! I know, I'm a scaredy cat. If you like your fantasy dark, especially magic, I highly recommend this book!
My Rating: 4 stars
My Rating: 4 stars
January 24, 2016
I really don't know where to begin, Ross. The one thing I can say is that I enjoyed your book immensely. I see a whole new level of writing in this book that I had not seen in your earlier short stories. Your strongest point in writing is your clear descriptive concrete images that adorn your tale. Two images that I will never forget are markedly visible in the following passages:
"In their new penthouse eyries, New York’s elite were free from the disturbances of their fellows; they could perfect the aristocratic detachment they’d heard was common among the best classes in Old Europe. Segregated from the shuffling and slack-jawed majority—the kin of you and me—they had only to contend with the spoiled air that drifted up from the city streets below: the stink of plebeians like us as we purposefully execute their edicts, and unknowingly play our parts in their machinations."
I can feel New York elite... Rockefeller and Roosevelt types deluxe..
My favorite passage though is the one is near the end of section 1:
".... Hildersham had read from a book of limitless power. He had made a grave mistake. And then we both saw it: a star shone forth in the sky more brightly than all the others. Its light was inexpressible. The other stars, and the waxing moon too, formed a chorus to this new star—a hurtling comet. It seared heaven. In its wake, a twisting train of blue flame and sparkling silver cut through the sky, wriggling in space like an eel. Void-born yet conceived by a man’s words and in a man’s dreams, the blazing star burned red as it penetrated ozone. It outraged our earth, forced itself on her sky. Its flames left a tortuous green scar on the sky. My ears rang, and my head felt as if it would burst. It was as if the earth itself—and all the trees in the woods—were one and screaming. With a thunderous roar, the comet plunged through the clouds and tore into the earth’s fragile skin. As it burrowed into the soil, it detonated the surrounding trees and turned their bark to smoldering coal. The trees nearest Hildersham and I survived the explosion. But they were now sky-scorched, marred by jagged and burning scars on their black hides. Steam issued from them; they hissed, incensed at their desecration. The comet had slammed into a deep hollow not far from Hildersham and me. Had it not buried itself in this yawning depression, deadened its titanic impact in the compacted snow, gorse, and earth, we might not have lived. I regard this now as a misfortune..."
I don't see how any writing can get much better than this. You have done a tour de force here, Ross... Keep up the excellent work I cannot wait for your next novel :-)
"In their new penthouse eyries, New York’s elite were free from the disturbances of their fellows; they could perfect the aristocratic detachment they’d heard was common among the best classes in Old Europe. Segregated from the shuffling and slack-jawed majority—the kin of you and me—they had only to contend with the spoiled air that drifted up from the city streets below: the stink of plebeians like us as we purposefully execute their edicts, and unknowingly play our parts in their machinations."
I can feel New York elite... Rockefeller and Roosevelt types deluxe..
My favorite passage though is the one is near the end of section 1:
".... Hildersham had read from a book of limitless power. He had made a grave mistake. And then we both saw it: a star shone forth in the sky more brightly than all the others. Its light was inexpressible. The other stars, and the waxing moon too, formed a chorus to this new star—a hurtling comet. It seared heaven. In its wake, a twisting train of blue flame and sparkling silver cut through the sky, wriggling in space like an eel. Void-born yet conceived by a man’s words and in a man’s dreams, the blazing star burned red as it penetrated ozone. It outraged our earth, forced itself on her sky. Its flames left a tortuous green scar on the sky. My ears rang, and my head felt as if it would burst. It was as if the earth itself—and all the trees in the woods—were one and screaming. With a thunderous roar, the comet plunged through the clouds and tore into the earth’s fragile skin. As it burrowed into the soil, it detonated the surrounding trees and turned their bark to smoldering coal. The trees nearest Hildersham and I survived the explosion. But they were now sky-scorched, marred by jagged and burning scars on their black hides. Steam issued from them; they hissed, incensed at their desecration. The comet had slammed into a deep hollow not far from Hildersham and me. Had it not buried itself in this yawning depression, deadened its titanic impact in the compacted snow, gorse, and earth, we might not have lived. I regard this now as a misfortune..."
I don't see how any writing can get much better than this. You have done a tour de force here, Ross... Keep up the excellent work I cannot wait for your next novel :-)
April 5, 2016
The Mark Of The Shadow is a fantasy/horror set over a 100 year time period on the East coast of America. The book is split into three short stories all interlinked with women of the Schermerhorn family.
The first story is The Witch of Kinderhook. 1821 New York state, Ebenezer Carver and his assistant, Tom, come in search of a Witch, a women of power who knows the secrets to resurrect life. Carver seeks the ultimate height of immortality and believes this women holds the key.
The second story is The Lord of All High and Hidden Places. 1884 Massachusetts. Alice Schermerhorn meets Professor Hildersham at a lecture about ancient Gods. Alice becomes his research assistant in his pursuit of The Horned God. He believes this God will give his wife the fertility he desperately seeks so he may have a family.
The third book is The Rule Of Old Blood. 1923 New York. James Scordato is a reporter, he is following up the disappearance of a book collector and prominent businessman. James is also haunted by recurring dreams and seeks out a psychoanalyst, who may help him decipher their meaning. His investigative inquires lead him to the intriguing Virginia Schiaparelli, an artist with a dramatic painting of Gaia.
There is a link between these tales, one of madness and gruesome deaths connected with women from the Schermerhorn line. The author writes these tales with long flowing descriptive clever prose and uses a technique where the narrators of each piece speak to the reader on occasions acknowledging the reader and inviting them into the story. The short stories highlight the author's ability to draw a scene with his distinct descriptive prose, as a longer piece I erred towards reader fatigue, needing a break in the flowery narrative, perhaps with different writing styles to match the different characters?
The first story is The Witch of Kinderhook. 1821 New York state, Ebenezer Carver and his assistant, Tom, come in search of a Witch, a women of power who knows the secrets to resurrect life. Carver seeks the ultimate height of immortality and believes this women holds the key.
The second story is The Lord of All High and Hidden Places. 1884 Massachusetts. Alice Schermerhorn meets Professor Hildersham at a lecture about ancient Gods. Alice becomes his research assistant in his pursuit of The Horned God. He believes this God will give his wife the fertility he desperately seeks so he may have a family.
The third book is The Rule Of Old Blood. 1923 New York. James Scordato is a reporter, he is following up the disappearance of a book collector and prominent businessman. James is also haunted by recurring dreams and seeks out a psychoanalyst, who may help him decipher their meaning. His investigative inquires lead him to the intriguing Virginia Schiaparelli, an artist with a dramatic painting of Gaia.
There is a link between these tales, one of madness and gruesome deaths connected with women from the Schermerhorn line. The author writes these tales with long flowing descriptive clever prose and uses a technique where the narrators of each piece speak to the reader on occasions acknowledging the reader and inviting them into the story. The short stories highlight the author's ability to draw a scene with his distinct descriptive prose, as a longer piece I erred towards reader fatigue, needing a break in the flowery narrative, perhaps with different writing styles to match the different characters?
January 27, 2016
The story The Mark of the Shadow Grove by Ross Smeltzer is a stunning reveal into the Gothic world. Each chapter directs and builds the readers expectations of future terror and horror, beginning with the remarkable character of the witless Ebenezer Carver. With each new character and event you feel the tension of impending mystery and lurking violence. I found that I could not put this novel down and read late into the night filled with curiosity and a desire to find out what happened next. The passionate characters were fascinating to me. Witches, Scientists, Academics, Muses…..
The author has a remarkable sense of humor that is cutting, subtle and modern which he uses to good effect to define his memorable characters.
“I studied the place intently as Carver muttered and tried, vainly, to restore himself to his accustomed elegance.”
While the story progresses you begin to have your attention drawn to the importance of the passage of time.
‘The process of creation is but the precursor to decay. The fortress of today is tomorrow’s ruin, the maiden of morning is the crone of midnight, and the hope of a moment is the foundation of regret.”
Finally I enjoyed the romantic setting of the Berkshire region of New York and Massachusetts. The role of tangled woodlands and menacing forests loom largely in creating a sense of danger and suspense. The setting of this story, takes hold and enmeshes the reader, and like a serpent or vine, never lets you go.
Ross Smeltzer is a word smith. I enjoyed the use of figurative and imagery provoking vocabulary and language that is reminiscent of the very best of 19th century literature and is hard to come by in popular fiction.
Loved this story and I would wholeheartedly recommend it.
The author has a remarkable sense of humor that is cutting, subtle and modern which he uses to good effect to define his memorable characters.
“I studied the place intently as Carver muttered and tried, vainly, to restore himself to his accustomed elegance.”
While the story progresses you begin to have your attention drawn to the importance of the passage of time.
‘The process of creation is but the precursor to decay. The fortress of today is tomorrow’s ruin, the maiden of morning is the crone of midnight, and the hope of a moment is the foundation of regret.”
Finally I enjoyed the romantic setting of the Berkshire region of New York and Massachusetts. The role of tangled woodlands and menacing forests loom largely in creating a sense of danger and suspense. The setting of this story, takes hold and enmeshes the reader, and like a serpent or vine, never lets you go.
Ross Smeltzer is a word smith. I enjoyed the use of figurative and imagery provoking vocabulary and language that is reminiscent of the very best of 19th century literature and is hard to come by in popular fiction.
Loved this story and I would wholeheartedly recommend it.
February 14, 2016
I was given a copy of this book from Fantasy Works Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t love this book but I didn’t hate it either, hence the three stars. The things that I liked were the spooky and dark parts that revolved around the Schermerhorn women of Kinderhook and the dark arts. What I didn’t like is the fact that this book is three short stories that cover a long span of time. I feel that it took too long for me to get into the story and by the time I become attatched to one story it ended making me have to start all over again with another one. I am not a fan of books like this but don’t let my opinion keep you from reading this book it that is brilliantly written in a dark and classic style of writing
I didn’t love this book but I didn’t hate it either, hence the three stars. The things that I liked were the spooky and dark parts that revolved around the Schermerhorn women of Kinderhook and the dark arts. What I didn’t like is the fact that this book is three short stories that cover a long span of time. I feel that it took too long for me to get into the story and by the time I become attatched to one story it ended making me have to start all over again with another one. I am not a fan of books like this but don’t let my opinion keep you from reading this book it that is brilliantly written in a dark and classic style of writing
January 23, 2016
An unusual dark tale split into three short stories, covering different era's of the Schermerhorn women's lives and their disturbing encounters with men. Somewhat confusing at times the book weaves an interesting dark arts story that becomes strangely compelling as you read along. His extensive vocabulary fits the era but at times distracts the reader from the story line. Overall it is a dark gothic story that reminds readers not to dabble in what that do not understand. I received this ARC from Fantasy Works Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2016
#5 A book set in your home state #23 A book that is published in 2016
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