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The Magdeburg Relic
The Magdeburg Relic is a novel of the occult, following the genre pioneered by the great storyteller Dennis Wheatley. It may be one of the most significant in that genre since the last of Wheatley’s occult works. The story is set in Wiltshire, a county characterised by a feeling of lost and former civilisations. It follows the main character, Callum Dood, a vicar and occult investigator who uncovers the conflicting forces of paganism and devil worship. Together with his friends, he battles a cult of Satanists for possession of the Magdeburg Relic, the rediscovered relics of Adolf Hitler, intended by them for occult purposes.
After initial skirmishes, action moves to Nuremberg, the site of former Nazi rallies and to a ceremony of necromancy there, where the soul of the ‘Fuhrer’ is raised within the site of the Nazi Parade Grounds. Dood and friends then return to England and pit their wits against their foes in the ruined crypt of a kirk under the former home of the famous occultist Aleister Crowley in Scotland, where they barely escape with their lives.
Later, at Carn Brea on the Wiltshire Downs, a gateway to the underworld is opened through which the Satanists hope to release legions of Hitler’s former followers. There, Dood enlists the help of a pagan sect who still converse in the remains of the former Celtic language of that area and venerate the Celtic god Taranis, in order to defeat his opponents.
After initial skirmishes, action moves to Nuremberg, the site of former Nazi rallies and to a ceremony of necromancy there, where the soul of the ‘Fuhrer’ is raised within the site of the Nazi Parade Grounds. Dood and friends then return to England and pit their wits against their foes in the ruined crypt of a kirk under the former home of the famous occultist Aleister Crowley in Scotland, where they barely escape with their lives.
Later, at Carn Brea on the Wiltshire Downs, a gateway to the underworld is opened through which the Satanists hope to release legions of Hitler’s former followers. There, Dood enlists the help of a pagan sect who still converse in the remains of the former Celtic language of that area and venerate the Celtic god Taranis, in order to defeat his opponents.
432 pages, Hardcover
Published November 28, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 13, 2018
I just didn’t feel as though this was written for me. Initially, the beginning was intriguing as well as fascinating. It was written in such a way which really made me curious.
But I just didn’t care. The characters fell flat to me, with very little depth which I enjoyed or even saw among the characters. And for much of the book I was confused as to what they even wanted in the first place.
None of them had much of any motivations at all, which caused me to just be comepletely unable to immerse myself in it.
Well, this just wasn’t for me. The writing was to my taste, but the characters were particularly bland and the plot felt rather aimless.
But I just didn’t care. The characters fell flat to me, with very little depth which I enjoyed or even saw among the characters. And for much of the book I was confused as to what they even wanted in the first place.
None of them had much of any motivations at all, which caused me to just be comepletely unable to immerse myself in it.
Well, this just wasn’t for me. The writing was to my taste, but the characters were particularly bland and the plot felt rather aimless.
November 6, 2019
Intriguing story and obviously based on plenty of research. It will be of interest to anyone who is a fan of horror stories about the occult and possibly to pagans. Good feeling for the landscape and traditions of Britain.
Unfortunately, the style, for me, came across as stilted and unnatural, with most of the characters failing to come to full life. Chadwick has a rather peculiar way of showing speech, with 'Person A said...' always written first. Also, his characters often spout lists of facts in an unrealistic manner; they would have been better introducing the facts during dialogue as naturally arising from the action.
A book which probably the author has found the most satisfying: if he were to work with an editor he might reach a wider readership. I finished the tale in the end as I did want to see what happened (and have a slight connection to the author) but there just weren't enough of the 'I MUST finish this chapter!' moments, although some of the descriptions were good.
Unfortunately, the style, for me, came across as stilted and unnatural, with most of the characters failing to come to full life. Chadwick has a rather peculiar way of showing speech, with 'Person A said...' always written first. Also, his characters often spout lists of facts in an unrealistic manner; they would have been better introducing the facts during dialogue as naturally arising from the action.
A book which probably the author has found the most satisfying: if he were to work with an editor he might reach a wider readership. I finished the tale in the end as I did want to see what happened (and have a slight connection to the author) but there just weren't enough of the 'I MUST finish this chapter!' moments, although some of the descriptions were good.
March 7, 2026
The Magdeburg Relic catapults historian Lena Weber and cryptographer Marcus Holt into a shadowy quest for an ancient artifact whose secrets could rewrite history. When a close ally betrays them to a clandestine organization working from the shadows, Lena and Marcus must embark on high-stakes escapes through crumbling castles, hidden catacombs, and perilous European streets. Each mission unravels deeper conspiracies, mysterious figures, and dangerous traps, keeping tension taut and the stakes escalating with every turn. Fast-paced and full of intrigue, the novel blends historical adventure, suspense, and intellectual puzzles, making it a compelling read for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike. Overall, The Magdeburg Relic delivers a gripping journey of betrayal, secrets, and daring pursuits, earning a 6.5–7/10 rating for fans of fast-moving, high-stakes historical thrillers.
December 10, 2021
This is a very good read. The author has written in a very readable and attractive way. The book is highly detailed and a product of considerable scholarship. However do not expect it to be chicklit with people giving vent to their feelings whilst committing adultery!
Yet it is interesting and informative in the matter of its aims, which are a general perusal of the occult, naturism, and Druidism. It is also particularly interesting in that it shows how the English language is full of mystical terms which are a part of our everyday speech.
My suggestion is read it. The story starts well, and it has a particularly good ending.
Yet it is interesting and informative in the matter of its aims, which are a general perusal of the occult, naturism, and Druidism. It is also particularly interesting in that it shows how the English language is full of mystical terms which are a part of our everyday speech.
My suggestion is read it. The story starts well, and it has a particularly good ending.
February 22, 2019
The Magdeburg Relic always promised much but eventually delivered little. It's interesting story was often lost in mountains of prose and overly descriptive sections, such as one point when an entire meal is commented on for pages or a drive to meet friends with each road name written down.
At points, it is thrilling, interesting and grips you but these points are rare. I feel it would have made an excellent short story.
At points, it is thrilling, interesting and grips you but these points are rare. I feel it would have made an excellent short story.
October 17, 2017
The book was really interesting, a real page turner! I really appreciated the mix of history and paranormal being a huge fan of urban fantasy books!
Many thanks for giving me the chance to read and review it.
Many thanks to Matador and Netgalley for giving me the chance to review it!
Many thanks for giving me the chance to read and review it.
Many thanks to Matador and Netgalley for giving me the chance to review it!
October 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this occult based adventure with its modern cultural references and contemporary characterization. The authors use of its historical background for this mystery gave it a good feel for me. There was some very interesting elements that made reading this book so easy.
September 4, 2020
Struggled to read very dry
February 27, 2024
Interesting concept-the main strand of the story dark magic of trying to raise Hitler and his cohorts from the dead alongside the thread of druid/celtic/wicca magic still being practiced in rural communities and the final battle to see which magic was stronger.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews