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Thistlebone Book Two: Poisoned Roots
The sequel to the break-out 2000 AD horror graphic novel, in the vein of Ben Wheatley's In the Earth.
It has been over a year since journalist Seema Chaudry accompanied cult survivor Avril Eason back to the village of Harrowvale, the site of her terrifying experiences at the hands of Jasper Hillman’s Thistlebone worshippers, a crazed occult group that believed in an ancient woodland deity. Intended as a cathartic experience, both women were changed forever by what they were confronted with. Now, in the process of researching a book on the Thistlebone legend, Seema believes much of it centres around one man — Malcolm Kinniburgh.
It has been over a year since journalist Seema Chaudry accompanied cult survivor Avril Eason back to the village of Harrowvale, the site of her terrifying experiences at the hands of Jasper Hillman’s Thistlebone worshippers, a crazed occult group that believed in an ancient woodland deity. Intended as a cathartic experience, both women were changed forever by what they were confronted with. Now, in the process of researching a book on the Thistlebone legend, Seema believes much of it centres around one man — Malcolm Kinniburgh.
80 pages, Hardcover
Published May 10, 2022
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39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 31, 2022
After reading the second book, I am feeling like I should have read the first part also. Although the book can be read as a standalone too. As a reader, you can expect a haunting folklore story coming to life in a remote place. The plot has all the chills and thrills with some action and backstory. I particularly liked the graphics and the horror element. I am expecting a third sequel eagerly. The only thing which the book lacks is the intensity of horror. I felt that the plot should have been more dark. Definitely, a 4 star read for me. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me an opportunity to read and review the book.
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February 21, 2022Like so many sequels to perfectly satisfactory horror stories, this didn't really need to exist. But compared to a lot of them, it at least does so in a very eye-catching way and without cheapening the original.
December 14, 2022
'Thistlebone Book Two: Poisoned Roots' by T.C. Eglington and Simon Davis is a horror graphic novel about how evil never dies.
The events of Harrowvale were a year ago, but for journalist survivor Seema, things are still fresh. When a large oak is uprooted and bones are found and a strange mask, Seema knows it's all starting again and it's pointing to one man - Malcolm Kinniburgh.
This was a crazy ride and not for the faint of heart. The story is pretty intense and the art is gory, but I liked this story of ancient evil that lives in the woods.
The events of Harrowvale were a year ago, but for journalist survivor Seema, things are still fresh. When a large oak is uprooted and bones are found and a strange mask, Seema knows it's all starting again and it's pointing to one man - Malcolm Kinniburgh.
This was a crazy ride and not for the faint of heart. The story is pretty intense and the art is gory, but I liked this story of ancient evil that lives in the woods.
July 3, 2023
Yeah, I couldn't wait.
Pros: a really enjoyable look into some of the history related to Thistlebone. More of Hillman and Kinniburgh.
Cons: THERE IS NO BOOK THREE.
Like, seriously. There's no more Thistlebone. What am I supposed to do, just never find out anything more?! How is that fair?! Eglington and Davis, sort this out right now.
Pros: a really enjoyable look into some of the history related to Thistlebone. More of Hillman and Kinniburgh.
Cons: THERE IS NO BOOK THREE.
Like, seriously. There's no more Thistlebone. What am I supposed to do, just never find out anything more?! How is that fair?! Eglington and Davis, sort this out right now.
April 18, 2025
Better story than the first volume! Had the same problem with the art feeling often stiff. The more cartoony recollections of the scouting trip didn't quite work for me, although I think it was a good idea to do them that way.
July 24, 2023
Not as good as the first but still enjoyable. It just sort of…ended? I really hope there’s a book three.
April 17, 2024
Follow up story that shows this folk horror story has more tales to tell. The painted art is an acquired taste, but I really liked some of the visuals.
March 24, 2025
The ending was a bit out of the blue or is it just my idea?
October 26, 2025
Is there a better looking recent comic? Stunning, bloody, dark and twisted.
June 6, 2025
Listen to this, Janice: "Man's sacred pact with the land has been broken in modern times. Old religions celebrated Gods of the land. The rituals and sacrifices to those Pagan Gods were not merely an act of worship. The spilling of blood connected men and women directly to the trees, soil, plants and animals of the forest. Thistlebone echoes the dualist Gods of other Pagan religions, like the Oak and Holly Kings, he represents both the divine and savage aspects of nature. Blood sacrifice is the highest expression of devotion to those aspects."
It seems I never completed a full review when I first read this wonderful British Folk Horror which deserved a re-read now that Volume 3 is winging its way to me.
Set in a rural Village in Northern Britain, it is steeped in local myths and legends. A year after the events in the first volume, Seema is still trying to find out the truth behind the Hillman cult and how his son was able to continue in his name.
She also has suspicions about the local eccentric and when pushed by her publisher, decides to dig deeper into his past and the events during a scout trip, which pre-date the Hillman cult.
Meanwhile a storm has upended a tree in the woods which holds ancient secrets, bringing in archeology teams and more localised interest.
With the truth getting closer to hand, Seema will have to make difficult choices and face the truth of Thistlebone.
A seriously good horror that hits all the right notes. I like the contrasting styles used to explore the Scout trip, which adds an air of whimsy to the horrors that occurred.
A full 5 stars.
It seems I never completed a full review when I first read this wonderful British Folk Horror which deserved a re-read now that Volume 3 is winging its way to me.
Set in a rural Village in Northern Britain, it is steeped in local myths and legends. A year after the events in the first volume, Seema is still trying to find out the truth behind the Hillman cult and how his son was able to continue in his name.
She also has suspicions about the local eccentric and when pushed by her publisher, decides to dig deeper into his past and the events during a scout trip, which pre-date the Hillman cult.
Meanwhile a storm has upended a tree in the woods which holds ancient secrets, bringing in archeology teams and more localised interest.
With the truth getting closer to hand, Seema will have to make difficult choices and face the truth of Thistlebone.
A seriously good horror that hits all the right notes. I like the contrasting styles used to explore the Scout trip, which adds an air of whimsy to the horrors that occurred.
A full 5 stars.
November 20, 2023
Book two pushes on past the original like a fever dream. It’s grim claustrophobia and wildness taps into our fears of the forest. The artwork is glorious and grim.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews