To Rise Again

by Stewart Bint

Some secrets are better left in the past. Summer, 1940. Before the German occupation during World War II, the Marquand family flees their home in the English Channel and never looks back. Summer, 1983. The once-opulent Idlewild Mansion is crumbling and derelict. 18-year-old David Simeon dreams of Idlewild years past; in his dreams, he sees a young girl endlessly wandering its corridors. Soon, the threads of past and present begin to intertwine. But what is the connection between Simeon and the shadowy old mansion, and is it too late to stop the darkness that still dwells there?

214 pages, Paperback

Published January 2, 2022

About the author

International novelist published by Creativia, and Dragon Moon Press. Journalist/magazine columnist. Active mental health awareness campaigner, named on the 2016 list of "Inspirational Mental Health Advocates that are changing the world."

Previous roles include radio presenter, newsreader and phone-in host.

Married to Sue, with two grown-up children, Chris and Charlotte, and a charismatic budgie called Sparky.

Lives in Leicestershire, UK. Usually goes barefoot.

Novels: When God's Wind Blows; To Rise Again; The Jigsaw And The Fan; Timeshaft; In Shadows Waiting;
Novellas: The Twitter Bully; Malfunction; Ashday's Child.
Short story collection: Thunderlands.
Non fiction: Up Close And Personal; Up Close And Personal Volume 2

Anthologies: Ghostly Writes Anthology 2016; Looking Into The Abyss; Serious Flash Fiction; Just A Minor Malfunction; Awethology Dark; December Awethology Light; Blood Moon,

Reviews

[Judy Ferrell]

A WWII mystery

A little girl become a spy for Britain in WWII. Then her and her family all disappeared. Years later a young boy helps find the answers. This was so exciting. I was thrilled with all of it just as I think you will be.

[D.M. Cain]

Thrilling supernatural story (and I even learnt some history too!)

Another excellent piece of fiction from this author! This book was gripping, well-written and a real thrill to read. The author has an amazing ability to throw the reader off-guard, and he utilised this extremely well in 'To Rise Again'. The subject matter itself is fascinating, pulling in many different threads from WWII history and the Nazi occupation of Jersey, to the supernatural, and the plot integrated these elements well to produce a book that was really fun to read. There were moments my heart pounded in my chest in empathy with the characters, and other moments when I was so horrified my husband would ask my if I was ok because of the shocked expression on my face as I read!

[George Ring]

To rise again

An excellent book fast moving, beautifully written with many cleverly placed questions and answers never revealing quite all until the very end. We were treated to espionage double double agents triple agents reincarnation traitors and spies. The story tumbled along at a tremendous pace and swept me along with it a marvellous read very highly recommended.

[Stephers G]

As I started to read the pages at the beginning of this book, I was instantly drawn in to the writing style. It was easy to sink into the story and I found myself getting more and more absorbed. Within just a few pages we were drawn into the story and I liked how the character interaction and drama had me engrossed from page 1. One of the biggest interests for me was the 'World War II' elements that were incorporated within the whole story. I have always been fascinated reading about the history of the War and this book not only fed my imagination, but it played on my emotions. I was torn; part of me wanting to read each page quickly and without break so that I could find out how it ended and another part not wanting to read anything that would affect me.

And let me tell you...this book affected me. There were some hard parts to read, which were quite emotional to get to through, but the way in which it is written and handled made this story both harrowing and exciting. There were times when my heart was pounding almost out of my chest! It was engaging and a fascinating, interesting read.

The descriptions of Idlewild Mansion really brought it to life on the pages and I pictured each room clearly in my mind. Not only is the mansion beautiful, but it is also kind of...no, not kind of...IT IS creepy. But I loved the secrets that the old building had hidden. The main character, David was a lovely character and the interactions in the book helped build a clear image of him.

I absolutely enjoyed reading this story. It is such an excellent piece of writing; a story that pulls you in from the very beginning.

Stewart really did do a fantastic job bringing this story to life.

[Helen Norwood]

A house that holds a compelling mystery. What happened in the house during the war? How did an entire family disappear? The mystery drew me in from the start. The writer's descriptions really brought the old mysterious Idlewild mansion to life, and the twists and turns kept me guessing.
I found myself warming to David, the main character, more as the story evolved. At first his character came across as a bit feeble but he became stronger as the story went on. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Moona]

To Rise Again by Stewart Bint is a haunting tale that bridges the gap between past and present, weaving a rich tapestry of mystery and supernatural intrigue. Set across two pivotal timelines—1940 and 1983—the story explores the secrets of the Marquand family and the decaying Idlewild Mansion.

In 1940, the Marquands flee their luxurious home on the brink of German occupation during World War II, leaving their past behind. Fast-forward to 1983, 18-year-old David Simeon becomes captivated by the mansion, now a shadow of its former grandeur. His vivid dreams of a young girl wandering Idlewild’s desolate halls begin to blur the line between memory and reality. As the threads of history unravel, David uncovers a connection to the mansion that links him to a lingering darkness threatening to rise again.

Bint’s evocative descriptions bring Idlewild Mansion to life, its decaying corridors serving as a metaphor for buried secrets and unresolved legacies. The suspenseful narrative, laced with unexpected twists, keeps readers engaged while exploring themes of loss, resilience, and the enduring grip of the past.

At 285 pages, To Rise Again is a spellbinding novel that combines historical drama with eerie, atmospheric storytelling. Perfect for fans of ghostly mysteries and tales of forgotten histories, it delivers an unforgettable journey into the shadows of human memory.

[Richard Shore]

I’ll be honest, as a lover of sailing adventures, if I read the back cover of a book as ‘fantasy, science fiction, horror and paranormal’ – I’d probably put it back on the shelf again. But how wrong I would be.

I’ve just finished Stewart Bint’s To Rise Again, who has an author has not only given me a brilliant read, but also opened me up to other genres.

His mix of story types, characters and plots, makes for a book that captivates you from the start, taking you on a journey switching between World War II and 1983, with Adolf Hitler and his quest for world domination at the core.

I really enjoyed how the plot unfolded, making you guess as to what could happen next, and allowing your imagination to explore every possible avenue.

Sometimes books that jump between years can be confusing, for me anyway! However, Stewart brilliantly describes every twist and plot, so you’re never left thinking ‘what was that about?’, but an overwhelming sense to get to the next chapter.

As my first introduction to other genres, I’m massively impressed, and the next time I’m in a book shop and read a similar back cover – I’m sure I won’t put it down.

[A.J. Griffiths-Jones]

I thoroughly enjoyed the way that the plot rocked to and fro over a forty year timescale, from Nazi occupied Jersey during WWII to the early 1980s. A very well narrated supernatural twist kept me on my toes throughout & the characters were brought to life exceptionally well. This author has a good eye for detail & I look forward to reading more of his work.

[Larry Loveday]

Good book with plenty of twists and turns

No spoilers but this book provided plenty of turns, spies, and evil Nazis. Enjoyable, quick, read and worth your time if you enjoy a thriller with a touch of supernatural.

[jennifer willing]

Excellent story, and well written. Very much a page turner

[Michael Elliott]

Stewart Bint delivers another storytelling triumph with, To Rise Again.
Set on the Island of Jersey, it revolves a mystery surrounding the old abandoned mansion, Idlewild. Young David Simeon has visions of this mansion when the Nazis occupied it...many years before David was born.
Stewart had me hooked from Chapter One. This story combines themes of reincarnation, espionage, mystery and horror to provide a thoroughly engrossing read.
Just when you think everything has resolved itself, the author hits you with a whammy that makes all the previous horror and plot pale into insignificance.
I've never once been disappointed in one of Stewart Bint's novels and To Rise Again continues his unbroken record in the eyes of this reader.