"Terrific prequel to the Harrow House novels"

Justin Gravesend was born in Cwthshire, Wales in the middle of the nineteenth century to a grim mother and a fiery devout father, who firmly believed in using the rod. Unhappy at home and also feeling like something is missing from his soul, Justin turns to keeping a journal. As he grows up in hell under the abuse of his strict father Justin learns why he feels like a demi-person; his twin died during a plague. Fixated on his sibling, Justin digs up the grave to find his brother did not die from disease, but from a bullet in his head. When his father confronts him for breaking the commandments especially having sex, he clammy refutes their piousness with his knowledge of the homicide.

Now understanding the value of knowledge and information, Justin leaves the coal mines and his fundamentalist parents to make his fortune and find a place where he belongs in the world especially when his uncle sends him to University where he meets the Necromancer in a brothel. Justin Gravesend has found his mentor into the realm of Chymera Magick and his path that will lead to Harrow House.

This is a terrific prequel to the Harrow House novels as readers obtain an intriguing look at Gravesend through his late nineteenth century journal and a scholarly introduction to Necromancy by Rutherford University Professor Wandigaux. Together these segments give this strong "coming of age" horror tale a deep Victorian Era feel. Fans of the series will treasure this brilliant work while newcomers will go chasing after the rest of the series because this clever creative tale is not enough; fans will want the rest of the story.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 9, 2006