Reminiscing Friday: Dawn of the Demontide

A new feature which I'm going to test out from time to time where I highlight reviews, and posts of old to see what I was reading this time last year! Not only just to see what I read reading  but also to show that while there are tonnes of amazing new books coming out, there are always some treasures just waiting to be discovered!

And today I start by highlighting my review of William Hussey's horrific beaut, Witchfinder: Dawn of the Demontide! Released last March I was lucky to recieve a review copy from the lovely folk at OUP!

Since then the second book in the series, Gallows at Twilight has been released and it to is a corker! With the third and final book, The Last Nightfall due for publication in September, 2011 looks set to be a good year for William! Make sure to check out the review HERE! and do not forget to check the books out! Cannot recommend them enough!

News: Gallows At Twilight Cover Art

How incredibly amazing does this look? This is the stunning cover art for the second book in William Hussey's phenomenal Witchfinder trilogy. Gallows At Twilight is published in January (2011), and I for one simply cannot wait. It is one of my, if not my most, anticipated released coming up. The first book, Dawn of the Demontide is among my favourite books of all time. Check out the synopsis for Gallows At Twilight...

"Eight pale hands – some with fingers stripped down to the bone – rose out of the earth. Slimy with rain, the rat-gnawed heads of four soldiers loomed into view. They moaned at the sky and their cry moulded itself into a word: ‘FLLLLLLEEESSSSSSSSHHHHH!’

The Demon Father has escaped from hell and walks among us, his trident symbol branded into the earth in countries all over the world. A scorching beacon. A call to arms. A sign that war is coming.

Jake is struggling to harness his powers and live up to his reputation of the boy who closed the demon door. But now he must push all doubt aside. To stop the Demon Father Jake must change the course of history – embark on a treacherous journey deep into the past and into another dimension, filled with horror and pain. A place where innocent people are tried and tortured. A place where the law of the Witchfinder rules. Let the rushes be lit for there will be gallows at twilight."

Sounds amazing huh? Well there's plenty of time for you to go and get Dawn of the Demontide before Gallows comes out. So what are you waiting for? Buy buy buy! You won't be disappointed. Need more persuasion, click here for my review from March.

Buy Dawn of the Demontide from Amazon UK

Pre-order Gallows At Twilight from Amazon UK

Buy Dawn of the Demontide from the Book Depositary

Pre-order Gallows At Twilight from the Book Depositary

Witchfinder: Dawn of the Demontide [Review]

Written by: William Hussey.

Publisher: Oxford Unitversity Press.

Format: Paperback.

Released: 4th March 2010.

Rating: 5/5.

Official synopsis: "The first in a terrifying trilogy, read on if you dare: Jake could now see the demon fully. Its body was a mass of steely sinew, its arms roped with muscle. Six fingers sprouted from its hands, each ending in lethal talons. The thing did not possess a nose; instead a large hole, bubbling with green mucus, occupied the middle of its face. Mr Pinch's tongue flickered between his teeth and slurped across his fat lips. He was hungry. When a violent storm rages around the little village of Hobarron's Hollow, a young boy is sacrificed 'for the greater good'. His blood is used to seal a mystical doorway and prevent an apocalyptic disaster known only as the Demontide. Twenty-five years later, another boy, Jake Harker, is about to be drawn into the nightmare of the Demontide. Witches and their demon familiars stalk his every move, and his dreams are plagued by visions of a 17th Century figure known only as the Witchfinder. When his father is abducted, Jake must face the terrible secrets kept by those closest to him and a shocking truth that will change his life forever . . .

I have just finished this book after spending the entire afternoon in a bid to finish it. And I have to say that I could not of spent the time better. Absolutely stunning. This is the single-handed best first book in a series/trilogy that I have read in the past few years.

I was gripped right from the word go! The first chapter (well, the prologue really) was a perfect opener. I mean, a boy has his throat slit in the first four pages. That'd make anyone want to read on right? Right!

I really don't know what I can say about this book, without giving too much away. So much happens - it's so jam-packed. Hussey's description is phenomenal - the horror is described with such detail that some scenes left me physically shuddering, and having to pause to calm down. It's that scary in places! Therefore, I wouldn't recommend this book for anyone under 12, or anyone who has a weak stomach! Read at your own risk!

Dawn of the Demontide is the first book in a planned trilogy. It is the kind of book that you find extremely hard to put down. I've had trouble, I'll be honest. A rick-rollocking read that makes you feel like you're on a rollercoaster.

It is amazingly narrated. The twists and turns are brilliant. Kept me guessing right until the end.

Like I said, I really don't know what to say. I'm just completely blown away. I know this review probably reads messy, but I'm just on such a buzz right now. Mr. Hussey, you are a genius and I cannot wait to read the next 2 books, Gallows at Twilight (Jan 2011) and The Last Nightfall (September 2011). William Hussey is one to definitely watch! Go out and get a copy as soon as you can. Seriously, do not miss out!