In 1592 the monk Ferdinand de Castile set out to the New World to preach to the natives in the jungle without knowing about their Gods and what power they hold. All that survives is his journal, the ramblings of a tortured soul on the fringes of sanity, recounting tales of a forgotten city long since lost to the rainforest. Now the expedition led by Sir Albert is to attempt to rediscover this city and its secrets. What mysteries and horrors led to the city being deserted by its inhabitants and engulfed by the jungle? Why is the beautiful but enigmatic Lady Athelton so intent on following in the monk’s footsteps? Will the mission lead to the discovery of a city paved with gold and jewels, and fame and fortune for all involved? Or does something more sinister lie in wait in the depths of the jungle?
With aspects of Haggard, Howard, and Lovecraft, this 14000 word novella will transport you to the golden age of adventure, taking you on a journey back to times when brave explorers embarked on expeditions of discovery to far flung lands with little knowledge of where they were going, or what they might find.
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Reviews:
"A good read, not as horrifying as it could be, but descriptive and interesting enough to enjoy"
Reviewer: Angel for Bookangel.
Sir Albert is an explorer leading an expedition for the enigmatic Lady Athelton into the darkest depths of the New World. Following in the steps of the Monk, Ferdinand de Castile, who returned half-sane from his visit in the 16th Century, his journal hints at a hidden city deep in the jungle. Thge closer he gets to the goal, the more driven Lady Athelton becomes in reaching their goal. As they near the end, they find it guarded by a local tribe, one sworn to not release the horror that sleeps within the city. The same horror that Ferdinand de Castile encountered all those centuries ago. Only now, Sir Albert finds that Lady Athelton has known of the secrets all along and desires them for herself.
The Dreaming Demon is an interesting short tale, certainly with nods to Lovecraft and Haggard. The tale is fairly simple following the expedition for the main part and the tension is built up slowly but surely through the course of the story as more is revealed. The book is descriptive, both the details set in England and the nature of the journey through the jungle. The main characters come across as well defined in the short time we meet them although it is a shame only a few are really detailed to any degree. The framing device of a story being told to someone where the story is that of a story being told by someone doesn't really add anything except to try and extend the horror onwards. Not to mention that the story of the Monk is being followed by the characters as well, so it does become fairly layered. The other problem with the story is that while the horror in it is undefined and unknowable, it isn't really horrifying enough or have enough impact on the characters towards the end.
Overall, its a good read, not as horrifying as it could be, but descriptive and interesting enough to enjoy
Rating: 3
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Discussion
rz3300 (28 September 2016)
Wow, this one really seems like a little step out from the ordinary reading, but I have to say that I like that. The New World and darkest depths makes it appear a little mysterious, which is always good. I like it, and it sounds like a lot of different elements here to keep me entertained.
clair02 (28 September 2016)
I totally agree that this is a great read that is very different from the usual fantasies that we see. I love books detailing expeditions and journeys through the jungles and this one is set to be super exciting. I am always up for a good adventure story.
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