Something Wicked This Way Comes
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
As an orphaned child, Leon owed his survival to his school. Now an adult and a teacher at that same school, he's determined to repay the debt. When an old boy leaves them a ruined orphanage in the Scottish Borders, he heads north to assess the mysterious old building, Vainguard.But Vainguard's history is more terrible than he could imagine. As Leon explores, he discovers that his own tragic past is entwined with Vainguard's, and with the stories of all the children who have died there over the years. Joining forces with local blacksmith Niall, who is still mourning his own daughter, Leon starts to peel away the layers of secrets that hide the truth about Vainguard.But something is watching his every move—something ancient, bloodthirsty, and ready to kill again...Content Warning: This book deals with issues of historic child abuse.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Drawing from the dark history of the Scottish borderlands, this supernatural thriller from Durreson (Philip Collyer vs the Cola Thief) is richly detailed but unevenly told. Leon Kwarteng came to Becky's Children's Trust, a school for orphans, at age six after surviving the car crash that killed his Ghanaian immigrant parents. Almost 30 years later, Leon, now a senior manager at the Trust, travels to the English-Scottish border to inspect a crumbling former orphanage the school has recently inherited. He is shocked to recognize the area from the night his parents died and terrified to discover an ancient evil lurking within the orphanage walls. His only comfort comes from a chance meeting with Niall Forster, a gruff but handsome local blacksmith, grieving the recent death of his daughter. The men band together to hunt the horrific spectral presence feeding on the village's children, developing a romantic connection along the way that may be strong enough to lead them both out of despair. Despite frequent changes in tone and a plodding pace, the diverse, earnest characters will keep readers invested. A huge helping of heart distinguishes this queer ghost story.
