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Lychford #2
The Lost Child of Lychford
It’s December in the English village of Lychford – the first Christmas since an evil conglomerate tried to force open the borders between our world and… another.
Which means it’s Lizzie’s first Christmas as Reverend of St. Martin’s. Which means more stress, more expectation, more scrutiny by the congregation. Which means… well, business as usual, really.
Until the apparition of a small boy finds its way to Lizzie in the church. Is he a ghost? A vision? Something else? Whatever the truth, our trio of witches (they don’t approve of “coven”) are about to face their toughest battle, yet!
Which means it’s Lizzie’s first Christmas as Reverend of St. Martin’s. Which means more stress, more expectation, more scrutiny by the congregation. Which means… well, business as usual, really.
Until the apparition of a small boy finds its way to Lizzie in the church. Is he a ghost? A vision? Something else? Whatever the truth, our trio of witches (they don’t approve of “coven”) are about to face their toughest battle, yet!
138 pages, Paperback
First published November 22, 2016
About the author
Paul Cornell
586 books1,470 followersPaul Cornell is a British writer of science fiction and fantasy prose, comics and television. He's been Hugo Award-nominated for all three media, and has won the BSFA Award for his short fiction, and the Eagle Award for his comics. He's the writer of Saucer Country for Vertigo, Demon Knights for DC, and has written for the Doctor Who TV series. His new urban fantasy novel is London Falling, out from Tor on December 6th.
via Wikipedia @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Cor...
via Wikipedia @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Cor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
January 25, 2018
Unfortunately I didn't like this book as much as the first one. I'm not planning on continuing the series!
January 4, 2022
Volvemos a Lychford, ese pueblecillo inglés en las Costwolds situado justamente en la frontera con el reino de las hadas y donde siempre hay más problemas de los que parecen en un principio.
En esta ocasión un fantasma viene arruinar las navidades de nuestras tres brujas.
Este libro es aún más breve que el anterior y tiene un tono mucho más cómico que me ha encantado, aunque no pierde esa carga un poco siniestra a veces.
Una lectura ligera y entretenida que gracias a su ambientación y personajes consigue ser especial.
En esta ocasión un fantasma viene arruinar las navidades de nuestras tres brujas.
Este libro es aún más breve que el anterior y tiene un tono mucho más cómico que me ha encantado, aunque no pierde esa carga un poco siniestra a veces.
Una lectura ligera y entretenida que gracias a su ambientación y personajes consigue ser especial.
October 9, 2018
The witches of Lychford, Autumn, Lizzie and Judith are busy with the upcoming Christmas season and keeping the English village safe.
As Lizzie is busy with preparations at the church for the festivities, two strange things happen. One, a boy appears in a ghostly form and two, a young couple comes to church insisting on getting married in the church on Christmas Eve.
The couple seemed suspect to me from the beginning, as they have all their plans laid out on how exactly they want the ceremony to be. Thrown off with the peculiar ways, Lizzie is trying to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Autumn is busy with her shop and gets involved in a little mystery that leads to a big cover up involving many people of the town. Extracting information and doing physical experiments help her solve the riddle, if not to be stumped by Lizzies apparition of the seemingly lost boy.
Both of the younger witches are losing their training wheels in this sequel to the Witches of Lychford as they are thrust further into the magical realms and the defense of the town.
The novel picks up considerably from the first which makes it a whirlwind of interesting, without losing charm and character. Such a spooky and joyful autumn read. I wonder what’s in store for them next :)
As Lizzie is busy with preparations at the church for the festivities, two strange things happen. One, a boy appears in a ghostly form and two, a young couple comes to church insisting on getting married in the church on Christmas Eve.
The couple seemed suspect to me from the beginning, as they have all their plans laid out on how exactly they want the ceremony to be. Thrown off with the peculiar ways, Lizzie is trying to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Autumn is busy with her shop and gets involved in a little mystery that leads to a big cover up involving many people of the town. Extracting information and doing physical experiments help her solve the riddle, if not to be stumped by Lizzies apparition of the seemingly lost boy.
Both of the younger witches are losing their training wheels in this sequel to the Witches of Lychford as they are thrust further into the magical realms and the defense of the town.
The novel picks up considerably from the first which makes it a whirlwind of interesting, without losing charm and character. Such a spooky and joyful autumn read. I wonder what’s in store for them next :)
November 6, 2016
Lizzie, Autumn and Judith are back to defend Lychford from another attack by demonic forces. As she prepares for Christmas, Lizzie begins to see the ghost of a young boy who seems utterly lost and when she investigates Judith realizes that the two are somehow linked.
This series continues well with a strongly Christian influence and slant, which is interesting given the occult and mythic angles. It will be interesting to see where Paul takes this.
This series continues well with a strongly Christian influence and slant, which is interesting given the occult and mythic angles. It will be interesting to see where Paul takes this.
November 22, 2016
I'm impressed, and I definitely must find myself a copy of Witches of Lychford to read. I found the cover and blurb tempting and, despite having not read Witches of Lychford (how I have missed it is the question) did I find myself quickly engrossed in this book. It's a short story, but it manages to contain a lot of action, humor and some paranormal things like an unhappy little boy apparition. Personally, I just love the love portion part of the story. It gave the story a hilarious aspect.
This may be the first Paul Cornell book I have read, but it will certainly not be the last. I've been interested in reading his Shadow Police series, but now I seriously want to get the first book! The Lost Child of Lychford was a fantastic book, and I hope to read more books about Lizzie and the rest of the gals!
I want to thank Macmillan-Tor/Forge for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
This may be the first Paul Cornell book I have read, but it will certainly not be the last. I've been interested in reading his Shadow Police series, but now I seriously want to get the first book! The Lost Child of Lychford was a fantastic book, and I hope to read more books about Lizzie and the rest of the gals!
I want to thank Macmillan-Tor/Forge for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
December 13, 2022
Although this tale takes place at Christmas, it is not really what I think of as a Christmas story. On the other hand, telling stories of the supernatural during the shortest and darkest days of the year has been going on a long, long time.
Our three witches, Lizzie, Autumn, and Judith, must save their town (and likely humanity and Christmas to boot). They have found an uncomfortable way of relating since the close of the first book. Judith has apprenticed Autumn and Autumn has hired Judith to work in her magic shop. Neither is the boss all of the time, which makes them both cranky. Lizzie is trying to maintain her friendship with both of them without compromising her Christian faith. When a ghost boy appears to Lizzie in her church, she heads directly to the magic shop to consult on the matter.
Perhaps this was not as gripping as the first installment or perhaps I was in a different headspace—I certainly know that the last three years have destroyed a lot of my concentration and that interferes with my ability to appreciate what I read. However, I still enjoyed it very much and will likely read the following Lychford books.
Our three witches, Lizzie, Autumn, and Judith, must save their town (and likely humanity and Christmas to boot). They have found an uncomfortable way of relating since the close of the first book. Judith has apprenticed Autumn and Autumn has hired Judith to work in her magic shop. Neither is the boss all of the time, which makes them both cranky. Lizzie is trying to maintain her friendship with both of them without compromising her Christian faith. When a ghost boy appears to Lizzie in her church, she heads directly to the magic shop to consult on the matter.
Perhaps this was not as gripping as the first installment or perhaps I was in a different headspace—I certainly know that the last three years have destroyed a lot of my concentration and that interferes with my ability to appreciate what I read. However, I still enjoyed it very much and will likely read the following Lychford books.
June 2, 2021
This second volume was quite different from the first.
We're back in Lychford, a few months after the events of the first book. It's almost Christmas and Lizzy, the Reverend, is anxious to do everything right. There's also a couple who inists on being married on Christmas. And then there is a ghost boy appearing to her.
Simultaneously, something is trying to break through the barriers and when Judith and Autumn try to get to the bottom of things, the three witches are being ... attacked?
Something is seriously wrong. So wrong that even the faeries can help, which should really scare anyone knowing anything about their powers.
Most surprisingly, the atmosphere of this book was totally different from the previous one. Where the first was melancholic, this one was giddy and silly and hilarious. Of course, it had to do with the magic that was done to the residents, but it was great all the same. :D
One of my teachers once famously said "the shorter the story, the more important every single word" and this author proves it to be correct. We might "only" get novellas, but the stories are very well rounded, the characters vivid and the magic ... well, magical.
Modern-day problems with magical underlinings (that can easily be explained away unless you're in on the sevret like we readers are) and three women that definitely don't usually feel "kick-ass" but do what needs to be done to save their home - even if it means pissing off the fairy king ().
Can't wait to read the rest (by the rest, this might get a 4.5 stars but it wasn't quite enough for the full rating).
We're back in Lychford, a few months after the events of the first book. It's almost Christmas and Lizzy, the Reverend, is anxious to do everything right. There's also a couple who inists on being married on Christmas. And then there is a ghost boy appearing to her.
Simultaneously, something is trying to break through the barriers and when Judith and Autumn try to get to the bottom of things, the three witches are being ... attacked?
Something is seriously wrong. So wrong that even the faeries can help, which should really scare anyone knowing anything about their powers.
Most surprisingly, the atmosphere of this book was totally different from the previous one. Where the first was melancholic, this one was giddy and silly and hilarious. Of course, it had to do with the magic that was done to the residents, but it was great all the same. :D
One of my teachers once famously said "the shorter the story, the more important every single word" and this author proves it to be correct. We might "only" get novellas, but the stories are very well rounded, the characters vivid and the magic ... well, magical.
Modern-day problems with magical underlinings (that can easily be explained away unless you're in on the sevret like we readers are) and three women that definitely don't usually feel "kick-ass" but do what needs to be done to save their home - even if it means pissing off the fairy king ().
Can't wait to read the rest (by the rest, this might get a 4.5 stars but it wasn't quite enough for the full rating).
November 15, 2016
I absolutely love this novella series. 3 strong women, a small town, some fairy neighbors. What could go wrong :) can't wait for the next one.
September 16, 2019
Loved the individual trials each woman went through, and the way, working together, the three deal with another encroachment of the borders between worlds.
June 3, 2021
Nothing really says Christmas holiday more than a creepy ghost story, REALLY awkward dating moments, and sort of successful magic with a dose of a cyber fae.
After all, 'tis the season to be royally confused.
As for me, I'm enjoying these short novels. This one is rather more romantic in tone than the other that was all focused on friendship, melancholy, and mystery. The mystery is still there, put to new use, but the lighter tone and the shift of focus is a nice change.
After all, 'tis the season to be royally confused.
As for me, I'm enjoying these short novels. This one is rather more romantic in tone than the other that was all focused on friendship, melancholy, and mystery. The mystery is still there, put to new use, but the lighter tone and the shift of focus is a nice change.
November 14, 2016
This was another excellent instalment in Cornell's novella series. By turns terrifying and heartwarming, and although supernatural, manages to perfectly capture small town/village English life in neat little slices.
June 14, 2020
I'm really enjoying this series. Super fun to listen to, and I'll definitely be continuing with the other books!
February 10, 2017
Received to review via Netgalley
I was a little worried I wouldn’t remember enough about the first novella to follow all of this, but I quickly cottoned on again. The characters were fairly memorable, after all, particularly Judith — her cantankerous practicality was as fun and refreshing this time round as last. I felt like that character had a little less screen time, so to speak, while the Reverend Lizzie had more, but it did make sense in the context of the story — Lizzie is really the key figure in the plot, this time. If there are other novellas to come, I’d guess they’d focus on whichever character is more central to the plot.
It does pick up on some interesting threads from the first book, too, like Judith’s husband and what exactly is going on there. It resolves things a little more, as well.
My quibble would be that I saw the problems sooner than the characters — as soon as the couple who wanted to get married on Christmas Eve were mentioned, I wondered — and that it isn’t so fun to read something where characters are out of their own control for much of the story. If that section had been shorter, I might have enjoyed it more.
Originally posted here.
I was a little worried I wouldn’t remember enough about the first novella to follow all of this, but I quickly cottoned on again. The characters were fairly memorable, after all, particularly Judith — her cantankerous practicality was as fun and refreshing this time round as last. I felt like that character had a little less screen time, so to speak, while the Reverend Lizzie had more, but it did make sense in the context of the story — Lizzie is really the key figure in the plot, this time. If there are other novellas to come, I’d guess they’d focus on whichever character is more central to the plot.
It does pick up on some interesting threads from the first book, too, like Judith’s husband and what exactly is going on there. It resolves things a little more, as well.
My quibble would be that I saw the problems sooner than the characters — as soon as the couple who wanted to get married on Christmas Eve were mentioned, I wondered — and that it isn’t so fun to read something where characters are out of their own control for much of the story. If that section had been shorter, I might have enjoyed it more.
Originally posted here.
November 11, 2016
A bit of horror, a wee romance, friendships, ghosts and witches. What's not to like?!
January 17, 2018
My Opinion:
I won this from a goodreads giveaway. It in no way impacted this review.
I liked this book, but, felt all along that I was missing the back story. It can stand alone as a book, but, I would have prefered to read the first in the series beforehand.
The book flowed nicely and it had enough intrigue to keep you reading and turning the pages. Which was a big plus for me. I sometimes can not get through a book because it is just, blah. But, this one is full of turns. I won't say twist cause you know what is coming, but, it's ok. It wasn't as climatic as I would have liked. I felt I knew what was coming all along. Three friends have to figure what is happening in their town right before Christmas and there are supernatural elements to it all. Can they figure it out in enough time? Well, read it and find out!
I do feel you should read these books in order.That way you have a better understanding of the three ladies/witches in the book. This book is not massively descriptive but holds up. I will most likely read the rest in the series if given the chance.
I give this one 3.5 of 5 stars!
I won this from a goodreads giveaway. It in no way impacted this review.
I liked this book, but, felt all along that I was missing the back story. It can stand alone as a book, but, I would have prefered to read the first in the series beforehand.
The book flowed nicely and it had enough intrigue to keep you reading and turning the pages. Which was a big plus for me. I sometimes can not get through a book because it is just, blah. But, this one is full of turns. I won't say twist cause you know what is coming, but, it's ok. It wasn't as climatic as I would have liked. I felt I knew what was coming all along. Three friends have to figure what is happening in their town right before Christmas and there are supernatural elements to it all. Can they figure it out in enough time? Well, read it and find out!
I do feel you should read these books in order.That way you have a better understanding of the three ladies/witches in the book. This book is not massively descriptive but holds up. I will most likely read the rest in the series if given the chance.
I give this one 3.5 of 5 stars!
November 13, 2016
Oh dear, that was quite suspenseful. I was reading at Mach 3 because I absolutely had to know how it ended. My eyes were probably as round as saucers ;)
March 11, 2017
Read in one sitting; excellent fun.
October 25, 2016
Review also published here
The Lost Child of Lychford arrived in my mailbox a few months back, and since I had already planned on reading Witches of Lychford anyway, I figured this was worth reading and reviewing. With all the setup done in Witches, I ended up loving The Lost Child of Lychford more than I did its predecessor. Not only does it fix some of the complaints I had about the previous book, but it also turned into something genuinely creepy.
My biggest disappointment with Witches has got to be the lack of payoff for Lizzie. The new reverend of Lychford had some great early parts, but the conclusion saw her as a bystander for the most part. This novella puts her front and center, to my delight. It confronts her with her own insecurities and the pressure of the holiday season, and throws a wrench into christmas for all involved. While, of course, her friend Autumn is a vital part as well, it is Lizzie who steals the show and comes out the strongest in my eyes.
With preparations for christmas piling up and a couple wanting to marry on the day of days, the reverend is being overwhelmed and frustrated. Songs on the radio annoy her and the recent closeness between Autumn and the old witch Judith leaves her a bit sidelined again. Things just ramp up when a ghostly child starts appearing before her, seemingly asking for help. According to Judith, it might be nothing at all, or an echo of horrors to come for Lychford. It is up to the trio to figure it out and prevent things from escalating to a point of no return.
While this premise is pretty simple, it does the job. It draws the characters in and serves as grounds for big character development and dark mystery. Things are looking really grim for Lychford this time, more so than in Witches, and the tension is building from start to finish. Not only is Lizzie struggling with her personal and professional life, but also with faith and the demands of the strange couple wanting to marry on Christmas Eve. Autumn has to find balance between pursuits of love and friendship, getting herself into awkward situations but also allowing for some acts of heroism, and Judith has to learn to let down her guard around her new friends and reveal parts of her past in the process.
It is an all-around satisfying development for the trio. With the necessary build-up out of the way last time, The Lost Child allows us to get more intimate with its characters, while getting us spooked.
I'm not going to lie: I was halfway through the novella, reading here and there while out or before bed, when I hit a point where I just could not sleep until I had finished the book. The plot got out of hand, bone-chilling and exciting enough to keep me up. I just had to see the conclusion of it all, and how the trio would get out of the mess that was unfolding before them. With Lizzie being the key character, I was wondering how Cornell would play off her faith against the impending doom, and ended up loving that part. Early suspicions exploded and elements new and old came together to make this a suitably halloweeny tale, even if it is set during the holiday season.
Without a doubt, you should read Witches of Lychford first. However, even if you were just about lukewarm on that, this would be a clear recommendation from me. It improves on a lot of aspects that I wasn't so sure about with Witches and tells a damn tense story that puts a new spin on what we'd expect from a christmas-themed story. I'd be happy to see more novellas to come in the future, though it will be tough to beat this one.
The Lost Child of Lychford arrived in my mailbox a few months back, and since I had already planned on reading Witches of Lychford anyway, I figured this was worth reading and reviewing. With all the setup done in Witches, I ended up loving The Lost Child of Lychford more than I did its predecessor. Not only does it fix some of the complaints I had about the previous book, but it also turned into something genuinely creepy.
My biggest disappointment with Witches has got to be the lack of payoff for Lizzie. The new reverend of Lychford had some great early parts, but the conclusion saw her as a bystander for the most part. This novella puts her front and center, to my delight. It confronts her with her own insecurities and the pressure of the holiday season, and throws a wrench into christmas for all involved. While, of course, her friend Autumn is a vital part as well, it is Lizzie who steals the show and comes out the strongest in my eyes.
With preparations for christmas piling up and a couple wanting to marry on the day of days, the reverend is being overwhelmed and frustrated. Songs on the radio annoy her and the recent closeness between Autumn and the old witch Judith leaves her a bit sidelined again. Things just ramp up when a ghostly child starts appearing before her, seemingly asking for help. According to Judith, it might be nothing at all, or an echo of horrors to come for Lychford. It is up to the trio to figure it out and prevent things from escalating to a point of no return.
While this premise is pretty simple, it does the job. It draws the characters in and serves as grounds for big character development and dark mystery. Things are looking really grim for Lychford this time, more so than in Witches, and the tension is building from start to finish. Not only is Lizzie struggling with her personal and professional life, but also with faith and the demands of the strange couple wanting to marry on Christmas Eve. Autumn has to find balance between pursuits of love and friendship, getting herself into awkward situations but also allowing for some acts of heroism, and Judith has to learn to let down her guard around her new friends and reveal parts of her past in the process.
It is an all-around satisfying development for the trio. With the necessary build-up out of the way last time, The Lost Child allows us to get more intimate with its characters, while getting us spooked.
I'm not going to lie: I was halfway through the novella, reading here and there while out or before bed, when I hit a point where I just could not sleep until I had finished the book. The plot got out of hand, bone-chilling and exciting enough to keep me up. I just had to see the conclusion of it all, and how the trio would get out of the mess that was unfolding before them. With Lizzie being the key character, I was wondering how Cornell would play off her faith against the impending doom, and ended up loving that part. Early suspicions exploded and elements new and old came together to make this a suitably halloweeny tale, even if it is set during the holiday season.
Without a doubt, you should read Witches of Lychford first. However, even if you were just about lukewarm on that, this would be a clear recommendation from me. It improves on a lot of aspects that I wasn't so sure about with Witches and tells a damn tense story that puts a new spin on what we'd expect from a christmas-themed story. I'd be happy to see more novellas to come in the future, though it will be tough to beat this one.
October 2, 2016
It's Christmastime, and Reverend Lizzie has more than enough on her festive plate when what looks like the ghost of a small boy appears to her asking for help. She immediately calls on her friends Autumn and Judith, who helped her in defeat the evil corporation in Witches of Lychford.
I really love this series; there's a very English cosiness to the rural village setting, which blends surprisingly well with supernatural forces of evil - rather like the way the local reverend Lizzie is able to be BFFs with the owner of the local magic shop and the local kook. It all somehow works together to make for engaging characters and a compelling story, perfectly balanced humour and horror, darkness and light, with plenty of crap music. Kind of like Christmas, really.
I really love this series; there's a very English cosiness to the rural village setting, which blends surprisingly well with supernatural forces of evil - rather like the way the local reverend Lizzie is able to be BFFs with the owner of the local magic shop and the local kook. It all somehow works together to make for engaging characters and a compelling story, perfectly balanced humour and horror, darkness and light, with plenty of crap music. Kind of like Christmas, really.
October 24, 2016
Wow, just wow. I read this in one sitting because, well, how could I not? The three witches we are introduced to in The Witches of Lychford are once again called upon to fight dark forces messing with the boundaries of the town and threatening to destroy Christmas. For such a short book, Paul Cornell has this jam packed with action without it feeling forced or rushed. I really hope he continues with this series.
December 4, 2016
Quirky and fun. A very interesting story with a Christmas setting.
The trio of witches built up a great chemistry through the first installment and it carries well here.
Imaginative in many ways , although a few steps in the plot seemed a little easy.
It had the feel of a good Christmas special on TV
The trio of witches built up a great chemistry through the first installment and it carries well here.
Imaginative in many ways , although a few steps in the plot seemed a little easy.
It had the feel of a good Christmas special on TV
June 15, 2018
Oh man, this Lychford novella was super creepy! Which means it was an excellent Christmas-themed read! I love my horror stories set during Santa season :D Our favourite vicar is haunted by a strange little ghost, and everyone in Lychford seems... off. Or lost. Definitely a lot of suspense in this one! I remain utterly terrified of some of the happenings to our dear witches...
November 1, 2016
4.5/5.0
November 28, 2020
The first followup to Witches of Lychford has more horror elements than its predecessor (I'm still a bit horrified about what happened with one of the main characters, let alone the title character referenced by "the lost child." I'm still enjoying the series, though, and I'm curious to see what will happen next given the removal of a personal obstacle for one of the witches.
December 15, 2020
This was fine.
The first one was better, and maybe I would have enjoyed this more if I had read it straight through. I think part of the problem is that I struggle with the novella format. Some things seemed a bit rushed, but at the same time, I wasn't terribly captivated by the plot so I wasn't exactly aching for more.
The first one was better, and maybe I would have enjoyed this more if I had read it straight through. I think part of the problem is that I struggle with the novella format. Some things seemed a bit rushed, but at the same time, I wasn't terribly captivated by the plot so I wasn't exactly aching for more.
February 4, 2017
Sadly not as good as the first one, but still an enjoyable story.
October 8, 2020
I’m sitting here rewriting sentences about how well Cornell does dark fantasy, and how he’s able to infuse modern British culture, especially aspects that are usually treated as comforting and familiar, with terror and critique, when really I should be talking about this book, this story, and not his general way with world-building. So. Let’s just accept the setting and vibe are great and also My Thing, and move on.
Which is hard, since this is a novella, and I can’t say a whole lot or I’ll spoil it. I still like the witches and the way Cornell’s written them as the traditional coven triad but also not. I think the vicar’s my favourite, though. She’s so much the heart of the group, and definitely the main character here. I also loved seeing the magic system elaborated on, and the way the interdimensional weirdness manifested this time, and by “loved” in that last case, I mean “hated and could not look away because what?” Again, I have to say, Cornell does fantastic horror.
I’m not sure how I feel about the pacing, though I often have that sort of complaint with novellas. It’s exactly as long as it should be, but the “levelling up” moments didn’t hit the beats I expected, the antagonists are essentially creating side plots for funsies and it took me a while to pin down their goal, and the moments of recognition and taking charge felt a bit muted. I honestly feel like was a) reading too fast b) missing some deeper knowledge of, say, the Christmas ghost story genre c) both. So likely at least partly a me-problem, but keep in mind that plot is a bit unusual.
And I was more aware reading this than I usually am that this story was an installment in something greater. It’s perfectly satisfying and complete on its own, but the characters start out partway through their development and their growth isn’t finished at the end either, and neither fact can be ignored or written off. There are elements within the world too that are clearly building to something greater. I liked reading this, I really liked what Cornell did from a writer’s standpoint, but I think this series is really going to shine when taken as a complete whole. You’ll be able to see the shape of it better then, I suspect, and I think there’ll be less sense of things left hanging.
This is definitely a series (and an author) I rec, especially if you like to be unsettled by mundane things or want a modern take on witches, but prepare yourself to start at the beginning and binge, or reread the previous book, neither of which I did. Unfortunately. I’ll have to remember that advice for when I pick up the rest of the series.
6.5/10
Which is hard, since this is a novella, and I can’t say a whole lot or I’ll spoil it. I still like the witches and the way Cornell’s written them as the traditional coven triad but also not. I think the vicar’s my favourite, though. She’s so much the heart of the group, and definitely the main character here. I also loved seeing the magic system elaborated on, and the way the interdimensional weirdness manifested this time, and by “loved” in that last case, I mean “hated and could not look away because what?” Again, I have to say, Cornell does fantastic horror.
I’m not sure how I feel about the pacing, though I often have that sort of complaint with novellas. It’s exactly as long as it should be, but the “levelling up” moments didn’t hit the beats I expected, the antagonists are essentially creating side plots for funsies and it took me a while to pin down their goal, and the moments of recognition and taking charge felt a bit muted. I honestly feel like was a) reading too fast b) missing some deeper knowledge of, say, the Christmas ghost story genre c) both. So likely at least partly a me-problem, but keep in mind that plot is a bit unusual.
And I was more aware reading this than I usually am that this story was an installment in something greater. It’s perfectly satisfying and complete on its own, but the characters start out partway through their development and their growth isn’t finished at the end either, and neither fact can be ignored or written off. There are elements within the world too that are clearly building to something greater. I liked reading this, I really liked what Cornell did from a writer’s standpoint, but I think this series is really going to shine when taken as a complete whole. You’ll be able to see the shape of it better then, I suspect, and I think there’ll be less sense of things left hanging.
This is definitely a series (and an author) I rec, especially if you like to be unsettled by mundane things or want a modern take on witches, but prepare yourself to start at the beginning and binge, or reread the previous book, neither of which I did. Unfortunately. I’ll have to remember that advice for when I pick up the rest of the series.
6.5/10
November 26, 2016
I'm grateful to the publisher for an advance copy via NetGalley
I am NOT Paul Cornell. Like him, however, I am married to a Church of England priest and live in a small community in Southern England. So I am loving this series (see here for review of The Witches of Lychford) as much for its depiction of the joys and frustrations of life in such a community, as for the supernatural spooky stuff.
The supernatural, spooky stuff is, is though, magnificently done, truly eerie and frightening. Lychford seems to be something of a spiritual front line, its streets carefully oriented to defend the town against incursions from outside and a trio of 'witches' - Lizzie, the new Vicar, Autumn, proprietor of the town's New Age shop and Judith, more of a traditional witchy type - on guard against incursions. The supportive grumbling between the three women is one of the nice points of this story.
Like the previous previous book, this is short, a novella but - with the setting and characters now established - more of it can focus on plot and building tension, so it perhaps works slightly better in this length than Witches did - not to say that wasn't a great read, but you perhaps get more story here.
Again, Lychford is under attack but it's a more subtle, almost snide kind of attack and some of it has clearly taken place offstage, as it were. We're left - for a bit - to divine just what's going on, as Judith continues to care for her revenant husband, Autumn looks after her shop and Lizzie devotes herself to the rush of Chtistmas activities, supplemented by a couple from Swindon who want their wedding on Christmas Eve. (If there's ever a suggestion of a Christmas Eve wedding here me, my son and the dog will take drastic measures, up to and including organ sabotage). Is there a bad case of the midwinter blues (plus overwork) going on here or something sinister? This being Lychford, we can guess the answer...
Cornell gradually ratchets up tension, keeping the reader guessing about just what is going to happen (and about the place of that little lost ghost in it all). Then he springs his trap and all seems hopeless. In the darkest part of the year, the dark seems to be rising...
A wonderful, chilly tale, whether you treat it as a Christmas ghost story or a slice of cosmic horror. The author is clearly having fun with Lychford - and the Church! - and I hope there are more of these coming.
I am NOT Paul Cornell. Like him, however, I am married to a Church of England priest and live in a small community in Southern England. So I am loving this series (see here for review of The Witches of Lychford) as much for its depiction of the joys and frustrations of life in such a community, as for the supernatural spooky stuff.
The supernatural, spooky stuff is, is though, magnificently done, truly eerie and frightening. Lychford seems to be something of a spiritual front line, its streets carefully oriented to defend the town against incursions from outside and a trio of 'witches' - Lizzie, the new Vicar, Autumn, proprietor of the town's New Age shop and Judith, more of a traditional witchy type - on guard against incursions. The supportive grumbling between the three women is one of the nice points of this story.
Like the previous previous book, this is short, a novella but - with the setting and characters now established - more of it can focus on plot and building tension, so it perhaps works slightly better in this length than Witches did - not to say that wasn't a great read, but you perhaps get more story here.
Again, Lychford is under attack but it's a more subtle, almost snide kind of attack and some of it has clearly taken place offstage, as it were. We're left - for a bit - to divine just what's going on, as Judith continues to care for her revenant husband, Autumn looks after her shop and Lizzie devotes herself to the rush of Chtistmas activities, supplemented by a couple from Swindon who want their wedding on Christmas Eve. (If there's ever a suggestion of a Christmas Eve wedding here me, my son and the dog will take drastic measures, up to and including organ sabotage). Is there a bad case of the midwinter blues (plus overwork) going on here or something sinister? This being Lychford, we can guess the answer...
Cornell gradually ratchets up tension, keeping the reader guessing about just what is going to happen (and about the place of that little lost ghost in it all). Then he springs his trap and all seems hopeless. In the darkest part of the year, the dark seems to be rising...
A wonderful, chilly tale, whether you treat it as a Christmas ghost story or a slice of cosmic horror. The author is clearly having fun with Lychford - and the Church! - and I hope there are more of these coming.
July 25, 2016
On sale 22 November 2016 from Tor.com. Sent to me by the publisher at no cost.
Previously in Lychford, three women discovered that Bad Things were going down in both a spiritual and literal sense in their village. Together, they managed.
Now, it's some time later... in fact, it's Christmas. So you just know something bad is going to happen. Lizzie is the pastor and she's relatively settled; Autumn is still running her magic shop and she's taken on Judith, ostensibly as her shop assistant but actually because Autumn is Judith's apprentice in witchy business. And yes, something bad is happening. Whether it's worse than the events of the first story is debatable; it certainly affects a few people more immediately, viscerally and unpleasantly than the attempted Evilness of the first story.
Like last time, Judith - the old woman who is cranky and impatient - is my favourite. I felt that she got a bit less airtime this time, although I haven't actually compared the two; it was just my gut feeling. Nonetheless cranky ladies FTW; I love her practical get-it-done nature and her impatience with what she sees as uselessness. I also love that she is willing to work with the younger women and accept that there are other ways of doing things... eventually.... plus she clearly loves the town, and her son; everything she's about is protecting the place, and indeed giving everything in the service of that. She takes her responsibilities very seriously.
Lizzie is a bit more fleshed out here than in the first story; she's less burdened by guilt (as I remember it) and therefore (?causality?) able to act a bit more. Autumn, though, continues to be almost a cipher. She doesn't get much character development or airtime (although she does make a tremendous sacrifice which Cornell writes nicely).
Again, I'm not sure that this is especially a huge contribution to witchy stories, but it's engaging and well-written, fast-paced and enjoyable.
Previously in Lychford, three women discovered that Bad Things were going down in both a spiritual and literal sense in their village. Together, they managed.
Now, it's some time later... in fact, it's Christmas. So you just know something bad is going to happen. Lizzie is the pastor and she's relatively settled; Autumn is still running her magic shop and she's taken on Judith, ostensibly as her shop assistant but actually because Autumn is Judith's apprentice in witchy business. And yes, something bad is happening. Whether it's worse than the events of the first story is debatable; it certainly affects a few people more immediately, viscerally and unpleasantly than the attempted Evilness of the first story.
Like last time, Judith - the old woman who is cranky and impatient - is my favourite. I felt that she got a bit less airtime this time, although I haven't actually compared the two; it was just my gut feeling. Nonetheless cranky ladies FTW; I love her practical get-it-done nature and her impatience with what she sees as uselessness. I also love that she is willing to work with the younger women and accept that there are other ways of doing things... eventually.... plus she clearly loves the town, and her son; everything she's about is protecting the place, and indeed giving everything in the service of that. She takes her responsibilities very seriously.
Lizzie is a bit more fleshed out here than in the first story; she's less burdened by guilt (as I remember it) and therefore (?causality?) able to act a bit more. Autumn, though, continues to be almost a cipher. She doesn't get much character development or airtime (although she does make a tremendous sacrifice which Cornell writes nicely).
Again, I'm not sure that this is especially a huge contribution to witchy stories, but it's engaging and well-written, fast-paced and enjoyable.
July 17, 2020
This novella is frightening from a parents point of view and the direction it goes is not mysterious. It's pretty clear what's going on with creepy one and creepy two from the offset. But let me lay it down for you...
This story is about three women, the witches of lychford, who watch the boundaries of fairy worlds and our world to make sure the shit doesn't hit the planetary fan. They do as well as one could for the job with zero qualifications aside from some supernatural abilities. Aside from that they're kind of just along for the ride. So when a ghost of a child shows up yelling "no hurt" at the vicar witch they are confuzzled. That's when everything goes awry. Judith disappears and then weird and horrible things begin to happen leading to a satisfying climax that leads you to scream hoorah! This book is worlds better than the first one. It's quick, it's short, terrifying, and Judith is a delight. I like the ghost twist in this and I love the unknown presented by the others, it leaves it open to the imagination thereby creating an extra layer to fear of the unknown. Horror done right. I recommend for anyone looking for a light semi-terrifying and humorous read. Autumn gets to be awkward, Lizzie is gracious and warm, and Judith is cantankerous old bat with wit to boot. And there's a ghost for Christmas. I dig it.
There it is and there you have it.
This story is about three women, the witches of lychford, who watch the boundaries of fairy worlds and our world to make sure the shit doesn't hit the planetary fan. They do as well as one could for the job with zero qualifications aside from some supernatural abilities. Aside from that they're kind of just along for the ride. So when a ghost of a child shows up yelling "no hurt" at the vicar witch they are confuzzled. That's when everything goes awry. Judith disappears and then weird and horrible things begin to happen leading to a satisfying climax that leads you to scream hoorah! This book is worlds better than the first one. It's quick, it's short, terrifying, and Judith is a delight. I like the ghost twist in this and I love the unknown presented by the others, it leaves it open to the imagination thereby creating an extra layer to fear of the unknown. Horror done right. I recommend for anyone looking for a light semi-terrifying and humorous read. Autumn gets to be awkward, Lizzie is gracious and warm, and Judith is cantankerous old bat with wit to boot. And there's a ghost for Christmas. I dig it.
There it is and there you have it.
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