Gothghul Hollow - Anna Stephens

Overall rating 4/5 stars

This book nearly overwhelmed me, and not in a positive way. My husband is a huge Warhammer enthusiast, and while he would love for me to share his passion, I simply can’t get into it. However, he understands my love for reading and decided to gift me one of the Warhammer horror series books. Out of love for him, I made a sincere attempt to read it. Unfortunately, I struggled to get through it twice, always stopping halfway and failing to immerse myself in the story. On my third attempt, I was determined to finish it because I wanted to include it in my 2025 goals.

Surprisingly, I’m somewhat glad I persevered? Yes, the confusion is real! Reading this book brought a whirlwind of emotions, and to be honest, I can’t wait to dive into the next one. Yet, it was an absolute struggle until the final chapter, and then, bam! I was hooked. You might wonder why it was such a challenge. Honestly, I’m not sure. The story, characters, and thrilling suspense were compelling, but something kept pushing me to give up. The overly descriptive sections were frustrating at times, the main character, Edrea, drove me to distraction, and the chapters felt excessively long. Despite these challenges, the last chapter saved the book for me, and now I’m eager to purchase another one. The story confused me deeply, leaving me with a mix of emotions!

The narrative revolves around the father-daughter duo, Edrea and Aaric, who reside in the secluded Shyishan town, where their castle overlooks the Hollow. Following the tragic loss of Edrea's mother, her father has become distant and callous, concealing disturbing secrets and chilling memories from the past. However, a sinister force is brewing, possibly linked to Aaric's history. As Edrea and Aaric put aside their differences, they join forces to prevent this sinister manifestation from destroying their town. With the assistance of a sharpshooter and a shrewd man of faith, they embark on a quest to understand the dark forces threatening the Hollow.

As a horror novel, it leans more toward supernatural fiction or fable horror. While it may not be terrifying, it offers an engaging narrative filled with beasts, vampires, and other supernatural beings. The world-building is vividly portrayed, immersing readers in a dark, gothic landscape. I particularly enjoyed the botanical and apothecary elements woven throughout Edrea’s journey as she concocts various spells and elixirs, blending magic seamlessly into the story. The foundational elements of this book are strong, and it could have been outstanding if it weren't so lengthy and drawn out.

Initially, Edrea believed that the apparition was her mother, and for much of the book, readers share this assumption. It isn't until the very end that the truth is revealed about what is truly happening and who is haunting the manor. The conclusion is even more thrilling and chilling than the buildup suggests. Prepare for an extensive read, but is it ultimately worthwhile? The answer is both yes and no. While you'll gain a deeper understanding of the lore and meet new characters, it feels like the prologue at the beginning of the book for most of the book. Chapter 1 starts at the last chapter, merely setting the stage for the next book, where you may find yourself repeating the same cycle once again.

The team tasked with hunting the beast at the beginning was intriguing, but as the story progresses, they lose prominence, with only the main leader, Runar the sharpshooter, remaining in focus. I also wish there had been a bit more romance between Edrea and Runar. Although there are hints of a connection, it ultimately feels unresolved. I understand this is a horror story, but a touch of slow-burn romance wouldn't hurt.

The combination of horror and religion provides a distinctly gothic perspective on the Warhammer realm, offering a glimpse into the lore surrounding the conflict and its characters.

Overall, I rated this book four stars. Initially, I considered giving it three, but the final chapter elevated it to four. I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.