Ardain Isma
An exceptional writer crafts stories imbued with emotional resonance. Whether eliciting joy, sorrow, love, or fear, a beloved fantasy writer has the skill to evoke a spectrum of emotions in her readers. Moments of triumph and tragedy linger long after the pages have been turned, fostering a profound bond between the readers and the narrative. Author Anne Merino embodies this characteristic with finesse. It’s not merely flattery, but a genuine reflection of the emotions stirred within me as I delved into “Hawkesmoor: A Novel of Vampire and Faerie”.
In the tale, Robin Dashwood emerges as a dashing and charismatic British vampire, his lineage tracing back to a bygone era of aristocracy. Unexpectedly thrust into an epic journey, he grapples with the revelation of vampire origins. This newfound odyssey catches him off guard, as he had preferred the quiet anonymity of his life as a history professor in bustling New York, a guise meant to elude the notice of more formidable vampires and their perilous political intrigues.
However, a chance encounter at a Manhattan art gallery alters his course, introducing him to the captivating Lady Caroline DeBarry and unearthing a dark chapter from Robin’s human past—a brutal murder. Driven by a quest for answers to this historical enigma, he embarks on a journey back to England, drawn by the allure of Lady Caroline, who has ensnared his heart.
As Robin delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding him, he uncovers traces of an ancient and mysterious realm surpassing even the bounds of vampire lore. This revelation threatens to upheave the established hierarchy of vampires, plunging Lady Caroline into peril and igniting a chain of events culminating in a cataclysmic clash between a revenant army and humanity itself.
The chain of events unfolding within the pages of this novel gripped me from the start. Crafted with compelling and unforgettable characters infused with depth, complexity, and relatability, I found myself emotionally invested in their journeys.
There’s an undeniable element of social class interwoven throughout the narrative. Anne provides a vivid portrayal of Dashwood, a professor entrenched in the academic world—a realm she intimately understands, having been raised within its confines by scholarly parents. Lady Caroline, too, is meticulously crafted, a product of an artist with a keen understanding of dramatic flair. Anne Merino, being the daughter of an American classical philosopher and a Welsh mother and having spent part of her youth in Wales, brings a nuanced perspective to the British and European landscapes depicted in her work.
Innovation and originality permeate Anne’s writing, drawing inspiration from classic tropes and mythologies. This is the hallmark of a beloved fantasy writer—breathing new life into the genre with fresh ideas and inventive concepts. “Hawkesmoor” boldly challenges conventions, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in fantasy fiction.
Her prose evokes a profound sense of wonder and enchantment, whisking readers away to fantastical lands where magic is tangible and anything is possible. It’s this escapism and allure that keeps fans, like me, eagerly waiting for the next adventure.
Hawkesmoor is the first book in a trilogy that will continue the eerie adventures of Robin Dashwood.
For more insights into Anne Merino’s literary creations, visit her website: Rivercliff Book and Media
You can also follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneMerino4
Below, you can watch my conversation with author Anne Merino.
Note: Ardain Isma is the Chief-Editor of CSMS Magazine. He is a prolific writer and author of several books, including Midnight at Noon, Bittersweet Memories of Last Spring, and Last Spring was Bittersweet. You can order the books by clicking on the links above.
