Title: A Blood Witch: The Haunted Women

Author: Joseph Stone

Genre: Dark Fantasy

 

Aurora Ciccone’s valediction to her niece, Fran Tarantino, served as a revelation and a warning. Aurora informed Fran that she possessed the ability to see spirits and would need to be vigilant around a spirit named Daedrian. Fran was already familiar with the charismatic but beguiling spirit as he had seduced her prior to Aurora’s untimely death.

Aurora knew about Daedrian’s bewitching ways as she had been just one of many ensnared by the lecherous phantasm. She had succumbed to his charms and then suffered his abuse for years. Aurora wants Fran to avoid this destructive path and has charted Fran’s future wherein she will be provided for but also kept under a strict guardianship. However, Aurora underestimated Daedrian’s stealth in finding a new concubine and Fran’s budding desires.

Author Joseph Stone has penned a compelling story of both horror and twisted romance exploring multiple generations of women being bewitched by the caddish Daedrian. The drama kicks into high gear when Fran witnesses the malevolence Daedrian is capable of, whether it be from a vicious slap she receives or his involvement in a string of suspicious deaths. Stone deftly raises up the tension of the storyline as Fran attempts to understand and reverse the situation she finds herself in by diving into her Aunt’s journals along with archival research.

Fran Tarantino is a young adult whose life has been indelibly changed by the death of her beloved aunt and her introduction to Daedrian. Her enrollment in Barnard College necessitates a move to New York City, where her story assumes a “fish out of water” aspect as the intimidating city enthralls Fran and her cousin Mary Jane. Stone infuses Fran with a keen intellect and boundless curiosity, and he balances this out with a headstrong nature and immaturity. By highlighting Fran’s fallibility and vulnerability, Stone gives Fran a greater authenticity.

One of the key themes in the novel is understanding and this applies to multiple characters in the story, whether it be Fran, Mary Jane, or Mary Jane’s brother, Richie. The restrictions placed on Fran upon her move to New York seem inexplicable and arbitrary, but as Fran reads her Aunt’s journals, the realization of the danger she’s in becomes clear. Stone cleverly allows Fran’s awakening to be gradual and her response to the danger of Daedrian to be methodical. Mary Jane experiences an assault that leaves her traumatized and ashamed until Fran explains the source of the crime, which allows Mary Jane a window into the generational suffering.

Relationships are at the heart of this often-moving narrative, whether it be familial—e.g. Aurora and Fran—or romantic, if not bizarre, with Fran and Daedrian. While the story is set in the 1970s, Daedrian represents the quintessential toxic male in his behavior toward Fran and other women. His magnetism is merely a front for dominance, aggression, and violence. Stone brilliantly draws out Daedrian’s duplicitous nature and frequently shows it in shocking ways. Whereas the romantic relationship is twisted, the familial relationships, while often complicated, are filled with love, most notably the relationship between Fran and Aunt Aurora. In addition to her Aunt’s bequest providing for her future, Aurora’s journal serves as advice for her niece, and Stone effectively conveys those moments with a shared intimacy between the two characters.

Fran’s journey is transformative and filled with both highs and lows as she begins her steps into the real world. In this memorable gothic, horror story, Daedrian is the dastardly rogue who stalks Fran’s days and nights. The narrative’s impact would be strengthened with a chapter where the action is seen through Daedrian’s point of view, perhaps providing a window into his frame of mind.

A Blood Witch ranks as a passion-infused horror tale with a stellar plot and dynamic characters. Joseph Stone provides many gripping moments in his deep-seated horror novel that are impactful. Stone’s work is both provocative and entertaining and not to be missed.

 

 

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.