Welcome to Gothic, a Philip Fracassi horror novel. This renowned author has a delectable novel that lovers of horror are going to DEVOUR. Fracassi will keep you entertained, horror-struck, and absolutely dumbfounded by the time you read the final words of this book. For readers who aren’t familiar with this author, you will be clamoring for. Lucky you, there is more to consume. For readers who have already devoured this author’s books—you’ll be left to beg for more.
Gothic begins with a mysterious woman, Diana Montresor. Diana is looking for something, an artifact she learned about from her family. It is a source of evil. She has informants and searchers all over the world keeping an eye and an ear out for it. Her grandfather taught her about this object, this relic she has been searching for years, and she knows the dangers it holds. How important it is to find it. When a message finally announces it has been discovered, Diana is off to reclaim it in the hopes of getting there before it can begin its acts of destruction.
Shift scene, and the author transitions you to the character who will become the story’s focus—Tyson Parks. Tyson is a struggling horror author. Once upon a time, he was a master of horror, the next big name in the game. However, as the years have passed, his stories have failed to hold the attention of the fickle public. Writing is a “young person’s game,” and if you don’t keep the public engaged, they will leave you behind. Tyson is struggling to remain relevant, but his attempts are falling short. When his latest pitch doesn’t meet his agent’s expectations, he despairs until he receives an unexpected birthday gift from his partner, Sarah. Little does he know the dangers this gift hides.
Tyson is an interesting character. The author weaves in his wishes to be something more than the “typical” horror he became renowned for. However, Fracassi paints a vivid picture of repeated failures. These disasters have taken their toll on Tyson’s life and his finances. With each book’s failure to become another “bestseller,” the money has dwindled, and his fount of imagination—has dried up into nothing.
As this tale of his struggles unfold, you can imagine the frustration he must be facing. He desires for more. But how can he attain it? What will it take to get back on top? Who will he become to get the security he and Sarah crave? As the book continues, you’ll find she doesn’t necessarily desire it for herself but wishes it for him. You’ll understand why when you learn a few things about her in the story. Sarah is a real gem. She met him when things were good, but when things went bad—she didn’t jump ship. So you know she truly loves him.
The story flows like a smooth river, but beware of the hidden drops where the water will speed up and swirl into dangerous pools. The author has planted elements in just the right places to shock and thrill you. In one particular scene, there is an intentional build-up where you will EXPECT the author to do something dark and twisted, and believe this—the author does not disappoint. The double punches of shock and horror are coming, but they go deeper than you’d expect. While there is no loss of life yet—the author makes sure you know exactly what is coming. Evil. Darkness. Loss.
Gothic shifts from Tyson’s point of view to Sarah’s, and then to Diana’s. You get transported decades in the past to a time when this cursed relic held a less elegant appearance. Don’t jump ahead, though. Even then, the thing was evil, dark, and twisted. It was sought after and bathed in blood. Nothing but death and murder are left behind in its wake.
Of course, when the author brings you back to the present day, with the “relic” finding its new home, you will feel chills up the back of your neck. As Tyson inspects his new present, pay attention to the details laid out before you. Though the inscription’s words—“Do This In Remembrance of Me”—seem innocent enough, you’ll get this sense there is a more sinister meaning to them, especially after reading the item’s history a couple of chapters prior. It is absolutely darkly delicious.
A specific element that makes this book disturbingly delightful is how the author sweeps in to turn an innocent scene into something dark and insidious. A perfect example is the dinner scene between Tyson, his partner, and his adult daughter, Violet. Talk about “what the fuck did I just read?!” LOL! Yes, we have just entered into double-take territory.
As this twisted tale unfolds, the horror of seeking out various victims to terrify and destroy, and the evil evolves. You’ll see the impact it has on Tyson, especially. His “muse” has struck, but at what cost? Yes, the words are flowing. He’s on fire with this writing, but what about his sanity? His relationships? It isn’t long before Tyson is struggling to hold things together.
The deeper this story goes, the more you will be pulled to the edge of your seat. You’ll be eager for more, to find out what happens next. As you read, you will even find yourself “rooting” for the evil to have its way a bit longer. However, just as quickly, you will be hoping, crossing your fingers, that someone will come to the rescue as the tension thickens.
Philip Fracassi will bring you to your knees with Gothic, especially during the final chapters, where you will feverishly turn pages to find out what happens. The question “how does it all end?” will dog you with each word that passes before your eyes and chase you to the ending. When you get to the end of this book, you will have questions and an insane desire to walk up to the author like little Oliver Twist and say, “please sir, may I have some more?” It’s wild to say that, but it’s true. If you’re not a fan of this author already, you will be by the end of this book.
Gothic is one of those horror novels that will cling to your memory long after you have finished it. It will tease you with—what happens next? Will there be more to come? One can only wonder… and hope. For the time being, you can always revisit the story. Reread it again and again to relive the horrors that not only ensnared the characters but your mind along the way. Just make sure the old man doesn’t come to visit you… in real life. (Cue sinister laughter.) LOL!
Pros:
- Gripping
- Page-turner
- Darkly horrific
- Twisted ending
- Engaging storyline
Cons:
None
Scribble's Worth 
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