“He was filled with rage because he knew his time was running out.”
Revelation 12:12
By Vitina Molgaard
Ghost stories are among our oldest horror stories, probably originating from spooky nights spent around campfires. These stories were meant to frighten and terrify listeners until they found themselves huddled together, shivering, watching shadows flicker around them in the firelight.
Benedict Ashforth intended this ghost story to go on, to effectively scare the reader and make them feel a little uncomfortable with the text before them. Ashforth succeeded in his mission.
Charles and Carolyn Carter are an unlucky couple who, after multiple failed attempts to have a child, decide to take a sabbatical and return home to recalibrate, sort out the current state of their marriage, and plan their next steps.
While discussing options (as to where to go on this vacation), Caroline suddenly said her own unexpected answer: to Verona, Italy. It was a little unsettling not to understand why she herself chose this place, but they decided to go there. Unfortunately, the couple found that any hope of peace and rest was impossible.
Instead, the journey to Verona is interrupted by an ancient and unimaginable evil. One that will follow them home and change their lives forever as it begins to wreak havoc on them. Shortly after returning home, Caroline discovers she is pregnant, but the child comes with some strange changes. Changes that Charles doesn’t want, noticing that his wife has begun to act less rationally.
I enjoyed this book very much. Although the book is short, it is full of suspense and horror. There is also a comforting and surprising ending (you may not want the book to end) waiting for the reader. I definitely recommend you to read it.
You can pick up Verona here.
score: 4.5/5
