4.5 stars. This is almost my perfect book. Almost.While I enjoyed Bradley's writing in Mists of Avalon, I like it even more here. There's beauty and a sense of ease to her words and she switches perspectives between characters easily. Her description of West Virginia is pretty spot on for the type of location she's set the story in. Not all of West Virginia is that backwards...but I've visited some places when my grandfather truck broke down a couple times that could easily be Morton's Fork. I love Bradley's description of the supernatural and of psychic phenomena, and while the characters follow familiar archetypes, they're still themselves. Most of all, I enjoyed the gradual breakdown of the characters mental states, Wycherly especially, though Sinah became really interesting as the story went on. Bradley's hallmark of feminist ranting also makes an appearance, but it isn't overwhelming and is understandable in the context of the relationships deteriorating as they were.My complaints are few, but they're enough to cause someone else issues with this book. There are some unclear resolutions of plot points - like what was in the bag Wycherly pulled from the stone, and what exactly happened to Luned - and I would've loved a more detailed epilogue. Also, the unseen forces that motivate the main characters could've been better explained. I loved the book despite the things that are missing, but yeah. I get the sense that there was much MUCH more to this story than Bradley could justify fitting in. The story of just one of Sinah's ancestors could've filled a book the same length I think.Regardless of the problems, though, I'm eager to find and read more of the books from this series, if for no other reason than to understand more about the Otherworld.
Psychic researcher Truth Jourdemayne and her colleague/fiance have come to a small Appalachian town rumored to have a history of occult phenomena. But, since the events that occurred earlier in this series, Truth is more a believer than a skeptic, and this is leading to conflict in her relationship. Also drawn to this town is Sinah Dellon, a successful but troubled actress who's searching for her family roots - but why will none of the townspeople discuss her family with her? And why has she been given the 'witch's cabin'? In a seeming coincidence, also in town is neer-do-well rich boy Wycherly Musgrave, another troubled soul, and alcoholic, who wrecked his car near town, and is reluctant to go back to his family, tormented by guilt over an accident that happened decades ago... All these peole are drawn into a weird web of occurences, which seem to center on the ruined, abandoned sanatorium outside of town. What occult secrets might it hold?
What do You think about Gravelight (2003)?
The plot was dull and predictable; the pace slow.The book is set in WV - my home state. MZB relied heavily on "hillbilly" stereotypes for the town of Morton - which I found irritating because all she did is reinforce ideas that aren't true. I know - it's all fiction, but I'm getting really tired of everyone thinking I don't wear shoes, have teeth, or an education because certain people in the entertainment industry knowingly relied on an outdated cliche for characters. Then again, the end of that statement sums up a major flaw with the whole series - MZB relies on cliches and stereotypes far too much for any of her characters to be taken seriously.
—Angie Lisle
This book follows Ghostlight and has two of the same characters. The main character is Ghostlight is also a main character in this book. Gravelight is more tightly written than Ghostlight and its characters are more well developed. The story is also more intricate. I had a hard time putting this one down.Three characters come together as tools of good, evil and the balance, each trying to harness or shut down a locus of power in West Virginia. Wycherly Musgrave (eccentric name, no?) is a privileged rich man who has been running away from himself and his demons most of his life. Mellusine Dellon is a successful actress come back to the hills of WV to try to find her roots. Truth Jourdemayne has come to WV to investigate disappearances and psychic phenomena. You'll have to read the book to find out what happens!
—Kim
Die Dullons sind eine alte Familie, die seit Jahrhunderten eins der Sidhe-Tore bewacht. Nun gibt es jedoch nur noch eine Frau dieser Blutlinie und die hat leider keine Ahnung von ihrer Aufgabe. Trotzdem fühlt sich die junge Schauspielerin in das Dorf hingezogen, in dem sie geboren wurde. Sie möchte etwas über ihre Familie herausfinden. Von ihrer Mutter kennt sie nur den Namen. Da diese bei ihrer Geburt starb, wuchs Sinah bei einer Pflegefamilie auf. Doch als sie in dem Ort ankommt, schlägt ihr eine Welle der Feindseligkeit entgegen und alle Bewohner meiden sie und leugnen sogar die Existenz irgendeiner der Dullons. Das Dorf liegt in den Appalachen, abgeschieden von der Moderne. Es gibt nicht einmal Radioempfang, dafür jedoch noch einen alten Glauben an Hexerei. Dann taucht auch noch ein rothaariger junger Mann auf, der bereits von manchen Dorfbewohnern als neuer Hexenmeister gesehen wird...wie das alles und eine Forschergruppe a la the Ghostbusters zusammengefriemelt wird, erfährt man auf etwas über 460 Seiten. Dabei bleibt das Buch spannend und auch der Schreibstil hat mir ganz gut gefallen. Allerdings werden leider auch einige Klischees bedient und das Ende kam etwas plötzlich. Ratzfatz war alles auf einmal aufgelöst.
—Carolin
