Under the Pendulum Sun is a gothic fantasy novel that follows Catherine Helstone as she ventures into Faerie to find her missionary brother, Laon, and help him save the souls of the Fae. The book delves into a nightmare Faerie world filled with gothic horror elements, religious themes, and a dark elegance that gradually unfolds as the protagonist navigates through a mysterious and cruel land. The story combines Victorian influences with a theological twist, creating a unique and atmospheric narrative that slowly draws readers in until the final act unveils the full picture with a captivating sense of ambition.

Characters:

The characters are multi-faceted, particularly Catherine and Laon, exploring deep emotional and theological conflicts amidst their interactions.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is intricate and layered, echoing Victorian literature with its dense and gothic prose.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on Catherine's quest to find her brother in Arcadia, interweaving themes of faith, mystery, and the complexities of existence within a dark fairyland.

Setting:

The setting juxtaposes an alternate Victorian world with a surreal, darkly enchanting depiction of faerie.

Pacing:

The novel is notably slow-paced, emphasizing introspection and thematic depth over rapid plot progression.

Great and ancient empires, Mahomedan and Heathen, have received a shock by the prowess of British arms, nerved and strengthened by GOD, which has broken down strong, and hitherto invulnerable barriers...

Notes:

The novel combines gothic fantasy with complex theological themes.

Catherine Helstone, the protagonist, travels to Arcadia, a fairyland where her brother Laon is a Christian missionary.

Arcadia is depicted as a sinister and mysterious place, contrary to traditional fairy tales.

The story explores the idea of missionaries attempting to convert the fae to Christianity, a unique and dark twist on both genres.

Catherine's relationship with her brother has incestuous undertones, which has polarized readers.

The plot is heavily influenced by biblical themes and references, calling into question faith and morality.

The world-building features surreal aspects such as a sun that swings like a pendulum and distances measured in dreams or revelations.

Ng's background in Medieval Studies informs the theological depth and historical context of the narrative.

The writing style mimics Victorian prose, contributing to both the atmosphere and pacing of the novel.

The book is noted for its dense prose and complex themes, requiring careful reading and reflection.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of non-coercive incest and complex family dynamics that some readers may find triggering.

Has Romance?

The romance aspect focuses on a complex, sometimes uncomfortable sibling relationship, contributing to the narrative's tension.

From The Publisher:

Winner of the John W Campbell Award for Best New Writer, Jeannette Ng brings a stunningly different Victorian fantasy that mixes Crimson Peak with Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.

Victorian missionaries travel into the heart of the newly discovered lands of the Fae, in a stunningly different fantasy that mixes Crimson Peak with Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.

Catherine Helstone's brother, Laon, has disappeared in Arcadia, legendary land of the magical fae. Desperate for news of him, she makes the perilous journey, but once there, she finds herself alone and isolated in the sinister house of Gethsemane. At last there comes news: her beloved brother is riding to be reunited with her soon but the Queen of the Fae and her insane court are hard on his heels.

File Under: Fantasy [ In Arcadia | Seek and Hide | The Queen of Moths | Lands of the Damned ]

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Under the Pendulum Sun

Jeannette Ng