The Sea of Ash by Scott Thomas is a weird tale that follows an unnamed protagonist retracing the steps of Dr. Albert Pond in New England, leading to encounters with supernatural and eldritch horrors. The story is filled with eerie and surreal elements, hinting at connections between bizarre occurrences and strange devices that blur the lines between reality and the unknown. The novella is a dense, layered puzzle box of cosmic horror, capturing the gothic genre and evoking a sense of foreboding and suspense through poetic prose.

Characters:

Characters are primarily seen as stereotypes, lacking depth, with more focus on the plot and atmosphere.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by poetic prose and rich imagery, creating a haunting and immersive atmosphere that engages readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a protagonist investigating the mysterious journals of Dr. Albert Pond, revealing cosmic horror and supernatural events tied to New England.

Setting:

The setting is intricately detailed, portraying eerie and atmospheric aspects of New England that enhance the story's mood.

Pacing:

Pacing evolves from a leisurely exploration to a fast-paced, suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engaged.

The same can be said of mine. It was comfortingly unspectacular; you might even say insular. I was raised by my grandmother, just four and three-quarter miles from the house where the good Doctor grew...

Notes:

The Sea of Ash is described as a mesmerizing and beautifully written novella.

Scott Thomas's writing style is unique and masterful, showcasing his skill in building suspense and tension.

The story features a blend of cosmic horror and weird fiction, reminiscent of Lovecraft's works.

It follows an unnamed protagonist tracing the steps of Dr. Albert Pond, who disappeared in 1920 while exploring supernatural matters.

Thomas vividly characterizes New England's landscape, evoking a sense of place that resonates with local history.

The novella is filled with bizarre and unsettling imagery, creating a haunting atmosphere.

Readers have praised the book for its engaging plot and compelling mystery, often describing it as unputdownable.

The novella has been noted for its intricate layering of stories, sometimes employing a story within a story structure.

Despite some criticism of thin character development, Thomas effectively communicates the essence of the characters.

The Sea of Ash is recommended for those who enjoy atmospheric horror and Lovecraftian themes.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The Sea of Ash contains medium content warnings, including themes of horror, disturbing imagery, and cosmic dread.

From The Publisher:

A fresh take on cosmic horror... A Victorian Englishman summons a strange puppet-like being to an old Colonial Inn. A doctor returns from the Great War and discovers a mysterious naked woman at the edge of the Atlantic.

A contemporary collector of arcane books retraces the steps of these other men -- adventurers who sought out the mysteries of neighboring dimensions. In THE SEA OF ASH, Scott Thomas takes us along as three men from three different centuries experience the wonders and horrors of an unknown New England.

"Never had the universe felt so vast, and I so small within it. I had, through circumstance, been made aware of something, but of what? Something either too horrible or too beautiful for humans to know." -From The Sea of Ash

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The Sea of Ash

Scott Thomas