Eynhallow

This spring, I was introduced to Tim McGregor...or who I thought was Tim McGregor. His coauthoring of the Empathy Trap and the Sociopath at the Breakfast Table with his wife Jane helped me thru a harrowing time. Discovering that Tim authored his own works of fiction brought me to Eynhallow. Turns out, we are talking about two very different Tim McGregors! And to my delight, the author of Eynhallow is from Toronto! Anyhow...

Eynhallow was dark in its prose, melancholy in its telling, and i ate the whole thing up! I am not normally attracted to monster horror novels, but wow, this was something. And I was also to discover that Eynhallow is a real island in Scotland that had inhabitants (26 in fact until the 1851), but now has zero inhabitants, and is considered haunted. McGregor weaves an engaging juxtaposition of a Frankenstein novel with the lore of the island. I want more!

Book Review: Eynhallow by Tim McGregor

Rating: 5 Stars

Eynhallow by Tim McGregor is a captivating tale set in the Orkney Islands in 1797, following the story of Agnes Tulloch, a woman struggling to make ends meet for her family on a windswept island that falls short of the paradise she was promised. When a mysterious stranger, Victor Frankenstein, arrives on the island and forms an unexpected connection with Agnes, a series of dark and intriguing events unfold.

McGregor's novel offers a fresh and enthralling twist on the classic Frankenstein narrative. The writing is exquisite, drawing readers into the atmospheric and gothic setting of Eynhallow, which serves as a character in its own right. The pacing of the story is impeccable, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

One of the strongest aspects of Eynhallow is its well-developed and fascinating characters. Agnes Tulloch is a relatable protagonist whose struggles and complexities resonate with readers. The enigmatic Frankenstein adds a layer of mystery and tension to the narrative, making for a truly compelling read.

As a reader who appreciates a well-crafted story, I was thoroughly impressed by McGregor's attention to detail and his ability to weave a chilling and tension filled tale. From the eerie depths of the Frankenstein myth to the captivating allure of historical fiction, this novel is a literary gem that promises to transport readers to the barren windswept shores of Eynhallow.

In conclusion, Eynhallow deserves all five stars. From its captivating cover to its gripping storyline, McGregor's novel is a standout piece of fiction that will linger in the minds of readers long after they turn the final page. I wholeheartedly recommend diving into the world of Eynhallow - it's an experience you won't soon forget.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Something is amiss in Eynhallow. A monster lurks in the shadows at night. A strange visitor shows up to a desolate town. Who is he? Explorer? Nobleman? Mad Scientist?

Agnes is strong, she is a matriarch holding her family together. She will do anything to provide for her children, including stay married to a man she wouldn't have chosen to love. Tired of the mundane, a mysterious stranger peeks her interest. Almost free from her boring, labored life, Agnes runs into trouble. Something dark is lurking in her town, Eynhallow, and Agnes can't help but wonder if the mysterious stranger is tied to recent events.

I absolutely devoured this book! Tim McGregor's has a way of putting you directly into the story. I could feel everything Agnes experienced. I love when an author creates a world that feels real, filled with dynamic characters and real world problems amongst fantastical elements. It's hard to find Creature Feature books that give you genuine terror, Eynhallow delivered. A modern day Frankenstein.

I reviewed this book for the Hugo-winning, Ignyte-winning blog Nerds of a Feather:

http://www.nerds-feather.com/2024/01/novella-project-eynhallow-by-tim.html