All the Parts of the Soul

Name: All the Parts of the Soul
Price: 15.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781958228272

✍️ Catherine Fearns

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$15.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A magistrate investigates witchcraft in plague-ridden Geneva under Calvin's rule.

Fearns constructs a tense atmosphere where religious authority meets personal dread. Henry Aubert’s background as an orphan shapes his view of the world. His investigation into Satigny reveals the fragility of peace in Geneva. Louise de Peney offers a glimpse of warmth that contrasts with the surrounding fear. The narrative does not rely on jump scares but rather on psychological pressure. Readers will find a detailed look at how plague and religious reform intersected in daily life. The story emphasizes the cost of isolation and the difficulty of opening up to others. It provides a grounded perspective on historical witch trials through a fictional lens.

Key Themes

plague and fear religious reformation isolated magistrate

Literary Context

The novel is set in Geneva in 1545, a time when the city defeated Catholic forces and became a center for the Reformation under John Calvin. This historical backdrop provides the context for the social tension and religious fervor that drive the plot forward.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Shirley Jackson · Daphne du Maurier · Sylvia Townsend Warner

🕯️

Supernatural

🏛 Quill & Crow Publishing House 📅 2023 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781958228272

📝 Description: All the Parts of the Soul

Catherine Fearns, a writer known for historical fiction with supernatural elements, presents a novel set in Geneva during 1545. The narrative follows Henry Aubert, a young magistrate orphaned by plague who has lived in isolation. John Calvin assigns him to investigate witchcraft rumors emerging from the village of Satigny. This task forces Henry to confront his reclusive nature and consider connection with others. The story introduces Louise de Peney, a local healer whose kindness challenges Henry’s guarded heart. As the city grapples with fear and suspicion amid a plague outbreak, Henry must balance his duty against his own internal struggles. The plot examines whether he can fulfill his horrific assignment while protecting his soul from further decay. Fearns draws on the period of the Reformation to explore themes of isolation, faith, and the temptation found in literature. The narrative structure focuses on Henry’s psychological journey as he navigates a society ravaged by disease and religious tension. This book suits readers interested in historical settings with gothic undertones. It may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action or contemporary horror.

💎 Our verdict on All the Parts of the Soul

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🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Catherine Fearns constructs a tense atmosphere where religious authority meets personal dread through Henry Aubert’s investigation into Satigny. The narrative does not rely on jump scares but rather on psychological pressure, offering a detailed look at how plague and religious reform intersected in daily life. Louise de Peney provides warmth that contrasts with the surrounding fear, challenging Henry’s guarded heart. The story emphasizes the cost of isolation and the difficulty of opening up to others. It avoids fast-paced action, focusing instead on Henry’s psychological journey through a society ravaged by disease and suspicion. This approach suits readers interested in historical settings with gothic undertones. While it may not appeal to those seeking contemporary horror, it delivers a profound examination of faith and isolation.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate historical fiction infused with supernatural and gothic undertones will find this narrative compelling. The book offers a grounded perspective on the psychological pressure of religious authority and personal dread during a time of crisis. It is ideal for those interested in how plague and reform intersected in daily life, rather than those seeking fast-paced action or contemporary horror tropes. The story emphasizes the cost of isolation and the difficulty of opening up to others through Henry Aubert’s journey. By focusing on psychological tension over jump scares, it provides a thoughtful look at faith and temptation. Fans of character-driven horror set against rigid historical backdrops will gain from its exploration of duty and internal struggle.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Catherine Fearns constructs a tense atmosphere where religious authority meets personal dread through Henry Aubert’s investigation into Satigny. The narrative does not rely on jump scares but rather on psychological pressure, offering a detailed look at how plague and religious reform intersected in daily life. Louise de Peney provides warmth that contrasts with the surrounding fear, challenging Henry’s guarded heart. The story emphasizes the cost of isolation and the difficulty of opening up to others. It avoids fast-paced action, focusing instead on Henry’s psychological journey through a society ravaged by disease and suspicion. This approach suits readers interested in historical settings with gothic undertones. While it may not appeal to those seeking contemporary horror, it delivers a profound examination of faith and isolation.