Further Beyond
A mariner investigates zombie origins using Roman journals while evading police.
Andrew Davie’s Further Beyond follows Phineas O’Hanlon, a former mariner who smuggled opium for the Three Finger Tang triad after the Second Opium War. Twelve years prior to his current timeline, O’Hanlon survived an assault by reanimated corpses. He has since dedicated his time to understanding why the dead return. His search leads him to examine a journal from ancient Rome alongside his caretaker. This scholarly pursuit is interrupted when two law enforcement agents arrive with urgent questions about their activities. The narrative weaves together maritime history, Chinese criminal organizations, and classical antiquity. O’Hanlon must reconcile his violent past with his present intellectual quest while evading or answering the authorities. The story examines how personal secrets unravel under pressure. It connects the aftermath of historical conflicts in Asia to the ruins of Rome. Davie structures the plot around these intersecting timelines. The work appeals to readers interested in historical fiction blended with supernatural elements. Those seeking fast-paced action without historical context may find the pacing deliberate. This large print edition features a larger typeface for easier reading and accessibility.
The story bridges the era following the Second Opium War in China and ancient Rome. It connects Chinese triad culture with classical European history through the protagonist’s research.
📝 Description: Further Beyond
💎 Our verdict on Further Beyond
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers who appreciate the deliberate pacing of historical fiction blended with supernatural elements will find this book rewarding. It appeals to those interested in how personal secrets unravel under pressure, offering a deep dive into maritime history and Chinese criminal organizations. The narrative structure, which weaves together intersecting timelines from ancient Rome to post-Opium War Asia, provides intellectual engagement for those willing to look beyond fast-paced action. This edition also serves accessibility needs through its larger typeface, making the scholarly pursuit of undead origins accessible to a wider audience seeking atmospheric, character-driven horror.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Davie constructs a compelling narrative that balances scholarly investigation with the lingering dread of reanimated corpses. By connecting the aftermath of historical conflicts in Asia to the ruins of Rome, the work offers a unique perspective on the origins of zombies. O’Hanlon’s journey from a violent past as an opium smuggler to an intellectual quest adds depth to the horror elements. The pacing is deliberate, prioritizing atmosphere and historical context over rapid action, which may deter some but satisfies others. The large print format enhances readability without diminishing the text's atmospheric quality. It is best suited for readers who enjoy complex plots involving classical antiquity and psychological tension.
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📖 From the series “Beyond”
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