The Black Book of Cyrenaica

Name: The Black Book of Cyrenaica
Price: 12.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780692415726

✍️ Bruce, III McCandless

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$12.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A historical horror novel about Marines facing supernatural threats in 1805 Libya.

The narrative focuses on Private Lemuel Sweet’s perspective as he records the journey of a mixed force toward Tripoli. The text emphasizes the psychological toll of the march and the growing dread regarding the expedition's leadership. Bruce constructs a plot where the primary danger comes from unseen entities rather than human adversaries. The story relies on the tension between the known military objective and the unknown magical threats lurking in the desert environment.

Key Themes

ancient curse army of the dead vengeful spirit

Literary Context

The work is situated in Libya in 1805, drawing on the historical context of U.S. Marines and foreign mercenaries marching across North Africa to address the imprisonment of sailors by the King of Tripoli.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

H.P. Lovecraft · Arthur Machen · Ramsey Campbell

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Ninth Planet Press 📅 2015 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780692415726

📝 Description: The Black Book of Cyrenaica

McCandless III Bruce presents a historical horror narrative set in Libya during 1805. The story follows Private Lemuel Sweet, a young New Englander who documents the march of a makeshift army composed of foreign mercenaries and U. S. Marines across the Sahara sands. Their mission is to rescue three hundred American sailors held by the King of Tripoli. As they traverse this haunted land known as the Realm of the Hidden, the group faces brutal and mysterious murders that shift from random acts to purposeful attacks. Sweet chronicles the hardships endured by his companions while grappling with a creeping suspicion that one of their leaders is not what he claims to be. The narrative suggests that supernatural forces are at work, threatening death or worse before any combat occurs. An ancient curse and an army of the dead converge with a vengeful spirit in this setting. Bruce qualifies himself as the author of this tale involving these specific historical and supernatural elements. The book suits readers interested in early nineteenth-century military history blended with gothic fiction. It may not appeal to those seeking purely factual accounts of the Barbary Wars without fictional embellishment.

💎 Our verdict on The Black Book of Cyrenaica

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

McCandless III Bruce effectively constructs a tale where the desert itself becomes an antagonist, emphasizing psychological toll over physical combat. The narrative successfully balances the known military objective with unknown magical threats, creating a pervasive sense of dread. By focusing on Private Sweet’s perspective, the author grounds the supernatural elements in personal experience. This approach suits readers who appreciate gothic fiction blended with historical accuracy. The book avoids relying on jump scares, instead building tension through the mystery of unseen entities and the suspicion surrounding leadership. It is a strong entry for those seeking atmospheric horror rooted in early nineteenth-century events.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers who enjoy the fusion of gritty military history with supernatural terror will find this narrative compelling. It offers a unique perspective on the Barbary Wars through the eyes of Private Lemuel Sweet, blending factual backdrop with fictional horror. Those interested in psychological dread, ancient curses, and the clash between human order and chaotic magical forces will appreciate the tension. It is ideal for fans of cosmic horror who prefer their terror grounded in specific historical settings and atmospheric descriptions of isolation.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

McCandless III Bruce effectively constructs a tale where the desert itself becomes an antagonist, emphasizing psychological toll over physical combat. The narrative successfully balances the known military objective with unknown magical threats, creating a pervasive sense of dread. By focusing on Private Sweet’s perspective, the author grounds the supernatural elements in personal experience. This approach suits readers who appreciate gothic fiction blended with historical accuracy. The book avoids relying on jump scares, instead building tension through the mystery of unseen entities and the suspicion surrounding leadership. It is a strong entry for those seeking atmospheric horror rooted in early nineteenth-century events.