The Crossing
A novel about a college student facing a sinister bargain at Banbury Cross.
Jonathan Madden enters college hoping to escape his family name and live a quiet life. He encounters a local myth where visitors meet a spectral figure at a crossroad to receive their deepest wish. The story examines the consequences of such desires when they are granted by supernatural means. Hepworth writes with attention to the psychological weight of hidden identities and the corruption of innocent wishes. The narrative remains focused on the protagonist’s internal struggle against external magical forces. Readers interested in character-driven horror will find this compelling.
This work sits within the tradition of American gothic fiction, utilizing college campus settings to explore modern anxieties. It references the specific legend of Banbury Cross and its associated Lady on the Horse, blending contemporary student life with older supernatural tropes.
📝 Description: The Crossing
💎 Our verdict on The Crossing
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers who appreciate character-driven horror and psychological depth will find this book compelling. It appeals to those interested in the corruption of innocent wishes and the weight of hidden identities. The narrative offers a slow-burn exploration of internal struggle against external magical forces, rather than relying on shock tactics. Fans of gothic traditions and contemporary folklore-based horror will enjoy the tension between the desire for normalcy and supernatural intervention. It is suitable for those who prefer atmospheric storytelling over fast-paced action or non-fiction accounts of college life.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Hepworth effectively examines the psychological consequences of receiving one’s deepest wish through supernatural means. The story focuses on Jonathan Madden’s internal struggle, grounding its horror in the familiar setting of a college campus. By drawing upon gothic traditions of crossroads encounters, the narrative creates a tense atmosphere where mundane desires clash with sinister bargains. The book succeeds in exploring the allure of magical intervention and the corruption that follows. It suits readers who enjoy contemporary horror with roots in folklore and character-driven plots. Those seeking non-fiction or fast-paced action may find it less appealing.
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