The Evil at Monteine: A Novel of Horror (Ruane the Witchfinder, Book Two)

Name: The Evil at Monteine: A Novel of Horror (Ruane the Witchfinder, Book Two)
Price: 14.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781434444943

✍️ Brian Ball

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$14.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A defrocked priest investigates a satanic ritual at a feudal castle in this gothic horror novel.

The story follows Anne Blackwell as her fiancé Richard Ulrome works for Simon Miaolo at Monteine Castle. The location transforms from a workplace into a prison while a master of evil orchestrates a hideous satanic ritual. Anne recognizes the danger and turns to Ruane the Witchfinder for assistance. Ruane is a defrocked priest known for his private war against the Devil. He joins forces with several others to confront the threat. The plot emphasizes the manipulation of Richard and the slow dawning horror experienced by Anne. It combines elements of feudal history with supernatural evil. The narrative focuses on the ritual’s ancient nature and the desperate efforts to halt it.

Key Themes

satanic ritual defrocked priest feudal castle

Literary Context

This 2012 novel by Brian Ball belongs to the Ruane the Witchfinder series published by Borgo Press. It fits within the American horror fiction market, drawing on gothic and supernatural traditions. The story uses the setting of Monteine Castle to explore themes of power and evil.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Dacre Stoker · Thomas Ligotti · Ramsey Campbell

🕯️

Supernatural

🏛 Borgo Press 📅 2012 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781434444943

📝 Description: The Evil at Monteine: A Novel of Horror (Ruane the Witchfinder, Book Two)

Brian Ball’s Ruane the Witchfinder series continues with this novel centered on Richard Ulrome and Anne Blackwell. Richard accepts employment from billionaire Simon Miaolo at Monteine Castle, a feudal headquarters that slowly becomes a prison for its guest. As Richard remains trapped, Anne realizes they are targets of a satanic ritual involving sacrifice and renewal. She seeks help from Ruane, a defrocked priest who wages a private war against the Devil. Together with others, they attempt to stop the evil forces at Monteine. The narrative draws on gothic horror traditions and supernatural fiction elements. It features a defrocked priest protagonist, linking to earlier works in the series. The setting relies on the atmosphere of an old castle and the power dynamics between a wealthy oilman and his employees. Ball structures the plot around the gradual realization of the ritual’s nature and the subsequent investigation by Ruane. This approach suits readers who enjoy stories about occult practices and historical horror settings. It may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action or contemporary thriller elements.

💎 Our verdict on The Evil at Monteine: A Novel of Horror (Ruane the Witchfinder, Book Two)

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🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Brian Ball delivers a compelling entry in the Ruane the Witchfinder series by emphasizing atmosphere and psychological tension. The transformation of Monteine Castle from workplace to prison creates an effective sense of entrapment. The slow realization of the satanic ritual’s nature builds dread effectively, appealing to fans of gothic traditions. Ruane’s role as a defrocked priest adds depth to the supernatural conflict. While lacking contemporary thriller elements, the book excels in its historical horror setting and occult investigation. It is best suited for readers who prioritize atmospheric storytelling and character-driven plots over rapid action sequences.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book is ideal for readers who enjoy atmospheric gothic horror and psychological dread over fast-paced action. Fans of the Ruane the Witchfinder series will appreciate the continuation of the protagonist’s private war against the Devil. Those interested in the intersection of feudal history and satanic rituals will find the setting compelling. The narrative focuses on manipulation and slow-dawning horror, offering a deep dive into occult practices. It suits audiences seeking historical horror settings and complex power dynamics between wealthy patrons and their employees. Readers who prefer character-driven investigations within supernatural frameworks will find this engaging.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Brian Ball delivers a compelling entry in the Ruane the Witchfinder series by emphasizing atmosphere and psychological tension. The transformation of Monteine Castle from workplace to prison creates an effective sense of entrapment. The slow realization of the satanic ritual’s nature builds dread effectively, appealing to fans of gothic traditions. Ruane’s role as a defrocked priest adds depth to the supernatural conflict. While lacking contemporary thriller elements, the book excels in its historical horror setting and occult investigation. It is best suited for readers who prioritize atmospheric storytelling and character-driven plots over rapid action sequences.