The Arcane Solution
I wake with a gasp, cold, and painful. A hacking cough clears my lungs of whatever infested them... Soot, sickness, blood. An attempt to clench my right fist ends in a strange sensation throughout my whole body, along with failure. I don’t have a right hand, or lower arm for that matter. Below the elbow, there is simply nothing. It’s an old wound, but one I don’t remember. Somehow, I have forgotten myself, my name, and this place.
With my remaining hand, I carefully search for other wounds, new or old. There are some lumps and bruises, and small bones crack a little, but they’re injuries that don’t deserve attention.
I look around. I am surrounded by mist so thick it almost conceals the nearby manor and the tall iron gate around it. The wind engulfs the building in a cloud of cool air from the coast, and suddenly I remember. I am in Somerset, and this is my manor. Though I cannot recall why I am outside in the cold and lying on the muddy ground.
As soon as I take a step towards the manor...
A living nightmare
Reviews
This is no ordinary tale of the supernatural. It dives into the complexities of loss and the peril of meddling with forces beyond comprehension. Osmund is a flawed yet deeply relatable protagonist, and his journey through a decaying manor and a broken past is as gripping as it is tragic. The chilling atmosphere and evocative prose make this story linger long after the final page.
Deacon W.
With its misty landscapes and chilling secrets, The Arcane Solution feels like stepping into a living nightmare. Osmund’s tale is as much about self-discovery as it is about battling inner and outer demons. The story’s pacing is perfect, balancing moments of quiet dread with heart-pounding action. For fans of gothic horror and deeply personal storytelling, this book is an absolute gem.
kidpoet07
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
"The Arcane Solution" is a haunting journey into the heart of grief, guilt, and the lengths we go to reclaim what is lost. Osmund’s descent into a fractured reality is steeped in vivid gothic imagery and emotional depth, making every step of his journey compelling. The layered narrative keeps you questioning what is real and what is illusion, all while delivering a gut-wrenching conclusion. A brilliant blend of dark fantasy and human vulnerability.
Karmani