The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray by Chris Wooding

[jcsk88]

The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray
by Chris Wooding

"It happened after the Vernichtung -- the war left the city
damaged, bruised, battered, its people shattered and
battle-scarred, and open to a terrifying retribution...
Foul things lurk within the labyrinth of the Old
Quarter, and those who venture out at night are easy prey.
Prey for the wolves and murderers that stalk the crooked
streets, and for creatures far more deadly -- the wych-kin.
But evil disguised is deadliest of all. And behind
the facade of wealth and charity that surrounds the
uppermost levels of sociey lies a terrifying pact with
the wych-kin that threatens humankind's very existence.
At its heart is the beautiful, vulnerable, enigmatic
Alaizabel Cray -- key to the ultimate evil."


It was fortunate that I didn't dismiss this novel as the typical tale of spiritual possession. The title on its cover is misleading in that sense, but take the time to read the blurb (see spoiler) and you'll realise this book has so much more to offer. Dark fantasy has always appealed to my reading tastes, and this was one of the more memorable pieces of work in that genre.

The story is set in a parallel, post-apocalyptic London, overrun by hellish creatures known as "wych-kin". Naturally, where there is infestation, a livelihood is made out of dealing with the sinister critters, and "wych-hunting" becomes a full-time profession. Thaniel Fox is one such professional, and he encounters a deranged Alaizabel Cray during a wych-hunt. The two main characters eventually find themselves entangled in a conspiracy to unleash new "Gods" on a world fixated on knowledge and reason.

What I enjoyed about this book was the way wych-hunting was made to feel like an orthodox trade, and how the plot shifted from a girl possessed to events of a grander scale. Chris Wooding manages to weave science, magic, action, horror, and even a dash of romance into a compelling, well-paced plot that kept me turning the pages trying to relieve the suspense. At the end of the novel, one might even contemplate the hidden potential of the human mind, and whether there are indeed greater powers-that-be governing the fate of the world.

So, if you thought this review was intriguing, then this might just be the next good read you're looking for.

[Majyk]

This is the book you mentioned in my critique! It sounds just like the stuff I like to read (I'm putting it on hold in my library right now).

[Jack]

Sounds...interesting. I may give this book a whirl, especially considering the fact that I am currently writing a series of dark fantasy stories. Thanks for the review.

[jcsk88]

This is the book you mentioned in my critique! It sounds just like the stuff I like to read (I'm putting it on hold in my library right now).

Hey Maj. Yup, this is the one. I've been wanting to write a review for it on the site, but the last time I tried, it got deleted when I clicked on "submit". I never had the time to re-do it until now. I'm glad it sparked interest. I hope it doesn't disappoint. I know I really liked it. :)

[lostbookworm]

I read the book before and most of Woodings other books. This is his best though. This Review will tell more people about it.