T.A.Ravell

Found this short story in the Community Magazine, June 2026 edition, and despite not being a fan of the genre, I tried it due to its length.
And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. In fact, I loved it!

Overall:
I would absolutely recommend this story, because it is well-written and genuinely interesting. The plot is condensed very well in just a few chapters, it is well paced and the flowery prose adds charm to the story instead of weighing it down. To me, this story reads like a shorter version of what could end up being a popular psychological horror movie. 

Style:
The narration is written in first person, and it successfully sets up Cecilia as an unreliable narrator. The narration style employs sensory descriptions, internal monologue, a gothic-inspired setting and the information is being handed to the reader at just the right moment. It is very apparent that it was crafted with meticulous attention to detail. 

Story:
The plot follows a somewhat classic horror movie structure, starting with the protagonist's internal turmoil and the mysterious setup, and escalating with each chapter. The psychological horror elements are presented really well, and the pacing is gripping the reader on every chapter.

Grammar:
The writing is highly stylized and the grammar matches the century which the prose mimics. It is meticulously done.

Character:
I loved Cecilia's psychological depiction, and her interiority was very well handled. The number of characters was well balanced to the size of the story and as a reader I found myself rooting for the protagonist, despite the tags.