In 1874, darkness lurks beneath the tranquil beauty of Savannah, Georgia. For more than a century, an evil-worshipping cult has tainted the city with their malice, murdering young women in their rituals of debauchery. When one of their members seeks freedom, the cult summons a demonic creature to dispatch the wayward one. The night the demon appears, Sister Brigid feels stirrings of power deep within herself that she has not felt since she was a child in Ireland. Descended from a long line of village wise women, had not famine struck Ireland, she would’ve inherited that ancient rite rather than being sent to a convent for her very survival. Now memories of her childhood are returning, and her powers grow stronger by the day. With the aid of a secret order of mages kept by the Church, Brigid comes to a better understanding of her power, but in doing so a new conflict rises within her as to whether to stay within the Church and continue the only life she’s ever known, or to grasp the old ways of her ancestors. Yet she knows that her decision will be meaningless if she cannot first defeat the evil before her.

Part historical fiction, part fantasy, part horror and all suspense, Waking Brigid is a near-flawless work that places readers in the midst of the tale and the characters’ lives. Each character is intricately drawn, their personalities, personal histories, internal conflicts and struggles with their faith make them feel deeply human and real. The city of Savannah is described which such detail that for those who haven’t visited there, the urge will come to want to go and experience the mystery and loveliness of it personally by book’s end. As Waking Brigid is set just ten years after the Civil War, haunted memories of the atrocities experienced are still fresh in the people’s minds as society seeks to move on. It’s not only Savannah that readers are taken to in the novel; Ireland and Wales are also visited as the history and ancient beliefs of each place is explored.

One of the things that makes Waking Brigid so interesting is the blending of different magical and religious cultures. Christianity, Celtic beliefs and Voodoo, along with Satanism, are all very strong presences, and some of the most thought-provoking discussions held within the book are in comparing beliefs and faiths. Magical aspects are key in each religion, and whether discussing ancient folklore or magical rituals and abilities, the writing is so concise that the supernatural is explained in a way that makes it seem wholly logical that it exists.

Waking Brigid is a novel of layers upon layers. As a horror novel, it’s chilling and haunting. As a historical fiction, it’s fascinating and lushly drawn. As a work of fantasy, it’s engaging and believable. As a piece of suspense, it’s completely gripping. Touching so many genres, Waking Brigid is guaranteed to bring enjoyment to a wide array of literary tastes.