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Cover of Candlenight

Candlenight

Phil Rickman (1991)

SubgenreDark Fantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingR
Pages (Standard (250-400))
Setting
CSM age18+
Goodreads3.95

Content levels

ViolenceStrong
Sexual contentMild
LanguageModerate

Positive tags

Not yet tagged

Heroine archetypes

Fish out of Water

Protagonist archetypes

Duo / Partners

Synopsis

For a young professional couple like Giles and Claire, the village was idyllic—a quaint, peaceful place, far from the noise and crowds of the city. Though the locals could be standoffish at times, Giles and Claire did their best to participate in village life. But their efforts to fit in seemed to lead nowhere. And the more they tried, the more unwelcoming the place became—until the very town itself seemed to rise up against their presence. Ancient secrets and dark superstitions took a hideous, living shape. And soon they learned the terrifying truth about what it meant to be outsiders...

Candlenight: content & age rating

Intended for adult readers (18+).

This dark fantasy novel contains strong supernatural horror, persecution of outsiders by a sinister village community, likely violence as ancient forces manifest, and disturbing psychological themes. Not appropriate for teen readers.

What to know going in

This book has strong violence, mild sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include death, violence, and xenophobia (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Adult readers who enjoy atmospheric folk horror will appreciate the slow-building dread of a community turning hostile.

Tags

Folk HorrorPsychological HorrorRural GothicThriller