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Cover of Elephantasm

Elephantasm

Tanith Lee (1993)

SubgenreDark Fantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingR
Pages (Standard (250-400))
Setting
CSM age18+
Goodreads3.52

Content levels

ViolenceStrong
Sexual contentSteamy
LanguageMild

Protagonist archetypes

Vengeance-Driven

Synopsis

Synopsis - Annie Ember lives in hopeless poverty with her sister Rose and her wicked brother-in-law...until the day that Annie discovers the mysterious exotic shop where she buys, for one penny, a tiny and ancient ivory elephant. Soon afterwards a grisly murder leaves Annie without home or family, but employment is found for her in a country house far away. Sir Hampton Smolte made his fortune out in India, and has brought back not only his wealth but also an obsessive hatred towards that conquered land where he once commanded a mercenary army. His mansion is fanciful and extraordinary, all scarlet and gold, like a fairy tale raja’s palace set down in green English parkland. There Annie is to become a drudge – a scullery maid in this house full of stuffed animals, eccentric servants, and the even more peculiar Smolte family. But soon she catches the eye of the handsome Rupert who, like his father, retains a fascination with India. Entranced, she succumbs to his attentions – till one night she learns in disgust and terror just what his lovemaking entails... Annie’s fear and helpless fury provide the catalyst which will turn this dream house into a place of panic and the impossible – letting in all the power of the jungle, and unlocking the darkest secrets of Hampton Smolte’s beginnings.

Elephantasm: content & age rating

Intended for adult readers (18+).

Dark fantasy with strong violence (murder), disturbing sexual content (predatory relationship with horrifying elements), and themes of colonial exploitation and revenge through supernatural means. Not appropriate for teens.

What to know going in

This book has strong violence, steamy sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include sexual assault, domestic violence, murder, and death of a loved one (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Adult readers who enjoy dark fantasy will be drawn to this Gothic tale of supernatural revenge against colonial oppressors.

Tags

Gothic FantasyHistorical FantasyHorror ElementsVictorian Setting