This is one of the most exciting horror/supernatural novels I have read. What is even more impressive, is that it is Ms. Lee’s debut novel, though she is now a very seasoned author. There is both a compelling plot and wonderful characters introduced in this first of the Gabriel Davenport series. Often a book has a forte of one over the other, plot or characters, but Beverley Lee has mastered both, even early on in this first book. I think in a good horror story, you need a great plot as the architectural underpinning of what is happening and why. We have to suspend disbelief when reading the supernatural, and a good plot allows us to do so. This book is book one of the Gabriel Davenport series and there are now two more available: A Shining in the Shadows and the Purity of Crimson. The ending of the first book, which is indeed the tale of how Gabriel Davenport becomes the larger than life character he is destined to become, is so thrilling, that I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
Gabriel’s parents decide to move into the country to give their son a secure and happy childhood. But something terrible happens, a terrible Evil, and Gabriel’s childhood is destroyed and the course of his life permanently altered. The Reverend Noah Isaacs, who is witness to the horror of the Davenport’s tragedy and knows at least part of the truth, rescues the baby Gabriel and tries to protect and help heal Beth, Gabriel’s now very psychologically damaged mom. With Noah’s connections, Gabriel grows up under the care of a most unusual man, Carver, in a most unusual house, with others who have special gifts and powers. We meet other wonderful characters, such as Olivia and Ollie, a brother and sister. Gabriel is kept in the dark about the work Carver does, but now Gabriel is entering young adulthood and everything will change.
Gabriel’s life in once again in danger from the original malevolent force that cursed his infancy and destroyed his family. This story is a full on battle of good and evil at its best. The amazing character of Clove now enters the story. He is a vampire and my most favorite character! The Dark Force threatening Gabriel is also Clove’s nemesis. The second half of the book becomes almost unbearably suspenseful, frightening and yes, horrific, with a climatic ending that is truly stunning, setting the stage for book two in a most dramatic and satisfying way. Gabriel must choose between pure darkness and a most masterful vampire. If you like the supernatural and horror genres, you will SO love this book.
And don’t miss her 2020 novel: The Ruin of Delicate Things. Fabulous!
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A MUST READ!
One of my favorite things to say about a book, obviously if it applies, is how atmospheric it is. But TMOGD wins the award for atmospheric. Beverley Lee’s writing is so rich in description and scenes that you feel like you are right in the middle of the story. It leaves you wanting to visit, even live, in The Manor, with these wonderful characters. And for the record I need an Ella in my life, hehe. This is the kind of book where you sit back and really admire the writing. The battle between good and evil and even bad and evil make this such a fun and suspenseful read. The characters are very well fleshed out and you feel a deep connection with each one. I’m eager to see where book 2 heads, but I know that if Beverley’s debut novel was this good that the second book WILL NOT disappoint!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2016Format: KindleVerified Purchase
If you've read this book already, then you will recognize I have the wrong colored feathers falling, but this just worked so perfectly! If you have not read The Making of Gabriel Davenport and you're in to paranormal, supernatural thrillers, then you should get it when you take your next book budget for a ride. I can happily say, this book put me in mind of Alfred Hitchcock! There was something going on
One of the BEST paranormals I've read all year!
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2016
So the story is about more than a young man. It's about a process and revenge. And maybe even a bit of young adult attitude and the stealing of a soul- a lot went on and came together perfectly. You see, Gabriel lives in The Manor, a place that studies the paranormal and supernatural. Each resident, other than the curator (Carver), has a talent that assists in discovering and possibly resolving unnatural occurrences. While there, he's continuously observed by things unseen. He's also under protection - been under protection since infancy and never told why.
While he's dealing with such secrets and insecurities, his mother is tucked away in a room in the same home, completely disconnected from reality. Or is she? Things talk to her and convince her to do things, where the ones who care for her can't even carry on a conversation! Gabriel's father, dead fifteen years, decided to pay everyone a visit too. HOW DOES THIS ALL COME TOGETHER?!! Sounds crazy, I know and you don't exactly get all of the answers, thanks to the ending, but I have a feeling I'll be finding out as soon as the follow-up hits shelves and Kindle!
Be sure you grab yourself a copy of The Making of Gabriel Davenport as soon as you can. Find out what all the hubbub is about! On to a new read.
*For the full review: [...]
** Book provided by author, Beverly Lee, for an honest review.
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Top reviews from other countries
- HollyReviewed in Canada on June 11, 2016
An outstanding debut novel!
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This was a brilliant debut! As a constant reader & a somewhat writer, I truly appreciate the details Beverley Lee has put into this story. I love when an author can transport the reader into the setting with such ease. I was enthralled with the atmosphere of this entire story from beginning to end! I could envision the landscapes, the buildings, especially The Manor! I LOVED the library (what else is new?) & picture immersing myself within a book for hours upon hours, vampires & the like roaming the halls. No demons, please!HollyAn outstanding debut novel!
Reviewed in Canada on June 11, 2016
Lee's ability to create multidimensional characters is superb! There is such a wonderful cast of characters that I truly loved -- Gabriel, Moth, Ollie, Beth, Noah & Clove! Dear Clove. My absolute favourite! I so look forward to *hopefully* finding out more about his backstory & how he came to find Gabriel.
Also? I am shipping Gabe & Moth like FedEx! Please make this canon, dear Beverley Lee! ::fingers firmly crossed::
This was an utterly thrilling read, especially the last 100 pages! I did not want to put it down. I enjoyed the short chapters, as I felt they really added to the fast-paced storytelling. The only problem is, the book was too short! I wanted MORE!
Atmospheric & haunting, thrilling & intriguing. I had no idea what this was going to be about & I was beyond pleasantly surprised as it was all unveiled! This is my kind of book. I am awaiting the sequel with bated breath! Highly recommended!
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- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Germany on April 18, 2016
You NEED to read this book!
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase - MReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 24, 2017
Superb, fun, well written book
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - ElizabethReviewed in Australia on August 18, 2018
Well drawn characters, a plot full of secrets and dark turns, and oodles of atmosphere.
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 3, 2019
Gripping and intriguing
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
