Isis

The allegory and myth of Isis and Osiris is so beautifully written into the fabric of the story that you won’t want to put it down. Complete with pen/ink drawings in the hardcover.

"There had been a legend, once, of a Maiden of Sorrow, who had traveled deep in the earth to the Isle of Apples to find her lover who had died a terrible death in a distant battle. When she had returned, she brought him with her and held his hand as they emerged from the winding caves into the sunlight. But when others saw the couple, they cried out in terror--for her lover's eyes were black as pitch, and he had no mouth upon his face, just a seal of flesh as if he had not formed completely upon his journey back to the land of the living. The villagers knew he was not meant to be among them, yet the Maiden would not allow him to return to the earth." - From Isis I can't remember the last time I read such a truly spooky book, in the classic sense of the word. Maybe Stephen King, circa the 80's (when he was stoned and wrote great horror)? When I first held this slim volume by Douglas Clegg, only 111 pages, I honestly wondered, "Can someone really tell a good scary story in such a short time?" Since I knew I'd finish Isis within an hour or two, I figured I'd pass a Saturday morning with this illustrated hardcover book. Let me start off by saying that I have never read anything from Douglas Clegg before; in fact, I had never heard of him before I picked up Isis. So I had no expectations, really. Just curiosity at what an author can do in 111 pages. After finishing Isis...wow. It's hard to put in words how the tone of this book sucked me in and below its undertow of dread. I truly felt "haunted" while reading it, and even afterward. Isis is how great horror should read (in my opinion). I gave up horror novels a long time ago because gratuitous violence and shock value of modern horror began to replace erudition, atmosphere, and gradual dread employed by masters like Poe, Hawthorne, Kafka--even early King and Koontz. Ah, but Douglas Clegg's creepy (yet heartbreakingly compelling) Isis has reawakened in me a desire for classic horror; in fact, I look forward to reading other books by this author! If you enjoy classic horror that explores themes such as life after death, premature resurrection, forbidden rituals, and the yearning to preserve life at all costs, you'll no doubt fall in love with Isis. Well written and gripping, Isis delivers delicious chills (especially during the month of Halloween!), and rewards the reader with a highly satisfying tale of the supernatural. -- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot

I was really excited when I found out that Douglas Clegg was writing a book about Isis. I wanted to know more about her character. This book is incredible. The illustrations are haunting and beautiful. The story itself is fascinating and sends just the right amount of chills up your spine. I'm very interested in world mythology, so I really liked seeing the Egyptian myth about Isis and Osiris worked into the storyline. Douglas certainly knows how to describe everything so you feel as if you are there inside the story. I'm sure that just like me you'll read it in one sitting. This is definitely a great book to read to older children by the campfire or even make it a tradition to read together every Halloween. Pick up a copy, you won't be disappointed.

If you love the classic horror tales of old this is the book for you! It reminds me of Poe in many ways. It is beautifully written and full of the irony that good horror always has. A young girl makes a wish to bring back her beloved brother and her wish is granted. Though that may seem like a happy ending, Clegg doesn't rely on the predictable to complete his tale, which I really love. The book is appropriate for younger readers, those who would appreciate Poe or maybe even Twilight Zone. It's a novella and can easily be read in a couple of hours.

Iris Catherine Villiers is part of an unhappy home. Her father is somewhere at war, her mother is depressed and keeps to herself, her grandfather (known as the Gray Minister) shouts ominous Biblical passages from inside his room, and her governess hates her. Harvey, one of twin brothers, is the only person who cares about her. Their closeness is wonderful, and they often call themselves ISIS and Osiris, after the legend. They go on adventures together at Belerion Hall, their Cornish estate, and that is where they learn some creepy things about the Tombs from their gardener. Old Marsh's warnings go unheard when tragedy occurs one day. In her torment, Iris discovers that she can summon the dead. But as Old Marsh says, there is a big price to pay. Eternal damnation might be in the cards for Isis and Osiris. ISIS (which I think it's set in Victorian times) has the subtitle of "A Tale of the Supernatural," but that is an understatement. It is in fact quite a spooky gothic story, and it deals with the consequences that come from good intentions -- or rather, from selfishness. It begins with an ominous tone, and it ends with sheer horror. There is symbolism and foreshadowing. Douglas Clegg sure knows how to write a don't-turn-off-the-lights/don't-read-before-bedtime type of story. My one complaint is that this is very short. At 113 pages, it is a novella and nothing more. Still, it is definitely worth reading. I think I will try Clegg's other efforts after reading this gem. Highly recommended, a perfect read-under-the-sheets book for the harvest/Halloween season.

With this novella, Clegg adds yet another layer of depth to the Harrow mythos that he has created over the years. Here we're given a gothically-toned glimpse into the early life of the girl who would become Isis Claviger. Raised with little influence from either of her parents, we're shown the events that lead to a young girl's introduction to the Occult. Warned never to visit the depths of her family tomb, and never to toy with the rituals that haunt her family's past, young Isis grows to adolesence in the mysterious manor belonging to her eccentric grandfather. Following the accidental death of her brother Harvey, Isis learns the meaning of sadness and lonliness, which lead her to overcome her fears and reach out to the world beyond that she may know her brother once again. Told in a style that will both provoke and chill, this novella competes with The Necromancer for the place of my favorite of the Harrow tales. Excellent as a standalone that can be enjoyed in an evening or two, but essential to any collection of the author's other works.