If you love gothic horror with a wild modern twist, "Usher's Passing" is a must-read. McCammon takes Poe’s classic Usher legacy and ramps it up with Southern Gothic flavor, dark family secrets, creepy supernatural elements, and a setting that's both grand and menacing. The second half is a true thrill ride packed with jaw-dropping twists, perfect for readers who crave suspense, family drama, and a touch of the bizarre - especially fans of Stephen King or anyone hunting for an atmospheric Halloween read.

Who May Not Like This Book:

This might not be your cup of tea if slow-burning setups aren’t your thing - the first half takes its time layering family histories and character backstories, which some have found tedious. If you prefer tightly plotted novels without meandering subplots or don’t enjoy unlikable, morally gray characters causing constant drama, you may struggle to connect. Readers sensitive to graphic or disturbing content (including violence and animal harm) should also take note.

A southern gothic rollercoaster: slow start, but stick with it for a seriously gripping, twist-filled supernatural tale. Perfect for fans of dark family sagas and shivery fall reads.

About:

Usher's Passing by Robert R. McCammon is a modern-day gothic tale that follows Rix Usher, the estranged black sheep of the wealthy Usher family, as he returns to their compound in North Carolina. The story unfolds with a mix of historical fiction elements and supernatural twists, revealing the dark secrets and mysterious past of the Usher family. As Rix delves deeper into his family's history, he uncovers a web of family intrigue, supernatural occurrences, and a chilling mystery surrounding the abductions of children by a mythical figure known as the Pumpkin Man.

The novel intricately weaves together elements of horror, suspense, and family drama as Rix navigates through the complexities of his family's legacy, the supernatural forces at play, and the sinister truths that have been hidden for generations within the Usher family. With a blend of historical anecdotes, character development, and unexpected plot twists, Usher's Passing offers a gripping and immersive reading experience that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion.

Characters:

Characters are deeply flawed, often unlikable, and add complexity to the unfolding family drama and supernatural plot.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is vivid and graphic, blending Southern Gothic horror with family drama and engaging character development.

Plot/Storyline:

The story revolves around exploring the Usher family's dark legacy amid supernatural elements and suspenseful plot twists, culminating in a cliffhanger.

Setting:

The setting is a modern-day estate in North Carolina, providing an atmospheric backdrop for the family's dark secrets.

Pacing:

While the pacing begins slowly, it transitions into a gripping and fast-paced narrative that captivates readers.

THUNDER ECHOED LIKE AN IRON BELL ABOVE THE SPRAWL OF NEWYork City. In the heavy air, lightning crackled and thrust at the earth, striking the high Gothic steeple of James Renwick's new Grace Church on...

Notes:

The novel is set in present-day North Carolina, focusing on the troubles of Rix Usher, the estranged member of a wealthy family.

Rix Usher, the protagonist, is a horror fiction author dealing with his wife's suicide and the death of his father.

The story combines elements of gothic horror, family drama, and supernatural themes involving witches and curses.

Rix is motivated to uncover his family's dark past and the truth behind their legacy which includes child disappearances.

Characters in the book include Rix's brothers Boone and Cat, as well as various colorful figures from both the family and local community.

The Ushers are depicted as a wealthy and dysfunctional family, contributing to the book's tense atmosphere.

The plot features a mysterious figure known as the Pumpkin Man, who is involved in a series of child abductions.

The narrative includes flashbacks to the 1800s, exploring the Usher family's history and their dark secrets.

The pacing of the book shifts dramatically, with a slow start followed by explosive revelations and plot twists in the second half.

The setting of Usherland, the family estate, is crucial to the story, filled with eerie occurrences and a strong sense of foreboding.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers/include cannibalism, self-harm, suicide, child abduction, graphic violence, and mental health issues.

From The Publisher:

Usher's Passing is about descendants of the Usher family from Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Fall of the House of Usher."

The house of usher is built on death itself-and now it has a new master…

For generations the House of Usher has grown wealthier and more powerful on the invention and sale of murderous military weapons. But another evil has lived and grown within the House of Usher-a legacy of depravity of bloodshed that goes back generations, and stains the hallways of the family mansion.

One young heir, Rix Usher, is reluctant to return home. But the House of Usher has chosen him to take the reins from his dying father… to learn the house's terrible secrets. Joining in a ritual of fantastic evil, he will be forced to unleash the dreadful powers of Usher…

1984

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426 pages

Ratings (4)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (2)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (10):

Read It (4)
Want To Read (6)

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Usher's Passing

Robert R. McCammon

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