The Tale of Nathaniel Cracklock by C A Deegan

Book Blurb

The US Cracklocks avoid the Fae. Why? The answers lie in the 17th Century…

Fleeing the Witchfinders of England, Nathaniel Cracklock boards a ship bound for the Americas. In Boston, a quieter life beckons. Or that was his intention.

However, Nathaniel is not the only stranger to those shores. The New World holds a lost secret, buried deep for aeons. And when misguided others awaken this ancient terror, dark days lie ahead for humanity and the Fae both. Only Nathaniel and a desperate few can stand against it. But the toll they must pay will echo through the ages forever after…

This is a tale of love, loss, darkness and light. The present-day Cracklocks should heed it well. Their future depends on it.

Best Book Editors Review

Cracklock fans; prepare for a treat. In this book, we go way, way back. The story begins at the very start of the 16^th Century and with the Witchfinder hot on his heels, Nathaniel escapes on an exciting sea-going journey to Boston. I love anything involving history and travel so this was brilliant. Nathaniel’s escape from England and his voyage to the New World is descriptive and captivating, and that’s without ancient secrets and the supernatural dangers to follow.

The author’s skilful writing captures the atmosphere of 17th-century Boston beautifully while building suspense and taking us back in time with some of the characters we’ve come to love and some new ones to add to the mix. We have romance and a fair maid to rescue, which just adds to the overall loveliness of the book and it softens some of the warlock scenes nicely. It all ties up in a satisfactory ending and a big, tense finish.

The novel connects themes throughout, bridging the past to the present-day Cracklocks. The stakes are high for Nathaniel, all of humanity and the Fae. This is a well-thought-out and crafted tale with some nice nods to history that keep readers interested. England in 1604 was a dangerous place to be for the likes of Nathaniel but Boson wasn’t a bed of roses either.

Highly recommended for fae and realistic witchcraft fans, or anybody who loves to escape into a good story.

Brilliant.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

J.H

Imaginative tale, fun and scary.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 November 2022

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The year is 1604: a dark and terrible time in British history when even the slightest hint of witchcraft could prove fatal for the one accused of such conjurations.
Nathaniel Cracklock is a good-natured fellow, law abiding and respectful to his father, Jeremiah. Nathaniel has been brought up to hide his powers, fearing the reprisals that may befall him and his family should he succumb.
A drunken brawl breaks out at his local tavern and Nathaniel has no choice but to use his powers to save himself and his friends, revealing his true self to everyone present.
The witchfinder is alerted and a warrant is issued for the arrest of Nathaniel Cracklock!
To save himself and his family, Nathaniel flees his village and boards a ship bound for the New World; in the hope of making a new life for himself.
This is a dark tale of witchcraft, goblins, fae, and friends—along with some terrifying monsters and an evil spirit intent on domination.
A beautifully written story. The fantasy world was described with great imagination, instilling a sense of intrigue as well as a huge dose of desperation as the story unfolded. A thoroughly enjoyable tale right to the last page in the book.
Highly recommended.

★★★★★

ANTHONY HULSE

Awesome read!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 May 2023

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This is not a genre I usually go for, but was curious after reading the synopsis, and I’m delighted with my decision. A mystical tale set in the seventeenth century, Nathanial Cracklock, a man with extraordinary powers is forced to leave his home, pursued by witchfinders. After reaching the New World, he encounters a series of odd characters, goblins fae and monsters in his quest for a life of solitude. A superb storyline and beautifully written, I marvelled at the author’s knowledge and the use of old vocabulary. Some wonderful well described characters and a journey to a magical world kept me interested to the conclusion. A superb work of art by a truly gifted writer.

★★★★★

S Saywack

Adventurous tale

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 November 2022

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I am plowing through the Cracklock saga, finding each book entertaining and thoroughly good reads (which I would Hartley recommend to those that both like fantasy and those that want to read good and well-put-together stories) and this standalone story did not disappoint. It’s a prequel of sorts, explaining the split in the family and how it occurs, and that begins with a drunken evening in the pub where something that should have been kept hidden, is exposed for all to see. Then we are thrown into the world of Fae, witches and so much more. It is set in the 17th century, several centuries removed from the main stories, where the Witchfinder General is a real fear for anyone who is remotely different let alone a witch. Deegan paints a rich world of good and evil that grabs the imagination wonderfully. If the novels can be described as a sort of fairy tale, then it’s a very different sort from the usual good fairy stories that have gone before. This is more dynamic and raw. Very, very enjoyable and refreshing.

★★★★★

About C A Deegan

C A Deegan lives in the East Midlands, right in the centre of the UK, and when he’s not writing or working, he’s with the family or walking the dog in the local woodlands with half an eye out for those ever-elusive Fae. The “Cracklock Saga” series of books came about from reading some pretty awful fairy books to his children over the years . But as he ground his way through these with gritted teeth, he always wondered what would happen if someone didn’t like fairies, what they would do about it, and could anybody stop them? This idea grew, and the Cracklocks were born. And boy, were they scary! Check out all things Cracklock at www.thecracklocksaga.com .

Mrs Helen Buckfield

Wonderful!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 March 2024

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I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Dorcas’ past, and what made her the brownie she is. This book has everything – marvellous characters, tender moments, exciting action, tragedy, redemption, and revenge. I was already a fan of Dorcas (and Roly from the main series), and can now add two more characters to my list of favourites – Smithy (or Smiffy as Dorcas calls him) and Minty. And, as usual, the villains are so horrible that the reader becomes truly invested in their comeuppance. This is the 6th book I’ve read in the Cracklock saga, and though it’s a stand-alone, it more than holds its own against the others. I look forward to reading the 7th, which I already have lined up on my Kindle. Highly recommended.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Eve K

“Dorcas” by C. A. Deegan- A Captivating Read!

Reviewed in Australia on 29 November 2023

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In “Dorcas” by C. A. Deegan, readers are taken on a captivating journey into the enigmatic past of Dorcas, the beloved Brownie who has been a cherished part of the Cracklock family for generations. Deegan weaves a tale that delves into Dorcas’s origins, revealing a dark and intricate history that adds depth to this fantastical narrative.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of Faery, a realm where mischief and magic intertwine. Dorcas and Smithy, mischievous best friends, find themselves entangled in a plot that could expose Faery to the human world. The narrative is rich with elements of fantasy, from encounters with mystical creatures like Jenny Greenteeth to dealings with the notorious Boggits. Deegan creates a vivid and immersive world that sparks the imagination.
The characters, especially Dorcas and Smithy, are well-developed and endearing. Their misadventures and troublesome escapades provide both humor and a sense of the fantastical. As the narrative unfolds, the complexities of Dorcas’s character are gradually revealed, shedding light on her scrappy nature and the events that shaped her.
The plot is driven by a mix of mischief, friendship, and the consequences of choices made. The narrative skillfully explores the repercussions of Dorcas and Smithy’s actions, creating tension and suspense. The decision to venture into the Lifer’s realm adds an element of danger and uncertainty, propelling the story forward with a sense of urgency.
Deegan’s writing style is engaging and evocative, capturing the whimsy of Faery and the emotional nuances of the characters. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing readers to savor the details of Dorcas’s early years while maintaining momentum through the unfolding events. One of the strengths of “Dorcas” is its ability to blend fantasy with themes of friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s choices. The narrative is not only an exploration of Dorcas’s past but also a commentary on the complexities of relationships in a magical realm.
I highly recommend this book! “Dorcas” is a delightful exploration of a Brownie’s past, filled with magic, mischief, and the bonds of friendship. C. A. Deegan successfully combines fantasy with relatable human emotions, creating a story that will appeal to readers of all ages. If you enjoy tales of magical realms, endearing characters, and the mysteries of the fae, “Dorcas” is a captivating read that will leave you enchanted.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

California

A fan of C A Deegan

Reviewed in the United States on 22 December 2023

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I fell in love with Dorcus and Smithy. Follow the story of Dorcus and Smithy from the Faery world. They go to the lifer’s realm to escape punishment in their Fae world only to befall more hideous punishment from some evil lifers. Will Dorcus and Smithy survive? Read to find out. I can’t wait to read more in the Cracklock series! Highly recommend.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐