About the Author

Douglas Nicholas is an award-winning poet, whose work has appeared in numerous poetry journals, and the author of four previous books, including Something Red and Iron Rose, a collection of poems inspired by New York City. He lives in New York's Hudson Valley with his wife Theresa and Yorkshire terrier Tristan.

Reviews

Rich in historical detail, this suspenseful coming-of-age fantasy grabs the reader with the facts of life in medieval England and the magic spells woven into its landscape. Hob, a 13-year-old orphan, has found a place with the traveling troupe of Mistress Molly, an Irish medicine woman who can speak with crows. Traveling south before winter, Hob helps guide Molly's wagons while navigating the troubles of the road and the temptations of inns. Forced by rockslide and storm to seek shelter in Blanchefontaine, a Norman castle, the troupe soon realizes that the greatest danger, the Beast that has been harrowing the countryside, is now locked up inside with them. Debut novelist Nicholas brings a poetic turn to his prose (Molly hits a bull's-eye with a dagger the way "a gardener carelessly flicks a pebble away from a plot he is weeding") and introduces monks, Crusaders, tanners, foreign nobility, shape-shifters, and even oxen to bring his magical Middle Ages to splendid life. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

As a makeshift family led by an Irish healer in 13th-century England makes their way across a mountainous, frigid terrain, their newest adopted member, Hob, struggles to stay warm and keep his wagon on the path. The nomads become uncomfortably aware that they are being stalked by an unseen, deadly force as they proceed through the woods. As the terror builds, Hob and his new family must decide whether they will fight for the little they hold dear. Nicholas, an award-winning poet, creates a turbulent world of Norman knights, hidden royals, and warrior monks, where no one is whom they appear to be and evil lurks in the wings. The historical detail and gradually building fear is vibrant and palpable as the novel rockets toward its conclusion. Verdict This darkly atmospheric debut novel is well worth its measured plot-building for its horrific, unexpected ending. Fans of historical fiction with a dark fantasy twist would enjoy this.-Katie Lawrence, Chicago (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

"Rich in historical detail, this suspenseful coming-of-age fantasy grabs the reader with the facts of life in medieval England and the magic spells woven into its landscape."-Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"A hauntingly affecting historical novel with a touch of magic." * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *
"Not for the faint of heart, this pulse pounding page-turner grabs you from the start and never lets you go. A wickedly clever and evocative combination of history, horror, mystery, and magic."-Booklist
"Debut novelist Douglas Nicholas goes for the throat with Something Red. Rich in history, ankle deep in blood, and packed with brilliant writing and whip-smart plotting." -- Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Assassin's Code and Flesh & Bone
"I love the writing, the vividness and poetic feel, maybe the sheer 'Irishness' of it. Beautifully observed moments abound in this: a waterfall, a snow-filled forest, a mountainscape. The sense of place is overwhelming; every stone, every flower pops out at you."-Cecelia Holland, New York Times bestselling author of The King's Witch
"I loved Something Red. Douglas Nicholas conjures up the distant thirteenth century with prose as magical as that practiced by his sorceress-queen. This is a stunning debut novel of lyrical power and suspenseful drama. The hair-raising finale will keep you reading far into the night."-Carol Goodman, national bestselling author of The Lake of Dead Languages
"Ably conjuring the beauties and drawbacks of the past, and with an engaging and unusual cast-list, Something Red is a thoroughbred novel of nightmare terror, ruled by a force of sheer evil that seems, and may well prove, unstoppable."-Tanith Lee, award-winning author of The Silver Metal Lover
"Douglas Nicholas can artfully narrate a story. I was engaged from beginning to end . . . Something Red is sure to be a best seller."-Agenda Magazine
"Relax. Master storyteller Douglas Nicholas is about to transport you to far-away places, show you far-off times; but hold on tight: while the cresting rhythm of his cadenced prose mounts, your throbbing pulse-that same blood clock his characters tell time by-will pound unstoppably, as identical horror howls fatally outside, smiles beguilingly within, and your skin senses stone sweat behind the castle's painted plaster walls, beneath midwinter-deep drifts of snow. When I say Something Red is a sensation, I mean precisely that: this book's sensational! "-Ronald Christ, author of Bonevardi: Constructing Magic
"As a reader I was so enthralled with the tale, it was like leaving reality and stepping into a wondrous and mysterious time with so much magic in it . . .You will not be disappointed."-Great Minds Think Aloud
"This is a beautifully written work, with evocative prose which captures the essence of traveling in winter in Middle Ages England."-Snarky Writer
"Written with great skill, this atmospheric, yet gritty, story will remain with you, and it is a wonderful addition to the long line of stories devoted to the magic of fairy tales."-Book Hog
"Something Red absolutely blew me away. This is one of the best debuts I've read in years and the story itself still haunts my dreams. It was all the best elements of Irish folklore, historical fiction, and a very frightening mystery at its cores."-Chaotic Compendiums
"Douglas Nicholas can artfully narrate a story. I was engaged from beginning to end."-Agenda Magazine

"The poetic nature of the language, the increasing of the novel's atmospheric spook and the members of the traveling family made Something Red a winner." * MindingSpot *
"Douglas Nicholas has written a gut-wrenching, harrowing novel in Something Red; however, he's also written a touching, realistic story about what made a family, love, and life during a 13th century English winter . . . Nicholas' storytelling painted this novel with historic realism that made it pop right off the page. . . If you like a non-stop thrilling roller coaster ride, hop on board with Something Red!" * Popcorn Reads *
"Nicholas's beautiful prose, his detailed portrayal of life in medieval England, interesting characters, and underlying supernatural themes make this book a real gem." * BookBrowse *
"The most stunning debut novel I have ever read. The language is beautiful and descriptive; the novel is an incredible sensory experience for the reader." * Examiner.com *
"Nicholas handles characterization, setting and atmosphere deftly and expertly . . . Something Red is an excellent debut from a gifted author." * Shelf Awareness *
"Memorable . . . Legendary." * Pate Books *
"This darkly atmospheric debut novel is well worth its measured plot-building for its horrific, unexpected ending." * Library Journal (starred review) *