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Max Power

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Darkly Wood Kindle Edition

by Max Power (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

105 ratings

Book 1 of 2: Darkly Wood

When a new arrival to the village of Cranby discovers a small leather bound book called 'Tales of Darkly Wood' she soon discovers that not all of the stories within are as fantastic as they first appear.

The book tells of supposedly terrible events which have occurred in the Wood that overlooks the village. What begins as an innocent stroll with her new admirer up by Darkly Wood soon turns into a nightmare for young Daisy, one from which it seems impossible to escape.

The line between reality and fantasy soon begins to blur, as a fledgling love affair is tested in the most terrifying circumstances. Swept up in her emotions, the young girl soon discovers that while sometimes love is all you need, sometimes love is not enough. There is something wrong up in Darkly Wood, and soon Daisy has to fight to save more than her life.

This spine chilling love story builds momentum and maintains excitement and pace right to the astonishing and jaw dropping climax. Along the way stories from the book 'Tales of Darkly Wood' help reveal the strange truth behind the mysterious Wood high on the hill above Cranby.
If you like a thrilling ride and enjoy storytelling at its best, Darkly Wood will keep you on the edge of your seat and lead you into a wonderful world of storytelling all at the same time.

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In this series (2 books)

Kindle Edition

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Max Power
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Max Power
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Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004DL0PMU
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Max Power Books
Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 30 Jun. 2014
Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 1.0 MB
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 270 pages
Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Darkly Wood
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 18 years

Customer reviews:
105 ratings

About the author

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Max Power

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Max Power has written several books including Darkly Wood, Darkly Wood II The woman who never wore shoes, Larry Flynn, Bad Blood and Little Big Boy. Originally from Dublin he currently resides in Maynooth in Kildare Ireland with his family.

Double winner of the Peoples Book Awards for Little Big boy and Darkly Wood

Latest publication- Darkly Wood II The woman who never wore shoes. This is book II in the series. Coming soon Darkly Wood III Crinkle

Max can also be found on Facebook at https://facebook.com/maxpowerbooks

You can also read Max Power's blog here ;

https://maxpowerbooks.wordpress.com and on Twitter@maxpowerbooks

Coming next Apollo Bay... An intense thriller set in Australia

Customer reviews

105 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise the book's storytelling, describing it as a veritable masterpiece with layers of interest. The horror content receives positive feedback for its brilliant inventiveness, and customers find the visual style mesmerizing and imaginative. The book is lyrically written with a distinctive voice, features interesting characters, and maintains a fantastically dark tone throughout.

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Storytelling quality Horror content Visual style Readability Lyricism Character development Dark tone

22 customers mention ‘Storytelling quality’22 positive0 negative

Customers praise the storytelling quality of the book, describing it as a veritable masterpiece with layers of interest and a strong main narrative.

"...The numerous but short chapters make for a very readable style of writing, and by way of the different tales of the book within the book, the author..." Read more

"...clever writing in a lyrical distinctive voice gives the story layer upon layer of interest and different possible interpretations of what is..." Read more

"...you and menace you and ultimately touch you to the core with its poignant and unexpected ending...." Read more

"...I am not ashamed to admit, such was his ability to create realism in this story, there were a couple of occasions when I actually felt the shiver..." Read more

13 customers mention ‘Horror content’13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the horror elements in the book, finding them sinister and inventive, with one customer describing it as a cleverly-constructed paranormal tale with unexpected twists.

"...draw closer to form an intricate pattern; surprises and shocks keep the reader entranced, drawing you in just as Daisy and Benjamin are drawn..." Read more

"...There are stories within stories, unexpected twists and a blurring between fantasy and reality...." Read more

"...It's difficult to label this book with a genre as it expertly intertwines horror, suspense, paranormal, romance and so much more...." Read more

"Darkly Wood was an unusual and interesting read...." Read more

13 customers mention ‘Visual style’13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the visual style of the book, describing it as mesmerizing and imaginative, with one customer noting its beautifully described scenes.

"...The writing technique is both clever and imaginative, using descriptive narrative to set the tone and atmosphere early on, using the opportunity to..." Read more

"A wonderfully rich, mystical tale brimming with suspense and atmosphere...." Read more

"...and eagerly through the early pages of ‘Darkly Wood’, warmed by the distinctive, lyrical voice of the author and not too alarmed by the increasingly..." Read more

"...a slightly darker disposition and for me, even at that age, they fed my imagination...." Read more

11 customers mention ‘Readability’11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and thoroughly entertaining, with one mentioning it provides satisfying few hours of reading.

"...with twists and turns and and new revelations at every juncture, an amazing and diverse array of characters, and a conclusion as eerie and..." Read more

"...so, what has been created is, without a doubt, one of the most enthralling reads I have read in quite awhile...." Read more

"...times of more fast-paced, modern writing, but at all times it was entertaining - and isn’t that the aim...." Read more

"Darkly Wood was an unusual and interesting read...." Read more

10 customers mention ‘Lyricism’10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the lyrical writing style of the book, with its distinctive voice, and one customer notes how it creates an old-fashioned atmosphere.

"...The numerous but short chapters make for a very readable style of writing, and by way of the different tales of the book within the book, the author..." Read more

"...Very clever writing in a lyrical distinctive voice gives the story layer upon layer of interest and different possible interpretations of what is..." Read more

"...early pages of ‘Darkly Wood’, warmed by the distinctive, lyrical voice of the author and not too alarmed by the increasingly macabre turns of the..." Read more

"...really had no idea where the story was going as the clever writing kept me guessing throughout...." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Character development’7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting its similarity to Edgar Allan Poe's style.

"...and and new revelations at every juncture, an amazing and diverse array of characters, and a conclusion as eerie and unexpected as any pone could..." Read more

"...introducing peaks and troughs in the plot and in the lives of the many well-drawn characters...." Read more

"...short chapter provides a brief reprieve from the suspense as colourful characters with fabulous names are introduced...." Read more

"...left unanswered but this is a well told story where the main characters are well drawn and the description of places and events are good...." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Dark tone’5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the dark tone of the book.

"From the first time I saw the brilliant cover for Darkly Wood, I wanted to read it, and I'm very glad that I did...." Read more

"...Others may love that and again, I found it a fantastically dark but beautifully told story. Would definitely recommend." Read more

"...An inventive, imaginative, and very enjoyable read. This is a dark, cleverly-constructed paranormal tale of a horror that lurks in Darkly Wood...." Read more

"This is a delightfully dark little book, which seems to slip in and out of reality with baffling speed...." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

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RuddersReviews
Superbly reminiscent of Edgar Allan Poe...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 November 2014
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This is a book that embodies horror, romance, and the paranormal in a way I've rarely seen. With a good opening narrative, right from the start the author conjures up an atmospheric sense of creepiness and the macabre reminiscent of a latter day Edgar Allan Poe or Dennis Wheatley, so much so that one can almost imagine Christopher Lee or Vincent Price playing the part of one of the characters, particularly that of Lord Terrence Darkly.

Initially we learn of the mystery and horror of Darkly Wood by way of the central character, Daisy May Coppertop, reading through a copy of a book of tales about Darkly Wood - a book within a book so to speak but at that point that's all they are, just stories, but certainly nothing to be alarmed about, at least not yet.

What starts off as Daisy and Benjamin, intrigued by the apparent sight of strange looking boy in the distance, taking a seemingly innocent and pleasant walk along the edge of a nearby woodland soon turns into a a dark and fear filled battle not just to escape its clutches but simply to survive. Faced with ever increasing danger and a sense of time running out for them, the bond between Daisy, and Benjamin, her new found friend from the local village, grows into something much more than simple friendship or first love.

The writing technique is both clever and imaginative, using descriptive narrative to set the tone and atmosphere early on, using the opportunity to inform the reader of many nuggets of information that come into play later in the book, gradually introducing just the right balance of dialogue and action. The numerous but short chapters make for a very readable style of writing, and by way of the different tales of the book within the book, the author keeps the story alive and fresh throughout. In books such as this the author often requires the reader's implicit consent to suspend their disbelief, but here the reader is left in no doubt whatsoever as to the mystery and horror of the wood; in one of the chapters the author cleverly demonstrates the 'other worldliness' of the wood when in one particular tale, someone trying to find their way out of the wood tries using their field craft skills to escape only to find all the laws of nature and physics don't seem to apply in the heart of Darkly Wood. As the story progresses the seemingly unrelated tales of the wood draw closer to form an intricate pattern; surprises and shocks keep the reader entranced, drawing you in just as Daisy and Benjamin are drawn further and further into Darkly Wood. Filled with twists and turns and and new revelations at every juncture, an amazing and diverse array of characters, and a conclusion as eerie and unexpected as any pone could imagine, this is definitely one of my favourite reads of 2014.

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Maria
Discover the secrets of Darkly Woods, if you dare.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 March 2015
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A wonderfully rich, mystical tale brimming with suspense and atmosphere. Reading on the edge of my usual choice of reads, this book came highly recommended and doesn't disappoint. Very clever writing in a lyrical distinctive voice gives the story layer upon layer of interest and different possible interpretations of what is happening.
Despite reading the tales of Darkly Wood, Daisy enters the woods with the handsome boy, Benjamin, she has just met. Having been lost in woods myself, the sense of panic, disorientation and indecision on whether to continue or turn back was so accurate. At the same time it often seemed a metaphor for the two teenagers, inexperienced and fumbling their way to their first kiss. As they are led deeper, the personality of the woods grows ever darker. Is it their imagination or does the wood have evil intentions?
There are stories within stories, unexpected twists and a blurring between fantasy and reality.
I recommend you discover the secrets of Darkly Wood.

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Lesley Hayes
Mesmerizing, sinister, lyrical - a beguiling 5* read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 August 2014
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Entering Max Power’s mesmerizing novel is like venturing into Darkly Wood itself. Just as the book within the book, discovered by the heroine Daisy May, begins as a seemingly innocuous tale describing the unfortunate history of those who have wandered past its outskirts, so does the bewitching narrative of the novel prove increasingly sinister, the further in those reckless enough to cross the initial boundaries go.

I was lulled to begin with – just as Daisy was lulled – intrigued by this apparently random collection of tales of people who had one way or another found their dreadful destiny waiting deep in the heart of Darkly Wood. It reminded me, during the first enticing chapters, of those many pleasant hours I spent as a child, sitting by the fire listening to my grandmother recount the old gossipy stories of people she had known – characters whose quirky personalities and drama-soaked lives remained etched on my memory. I therefore stepped boldly and eagerly through the early pages of ‘Darkly Wood’, warmed by the distinctive, lyrical voice of the author and not too alarmed by the increasingly macabre turns of the individual histories of the residents of the village of Cranby, and the narrative itself.

As the novel progressed Daisy’s own story gathered momentum and the account of the history of Darkly Wood was a task taken over by the mysterious Benjamin, who became her companion. By now the novel had taken on certain aspects of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ – but a very dark ‘Alice in Wonderland’ (which is, let’s face it, already pretty dark.) I also by now realised that the magic of the story ‘Darkly Wood’ had ensnared me as surely as if I’d been stumbling my way through its dense, shape-shifting forest. There was no discernible exit – only the mystery unfolding, and my increasing fascination to find out how Daisy’s story was resolved. I was taken on a journey as convoluted as a densely thicketed maze, with unexpected openings and suddenly blocked pathways. The novel was Darkly Wood, I realised. Its darkness gathered as I continued to turn the pages with escalating avidity, never sure, even to the very last pages, what would happen next.

But despite your inevitable curiosity I am not going to tell you what happens to Daisy – or to Benjamin – or describe the monster that lurks in Darkly Wood, as fascinating in both essence and history as the Minotaur that is chained, trapped in the very heart of the labyrinth in the ancient Greek myth. That same mythical quality hangs in the air in Darkly Wood – the sense of otherworld and allegory which we instinctively feel drawn to, however terrible. What I will do is urge you to read the book, to allow the experience of it to beguile you and menace you and ultimately touch you to the core with its poignant and unexpected ending. I am giving Max Power’s novel 5* and have already put his second novel ‘Larry Flynn’ on my reading list.

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Top reviews from other countries

Bibliophagist
Once I stepped into Darkly Wood, I never wanted to leave
Reviewed in Canada on 29 April 2015
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When I first happened upon Darkly Wood, I stepped gingerly along its perimeter, not knowing what to expect, but found myself enticed and intrigued non the less.
As I got further and deeper into Darkly Wood, I found myself unable and unwilling to leave.

From the very first page, this story draws you in with an allure akin to Poe or Hitchcock. The writing has an old-world storytelling quality that fits so well with its eerie narrative. I loved each and every one of the characters and each one of the individual tales taken from the book within a book, some of which would work as stand alone short stories, but gain and give strength as part of the larger framing story.

By around half way through I was desperate to find out the truth at the heart of Darkly Wood, and it tortured me again and again, beckoning me closer, with ever greater promise while the darkness crept in from all sides.
(This is not only figurative) *I wanted to finish this book so bad that I let a throat infection go for a few days too long and slipped into a fever. The twisted fever dreams that resulted, were inspired by the tales from Darkly Wood and after a few terrifying days I was begging my doctor for antibiotics.*
Once my own terrifying ordeal was over, I returned to the book and consumed the rest in a single sitting. The author has a great voice (my internal narrator transformed into Christopher Lee for all of the introductory portions) and a fantastic ability to create simultaneous dread and intrigue. The description of 'woody' is one that will stick in my mind for a long time, whether I want it to or not.
If you love eerie, creepy old school scares then you'll love this book, it easily earns my five stars.

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ananya
Page Turner
Reviewed in France on 13 March 2022
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Frequent proof-reading errors, but on the whole it's a good story, a real page-turner.

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Jenna Whittaker
Absolutely amazing!
Reviewed in Australia on 5 August 2018
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I have to admit, this is one of the best books I've read lately!! It's thrilling, absolutely mysterious; the world is so well-developed, but the author only allows us glimpses of understanding. The description and writing style is absolutely phenomenal, and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I really highly recommend it, if you buy this book, you won't go wrong. I loved it!!!

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Andrew Updegrove
A Great Story, Told Through a Wood, Darkly
Reviewed in the United States on 14 June 2015
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Darkly Wood is an evil place, one to be avoided at all costs, and never to be ventured into under any circumstances. Except in print, in which case your curiosity will be very well rewarded indeed. It’s imaginative and well-written, and despite the fact that it follows in the grand tradition of evil lurking in dark forests, you’ll find surprising twists and an ending that you won’t see coming.

The concept behind the book is a series of stories that center around a foreboding forest in an out of the way corner of England. Naturally, it harbors a dark and deadly secret. Soon, a narrative following a single protagonist appears, and this ongoing continues to be interspersed with vignettes that are unrelated, except for the fact that the character each one focuses on wishes that they hadn’t been selected for that purpose before its end.

Power brings a pleasant story teller’s voice to the narrative that evokes the past as easily as the present. He has a surprising ability to continue to come up with stories revolving around the wood that all share the same overall trajectory, but which continue to interest in the details, in part because they’re short and well paced. While some are inevitably stronger than others, none come across as filler intended more to keep the premise alive than to continue to please.

Part of the intrigue of the book is that the narrative floats easily upon the back of time, moving effortlessly somewhere between the past and the present as it weaves the stories together, often not in a chronological fashion. That’s appropriate, because time is only passingly relevant in Darkly Wood, and the lines between the living and the dead, the killer and the killed, are often ephemeral and irrelevant.

Darkly Wood is a good read for any age, assuming your young adults don’t identify so closely with credible characters that they come back uninvited to visit in nightmares. It’s fast and fun, and the way the author pulls things together in the end will leave you pleased and impressed.

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Melanie P Smith
Mystery with a twist...
Reviewed in the United States on 22 September 2015
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Anyone who has spent time in a dark forest has experienced the mysterious, sometimes eerie, sensation of winds whistling through the branches, twigs snapping and mystical noises you simply cannot explain. It’s an experience like no other. Whether you are sharing it with someone you care about or experiencing it alone this otherworldly journey can be terrifying. If you haven’t had the pleasure…pick up a copy of Max Power’s Darkly Wood. He will introduce you to the phenomena. His story of curiosity, fear and things that go bump in the night will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end. There is a reason so many scary movies fall back on this setting to create the perfect backdrop for their unnerving and sinister creations. Max Power is no exception. From the very first chapter, the author begins to set the stage for this intriguing story. Ever heard of location, location location? Well Max Power has landed us in a location that is so frightening even the locals won’t go near it.

Darkly Wood starts out giving snippets of information in the form of folklore and legends. The forest is simply accepted as a dark place that has always existed and always will. People die there, stay away…is the simplistic attitude of the locals. Then, enter Daisy May and her mysterious book. At first the reader is left to wonder…is this going to be just another tragedy in a long line of mysterious deaths and disappearances. As Daisy May is drawn into the forest, she enters a world of discovery. Some good, some bad. Before the tale is over she will experience her first love, confusion, helplessness, desperation and pure terror as she faces the monster who resides there. I’m going to stop now because to say more would give away too much of the plot and storyline.

Darkly Wood has it all…love, heartache, terror, compassion, callousness and apathy, pain and sorrow and a healthy dose of mystery and fear. Just when you think you have it all figured out…prepare yourself for a surprise. The plot flows smoothly and the characters are relatable. If you are in the mood for something different, a little sinister and something entertaining…pick up a copy of Darkly Wood.

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Darkly Wood Kindle Edition

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About the author

Max Power