Catacomb Hardback Foil with Sprayed Edges

Penn is already a favorite non-fiction author of mine, and this was my first dive into her fiction. And what a way to start. Catacomb is dark, tense, and clearly built on serious research, with underground detail so vivid it made my claustrophobia act up. A gripping, immersive read that has me hunting for more of Penn's fiction work. 🖤

Really good short story. This could have been full of background noise like most fantasy fiction and 500 pages longer, but thankfully it isn't. Easy reading with just enough of everything. I thank the author for trusting her editor. Go ahead, read, enjoy.

This is a gripping standalone action-adventure horror novel. It follows Walker Kane, an ex-military search and rescue officer, as he ventures into Edinburgh's catacombs to save his estranged daughter, Emily, from a monstrous creature called the Grendsluagh. The story is packed with suspense, mythology, and a race against time, as Walker faces mutated monsters and a secret society known as the Caba.

If you're looking for a beautifully written adventure story to entertain you for a weekend, pick up this book. Joanna Penn's engaging style and fast-paced plot make this one a real page-turner. Highly entertaining. Would have liked a bit more at the end, but generally a pretty exciting story.

Another great story from this most prolific author who never fails to take the reader on a crazy helter-skelter ride, this time through the underground catacombs of Edinburgh. Here an ancient monster lies in wait, demanding human sacrifice, and tended by a group of people called the Cabal. Sounds unlikely? J F Penn has a flair for description which can draw the reader in and make anything believable. If you haven’t read any of her books, this stand-alone is a good place to start.

Penn presents the reader with a short story of what lies beneath the Vatican. It is a mythological story which draws the reader in and I wondered where I was being led, under Paris?

If you're a fervent admirer of fantasy, with a penchant for horror laced with the relentless pace of a thriller, J.F. Penn's latest offering is an exhilarating literary voyage you cannot afford to miss. Penn's eloquent prose gracefully weaves together mysticism, ancient customs, religious beliefs, myths, rituals, and other captivating elements into her narratives, ensuring that her stories are nothing short of extraordinary. In her most recent work, she plunges readers deep into the labyrinthine catacombs of Edinburgh, where an ancient malevolence lies in wait. Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh, a city bound by an ominous pact, "A Tolkienesque Thrill Ride Beneath Edinburgh" introduces us to the Grendsluagh—a monstrous entity that amalgamates Grendel, the infamous Beowulf antagonist, with the Slough from Celtic folklore. This prehistoric monstrosity exacts an annual toll from the city: a human sacrifice in exchange for prosperity. This year, Emily is the chosen victim until her father, Walker Kane, a seasoned ex-military search and rescue officer, embarks on a heroic mission to rescue her. Assisting him are a group of intrepid urban explorers and mythology enthusiasts, forming a team of audacious adventurers on a perilous quest deep within the bowels of Edinburgh's serpentine catacombs. Brace yourself for an exhilarating and spine-tingling reading experience. Penn's latest creation is a standalone action-adventure masterpiece that grips readers from the very beginning. While my personal encounter was with the eBook version directly from the author, I've heard from other sources that the print edition spans a compelling 164 pages. Whether you are enamored with subterranean realms, labyrinthine catacombs, or the enigmatic underworld, this book is tailor-made for your literary cravings. One of the book's most noteworthy attributes is the gripping battles that unfold between the protagonists—Walker, Max, and Laura—and the menacing monsters lurking in the catacombs. These confrontations conjure memories of J.R.R. Tolkien's iconic scenes, such as Gandalf's epic battle against the Balrog. Penn's narrative prowess is in full display as she crafts a fast-paced and enchanting tale, painting vivid landscapes that compelled me to turn page after page, consuming it in just three riveting sittings. The more I immersed myself in the story, the deeper my appreciation grew for Penn's storytelling finesse. She proves herself to be a remarkable storyteller, sculpting characters that are not only memorable but also deeply relatable. The scenes featuring the face-offs with the monstrous adversaries are nothing short of spectacular, akin to award-winning literature. The progression through the catacombs, one monster at a time, until reaching their ultimate quarry, the Grendsluagh, is spellbinding. As the story nears its climax, the stakes escalate, and the battle for survival intensifies, underscoring the inescapable truth: the Grendsluagh must be vanquished, or our heroes will meet their doom in their valiant quest to save Emily. In "A Tolkienesque Thrill Ride Beneath Edinburgh," J.F. Penn crafts an extraordinary tale that melds elements of fantasy, horror, and mythology into a heart-pounding adventure. With her exceptional storytelling and masterful character development, Penn delivers a narrative that captivates readers from start to finish. If you're in search of an enthralling and immersive reading experience reminiscent of the great J.R.R. Tolkien, look no further. This book is a gem that deserves a place on every adventure-loving reader's shelf.

I’m a sucker for redemption stories and unlikely teams, and I’ve enjoyed JF Penn’s writing in the past. I jumped on the chance to get an advance copy of Catacomb to review. Another major hook for me is a heroic librarian character, and the moment I met Laurel, I knew I was in for a great adventure. This is a fast-paced, compelling story with vivid descriptions and an absorbing setting. I ended up reading it in one sitting because I had to know what was going to happen next. This story was a thrilling way to spend an evening!

I received an advance ARC copy from the author and also purchased it. Just like with Stephen King, Penn has the gift, to give her readers a heart pounding hellacious read, one that's well researched, puts you right in the pages, full of heart pounding twist and turns and leaves you begging for more. It's really my type of book, due to the fast pace, it's action packed, full of suspense, tension filled, has you on the seat of your pants, an extra load of twist and turns and like the good very evil theme. Penn's characters are amazing the good ones or the evil ones, they just come to life, making the story all that better and you're right they're in the midst of the action. Especially with Catacomb, Penn brings to life the dark catacombs under Edinburgh, with an unlikely crew of Walker Kane the father, Laurel a librarian, Max a student come together to rescue Walker's daughter Emily, from a medieval evil sacrificially offering for the town's yearly prosperity and to know what happens you'll have to read it. Definitely if you haven't tried J. F. Penn's books before, do yourself a favor and give her a try.

Prepare yourself for a heart-pounding race against time as J.F. Penn takes you on a gripping adventure through the dark catacombs beneath Edinburgh. With its fast-paced narrative and vivid descriptions, this book is a true gem that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Set over the course of a single night, Catacomb follows the desperate journey of a father who embarks on a mission to rescue his daughter Emily from the clutches of a monstrous creature lurking deep beneath the city. Penn masterfully builds tension and suspense, drawing readers into a world where danger lurks around every corner. What sets this book apart is the author's ability to create a truly immersive experience. The catacombs themselves come alive through Penn's beautifully written descriptions, painting a vivid picture of the eerie underground world. You'll find yourself walking alongside the characters as they pursue their dangerous quest. The characters are well-crafted and relatable, each carrying their own fears and vulnerabilities. As they battle their inner demons while fighting to save Emily, readers will find themselves emotionally invested in their journey. The pacing of the story is impeccable, leaving no room for rest as the stakes continue to rise with each passing moment. Penn's writing style is both captivating and accessible, making Catacomb a short and fast read that will keep you eagerly turning the pages. The author skillfully combines elements of adventure and horror, creating a thrilling blend that will appeal to fans of both genres. Whether you're a seasoned reader or new to the world of horror, this book is sure to captivate and entertain. Catacomb by J.F. Penn is a must-read for anyone seeking an exhilarating adventure into the depths of darkness. With its fast-paced narrative, rich descriptions, and compelling characters, it is a book that will leave you breathless and wanting more. I wholeheartedly recommend it to readers who crave a thrilling escape into the world of adventure and horror.