I found this a wonderful debut, gorgeously written. The author did a magnificent job pulling the reader into the world and keeping the pages turning right up to the incredible finale.

Thomas Treadwater is a wounded soldier in the English Civil war. He is released from the fight to return home to Norfolk after receiving a worrying letter from his 16 year old sister. When he arrives home , he finds all the sheep dead in the fields, his servants locked up for aiding witchcraft, his father comatose and his sister alone. Their most recent servant hire, a sexy young woman who is thought to be a witch has apparently seduced their father become pregnant and is on the run. Treadwater is rational and doesn't believe in witchcraft but some sort of evil that needs unravelling is on the loose..

I really wanted to like this book but I didn't connect with the narrative or the characters. It didn't create a believable world for me.

Glorious, horrifying, transcendent. So much more than a historical chiller

Well, thank you Rosie Andrews. Sincerely, and very much. I was offered this as a digital Arc, and hesitated over the marketing/publicity comparisons ‘perfect for fans of The Essex Serpent and Once Upon A River’. Both books I adored. My hesitation was because often the comparisons are about territory of the story, and are far from comparisons of excellence. Many times I have requested, only to abandon reading something which has superficial ‘this is also a book about a similar subject to that’, but is like comparing MDF furniture to something hand crafted in mahogany.

Andrews absolutely nails comparisons of excellence, and, like both those books, carves out her own unique territory.

Yes, this is historical fiction, and yes, this is also involves the fantastical , the supernatural, alongside a thorough grounding in the thought and culture of its period, but is also very much a book which grapples with concepts in a far deeper way than ‘here’s something to pleasurably and scarily chill your blood on a cold winter’s night’. What it reminded me of, in this, was Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, where discussions of ethics are deeply bound up within the story.

This is set primarily in the 1643/1644, in Norfolk, but also, in 1703, ‘A Place Far From The Sea’ The significance of this somewhat odd information becomes clear later, though it is the book’s beginning

The central character is Thomas Treadwater (an inspired naming) Thomas is indeed a ‘doubting’ Thomas. In an age where what religion is followed is a meaningful, political as well as spiritual decision, Thomas is a sceptic. He does not believe in gods, God or demons, Satan. He does not believe in witches either. He is the son of a respected Puritan, whom he deeply loves, but whom he has disappointed. Thomas was, at one point sent away as a student at the University, his tutor John Milton, a distant relative, (yes, that John Milton) Milton’s role to educate Thomas as much in morality and ethics as in philosophical thought, Latin and Greek. Young Tom however, fiery and rebellious, brings some disgrace upon himself, and is dismissed by Milton. He ends up joining Cromwell’s Army. His secret plan is emigration to America, where ideas of Commonwealth and Equality may be more sure. The Mayflower had sailed its Pilgrims, looking exactly for that, in 1620. Charles 1st was beheaded in 1649. Clearly, a turbulent time. Thomas, wounded in battle, and on leave, is summoned home by his much younger sister Esther. Witchcraft is afoot, and it appears the witch who brings malevolence to the door is a servant within the household.

What I love about historical fiction (and beautifully expressed here) is that through the creation of believable characters, as subtly three dimensional as all of us are, as twined with oppositions, but deeply embedded in a specific time, culture, place, the reader is taken into engaging with what it actively might feel like, to feel and think this or that.
I learn about history in a more visceral way than reading factual historical books. These two approaches complement each other.

The imagined role of Milton in this story is brilliant. His writings are both evidence of fact, deep philosophical thinking, grappling with knotty concepts – and of course rich, rich in metaphor, imagination, and matters apocryphal. Fantasical and rational, both. Within the concept of a mysterious, ancient, horrific mythological beast of destruction that inhabits the depths of the oceans, concepts of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ – and, a central plank of Judao-Christian thinking – free will – are entwined

There are also, two wonderful central female characters – and many twists and surprises within this wonderful story which feel all of a piece, not contrived.

Andrews, by the end, makes the reader care deeply for every one of her characters, and particularly, to brings us understand the difficulties and struggles, the moral dilemmas, faced by Thomas Treadwater – who often is desperately, and sometimes actually, doing just that.

Highly recommended. Very highly so.

Thomas Treadwater returns from the English Civil War to find his father on his deathbed, his household in disarray, and his sister, Esther, blaming witchcraft. But the cause goes way back, deep in the depths of the ocean.

An enthralling plot with darkly gothic atmosphere. This is an original story, skilfully told.

The language used is in keeping with the era. This said, at times it draws attention to itself, which risks pulling the reader from the narrative.

A promising debut. I look forward to what Rosie Andrews comes up with next.

My thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the ARC.

A dark, spooky and menacing read, perfect for curling up with under a blanket on a cold winters evening. Compelling and evocative - y9u will be spellbound.

The opening chapter of this book sent chills up my spine; the established tone was so menacing and it was clear I was in for a treat.

Told from the point of view of Thomas Treadwater it is a story about patriarchy and superstition. At a time when the country was in political turmoil it is easy to see how blaming murder and criminality on women under the umbrella of witchcraft, allowing greater injustice to take place. Thomas is a wonderful character to explore these superstitions of the time as he questions these accusations, whilst remaining open to the idea that there are strange and inexplicable forces operating around him.

This is definitely a slower paced book to be savoured. The atmosphere is wonderfully created throughout and the malignant force that slithers and coils within the pages is truly unnerving. The loyalty Thomas demonstrates towards his family and the torment he endures because of this was quite harrowing to read, but so compelling.

This is a book that will stay with me for some time, and I would like to thank the publishers and NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest review.

Thoroughly captivating, often creepy, the Leviathan is the perfect read for a cold winter night. The story truly evokes the historical period, and I thought the dual timeline narrative was deftly written, with an intriguing plot evident in both the past and present timelines - not a technique many authors do well. The story is dark, atmospheric, and mysterious with Gothic and horror overtones, making this a sometimes slow but never boring book with genuinely creepy scenes or insights that made me scared to turn off my light at night. Well worth a read for fans of historical, Gothic, and horror fiction alike.

Thomas Treadwater is coming home to Norfolk in 1643.. His father and sister are at home and he makes his way back to where he hopefully feels that he can sort a few problems that are occurring at home
His father has suffered a stroke, his sister is accusing her father of improper behaviour with the servant who is now in prison for witchcraft... This is 1643 in Norfolk

Superstition and gossip can be dangerous, being called a witch can be a death sentence. Can Thomas sort the issues that are making his home a place that is full of tension and misunderstanding..

The Leviathan is a book about good and evil, a dark and mysterious book that i devoured within two days... it is spellbinding...

Highly recommended

I’m not usually one to choose historial fiction, and even less so when there is a fantastical element, but i’m so glad I got to read The Leviathan by Rosie Andrews

Thomas Threadwater is returning home from the raging Civil War to recover from an injury, and to see to his younger sister Esther. She has expressed concerns that new housemaid Chrissa has bewitched their father, and she now lingers in a cell on charges of witchcraft.

Thomas is a logical man, but he unravels a deep and dark mystery linked to a violent shipwreck that occurred years before. Something has awoken.

It is so easy to get swept away in this compelling tale of the myth and mystical, the writing is beautiful and transports you to a time gone by. The fears and superstitions of old are expressed with such vigour and purpose, they impress upon you the dread and anxieties of the characters.

Despite feeling that this is an epic tale that spans decades, the story is a short 320 pages, meaning that each passage is written with purpose and direction. The writing is beautiful, but doesnt lose sight of the plot, taking you there almost reluctantly with dread in your stomach.

This richly gothic tale explores themes of love, loss, faith and myth, and stays utterly gripping throughout. Atmospheric and darkly creepy, The Leviathan combines masterful storytelling and pure fantasy, resulting in a tale one cannot put down, and one not easily forgotten.

Thanks to Raven Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ahead of publication. The Leviathan is published 3rd February 2022.

This is a fascinating and readable novel set mainly in Norfolk between 1628 (the year Oliver Cromwell entered Parliament) and 1703 (one year into Queen Anne's reign) with most of the narrative set in 1644, in the middle of the English Civil War. Its fractured timeline is deftly handled so as to gradually reveal the gothic storyline without losing the plot's momentum.

The novel's historical context puts it right in the middle of one of the most chaotic periods of England's history. Seventeenth century England was, in effect, what might today be called a failed state, deeply divided socially, politically, and by religion. People were obsessed with conspiracies and witchcraft, and corruption was widespread. It is difficult not to see some parallels with the US and the UK today.

It can't be coincidence either that the book's title references Hobbe's "Leviathan or The Matter, Forme and Power of a Commonwealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil", published in 1651, in which he argued that almost any strong (Leviathan) government would be better than civil war, nor that John Milton plays a small, but key, part in this novel. Towards the end of the book, the reader learns that Milton believes the 17th century to have been "the most tumultuous of all, bar one that is yet to come '', and this particular reader has been left wondering the extent to which the novel was written as an allegory of our own time.

This is a very strong debut by Rosie Andrews and I'm looking forward to her next book. I highly recommend The Leviathan as a great read on many levels, thanking the publisher and Netgalley for giving me a copy in exchange for this honest review.

As well as being a thrilling tale, The Leviathan is everything great historical fiction should be; beautifully written in prose that is apply reminiscent of the period and full of wonderfully observed details which point to meticulous research. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Brilliant

A novel of witchcraft, supernatural overtones and a man determined to avenge his family, a woman accused of witchcraft. However, what he finds out in the meantime may well break him.

Delightful as well as dark and compelling

I thought this was a great, creepy story with a mixture of The Binding and the Spirit Engineer. The horror element was perhaps a bit more explicit than implied - the idea of Esther in the attic room for sixty years in a coma did feel slightly incompatible with what was otherwise a story that could easily fit into the real-world.

This is an intriguing gothic novel. I found the language style difficult to get into at first but it is of the period. The historical background was well-researched and placing John Milton as a character was an unusual touch. Thomas as a narrator and lead character has an authentic period voice. The other characters are less well rounded but the story is everything in this novel. However, for me the drama was overdone so three and a half stars.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
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The Leviathan by Rosie Andrews is an ultra slow burn, immersive, cold, read by lamp light on the bitter short days of winter type of novel; it takes you by the hand, becomes a few thousand words overwrought but leads you back into a solid story. I found myself reading to the end because I was drawn in by the power of Andrews' prose and style more than by the story.
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The reader meets Thomas Treadwater on his way home to Norfolk, wounded and exhausted from battle in the Civil War. The bleakness of the countryside is easy to imagine. The expanse of world where other people are scarse is recognisable and intimidating. Arriving at his home he finds his father near death, his sister a witchcraft accuser and a servant he hadn't met before, in gaol on his sisters word. Thomas is, I feel, typical of this era. His treatment of his sister and female servants, while not overly cruel, isn't sympathetic. The sister, Esther, and the servant, Chrissa More are half formed. It takes a great leap of faith to understand why one is fearful and the other, loved.
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Overall, I feel 4 stars is an honest rating and I've awarded that because of the way Andrews is able to capture your imagination. As a debut novel, The Leviathan is extraordinary. The skill and determination to create a work like this should be applauded. So, while i didn't necessarily like it, I have huge respect for the finished product and I will definitely read the next release from Andrews and Raven in 2024.
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Thanks to @netgalley, @bloomsburypublishing Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) and Raven for a free proof in return for an unbiased review.
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Image Source: https://akreon.tumblr.com/post/168402847272/sea-serpent-sketchbook-sketch-sea-serpent
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Gothic, witchy and thrilling! I couldn't put this book down. It's a very well written supernatural horror, set in the 17th century, witch-hunt era. Perfect Halloween read!

A true gothic offering!

It’s just after Christmas in 1643 and Thomas Treadwater is making his way home. He is injured from battle, the weather, is bitterly cold, and his horse is lame. He worries about home as his sister Esther has written, with concerns about their father’s conduct with a new maid. Unable to go further, Thomas rests for the night, an action he comes to regret. Next day Thomas continues on his way. On the approach to his home he finds all the sheep in the fields around the house are dead. On reaching home he finds his sister upset as their father has suffered a seizure and is unable to communicate. Help has been sent for, but is it too late?

This book starts off with witchcraft and quickly develops into a much bigger story, with deception, poverty, love, hate and bigotry all being woven in. The love of a brother for his sister shines through, though not without its consequences.

Written across a split timeline, the story follows the actions and decisions of Thomas to protect his family.

This is a debut book and I really enjoyed it. Within a few pages the story gets going and keeps up the pace.

Thank you NetGalley.

Set in the mid-1600s, this starts out as a story about witchcraft and the after-effects of the English Civil War but soon developers into an atmospheric, gothic thriller. Read it right to the end - and then turn back to the beginning and reading it again with a fresh perspective. Well-written, creepy and enthralling. Five stars from me!

A dark novel rich in historical detail with a surprisingly intense ending. The characters are well written and finely tuned but something lacked for me. I enjoyed the story and was interested to find out how it would conclude but i didnt feel emotionally immersed.

The Leviathan is a gothic novel set in the 17th Century, following Thomas Treadwater as he returns home from fighting in the English Civil War and discovers his sister terrified, his father incapacitated in bed, and members of the household staff in jail, accused of witchcraft. The plot thickens as Thomas seeks to unravel the truth, leading him deep into superstition and myth.

This was an atmospheric read, with the writing style appropriate for the era in which the novel is set. I found Thomas to be a frustrating character to get to know due to his 17th Century sensibilities and actions towards women (in particular) but I can understand the author’s choice here, especially as later on there’s more explorations around the role and treatment of women, plus the themes of belief, faith, and trust. There is also the overarching turmoil and tension of the period, in terms of politics and the events and aftermath of the Civil War.

Little by little, we are taken through the events that have brought Thomas to this point — both in terms of his wartime escapades and the circumstances at home. The narrative slowly becomes more supernatural and atmospheric as the twists and turns become more unsettling and horrific. I liked the inclusion of the witch trials in 17th Century Norfolk, England, and felt that this was handled sensitively. The characters were well-drawn and the ending left me breathless. Recommended.

I received an e-ARC from the publisher, Raven Books/Bloomsbury, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.