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The Promise of Plague Wolves
AUSTRIA. 1686.
Two plagues rage in the countryside. One plague is smallpox, a torturous disease that ravages the body, turning homes into tombs. The other ailment is more mysterious, a scourge of occult origin, a plague that ravages the mind and consumes the soul. Here the deepest horrors are made manifest. Here the dead walk the shadowed wood. Here a spirit and its brood of changelings emerge from the earth to feed. Into this malefic maelstrom enters Dorin Toth, famed occultist and investigator. Accompanied by his faithful greyhound, Vinegar Tom, Toth must find the source of the eldritch epidemic. Will Toth and Tom prevail against the blights that they uncover? Or will the dark storm of ghosts consume them?
Two plagues rage in the countryside. One plague is smallpox, a torturous disease that ravages the body, turning homes into tombs. The other ailment is more mysterious, a scourge of occult origin, a plague that ravages the mind and consumes the soul. Here the deepest horrors are made manifest. Here the dead walk the shadowed wood. Here a spirit and its brood of changelings emerge from the earth to feed. Into this malefic maelstrom enters Dorin Toth, famed occultist and investigator. Accompanied by his faithful greyhound, Vinegar Tom, Toth must find the source of the eldritch epidemic. Will Toth and Tom prevail against the blights that they uncover? Or will the dark storm of ghosts consume them?
310 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2023
About the author
Coy Hall
32 books204 followersCoy Hall lives in West Virginia, where he splits time as a professor of history and author. His books include Grimoire of the Four Impostors (2021), The Hangman Feeds the Jackal: A Gothic Western (2022), The Promise of Plague Wolves (2023), and A Séance for Wicked King Death (2023).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 29, 2023
I absolutely had to read this book because I own a greyhound, and greyhounds are rarely found in modern literature. I was going to say that finding a greyhound in a book is kind of like finding a unicorn, except that unicorns are found in literature far, far more often than greyhounds. So … a greyhound. Yay!
And, of course, I loved Vinegar Tom (the hound). He and Basina (a Pyrenees) are the two best characters in the book. I'm not sure that the author has ever actually owned a greyhound, however, because Tom did not once let out an ear-piercing Greyhound Scream of Death (I am not making this up – it's an actual thing) because a leaf fell out of a tree and touched his butt. Or because he stepped on a pebble. Or because a frog croaked nearby. Or because a "terrifying" mini poodle wandered ever so slightly into his personal space (okay, maybe it's only mine that does this one). And in addition to being drama llamas, greyhounds are also lazy AF and I'm pretty sure that Vinegar Tom did more running over the course of two days than mine has done in two years. I guess it's possible that Renaissance greyhounds were of a heartier stock.
Tom only obeying commands when he feels like it is pretty realistic, though.
But, um, yeah. I suppose I should actually review the book rather than just talk about greyhounds? Oh, fine.
Promise of Plague Wolves is a dark and atmospheric tale that starts off as a slow burn. Nothing much happens at first, but the creepiness builds and builds as Toth investigates the smallpox-ridden village to which he's been sent. Something of occult origin is obviously happening in Drunstall, but what?
This book is not for the faint of heart. It's gory and violent and full of pestilence and murder and death. The otherwordly villains are frightening and ghoulish, and the human villains only slightly less so.
Overall, I found the plot to be original and the book well-written. I did feel as if there were points where the story dragged a little, but it was still an enjoyable read … in a macabre sort of way. Dorin Toth is a mysterious and fascinating character, and his relationship with Vinegar Tom is endearing. I hope there will be further books featuring Toth, Tom, and Basina, because they're really a fantastic trio.
Many thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
And, of course, I loved Vinegar Tom (the hound). He and Basina (a Pyrenees) are the two best characters in the book. I'm not sure that the author has ever actually owned a greyhound, however, because Tom did not once let out an ear-piercing Greyhound Scream of Death (I am not making this up – it's an actual thing) because a leaf fell out of a tree and touched his butt. Or because he stepped on a pebble. Or because a frog croaked nearby. Or because a "terrifying" mini poodle wandered ever so slightly into his personal space (okay, maybe it's only mine that does this one). And in addition to being drama llamas, greyhounds are also lazy AF and I'm pretty sure that Vinegar Tom did more running over the course of two days than mine has done in two years. I guess it's possible that Renaissance greyhounds were of a heartier stock.
Tom only obeying commands when he feels like it is pretty realistic, though.
But, um, yeah. I suppose I should actually review the book rather than just talk about greyhounds? Oh, fine.
Promise of Plague Wolves is a dark and atmospheric tale that starts off as a slow burn. Nothing much happens at first, but the creepiness builds and builds as Toth investigates the smallpox-ridden village to which he's been sent. Something of occult origin is obviously happening in Drunstall, but what?
This book is not for the faint of heart. It's gory and violent and full of pestilence and murder and death. The otherwordly villains are frightening and ghoulish, and the human villains only slightly less so.
Overall, I found the plot to be original and the book well-written. I did feel as if there were points where the story dragged a little, but it was still an enjoyable read … in a macabre sort of way. Dorin Toth is a mysterious and fascinating character, and his relationship with Vinegar Tom is endearing. I hope there will be further books featuring Toth, Tom, and Basina, because they're really a fantastic trio.
Many thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
July 28, 2023
“Hell is seeping from the ground. . . distorting this land.”
Coy Hall writes atmospheric historical horror. After reading his collection, “A Pantheon of Thieves,” I was excited to experience an entire novel.
From clothing to carriages moving on cobblestone roads, Hall uses vivid descriptions to transport the reader to 1686. Rather than information dumping, The author's world-building is accomplished through the use of everyday objects to print the era to life
The Promise of Plague Wolves is a story about two plagues: smallpox, a severe disease that ravages the body, and a mysterious plague of occult origin that destroys the mind and consumes the soul. The story follows Dorin Toth, a doctor and occult investigator, and Vinegar Tom, his canine companion, as they investigate. As the plague infects creatures, Hall uses vivid body horror to make the infection pop off the page. The reader can smell the stench of rot. Once the atmosphere is established, there is no shortage of gore and violence.
I enjoyed accompanying Dorin Toth and Vinegar Tom’s journey to discover the origin of the mysterious plague. If you are a historical horror fan, this is a must-read.
Coy Hall writes atmospheric historical horror. After reading his collection, “A Pantheon of Thieves,” I was excited to experience an entire novel.
From clothing to carriages moving on cobblestone roads, Hall uses vivid descriptions to transport the reader to 1686. Rather than information dumping, The author's world-building is accomplished through the use of everyday objects to print the era to life
The Promise of Plague Wolves is a story about two plagues: smallpox, a severe disease that ravages the body, and a mysterious plague of occult origin that destroys the mind and consumes the soul. The story follows Dorin Toth, a doctor and occult investigator, and Vinegar Tom, his canine companion, as they investigate. As the plague infects creatures, Hall uses vivid body horror to make the infection pop off the page. The reader can smell the stench of rot. Once the atmosphere is established, there is no shortage of gore and violence.
I enjoyed accompanying Dorin Toth and Vinegar Tom’s journey to discover the origin of the mysterious plague. If you are a historical horror fan, this is a must-read.
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August 21, 2023Having read Coy Hall’s previous work (Grimoire of the Four Impostors, A Pantheon of Thieves, The Hangman Feeds the Jackal etc.), I was familiar with his voice and my expectations were high. The Promise of Plague Wolves didn’t disappoint in the least. In fact, it might be my favourite, though The Hangman is right up there with it. They’re very different books, so I can’t decide.
This one is set in 17th century Austria, a time when plague and pestilence ruled the world. But it’s not just smallpox that ravages the countryside here, there’s a second plague too. One whose origin is occult in nature; a plague that preys on the minds and souls of its victims.
What’s so admirable about Coy Hall’s work is the way in which he manages to set a story deep in the past yet make it accessible to a modern audience, while at the same time retaining the feel of the era in which it is set. Truly admirable! The historical research is impeccable too, but that’s not surprising, given that he’s a history professor.
On a far more whimsical note, one reason I enjoyed this book so much was the fact that it featured two canine characters. The bond between Toth (M.C.) and his greyhound, Vinegar Tom is heartfelt, then when the stray Pyranees, Basina, comes along it only adds to the plot.
Expect swarms of wasps, a treachery of ravens, morbid and gruesome descriptions of death and decay, misdirection, changelings of the worst imaginable kind, and more, because that is what you’ll get.
Comps/story mood in my opinion include: The VVitch (Eggers), Labyrinth (Kate Mosse) Soloman Kane (Robert E. Howard).
Highly recommended.
This one is set in 17th century Austria, a time when plague and pestilence ruled the world. But it’s not just smallpox that ravages the countryside here, there’s a second plague too. One whose origin is occult in nature; a plague that preys on the minds and souls of its victims.
What’s so admirable about Coy Hall’s work is the way in which he manages to set a story deep in the past yet make it accessible to a modern audience, while at the same time retaining the feel of the era in which it is set. Truly admirable! The historical research is impeccable too, but that’s not surprising, given that he’s a history professor.
On a far more whimsical note, one reason I enjoyed this book so much was the fact that it featured two canine characters. The bond between Toth (M.C.) and his greyhound, Vinegar Tom is heartfelt, then when the stray Pyranees, Basina, comes along it only adds to the plot.
Expect swarms of wasps, a treachery of ravens, morbid and gruesome descriptions of death and decay, misdirection, changelings of the worst imaginable kind, and more, because that is what you’ll get.
Comps/story mood in my opinion include: The VVitch (Eggers), Labyrinth (Kate Mosse) Soloman Kane (Robert E. Howard).
Highly recommended.
October 13, 2023
Dark and atmospheric, this book was a masterpiece of historical horror. It was gruesome and I loved it. Coy Hall will be going on my *automatic purchase* list. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
September 10, 2023
The Promise of Plague Wolves is my third read from Coy Hall. Going into the work, my expectations were high. Over the years, I've become a big fan of his approach to horror and historical fiction. The Promise of Plague Wolves may be his sharpest and tensest novel yet.
Structured like a crime novel, The Promise of Plague Wolves creates narrative tension from its opening moments. Each chapter propels the plot in an organic way while giving us a good sense of the historical era. The novel's minimalist style prevents the need for lengthy exposition. Hall lets us "see" the era with well-placed details. One can see the 17th century come alive, as Europe sits on the precipice of drastic social, political, and technological change in the dawning Enlightenment. Crafty new inventions, clockwork machinery, and changing social relationships emerge. In one scene we can see what appears to be a (shudders) Baroque remodel occurring in a beautiful Gothic building. The details of the century feel well-researched—and more importantly—relevant to the drama. The outsider, Toth, must navigate his world with care, using all his wits, further ramping up the tension.
A few familiar motifs enrich the novel. Hall incorporates the concept of the "inhuman in human form," bringing us along with some of his cruelest antagonists. I was able to clearly visualize a creative array of creatures (and one of the most gruesome scenes I've read all year). We also get some little nods to The Grimoire of the Four Imposters. The Promise of Plague Wolves is one of the most thoroughly entertaining novels of the year.
One significant trait of Hall's work is the care with which he humanizes his characters. In the past, I've read historical novels that dwell so much in the didactic that they lose the sense of connection between reader and character. Hall keeps his characters palpable and empathetic. This extends to his animal characters. There is an endearing love for dogs throughout the novel, and I found myself as invested in Tom and Basina as in the many excellent human characters.
Coy Hall's work brings a creative passion to horror and historical fiction that makes the genres feel fresh and alive. The Promise of Plague Wolves might have become my new favorite from his growing body of work, and it certainly makes me feel excited for his future projects.
Structured like a crime novel, The Promise of Plague Wolves creates narrative tension from its opening moments. Each chapter propels the plot in an organic way while giving us a good sense of the historical era. The novel's minimalist style prevents the need for lengthy exposition. Hall lets us "see" the era with well-placed details. One can see the 17th century come alive, as Europe sits on the precipice of drastic social, political, and technological change in the dawning Enlightenment. Crafty new inventions, clockwork machinery, and changing social relationships emerge. In one scene we can see what appears to be a (shudders) Baroque remodel occurring in a beautiful Gothic building. The details of the century feel well-researched—and more importantly—relevant to the drama. The outsider, Toth, must navigate his world with care, using all his wits, further ramping up the tension.
A few familiar motifs enrich the novel. Hall incorporates the concept of the "inhuman in human form," bringing us along with some of his cruelest antagonists. I was able to clearly visualize a creative array of creatures (and one of the most gruesome scenes I've read all year). We also get some little nods to The Grimoire of the Four Imposters. The Promise of Plague Wolves is one of the most thoroughly entertaining novels of the year.
One significant trait of Hall's work is the care with which he humanizes his characters. In the past, I've read historical novels that dwell so much in the didactic that they lose the sense of connection between reader and character. Hall keeps his characters palpable and empathetic. This extends to his animal characters. There is an endearing love for dogs throughout the novel, and I found myself as invested in Tom and Basina as in the many excellent human characters.
Coy Hall's work brings a creative passion to horror and historical fiction that makes the genres feel fresh and alive. The Promise of Plague Wolves might have become my new favorite from his growing body of work, and it certainly makes me feel excited for his future projects.
September 24, 2023
This is my second book from this author and this one is something very special. If any book I have read this year deserves 5 stars it's this one.
Set in Austria in 1686 as two plagues ruin the country. The first being small pox invading and desecrating the bodies of its victims and the second more of a mystery with the dead being seen or heard from a distance after burial.
We follow Dorin Toth an occult investigator with the church and his companion a greyhound Vinegar Tom as they settle into a small village town ravaged by both plagues to seek answers to the strange happenings. That's the basic outline of the plot.
What that plot doesnt tell you is how absolutely immersive this is to read. The world building in this is some of the best I have read. The way the town, the people, the customs, the language is all described transports you to 1686. I was blown away by how well the author is at conveying the visuals to the reader of the time period. The attention to detail is superb.
This is not just historical fiction however it is deeply horrific. From the descriptions of the infectious small pox to the occult elements which invoke some absolutely ghastly creatures. This is not for the squeamish as body horror plays a large part in this book.
The characters are wonderful. You get attached to Dorin Toth and his greyhound Vinegar Tom instantly. The greyhound and another dog we meet in the book play large roles in its story and are amazing characters you genuinely care for. Outside of the occult villains we also have some human ones a Doctor from the church who opposes Dorins work and is a despicable person who you just hate from the start. It's a credit to the authors writing to write a character which invoked such emotions from me.
This is historical horror at its absolute best. This author honestly deserves to be a household name like King and Koontz. This book is that good and a must read.
Set in Austria in 1686 as two plagues ruin the country. The first being small pox invading and desecrating the bodies of its victims and the second more of a mystery with the dead being seen or heard from a distance after burial.
We follow Dorin Toth an occult investigator with the church and his companion a greyhound Vinegar Tom as they settle into a small village town ravaged by both plagues to seek answers to the strange happenings. That's the basic outline of the plot.
What that plot doesnt tell you is how absolutely immersive this is to read. The world building in this is some of the best I have read. The way the town, the people, the customs, the language is all described transports you to 1686. I was blown away by how well the author is at conveying the visuals to the reader of the time period. The attention to detail is superb.
This is not just historical fiction however it is deeply horrific. From the descriptions of the infectious small pox to the occult elements which invoke some absolutely ghastly creatures. This is not for the squeamish as body horror plays a large part in this book.
The characters are wonderful. You get attached to Dorin Toth and his greyhound Vinegar Tom instantly. The greyhound and another dog we meet in the book play large roles in its story and are amazing characters you genuinely care for. Outside of the occult villains we also have some human ones a Doctor from the church who opposes Dorins work and is a despicable person who you just hate from the start. It's a credit to the authors writing to write a character which invoked such emotions from me.
This is historical horror at its absolute best. This author honestly deserves to be a household name like King and Koontz. This book is that good and a must read.
July 31, 2023
Austria 1686. Let that sink in. Imagine the undertaking one must perform in order to write an entertaining story, so rich in detail, set in 1686. Hall's historian skills really grab you by the throat and drag you through the forests and villages for a tour you'll never forget. The world building on display here is absolutely staggering. Hall paints pictures with layers and layers of colour until you feel the rain, smell the rot, and steel yourself to the shadows between the trees. Dorin Toth (famed occultist and investigator) and Vinegar Tom (his trusty dog) are investigating two plagues. One is smallpox, the other is something not quite as clear and the reason for Toth's visit. The charismatic main character must find answers to what haunts the forgotten village. Are they ghosts, changelings, or demons? What I find astounding is that Hall has taken characters from his exceptional book Grimoire of the Four Impostors and somehow placed them in an even better story. I honestly didn't think it was possible. A big part of how this is achieved is by character development. Toth has been moulded by past events, and his jaded manner feels real. Another example is the lieutenant, who is an exceptional creation. He is part Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz and part Frankensteins monster. What Hall has created here is truly mind-blowing. He truly is an incredible talent who shouldn't be overlooked.There's still a small part of me travelling through those forests. Toth is on one side and Vinegar Tom on the other.
September 11, 2023
“Plague, like war, makes wolves greedy and brave.”
Ok, where are my dog lovers? You’ll definitely get a kick out of this story!!
Plagues, demons, monsters, folk tales, and dogs are central themes in this historical horror.
Taking place in the 1600s, an investigator with the Order of Saint Guinefort (a sainted Greyhound if you can believe it!!) visits a small Styrian village in Austria to seek answers to troubling accounts from the locals.
They’ve been suffering from a Smallpox plague and now the dead have been spotted in the forests, arisen and wandering.
Dorin Toth, accompanied by his loyal hound Vinegar Tom, seek to understand the sightings and banish any malefic presence. With the help of a villager named Anna, and an abandoned Pyrenees dog, Toth begins to unravel the horrific mystery.
The characters, plot, and dialogue were just perfect in my opinion, seamlessly wound together and creating this tapestry of a tale.
This was perfect for fans of “The Mistress of Death” by Diana Norman, “His Black Tongue” by Mitchell Lüthi, and “Between Two Fires” by Christopher Buehlman.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and BooksGoSocial for a copy!
Ok, where are my dog lovers? You’ll definitely get a kick out of this story!!
Plagues, demons, monsters, folk tales, and dogs are central themes in this historical horror.
Taking place in the 1600s, an investigator with the Order of Saint Guinefort (a sainted Greyhound if you can believe it!!) visits a small Styrian village in Austria to seek answers to troubling accounts from the locals.
They’ve been suffering from a Smallpox plague and now the dead have been spotted in the forests, arisen and wandering.
Dorin Toth, accompanied by his loyal hound Vinegar Tom, seek to understand the sightings and banish any malefic presence. With the help of a villager named Anna, and an abandoned Pyrenees dog, Toth begins to unravel the horrific mystery.
The characters, plot, and dialogue were just perfect in my opinion, seamlessly wound together and creating this tapestry of a tale.
This was perfect for fans of “The Mistress of Death” by Diana Norman, “His Black Tongue” by Mitchell Lüthi, and “Between Two Fires” by Christopher Buehlman.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and BooksGoSocial for a copy!
May 30, 2023
I was hella lucky to receive an ARC of this book masquerading as a swamp. Lemme explain, everything Coy Hall has done in this creates an atmosphere; that atmosphere just happens to be a humid, sticky, moss covered, wet, swamp. As I read all I could picture was a dark green as far as the tone of the novel. It was fantastic seeing Toth and Vinegar Tom back, their dynamic together is something Hall has nailed with his writing. As I’ve come to expect from Hall, the violence and gore in this novel was realistic and unsettling in every way, plays out like a Fulci movie in real time. K thx.
June 6, 2024
This was my first long form read by historical horror writer Coy Hall, but will definitely not be my last. Strictly speaking, this book follows on from his other novel, Grimoire of the Four Imposters, but I haven’t (yet!) read that and still enjoyed this immensely as a standalone. Hall’s writing style is superb. Detailed, but still pacey, his medieval world building shows off his enormous knowledge and detailed research, while the occult evil at the heart of this story is wildly imaginative. The hero, Dorin Toth, is a complex, compelling character I would follow anywhere and not only because of his dogs. Excellent.
October 26, 2023
Ok how much I really liked this book surprised me. So many dnf lately that I went in to this with little hope no matter how much it intrigued me.
A really well written historical book, I truely hope we will see these characters again.
Coy Hill is now in my watch list.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book
A really well written historical book, I truely hope we will see these characters again.
Coy Hill is now in my watch list.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book
August 10, 2023
A gypsy occultist and his trusty greyhound are sent to investigate the origins of a sinister miasma ravaging the Austrian Highlands. He meets a woman, plagued by sightings of her dead fiancé. With Vinegar Tom by his side, Toth attempts to uncover the reason behind the strange happenings. Ravens and odd clusters of wasps portend to a treacherous betrayal, but they also herald something less earthly and much more ominous: the arrival of something ancient and malevolent.
Hall uses lush prose and unrivalled attention to historical detail to deftly recreate the bleak atmosphere of a medieval countryside ravaged by dual afflictions. With masterful storytelling and wonderfully grotesque imagery, The Promise of Plague Wolves is sure to satisfy fans of occult horror.
Hall uses lush prose and unrivalled attention to historical detail to deftly recreate the bleak atmosphere of a medieval countryside ravaged by dual afflictions. With masterful storytelling and wonderfully grotesque imagery, The Promise of Plague Wolves is sure to satisfy fans of occult horror.
September 11, 2023
Review originally on JamReads
The Promise of Plague Wolves is the new historical horror novel, written by Coy Hall and published by Nosetouch Press. In the style of previous books by Hall, we have a really well researched historical setting, which, mixed with an excellent horror atmosphere, creates a quite memorable story.
Austria, 1686. Dorin Toth, a famous occultist with gipsy origins, has been called to investigate two plagues, smallpox and one that might have a supernatural origin. In the company of his loyal greyhound, Vinegar Tom, he is sent to a forgotten village in Styria, where strange things are happening; his rival, Doctor Groza, has also been called, an encounter that will create some friction between them, as both had a common past, and their ways of focusing the investigation are quite different.
With the inestimable help of Vinegar Tom, Toth will try to uncover the origin of the miasma affecting the villages, which is also provoking visions to some of the inhabitants; and fighting in the process some of the best antagonists Hall could have created, partly by the addition of their POV to the novel.
Hall manages to create a quite convincing setting, putting a great amount of care to historical details and elements that help to immerse us in the highlands of Styria. A time of changes, progress, which is mostly reflected in cities, while the villages are still experiencing the obscurantism.
In this context, it's quite interesting to see how Groza acts as a counterpoint to Toth; while Groza defends what he thinks is the rationalism, Toth is a tradition investigator, and their social origins are completely opposite. We will observe how the "medicine" represented by Groza in many cases will be harmful, being, however, Toth, ironically the reasonable person.
In this setting, Hall manages to create a wonderful horror atmosphere, creating tension from the start of the story, and progressively raising the stakes. A mystery that we will see being uncovered by Toth and Tom; I really enjoyed the detail of how much Toth takes care of his dog, considering him much more than a companion.
If you are looking for a well researched historic horror novel, Coy Hall has clearly delivered it on The Promise of the Plague Wolves. Personally, I would say my favourite book from this author.
The Promise of Plague Wolves is the new historical horror novel, written by Coy Hall and published by Nosetouch Press. In the style of previous books by Hall, we have a really well researched historical setting, which, mixed with an excellent horror atmosphere, creates a quite memorable story.
Austria, 1686. Dorin Toth, a famous occultist with gipsy origins, has been called to investigate two plagues, smallpox and one that might have a supernatural origin. In the company of his loyal greyhound, Vinegar Tom, he is sent to a forgotten village in Styria, where strange things are happening; his rival, Doctor Groza, has also been called, an encounter that will create some friction between them, as both had a common past, and their ways of focusing the investigation are quite different.
With the inestimable help of Vinegar Tom, Toth will try to uncover the origin of the miasma affecting the villages, which is also provoking visions to some of the inhabitants; and fighting in the process some of the best antagonists Hall could have created, partly by the addition of their POV to the novel.
Hall manages to create a quite convincing setting, putting a great amount of care to historical details and elements that help to immerse us in the highlands of Styria. A time of changes, progress, which is mostly reflected in cities, while the villages are still experiencing the obscurantism.
In this context, it's quite interesting to see how Groza acts as a counterpoint to Toth; while Groza defends what he thinks is the rationalism, Toth is a tradition investigator, and their social origins are completely opposite. We will observe how the "medicine" represented by Groza in many cases will be harmful, being, however, Toth, ironically the reasonable person.
In this setting, Hall manages to create a wonderful horror atmosphere, creating tension from the start of the story, and progressively raising the stakes. A mystery that we will see being uncovered by Toth and Tom; I really enjoyed the detail of how much Toth takes care of his dog, considering him much more than a companion.
If you are looking for a well researched historic horror novel, Coy Hall has clearly delivered it on The Promise of the Plague Wolves. Personally, I would say my favourite book from this author.
November 6, 2023
Holy crap! I'm a bit pissed it took me this long to finish this! Not at all the fault of the book, but my schedule. Well, what is there to say about this book other than this driving to the top for my favorite read of 2023? Oh, I know: BUY THIS BOOK IMMEDIATELY! Coy has become one of my favorite authors. Period. There's no debate here. My last read of his, A Seance For Wicked King Death, made the read of the year for me, but now I find myself in a conundrum. To choose one over the other isn't fair in this instance because both are at the top of their genre. Make no mistake, Coy Hall is a master of his craft, able to flawlessly jump into any time period and draw it out in a way that leaves the grit of that era on your senses. I implore you to pick this up now. I'll definitely be jumping back into this one without pause- it's THAT good!
December 12, 2023
There is little comfort in this tale of a plague within a plague. The "Pox" blankets many lands with sores and anguish, but there is another plague festering beneath, pulling itself forth from pits blackened with unnatural life. It is the occultist Dorin Toth's duty to seek out the ghastly changelings that feed on victims of the plague. This book is like entering a long lost age when the natural and supernatural both hold sway, and the all too real threat of death by "Pox" is piled high alongside the noxious bloated corpses of villagers held in thrall by religious fervor.
October 15, 2023
Old Raum. "A name received and accepted by a being quite powerful."
This is the wording I've come to love and expect from Author Coy Hall. A novel that shatters our current perception of reality, leaving us to ponder what truth really is and how it came to be. From a decayed barn to a scab-crawling floor mat (a scene forever etched in memory, thanks Coy), this work annotates a true plague of the mind. And that Mighty Pyrenees - what a GOOD GIRL!
Special Thanks: While the author was kind enough to gift me an ARC, I wasted no time purchasing a physical copy for my collection. Nosetouch Press consistently delivers quality printings, and the text layout designed by Christine M. Scott is simply beautiful!
This is the wording I've come to love and expect from Author Coy Hall. A novel that shatters our current perception of reality, leaving us to ponder what truth really is and how it came to be. From a decayed barn to a scab-crawling floor mat (a scene forever etched in memory, thanks Coy), this work annotates a true plague of the mind. And that Mighty Pyrenees - what a GOOD GIRL!
Special Thanks: While the author was kind enough to gift me an ARC, I wasted no time purchasing a physical copy for my collection. Nosetouch Press consistently delivers quality printings, and the text layout designed by Christine M. Scott is simply beautiful!
July 12, 2023
Has this dethroned the Hangman Feeds the Jackal as my favourite Coy Hall book? Quite possibly. The Promise of Plague Wolves is a damned fine novel, with nods-a-plenty to Hammer horror throughout the story, details of which I'll keep scant so as to avoid spoilers.
I loved Toader, Grau and the Soldier, but not as much as I did our protagonists Dorin Toth, an occult detective and dog fancier, accompanied by faithful hound Vinegar Tom.
The setting is impeccably researched, as is to be expected with anything Hall releases and at points the highly evocative prose had me reaching for face mask & hand sanitizer.
If you've read Hall's earlier work it's a given you'll enjoy this book. Essential for any Hammer horror aficionado, treat yourself and grab a copy of this when you can.
I loved Toader, Grau and the Soldier, but not as much as I did our protagonists Dorin Toth, an occult detective and dog fancier, accompanied by faithful hound Vinegar Tom.
The setting is impeccably researched, as is to be expected with anything Hall releases and at points the highly evocative prose had me reaching for face mask & hand sanitizer.
If you've read Hall's earlier work it's a given you'll enjoy this book. Essential for any Hammer horror aficionado, treat yourself and grab a copy of this when you can.
Read
May 30, 2023I'm avoiding spoilers and ratings, as usual with my reviews, while still trying to convey a broad sense of this book. Coy Hall's latest novel delivers the historical mayhem, murder, and maggots one has come to expect from a writer of his caliber.
The story follows the occult detective, the alternately respected and maligned Dorin Toth (with his critical canine companion, Vinegar Tom) to 17th century Austria, which is being afflicted by not one, but two apparent plagues -- one, the almost prosaic smallpox (hard to imagine smallpox being upstaged by another epidemic, but it happens, here); the other, a mystically malevolent miasma in the form of dreadful changeling-type beings operating with ill intent in the Austrian countryside in a sort of zombie apocalypse, a picaresque cosmic horrific rampage in a world where the insights of Copernicus and Galileo are still comparatively new, where the ink hasn't yet fully dried on the hand-drawn maps of this world.
Hall is, as ever, unafraid to wallow in the putrescence of truly monstrous villainy, and there is plentiful gore to slake even the bloodthirstiest of horror readers. Fans of Hall's style will find much to savor in this macabre tale of the occult. Toth has a willfully Hammer-horror kind of fussiness to him as the occult academician, and the villains of the story are appropriately ghastly, with morbid detail ladled upon them in a grisly (and gristly) manner that leaves unforgettable impressions in the mind of the reader.
Vinegar Tom offers a feral counterpoint to Toth's priggish propensities, and the two of them are a good team, able to literally and figuratively sink their teeth into the sclerotic heart of the mysterious malediction plaguing the land. Toth and Tom aren't Holmes and Watson, but there is an undeniably strong rapport between them -- they are there for each other, and it's hard to know who is actually in charge between Toth and Tom at times, and a visceral sense that Toth could not long survive without Tom beside him.
Whether the start of an occult detective series or simply as a one-off, THE PROMISE OF PLAGUE WOLVES serves up harrowing historical horror that'll carve canals in the craniums of heady horror fans of every stripe.
The story follows the occult detective, the alternately respected and maligned Dorin Toth (with his critical canine companion, Vinegar Tom) to 17th century Austria, which is being afflicted by not one, but two apparent plagues -- one, the almost prosaic smallpox (hard to imagine smallpox being upstaged by another epidemic, but it happens, here); the other, a mystically malevolent miasma in the form of dreadful changeling-type beings operating with ill intent in the Austrian countryside in a sort of zombie apocalypse, a picaresque cosmic horrific rampage in a world where the insights of Copernicus and Galileo are still comparatively new, where the ink hasn't yet fully dried on the hand-drawn maps of this world.
Hall is, as ever, unafraid to wallow in the putrescence of truly monstrous villainy, and there is plentiful gore to slake even the bloodthirstiest of horror readers. Fans of Hall's style will find much to savor in this macabre tale of the occult. Toth has a willfully Hammer-horror kind of fussiness to him as the occult academician, and the villains of the story are appropriately ghastly, with morbid detail ladled upon them in a grisly (and gristly) manner that leaves unforgettable impressions in the mind of the reader.
Vinegar Tom offers a feral counterpoint to Toth's priggish propensities, and the two of them are a good team, able to literally and figuratively sink their teeth into the sclerotic heart of the mysterious malediction plaguing the land. Toth and Tom aren't Holmes and Watson, but there is an undeniably strong rapport between them -- they are there for each other, and it's hard to know who is actually in charge between Toth and Tom at times, and a visceral sense that Toth could not long survive without Tom beside him.
Whether the start of an occult detective series or simply as a one-off, THE PROMISE OF PLAGUE WOLVES serves up harrowing historical horror that'll carve canals in the craniums of heady horror fans of every stripe.
September 22, 2023
After diving into my first Coy Hall book, my immediate sentiment is sheer amazement. The universe in which the tale unfolds is intricately crafted, pulling readers in from the get-go. The ambience is deftly woven, enveloping us in a world both familiar and novel. Every character brims with depth and personality, propelling a narrative that's compellingly penned. I can't recommend this enough! I'm eagerly looking forward to exploring more of Coy Hall's literary world. A heartfelt thanks to Coy Hall, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this complimentary copy, and the opportunity to provide a genuine review.
November 9, 2023
This is a great historical horror novel set in 17th century Europe during a time of plague. The story follows a finely drawn and likable protagonist, Dorin Toth, who is accompanied by his courageous greyhound, Vinegar Tom. The story is excitingly told, and the horror is palpable and grotesque. The author's writing is vivid and inspired. As in his previous novels, The Hangman Feeds the Jackal and Grimoire of the Four Imposters, Hall drops the reader into a wonderfully imagined and brilliantly wrought world that one can almost touch, feel, and smell. Visually, the book is beautiful. The cover and illustrated inserts are wonderful. This is a book that you will want to own a physical copy of; an ebook is not sufficient for this wonderful story. Highly recommended.
December 5, 2023
A thrilling and exciting historical horror, a gorgeous cover, excellent storyteller.
it kept me hooked and reading
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
it kept me hooked and reading
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 23, 2023
Hall's writing is always a delight. I am disturbed over how much I love the most crass and grotesque of his little goblin characters. Disturbed, but not surprised. The research is immaculate. I have run to Wikipedia in fascination at least 10 times already. Excellent fall read to pair with hot tea and possibly a huge sleeping dog nearby.
Read
January 30, 2024Despite the premise, I did not find myself engaged in the narrative. I am not really a fan of supernatural fiction but thought I would give it a go as it's set within an historical fiction context. I did not finish this. I am sure there are others who will more fully engage with this tome.
February 17, 2024
Another excellent book by Coy Hall. This deserves more recognition, a brilliant horror story and very atmospheric. Highly recommended.
November 18, 2023
Truly admirable work from Coy Hall here.
The attention to detail in the characters and setting is second to none, and the writing is top notch: tight and never wavering. Wonderfully descriptive throughout.
This is the type of book I enjoy taking my time with. Just to appreciate it line by line.
Class.
The attention to detail in the characters and setting is second to none, and the writing is top notch: tight and never wavering. Wonderfully descriptive throughout.
This is the type of book I enjoy taking my time with. Just to appreciate it line by line.
Class.
June 19, 2023
Coy Hall's follow up to 2021's Grimoire of the Four Imposters is an impressive work of the supernatural investigator subgenre. Hall regales us with another “translation” (from the original Latin) of a manuscript dating back to the late seventeenth century. The Promise of Plague Wolves sees Doctor of Theology and member of the Order of Saint Guinefort, Dorin Toth in his first book length adventure. It is my sincere hope that Plague Wolves is the opening salvo in a long running and successful series.
In the year 1686, Toth is dispatched by the Bishop of Graz to investigate strange goings on in the pox ravaged Styrian highlands. Much to the chagrin of Toth, the meddlesome and vain Doctor Kaspar Groza is also assigned to the case: the pair have a strained mutual history. Suffice it to say, there is no love lost between the two men. The epicenters of the bizarre phenomenon emanate from the neighboring village of Drunstall and the chateau Karnstein, some two leagues distant. Hammer Films aficionados will get a kick of this not-so-subtle reference. It certainly put a smile on my face. Dorin Toth is accompanied by his constant companion, the cranky greyhound Vinegar Tom. Like Toth, Tom is also a (very active) member of the Order of Saint Guinefort (and with very good reason- a simple Google search on the saint will shed much light for any inquiring minds).
Plague Wolves is incredibly well researched (and well written) historical fiction, that leans heavily towards the supernatural. But don't worry, the late sixteen-hundreds had plenty of terrors emanating from the natural world to go around. Hall’s descriptions of late-stage pox victims (and those that have succumbed to the disease), in certain parts of the book, made me feel downright queasy. To say nothing of the repulsive Burke and Hare like duo of Grau and Toader (along with their unnatural offspring). In a sense, this travelling pair of changelings are the titular wolves that haunt the Styrian Wood. But as the novel progresses, we are introduced to a darker, more malevolent (and exponentially powerful) entity that is responsible for the strange goings on. An entity that requires a compact with le meneur de loups.
Fans of John Silence, Thomas Carnacki, John the Balladeer and Jules de Grandin will find much to love with this novel (Toth is a nice addition to this pantheon of worthies). Coy Hall pays loving tribute to the greats that came before, while carving his own unique niche in the occult detective genre. The Promise of Plague Wolves is a bravura performance. I look forward to reading the further adventures of Dorin Toth and Vinegar Tom.
In the year 1686, Toth is dispatched by the Bishop of Graz to investigate strange goings on in the pox ravaged Styrian highlands. Much to the chagrin of Toth, the meddlesome and vain Doctor Kaspar Groza is also assigned to the case: the pair have a strained mutual history. Suffice it to say, there is no love lost between the two men. The epicenters of the bizarre phenomenon emanate from the neighboring village of Drunstall and the chateau Karnstein, some two leagues distant. Hammer Films aficionados will get a kick of this not-so-subtle reference. It certainly put a smile on my face. Dorin Toth is accompanied by his constant companion, the cranky greyhound Vinegar Tom. Like Toth, Tom is also a (very active) member of the Order of Saint Guinefort (and with very good reason- a simple Google search on the saint will shed much light for any inquiring minds).
Plague Wolves is incredibly well researched (and well written) historical fiction, that leans heavily towards the supernatural. But don't worry, the late sixteen-hundreds had plenty of terrors emanating from the natural world to go around. Hall’s descriptions of late-stage pox victims (and those that have succumbed to the disease), in certain parts of the book, made me feel downright queasy. To say nothing of the repulsive Burke and Hare like duo of Grau and Toader (along with their unnatural offspring). In a sense, this travelling pair of changelings are the titular wolves that haunt the Styrian Wood. But as the novel progresses, we are introduced to a darker, more malevolent (and exponentially powerful) entity that is responsible for the strange goings on. An entity that requires a compact with le meneur de loups.
Fans of John Silence, Thomas Carnacki, John the Balladeer and Jules de Grandin will find much to love with this novel (Toth is a nice addition to this pantheon of worthies). Coy Hall pays loving tribute to the greats that came before, while carving his own unique niche in the occult detective genre. The Promise of Plague Wolves is a bravura performance. I look forward to reading the further adventures of Dorin Toth and Vinegar Tom.
October 12, 2023
The Promise of Plague Wolves reads like a dark fantasy of epic proportions, minus the sometimes sluggish nature that comes with those 200,000 word world builders. An expert of historical fiction, Coy tells this fast reading tale (in a tight 300 pages) with the precision of detail that places the reader in the era of the setting, making the experience that much more horrifying. It's gross, gory, funny, and diligently crafted with characters that make you gag, and others that you can't help but cheer for, like one of the most likable canines in literature: Vinegar Tom. Doth is a solid lead and a continuation of his adventures is strongly desired.
All in, The Promise of Plague Wolves is what you'd get if you put Edgar Allen Poe's catalogue in a Petri dish with Eli Roth's imagination of body horror and extracted whatever brilliant amoeba was conjured in the brew. If any book could represent that feeling you get when you hear the words MOIST or PUSS it would be this one, full compliment intended. This is a must read for those that love being transported to distant times and places that very well could be real, or close enough to suspend disbelief.
All in, The Promise of Plague Wolves is what you'd get if you put Edgar Allen Poe's catalogue in a Petri dish with Eli Roth's imagination of body horror and extracted whatever brilliant amoeba was conjured in the brew. If any book could represent that feeling you get when you hear the words MOIST or PUSS it would be this one, full compliment intended. This is a must read for those that love being transported to distant times and places that very well could be real, or close enough to suspend disbelief.
October 5, 2023
Coy Hall’s “The Promise of Plague Wolves” is a rare book. It is so rich – in scenery, characters, plot, historical sweep – that it belongs in another time, the 17th century maybe where the story takes place. I felt that I was stepping into a tapestry or the great hall of some baroque castle, a place of mystery and wonder, painted in colors so vivid they were almost blinding. This is especially striking because the setting is bleak and the circumstances dire. A small town in Austria besieged by a double plague (smallpox and an occult infestation), closed in by drab weather, and mired in sticky mud, a lot of mud. Hall’s writing is erudite and sophisticated, and evokes the times and peoples without ever feeling contrived. It wraps around the reader like an elegant spell, one the main character, occult investigator Dorin Toth, might have conjured one sleepless night. A beautiful and haunting read. I look forward to seeing more of Toth and his dogs.
September 18, 2023
I haven't read any other Coy Hall books and my first reaction after finishing this is "Wow! This was outstanding!" The world this takes place in is masterfully created and sucks you right into it from the first page. The atmosphere is skillfully created. The characters are well developed and the story is well written. I would highly recommend this! I will be definitely checking out more books by Coy Hall. Special Thank You to Coy Hall, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2023
The Promise of Plague Wolves is everything great about Coy Hall. His prose is like a steel hammer that cares not about mortal flesh. He uses grammatically simple sentences most of the time, to great effect. Each sentence is carefully crafted and layered with exciting and colourful and exact vocabulary. But that's all a bunch of technical gibberish. The important thing is the story, and this story doesn't miss.
I think one can go into Hall's work without any knowledge of his background (like me, in the beginning), but especially here, with TPOPW, you can tell he has great knowledge and a love for history. History permeates this book. It grounds this book. It hits the reader in the face, alongside Hall's prose, and makes sure that the reader knows that this is real. But then, of course, this book is likely ... unreal, what with all the non-real things that happen. The Gothic things. The supernatural things. All of this is a symbiosis of skill and execution.
In order not to write an entire essay about this story, I'll just sum up some cool things I liked about it: dogs, the historical Austrian setting, a cool protagonist, dogs, a nearly suffocating Gothic atmosphere, dogs, uncertainty to what is likely to be real history and imagined history for the sake of the story, strange monsters, mystery, mysterious characters, haunting locals, dogs.
I recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed Coy Hall's other work, to those who enjoy dark / Gothic settings, and to people who like dogs.
I think one can go into Hall's work without any knowledge of his background (like me, in the beginning), but especially here, with TPOPW, you can tell he has great knowledge and a love for history. History permeates this book. It grounds this book. It hits the reader in the face, alongside Hall's prose, and makes sure that the reader knows that this is real. But then, of course, this book is likely ... unreal, what with all the non-real things that happen. The Gothic things. The supernatural things. All of this is a symbiosis of skill and execution.
In order not to write an entire essay about this story, I'll just sum up some cool things I liked about it: dogs, the historical Austrian setting, a cool protagonist, dogs, a nearly suffocating Gothic atmosphere, dogs, uncertainty to what is likely to be real history and imagined history for the sake of the story, strange monsters, mystery, mysterious characters, haunting locals, dogs.
I recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed Coy Hall's other work, to those who enjoy dark / Gothic settings, and to people who like dogs.
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