Accursed

Even death could not stop Britain’s greatest defenders.

In 1838, William and Tamara Swift inherit a startling legacy from their dying grandfather, transforming them into the Protectors of Albion, mystical defenders of the soul of England. But the shocked, neophyte sorcerers also inherit unique allies in their battle against the dark forces. Fighting alongside them are the famous–even infamous–Ghosts of Albion: Lord Byron, Queen Bodicea, and Lord Admiral Nelson.

When strange and hideous creatures appear in the slums of London, an unholy plague threatens to launch an epic battle that may rage all the way to Buckingham Palace . . . and beyond. Time is running out as William and Tamara must learn whether their friends will stand beside them, or seduce and betray them.

From Amber Benson, known for her dramatic portrayal of Tara in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Christopher Golden, Bram Stoker Award—winning author of The Shadow Saga and Wildwood Road, comes a vengeful tale of demons, vampires, and ghosts set in nineteenth-century London. Based on the smash BBC Web series that took England by storm, Ghosts of Albion is a horror adventure laced with dark humor and darker lusts.

In this entertaining, fast-paced supernatural thriller, which originated as a "flash-animation" drama on the BBC Web site, Benson of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame and Stoker-winner Golden (Wildwood Road) have created an alternative universe in which vampires, ghosts and wizards populate Victorian England. Their protagonists, the young magicians William and Tamara Swift, are the new Protectors of Albion, entrusted with defending their country against supernatural foes. Aided by an eclectic collection of spirit allies, including Lord Byron, Admiral Nelson and Queen Bodicea, the Swifts must confront a bizarre plague that has moved from the slums to the precincts of the well-to-do, transforming people into reptilian monsters reminiscent of some of H.P. Lovecraft's horrors. While the setup is familiar, the writing is good enough to raise hopes for future entries, assuming a better balance is struck between adventure and heroes who engage the reader's emotions. 5-city author tour. (Nov.)
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Despite the Ghost of Albion novella Ashtray last year, Benson and Golden officially kick off the series with a novel that delves deep in the underbelly of Victorian England. Siblings William and Tamara Swift are the Protectors of Albion, imbued with supernatural powers and the ability to see ghosts, most notably the spectral trio who aids them--Bodicea, Lord Byron, and Admiral Nelson. A new threat is rising, one so powerful that even Oblis, the demon possessing the Swifts'father, senses it. Women are giving birth to reptilian demon children, and men are being transformed into predatory reptilelike creatures. When Tamara's friend Helena commits suicide, and Helena's brother attacks Tamara, the Swifts and their ghostly companions prepare to face off with Rakshasa (the demons) before all of London is plunged into chaos. Ghosts of Albion is a truly inspired new series with a rich cast of characters, an appealing setting, and a wonderful premise. Its first big book tells just the kind of tale readers will want to lose themselves in. Kristine Huntley
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