What a book! Weird, atmospheric, thrilling! That author as a very unique style and I love everything he does, Discover or rediscover him with his new book!

4 stars

This was a great book. A nice atmospheric slow burn. I dont think it was so much horror, as it was a historical thriller. Either way, it was a good read.
It was a bit hard to read, I think due to translation. Also, I didn’t realize it was a second book in a series. I hope not reading the first, didn’t take away from anything in this book.

I didn’t care for the writing style and stopped after chapter 3 (3%). It didn’t flow well and felt a bit disjointed. Not for me. I’m not exactly sure who the target is on this one. It feels ‘meant for’ younger readers in that the characters sound like teenagers, except references are clearly millennial/gen x.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Oracle" by Thomas Olde Heuvelt is a gripping supernatural thriller that masterfully blends elements of history, mystery, and horror. The story begins with a haunting and mysterious scene where Luca Wolf and Emma Reich discover a stranded eighteenth-century sailing ship named Oracle on a barren flower field. The disappearance of Emma after she enters the ship sets off a chain of eerie events, including the vanishing of eleven people and the involvement of a secretive government agency.

Heuvelt's storytelling is atmospheric and immersive, creating a sense of foreboding and suspense that permeates the narrative. The inclusion of Robert Grim, a retired specialist in the occult with a complex history and a distaste for authority, adds depth and intrigue to the investigation into the Oracle's secrets. The novel skillfully weaves together threads of international intrigue, young love, and humanity's relationship with nature and the supernatural.

The mystery surrounding the Oracle and its connection to an ancient doom is compelling and well-executed, blending historical elements with a contemporary setting. Heuvelt's writing is evocative and descriptive, capturing the chilling atmosphere and the escalating tension as the characters face the unknown.

However, readers who prefer straightforward thrillers or less complex plots may find the novel's blending of different genres and the depth of its historical and supernatural elements challenging. The story's exploration of themes such as climate change, disease, and the apocalypse adds a layer of complexity that might not appeal to all.

Content warnings for themes of supernatural horror, disappearance, and occult elements are appropriate. "Oracle" will appeal most to readers who enjoy supernatural thrillers with a blend of history, mystery, and horror, offering a story that is both terrifying and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, "Oracle" by Thomas Olde Heuvelt is a masterfully crafted supernatural thriller that offers a suspenseful and eerie journey into the unknown. Its combination of historical intrigue, atmospheric horror, and complex characters makes it a standout read for fans of the genre.