Netherworld: Book I of The Chronicles of Diana Furnaval

By Lisa Morton

In nineteenth-century Victorian England, a young widow finds that she has inherited more than her late husband’s property: The Furnavals serve as the ancestral keepers of supernatural portals scattered around the globe. When demonic entities begin crossing over from the Netherworld, Lady Diana realizes that a war is brewing, and she must be the one to confront it. Accompanied by a young Chinese sailor named Yi-kin, her feline guardian Mina, and a mysterious scholar, Stephen, Diana will begin a journey to solve the mystery of her husband's death and prevent the apocalypse.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JournalStone
• Release date: Jan 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781940161099

Book preview

Netherworld

Book One of the

Chronicles of Diana Furnaval

By

Lisa Morton

JournalStone

San Francisco

Copyright © 2014 by Lisa Morton

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

JournalStone books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

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www.journalstone.com

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The views expressed in this work are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

ISBN:   978-1-940161-08-2 (sc)

ISBN:  978-1-940161-09-9 (ebook)

ISBN:  978-1-940161-26-6 (hc)

JournalStone rev. date:  January 10, 2014

Library of Congress Control Number:  2013950839

Printed in the United States of America

Cover Design: Rob Grom

Cover Photograph © Shutterstock.com

Edited by:  Joel Kirkpatrick

Endorsements

Netherworld is a crazily fun romp, compulsively readable and full of wit, engaging characters, and wonderfully weird supernatural twists.  Lisa Morton has created dazzling entertainment that's a great ystery, historical thriller, spy story, and horror novel all rolled into one. – David Liss, Bestselling author of The Twelfth Enchantment and The Whiskey Rebels

Disturbing, chilling--and wonderful! Lisa Morton's Netherworld is a tale that grips you from beginning to end. And it's the kind of book you pick up again and again--marveling at the wonderful atmosphere created that sweeps you in--and stays and chills with you into the dark of night.  -  Heather Graham, New York Times-bestselling author of Blood Red and The Night is Forever

"Hold on to your hats for this one, people. Right from the first page Lisa has you and you will not be able to stop...Lisa has delivered a book that firmly cements her place as one of the best writers working today...in any genre. With Netherworld - Book One of the Chronicles of Diana Furnaval Lisa has created a heroine for the ages that is sure to please any reader that likes grand adventure, intrigue and outright terror." - Peter Schwotzer, Literary Mayhem

"Action, suspense and deep horror are the hallmarks of Lisa Morton’s ‘Netherworld’. The protagonist Lady Diana Furnaval is the most compelling female adventurer since Evy Carnahan of ‘The Mummy’ franchise, as she travels the world fighting an ancient evil world of monstrous beings lurking just beyond ours. Morton’s cinematic style effortlessly delivers Victorian era England, Canton, Calcutta and Los Angeles, which must mask many fine hours of research; and paces the story so that the book is near impossible to set down. You may recognize a source of your own terrors as you follow Lady Diana and her companions through challenge after terror after revelation. The best fiction is part myth, part cold reality and Netherworld doesn’t fail either of those counts – the first novel in what promises to be a series of what the Victorians would have called ‘rollicking adventures’." – Rocky Wood, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of STEPHEN KING: A LITERARY COMPANION

Fast-paced and intriguing, Netherworld is the kind of book that you wind up reading into the night because you can’t wait to find out what happens next.  It crosses genres over mystery, intrigue, and horror. Netherworld is non-stop action and its plot travels the world, and Morton seamlessly changes cultures as Diana travels. I do recommend that you read this book, especially if you are attracted to 19th Century gothic works with a modern twist. Highly original, I can’t say I have ever read anything quite like Netherworld.  -  Jeani Rector, The Horror Zine

Netherworld

The Western World

Chapter I

October 31, 1879

Hertfordshire, England

I’m not entirely comfortable with this, said Constable Quilby, as he struggled to extract his boot from a particularly noisome patch of grave mould. Even though the low-lying, thick fog hid his feet from view, Quilby grimaced at the feel of the earth pulling at his shoe, and the wet sounds the extraction made.

Lady Diana Furnaval risked opening the lantern by her side just long enough to check the time on the pocket watch she carried in the mens’ waistcoat worn beneath her riding jacket. It’s twenty minutes until midnight, Constable. We haven’t much longer to wait. She put the watch away, then bent to stroke the head of a small gray tabby cat that sat at her feet, its head just breaking the surface of the mist.

That’s not what I meant, Quilby said, resettling himself into a less damp patch of grass while casting a sideways glance at her. It’s…well, your clothing, mum. I’ve never seen a lady dressed like—like—

A man, Constable, is what you’re trying to say.

Well…yes.

Quilby grumbled something else Diana couldn’t make out. She glanced down at herself in the tiny shred of light coming from the lantern, and was actually rather pleased: She’d chosen suede riding pants, high boots, a cap, and even sported an ascot. With her slender figure and long auburn hair tucked loosely up under the cap, she thought she looked quite dashing. What about George Sand? she asked.

The constable’s bushy brows screwed together for a moment before he answered, Can’t say as I know the chap.

"The chap was actually a she, a Frenchwoman, died a few years ago; a writer and quite famous for dressing as a man."

Quilby harrumphed. Well, French, certainly…but mum, you’re English. And a Lady, at that.

It’s simply a matter of practicality, Constable, she told him. I assure you I shall return to my skirts and petticoats once we’re done with this graveyard.

The constable seemed to accept that, if his grunt was approval.

Diana eased the lantern shade down again, and the night went black. They squatted in the damp graveyard twenty or so yards from the entrance to the church itself, Diana’s bag between them. The night was cold, of course, and because of the fog the chill clung to them like a funeral shroud. The moon had not yet risen, and the only light came from the stars overhead and a few candles left burning inside the church, spilling a weak glow out into the surroundings. All Diana could make out was the bulk of the church in front of them, the darker outlines of bare branches guarding the graveyard, and a few of the larger markers. During the day it was probably quite charming place. But at night, especially a dank Hallowe’en…well, Diana put those thoughts aside. Her nerves were quite steeled, thank you, and she had no intention of letting them weaken now.

Diana was leaning against a headstone indicating that one Abner Lindley had expired in 1793. Through even her leather gloves the stone was so cold it almost burned, and she was thankful for the one small patch of warmth provided by the cat, Mina, who crouched atop her feet. She knew Mina was scanning the darkness anxiously, perhaps already sensing the gateway they sought.

Quilby cleared his throat nervously and pulled his collar closed. Tell me again what to expect, he asked, even though they’d already discussed it at least a dozen times. Diana was slightly irritated to have to answer his query yet again, but she reminded herself to be grateful for Quilby’s presence; she’d needed someone from the village to act as her guide and an assistant, and stout Quilby was the only one who’d offered his aid. His wife had initially objected ("to be out at that hour on Hallow’s Eve, Henry Quilby, and on a devil’s errand with a woman, no less!"), but apparently Quilby regarded closing a gateway to the world beyond as part of his constabulary duties.

The five pounds Diana had paid him hadn’t hurt his decision, either.

Still, Diana was growing tired of repeating herself. She stifled a sigh, pulled at her gloves to warm her fingers, then told him (sounding for all the world like a patronizing school teacher): At exactly midnight the gateway will open and we’ll see a procession come forth from the church entrance, made up of the spirits of all those from the parish who will die during the coming year. Remember, Constable, no matter what you see during that procession you are not to move or cry out. Once it’s complete, Mina will lead us to the exact location of the gateway, which I suspect is inside the church itself. At that time I will close the gateway, and then we will return to the inn where you may indulge in ale while I shall enjoy a hot buttered rum.

I still don’t understand why we need— Quilby gestured at the cat, who ignored him, —that animal.

Mina looked up at Quilby, her eyes flashing green even in the darkness, and she gave him one look of pure disdain before returning her attention to the church.

Cats, Diana answered, are the only animals which have a connection to evil even though they remain basically good. Although I know there is a gateway in this area, I don’t know its exact location. Gateways to the netherworld are invisible, unless you’re lucky enough to actually see something coming through it. Mina will show us the exact location of the gateway after it opens.

Quilby shivered. "I wouldn’t call anything about this lucky, mum. Take that church, for instance: I don’t fancy going in there on this night. You know who they say we’ll see preaching there—Satan himself, dressed as a monk."

Rubbish, said Diana.

But Mary Edwards, she claims to have seen him herself, she did.

If Mary Edwards did indeed see anything, it wasn’t Satan, but some lesser demon.

Oh, well, that’s reassuring, Quilby answered with considerable sarcasm. "What if he sees us?"

I shall handle him.

The constable clutched at himself tightly, then asked, You’ve done this before, haven’t you, mum? Closed one of these gateways, I mean?

Six already, Constable.

Six? Criminy. How many of these things are there?

There were eighty-one to begin with; now there are only seventy-five left open.

Quilby pulled his coat tighter and stamped on the ground, trying to inject some warmth into his feet. And you mean to seal them all, do you?

Diana’s jaw tightened as she answered, As many as I can. Some are more difficult than others; there’s one in China, for example, which will be quite arduous to travel to. There’s one in the middle of a Scottish loch, which may even be under water. Some—like this one—open only one night a year. But I have made it my life’s purpose to seal as many as I can, yes.

Quilby gulped, then asked, What happened with the ones you sealed? Did you see…things?

Diana smiled grimly. Oh, indeed I did, Constable. As she remembered, she unconsciously ran the fingers of her right hand up her left wrist, caressing the skin beneath the coat and shirt. The second one I closed, for example, was located in the woods near Little Chester. For many years it had been the site of various incidents, of hauntings and murders. Many of the people of Chester Green claimed to have seen the spirit of a young child with snow-white hair, or heard a child crying in the night.

Blimey, murmured Quilby. So what did you see, when you closed it?

An eight-foot tall horned demon, replied Diana.

Quilby’s jaw dropped beneath his thick moustache. A horned—oh, come now, Lady Furnaval, you surely can’t expect me to believe that.

You believe Satan appears in a monk’s frock in this church at midnight every Hallowe’en, but not that I’ve seen a horned demon?

Quilby could only shrug, slightly abashed.

Diana said, Believe it or not, Constable; it makes no difference to me. But I would remind you that the horned man is not unknown in these parts....

Quilby thought for a moment. The old sculptures, from the pagan days....

Yes, Diana said, nodding, the ancient Celts worshipped a horned entity called Cernunnos. I believe the demon I fought may have been the inspiration for the Celts’ deity.

"You fought? Quilby considered for a moment, then asked, How did you…fight this thing? It sounds like it could easily tear a man apart. Oh, begging your pardon, mum—or a woman."

Oh, it certainly tried. It had me by one wrist and three feet off the ground at one point.

Quilby’s eyes widened. Sweet mercy! So how did you…?

Diana reached into her satchel and retrieved a large, ancient- leatherbound book; brass reinforced the corners, and the volume was so weighty that Diana had to reposition it carefully to display it to Quilby. "This is The Book of Gateways, Conjurations and Banishments by Dr. Martyn Fox. It reveals the approximate location of all the netherworld gateways, and contains spells for the banishment of dark things that may come forth through them. In the case of the horned man, for instance, I discovered it was vulnerable to rowan wood, and used that to drive it back. Then I closed the gateway it had been using, so it could no longer return to our world."

Then, mum, Quilby asked nervously, eyeing the cat, are you a witch?

Diana burst into laughter. No, Constable, so please don’t have me burned at the stake any time soon.

Mum, we haven’t burned a witch in these parts in centuries!

Quilby was quiet after that, and Diana opened the lantern to check the time again.

Two minutes until twelve.

She sealed the lantern, then felt Mina stir at her feet. The cat bristled, and Diana could just make out the hair along Mina’s back and tail; it stood straight up, stiff with tension. The little feline’s back was arched, and she made a low growling in her throat as she faced the brooding entrance to the church. Diana followed the direction of Mina’s glance, and felt her own hackles rise.

The weak flicker of the candles had given way to a distinctive blue glow now emanating from the windows of the church. It grew in radiance, outlining the headstones and tree branches, spilling over onto the slimy stones of the church walls.

Quilby stirred uncomfortably beside Diana, and uttered a low moan. Quiet! she whispered.

And then the spirits appeared.

They floated through the closed door of the church entrance, transparent yet solid enough to make out facial features and details of clothing. The first wore the garb of a baker; he was a man of late middle age, with portly build. He hung motionless in the air as he floated forward, his passage leaving the fog beneath him motionless. He soundlessly levitated towards them, along the path that led from the church porch through the graveyard and then out through the surrounding fence to the road.

Quilby gasped when he saw the apparition, then blurted out, Fowles, the baker!

Lady Furnaval made no attempt to silence him this time, since his outburst had gone unnoticed by the spirits that now included a wizened old crone, an elderly man in dressing gown, and a well-dressed woman in her forties. The silent, phosphorescent spirits proceeded down the pathway, and simply faded away into the night once they passed the gate and drifted beyond the grounds of the church. Behind them, the blue glow from the church continued, painting the grounds with unearthly luminescence.

Diana had glanced down at Mina when Quilby convulsed beside her, uttering a strangled, No!

She looked up, and immediately saw what had caused his distress.

The latest spirit to issue from the church was a man in a constable’s uniform. A man with bushy brows, a thick mustache, and a hefty midsection.

There was no question it was Quilby.

No, it can’t—that can’t be me—! He jumped to his feet and started forward, but Diana grabbed his arm to hold him back.

You can’t interrupt the procession, Quilby! Just wait—

He was panting, but held his ground, his eyes riveted to the ghostly vision of himself not five yards away now. Diana had to admit it was startling, to see the living, wide-eyed, trembling man next to her, while his bluish, transparent spirit-self floated serenely past, almost close enough to wave a hand through.

Suddenly the spirit constable stopped. A small look of confusion seemed to cross its face, and it wavered while other wraiths moved past.

What’s it waiting for? whispered the living Quilby.

I believe this might be good…hold on, counseled Diana.

After a moment, the spirit Quilby turned and, moving right through the other spirits, made its way back to the church. Quilby and Diana watched it disappear through the doorway.

What happened? asked Quilby. Why did I—I mean, why did it—do that?

According to legend, said Diana, any spirit that leaves the procession and returns to the church means its owner will suffer a significant illness but recover that year. You’re not going to die, Constable.

Quilby sagged in relief, falling nervelessly to the ground. I won’t die…I won’t die.... he mumbled over and over.

But Diana’s attention was away from Quilby now, and centered on the church. The last of the spirits (a grotesquely fat man in his fifties) had now passed through the graveyard, and the blue glow emanating from the windows had changed, replaced by a red color, casting the surrounding graveyard into a hellish light. There was sound, now, as well—a strong voice reciting something that might have been scripture.

At Diana’s feet, Mina suddenly yowled and then darted forward. She ran to the closed church door and scratched at it, the crimson glow from beneath painting her paws red.

Diana moved to tug Quilby to his feet, but then decided she could do what had to be done alone. Quilby had served his purpose—he’d brought her to the isolated country church in the dead of night—and there was no need to expose him to what came next.

She feared it might be beyond anything Quilby could comprehend. Her mind was disciplined, her will strong, and her experience already deep for a woman who had just barely turned thirty.

Her eyes reflecting the fiery effulgence, she took her satchel and followed Mina to the door, pausing there long enough to place her ear against the old, thick wood to listen.

What she heard made even her experienced breath quicken.

The voice beyond the door was plainly not human. It was deep and had a coarseness to it no man’s larynx could produce; it was more like the roar of some large, savage animal—one that could speak while making that horrible sound, that is. And the words…they were an eerie gibberish, and yet Diana sensed there was something familiar about them.

"Live morf su reviled tub, noitatpmet otni ton su dael…."

She ran through the words in her mind, comparing them to facts about the myriad of demons, monsters, creatures, vampires, warlocks and fallen angels she’d studied, and she finally had it:

It was The Lord’s Prayer—backwards.

Mina began to howl and scratch frantically at the door, and Diana knew her opportunity was limited; this gateway opened at exactly 12 a.m. on Hallowe’en, but she had no idea how long it would remain open. If she hesitated, she wouldn’t have another chance to seal this gateway for a year.

She had to move quickly.

She reached into her satchel and considered the items therein. She unsealed the lantern, and by its light flipped The Book open to a banishment spell she’d previously bookmarked. Then she rummaged through the other contents of the satchel—garlic cloves, candles, herbs—and selected a dagger with a double-edged blade and a black handle. She stashed the knife in a pocket of her outer jacket, balanced the open book in her left hand, and while holding the lantern with her right she cautiously opened the church door.

 She blinked and turned away, blinded by the intense radiance; despite the hellish hue, the interior of the church was even colder than the sodden grounds outside.

Looking down, waiting for her vision to adjust, Diana saw Mina bolt in and rush straight down the center aisle, pausing at the base of the altar to look up and hiss at—

—Satan.

Diana squinted, paralyzed by the sight of him. Even forty paces away, at the opposite end of the church, he towered over her. He was the classical depiction of the Devil come to life, with reddish skin, large ivory horns sprouting from either side of his brow, pointed ears, bearded cheeks and chin, and long, clawed fingers. He wore priests’ robes, and his cloven hoofs were visible beneath its black hem. Smoke and fire poured from his mouth as he continued the obscene prayer, his voice booming, multiplied as it echoed down from the rafter:

"…eman yht eb dewollah, nevaeh ni tra ohw...."

Diana assured herself that this couldn’t be Satan; although she still had no idea if Lucifer actually existed or not, she felt certain that if he did he was far too important to risk a journey out of the netherworld merely to play a grotesque Hallowe’en joke on some small English village. No, this was merely some lesser demon, and as such he could be dealt with.

He’d have to be confronted, because he was standing in front of the gateway. Mina stood now at the foot of the dais, hissing – but not at him. Instead she was fixated on the unseen something directly behind him.

The fiend stopped his reading and glanced up, froze when he saw first the spitting, snarling cat below him, and then the petite woman in masculine garb holding up a lantern in one hand and a book in her other.

You’ve got that backwards, I’m afraid, Diana said to the demon, as she advanced on it, and I also don’t care much for your tone.

The demon gaped at her in disbelief.

In fact, I’m so unimpressed by your performance that I’m going to send you right back to Hell.

The demon snarled at her and she felt the heat from its flaming breath. Diana had to admit that was impressive, at least.

She paused halfway down the center aisle and, after placing the lantern down onto a pew, began a strange spell, reading from the book: By the sacred names of Adonai and Elohai, by the angels Raphael, Uriel, Gabriel and Michael, I adjure thee o foul spirit to return to your realm of darkness—

The monster roared, trying to drown out her voice, but Diana could out-shout it.

—the white powers obey me, and will cast thee from this plane into the bottomless abyss between worlds—

The demon flexed and ripped most of the monk’s cassock away as if it were made of paper. It revealed huge, rippling muscles and stepped to the edge of the altar, apparently about to launch itself at Diana. Five-inch long, half-inch thick claws reached towards her.

She saw the motion and calmly reached into her jacket pocket, removing the dagger, which she held point-up before the demon.

I did not come unprepared. But you did.

 It saw the blade and screamed in terror. Diana pressed her advantage, momentarily forgetting the incantation to simply advance on the monster with the upheld blade. Yes, it’s iron. Something you don’t much care for.

She renewed her chanting. By the sacred names of Adonai and Elohai….

It lunged at her.

The move wasn’t entirely unexpected, though, and Diana dropped the book as she leaned back, feeling the demon’s hot breath on her cheek. Its other hand shot towards her throat, and she simultaneously ducked and thrust upward with the knife. She felt it drive through the flesh of the creature’s hand and she yanked it out. Shrieking and clutching its wounded palm, the demon staggered back.

Diana wiped the blade clean with a handkerchief, then returned the cloth to a pocket to retrieve the book. She found her place and continued reading. …by the angels Raphael, Uriel, Gabriel and Michael….

The demon continued to back away, until one hoof vanished from view, and Diana knew it had passed through the gateway. Too late it realized its mistake. Diana tossed the book aside and leapt up onto the altar, where she thrust the knife into the monster’s face. It bellowed its impotent rage, and this time Diana felt pain as she was singed. She was dimly aware that something on her face was smouldering, but it would have to wait....

…because the demon had just fled back through the gateway, and now Diana had her chance to seal it forever.

She held the knife between her teeth and quickly tore off her jacket, flinging it carelessly behind her. Then she undid the cuff on her left sleeve and rolled it up, baring her tender skin between wrist and elbow. Taking the knife in her right hand, and without hesitation she drew its sharp blade across her left arm, drawing a two-inch thin line of blood. As she waited for the blood to well, she called out in a clear, steady voice:

By my will and by my blood is this gateway sealed forever!

She flung her bloodied arm at the gateway, showering it in crimson droplets. She heard a final roar of fury from the other side and briefly saw the outline of the fiend behind the frozen beads of her blood—

—and then the air before her was clear and silent.

Diana hesitated a moment, just to be sure. It took another few seconds for her to realize that the only light within the church now was her lantern, and the only sound was the voice of Quilby from behind her:

Lady Furnaval, are you—did that thing—!

She turned and saw Quilby staggering with his coat askew and capless up the center aisle towards her and she forced a smile at him. I’m fine, Constable, thank you.

She stepped down from the altar, but her knees nearly gave. Now, with the task accomplished and the energy of her fortitude draining away, she allowed herself to drop into the nearest pew, limp and exhausted. Mina rubbed happily around her ankles, purring in triumph.

Quilby leaned over her, eyeing her with great concern. Mum, your face....

What? Diana cried out, involuntarily reaching up, feeling for serious damage.

I’m afraid that beast’s fire…well, it seems to have burned away an eyebrow.

Diana ran a hand over her forehead, and discovered that indeed, most of one eyebrow seemed to be missing. Still, it was a relatively small price to pay for victory (and was easily remedied with cosmetics).

Quilby comically bobbed his head, swinging between the altar, the rest of the church, and Diana. When it fell backward and disappeared—

Through the gateway, Diana added.

The gateway—is it…did you—?

It has been sealed, she told him. No more midnight Hallowe’en processions in your parish, I’m afraid.

This must be some blade! he picked up the knife to better see it. Is it blessed?

Iron, she told him. Demons can’t touch it. Burns them worse than fire burns us.

Then he saw her wound, and actually squeaked. You’re bleeding, mum—!

Diana realized she’d forgotten about the cut. Oh, yes....

She had Quilby retrieve her satchel for her, in which she kept materials for cleaning and bandaging the wound. Quilby watched her, dismayed to see the scars that ran up her arm. He counted five—no, six….

Lady Furnaval, he finally asked, the scars on your arm…one for each gateway?

Quite. One for each gateway, she replied, then went on after a small, sad pause, …and all for my William.

William? Quilby asked, then remembered. Oh, right—your late husband. Sorry, mum.

It was three years ago, Constable, no need to offer condolences.

Quilby shifted uncomfortably, and Diana patted his shoulder in what she hoped was a friendly manner. I believe you’re catching on to this gateway-closing business at last. Perhaps you’d care to join me in Cornwall, where they believe in a group of demonic huntsmen called Dando’s Dogs, and are unaware their wild hunters are merely trespassers through a gateway that needs closing…?

Reviews for Netherworld

[jjmcgaffey · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Interesting story - Diana, more or less by accident, becomes the last Gate guardian and therefore the one who can close the Gates before the Netherworld invades. She discovers this slowly over the first third or so of the book. There are a lot of unreliable advisors - I seriously have no idea what the bookseller is up to most of the time. She is, for her time, very non-sexist (for obvious reasons) and non-racist (for...less obvious ones). And she reacts badly to others who have more "normal" attitudes - makes me wonder why she hadn't encountered this sort of thing all the time (and therefore would be used to it). Some of the beings that attack her are really really nasty, on several levels (from cruel to icky-gross). The end...is really stupid, to my mind - OK, he's now her ally (does that mean he'll stop lying or evading her questions?) but why does that mean they go to bed together immediately? Why does she need a man thus at all? He's been panting after her for quite a while, but she hasn't seemed to return his feelings much. I don't know. Interesting, and I'd like to read more, though.

[kimmydavis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program. I LOVED it!! I found the story immensely exciting and unique. This is not your average Steampunk Paranormal. Morton has a great world set up, and I can't wait to read more books about Diana Furnaval. If you love books with strong female leads, you'll love this book. 4.5 stars out of 5

[moonspider-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I would first like to comment that I love how much research apparently went into creating this. I have lost count of the number of supernautral beings incorporated into the other world. The social and societal details were interesting too, playing off the background of both the protagonist Diana, an englishwoman, and a friend of hers, Yi-kin, a Chinaman. Taking place in 1880. The contrast between the cruelty of society and kindness in Diana is noble and attention-grabbing, though I think I would like to see why in that day and age Diana would turn out to be so different from the others. The love and intrgue from her husband is one thing, but surely she would have been influenced by society beforehand.Another criticism is that her husband plays such a large role in the book, killed from the very start leaving no room for early character development and then being the driving reason for Diana to continue. Also, while I appreciate the research as mentioned above, I do not think it was executed to the best of the writer's ability - I noticed a trend of telling instea of showing, For example, instead of giving the history of a relationship with a friend, a scene could have been written, a flashback to the past, the convey the same feeling. As that is only an example, the point is that the book had difficulty establishing immersion.Lastly, as far as romantic ventures...the ending, which shall go unmentioned, had been hinted at strongly throughout the book. I liked the abruptness in development at the end, how it was worded...I suppose I only see Yi-Kin as a better match. Just my dream for the character, perhaps? I do not know if this is an open ended book or if it is the first installment of a series, but I think the story has potnetial if only there were more flushed detail and the lighten up on the romance. Other than that, it was like a smorgasboard of otherworldly creatures, an array that got me excited which each that Diana met.

[jadavid-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book had my attention from the beginning. There is so much history written into the book and I really enjoyed it.

[dianasilva-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this story! I loved the action and the suspense! I highly recommend it and really enjoyed it!

[kcaroth1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Netherworld is the first in a projected series about the adventures of Lady Furnival in the Victorian era. After the unexpected death of her husband 4 years ago, Lady Furnival has been left alone with her duties as a gatekeeper, guarding the entryways to and from the netherworld. I found the main character and her companions, new and old, charming. As a quick, light read it was very entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable.

[zjordi_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Got mixed feelings on this one.On the bright side, it adequately conveys the Victorian atmosphere, but the main character is simply unbelievable.As a travel book, it gets you successfully from England to India and China and the USA, but fails miserably to deliver gripping narrative in the action scenes.Well written, the (tiny) cast of secondaries being sometimes more lifelike than the main character, I'll give it the benefit of doubt and wait for the second installment of the saga.

[turkcebkf · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Netherworld was an interesting novel about a Victorian heroine. If you're interested in a fantasy novel set in Victorian era Netherworld is a good choice. If you're new to the "historical" fantasy or not very accustomed to Victorian era you'll have some trouble. Don't stop because when you understand the setting it's easier to read.

[wolffaerie17 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lady Diana Furnaval has trained herself to become a gatekeeper to netherworld or gateways. Diana having lost her husband now makes it her mission to close as many gateways as possible. Her travels take her all over the world. Lady Diana meets Leung Yi-kin who desires to learn more English language and about gateways as possible. Stephen Chappell is an Occult Bookstore Owner and mysterious stranger helps Diana on her quest. Diana learns that her husband may not be dead after all. Diana and Yi-kin race to find as many gateways to close. Can Diana close the gateways? How will Yi-kin help her? Who is Stephen Chappell? Can Diana's husband be saved? Your answers await you in Netherworld.I love this mix of fantasy and science in this book! Lady Diana is such a likeable character. Her determination is inspiring and intriguing. The concept of netherworld or gateways is interesting as well. I'll definitely read more of this author's work in the future.

[beckahrah · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Not bad. It started out a little clunky, I thought, but got more interesting as I read. It's definitely a different take on the classic vampire story, which is hard to do. I enjoyed the cultural references and the author's use of many types of mythology for the creatures in the book. There weren't just European vampires, but Chinese ones (more like zombies), Native American lizard monsters, etc. Very different from the norm.

[majkia · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I obtained this book through the Library Thing Early Reviewer program. Diana found her husband was far more than the titled handsome and fine man she married. She discovered he was a gatekeeper, one of the last to defend the gates to the Netherworld. When her husband goes to Transylvania and disappears, she feels required to take up her duties herself, but she plans not to just guard the portals, but instead to close every one of them she can find. Needless to say, she makes enemies on the far side of the portals.A good first effort, but I certain scenes seemed to go on too long, and they dragged as a result. But I enjoyed the world building and the characters were all well drawn and interesting. I especially appreciated a fully capable heroine.

[monicalynn-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Diana Furnaval widow of Lord William Furnaval has the task of closing all of the Gateways to the Netherworld all around the world. She lost her darling husband 4 years ago to one of those Gateways. In her travels around the world she befriends Yi Kin and her cat Mina and they travel along with her, through many trials and tribulations working to close the gateways. Her adventures take her into dangerous territory fighting demons as they are not very happy with Diana closing the gateways. During her travels she finds that Asmodeus from the Netherworld is planning to attack our world on October 31st, she also finds that her Long lost thought to be deceased husband may be being held in the Netherworld. Even though she has been told never to enter the Gateways, Diana feels she must. A must read to find out what happens. Very interesting and fun read.

[joyfiction_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was difficult for me to get into, took me a while to get into a real momentum where reading is concerned, not because of the story’s content itself but because the writing style is a little old-fashioned compared to most books that are published these days. Now, that’s not to say that the book was horrible or that the author can’t write- it’s just not the writing style that will appeal to everyone or be easy for everyone to read. But the content of the story is entertaining enough. The premise, a story of a woman in Victorian society that is trying to track down the gates to the Netherworld which can let demons into this world is one that would be interesting to anyone who likes fantasy, especially when the fantasy stories are about supernatural creatures. The main character isn’t as well-rounded as I would have liked (she seemed far too perfect for even a fiction character) and there are a few things that ask you to suspend disbelief a bit too far (and I’m not referring to demons or the supernatural element either) but as a whole the book was decent enough and entertaining enough.

[longdogmom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoy the premise of a female Victorian monster-hunter and Netherworld (Chronicles of Diana Furnaval) by Lisa Morton did not disappoint. I received this ebook through LibraryThing Early Reviewers and found it to be an interesting and exciting read. The author has clearly spent a great deal of time in doing historical research on this time period and Britain's attitudes towards India and the Chinese. I found it fascinating and greatly enjoyed reading the tidbits of historical knowledge sprinkled throughout the book. It actually made me want research the Opium Wars on my own since I had never heard of them. Morton does a really excellent job of weaving historical information into the story as well as showing the ignorance, cruelty, and prejudice of the times, especially towards the Chinese. I loved the character of Diana. She's fiesty and resourceful, intelligent and unafraid to stand up for what she believes in. Loyal, brave and generous, Diana is a strong female lead who is easy to like and root for. She is determined to carry on the work of her husband in fighting evil creatures from the Netherworld, as well as fulfill his dream of closing the *Gates" that exist between our world and this other plane of existence. Her allies are collected along the way and are interesting characters themselves, some more mysterious than others, and defintely characters I hope to see more of in future stories featuring Diana.I loved that the Gateways to Netherworld were all over the world and that depending on where they were located, the creatures that could come through revolved around that culture and its mythologies and legends. Hence,vampires that enter our world through a Gateway in Transylvania may be quite different than vampires that come through a Gateway in China and the means to dispatch them back to their own realm are quite different and require knowledge of the local folklore. I thought that was a brilliant tough!I really enjoyed Diana and her adventures and hope to read more of them in the future!

[swedechick · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received a review copy of this book through Librarything. I really liked the book. It reminded me quite a bit of the Soulless series by Gail Carriger, except for the lack of steam-punk elements. It's quite an easy read, and I finished the book in a day (but forgot to submit my review straight away).

[myriadbooks · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Man, the premise of this book seems so exciting. There was a Victorian lady demonslayer! Who was dedicated to extinguishing the scourge from the Great Beyond in an effort to avenge her lost love! And her husband is deceased... isn't he?Sadly, the writing didn't sustain my excitement. I'm not sure if it's the fault of the formal and rather stifling pseudo-Victorian writing style or just in the author not being very good, but it really kept me removed from the story. The characterizations felt particularly lifeless. I'm not a very sensitive reader when it comes to race relations in novels, but the behavior between the heroine and her faithful assistant left a very bad taste in my mouth. (She's the enlightened sort of English who respects him despite his being Chinese. He's never thought about the opium trade or how bad it for his culture despite being employed to particulate in it, but when she bring it to his attention he immediately sees the merit in her words and leaves his employment to swear to her service. He's also a master martial artist despite being orphaned at very young age and his father being his only teacher. There's a limit to how much I can suspect my disbelief, even in a fantasy novel.)On the plus side, there's some beautifully cultivated mythological content here. I really liked seeing the Indian religious elements and indigenous Chinese vampires. There's even some Native American mythic elements that I had never heard of before that was probably my favorite part of the book.Back on the minus side, I can't say I enjoyed the magical bookstore that helpfully pops up in whatever city the heroine might need it. I liked even less the romantic pairing that was part and parcel with it -- there had been absolutely no lead or build-up to it, yet the author expects us readers to find it emotionally satisfying plausible? The heroine had had more spirited conversations with the stuffy drug dealer Englishman!Fans of the novels Dracula in Love and A Natural History of Dragons would probably be really good matches with this book, but it was a two-star read for me -- with a bump up to three for the joy in seeing the heroine execute her undead husband.

[lydia_perversius · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Before I start with this review, allow me to tell you a bit about myself. It won't take more than a minute, I swear.Now then... I'm a scaredy-cat - official and confirmed. I can't watch something spooky or scary - in favor of saving some face, let's not get on the topic of thrillers and horror movies - without having to beg my 12-year-old brother to sleep in my room so I can get some shut-eye (so much for saving face...). My imagination is on such an unhealthy level - which I have mentioned countless times - that I think I hear or see the monster or villain or psycho behind every curtain or under my bed or in every - even remotely - shadowed corner. Now imagine a person like me reading something that comes even close to those spooky things I avoid like the plague when they're on the TV, and you'll start wondering what the hell was this book doing in my greedy little hands.Still, I will forever be a masochist that gets done in by an engaging blurb and a professionally done cover - sue me, I admit I'm guilty as charged! So I decided to give Netherworld a chance - and swore I would read it to the very end, no matter what - and you know what? I'm damn proud and glad I did, because otherwise I would have missed out on witnessing such a thrilling story with one of the most intriguing main casts yet!Diana Furnaval is a young widow in Victorian England that is unlike any other woman at her age, her time, and her position would be. Seeking revenge and justice, she sets on a personal mission to close all the gateways that connect our world with the world from which the fiends that killed her husband, William, come - the Netherworld. But she's not alone on this task. Stephen Chappell - a mysterious, all-too-knowing book merchant - , Leung Yi-kin - a young Chinese sailor with exceptional fighting skills - , Isadora Feduchin - a medium that can communicate with the other side and bring messages from the Netherworld - , and Mina - Diana's trusty feline pet that can sense both the gateways and the creatures that pass through them - are by her side, ready to help her in her efforts to defend humanity from the things that go bump in the night and cut off all connections to the Netherworld once and for all. Still, the residents of the other side are not about to give up on conquering our world so easily - and they will use every dirty trick to get Diana either off track or six feet under, if that's what it takes. I believe now you see what I meant by interesting and intriguing, right? Diana, as a main character, is every bit the strong and determined lady a female lead in such stories should be. But not in a non-believable way. Though she gets scared like every normal person, she knows her mission is important, and ignores her own comforts and safety to make sure the demons frequenting her life will hurt the smallest possible number of people the way they have hurt her. She understands the risks, and while she's often quite stubborn, her self-sacrifices are not to be ignored. She studies her enemies and plans carefully before advancing, and she's moralistic to a fault. And she's not above trying new things, all the while keeping her personality and traits intact. She may be loyal to her late husband, and still love him, but she doesn't push away the possibility of new feelings towards another man - thank God for that, because I seriously shipped that particular pairing called DianaXStephen!Stephen was my personal wet dream - I don't care if he didn't come off as sexy, the guy is something of a mysterious scholar with many secrets up his sleeve, and sells books, that counts as one of the hottest traits in my book! Yi-kin was adorabble - there were times I just wanted to squeeze the hell out of him - and Isadora was every bit the eccentric and funny woman a medium can be. As for Mina, well, I'm not exactly a cats person - scratch that, I hate them to death - but this particular feline was after my own heart. She was very clever, not the least bit the annoying, hissing, snobbish monster that most creatures of her kind are. And hey, any animal that rushes to save their mistress and her friends first thing when they come upon danger, is ok IMHO.Even without the golden main cast, though, the book was one of the best I've come across in the paranormal genre. The plot alone was worth every single night I spent with all lights on and backed in my bed's corner. And those extra few seconds it took me to check under my bed and behind my curtains before I went to sleep. The story started in a way that most writers seem to ignore, yet Lisa Morton managed to follow it in a flawless fashion. According to many creative writing lecturers, the best way to start a book is to provide the hook - lure the reader deep enough to get them hooked, and THEN provide more details on the main character and the plot, with flashbacks and the usual. And she did just fine in that department. The prologue had me so freaked out, I stopped reading - damn, I usually read out loud, and when I realized what that thing in the church was chanting and what, as a result, I was murmuring, I shrieked - and took a couple of minutes before resuming, this time in my head, because I'm superstitious enough to fear I might summon something if I say the words loudly. Now, normally, I would leave the book in DNF state right then and there. But the writer had made it impossible by then, so I couldn't do a damn thing, other than keep up with the story - and I don't regret it at all. Still, I'm telling you, if anyone ever decides to make Netherworld into a movie, I will NOT go watch it, no matter how many millions it will make (because I'm sure it will!) - one time through all this fearful torture was enough, thank you very much.The brilliance of this book, however, didn't stop there. It was also quite accurate in its lore. Ms. Morton took great care in her research in both the western and the eastern spooky legends. And then used it in such a detailed yet enjoyable way, it was more like academical fun times than boring and overbearing lectures. Sort of like how a good uni professor manages to make a subject interesting enough to get you to study and pay attention, without overdoing it. The only drawback in all this was that Diana was a bit too self-righteous at times. While I admire her morality and her idealism, it tended to make her less of a realist - when she was claimed as a realist herself at the start of the book. It was a bit contradicting. Then, there was the question about her fortune. I understand that the Furnaval family had a lot of money, but the reason behind that wealth was never explained throughout the book. Were they merchants? Had a lot of land that they sold to suit their monetary needs? Or was it something else? But I refuse to lower the rating because of those two minor problems of mine. This book deserved the highest rating possible for managing to keep me reading even when I was scared out my mind. The action, the cynical and sometimes macabre humor, the legends and the writer's personal voice are only a few of the reasons why this series should be in your TR list ASAP! I myself - no matter how masochistic it may sound - can't wait for the next book!!!***I was given a review copy from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers November 2013 Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***

[caroltilson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An exciting and refreshing change to supernatural worldA young woman has lost her husband, and she has felt it her duty to carry on his work. Not so unusual a tale, right – wrong!! Lady Dianna’s husband died fighting demons while closing portals to the Netherworld. With the portals to the Netherworld now unguarded and open, demons and creatures of all sorts are crossing over into 19th century Victorian England, and Dianna feels that the only way to prevent a war is to take over for her husband and seal them all. She does so with her portal smelling cat, a Chinese sailor, turned companion and a mysterious book store owner named Stephen. The odd thing about Stephen and his bookstore is that no matter where in the world Dianna is, the same exact bookstore is there to help her out. Everything is exactly the same from location to location – even the dust covering the books does not change. Throughout her travels, several demons try and trick her in to believing that her husband is still alive, and only she can rescue him. The demons of the 19th Century haven’t figured out women are smarter than they think.I found “Netherworld, Book One of the Chronicles of Diana Furnava” an energetic and exciting start for a new series. I can honestly say I have never read a book with the same plot line as here. Sure there are other books out there regarding closing portals to hell, but not like this one. Bravo to the author. I am hoping that she can keep up the same pace and excitement as she did in book 1.

[kaylaraeintheway · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I got this book through the LT Early Reviewers program.While the premise of the book seems intriguing (a modern Victorian Englishwoman hunts demons and goes on a quest to find her missing husband while kicking butt and taking names), I just couldn't get that into it. I guess I felt a little let down because this premise could have been much more fun and fascinating, but I felt like I've read many similar stories before. I know that this is just the first book in the series, but it didn't leave me wanting to find out what happens to Diana next.I'm rating this 2 stars because the writing is not all that bad...the plot just leaves more to be desired. This book would be good for readers who want a not very challenging but still somewhat entertaining read.

[taffybear · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This is a story that had a lot of potential and I really wanted to enjoy it. The first chapter is interesting and exciting, but is unfortunately followed by the second which is purely back story. It drags on and on with occasional all too brief adventures after which it returns to details of Diana's journey which though interesting don't add much to the story or characters.If you are looking for and gripping suspense, don't bother. It got to the point of me almost wishing that the heroine would get killed so I wouldn't have to read more. I really never got emotionally involved with the story or the main character, who unfortunately is the only one in the story you get to know at all.I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[riikkat_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I really liked the idea of this book. Diana Furnaval travels the world sealing gateways to the Netherworld, fighting all sorts of demons on the way. She continues the work of her husband William, who disappeared on just such mission some years ago and is now presumed dead.The plot was fairly intriquing with a few twists and rare dull moments. Unfortunately it wasn't very consistent though and seemed to consist of several unrelated scenes rather than one coherent story with a beginning, a middle and an end. Some parts left me wondering, how exactly they contributed to the rest of the story.As a fantasy novel I would say this wasn't anything mindblowing, but still rather ok. I don't think I'll continue with the series though.

[cstefanovic-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved the idea of the book as I selected it from the early reviewer list and I admit that as I read the writing style was enjoyable. It had some variety with the main character's point of view and the husband's journal. However, I found the main character to be a little too perfect to be believable (yes, I know it is a fiction). I loved that the side characters had flaws that I did not expect and that a cat is used as a detector of the supernatural. It is a quick read and would be enjoyable for the correct reader.

[idj_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have to admit that if I were going to choose a book to read solely by the cover, I would never have chosen this book. And that would have been my loss. Despite a few little quibbles I found this book to be remarkably well written. The author is quite gifted in writing, and can create a tale that holds the reader and makes one want to read page after page. This is not a book to choose to read on a night when you have to get up for work in the morning.In general, the plot held up and was able to hold my interest. The characters were believable, if not a little too 'perfect'. The good people were pretty much completely good, and the bad, well, they were evil. A little too black and white for reality, but it is a horror novel anyway.The few niggling things: One is the insertion of the odd gratuitous character (such as Bram Stoker at one point). Another is the insertion of somewhat outlandish character (the lizard folk) in order to further the plot. The hopping vampire was fine - that's a traditional form of Asian vampire - but I have no place of reference to the lizard people, and they seemed a bit outlandish. The other thing was bringing in Count Dracula. By the end of the novel you know why, but, in dealing with the 'doors' it just seemed a little contrived. But these are all small quibbles. There was nothing that made me want to take the book at through it on the floor shouting "Bah!". (I've done that before when bothered by a book's inadequacies, but as this was a PDF on my computer, well, you know...)Anyway, a perfectly lovely book that kept me engrossed for a few good hours, and one that I would recommend to anyone interested in the genre.

[darkand27 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Aside from a few select authors, I have to admit that I really don't like historical fiction. When I read the blurb about this book, I thought there would be enough paranormal elements to keep me from getting bogged down with all of the historical minutiae. Turns out, there wasn't a whole lot of historical anything going on for me to avoid. I had no problem with the lack of historical details, but there were quite a few things about this book that had me raising a brow & shaking my head at. I know that I'm not the best history student but even I was wondering, shouldn't the Lady Diana have a handmaiden or some such servant to help her with everything? The story itself was hard to follow - I'm still not sure what the plot actually was. First it seemed like closing gateways was the main focus but then we have a vampire attack, then we end up in a lost city of lizard people, then we have a nasty demon supposedly holding Lady Diana's husband hostage, then a whole obstacle course through the netherworld only to end up back at the beginning where she needs to close all the gateways. Even the ending to this one left me scratching my head with Lady Diana seeming to head off with the mysterious bookstore chap for a roll in the hay? What the heck?? It took me forever to get all the way through this book. I really wanted to like this story, but it just wasn't my cup o' tea. I received this book from the publisher and the Early Reviewers Program on Library Thing. No compensation for my review was given.

[ranaverde_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The plot is fairly straightforward, though it makes some nice twists on the way: after the death or kidnapping of her beloved husband William, Lady Diana Furnaval has set herself the task of closing gateways to the Netherworld, traveling around the world to do it. Along the way she acquires a loyal Asian sidekick, is offered cryptic guidance by a handsome and mysterious bookseller, and is companioned by her loyal cat, Mina (whose name is a clear homage to Bram Stoker's novel, a connection the author clearly doesn't trust the reader to make unaided, as she later has Diana briefly encounter Stoker with him commenting on the cat's name). Together they fight vampires (both European and Asian varieties), lizard people, and a host of other supernatural creatures bent on keeping the gateways open. Along the way, as if that weren't enough, they deplore racism, sexism, and the opium trade.Basically, this is a fun, pulpy read that moves briskly and lightly through its paces. Just don't think too hard about it, or the plot holes and the thinness of the characters will become too obvious and spoil your enjoyment of what would be a good airplane read or the basis for an entertaining action-adventure movie.

[debbie.addis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received this book free from Library Thing. I have never read anything by Lisa Morton. This will not be my last. A strong women, Diana, her cat plus a sidekick must rid the world of evil by closing gateways so demons cannot escape into our world. A highly engrossing read.

[toastytoesthebear · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Netherworld is a tale of a strong nineteenth-century woman who battles the forces of evil (that come to our world through a series of gateways that she is striving to close), while searching for her husband, who is presumed dead. She and her side-kicks Yi-Kin and Mina travel the world and have a series of harrowing encounters with other-worldly beings.While I understand and applaud Lisa Morton's wish to have a strong female protagonist who refuses to share the general bigotry of her compatriots, I did find it hard to accept that Diana and Yi-Kin managed their travels and adventures with only minor inconveniences in a nineteenth-century setting. I enjoyed the story on the whole, although I did not connect on an emotional level with Lady Furnaval.

[meradeth · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Major thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!I'm struggling with where to start this review. I enjoyed this book--the world was a great deal of fun, I felt drawn in to the adventures of Diana, and I was curious to find out what happened. Really, the main issue I had with the story was that I wasn't really drawn to Diana. At the end of the book, I still didn't feel like I had any connection with her. I imagine this is a personal thing, but I kind of just didn't care for her much. I was honestly much more drawn to Yi-Kin and found him very interesting, and wished I'd seen more of him. The book did traverse a great deal of ground, which was well done and interesting from a historical perspective (and made me miss San Francisco fiercely). Overall, I think it was more my personal taste that left me not particularly getting sucked into this one, and others will feel differently. It's a fun read, and if you enjoy a good historical with a paranormal bent, this is one you might want to take a look at.

[mishmelle · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I DNF'd this book at about 35%. It was easy to put down and I wasn't compelled to return to it. The beginning starts out somewhat interesting with her closing a gateway, but then it goes into a lot of backstory on how she got to that point. The scenes with the gateways were the only interesting parts as few and far between as they were. I did like the cat Mina, too. Other than that I just found it to be a boring read.

[books_n_things · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The book is set in the 19th century with a huge dose of the paranormal. Diana is a young woman who has been encouraged to have ideals unlike her peers in terms of religion, but yet is staunchly critical of anything that smacks of the paranormal. She meets her husband, William who, prior to engaging her, shows her a gateway to hell which quickly changes her mind. William is called away to a trap which spins Diana on a new quest. Closing all the gates to hell.The book is filled with worldly descriptions which is both interesting but slows the book down considerably. There were times when the description seemed to go on, but I was ready for what would happen next. It did help at times when you really wanted to get a feel of things, but when it was more of the mundane parts of the book, I just wanted to move a bit quicker.The other parts I did have trouble with was the mix of 19th century with present times. At times Diana behaved much more boldly that would have been allowed in that time. She seemed to be able to behave with men in a way that I don't believe would be acceptable then but would be chaste now. There were also parts where Yi-Kin, her side-kick, would experience a lot of prejudice. While this made sense, but he still seemed to have found a freedom I'm not sure would exist with Diana being seen as a recent widow. He is also a bit stereotypical of what you might think of as a asian sidekick.Still with the problems I had it was an interesting ride with Diana figuring out how to close the portals. I especially enjoyed Mina, her cat, who seemed to be a bit wiser than your average feline. I give this book 3 stars. You will have to ignore some of the inconsistencies in the era and her behavior, but if you just want to have fun with a paranormal mash up of religion, faeries, and mythology you might enjoy your time here.