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Maplecroft summary
Brief summary
Maplecroft is a chilling historical horror novel by Cherie Priest that reimagines the infamous Lizzie Borden as a dedicated defender against eldritch monsters plaguing her town.
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Maplecroft
Summary of key ideas
Unraveling the Mystery of Maplecroft
In Maplecroft by Cherie Priest, we are transported to the late 19th century in Fall River, Massachusetts, where the infamous Lizzie Borden resides. The story begins with the aftermath of the gruesome murders of Lizzie's father and stepmother, for which she was acquitted. However, the townsfolk remain suspicious of her, believing she was the perpetrator. Lizzie, now living with her sister Emma, is determined to prove her innocence and uncover the truth behind the murders.
As the narrative unfolds, we learn that the Borden sisters are not ordinary women. They are both highly intelligent and independent, with Lizzie being a scientist and Emma a school teacher. They live in Maplecroft, a grand mansion by the sea, and it is here that the story takes a dark and unexpected turn. The sisters are guarding a terrible secret, one that has been haunting their family for generations.
The Unearthly Forces at Play
Maplecroft is not just a mansion; it is a fortress against an otherworldly threat. The Borden sisters are fighting against a Lovecraftian horror that has been unleashed from the depths of the ocean. This entity, known as the Shub-Niggurath, is a malevolent force that corrupts and controls the minds of those it touches, turning them into monstrous creatures. The Bordens' parents were its first victims, and now it is up to Lizzie and Emma to stop its spread.
As the story progresses, we witness the sisters' relentless battle against the Shub-Niggurath. They conduct scientific experiments, develop weapons, and even form alliances with unexpected allies, all in an attempt to understand and defeat this ancient evil. However, their efforts are constantly thwarted by the townsfolk, who are under the Shub-Niggurath's influence and view the sisters as the source of the town's misfortunes.
The Price of Defying the Unnatural
Despite their best efforts, the Bordens are unable to contain the Shub-Niggurath's influence. The town falls into chaos, and the sisters are forced to make increasingly desperate decisions to protect themselves and the world from the encroaching darkness. Lizzie, in particular, becomes more ruthless and single-minded in her quest, willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to achieve her goal.
As the story reaches its climax, the Shub-Niggurath's power reaches its peak, and the Bordens must confront the horror head-on. In a heart-stopping battle, they manage to weaken the entity, but at a great cost. Emma sacrifices herself to save Lizzie, and the mansion of Maplecroft is destroyed in the process, taking the Shub-Niggurath with it.
The Aftermath and the Unending Fight
In the aftermath, Lizzie is left alone, grieving for her sister and the life they once had. She is also haunted by the knowledge that the Shub-Niggurath may not be truly defeated, merely contained for a time. The novel ends with Lizzie vowing to continue the fight, knowing that the forces of darkness are unending and that she must remain vigilant to protect the world from their influence.
In conclusion, Maplecroft is a gripping tale that blends historical fiction with Lovecraftian horror. It presents a unique and compelling reimagining of the infamous Lizzie Borden, transforming her from a suspected murderer into a determined and tragic hero fighting against an unimaginable evil. The novel leaves us with a sense of unease, reminding us that the battle against the unnatural is never truly won.
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What is Maplecroft about?
"Maplecroft" is a chilling historical fantasy novel that reimagines the infamous Lizzie Borden as a courageous and determined monster-hunter. Set in 1894, the story unfolds in the coastal town of Fall River, Massachusetts, where Lizzie and her sister Emma uncover a terrifying ancient evil that threatens to consume the world. With a gripping blend of mystery, horror, and gothic elements, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Maplecroft Review
Maplecroft (2014) by Cherie Priest is a thrilling novel that reinvents the story of Lizzie Borden through a supernatural lens, delivering a fresh and captivating read. Here's why this book is worth exploring:
- Featuring a unique blend of historical fiction and horror elements, it offers a fresh perspective on a well-known mystery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
- The intricate world-building and vivid descriptions immerse readers in a dark, atmospheric setting, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.
- With its compelling character development and unexpected twists, the book ensures that boredom is never an option, promising an exciting and immersive reading experience.
Who should read Maplecroft?
A chilling historical horror novel that reimagines the legend of Lizzie Borden as a female scientist trying to uncover and stop a Lovecraftian horror threatening her town. It's a thrilling blend of mystery, science fiction, and horror that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
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Maplecroft FAQs
What is the main message of Maplecroft?
The main message of Maplecroft revolves around battling supernatural forces in a historical setting.
How long does it take to read Maplecroft?
The estimated reading time for Maplecroft is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in less than 15 minutes.
Is Maplecroft a good book? Is it worth reading?
Maplecroft is worth reading for its captivating blend of history and horror, keeping readers engaged throughout.
Who is the author of Maplecroft?
The author of Maplecroft is Cherie Priest.
What to read after Maplecroft?
If you're wondering what to read next after Maplecroft, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher