Black magic is a topic that has fascinated people for centuries. It refers to the use of supernatural powers or forces for malevolent purposes. In some cultures, black magic is believed to be a way to gain control over others or to bring harm to someone. It is often associated with sorcery, witchcraft, and curses. The practice of black magic has roots in various ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia. These civilizations believed in the existence of magic and the ability to manipulate natural forces for personal gain.
Selune's Caress (WEREAMUL) New in Heart of Winter
Usually fashioned into a necklace or ring, the fey magic contained within the talisman enables the wearer to drain the life force from any living creature he or she touches. In addition, McDowell has also supplied the screenplays for various films, including director Tim Burton s horror comedy Beetlejuice and his animated production The Nightmare Before Christmas.
These civilizations believed in the existence of magic and the ability to manipulate natural forces for personal gain. In many folk traditions, black magic is associated with dark rituals and sacrifices. Black magic is often seen as the opposite of white magic, which is believed to be used for good purposes, such as healing and protection.
The Amulet
When a rifle range accident leaves Dean Howell disfigured and in a vegetative state, his wife Sarah finds her dreary life in Pine Cone, Alabama made even worse. After long and tedious days on the assembly line, she returns home to care for her corpse-like husband while enduring her loathsome and hateful mother-in-law, Jo. Jo blames the entire town for her son’s mishap, and when she gives a strange piece of jewelry to the man she believes most responsible, a series of gruesome deaths is set in motion. Sarah believes the amulet has something to do with the rising body count, but no one will believe her. As the inexplicable murders continue, Sarah and her friend Becca Blair have no choice but to track down the amulet themselves, before it’s too late.
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Genres HorrorFictionGothicAudiobookSouthern GothicMysterySupernatural
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1979
Book details & editions Loading interface. Loading interface.About the author
Michael McDowell
72 books 1,051 followersMichael McDowell is a prolific horror writer who has distinguished himself with a varied body of work within the genre. He was born in Enterprise, Alabama, in 1950 and died of AIDS-related illness in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1999.
His first horror novel, The Amulet, relates the tragedies that befall various individuals who come in possession of a supernatural pendant in a small town.
In McDowell's second novel, Cold Moon Over Babylon, a murdered woman's corpse is dispatched into a river, but her spirit roams the land, and in the evening hours it seeks revenge on her killer even as he plots the demise of her surviving relatives.
Don D'Ammassa, writing in the St. James Guide to Horror, Ghost & Gothic Writers, noted that McDowell's ability to maintain a sense of mundane normalcy against supernatural activity provides the novel with "a fine balance between reality and unreality," and he called Cold Moon Over Babylon "one of the best ghost stories ever written at novel length."
A similarly disturbing tension between dull reality and the supernatural is produced in The Elementals, wherein a host of visitors come to stay at a secluded house occupied by embodiments of elemental forces.
McDowell's Katie, meanwhile, concerns a clairvoyant serial killer whose powers of perception enable her to evade her trackers. The attractive but deranged heroine of this novel manages to conduct her murderous activities despite the awareness of her parents, who are content to derive financial gain from their daughter's crimes.
Madness is central to McDowell's Toplin, which details the vile imaginings of a man who suffers from mental illness but nonetheless determines to conduct himself within society. D'Ammassa praised Toplin as "perhaps the best novel ever written from the point of view of a schizophrenic."
Among McDowell's other writings is the six-part serial novel Blackwater, a chronicle of a southern family drawn to the supernatural. In addition, McDowell has also supplied the screenplays for various films, including director Tim Burton's horror comedy Beetlejuice and his animated production The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Stephen King called McDowell one of the "finest writers of paperback originals in America today." Tabitha King was asked to complete McDowell's unfinished novel Candles Burning, which was published in 2006 to good reviews. Concerning his career, McDowell never tried to be something he wasn't. "I am a commercial writer and I'm proud of that", he said in the book Faces of Fear in 1985. "I am writing things to be put in the bookstore next month. I think it is a mistake to try to write for the ages."
Amulets are usually magical devices that are commonly worn around the neck, suspended from a chain. The type of chain that comes with an amulet generally increases the item's aesthetic value, not its magical properties. Only one amulet can be dangled from the neck.
While white magic is associated with positive energy and intentions, black magic is believed to harness negative energy and intentions. The use of black magic has been depicted in various works of literature and film. It is often portrayed as a source of power and control, with the practitioner gaining supernatural abilities. However, black magic is also often shown to have negative consequences and to come with a price. In many cultures, black magic is considered taboo and is seen as morally wrong. It is often associated with evil and is condemned by religious leaders and authorities. Many communities have strict laws and regulations against the practice of black magic. Despite its negative connotations, black magic continues to be a topic of interest and curiosity for many. It has become a popular theme in fiction and entertainment, with many books, movies, and TV shows exploring its dark and mysterious aspects. In conclusion, black magic is a fascinating and controversial topic that has captured the imagination of people for centuries. While its practice is often associated with negative intentions and consequences, it continues to intrigue and fascinate people worldwide. However, it is important to remember that black magic is not something to be taken lightly and is often considered harmful and morally wrong..
Reviews for "The secret ingredients of Black Magic Yrsa 12k: Ancient herbs and potions"
1. John - 1/5 stars - I was extremely disappointed with "Black magic yrsa 12k". The plot was incredibly confusing and hard to follow, and the characters were poorly developed. I had high hopes for this book, but it fell flat in every aspect. I struggled to finish it and ended up feeling like I wasted my time. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - "Black magic yrsa 12k" had an interesting premise, but it fell short in execution. The pacing was slow, making it difficult to stay engaged in the story. Additionally, I found the writing style to be lackluster and mundane, lacking the creativity and flair that I was expecting. Overall, this book didn't live up to my expectations and left me feeling unsatisfied.
3. Robert - 1/5 stars - I couldn't get into "Black magic yrsa 12k" at all. The story seemed disjointed, and the characters lacked depth and relatability. The dialogue felt forced and unconvincing, making it hard to connect with the characters on any level. The author's writing style did not captivate me, and I found myself skimming through the pages just to finish. It was a disappointing read for me.