The Amulet by Michael McDowell is a Southern horror novel set in a small Alabama town. The story revolves around the cursed amulet, which brings nothing but misery to anyone who possesses it. McDowell seamlessly combines elements of Southern Gothic, supernatural horror, and family drama to create a chilling tale. The protagonist, Manse Everard, inherits the amulet from his aunt, Elinor Powell. She was known for her eccentricities and strange beliefs in supernatural forces. Manse, a skeptical businessman, is immediately intrigued by the amulet's intriguing history and its rumored powers.
The times are listed to assist you in planning your rituals. Some things to keep in mind:
As well as the essential times and dates for all Pagan folk and more, it has a wealth of other little features to encourage an informed view of natural spirituality. As well as the essential times and dates for all Pagan folk and more, it has a wealth of other little features to encourage an informed view of natural spirituality.
Manse, a skeptical businessman, is immediately intrigued by the amulet's intriguing history and its rumored powers. However, as he delves deeper into his aunt's past, he learns that the amulet has caused tragedy throughout generations of his family. The town's vibrant and complex characters are caught in the amulet's sinister web.
Gwydion's Moon Calendar
The truly iconic Gwydion's Moon Calendar has been an essential day-to-day reference for those genuinely interested in the natural spiritual traditions celebrated in the British Isles, including Witches, Druids and a whole spectrum of sincere fellow travellers, since the first edition in 1990. Absolutely unique, there ain't nothing else quite like it.
As well as the essential times and dates for all Pagan folk and more, it has a wealth of other little features to encourage an informed view of natural spirituality.
You can see at a glance the Moon's current phase and its Zodiac Sign entry times, also Sun/Zodiac entry times ('Sun Signs') with eclipses details, a sunrise/set indicator, lots of interesting Pagan details such as an outline guide to the symbolic Sun God and Earth Goddess cycles and their myths, the annual 'Earth Festival' and 'Solar festival' dates (For Witches these are the Greater & Lesser Sabbats) and 'true' Esbat Full Moon ceremony dates, (so if the moment of Full Moon occurs when the Moon is below the horizon you know which night to hold Esbat) and an outline guide to the enactment of the seasonal Earth Festivals and other items.
Besides the 'essential' Pagan information there's a monthly guide to the visible night sky - meteor showers to watch for and so on, and other fascinating little snippets. (Including a little 'find the coven' game which is the first thing some 'regulars' look for!) All times are given in Universal Time (G.M.T.) so overseas readers can simply adjust for their time zone, and a simple key helps the newly interested understand it all!
It's a unique present for birthdays, Yule (& Christmas!) and especially appropriate if you want to encourage a friend to take an interest in natural spiritual traditions - it also looks really good framed, or in a clip frame, it's A3 size, 16½ X 11¾ inches.
Full Moon: August 30, 2023 at 6:35 PM PST / 9:35 PM EST
From Manse's estranged wife, who becomes obsessed with the amulet's power, to the eccentric town librarian who remembers the amulet's dark legacy, each character adds a layer to the haunting atmosphere of the story. As the amulet's power grows stronger, so does the suspense. McDowell skillfully builds tension, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, wondering who will fall victim to the amulet's curse next. The line between reality and the supernatural blurs as the amulet's influence seeps into every aspect of the characters' lives. McDowell's prose captures the essence of the Deep South, painting a vivid picture of a town steeped in tradition and superstition. The settings, from the dilapidated Everard Mansion to the overgrown cemetery, contribute to the eerie atmosphere that permeates the novel. Overall, The Amulet is a haunting and riveting read that showcases Michael McDowell's talent for crafting compelling Southern Gothic horror. It explores the themes of family, fate, and the relentless pursuit of power. Readers will be captivated by the characters, the atmospheric setting, and the chilling story of the cursed amulet..
Reviews for "The Role of Supernatural Elements in "The Amulet" by Michael McDowell"
1. John - 1/5 stars - I couldn't get into "The Amulet" at all. The story felt disjointed and confusing, with a multitude of characters that were difficult to keep track of. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself skipping ahead in hopes that something interesting would happen. Sadly, it never did. The writing itself was also lackluster, lacking depth and emotion. Overall, this book was a huge disappointment for me.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "The Amulet" after hearing great things about Michael McDowell's other works, but unfortunately, this one fell flat for me. The plot promised an intriguing mystery, but it ended up being convoluted and dull. The characters felt underdeveloped and their actions often nonsensical. Additionally, the writing style didn't captivate me, lacking the lyrical prose I was expecting. While there were some interesting ideas sprinkled throughout, they were overshadowed by the book's overall lack of coherence and engagement.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - "The Amulet" turned out to be a disappointing read for me. The plot had potential but quickly became repetitive and predictable. The characters lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their fates. The book also relied on several clichés and tropes, which further hindered my enjoyment. I was hoping for a unique and atmospheric story, but instead, I found myself bored and uninvested. Overall, I think "The Amulet" failed to deliver on its initial promise, leaving me dissatisfied and unimpressed.
4. Mark - 1/5 stars - I found "The Amulet" to be an incredibly tedious and confusing read. The narrative jumped around too much, making it difficult to follow the storyline or connect with the characters. The book also dragged on unnecessarily, with pages upon pages devoted to mundane details that added nothing to the overall plot. Furthermore, the author's attempt at creating suspense fell flat, as the twists and turns felt forced and unoriginal. Overall, this book failed to engage me in any meaningful way, and I would not recommend it.