The use of historical elements also helps. By grounding her stories in real historical periods, she gives a sense of authenticity. The unknowns of the past then become a source of mystery and unease, like when she writes about a long - forgotten ritual in a medieval village.
Barbara Erskine often plays with the idea of time in her Fantastic Fiction. By blurring the lines between different time periods, she creates a sense of disorientation and mystery. For example, a character in the present might start having visions or experiences related to a past life, and this mixing of time frames adds to the overall atmospheric quality of her writing.
One of her well - known works might be 'Lady of Hay'. It combines elements of historical and supernatural themes, drawing readers into a world where past and present collide in a very engaging way.
She might use her in - depth knowledge of different literary devices. For example, by using foreshadowing effectively, she can create suspense and keep the readers hooked. Also, her ability to create complex characters that seem real and relatable is part of her clever writing.
She does it through detailed descriptions of social events. Balls, dinners, and visits are common settings where the social hierarchy and propriety are on display.
Ghost fiction often uses setting to create a spooky atmosphere. For example, an old, abandoned mansion with creaky floors and dark hallways can immediately give a sense of unease. Also, the use of sound is crucial. Strange noises like howling winds or unexplained whispers can make the reader feel scared. The description of the ghost itself, like a pale figure with empty eyes, adds to the spookiness.
In winter fantasy fiction, the very idea of winter itself is key to the atmosphere. The cold weather forces characters to seek shelter, creating a sense of vulnerability. The frozen landscapes can be both beautiful and deadly. In 'Frostblood', the ice - covered world is a place where survival is a constant struggle. The stillness of winter, with its lack of growth and activity in nature, can also give a feeling of stagnation or a world waiting for something to change, like in 'The Bear and the Nightingale' where the winter spirits seem to be in a state of waiting.
You can start by describing the setting in detail. Use vivid words to paint a picture of the place and time. Also, focus on sensory details like smells, sounds, and textures.
She might use vivid descriptions. For example, describing the setting in a dark and gloomy way. If it's an old house, she could talk about the creaking floors, the cold drafts, and the shadowy corners. This immediately gives a sense of unease.
I'm not sure if there are reviews available yet. It depends on how recently it was released. If it's just come out, there may only be a few early reviews from bloggers or reviewers who got advance copies. But if it's been out for a while, you can check popular book review sites like Goodreads or Amazon to see what readers are saying.
Barbara Boswell in Fantastic Fiction could be an author, a character, or someone related to the Fantastic Fiction in some way. Maybe she is a new emerging writer in the Fantastic Fiction genre. But again, without further details, it's hard to be certain.
The plot is filled with strange and unexpected events. Like the way Vincent and Jules interact with the people they are supposed to kill or deal with. There are also the random and often hilarious conversations. For example, the talk about foot massages and the different cultural views on them. All these elements combined give the movie a very unique and somewhat surreal atmosphere.