In a world where power is bound by dark magic and loyalty is tested by ancient secrets, the Blackwood family stands at the center of it all. Feared as a dynasty of both brilliance and destruction, their name is synonymous with mystery, magic, and betrayal.
The Blackwood's have built their empire on forbidden spells, ancient rituals, and their mastery of the criminal underworld. But their carefully guarded legacy is threatened when an ancient prophecy—the Rebirth—resurfaces, warning of a darkness that could unravel their family and destroy everything they’ve built.
As the family confronts their history, the shadows of their ancestors, and the sinister magical entity they once created known as The Raven, alliances begin to fracture, secrets come to light, and betrayal lurks behind every corner. Each member must decide how far they’re willing to go to protect their bloodline—and themselves.
The House of Sable: The Blackwood's Legacy is a dark fantasy thriller filled with family intrigue, forbidden magic, and a chilling reminder that even the most powerful legacies come with a cost. Will the Blackwood's rise to face their destiny, or will the darkness they’ve relied upon consume them?
In a world where power is bound by dark magic and loyalty is tested by ancient secrets, the Blackwood family stands at the center of it all. Feared as a dynasty of both brilliance and destruction, their name is synonymous with mystery, magic, and betrayal.
The Blackwood's have built their empire on forbidden spells, ancient rituals, and their mastery of the criminal underworld. But their carefully guarded legacy is threatened when an ancient prophecy—the Rebirth—resurfaces, warning of a darkness that could unravel their family and destroy everything they’ve built.
As the family confronts their history, the shadows of their ancestors, and the sinister magical entity they once created known as The Raven, alliances begin to fracture, secrets come to light, and betrayal lurks behind every corner. Each member must decide how far they’re willing to go to protect their bloodline—and themselves.
The House of Sable: The Blackwood's Legacy is a dark fantasy thriller filled with family intrigue, forbidden magic, and a chilling reminder that even the most powerful legacies come with a cost. Will the Blackwood's rise to face their destiny, or will the darkness they’ve relied upon consume them?
A violent storm descended upon the Blackwood estate as Malcolm Blackwood drove in, the swirling clouds casting a dramatic effect. Lightning illuminated the castle’s towering spires and stone walls, as thunder echoed in the distance before darkness returned. Malcolm, more than anyone, understood that their family home wasn’t just a place to live - it held a wealth of secrets, memories lingering in the Shadows, and truths whispered through the walls. But tonight, it felt more powerful than before, like an unseen hand was pushing against his chest as he walked through the gates.
Malcolm emerged from his car into a gusty breeze rushing through the trees lining his driveway, his coat caught by its gusts. Malcolm paused, appreciating the Gothic mansion. It is a menacing presence enhanced by the stormy skies.
As he approached the front doors, they creaked open without him touching them - unveiling the grand hall beyond. Dim lighting cast long shadows from above; warming but unnerving light illuminated this cozy but unsettling space; his footsteps echoed off marble flooring as he moved deeper inside; every step seemed accompanied by the sense that someone or something was watching him.
Madame Zora appeared from the shadows by the staircase—her presence was as old as the house itself, her dark robes giving off an aura of antiquity. She gazed upon him with unreadable intensity; her sharp eyes seemed capable of penetrating his soul as they could see straight through him.
Zora: “WELCOME HOME, Malcolm! I knew the storm would bring you home.”
Malcolm tried to shake off any discomfort her words evoked. “It’s good to see you, Zora; something seems different tonight.”
Zora tilted her head, showing the faintest hint of a smile at the corners of her mouth, before replying: “The legacy stirs within all who share its bloodline; you, Malcolm, feel its tug more strongly than most.”
As she continued to gaze upon him, his mind raced with expectations; yet something about what he felt she expected from him wasn’t easy for him to accept. Just then, Giselle, his cousin from across the hall, entered with grace from beyond its corridor; holding an elegant leather book in her arm, she moved with unassuming elegance through the grand hall.
Giselle: “Malcolm, it appears the storm has influenced you, too.”
Briefly smiling, he acknowledged, “No other option.”
She gestured for him to follow her into the library, an expansive space filled with ancient, heavy shelves that seemed to absorb light. Scents of old leather and aged paper pervaded the air as she set down a book at an ornate table in the center of the room; opening it revealed an unfamiliar page covered with strange symbols and faded ink.
Giselle: Take a good, hard look. This is part of our family history, which we’re only just beginning to comprehend.
Malcolm found himself captivated by a book, as his gaze followed an illustration of a raven with its wings spread wide, surrounded by intricate symbols, and emanating an icy chill that puzzled him.
Malcolm: “The Raven. has always been a symbol of our family. Now it seems more alive.”
Zora approached him quietly, her voice still low and low, whispered. Zora told Malcolm: “The Raven is more than a symbol - it’s both guardian and curse; protecting yet binding. As it protects, so it awaits its turn.”
“What binds us?” His unease intensified as he met her gaze and contemplated their answer.
Giselle: “Our Ancestors…Their Power…Their Sins. Blackwood families are bound by blood. Every generation faces rebirth. It gives us strength… but also shadows.”
Malcolm heard his mother’s words echo through the air and felt their weight settle on his chest. Although he had always known about family secrets, this sudden realization, with its sense of imminence and fate, closing it was something he hadn’t expected.
Malcolm: “What happens if we do not… accept it?”
Zora narrowed her eyes, her voice becoming harsh. Zora spoke out in disdainful tones: “Legacy will take its due; the Raven ensures it.”
Malcolm felt trapped by something beyond just family ties as the wind rattled the windows and flickering candles cast shifting shadows that seemed to deepen the surrounding darkness. Zora and Giselle looked at him from across the table.
Malcolm: “I can sense something beyond us watching and waiting… something.”
Zora: “Malcolm, The Rebirth is an awakening of both past and future for your Blackwood clan. Each Blackwood who accepts its power often gains it at a substantial cost…
He glanced over at the raven symbol in the book and felt an odd pull towards it, as though it were calling out directly to him. Malcolm asked, “What if we refuse?”
Giselle: “Refusing isn’t an option; our ancestor’s promises of the Oaths made draw toward Rebirth every Blackwood.
The House of Sable: The Blackwoods’ Legacy is a fantasy novel about the Blackwoods, a powerful family from an ancient lineage shrouded in mystery. The Blackwoods are feared yet respected by the citizens of Ravensburg as both their protectors and tyrants. The current family members differ from their power-hungry ancestors, though, as they only wish to use their magic to protect each other and their town. Their power comes from the mysterious entity their ancestors summoned and bound to their will ages ago, known as Raven. It remains an ominous presence over their family as they prepare to weather whatever challenges come their way, pleading to the Raven to have the strength to protect themselves and others. However, the ritual to gain power requires blood sacrifices from the family and total obedience to the Raven. Things are further complicated when it seems the protagonist, Malcolm Blackwood, has an even stronger connection to the dark powers than the rest of the family, leaving him with a greater responsibility over his magic.
I adored the concept and atmosphere of this book. Armstrong does an excellent job of creating a clear, eerie vibe and describing the gothic aesthetic of the setting. The attention to detail in the narration engaged different senses, such as sight, sound, and touch, which drew me into every scene and made them very easy to visualize. However, the descriptions could sometimes be redundant, repeating information or getting across the same point in slightly different words. On a structural level, the book could have used more editing, as the writing was inconsistent with how it portrayed dialogue, sometimes making it indistinguishable from narration at first glance. While it is easy to figure out in context, it makes the writing look unfocused, with a part-script, part-prose style.
As much as I love the theming and setting of the story, I believe it falls short on technical execution. With more polish, I think this book could be genuinely excellent. Regardless, I still recommend it to those who enjoy gothic fantasy, tales of dark magic and powerful bloodlines, and family intrigue.