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Catacomb

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Walker Kane didn’t believe in monsters. Not until they took his daughter.

Beneath the streets of Edinburgh, an ancient evil waits. Each year, the Grendsluagh—a prehistoric monster of insatiable hunger—demands a human sacrifice in exchange for the city’s continued prosperity. A secret society known only as the Cabal has overseen this sinister ritual for centuries, binding Edinburgh to a grim legacy of terror.
When ex-military search and rescue officer Walker Kane’s estranged daughter Emily is taken to sate the Grendsluagh’s appetite, he plunges into a race against time through a treacherous underworld of danger.
Aided by a mythology-obsessed librarian and a daredevil urban explorer with secrets of her own, Walker and his makeshift team must face nightmares at every turn to reach Emily before she is devoured. The deeper they delve into Edinburgh’s serpentine catacomb, the more their resolve is tested—by the mutated monsters of the volcanic depths and the violence of the Cabal.
To save his daughter, Walker will sacrifice everything—even his own humanity—in a heart-stopping confrontation with the monster at the heart of the labyrinth.

A stand-alone action-adventure horror novel from USA Today bestselling author J.F. Penn. Join the exploration into depths that were never meant to be disturbed. The secrets of the CATACOMB are waiting to be unearthed—if you dare.

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Published August 4, 2023

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About the author

J.F. Penn

48 books2,218 followers
I'm the award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the ARKANE Action Adventure Thriller series, the Brooke & Daniel Crime Thrillers, and the Mapwalker Fantasy Adventure trilogy, as well as other horror and dark fantasy books and short stories.

Reading order: https://jfpennbooks.com/pages/reading...

The fast-paced ARKANE thrillers weave together historical artifacts, global locations, a kick-ass protagonist and a hint of the supernatural. Described by readers as "Dan Brown meets Lara Croft."

The Brooke & Daniel Crime Thriller Series features British detective Jamie Brooke alongside museum researcher Blake Daniel, as they solve dark crimes around London.

The Mapwalker fantasy adventure trilogy is set between Bath, England and the Borderlands in a split world fantasy where Sienna and the Mapwalker team travel through maps to adventure ...

A Thousand Fiendish Angels is a collection of 3 short stories bound together by a book of human skin. Inspired by Dante's Inferno.

You can buy books directly from me https://jfpennbooks.com/

I have a blog and podcast at http://www.BooksAndTravel.page

I'm passionate about writing and I love reading. My favorite authors include James Rollins, Jonathan Maberry, John Connolly, Daniel Silva, and I also read a lot of travel books.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Toni Osborne.
1,518 reviews46 followers
July 30, 2023
I am not a big fan of horror or fantasy but I make a huge exception when it comes to J.F. Penn. Not only does she write beautifully well she incorporates mystic, old customs, a bit of religious beliefs, myths, rituals and other good things in her stories. What is not to like.

In her latest she brings us deep into the catacombs of Edinburg where an ancient evil waits. Each year, the Grendsluagh, a prehistoric monster, demands a human sacrifice in exchange for the city’s prosperity. Emily is this year’s sweet meal, till her father, Walker Kane, an ex-military search and rescue officer, comes to save her. With the help of urban explorer and mythology daredevils this team of adventurers delve deep into Edinburg serpentine catacombs.....Chilling moments from then on...what an exciting read.

This stand-alone action-adventure novella (130 pages or so) is a thrill to read even with its horror sequences. This fast-paced and spellbinding story is so vividly said that one setting it took to finish this fantasy I was too absorbed with what was going on to let go. My preferred scenes are the monsters they needed to confront before reaching their target, the Grendsluagh, kill him or get kill but Emily must be saved....

“Catacomb” is a race against time and a gripping adventure.

Well-done Ms. Penn and thank you for this ARC
Profile Image for HornFan2 .
746 reviews42 followers
August 5, 2023
I received an advance ARC copy from the author and also purchased it.

Just like with Stephen King, Penn has the gift, to give her readers a heart pounding hellacious read, one that's well researched, puts you right in the pages, full of heart pounding twist and turns and leaves you begging for more.

It's really my type of book, due to the fast pace, it's action packed, full of suspense, tension filled, has you on the seat of your pants, an extra load of twist and turns and like the good very evil theme.

Penn's characters are amazing the good ones or the evil ones, they just come to life, making the story all that better and you're right they're in the midst of the action.

Especially with Catacomb, Penn brings to life the dark catacombs under Edinburgh, with an unlikely crew of Walker Kane the father, Laurel a librarian, Max a student come together to rescue Walker's daughter Emily, from a medieval evil sacrificially offering for the town's yearly prosperity and to know what happens you'll have to read it.

Definitely if you haven't tried J. F. Penn's books before, do yourself a favor and give her a try.
351 reviews8 followers
August 24, 2023
My first exposure to Ms. Penn’s work was in reading the first book in her ARKANE series. I was hooked at once. I’ve enjoyed and reviewed over a dozen of her books, in several of her series. This book is another well-written, fast paced adventure featuring strong characters, an intriguing story line and vivid descriptions that made me feel I was watching a movie. Even though this is somewhat shorter than her other books, the characters are well established early on, and the plot pulled me in very quickly, keeping me on the edge of my seat, not wanting to put it down. I received an ARC – this review is my honest opinion – and I purchased a copy to support this outstanding author. I highly recommend all her books and am eager to read more.
Profile Image for Stephanie A. Cain.
Author 20 books54 followers
July 16, 2023
I’m a sucker for redemption stories and unlikely teams, and I’ve enjoyed JF Penn’s writing in the past. I jumped on the chance to get an advance copy of Catacomb to review. Another major hook for me is a heroic librarian character, and the moment I met Laurel, I knew I was in for a great adventure. This is a fast-paced, compelling story with vivid descriptions and an absorbing setting. I ended up reading it in one sitting because I had to know what was going to happen next. This story was a thrilling way to spend an evening!
Author 2 books7 followers
October 12, 2023
I bought this book because I wanted to support Joanna Penn. I listen to her podcast regularly and greatly appreciate all she does for the writing community.
I have listened to her MapWalker Trilogy on audio and the first few of her Arkane books as well. After reading Catacomb, I see a clear thread that is the essence of JF Penn fiction running through her novels. As well it should be.
Catacomb is listed as horror and I do not enjoy horror. I read some Stephen King but not the majority for this reason. That being said, I personally wouldn't classify Catacomb as horror. Don't get me wrong, there are some very gruesome parts to this story but the extended descriptions and emotional ties are not there. For me, that was a good thing.
I enjoyed Catacomb very much and would categorize it more of a thriller. It is very fast paced and well written, so I definitely recommend it if you are a fan of her work.
Profile Image for Ronel Janse van Vuuren.
Author 67 books52 followers
October 16, 2023
A thrilling adventure under the earth’s surface through abandoned tunnels – natural and manmade – to the centre of it all where a monster awaits. Several monstrous creatures lurk in the tunnels and caverns, taking their turn to devour the three heroes.

I liked the three main characters and felt that they were well developed. I do think the little book found in the library could have done with a bit more information as to the ritual – I would have liked to know how it started.

A chilling read with pulse racing moments and a bittersweet ending.
Profile Image for Jessica.
545 reviews2 followers
August 18, 2023
Fast paced and full of Imaginative creatures. I also really liked the idea of urbexing or urban exploring, which I'd never heard of before. Just what I was looking for.
Profile Image for Denise Berndt.
Author 34 books9 followers
July 24, 2023
Prepare yourself for a heart-pounding race against time as J.F. Penn takes you on a gripping adventure through the dark catacombs beneath Edinburgh. With its fast-paced narrative and vivid descriptions, this book is a true gem that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Set over the course of a single night, Catacomb follows the desperate journey of a father who embarks on a mission to rescue his daughter Emily from the clutches of a monstrous creature lurking deep beneath the city. Penn masterfully builds tension and suspense, drawing readers into a world where danger lurks around every corner.

What sets this book apart is the author's ability to create a truly immersive experience. The catacombs themselves come alive through Penn's beautifully written descriptions, painting a vivid picture of the eerie underground world. You'll find yourself walking alongside the characters as they pursue their dangerous quest.

The characters are well-crafted and relatable, each carrying their own fears and vulnerabilities. As they battle their inner demons while fighting to save Emily, readers will find themselves emotionally invested in their journey. The pacing of the story is impeccable, leaving no room for rest as the stakes continue to rise with each passing moment.

Penn's writing style is both captivating and accessible, making Catacomb a short and fast read that will keep you eagerly turning the pages. The author skillfully combines elements of adventure and horror, creating a thrilling blend that will appeal to fans of both genres. Whether you're a seasoned reader or new to the world of horror, this book is sure to captivate and entertain.

Catacomb by J.F. Penn is a must-read for anyone seeking an exhilarating adventure into the depths of darkness. With its fast-paced narrative, rich descriptions, and compelling characters, it is a book that will leave you breathless and wanting more. I wholeheartedly recommend it to readers who crave a thrilling escape into the world of adventure and horror.

I received an advance copy of the book from the author; this did not influence my review.
154 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2023
Again we are treated to a horror thriller from Joanna Penn. As soon as start, you are thrust into horror. A thousand years ago, the villagers at Edinburgh gathered together for an ancient ritual - satisfy an evil demon which demands human sacrifice once a year. Fast forward to the present. The Edinburgh festival is going on with lots of noise, theater, and rowdy audience participation. Laura, a librarian at the centuries old university library, uses the distraction of the festival to snoop around , searching for hidden clues to what she believes is possibly something terrible happening in her town. With no proof, just a gut feeling of danger, she searches the extremely old section of books. While searching, she hears voices and immediately hides so she can listen. Several men are discussing the coming ceremony to be held in the catacombs beneath the city, and where to find the girl for the sacrifice. They enter a secret room with ancient murals, books, boxes, and other items. After they leave, Laurel repeats their steps, and locates the room and its contents herself. Horrified at what she sees, she opens one of the old wooden containers and see an ancient tome and some type of rock. She grabs them, closes everything up, and runs out to the safety of the festival. She must get help - someone is going to die tonight. Laura is able to contact Walker, the father of the girl who has been kidnapped to be sacrificed, a former soldier, and Max, an experienced urbexer (urban underground explorer) from the area where her best friend was lost in the underground. They immediately set out to rescue Walker’s daughter. At this point, the story grabs you and doesn’t let go. Following the maps in the ancient tome, they traverse caverns, caves, and tunnels through the huge system of catacombs. They encounter huge creatures, hungry vegetation, gigantic insects, and a horrendous roaring that can be heard throughout the system. Heat, cold, slime, moisture, booby traps, all hinder their progress. Can they find and save Walker’s daughter? Can they survive the journey themselves? Another incredible, mind-bending horror tale from this wonderful author.
Profile Image for Ilana.
1,031 reviews
August 18, 2023
Catacomb is short, yet a very elaborated atmosferic novel, built on old legends and urban myths. The monster wandering the catacombs of Edinburgh needs a feminine sacrifice in order to allow the inhabitants to continue their lives. A ´cabal´ - if there is something I may dislike about this book is this unhappy use of this word - of city´s dark minds - among which the university rector, the father of Emily´s boyfriend - is aimed at guaranteeing the local peace, but instead of fighting the monster, they just accept the situation trying to appease him.

A librarian, Laurel, who ´loved to follow breadcrumbs of knowledge to new discovery´ and an Urbexer, Maxine Mbaye - my favorite character for her curious spirit - together with Walker, are starting the terrifying adventure to save the life of the young girl, running against the sacrifice clock.

J.F.Penn does not disappoint, with her perfect measure of including myths and legends into the daily life of contemporary characters, fighting for their life or other people´s better life. Each chapter ends announcing a major twist to follow, and both the action scenes and ambiance descriptions are well crafted. The descriptions of places and times do announce dramatic developments in the story, with a strong visual impact. Actually, I can imagine this story as a movie, as in the case of many other books by this author.

Catacomb is a recommended short yet eventful read for lovers of urban horror and thriller stories, with some ancient touch and legendary references.

Disclaimer: Book offered by the author in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for David Taylor.
1,411 reviews21 followers
July 15, 2023
How far would you go for your child?

I was introduced to J.F. Penn’s writing through the ARCANE thrillers and after the first book I was hooked. Over time I’ve kept up with each of her series and enjoyed each immensely. In the past couple of years, I have discovered her stand-alone stories – and while they are not the same length as the novels, they lack nothing in character development, plot lines, story development or just plain entertainment value.

Catacomb is her latest in the standalone stories and it had me on the edge of my seat from the outset. Along with Catacomb being an excellent adventure story. It is also an excellent horror story filled with imagery that could influence your dreams should you decide like me to read it late at night. The reason I referenced the vivid imagery bears a bit of explanation. I listened to Catacomb using the text to speech function of my Kindle Fire. So being able to close my eyes as the monotone computer voice provided my story, I was able to go on a bit of a visual journey. And what a journey it was. I’d love to listen to this story with an excellent human narrator just to reexperience it with voice inflection and the variety of character voices.

I’m not sure I can say Catacomb is my favorite of Joanna Penn’s stand-alone stories, what I can say is it is tied with a couple of others of her stand-alone stories as some of the very best short stories I’ve ever read. I received an Advance Reader Copy of Catacomb from the author and chose to provide my review.
Amazon -
Profile Image for Kay.
1,696 reviews17 followers
July 31, 2023
Catacomb describes the unique physical, aural, and visual atmospheres of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival very well. Obviously the author visited at this particular time of the year!

Far below the city of Edinburgh are the system of catacombs with caves and caverns. Horrors greet the characters as all sorts of unknown flora, fauna, and noxious substances await. In particular, there is one ancient monster - the Grendslaugh - who is used to receiving an annual human sacrifice. This year's lucky pick is Emily Kane, daughter of ex-military man, Walker Kane. To what lengths will Walker go in order to save his daughter? Will it be enough? I enjoyed the adventurous storyline, the fully fledged characters, and the fast-paced narrative that kept me turning the pages. Very exciting!

I chose an ARC of this work which I voluntarily and honestly read and reviewed. All opinions are my own. My thanks to the author.
581 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2023
I have followed J F Penn with the Arcane series etc and have really enjoyed the fast pace supernatural adventures, and this is a new one. Starts with the catacombs which are located beneath Edinburgh and every year it needs a sacrifice for a prosperous new year ahead. The sect seems to be run from the library and young Emily and her boyfriend Tom are celebrating a hit with the play they just performed and decided to have a good time in Edinburgh's open-air park when Tom who she thought as happy as she was said he was sorry as his father has asked the impossible from him, to offer Emily up as a sacrifice to the Grendslaugh, which he obeys.
Full of twists and turns does Emily get saved and did the Grendslaugh get what it wanted, will Edinburch survive?
JF Penn does have this very vivid imagination as with all her books as she borders on the supernatural and is always full of action.
Profile Image for Jack Holt.
Author 2 books6 followers
July 20, 2023
Joanna Penn has written a page turner action adventure with new characters. Her Celtic supernatural monsters are hideously described in detail. That is Joanna's strong writing attribute. She puts her soul in writing details of her many types of demons. You can see them in your mind's eye. Her story starts with legendary ancient Scotland (Edinburg) and moves to present day Edinburg. Several years ago, we toured Scotland and Edinburg. We especially enjoyed touring the city and her story was easy to relate to. I highly recommend this book!

Jack Holt, Fellow author
jackmholt.com
Profile Image for Steve.
366 reviews20 followers
July 27, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have read several of her books and have enjoyed all of them!

For me, the writing in this one isn't as strong as some of the others, but I love the story and the characters. By not as strong, I mean there is more repetition of the same descriptive words in many places. I have always been impressed with Penn's writing style, and this book is still impressive.

Penn's imaginative storytelling is always a pleasure to read as well. For me, this book is yet another creative story that I thoroughly enjoyed!
67 reviews
July 17, 2023
WOW

This story is awesome with plenty of suspense. Walker, Laurel & Max together face many unimaginable obstacles in an attempt to rescue Walker’s daughter from a gruesome monster. The imagery of the horrors they face made it possible to envision the reality and almost insist that I keep reading to find out what happens next. Will they rescue Emily? What happened to the monster? Find out for yourself.
Profile Image for Debbie.
590 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2023
Walker, Laurel and Max have to help rescue Walker's daughter Emily from being sacrificed to the Grendsluagh a ritual that happen 1,000s of years ago. It sends the three of them to the catacombs where they encounter deadly creatures. One will sacrifice their life in order to save the rest. A real page turner and will keep you reading to the end.
Profile Image for Steph.
138 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2023
This is a typical JF Penn story. Eerie, creepy and set in an amazing location with just enough details to start to wonder if it could be true….myths and legends have to come from somewhere. Read it in a day, this is a fast-paced stand alone story of the catacombs under Edinburgh and the monster that inhabits the dark.
Profile Image for Lisa Lilly.
Author 26 books148 followers
August 14, 2023
Everything about this gripping horror novella is eerie and scary. Not only do monsters prey upon the main characters but nature itself becomes subverted and sinister within the catacombs. The book includes so many elements I love as well - artifacts, secret cults, and ancient books. A quick, exciting read.
September 1, 2023
Another fantastic read from JF Penn A race against time underground in Edinburgh to save a young girl from the clutches of a monster. A lot of heart stopping spills and thrills along the way. Will her dad get there on time? You’ll have to read it to find out You can feel the claustrophobia as if you were underground with them. Found it impossible to leave down
270 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2023
I just love this kind of story - not too many details, but enough you give you chills and chivers, leaving plenty of room for the reader's imagination. Wonderful short story of the supernatural and a good thriller.
117 reviews
July 24, 2023
this is another horror-thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, turning pages, anxious for what comes next It is also a look at just how far someone would go to protect those they love. Highly recommended.
75 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2023
Rueben is trying to keep the Ark from being found. It’s not just the foundation that is getting close. How can they keep it safe with so many close. They can’t fight the super soldiers to keep them out. Will they condemn them all to keep the ark safe? This is a really great series.
12k reviews176 followers
September 6, 2023
Once again the author gives us a story that will have you gripped. Satisfying a monster with a human sacrifice is how to keep a city safe or is it. Will someone be able to change this horrible fate. Binge worthy.
Profile Image for Adam Collings.
Author 15 books69 followers
September 24, 2023
A thrilling novella filled with ancient mystery and monsters. The book had a lot of heart, stemming from the friendship that built between the three heroes, and the love of a father who will do anything to protect his daughter.
Profile Image for Jo Dinsmore.
9 reviews
November 27, 2024
This book has everything in it, from ancient monsters to modern day sacrificial murder. Set in Edinburgh, it paints a picture of evil hiding in plain sight with high stakes and mortal danger for the characters. Definitely a pacey page turner!
447 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2023
I thoroughly enjoy all of these books. This one keeps you on the edge until the very end.
Profile Image for Michele.
48 reviews
July 24, 2023
This book shows exactly the lengths a father will fo to save one of his children. Enjoyable read.
Profile Image for peter rooke.
1 review
July 24, 2023
gripping from the start keeps you wanting to carry on reading ending tricked me
really loved it 😊
1,398 reviews10 followers
July 25, 2023
J.F. Penn has written another amazing novel with intense action and characters the reader can bond with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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