Once Was Willem: The sensational, enthrallingly dark tale of twisted folklore and macabre magic

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M. R. Carey

Once Was Willem

The sensational, enthrallingly dark tale of twisted folklore and macabre magic

M. R. Carey

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Paperback

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English

Orbit Books
11 March 2025

Fantasy; Fantasy

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'A MASTERPIECE OF MEDIEVAL DARK FICTION'

Christopher Buehlman, author of Between Two Fires

From the bestselling M. R. Carey comes an enthrallingly dark medieval tale - a story of twisted folklore, macabre magic and the strangest of found family. This is the tale of Once-Was-Willem.

Eleven hundred and some years after the death of Christ, in the kingdom that had but recently begun to call itself England, I, Once Was Willem, rose from the dead to defeat a great evil facing the humble village of Cosham. The words enclosed herein are true.

I speak of monsters and magic, battle and bloodletting, and the crimes of desperate men. I speak also of secret things, of that which lies beneath us and that which impends above. By the time you come to the end of this account you will know the truth of your own life and death, the path laid out for your immortal soul, your origin and your inevitable end.

You will not thank me.

'An incredible masterwork of medieval fantasy-horror, dark and twisted and burning bright with humanity. Once Was Willem is packed with magic, folklore, superstitious fear, and horrors that bring hope' Cameron Johnston, author of The Maleficent Seven

'Weaves a fable full of dread and wonder, a deeply intelligent and emotionally gripping story . . . A masterpiece of medieval dark fiction. I love this book. Highest recommendation'

Christopher Buehlman, author of Between Two Fires

'A delicious blend of horror, fantasy and historical fiction, Once Was Willem gave me exactly what I crave most as a reader - the unexpected. That, and a main character I would fight to the undeath for. A unique and brilliant book' Jen Williams, British Fantasy Award-winning author of The Ninth Rain

'It's a long time since a book has reached out and just entirely enveloped me in its world the way Once Was Willem did. Astounding, and I loved every moment of it - it had me absolutely rapt' RJ Barker, author of The Bone Ships

'It's so absurdly fun and readable, you nearly miss the incredible use of language and lore. Lovable grotesques and ghastly villains populate a compelling folk-tale. Absolutely wonderful' Gareth Hanrahan, author of The Gutter Prayer

'A wild fever-dream of

novel - complicated, monstrous and beautiful' Seanan McGuire, Hugo Award-winning author

By: M. R. Carey
Imprint: Orbit Books
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 232mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 28mm
Weight: 380g
ISBN: 9780356519456
ISBN 10: 0356519457
Pages: 304
Publication Date: 11 March 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

M. R. Carey has been making up stories for most of his life. His novel The Girl With All the Gifts has sold over a million copies and became a major motion picture, based on his own BAFTA Award-nominated screenplay. Under the name Mike Carey he has written for both DC and Marvel, including critically acclaimed runs on Lucifer, Hellblazer and X-Men. His creator-owned books regularly appear in the New York Times bestseller list. He also has several previous novels including the Felix Castor series (written as Mike Carey), two radio plays and a number of TV and movie screenplays to his credit.

Reviews for Once Was Willem: The sensational, enthrallingly dark tale of twisted folklore and macabre magic

It's a long time since a book has reached out and just entirely enveloped me in its world the way Once Was Willem did. Astounding, and I loved every moment of it - it had me absolutely rapt. * RJ Barker, author of THE BONE SHIPS * It's a long time since a book has reached out and just entirely enveloped me in its world the way Once Was Willem did. Astounding, and I loved every moment of it - it had me absolutely rapt. * RJ Barker, author of THE BONE SHIPS *