The Brink - Paperback

by Sophia Adamowicz (Author)

Set in the 17th century English countryside, The Brink blends historical and eldritch folk horror in a queer tale of awakening while exploring a darkly hungry Derbyshire Peak District-- where the perils may be natural, unnatural, or very human.

When the keeper of a demonic hell hole falls in love with the perfect sacrifice, she must choose: her loyalty to both her family and her village, or salvaging her own chance at happiness.

It is 1642 in Derbyshire, England. Jane Vernon spends her days trying to satiate the hungry spirit that dwells within Elden Hole, a generational curse shared with her siblings. But each sacrifice increases her reluctance, until the offering of one travelling merchant starts unravelling the fabric of murderous duty and exploitation that shapes her life.

Isaac Latimer appears as a wealthy wanderer searching the countryside for his cousin, Sarah, last spotted in the company of an older man. As a guilty conscience drives Jane to join Isaac in his hunt, she catches a glimpse of an unburdened life even while realising nothing is as it seems.

Among sacrifices and betrayals, burgeoning love and decaying lies, the spirit's hunger grows alongside threats in the dark, and only a Vernon can decide between death and damnation.

Author Biography

Sophia Adamowicz is a writer and tutor based in the UK. As the co-founder of Artemis Writers, Sophia runs workshops on all aspects of the craft. Sophia is an alumna of the Faber Academy, through which she completed two long courses on novel writing. Her short stories, flash fiction and nonfiction articles have appeared in several publications, including Cunning Folk, Crow & Cross Keys, Haven Speculative, and Trash Cat Lit. Her flash fiction " Wixton Fen" was nominated for the Genrepunk Awards (2025). She lives in Cambridge with her partner, two cats, and a Bernese Mountain Dog.