“Witchery” is the second novel from Amber Benson (fan favorite “Tara Maclay” from Buffy) and Christopher Golden, in the “Ghosts of Albion” animated series that began on the BBC’s website. Like the first novel “Accursed”, “Witchery” takes the story to levels that were not possible on the BBC, not just in terms of what could be done technically, but storywise as well. The story is darker, more dangerous and steeped in Victorian era sensuality. The story continues the exploits of the Swift Siblings, Tamara and William, the newly anointed “Protectors of Albion”, the protectors of England’s magical soul. Back for more adventures are the epynonymous “Ghosts of Albion” Queen Bodicea, Lord Horatio Nelson, and Lord Byron who defend Albion even after their own deaths. Also returning are their allies, both human and otherwise. The Swifts must return to Cornwall when they learn that young girls, both human and faerie, are disappearing into the night without a trace of their whereabouts, and some have been discovered dead. The local townspeople fear that it might have something to do with the old tales of “witches” in the area dating back to King Arthur’s time. Of course they need to figure out what is going on, who is doing it and how to stop it before the Solstice, or certainly a dozen girls will die. In the meantime the siblings still have their demon-possessed father to deal with, the machinations of the Algernon Club, and William’s impatient fiancé Sophia.

Once again authors Benson and Golden paint a rich picture on a fertile canvas. Exotic locals such as a faerie stronghold in Cornwall and a Louisiana bayou are contrasted with moments of beauty and sheer horror. Even such mundane locals as the bank William runs is not safe from the darkness in their lives. Benson and Golden mix and match their Gothic feel with fairy tales of England’s past. The result is something darker and more dangerous. It is reminiscent of Golden’s own “Myth Hunter” series or “The Menagerie” series he co-writes with Tom Sniegoski. Yet again there is something else here that can only be attributed to Ms. Benson’s hand in the work. This creates such an alchemy that both authors seemed pushed to do better in the other’s presence. “Myth Hunter” is modern noir in feel, “The Menagerie” feels like a gothic ode to superheroes, “Ghosts of Albion” is a Keats poem, dripping with blood and lust.

Where “Accursed” had the required set up to bring in new readers and thus a slower start, the action in “Witchery” begins right away and the tension does not let up till the very end. But it is not all action, there is also character development and carefully crafted plotting. The world made believable because they take the time to make the people in it believable. And students of Victorian age occult history and horror fiction fans should look for some surprise “cameos” as well. The attention paid to research by the authors is in and of itself rewarding; something many modern horror writers fail to adequately do.

In the end you will be like me. Loving this story and desperately wanting more from this world.