It was alright. Not my favorite, but also not the worst. A good introduction to the author for new readers of the books.

Thomas Olde Heuvelt's Oracle is a gripping supernatural thriller that begins with high school friends Luca and Emma discovering an 18th-century ship mysteriously stranded in a Dutch flower field. When Emma vanishes after entering the ship, a clandestine government agency enlists Robert Grim, a retired occult specialist, to unravel the enigma. As ancient forces awaken, the novel masterfully intertwines suspense, folklore, and modern intrigue, keeping readers on edge. If you're into atmospheric horror with a blend of history and the supernatural, Oracle is a must-read.

You know, I loved the jacket copy for this book, and I was pretty excited to read it. But in the end, I was somewhat disappointed in the execution. It was long, and I didn't feel that it moved quickly enough. I wasn't hugely invested in the characters. And most disappointingly, I didn't really feel that there was payoff at the end. The writing was above average for the genre, but it just wasn't enough to move this one beyond "meh."

This book started out as one of the most interesting stories I have listened to in a long time! The ship, the disappearances. Amazing. My mind ate it up. The story lost me a bit towards the middle and I had a hard time finishing. I wish it had kept up the intrigue of the beginning as I believe this premise could have been my favorite book of the year. That being said, it might have just not been my cup of tea, so please read it if you are interested. I hope you have a better experience.

I read Hex (the first Robert Grim book) because Stephen King blurbed it. That started my love of this horror/supernatural/thriller …and when I saw book two was coming out earlier in the year I knew I had to get my hands on it! I listened to it several months ago & it still haunts my thoughts.

Definitely read Hex first. They’re both SO GOOD!!

The book starts out with two teenage kids & a mystery, then a disappearance. Robert Grim, our occultist shows up and it takes off from there. Good pacing & narration.

Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Audio! MORE Grim books!! 😁

Oracle is the 2nd-book in the Robert Grim series by Dutch Horror writer, Thomas Olde Heuvelt. The 1st-book in the series is Hex, originally published in 2013. If you are like me, and read Hex more than a few years ago, I read it in 2019, you may not fully remember exactly who Robert Grim is. In fact, even after reading this one, I can't really remember the role he played in Hex.

I guess what I am trying to say is that it's not imperative you read Hex prior to reading this one. They are two completely different stories that just happen to share a common character in Robert Grim.

This story follows a few different perspectives, as well as featuring present and historical aspects. The stars of the show, at least for me, are a teenage boy, Luca, who makes a big discovery, and Robert Grim, an American retired-occult expert, called in to investigate said discovery. It all begins with Luca, along with his best friend, Emma, stumbling across an 18th-century sailing ship, named the Oracle, sitting in the middle of a tulip field. It's completely out of place, like it simply dropped from the sky.

Luca's friend, Emma, actually enters the ship and promptly disappears. As the alarm is raised, anyone else seen entering the ship, such as police officers, never return. Eleven missing people in total. The authorities, unsure what to do, decide to call for help. Robert Grim has made a name for himself as a sort of expert in this type of unexplainable occurrence. Thus, he gets called in to try to unravel the mystery.

There are so many different components to this story. The overall vibe though is one of unsettling mystery. This ship is so well described and unnerving. Additionally, the historical perspectives that are included actually shine a light on the past of this ship. I found that aspect very unique and I really appreciated it. To me it made the ship a true character unto itself. I love when an author is able to do that, with a place, or thing, as was done here.

I really enjoyed the characters as well. Robert and Luca in particular. I loved the close relationship that grew between the two of them over the course of the story. I was also pulled in by the intensity of this government shadow organization trying to cover everything up. Robert and Luca were pawns of a sort for the organizations, but they realized that, so there's a bit of a back and forth as we try to figure out who the bad guys in this actually are.

While I recognize this book may not be for everyone, I really, really enjoyed my time with it. It's such a unique blend of things: SciFi-Horror, Folk Horror, Eco-Horror and Cosmic Horror, all in one originally-mysterious tale. I am loving this main protagonist, Robert Grim, and I'm hoping that this is a series that continues on from here. If you enjoyed The X-Files, or the Themis Files, and don't mind a more detailed SciFi plot, or a slower burn, then you should definitely check this out.

Thank you to the publisher, Tor Nightfire and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to more from this author!

I couldn't finish this book because it was freaking me out on a subconscious level, but what I did read (about 40%) was very good. I'm rating this four stars even though I haven't finished it yet because I can tell the author knows what he's doing, and that level of freaked-outed-ness can only happen for me with a talented author. I do recommend this but you might get freaked out, too. Maybe that's a selling point!

As someone constitutionally incapable of starting a series in the middle, the first thing I did upon receiving my audio ARC of Oracle from Net Galley was to download the first book in the Robert Grim series, [book:Hex|56179364]. It was...AWFUL. But in a spectacular way like <i>Plan 9 from Outer Space </i>or <i>The Room</i>. After Hex, I had two questions:

(1) Who could possibly have requested or approved a sequel, and
(2) How will this insane puree of stereotypes, poorly understood history, New England as described by someone who's never been there, nipples, and misogyny possibly lead into what sounded from its description like a horror/adventure story about Dutch teenagers and a ship?

The first question remains a mystery, but the answer to the second is that Robert Grim, who probably ranked somewhere in the high teens on the list of character page time in Hex, somehow survived! How, you might ask? Apparently that's not important, because it's never fully explained.

OK, but how does that connect to the Dutch teenagers? Well, after the events of Hex, West Point (which in this universe is never described as an academy and focuses solely on clandestine supernatural phenomena and running its own witness protection program) has set him up in an Atlantic City penthouse (which is apparently, in this universe, a desirable place to be) so he can fully develop the drinking problem that is a huge issue for about ten minutes and then never mentioned again. The condition of this life of leisure is that he must be "on call" if West Point ever needs him. Of course, nothing unexplainable has happened in the U.S. for so long that his initial West Point minders have died or retired, so his vast expertise based on having lived his entire life in the same 3,000 person town with one very specific (if poorly defined) supernatural problem has not been needed.

But now his moment has come! His new West Point contact needs him to come with her right away to help in some unspecified way with a situation in Holland that is in no way similar to the events of Hex! Because there is apparently not a single person employed within the entire administrative structure of the Netherlands or any other EU nation, the universities and libraries of those nations, or any type of international organization that might be more qualified than this rando in New Jersey to take a look. There are the usual power struggles, which are somehow less compelling when it is completely unclear why anyone outside of the community where this happened is even involved, and of course pains are taken to ensure that we understand that any woman involved is irrational, selfish, and likely to set off Armageddon with their silly womaning.

But then we come to a surprise - the interactions of the primary teenagers, Luca and his girlfriend (the narrator's pronunciation of her name was a bit inconsistent - perhaps Saskia?) and her family are actually...not bad. For a brief moment, we witness three dimensional characters interacting in ways that are appropriate to their established personalities! Then the rest of the cast comes back and we're done with that, but the one star is for this section alone.

The rest of the convoluted plot plays itself out, and the book ends with the total non sequitur of Grim returning to Black Spring for...reasons? Presumably the intent is to set up another sequel...but I feel like my debt to society has been paid by making it through the first two. I do want to give some amount of credit to the narrator, though - Hex was narrated by someone who really leaned into the cartoonish whininess when speaking for female characters, so the lack of that in this installment was much appreciated. The general quality of the material was not his fault, and I hope I will come across him telling a better story in the future.

Thank you (I think?) to NetGalley for the ARC.

Oracle might of just not been for me. I like the idea of it, some parts I did like. But for me, I wanted more creepiness, I wanted more unsureness, I just wanted more. I also found that some parts were too long. I wasn't crazy about any of the characters. It just fell short for me. I listened to the audiobook and thought it was well-made. The narrator did a good job but the story just didn't click with me. Overall I think if you like long supernatural thrillers then you may like this one.

I received a free copy of this book from @macmillan.audio and @tornightfire I am leaving this review voluntarily.  

📚Oracle by Thomas Olde Heuvelt - Robert Grim book 2 - We met Grim in Hex, he was in charge of a village haunted by the ghost of a witch.  Now an ancient ship has appeared in a field. Luca and Emma are the first to find it. Emma disappears into the ship with the tolling of a bell and Luca starts seeing visions. Emma is not the only one to go missing and the government does what governments do and tries to cover it up.  

This is another creepy read from this author with a fascinating premise and such great mythology attached to this story. I loved that this is set in the Netherlands instead of the US which is where Hex was originally set but changed for an American audience. This is a fast paced read because there is so much going on.  I like that it takes Grim a while to finally start putting things together and of course no one listens to him despite that being the reason they recruited him.  

My takeaways are, people rarely learn from the past, power corrupts, and humans are the worst. I also can't hear a ships bell clang without thinking someone just disappeared. It kinda makes me shiver. Great audio book that really engages.

The audiobook experience of this book was much better than the print version. I can do other things and zone in and out when the storyline is uninteresting or something I would put the book down for. I maintain that there was a lot of boring filler in this one. The whole almost James Bond bad guys thing was a bit much, and I wish there could have just been more distilled focus on the ship and the things that were happening. But even that ended up being pretty wild. The narrator, Nathaniel Priestley, did a great job distinguishing between characters without getting over theatrical.

This was a great listen. Narrated very well, an intriguing story that kept me invested (and extremely concerned about the emotional well-being of some of the characters), and a satisfying outcome.

This book throws a lot at the wall – international intrigue, government conspiracies, young love, environmental themes, and apocalyptic horror. While the ambition is undeniable, the execution seems to falter. The disappearance of a curious teenager and the subsequent scramble of a clandestine government agency to contain the situation hold promise. The addition of a world-weary occult specialist with a mysterious past adds another layer of intrigue. However, the inclusion of elements like young love and the broad theme of humanity's relationship with the environment suggests a potential for narrative overload.

Readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers with a dash of the supernatural might find Oracle an enjoyable ride. But those seeking a tightly woven narrative with a clear focus may be left wanting. I felt overwhelmed by all of the plot threads and frankly confused.

"Oracle" by Thomas Olde Heuvelt, the audiobook is narrated by Nathaniel Priestley, presents a perplexing tale. While the story itself felt a bit confusing and implausible at times, Nathaniel's excellent narration, with distinct voices for each character, added depth to the listening experience.

The book starts off with a thrilling premise, featuring a mysterious eighteenth-century sailing ship discovered in an unlikely location, setting the stage for a series of eerie events. However, as the story progresses, it becomes weighed down by lengthy tangents and under explored character arcs, detracting from its initial momentum.

Overall, "Oracle" offers some redeeming qualities, including diverse representation and vivid descriptions of teenage emotions and dialogues, but its convoluted storytelling may leave some listeners feeling disconnected from the author's narrative.

One day, two kids riding their bikes to school through the fog come across a big old ship in the middle of the field. Curious, one of the kids enters the ship and disappears forever. Every person that follows also disappears forever. Naturally, all the witnesses are taken away "for their protection" until the authorities can figure out what is going on. Enter Robert Grim, former American spook that has seen some weird shit, much more than most. Grim has a drinking problem, an authority problem, and an attitude problem, and fully resents being drug across the world to deal with another country's issues. But he's curious... a ship that makes anyone that enters through one door disappear?

Every time I pick up a new Thomas Olde Heuvelt book, I know it will be unusual. A haunted town, a haunted mountain, and now a haunted ship. And not just a regular haunted ship, but something like a wormhole. But is it? I never know what to expect, but I always know it will be different, interesting, and above all enjoyable. This one was no exception.

OK. So this was a mess of emotions for me...
Scary. Hellbent. Nasty. Bad Government People.... Algae eating forms.... Secrets. Lies...
As well as innocence. First love. Family. A mother's love... Sweet times and memories... and, loss...

So, I am torn in many ways.

I loved the theory of it. A ship shows up in the middle of a field one day... and two kids find it. What magic does it hold???

And then, one person disappears....

As Luca tries to explain what is going on to all those around him...well, it's hard to believe to say the least....

And then when the visions start... =0

Great book with a lot of information and kept my attention throughout...but by the last 1/4 of the book it was starting to get just a bit too far fetched for me...

Still, loved it anyway.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. This was released yesterday, 4/30/24...so you should be able to find it already on shelves.

#Oracle by #ThomasOldeHeuvelt and narrated nicely by #NathanielPriestley.

Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
IG @ #BookReviews_with_emsr or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.

Thanks so much for reading! And if you 'liked' my review, please share with your friends!! 📚⭐️

I didn’t really see anywhere that this said it was a sample, however I only got about 14 minutes of audio.


With that being said, I am interested in more

I didn’t really see anywhere that this said it was a sample, however I only got about ten minutes of audio.


With that being said, I am interested in more

Early one morning a 200-year old sailing ship shows up in a field in The Netherlands. And anyone who goes into the hatch to investigate disappears. This taut, supernatural thriller brings back Robert Grim, from Heuvelt's previous novel, Hex.

The tension does not just rely on the mysterious ship, there is the black-ops government agency, November 6, that shirks the rules and manipulates the media, there are the families, dealing with their grief and their despair at the secrets, there is Elena and her corruption, there is Grim and his ghosts, there is international intrigue and angry ancient gods.

This is a big book and things happen quickly. It is a wide-sweeping multi-dimensional conspiracy with a fascinating cast of characters. It was a spell-buinding read. I immediately downloaded Hex, because the supernatural events of Black Spring were brought up often and I was intrigued.

This book was really well-written, but I admit, I had a really hard time following it. I suspect that had more to do with my ADHD than the story though. I think this is the type of book that is better read than listened to if you have trouble focusing. There was a lot going on and I found myself having to rewind quite a bit. The characters were great and we got to see more of Grim in this story than we did in Hex. With that being said, I think I liked the first one better. The story was more interesting to me and I felt more attached to the characters in that one. But again, I suspect that had more to do with myADHD than anything else! I may grab a hard copy of this one and try it again that way!

Huge thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!