The Damned

Richardson’s promising, if uneven, debut (the first of a planned trilogy) is set mostly in France and mines the rich history and horrors of WWI, mixed with some unusual supernatural elements. In 1889, after young Poldek Tacit’s parents are murdered, he’s taken under the wing of Father Adansoni of the Catholic Church. The last thing Father Adansoni wants is for his charge to become an Inquisitor, but Tacit has a calling, and he soon learns how to fight and destroy anything that goes against the teachings of the church, implementing brutal methods to achieve his goals. In 1914, in the midst of attacks by the German army, Tacit joins up with Sister Isabella to find out who or what is behind a series of gruesome murders of Catholic clergy. Meanwhile, in the trenches, something inhuman preys on the soldiers. Richardson does a wonderful job of setting the scene; there’s plenty of atmosphere. But the narrative skips back and forth in time, making for a choppy read. The historical elements are fascinating, as is the author’s twist on the werewolf mythos, but the brooding, conflicted Tacit is the most compelling element. The conclusion will leave readers looking forward to the next installment. (Mar.)