“Doomflight” is a horror novel by Guy N. Smith, published in 1981. It’s one of Smith’s many works in the horror genre, known for its blend of suspense, action, and gruesome imagery.
Plot Summary
In the tranquil embrace of Fradley, change looms on the horizon as the specter of big business descends upon the sleepy town. A formidable partnership seeks to transform the once-silent remnants of a wartime RAF station into a bustling international airport, promising progress but igniting a fierce backlash from the local community.
At the forefront of this resistance stands retired schoolmaster Hartley Lowe, a stalwart defender of Fradley’s heritage and tranquility. Yet, as he delves deeper into the history of the site, he unearths a chilling truth hidden beneath the layers of time. The very ground upon which the airport stands holds a dark secret—a Druidic stone circle steeped in ancient rituals and blood sacrifices.
Armed with this knowledge, Lowe becomes a reluctant prophet, foretelling a cascade of misfortune poised to befall Fradley. But as the ancient druids reclaim their sacred land, the terror that ensues surpasses even his direst predictions. From the depths of the earth, ancient powers awaken, unleashing a wave of horror that threatens to engulf the town in a maelstrom of chaos and despair.
In this riveting tale of suspense and supernatural intrigue, the clash between progress and tradition unleashes forces beyond mortal comprehension. As the ancient past collides with the present, Lowe and his fellow townsfolk find themselves ensnared in a battle for survival against an enemy more ancient and insidious than they could ever have imagined.
With deft prose and a masterful command of atmosphere, the author weaves a narrative that grips readers from the very first page, leading them on a journey into the heart of darkness lurking beneath Fradley’s serene facade. As the tension mounts and the terror escalates, ‘The Druid’s Curse’ delivers an unforgettable exploration of the consequences of tampering with forces beyond human understanding.
As Lowe grapples with the encroaching darkness, readers are drawn into a world where ancient rituals and modern ambition collide with devastating consequences. In the face of unimaginable horror, ‘The Druid’s Curse’ serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking in the shadows of progress, and the price paid when ancient secrets are disturbed.
Themes and Style
- Survival Horror: “Doomflight” explores themes of survival, as the characters must navigate the dangers of being stranded in the middle of the ocean while also contending with a deadly supernatural threat.
- Atmospheric Suspense: Smith creates a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere aboard the plane, with the confined space adding to the sense of terror and helplessness experienced by the characters.
- Supernatural Terror: The novel incorporates elements of the supernatural, with the malevolent entity that haunts the plane serving as the central antagonist of the story.
Reception
“Doomflight” received generally positive reviews from readers and critics, who praised its fast-paced plot, suspenseful atmosphere, and memorable characters. The novel’s blend of horror and thriller elements resonated with audiences, making it a standout entry in Smith’s bibliography.
Author Background
Guy N. Smith (1939-2020) was a British author known primarily for his horror fiction. With over 100 novels to his name, Smith’s works often feature elements of the supernatural, the macabre, and the grotesque. He gained widespread recognition for his “Crabs” series, which became a cult classic among horror enthusiasts.
Legacy
“Doomflight” remains a classic example of Guy N. Smith’s talent for crafting gripping and suspenseful horror narratives. While it may not be as well-known as some of his other works, it offers readers a thrilling and unforgettable journey into the heart of terror and survival.