My Upcoming Modern Gothic Horror novel is a blend of Gothic romance and gothic horror

Some of the most compelling and enduring works of literature blur the line between gothic horror and gothic romance, viz Dracula, Wuthering Heights, or even Jane Eyre.

• Setting: The setting, as described in the prologue, and throughout the novel, is dramatic.

Longs’ Mansion, built by the British, stood silent and proud in an isolated corner of Mumbai, surrounded by the Arabian Sea & emerald hills that change color throughout the day and seasons. The magnificent mansion itself impersonated evil, hinting at dangerous secrets beneath the surface.

 Dark Zira, an obscure tribal maid feels nervous when Lily Long drives her through mysterious orchards around meandering. Miles. The path dwindled into the unknown, swallowed by shadows.

The bloody creepers that shaded their gravel path toward the building are forebodings of a gory tale to be unfolded through their ruddy beauty in profusion awakening romantic longings in the young lady.

• Supernatural element: The prologue begins with the saga of demonic possession of the house that exuded fear. More adventurous people who dared to invade and break the silence would turn insane forever. It is a cursed mansion after the death of three of its residents under strange circumstances. This adds a layer of mystery to the story.
• Damsels in distress: Two female protagonists face dire threats and challenges to their existence. Although completely different in their shades of personality, they rely on their resourcefulness and intelligence to survive and win their battles. Though, initially, Zira looked upon her secret lover for deliverance, she evolves with time into a fascinating heroine who is unapologetically sinful yet is admirable in many ways. She is the main showstopper, a star, a darling who has a magnetic pull.
• Emotional intensity: One feels this even for the Byronic hero, Neil though he is impetuous, moody, kind, and humane but also calculative, cruel, and strategic. His relationship with his mistress is tempestuous and passionate.
• Fear & Terror: (Both Paranormal & Psychological) My book leans more toward horror elements because it primarily focuses on the elements of fear and terror. This fear and terror are not only caused by paranormal activities but also by toxic human relationships, betrayal, loss, crime, gender inequality, and class differences. Besides, the “House of Horror” is diseased because it carries a bloodline of insanity which makes their life complex.
• The element of love is secondary, yet creates situations of beauty and charm of its own. The romance happens amidst breathtaking nature and whispers of the wilderness. It is furtive, secret, and full of guilt trips yet irresistible.
•  Role of the Heroine: Yet, the romance element predominates when the female protagonists are not victims of circumstances, waiting for a male Savior. They fight their own battles against perilous circumstances, showing their determination, intuition, and intelligence.

• Interestingly, Zira, though from the jungles, exhibits self-respect. Under no threats or domination, she loses her dignity and grit.

• A blend of gothic horror & romance in my ending:

Like a true Gothic Horror, my story ends with a shocking revelation that makes us ponder the delicate vulnerability of human life and its uncertainty in the presence of evil.

Also, like true Gothic horror, I made the tragic figure avenge the villain and emerge victorious though with a heavy price.

The entire tragic atmosphere leaves the reader spellbound. This keeps my story’s chills lingering long after the last page is turned.

• Nonetheless, I tried to dispel the gloom by Redemption and Hope that the souls rest in peace.

The third generation sees the light of the day and Divine faith when they leave the “House of Terror” to settle in a different part of the world.