Emelyn Morley and the House of Galecliff (Saunmoor, Book 2)
By B. Lawson Hull
Publication Date: 28th October 2025
Publisher: B. Lawson Hull
Page Lenght: 509
Genre: Historical Fiction / Paranormal Fiction
Southern England, 1735.
Emelyn Morley stands at the crossroads of mortal history and vampire prophecy. The Belle of Brighton is bound by duty to rescue her family’s fading estate—but destiny is calling from the dark.
Having secured the favor of a man known as the Bloodhound of His Majesty’s Navy, Emelyn travels with Lord Captain Van Croft to the lonely manor of Galecliff Hall, perched high upon the chalk cliffs of Beachy Head. Chaperoned by her brother, she soon discovers that the ancient prophecy of Saunmoor has followed her here—and Vaela is not the only one watching.
As storms gather over the coast, love and danger entwine. In London, the haunted Mr. Arkwright—unable to forget her—is drawn back into her orbit, while a ruthless order of vampire hunters led by Lord Dramen sets its sights upon Hastelbrook. A dark force rises, and Emelyn must uncover the truth buried beneath her ancestral vault before the world of night consumes them all.
Duty calls in more ways than one for Emelyn Morley. Her future depends not only on her own choices but also on the destiny shaped by unknown forces. Her family is struggling; her father’s shipping business has left their finances hanging in the balance. A suitable marriage for Emelyn could solve all their problems and secure her future. However, how can she focus on finding a husband when the prophecy surrounding her and the vault beneath her family’s home weighs heavily on her mind?
“Emelyn Morley and the House of Galecliff (Saunmoor, Book 2)” by B. Lawson Hull continues the story of Emelyn and her enigmatic protector, Vaela. In this instalment, Emelyn seeks to find a husband while guarding secrets that could save the kingdom of Saunmoor from impending doom.
Her reputation precedes her as the Belle of Brighton, renowned for her beauty, yet she remains unmarried. Finding a match that is both advantageous and meets her personal standards has proven to be more challenging than expected. Many gentlemen have caught her eye in the past, but none have managed to capture her interest in return. However, with Lord Captain Van Croft, the situation is particularly intriguing. He should consider himself fortunate that Emelyn has not rejected him yet. On the other hand, he is an exceptionally suitable match, one that any eligible lady would eagerly pursue.
The dynamic between them is interesting, as both hold high standards for themselves. Emelyn is a strong character; she stands firmly on her own and will not be intimidated into submission. In contrast, Van Croft, a long-standing Navy Captain, is not accustomed to having his authority questioned, especially by a woman. Their relationship is characterised by a constant back-and-forth, a power struggle for dominance, and a question of whether they are truly well-suited for each other.
Emelyn often finds herself torn about whom she should be trying to protect. The topic of supernatural forces is frequently discussed, and the validity of such phenomena often comes into question. Emelyn holds secrets that the men involved in these conversations would love to know—information they might even kill her to obtain. The Morley estate at Hastelbrook Hall is rumoured to be haunted, but many dismiss these rumours as mere stories meant to keep children in line. Or so they would like to believe. For Emelyn, however, the stories are all too real: the mysterious woman in black who supposedly haunts her family home is a dear friend.
Vaela may be a vampire, but that does not mean she is evil. In fact, she is a charming character whom readers are likely to admire and care for. The bond between Emelyn and Vaela creates a profound sense of family and loyalty. However, the supernatural prophecy that binds them together also brings dangers, as not all beings from the dark realm of Saunmoor—the land of the undead—support Vaela in her efforts to protect Emelyn. There are those who would rather extract whatever information she possesses about the prophecy of Hastelbrook Hall and move on without her. With a supernatural threat looming in the darkness, the novel takes on a tense atmosphere, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of unease as the story unfolds.
The tension and nervousness in this novel stem not only from supernatural forces but also from the cruelty and calculation of the living. Emelyn has travelled from her home to Galecliff Hall, accompanied by her brother and Van Croft. The welcome she receives is chilling, forcing her to tread carefully and work hard to maintain her composure. Van Croft’s Godmother, Mrs Akehurst, treats Emelyn with a cool distance, revealing her lack of care and compassion, which portrays her as a conniving and sly individual.
Characters like Mr Rosch, a self-appointed hunter of the supernatural creatures lurking in the darkness, further elevate the stakes for Emelyn. It becomes clear that she must win over Van Croft and commit to a match, all while keeping secret the truth behind the vault in Hastelbrook Hall, the prophecy to which she is intricately tied, and the existence of Vaela. Emelyn finds herself navigating delicate conversations, striving to maintain the upper hand against a crowd of individuals with different agendas, all trying to uncover her vulnerabilities.
The intricacies of this novel work together to create an intense and enthralling story filled with dark and twisted secrets. As Emelyn attempts to protect those she loves, she must navigate the complexities of her surroundings and the people entwined in her life.
This novel features a vast cast of characters, with multiple storylines running parallel to one another. As the narrative shifts between different narrators, it provides a rich depiction of the complexities of society, including its darker aspects, all of which come together to create a well-rounded story. The focus is not limited to Emelyn and her companions; it also extends deep into Saunmoor, where Emelyn is the key to fulfilling the prophecy at Hastelbrook. Alongside this, there are those whose ambition is to hunt down the undead—capturing, experimenting on, and ultimately killing them.
Despite the broad range of characters and settings, none feel rushed. Each one comes to life within the pages of the novel, whether it’s the vibrant and deadly crash of waves against the cliffs at Galecliff or the rattling of chains in a grimy, secluded dwelling, where secrets of supernatural beings are held, and darkness fills the hearts of those who torment them. Every aspect of this story feels essential; all story threads stand on their own and intertwine to create a powerful tapestry of words that build in a rapid crescendo. This gripping narrative will keep readers on the edge of their seats, making it nearly impossible to put the book down and step away.
It is recommended to start with the first novel in the series, as there are many characters to keep track of, and understanding their backstories enhances the reading experience. Without the context provided in book one, readers may feel lost.
"Emelyn Morley and the House of Galecliff (Saunmoor, Book 2)" by B. Lawson Hull is an intense novel filled with dark secrets and enemies lurking around every corner. This book is an excellent addition to the series, offering a wealth of intrigue and intense plot developments.
Review by Ellie Yarde
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B. Lawson Hull
B. Lawson Hull has always been a storyteller, fueling his imagination on worlds of historical fiction, fantasy and adventure. In college he pursued a creative writing minor, studying acting, art and literature, ultimately receiving his degree in Renaissance and Enlightenment history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Lawson lives and works on Nantucket, an idyllic place for his love of history, research, and writing.
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