4 out of 4 stars
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Arthur Vangeest, otherwise known as The Reverend, is a legendary Demon Hunter who serves a select Council of multi-religious and multi-national members who protect the world from supernatural threats. Upon retiring he spends five years in an isolated prison, cleansing himself of his past sins and misdeeds. However, when news reaches him of his adopted daughter’s sudden death, he agrees to return home and hunt down the evil fiend responsible. Unfortunately, he is no match for the demon’s strength and power, and upon discovering that Abigail still lives, he sacrifices himself to save her life.
Five months later, Abigail Dressler has recovered from her ordeal and is back working on behalf of the Council, but Arthur has been missing ever since. Despite being advised not to pursue any line of enquiry that might lead to the whereabouts of her mentor, unexpected events lead Abigail to a small town in the Smokey Mountains named Raven’s Peak, where she gets a little bit more than she bargains for when the townsfolk begin acting in a really bizarre manner.
Raven’s Peak is the first novel in the three part trilogy World on Fire from Lincoln Cole. Initially as the book began I became a little sceptical that the story would be of interest to me, especially when there were numerous references to religious cults and secret organizations. However, those fears were soon allayed as this intriguing tale rolled forward.
To my relief religion doesn’t really play any main roles within the story, instead it concentrates more on the emotional and physical after-effects of demonic possession and the psychic links between demons and their hosts, rather than on the banishments and exorcisms that you may expect.
Not since William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist, has a book about demons and possession fascinated me in such a way as Raven’s Peak. It is a very riveting and well-written story that had me constantly turning the pages to find out more. With great chemistry and character progression between feisty hunter Abigail, and the clueless and confused Haatim as he struggles to comprehend the strange and dangerous world suddenly laid out before him, coupled with the engrossing fast paced action sequences, Raven’s Peak is a thrilling cross-country ride across America. The only downside is the number of sporadic spelling and grammar mistakes, but with a story as strong as this that could be easily overlooked.
With its great pacing, intriguing plot, plenty of action and no rubbishy filler material bulking up the story, I rate Raven’s Peak at 4 out of 4 stars. It is a cross between a mystery thriller and a supernatural horror novel, which would make it ideal for anyone seeking dark, supernatural suspense thrillers with plenty of entertainment, and I for one cannot wait to read the rest of this fantastic series from Lincoln Cole.
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Raven's Peak
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