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Walker's Vale
James Cooper moved his family to Walker's Vale, Pennsylvania, in search of the ideal life. What he got was the just opposite. As this small town's eerie history is revealed and repeated, it's clear the devil is in the details and he's waiting for the Cooper's young daughter. When the FBI come knocking at his door, James quickly realizes that his ideal life may come with a steeper price than he thought. This story of faith, deception, and horror will captivate readers as one man fights for his family's safety and embarks on a journey toward redemption in this suspenseful supernatural thriller.
136 pages, Perfect Paperback
First published April 10, 2012
63 people want to read
About the author
John J. Zelenski
2 books41 followersAuthor John J. Zelenski currently resides in beautiful northeastern Pennsylvania with his wife and two children. Besides writing, John works as a VA Certifying Official for the oldest distance-learning school in the United States. In his spare time (which is scarce) he enjoys collecting and selling sports cards and memorabilia and playing bass guitar, and video games.
John was inspired to write “Walker’s Vale” in part from some of his own experiences in the realm of the supernatural when he was a child. He is a born-again Christian and attends a Pentecostal church in his area. John is an admirer of the life and teachings of Smith Wigglesworth and William Branham. He cites Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti as essential influences on his writing.
John was inspired to write “Walker’s Vale” in part from some of his own experiences in the realm of the supernatural when he was a child. He is a born-again Christian and attends a Pentecostal church in his area. John is an admirer of the life and teachings of Smith Wigglesworth and William Branham. He cites Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti as essential influences on his writing.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 27, 2019
I must confess that I was hoping that this novel would be like two other haunted house novels that I have read from Christian authors. These two had similarities and differences but treated the same way using biblical spiritual warfare principles with the end result still the same, evil and demonic forces overcome by the power of Jesus name and the covering of His blood, His Spirit, prayer and faith. That is not a bad outcome at all, just goes to show great creativity within the essence of storytelling and how the Bible supports both these treatments.
Where my hope was shattered (in a positive way) was the different take on the haunted house scenario that we are used to. While one of the aforementioned novels was based on a demonic entity claiming the house for its own dominion and the other having been invited in for the same purpose, Zelenski has the affected house and the region containing Walker's Vale a mere part of its entire dominion that the demonic force has claimed. I really liked this, as it took the dark forces and spiritual warfare outside the confines of just a house and broadens the scope of this horror and the effects on the whole town that goes back 150 yrs. This is backed up by the prequel (The Journal of Ezekiel Walker), setting the foundation for this larger demonic dominion and story line in Walker's Vale.
Demonic activity is scary due to its very nature and its origin. Zelenski has adhered to this very well in this novella but not to solely scare the reader. I was on the edge of my seat, riveted, totally absorbed and anxious as to what was doing to happen next and when the spiritual warfare was about to occur. While the demonic onslaught was occurring, Zelenski had not given any clues as to why the Cooper family were targeted (apart from being Christian) or what was the connection to the prequel and larger history of Walker's Vale. I wondered if this was going to happen as I was running out of pages, being very aware that this was only 134 pages in length! Zelenski finally delivered and it was a very satisfying ending with all ends tied up well. I actually cried at the end due to the blessing of victory and the miracle that occurred.
So far in my reading of Christian horror, I am pleased and appreciative that the authors have not glorified the demonic or its horrific manifestations. Neither has Zelenski. Yes, the demonic needs to be described and shown for what it is but only as much as that in order to balance the story line with the clash between good and evil, angels versus demons, God's sovereignty versus satan's pride and arrogance. The same can be said for any inclusion of the angelic. In this novella, I loved the description of the angelic; that they were just as they are in the bible, messengers and warriors. No glorification of them here. In both these descriptions, the authors of Christian horror are honouring God, reinforcing His victory over sin and death and portraying as realistically as possible, the spiritual realm. This shows the spiritual warfare that Christians and non-Christians alike are up against whether we are aware of it or not. To be in the know and aware is where God needs us to be. This is one reason I am glad that Christian authors like Zelenski create novels where my knowledge of spiritual warfare is increased, my faith strengthened while being entertained simultaneously (some would argue that being scared is not being entertained!). Yet, dealing with the demonic in real life is not entertaining either! Serious and sobering stuff!
Zelenski deals with the demonic biblically in this novel using various principles. Ezekiel invokes the Blood of Jesus against the demonic entity. He also shows how long-standing faith in Jesus, as shown by Ezekiel Walker and detested by the demon, prevented this entity from destroying him over the course of the years outlined in the prequel. The author has also shown protection by calling on the name of Jesus during demonic onslaught by Jim when he was first attacked.
Another element in a Christian's defence against the demonic is having a right relationship with Jesus. Zelenski deals with this by having these strange circumstances bring Jim Cooper to his knees, realising that his failing relationship with Jesus is placing him under attack from this demonic entity. It was refreshing to have him restore his relationship with God, repent of his doubts relating to his marriage and why his daughter has autism. Another element is to have faith in action as exhibited by Maria. She stood firm in the belief that no matter what was going to happen, God was still her protector and she had His peace and assuredness.
I have only one complaint. The shortness of this tome. I had the same issue with the prequel. I look forward to Zelenski venturing into the arena of full-length novels!
I am very impressed with the novels and writing of John Zelenski and look forward to his future works.
I can see why this novella has been optioned for movie rights and is in the process of being made into a movie. It deserves it!
Highly Recommended. 5/5
World Building 5/5
Characters 5/5
Spiritual Level 4/5
Story 5/5
Enemy Spiritual Level 5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Where my hope was shattered (in a positive way) was the different take on the haunted house scenario that we are used to. While one of the aforementioned novels was based on a demonic entity claiming the house for its own dominion and the other having been invited in for the same purpose, Zelenski has the affected house and the region containing Walker's Vale a mere part of its entire dominion that the demonic force has claimed. I really liked this, as it took the dark forces and spiritual warfare outside the confines of just a house and broadens the scope of this horror and the effects on the whole town that goes back 150 yrs. This is backed up by the prequel (The Journal of Ezekiel Walker), setting the foundation for this larger demonic dominion and story line in Walker's Vale.
Demonic activity is scary due to its very nature and its origin. Zelenski has adhered to this very well in this novella but not to solely scare the reader. I was on the edge of my seat, riveted, totally absorbed and anxious as to what was doing to happen next and when the spiritual warfare was about to occur. While the demonic onslaught was occurring, Zelenski had not given any clues as to why the Cooper family were targeted (apart from being Christian) or what was the connection to the prequel and larger history of Walker's Vale. I wondered if this was going to happen as I was running out of pages, being very aware that this was only 134 pages in length! Zelenski finally delivered and it was a very satisfying ending with all ends tied up well. I actually cried at the end due to the blessing of victory and the miracle that occurred.
So far in my reading of Christian horror, I am pleased and appreciative that the authors have not glorified the demonic or its horrific manifestations. Neither has Zelenski. Yes, the demonic needs to be described and shown for what it is but only as much as that in order to balance the story line with the clash between good and evil, angels versus demons, God's sovereignty versus satan's pride and arrogance. The same can be said for any inclusion of the angelic. In this novella, I loved the description of the angelic; that they were just as they are in the bible, messengers and warriors. No glorification of them here. In both these descriptions, the authors of Christian horror are honouring God, reinforcing His victory over sin and death and portraying as realistically as possible, the spiritual realm. This shows the spiritual warfare that Christians and non-Christians alike are up against whether we are aware of it or not. To be in the know and aware is where God needs us to be. This is one reason I am glad that Christian authors like Zelenski create novels where my knowledge of spiritual warfare is increased, my faith strengthened while being entertained simultaneously (some would argue that being scared is not being entertained!). Yet, dealing with the demonic in real life is not entertaining either! Serious and sobering stuff!
Zelenski deals with the demonic biblically in this novel using various principles. Ezekiel invokes the Blood of Jesus against the demonic entity. He also shows how long-standing faith in Jesus, as shown by Ezekiel Walker and detested by the demon, prevented this entity from destroying him over the course of the years outlined in the prequel. The author has also shown protection by calling on the name of Jesus during demonic onslaught by Jim when he was first attacked.
Another element in a Christian's defence against the demonic is having a right relationship with Jesus. Zelenski deals with this by having these strange circumstances bring Jim Cooper to his knees, realising that his failing relationship with Jesus is placing him under attack from this demonic entity. It was refreshing to have him restore his relationship with God, repent of his doubts relating to his marriage and why his daughter has autism. Another element is to have faith in action as exhibited by Maria. She stood firm in the belief that no matter what was going to happen, God was still her protector and she had His peace and assuredness.
I have only one complaint. The shortness of this tome. I had the same issue with the prequel. I look forward to Zelenski venturing into the arena of full-length novels!
I am very impressed with the novels and writing of John Zelenski and look forward to his future works.
I can see why this novella has been optioned for movie rights and is in the process of being made into a movie. It deserves it!
Highly Recommended. 5/5
World Building 5/5
Characters 5/5
Spiritual Level 4/5
Story 5/5
Enemy Spiritual Level 5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
August 17, 2018
Walker's Vale by John J Zelenski is a Christian supernatural novella. It is a story that unfolds, grips and chills the heart.
We are all in a supernatural battle. Angels and demons fight around us. Angels protect. Demons deceive and destroy. God looks after His children. He sends people to rescue and to pray for our well being.
God is also the God of the miraculous. He healed in the past. He heals in the present. He will heal in the future. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
We are all saved by God's amazing grace. The blood of Jesus covers us all. We need only to call on the name of Jesus and be saved. At the mention of His name, the demons flee.
Walker's Vale is only short but terrifying in parts. Thank you God for Jesus.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
We are all in a supernatural battle. Angels and demons fight around us. Angels protect. Demons deceive and destroy. God looks after His children. He sends people to rescue and to pray for our well being.
God is also the God of the miraculous. He healed in the past. He heals in the present. He will heal in the future. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
We are all saved by God's amazing grace. The blood of Jesus covers us all. We need only to call on the name of Jesus and be saved. At the mention of His name, the demons flee.
Walker's Vale is only short but terrifying in parts. Thank you God for Jesus.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
November 5, 2012
The author, John Zelenski, did a great job grabbing my attention into this book and holding it with his gripping descriptions of suspense of paranormal events. For a short read, John did well in telling a big story. This is an unusual read for me; for I like to read actual true events of the paranormal, but after reading the deep descriptions of this story, I immediately knew, John had to have some type of experience in his own life in order to create a book this intense. My feelings of anxiety were drawn right into the story. He also did well in getting to the point of each situation and it wasn’t boring. He touches upon many inner struggles about religion beliefs, autism, and marriage. There were some surprises and sad events with a strong ending. I really enjoyed reading this book. I recommend this book to readers that have respect for strong faith, has love and belief in God’s angels, and fear dark magic. If you are a reader that has had your own supernatural experience, then I know you will immediately relate to this book as well. Thanks John and good luck on your future endeavors.
December 26, 2019
This eerie novella wastes no time pulling the reader into a tale of the supernatural. James Cooper, his wife, and young daughter arrive at their new house in Walker’s Vale in time to come face to face with a demonic entity bent on achieving an evil objective that involves James, his wife, and, most notably, James’s autistic daughter, Lizzy.
This is a short, fast paced, and gripping read. My only negative comments would be that the word choices and sentence structure are, at times, awkward. Otherwise, this is a chilling look at the paranormal from a Christian perspective.
This is a short, fast paced, and gripping read. My only negative comments would be that the word choices and sentence structure are, at times, awkward. Otherwise, this is a chilling look at the paranormal from a Christian perspective.
September 1, 2015
In his debut novel, John J. Zelenski combines the elements of such seasoned suspense writers like Stephen King, Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti to unleash upon his readers a novel in which good faces off against evil in the spiritual realm. This is why these types of books and movies linger in our minds because deep inside us all we know that this exists but we try and pretend that it doesn't for our sakes.
Walker's Vale is the novel that combines a small family that moves to Walker's Vale, Pennsylvania looking for a fresh start and a slower pace at life, but they received more than they ever bargained for. James Cooper is looking to begin a new life and having more time for his autistic daughter, Liza while they fix up the home they just built down the road from the local church. They just didn't expect to find all kinds of unexplained things happening in their home before they truly got settled from the strange taped designs that appear on Liza's bedroom walls to the creepy Pastor that shows up unannounced with a warning for the family. Only then do the strange circumstances escalate that pits man's old adversary, pure evil against the very holiness of God and all for the battle of one little girl.
Picture all the elements you need to make this one work, small uninhabited home with an evil past, a meddling pastor, and the dark woods in a small town, sets the stage for a showdown in the heavenly realms that leads to definite hauntings in the Cooper household from Liza's glowing doll she doesn't want to leave behind, to things lying buried in the dark woods at the edge of the property. This is truly a spiritual warfare novel that will definitely leave you with a lasting impression. Warning: You may want to read this before dark or at least with the light on and someone with you.
I received Walker's Vale by John J. Zelenski compliments of the author for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside for a free copy of this novel and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This is the second book by this author with The Journal of Ezekiel Walker written as a prequel to the pastor we meet in this novel. We get the back story in that one of what possess the pastor's passion to help the Cooper family even though they don't see it as that at first. I venture to say I read this one before the Journal of Ezekiel Walker and wish I would have read them in that order instead. My only complaint if you could call it that would be I wish it was so much longer. At 134 pages, I wanted triple that for this novel and hope, fingers crossed, that we will see another one soon by this author. I would rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and literally inhaled it in one dark night. Won't make that mistake again!
Walker's Vale is the novel that combines a small family that moves to Walker's Vale, Pennsylvania looking for a fresh start and a slower pace at life, but they received more than they ever bargained for. James Cooper is looking to begin a new life and having more time for his autistic daughter, Liza while they fix up the home they just built down the road from the local church. They just didn't expect to find all kinds of unexplained things happening in their home before they truly got settled from the strange taped designs that appear on Liza's bedroom walls to the creepy Pastor that shows up unannounced with a warning for the family. Only then do the strange circumstances escalate that pits man's old adversary, pure evil against the very holiness of God and all for the battle of one little girl.
Picture all the elements you need to make this one work, small uninhabited home with an evil past, a meddling pastor, and the dark woods in a small town, sets the stage for a showdown in the heavenly realms that leads to definite hauntings in the Cooper household from Liza's glowing doll she doesn't want to leave behind, to things lying buried in the dark woods at the edge of the property. This is truly a spiritual warfare novel that will definitely leave you with a lasting impression. Warning: You may want to read this before dark or at least with the light on and someone with you.
I received Walker's Vale by John J. Zelenski compliments of the author for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside for a free copy of this novel and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This is the second book by this author with The Journal of Ezekiel Walker written as a prequel to the pastor we meet in this novel. We get the back story in that one of what possess the pastor's passion to help the Cooper family even though they don't see it as that at first. I venture to say I read this one before the Journal of Ezekiel Walker and wish I would have read them in that order instead. My only complaint if you could call it that would be I wish it was so much longer. At 134 pages, I wanted triple that for this novel and hope, fingers crossed, that we will see another one soon by this author. I would rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and literally inhaled it in one dark night. Won't make that mistake again!
March 18, 2013
Walker's Vale
Author: John J. Zelenski
Book Length: 136 Pages
Cover: A very simple yet mysterious and creepy cover. The small picture leaves alot to the imagination and draws the reader in. It also gives a nice picture to go off of in your mind's eye when reading the story.
My Thoughts: Walker's Vale is a faced paced, easy to read and follow paranormal adventure. John's descriptions are beautiful and transport the reader into the story. The Coopers are easy to like characters and the overall plot keeps the reader gripped into this high suspense tale. It's not your everyday paranormal adventure, this one makes you have faith and you truly feel the emotions within the novel. Great Read, highly recommend this to families and lovers of the christian and paranormal genre's.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Author: John J. Zelenski
Book Length: 136 Pages
Cover: A very simple yet mysterious and creepy cover. The small picture leaves alot to the imagination and draws the reader in. It also gives a nice picture to go off of in your mind's eye when reading the story.
My Thoughts: Walker's Vale is a faced paced, easy to read and follow paranormal adventure. John's descriptions are beautiful and transport the reader into the story. The Coopers are easy to like characters and the overall plot keeps the reader gripped into this high suspense tale. It's not your everyday paranormal adventure, this one makes you have faith and you truly feel the emotions within the novel. Great Read, highly recommend this to families and lovers of the christian and paranormal genre's.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
July 16, 2012
Walker's Vale
by John J. Zelenski
Walker's Vale is a quick read, short chapters, well written. It had me from the start because the family has a 4 yr old autistic daughter and I work with autistic children. It has some paranormal activity as well as angels. The author wrote this based on his own supernatural experiences as a child. Walker's Vale also grabbed me because I personally had an experience with an angel during a car wreck that I had 21 years ago. This book is about a family that moves to a small town with an eerie history. The only thing negative about this book is it sounded a little "preachy" to me but if you enjoy anything with the supernatural this is a book for you.
by John J. Zelenski
Walker's Vale is a quick read, short chapters, well written. It had me from the start because the family has a 4 yr old autistic daughter and I work with autistic children. It has some paranormal activity as well as angels. The author wrote this based on his own supernatural experiences as a child. Walker's Vale also grabbed me because I personally had an experience with an angel during a car wreck that I had 21 years ago. This book is about a family that moves to a small town with an eerie history. The only thing negative about this book is it sounded a little "preachy" to me but if you enjoy anything with the supernatural this is a book for you.
December 24, 2016
I loved this book! It was such an interesting plot that held my attention from start to finish. The author did a great job interweaving all the events that occurred in the story having them fall into place nicely. It has a good Christian theme and made me smile at the end. I highly recommend this book by John J. Zelenski.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews