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The Faithful
Conflicted with his faith in God and the hypocrisy of the church, Aidan, an assistant pastor, is already a spiritual battleground. When he learns that his ex-fiancee was murdered in a possibly demonic ritual, he finds himself catapulted into an even deeper fight. Tormented by demonic threats and haunted spirits in the afterlife, Aidan becomes a medium that will hold the key to solving this murder mystery. As Catholic priests, paranormal investigators and rogue law enforcement seek Aidan out, readers both secular and religious will find that the Faithful tears at the emotions and doubts of humankind.
395 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 20, 2010
@SpookyPastor lives up to his name!
An incredible read full of mystery, intrigue, and depth. I had a hard time reading this book at night because it seriously scared the bejeebers out of me! I look forward to his future work. This is a must read for anyone who likes a thriller!
An incredible read full of mystery, intrigue, and depth. I had a hard time reading this book at night because it seriously scared the bejeebers out of me! I look forward to his future work. This is a must read for anyone who likes a thriller!
September 1, 2010
The Faithful by Jonathan Weyer is an absolutely stunning debut novel in the emerging genre of Christian horror. While many may think that term is any oxymoron Weyer proves that not only do the two go together, but they can do it extremely well.
Weyer’s main character, Pastor Aidan Schaeffer is undergoing a crisis. He’s lost his faith in God, is embroiled in the middle of an investigation involving the ritualized death of his former girlfriend, and is being attacked by demonic forces. Furthermore, some parishioners of his are having strange occurrences at their home and the wife is having strange dreams that seem somehow prophetic.
Pastor Schaeffer’s former girlfriend was just one in line of women killed by a group seeking to resurrect an evil power. They are seeking to perform ritualized murders at places of power, drawing on the energy of the places to help them accomplish their purpose.
The Faithful includes a modern group whose purpose is to stop demonic actions. They are referred to rather tongue-in-cheek by Pastor Schaeffer as Ghostbusters, though he is warned not to use the term in their presence as they would fail to find any humor in it. Thought at first to be ruled against by the Bible, Aidan is shown that is not what the Biblical passages in reference actually say. Men, and women, have to have a way to combat evil and this group goes as far as possible in their attempt to stop the evil permeating their town from coming to fruition.
Weyer’s skill is unsurpassed as he spins a tale of the macabre that leaves you turning each page desperately longing for more. Once I started the book I couldn’t put it down except to go to sleep at night. I found each page leading me further into a mystical and at times terrifying world that showed glimpses of the other side of goodness, kindness and Godliness and left me hoping the good guys would prevail, even though this is far from assured in this page-turner.
What follows is an excerpt from the book:
"Detective Brown, I'm a minister, and like doctors, we often get calls at three in the morning. On that night, I got the call at about 11:00. A member of our congregation called to say her husband was having severe chest pains."
Jennifer traced a finger along her scar.
"And you rushed right off to be there?"
"I did..."
..."Can you tell me their names?"
"Yeah, of course, Olan and Edna Wilkes. It turns out Olan just had a bad case of acid reflux, thank God, but it took them about seven hours to get that diagnosis right."
"You stayed the whole time?"
"Of course I did."
"Why?"
"Um, because I didn't want Edna to be alone while her husband might be having a heart attack."
"You care that much?"
Okay, enough was enough.
"I'm sorry, Detective, does this have anything to do with Amanda's murder?"
"It could."
"What, are you trying to establish my alibi? Am I a suspect or something? I said, staring at them, not quite believing the direction the conversation had taken.
"Yes, actually, that's exactly what we are trying to do?" Lieutenant Weaver spoke.
The Faithful by Jonathan Weyer is a must read for this fall season. Curl up under a blanket beside the fire, relax, as much as possible given the nature of book and enjoy the thrill-ride. Just make sure you leave plenty of lights on.
The Faithful by Jonathan Weyer, copyright 2010 by , Publication date October 1, 2010 by Brio Press, Distributed by Interface Media Partners a sister company of Lerner Publishing, Author Website http://www.JonathanWeyer.com Publisher Website http://www.BrioBooks.com ISBN 978-0-9826687-0-2, available from Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, other online and local book retailers
Weyer’s main character, Pastor Aidan Schaeffer is undergoing a crisis. He’s lost his faith in God, is embroiled in the middle of an investigation involving the ritualized death of his former girlfriend, and is being attacked by demonic forces. Furthermore, some parishioners of his are having strange occurrences at their home and the wife is having strange dreams that seem somehow prophetic.
Pastor Schaeffer’s former girlfriend was just one in line of women killed by a group seeking to resurrect an evil power. They are seeking to perform ritualized murders at places of power, drawing on the energy of the places to help them accomplish their purpose.
The Faithful includes a modern group whose purpose is to stop demonic actions. They are referred to rather tongue-in-cheek by Pastor Schaeffer as Ghostbusters, though he is warned not to use the term in their presence as they would fail to find any humor in it. Thought at first to be ruled against by the Bible, Aidan is shown that is not what the Biblical passages in reference actually say. Men, and women, have to have a way to combat evil and this group goes as far as possible in their attempt to stop the evil permeating their town from coming to fruition.
Weyer’s skill is unsurpassed as he spins a tale of the macabre that leaves you turning each page desperately longing for more. Once I started the book I couldn’t put it down except to go to sleep at night. I found each page leading me further into a mystical and at times terrifying world that showed glimpses of the other side of goodness, kindness and Godliness and left me hoping the good guys would prevail, even though this is far from assured in this page-turner.
What follows is an excerpt from the book:
"Detective Brown, I'm a minister, and like doctors, we often get calls at three in the morning. On that night, I got the call at about 11:00. A member of our congregation called to say her husband was having severe chest pains."
Jennifer traced a finger along her scar.
"And you rushed right off to be there?"
"I did..."
..."Can you tell me their names?"
"Yeah, of course, Olan and Edna Wilkes. It turns out Olan just had a bad case of acid reflux, thank God, but it took them about seven hours to get that diagnosis right."
"You stayed the whole time?"
"Of course I did."
"Why?"
"Um, because I didn't want Edna to be alone while her husband might be having a heart attack."
"You care that much?"
Okay, enough was enough.
"I'm sorry, Detective, does this have anything to do with Amanda's murder?"
"It could."
"What, are you trying to establish my alibi? Am I a suspect or something? I said, staring at them, not quite believing the direction the conversation had taken.
"Yes, actually, that's exactly what we are trying to do?" Lieutenant Weaver spoke.
The Faithful by Jonathan Weyer is a must read for this fall season. Curl up under a blanket beside the fire, relax, as much as possible given the nature of book and enjoy the thrill-ride. Just make sure you leave plenty of lights on.
The Faithful by Jonathan Weyer, copyright 2010 by , Publication date October 1, 2010 by Brio Press, Distributed by Interface Media Partners a sister company of Lerner Publishing, Author Website http://www.JonathanWeyer.com Publisher Website http://www.BrioBooks.com ISBN 978-0-9826687-0-2, available from Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, other online and local book retailers
May 27, 2019
The build up and story telling was very thorough until the beginning of the end, I felt like some details were not explained and skipped over. But I still enjoyed the book, I look foward to another book from Jonathan Weyer.
January 2, 2024
It was a good read of someone battling their faith.
November 23, 2010
My thoughts: I have to confess that even though I'm religious and believe in God I was a bit doubting whether I would enjoy this book as I have never read anything pertaining to faith or a religious topic for fun (except of course the Da Vinci Code, but that doesn't count ;-p), and especially written by a pastor! But I'm really glad I took the chance and read The Faithful because I discovered an amazing new author and The Faithful became one of my favourite books read in 2010!
Do not be put off of The Faithful because it is categorized as "religious horror", I myself don't like horror and I can honestly and in all seriousness recommend The Faithful to everyone, you don't have to be a believer or religious to enjoy it, the only requirement is that you like exciting, thrilling stories and breathholding mysteries. And The Faithful is definitely one where you will be holding your breath...
I can't remember the last time a fictional book, one I read for pleasure was so full of intelligent, thought provoking ideas and yet remained engaging and entertaining at the same time. But besides the very captivating (and entertaining) philosophical reflections and dilemmas expressed by the hero (which I believe everyone has asked themselves and the universe at one time or another during their life), The Faithful is an action packed, fast paced and very exciting mystery novel.
The story is narrated by the hero: Aidan Schaeffer who is a pastor! I know, not the usual, everyday narrator to an exciting thriller about serial killers, but it's exactly due to the fact that the hero is not a cop/special agent/amateur detective that the reader feels more connected to the story. Aidan is such an ordinary guy that everyone can relate to him. I loved how Jonatahn Weyer did not put him on a pedestal or make him a larger than life character just because he is a pastor, no, Aidan is just a guy next door who also has insecurities and fears and who is just as normal and human like us.
Jonathan Weyer blends mystery, philosophy, romance and humour in just the perfect mix to make The Faithful a compelling and gripping novel. The author's flowing and fantastic writing lets the story and mystery unfold naturally, while spending enough time and detail on developing ideas and giving the characters some depth and character. The Faithful is a real pageturner and one you will be sorry to see end as there are no sequel novels (yet).
Verdict: The Faithful is an amazing and exciting debut novel, perfect to curl up with on a cold winter night with a hot chocolate/tea and forget the outside world for a couple of hours. You definitely don't want to miss it! I can't wait to read more by Jonathan Weyer!
Plot: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Writing: 10/10
Cover: 8/10
Do not be put off of The Faithful because it is categorized as "religious horror", I myself don't like horror and I can honestly and in all seriousness recommend The Faithful to everyone, you don't have to be a believer or religious to enjoy it, the only requirement is that you like exciting, thrilling stories and breathholding mysteries. And The Faithful is definitely one where you will be holding your breath...
I can't remember the last time a fictional book, one I read for pleasure was so full of intelligent, thought provoking ideas and yet remained engaging and entertaining at the same time. But besides the very captivating (and entertaining) philosophical reflections and dilemmas expressed by the hero (which I believe everyone has asked themselves and the universe at one time or another during their life), The Faithful is an action packed, fast paced and very exciting mystery novel.
The story is narrated by the hero: Aidan Schaeffer who is a pastor! I know, not the usual, everyday narrator to an exciting thriller about serial killers, but it's exactly due to the fact that the hero is not a cop/special agent/amateur detective that the reader feels more connected to the story. Aidan is such an ordinary guy that everyone can relate to him. I loved how Jonatahn Weyer did not put him on a pedestal or make him a larger than life character just because he is a pastor, no, Aidan is just a guy next door who also has insecurities and fears and who is just as normal and human like us.
Jonathan Weyer blends mystery, philosophy, romance and humour in just the perfect mix to make The Faithful a compelling and gripping novel. The author's flowing and fantastic writing lets the story and mystery unfold naturally, while spending enough time and detail on developing ideas and giving the characters some depth and character. The Faithful is a real pageturner and one you will be sorry to see end as there are no sequel novels (yet).
Verdict: The Faithful is an amazing and exciting debut novel, perfect to curl up with on a cold winter night with a hot chocolate/tea and forget the outside world for a couple of hours. You definitely don't want to miss it! I can't wait to read more by Jonathan Weyer!
Plot: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Writing: 10/10
Cover: 8/10
January 24, 2011
I was in the mood for a good scare when I started this book and it turns out that was the perfect mood to be in. I did not have to read too far before I got the distinct tingling that comes with being Freaked Out! Christian horror might seem like two words that do not belong in the same sentence but in the hands of Jonathan Weyer they do. The Faithful delivered what it promised.
Aiden is conflicted and I felt compassion for the struggle he faces over his doubts about his faith. I really enjoyed all of the conversations that he has with his buddy Brian over Instant Message. Those scenes struck a chord with me because there have been times when I have had those deep conversations over IM that don’t seem like they should be appropriate; but they are. Something about knowing that your friend is on the other side waiting for your words makes you think seriously about what you type. That friendship seemed real and honest and it served to make Aiden even more relatable to me. I also like the dynamic between Aiden and Jennifer who is a cop. She is working on the case of his ex-girlfriends murder which is an interesting way to meet.
I read a lot. Like, A LOT. So there were a few things that did not surprise me like I think they may have been intended to. I was pretty sure I knew what was going to happen some of the time but that did not make it any less enjoyable. I am just not an easy person to surprise! There were a few twists in there that I did not have quite right. This book is a thriller in my opinion too; we are trying to catch a murderer after all; a creepy one at that. I did enjoy that aspect of the book as well.
There are some interesting references to Doubting Thomas toward the last half of the book and I never knew that that term came from a biblical reference. There were a couple of funny moments that served to take the edge off for a second and I welcomed them. My favorite being a reference to Lord Voldemort. Those moments were needed to temper the freaky ones! One particular one involves two people in a car and lots of, well lets call it “sounds and fury,” that scared me to pieces. I loved every second of it though.
Aiden is conflicted and I felt compassion for the struggle he faces over his doubts about his faith. I really enjoyed all of the conversations that he has with his buddy Brian over Instant Message. Those scenes struck a chord with me because there have been times when I have had those deep conversations over IM that don’t seem like they should be appropriate; but they are. Something about knowing that your friend is on the other side waiting for your words makes you think seriously about what you type. That friendship seemed real and honest and it served to make Aiden even more relatable to me. I also like the dynamic between Aiden and Jennifer who is a cop. She is working on the case of his ex-girlfriends murder which is an interesting way to meet.
I read a lot. Like, A LOT. So there were a few things that did not surprise me like I think they may have been intended to. I was pretty sure I knew what was going to happen some of the time but that did not make it any less enjoyable. I am just not an easy person to surprise! There were a few twists in there that I did not have quite right. This book is a thriller in my opinion too; we are trying to catch a murderer after all; a creepy one at that. I did enjoy that aspect of the book as well.
There are some interesting references to Doubting Thomas toward the last half of the book and I never knew that that term came from a biblical reference. There were a couple of funny moments that served to take the edge off for a second and I welcomed them. My favorite being a reference to Lord Voldemort. Those moments were needed to temper the freaky ones! One particular one involves two people in a car and lots of, well lets call it “sounds and fury,” that scared me to pieces. I loved every second of it though.
November 10, 2010
The Faithful
By Jonathan Weyer
Brio Press
2010
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars
Reading this book defined in the religious horror genre made me wonder if I was the best one to review this book, as the horror genre is not one which I enjoy reading and I feared my distaste for the genre might prejudice my review. As you can see with the high rating I gave this book, The Faithful dispelled any of my hesitations once I began reading. What a story!
Aiden Schaeffer is in a spiritual battle, both within himself and with the murder of his ex-fiancé, Amanda. What propels the reader into the story is the fine writing, the characters about whom the reader gets to know and care about quickly, and a very believable, fast moving story that keeps one glued to the pages to find out what will happen next. While the details surrounding the murder enter into the horror genre, the mystery and the character of Aiden raise this book into multifaceted genres as it brings the reader with Aiden to confront very human concerns, both in the physical and the spiritual realms.
Religious references are totally in character with Aiden, a young Presbyterian minister doubting his faith, as the book begins with the line, “I don’t know if I believe in God anymore,” in a Yahoo chat with his best friend, Brian. Yet these references blend in naturally with the plot of the novel, not preaching, but subtly saying so much about God and the difference in behavior of the “faithful” followers for those readers choosing to probe more deeply.
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance writer and book reviewer. http://www.angiemangino.com
By Jonathan Weyer
Brio Press
2010
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars
Reading this book defined in the religious horror genre made me wonder if I was the best one to review this book, as the horror genre is not one which I enjoy reading and I feared my distaste for the genre might prejudice my review. As you can see with the high rating I gave this book, The Faithful dispelled any of my hesitations once I began reading. What a story!
Aiden Schaeffer is in a spiritual battle, both within himself and with the murder of his ex-fiancé, Amanda. What propels the reader into the story is the fine writing, the characters about whom the reader gets to know and care about quickly, and a very believable, fast moving story that keeps one glued to the pages to find out what will happen next. While the details surrounding the murder enter into the horror genre, the mystery and the character of Aiden raise this book into multifaceted genres as it brings the reader with Aiden to confront very human concerns, both in the physical and the spiritual realms.
Religious references are totally in character with Aiden, a young Presbyterian minister doubting his faith, as the book begins with the line, “I don’t know if I believe in God anymore,” in a Yahoo chat with his best friend, Brian. Yet these references blend in naturally with the plot of the novel, not preaching, but subtly saying so much about God and the difference in behavior of the “faithful” followers for those readers choosing to probe more deeply.
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance writer and book reviewer. http://www.angiemangino.com
Read
December 10, 2010Aiden is an assistant pastor at a Presbyterian church in Columbus, Ohio. His parishioners rely on him for his strength and faith, but lately he’s been questioning that faith. His faith is tested even more when he learns his mentor is having an affair. When Aiden’s ex-girlfriend, Amanda, is killed in a ritualistic murder,he becomes part of the investigation, first as a suspect and then as a resource. At the same time, unnatural things begin happening around town. Bare footprints appear in the snow, and a parishioner begins to have prophetic dreams. During his investigation with Detective Jennifer Brown, Aiden learns about a group called The Faithful, ghost hunters led by Father Neal, an Episcopal priest. When Aiden accompanies them on a ghost hunt, he gets a first hand experience with the supernatural. The spirits are attracted to Aiden, the reason unknown.
The Faithful is the ultimate tale of good versus evil. Weyer is a fresh new voice in the genre of religious horror, and has written the perfect combination of a supernatural thriller and Christian fiction. The storyline is compelling and unique, weaving the supernatural and religion together in a completely new and original way. While it’s obvious that religion plays a key role, it is not overwhelming or engrossing. What I particularly enjoyed about this book was, although it is described as horror, it’s not gruesome or gory, but still chills you to the bone. Highly recommended!
Contains: Reviewed by: Jennifer Lawrence
The Faithful is the ultimate tale of good versus evil. Weyer is a fresh new voice in the genre of religious horror, and has written the perfect combination of a supernatural thriller and Christian fiction. The storyline is compelling and unique, weaving the supernatural and religion together in a completely new and original way. While it’s obvious that religion plays a key role, it is not overwhelming or engrossing. What I particularly enjoyed about this book was, although it is described as horror, it’s not gruesome or gory, but still chills you to the bone. Highly recommended!
Contains: Reviewed by: Jennifer Lawrence
May 5, 2011
This book knocked me off my feet. Not necessarily because of the story line, but because of the creative way Weyer wrestled with tough topics. Classified as a “Christian horror novel,” I found the primary story line to be far-fetched. It read more like science fiction than horror. Honestly, there were times that I thought Weyer was off his rocker for writing something like this.
But then I’d get hit with a nugget of truth. The conversations between characters, the character development, the inner wrestlings with doubt and faith … Weyer did an incredible job weaving real struggles of faith into the far-fetched story. All too often we dismiss doubt with a simple hand wave and advice to “just give it time.” Weyer does just the opposite – he challenges us all to look our doubts in the face. To own them. To question them. And to see how faith emerges in the midst of them.
As I closed the book after finishing the last page, I wasn’t sure it was a book I would recommend to others. But as time has passed since closing the pages, I’ve become more aware of my own doubts. More aware of the doubts of others. And the story of Doubting Thomas seems to be popping up everywhere. This is one of those books that has changed me, without me even knowing it at the time.
But then I’d get hit with a nugget of truth. The conversations between characters, the character development, the inner wrestlings with doubt and faith … Weyer did an incredible job weaving real struggles of faith into the far-fetched story. All too often we dismiss doubt with a simple hand wave and advice to “just give it time.” Weyer does just the opposite – he challenges us all to look our doubts in the face. To own them. To question them. And to see how faith emerges in the midst of them.
As I closed the book after finishing the last page, I wasn’t sure it was a book I would recommend to others. But as time has passed since closing the pages, I’ve become more aware of my own doubts. More aware of the doubts of others. And the story of Doubting Thomas seems to be popping up everywhere. This is one of those books that has changed me, without me even knowing it at the time.
July 4, 2012
I don't normally like Christian fiction, but this novel is the exception. In a genre rife with cliche and insincerity, The Faithful is a refreshing and starkly honest novel about a pastor's struggle with his own doubts and with the character of the church body.
Most Christian supernatural/horror fiction (such as the Forbidden Doors series by Bill Myers) I've read plots its stories along simplistic lines of Christians vs. demons with non-Christians being either converted or destroyed. Weyer's novel, however, creates space for characters that don't fit into black and white definitions and, somehow, the novel exists comfortably within gray areas.
Weyer's departure from a typical Christian fiction formula combined with his engaging style, complex character, and riveting story make for a remarkable supernatural mystery thriller which should be enjoyable by just about anyone.
Most Christian supernatural/horror fiction (such as the Forbidden Doors series by Bill Myers) I've read plots its stories along simplistic lines of Christians vs. demons with non-Christians being either converted or destroyed. Weyer's novel, however, creates space for characters that don't fit into black and white definitions and, somehow, the novel exists comfortably within gray areas.
Weyer's departure from a typical Christian fiction formula combined with his engaging style, complex character, and riveting story make for a remarkable supernatural mystery thriller which should be enjoyable by just about anyone.
January 22, 2012
A Presbyterian minister, who is questioning his own faith and belief systems, is pulled into questioning when his ex-fiancee is murdered in a satanic ritual. His friendships (old and new) are a constant source of questioning in all he believes - and is ready to believe.
This was a quick read, and I enjoyed it because, for once, it was not about a renegade Roman Catholic priest, cut off from most mainstream America, attempting to rid a person or place of The Evil One. This is a very human protagonist, and his struggles are familiar.
This was a quick read, and I enjoyed it because, for once, it was not about a renegade Roman Catholic priest, cut off from most mainstream America, attempting to rid a person or place of The Evil One. This is a very human protagonist, and his struggles are familiar.
March 24, 2011
A paranormal/theological murder thriller. It's from a Central Ohio author, and I liked the use of local settings - I was able to correctly guess the location of the third event immediately. But the religious angst and theological discussions got a little tiresome, and I skimmed some sections. Some loose plot ends, don't know if they'll be picked up in future books or what.
January 19, 2011
Not the most well written book, but I couldn't put it down.
May 14, 2011
I enjoyed this supernatural mystery surrounding a priest that has lost his faith. The ending was a bit of an anticlimax, but it was an interesting read.
May 12, 2013
It was predictable. Other than that, it had some fun spooky parts. The main character is too gullible.
June 21, 2013
The story is weak. The spelling errors, terrible editing, and printing mistakes where chapters are out of order are the high points to this book. Just not worth the frustration.
February 27, 2016
While it brings up some fascinating points that were interesting to think about the metaphors were a bit heavy handed. The plot was decent but overall nothing remarkable.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews