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The Marker Chronicles #1
Sorrow's Point
Not All Exorcists are Equal....One is Marked.
When defrocked ex-priest, Jimmy Holiday, agrees to help an old friend with his sick daughter, he doesn’t expect the horrors that await him. Blackmoor, his friend’s new residence, rests upon the outskirts of the town of Sorrow’s Point. The mansion’s history of magic, mayhem, and death makes it almost a living thing – a haunted mansion straight out of a Stephen King novel. Jimmy must decide if the young girl, Lucy, is only ill, or if the haunting of the house and her apparent possession are real.
After the house appears to affect him as well with colors of magic dancing before his eyes, rooms warded by a witch, and a ring of power in his voice, Jimmy is met by a transient who tells him he has “the Mark.” Whatever being “marked” means, Jimmy doesn’t care. All he wants to do is help Lucy. But, helping Lucy means performing an exorcism.
When defrocked ex-priest, Jimmy Holiday, agrees to help an old friend with his sick daughter, he doesn’t expect the horrors that await him. Blackmoor, his friend’s new residence, rests upon the outskirts of the town of Sorrow’s Point. The mansion’s history of magic, mayhem, and death makes it almost a living thing – a haunted mansion straight out of a Stephen King novel. Jimmy must decide if the young girl, Lucy, is only ill, or if the haunting of the house and her apparent possession are real.
After the house appears to affect him as well with colors of magic dancing before his eyes, rooms warded by a witch, and a ring of power in his voice, Jimmy is met by a transient who tells him he has “the Mark.” Whatever being “marked” means, Jimmy doesn’t care. All he wants to do is help Lucy. But, helping Lucy means performing an exorcism.
241 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2013
170 people are currently reading
2374 people want to read
About the author
Danielle DeVor
25 books174 followersDanielle DeVor spent her early years fantasizing about vampires and watching “Salem’s Lot” way too many times. After living briefly in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she moved back to her hometown to write. When not writing and reading about weird things, you will find her hanging out at the nearest coffee shop, enjoying a mocha frappuccino.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
January 19, 2014
Very disappointed. With all the great ratings I thought I was in for a treat. I was very, very wrong. Was not scary at all and at about 80% through it just went really down hill. I guess I'm still searching for that truly scary book. Maybe one day........
March 15, 2018
3.5 Stars
This is fast-paced story surrounding a legitimately creepy little girl. Featuring an ex-priest and a goddess-worshiping pagan, this is good novel for readers looking a less traditional approach to an exorcism ritual. The writing and characters were honestly fairly average, yet I still found the narrative engaging. This story was also much darker in tone than I expected with a few rather grim moments. I would recommend this one to horror readers who, like myself, can't get enough of these possession and exorcism stories.
This is fast-paced story surrounding a legitimately creepy little girl. Featuring an ex-priest and a goddess-worshiping pagan, this is good novel for readers looking a less traditional approach to an exorcism ritual. The writing and characters were honestly fairly average, yet I still found the narrative engaging. This story was also much darker in tone than I expected with a few rather grim moments. I would recommend this one to horror readers who, like myself, can't get enough of these possession and exorcism stories.
July 26, 2014
(Original post at Doing Some Reading)
Man was I hooked from the beginning of reading the synopsis for the story and from the first line of the book.
This book is amazing! Oh my Gosh I can not tell you how much I absolutely love this book! I felt like I was watching a horror film as I read this; that was how great it was. I still have the chills since I just finished reading it and currently writing this review. I was scared sh!tless but I still couldn’t put the book down, even during the late hours of the wee night (which is the only time I can really read) and man was it worth it! Heck yea I was scaring myself and being paranoid about seeing and hearing things as I was reading this book and every now a again tried hard not to peek over or to the side as I read. But Gosh it was so Amazing!
As you know from the synopsis, Jimmy Holiday is an ex-priest and has been called on for help by a very long time friend, Will, from his hometown. He agrees to accompany Will to look at Lucy, Will’s daughter, and see what he can do to help and of course, Jimmy didn’t think it was all that bad until he got to Blackmoor. But soon he called for the aid of his ex-girlfriend to help chip in some magic and strength to his weakening self worth. (Now you see where Jimmy became an ex-priest)
But anyways a whole lot of scary and creepy abnormal occurrences happened and it just grows worse and worse by the day for little Lucy’s body as her possession carries on. Jimmy haven’t been in service for a while you know and not being able to really trust in the church anymore makes it difficult on his belief on what is really happening to Lucy. He is also frustrated by the fact that he is the only one that is willing to help his friend and Lucy and angry at the church for not helping Lucy when they were contacted earlier. But he’s not giving up on Lucy and is going to make the church listen.
And Jimmy, I can say I worship him! I’m not sure how old he is but maybe in his thirties because I read him as pretty young. But he just has a whole lot of crap in his life and he takes it as it comes. He also has a great personality, in my opinion, and has humor, even in scary situations like this one. I don’t know, I can’t think of the right words to describe him but I just like how he’s very intellectual and thought processy. He likes to think things through and does this “asking question and self answering” thing in his head. Which is great and highly enjoyable for the book.
Oh, and this book is mainly in the POV of Jimmy but does shift to other POVs too for more background information and does jump from past to present in different chapters; which is totally fine because it helps set and tell the story. And it gives the reading a sense of a scary movie feel, to me that is and it just adds to how great this book is in making it scary.
Some things I didn’t like was the repetition of thoughts and saying Jimmy does. I love his thought process but sometime, mostly in the beginning, I just got very annoyed. Like when he didn’t want to believe Lucy’s possessed and was always putting himself down or just being an ass about things. Stuff like being annoyed that he wasn’t kept up to date with Will when he himself didn’t also keep in contact, or being annoyed because of something some one did or because they asked to much questions…stuff like that. And he gets mad but keeps it to himself which is fine but he does do a lot of thinking.
But I love how this book really got my heart pumping in rapids sessions because of my anticipation for what is to come in their trial. You just never know what is coming and you just have to keep on turning the pages even if it’s late. And this book just makes me feel all sorts of feelings! From giggling to down right scared, to calm and freaking out nervous. But there are also the feeling of pain and hope every time you turn the pages with uncertainty and fear lurking behind.
Gosh this book just had it all and I just got to say the outcome was out of this world…….Agh….I cried but I was happy too. Maybe I was too happy I cried but..my heart…..
I know for sure I’m getting this in paperback, yes sirrah.
I highly Highly Recommend this and it’ll make for a great Halloween read if you don’t have plans for that night.
Five, I give this a Five!
Man was I hooked from the beginning of reading the synopsis for the story and from the first line of the book.
This book is amazing! Oh my Gosh I can not tell you how much I absolutely love this book! I felt like I was watching a horror film as I read this; that was how great it was. I still have the chills since I just finished reading it and currently writing this review. I was scared sh!tless but I still couldn’t put the book down, even during the late hours of the wee night (which is the only time I can really read) and man was it worth it! Heck yea I was scaring myself and being paranoid about seeing and hearing things as I was reading this book and every now a again tried hard not to peek over or to the side as I read. But Gosh it was so Amazing!
As you know from the synopsis, Jimmy Holiday is an ex-priest and has been called on for help by a very long time friend, Will, from his hometown. He agrees to accompany Will to look at Lucy, Will’s daughter, and see what he can do to help and of course, Jimmy didn’t think it was all that bad until he got to Blackmoor. But soon he called for the aid of his ex-girlfriend to help chip in some magic and strength to his weakening self worth. (Now you see where Jimmy became an ex-priest)
But anyways a whole lot of scary and creepy abnormal occurrences happened and it just grows worse and worse by the day for little Lucy’s body as her possession carries on. Jimmy haven’t been in service for a while you know and not being able to really trust in the church anymore makes it difficult on his belief on what is really happening to Lucy. He is also frustrated by the fact that he is the only one that is willing to help his friend and Lucy and angry at the church for not helping Lucy when they were contacted earlier. But he’s not giving up on Lucy and is going to make the church listen.
And Jimmy, I can say I worship him! I’m not sure how old he is but maybe in his thirties because I read him as pretty young. But he just has a whole lot of crap in his life and he takes it as it comes. He also has a great personality, in my opinion, and has humor, even in scary situations like this one. I don’t know, I can’t think of the right words to describe him but I just like how he’s very intellectual and thought processy. He likes to think things through and does this “asking question and self answering” thing in his head. Which is great and highly enjoyable for the book.
Oh, and this book is mainly in the POV of Jimmy but does shift to other POVs too for more background information and does jump from past to present in different chapters; which is totally fine because it helps set and tell the story. And it gives the reading a sense of a scary movie feel, to me that is and it just adds to how great this book is in making it scary.
Some things I didn’t like was the repetition of thoughts and saying Jimmy does. I love his thought process but sometime, mostly in the beginning, I just got very annoyed. Like when he didn’t want to believe Lucy’s possessed and was always putting himself down or just being an ass about things. Stuff like being annoyed that he wasn’t kept up to date with Will when he himself didn’t also keep in contact, or being annoyed because of something some one did or because they asked to much questions…stuff like that. And he gets mad but keeps it to himself which is fine but he does do a lot of thinking.
But I love how this book really got my heart pumping in rapids sessions because of my anticipation for what is to come in their trial. You just never know what is coming and you just have to keep on turning the pages even if it’s late. And this book just makes me feel all sorts of feelings! From giggling to down right scared, to calm and freaking out nervous. But there are also the feeling of pain and hope every time you turn the pages with uncertainty and fear lurking behind.
Gosh this book just had it all and I just got to say the outcome was out of this world…….Agh….I cried but I was happy too. Maybe I was too happy I cried but..my heart…..
I know for sure I’m getting this in paperback, yes sirrah.
I highly Highly Recommend this and it’ll make for a great Halloween read if you don’t have plans for that night.
Five, I give this a Five!
August 3, 2016
Move over, Stephen King. Danielle DeVor is on her way!
First let me say that this isn’t my usual reading genre, and that I haven’t picked up a scary book in years. My kids know better than to try to take me to a scary movie – I scream and flinch way too easily. But as a teen, I devoured everything by Stephen King, read Edgar Allen Poe under the covers with a flashlight, and read The Amityville Horror, Jaws, and everything by V.C. Andrews over the same hot (scary) summer.
Sorrow’s Point took me back to those days. A well-crafted classic tale of horror and suspense, it reminded me of a combination of The Shining and Amityville Horror rolled together, with a protagonist ex-priest that I actually liked and rooted for, despite his personal shortcomings.
I love the interactions between Jimmy and Tabby, and found the juxtaposition of witchcraft, demonology and Catholic faith fascinating. However, I wouldn’t recommend reading this at night, or if you’re alone in the house. There are some seriously scary parts!
If you’re looking to scare yourself a bit with a well-crafted tale, pick up this book. You won’t be disappointed.
First let me say that this isn’t my usual reading genre, and that I haven’t picked up a scary book in years. My kids know better than to try to take me to a scary movie – I scream and flinch way too easily. But as a teen, I devoured everything by Stephen King, read Edgar Allen Poe under the covers with a flashlight, and read The Amityville Horror, Jaws, and everything by V.C. Andrews over the same hot (scary) summer.
Sorrow’s Point took me back to those days. A well-crafted classic tale of horror and suspense, it reminded me of a combination of The Shining and Amityville Horror rolled together, with a protagonist ex-priest that I actually liked and rooted for, despite his personal shortcomings.
I love the interactions between Jimmy and Tabby, and found the juxtaposition of witchcraft, demonology and Catholic faith fascinating. However, I wouldn’t recommend reading this at night, or if you’re alone in the house. There are some seriously scary parts!
If you’re looking to scare yourself a bit with a well-crafted tale, pick up this book. You won’t be disappointed.
January 2, 2014
Loved it to freaking pieces. Classic horror which was well researched and characters which are very well rounded. Hats off Danielle!! If you are interested in why I thought the book was a five star, check out the review at http://www.cabingoddess.com/blog/2013...
October 23, 2013
"Sorrow's Point" by Danielle DeVor reads like a classic horror novel. Beginning with an ominous and horrifying scene at a house in Sorrow's Point in 1950 the tone is set for a dark and sinister tale.
In the present now an 'almost' priest and a witch are called to help a family that lives in the house now to exorcise a demon that possesses a 6 year girl and put up with the dreams, the noises and lots of other creepy scary stuff going on in there.
Told in separate narratives and with flashes back to 1950 we gradually unravel the secrets of the house.
The horror in this novel is subtle and it is everywhere, there is a continuous sense of impending doom and a sense of foreboding that permeates even the parts that do not deal with the exorcism.
When a policeman arrives at the house in 1950 his reaction and shock are almost more unsettling than what actually will be shown to the reader. Likewise, when Jimmy, the man who would have been a priest, thinks about his life and whether or not he might be suitable as an exorcist, there is again a sense of anxiety and an acknowledgement of the magnitude of the task ahead. Tabby, the 'witch' brings her own brand of darkness to the table.
Nothing is as scary than a little innocent child behaving convincingly like a demon possessed monster and that is exactly what we eventually get. The scenes with her and the spirits were very scary to me.
The team is made up of great characters, each bringing a different angle to the story and with the uncovering of the past there is a mystery aspect to the story, adding to the richness of the reading experience.
This is a must read for fans of exorcism and horror.
In the present now an 'almost' priest and a witch are called to help a family that lives in the house now to exorcise a demon that possesses a 6 year girl and put up with the dreams, the noises and lots of other creepy scary stuff going on in there.
Told in separate narratives and with flashes back to 1950 we gradually unravel the secrets of the house.
The horror in this novel is subtle and it is everywhere, there is a continuous sense of impending doom and a sense of foreboding that permeates even the parts that do not deal with the exorcism.
When a policeman arrives at the house in 1950 his reaction and shock are almost more unsettling than what actually will be shown to the reader. Likewise, when Jimmy, the man who would have been a priest, thinks about his life and whether or not he might be suitable as an exorcist, there is again a sense of anxiety and an acknowledgement of the magnitude of the task ahead. Tabby, the 'witch' brings her own brand of darkness to the table.
Nothing is as scary than a little innocent child behaving convincingly like a demon possessed monster and that is exactly what we eventually get. The scenes with her and the spirits were very scary to me.
The team is made up of great characters, each bringing a different angle to the story and with the uncovering of the past there is a mystery aspect to the story, adding to the richness of the reading experience.
This is a must read for fans of exorcism and horror.
October 22, 2013
The perfect companion for a dark October night, Danielle DeVor's Sorrows Point doesn't disappoint with each and every gruesome moment. However, this isn't any ordinary haunted house story, and the reader should be prepared to turn on a light or two. With chilling eeriness that creeps into the reader's mind, a tangible sense of dread and overall hopelessness for the main characters is par for the course.
A definite must read.
A definite must read.
February 4, 2015
Oh, this could have been so good. Sadly, it falls so very short. We wait around for 90% of the book before the ex-priest finally gets in there to perform his bastardized version of the Roman Ritual.
Of course, this is a part one of which appears to be many books. I won't be buying those. If you're reading this review in anticipation of a purchase, save your 4.99. I wish I had heeded the bad reviews on Amazon before I spent my money. Just go and re-read The Exorcist.
Of course, this is a part one of which appears to be many books. I won't be buying those. If you're reading this review in anticipation of a purchase, save your 4.99. I wish I had heeded the bad reviews on Amazon before I spent my money. Just go and re-read The Exorcist.
February 6, 2018
Rating: 3.5/5
(I received a free copy from the publisher, City Owl Press, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
***Minor spoilers***
Jimmy Holiday used to be a priest, and he thought he left that entire world behind. He didn't leave shamefully or on particularly bad terms, but he's made a life for himself outside of the Church. What he didn't expect was for an old friend to approach him and ask for his help with a demonic possession. For starters, the modern church doesn't really believe in it to begin with, and it's extremely difficult to prove that an exorcism is required. However, his friend is desperate, and he can't deny him help, especially since it seems that it's his friend's young daughter who has been possessed. Jimmy decides he has no choice but to accompany his friend to see if there's anything he can do, but he finds out that everything is so much more complicated and dangerous than he had expected.
I went into this book unsure if I would enjoy it or not. From the first chapter, it felt like it wouldn't really be my thing, but it turned out to be interesting enough. Surprisingly, at this point I haven't read a book about demonic possession until this one. While I didn't rate it higher simply because I can't say I considered it anything other than "good," I did enjoy it. It had a pretty consistent pacing throughout the book, which I appreciated. While things weren't happening at all times, the plot progressed at a steady pace, and most scenes had meaning to them. The ending was a bit confusing, but it wasn't too bad.
My only problem with this book was that I found some of the characters to be a bit irritating, specifically Jimmy's friend, Will. At least Jimmy acknowledged that he was pretty annoying, though. Jimmy himself was okay, and Tabi, his ex-girlfriend who makes an appearance later, was also pretty interesting. I also found Will's wife to be a bit irritating, but given everything happening to her family I suppose I can't blame her for being the way she is.
Overall, this was a pretty interesting read. It was quick, and the pacing remained quite steady throughout. There were only a few flaws I can pinpoint, and other than those, it was quite good. There were some cliches thrown in and some things which were a bit confusing, but I was able to look past them for the sake of the plot. If you're looking for a quick paranormal read, this might be up your alley.
(I received a free copy from the publisher, City Owl Press, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
***Minor spoilers***
Jimmy Holiday used to be a priest, and he thought he left that entire world behind. He didn't leave shamefully or on particularly bad terms, but he's made a life for himself outside of the Church. What he didn't expect was for an old friend to approach him and ask for his help with a demonic possession. For starters, the modern church doesn't really believe in it to begin with, and it's extremely difficult to prove that an exorcism is required. However, his friend is desperate, and he can't deny him help, especially since it seems that it's his friend's young daughter who has been possessed. Jimmy decides he has no choice but to accompany his friend to see if there's anything he can do, but he finds out that everything is so much more complicated and dangerous than he had expected.
I went into this book unsure if I would enjoy it or not. From the first chapter, it felt like it wouldn't really be my thing, but it turned out to be interesting enough. Surprisingly, at this point I haven't read a book about demonic possession until this one. While I didn't rate it higher simply because I can't say I considered it anything other than "good," I did enjoy it. It had a pretty consistent pacing throughout the book, which I appreciated. While things weren't happening at all times, the plot progressed at a steady pace, and most scenes had meaning to them. The ending was a bit confusing, but it wasn't too bad.
My only problem with this book was that I found some of the characters to be a bit irritating, specifically Jimmy's friend, Will. At least Jimmy acknowledged that he was pretty annoying, though. Jimmy himself was okay, and Tabi, his ex-girlfriend who makes an appearance later, was also pretty interesting. I also found Will's wife to be a bit irritating, but given everything happening to her family I suppose I can't blame her for being the way she is.
Overall, this was a pretty interesting read. It was quick, and the pacing remained quite steady throughout. There were only a few flaws I can pinpoint, and other than those, it was quite good. There were some cliches thrown in and some things which were a bit confusing, but I was able to look past them for the sake of the plot. If you're looking for a quick paranormal read, this might be up your alley.
April 26, 2025
Right from the beginning, you will be hooked. Blackmoor Hall has a sinister presence inside. When Jimmy " the priest " is called to help his friend and his family, it's not the typical kind of help you would expect. Evil is lurking inside the home. This book is fast-paced and thrilling. And super creepy. This was such a classic exorcism book. I loved it
If you loved The Exorcist book by Blatty, you will love this.
"Cause the soul eater lives here."
If you loved The Exorcist book by Blatty, you will love this.
"Cause the soul eater lives here."
July 9, 2018
Excellent story. Did remind me just a little of "The Exorcist" but just a little. Very scary story with just a hint of romance. Really despised the character Will and felt very sorry for the character Lucy. A must read for anyone who like stories about exorcisms.
October 16, 2013
I couldn’t resist Sorrow’s Point when I read the description.
Defrocked ex-priest Jimmy Holiday can’t refuse when his old friend, Will, calls him for help. He suspects his young daughter, Lucy, is possessed by a demon.
Upon his arrival at Blackmoor Hall, Jimmy begins to gather the evidence needed to prove possession so the church will authorize an exorcism.
The old house has a history. A previous owner, Archibald Black, was obsessed with the dark arts and one headline in an old newspaper proclaimed, “Cannibal or Misunderstood Millionaire?”
Whatever is inside Lucy likes to play games. The games soon become life threatening Now none of them go anywhere in the house alone and they’re forced to all sleep in the only safe room in the house.
As Lucy’s condition worsens and her health declines dangerously, Jimmy fears he doesn’t have time to wait for a church sanctioned exorcism. He just may have to do it himself.
This story made me think of The Exorcist. A little girl is possessed by something evil and is no longer that little girl.
Possessions usually start with strange noises and moving objects, like a poltergeist. Then, as with Lucy, subtle changes begin with the victims personality.
Once the possession is complete, things go from bad to really bad very quickly.
That’s where the similarity ends.
The author deftly wrote in more than one point of view and flashed back to the past throughout the story to get you familiar with the history of the small town, the house, and its previous inhabitants. I easily followed the author as she led me along and built her horror in bits and pieces.
I pictured the before Lucy and the Lucy after her possession and while I felt sorry for her, like those in the house, I was afraid of her too. This was not a little girl, but something ancient, something demonic and it wasn’t going away easily.
When I went to the theatre to see The Exorcist, I was absolutely horrified. I’ve always been afraid of the unseen and when I got home that night I never slept a wink. I lived in Michigan then and it was the dead of winter. When it gets really cold the house cracks loudly, just like the noises described in this book.
I slept with the lights on for a long time after that, and while I can now watch that movie without any ill affects, I’m still terrified of the unknown. Of what lurks beyond our ability to see.
I read this at night, which is my normal reading time. I was okay in the beginning, was okay as I read further, then I said, “Nope, no more tonight!”
Sorrow’s Point is creepy in all capital letters. Keep a torch handy while reading it and whatever you do, don’t go see what the noise is.
One more thing. The ending was fantastic. I really liked what the author sprung on me.
Thanks so much to the author for an advanced reader copy.This in no way influenced my review and I'm thrilled I didn't have to wait!
Defrocked ex-priest Jimmy Holiday can’t refuse when his old friend, Will, calls him for help. He suspects his young daughter, Lucy, is possessed by a demon.
Upon his arrival at Blackmoor Hall, Jimmy begins to gather the evidence needed to prove possession so the church will authorize an exorcism.
The old house has a history. A previous owner, Archibald Black, was obsessed with the dark arts and one headline in an old newspaper proclaimed, “Cannibal or Misunderstood Millionaire?”
Whatever is inside Lucy likes to play games. The games soon become life threatening Now none of them go anywhere in the house alone and they’re forced to all sleep in the only safe room in the house.
As Lucy’s condition worsens and her health declines dangerously, Jimmy fears he doesn’t have time to wait for a church sanctioned exorcism. He just may have to do it himself.
This story made me think of The Exorcist. A little girl is possessed by something evil and is no longer that little girl.
Possessions usually start with strange noises and moving objects, like a poltergeist. Then, as with Lucy, subtle changes begin with the victims personality.
Once the possession is complete, things go from bad to really bad very quickly.
That’s where the similarity ends.
The author deftly wrote in more than one point of view and flashed back to the past throughout the story to get you familiar with the history of the small town, the house, and its previous inhabitants. I easily followed the author as she led me along and built her horror in bits and pieces.
I pictured the before Lucy and the Lucy after her possession and while I felt sorry for her, like those in the house, I was afraid of her too. This was not a little girl, but something ancient, something demonic and it wasn’t going away easily.
When I went to the theatre to see The Exorcist, I was absolutely horrified. I’ve always been afraid of the unseen and when I got home that night I never slept a wink. I lived in Michigan then and it was the dead of winter. When it gets really cold the house cracks loudly, just like the noises described in this book.
I slept with the lights on for a long time after that, and while I can now watch that movie without any ill affects, I’m still terrified of the unknown. Of what lurks beyond our ability to see.
I read this at night, which is my normal reading time. I was okay in the beginning, was okay as I read further, then I said, “Nope, no more tonight!”
Sorrow’s Point is creepy in all capital letters. Keep a torch handy while reading it and whatever you do, don’t go see what the noise is.
One more thing. The ending was fantastic. I really liked what the author sprung on me.
Thanks so much to the author for an advanced reader copy.This in no way influenced my review and I'm thrilled I didn't have to wait!
November 12, 2015
phew...spooky. It's 11:40 pm and I don't want to sleep. Really good book! Review to come soon.
-Review-
Oh man! Exorcisms, soul suckers, possession, black magic, cannibalism, an ex-priest and a witch. This novel was just so spooky and intense. I was for the most part consistently on the edge of my seat. The story progressed really fast but managed still keep you following along and interested.
The story is of a family who moves into a house that has been the forefront of some really dark black magic. The family is bombarded with strange occurrences and then their six year old daughter (that’s right, SIX!; and the language that comes out of that little girl :-/) changes. After many, many visits with doctors and priests, the family is desperate for help. The father, Will, goes to an old friend for help. Jimmy Holiday, used to be a priest. Along with the help of an old witchy flame, Jimmy will attempt to save the life of the little girl.
I really only have one complaint, it was too short. There were so MANY things Ms. DeVor could have expanded on. The Black family for one; you get little snippets into the 1950s before the Black family tragedy that started this all. It explains things fairly well, but she mentions some things that, I know were merely to show you the evilness of Mr. Black, but it seemed like a very interesting avenue to explore. I don’t know if that makes me sick…I hope not. I just won’t think about it!
The characters were well thought out. Oh well, I guess I have two complaints. Sometimes the interactions between Tabby and Jimmy felt forced, and not really believable. I didn’t really like Tabby’s character so much, I felt she was unnecessarily mean to Jimmy, always being condescending and acting like he was dumb…but hey, he was only saving the day, no biggie! I did enjoy the turnaround of a man of god, being open-minded about witchy things. You don’t see that very often…now if only the witch could have been more open-minded about the godly things.
The idea that Jimmy is of part some secret circle of Maker's, was only mentioned during a short portion at the end. It was more of a teaser as to whats to come in book two I guess. My interest is piqued, but I am also at the same time weary that it is slightly silly. You'll see what I mean when you read it.
The ending. Oh My God, the ending. I won't spoil it, but I will say I both loved it and hated it, but not because it was bad necessarily. I hated it because it was not all what I wanted or was expecting.
Very good story, I will definitely be picking up book two and anything else by this author.
I received this EARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review
-Review-
Oh man! Exorcisms, soul suckers, possession, black magic, cannibalism, an ex-priest and a witch. This novel was just so spooky and intense. I was for the most part consistently on the edge of my seat. The story progressed really fast but managed still keep you following along and interested.
The story is of a family who moves into a house that has been the forefront of some really dark black magic. The family is bombarded with strange occurrences and then their six year old daughter (that’s right, SIX!; and the language that comes out of that little girl :-/) changes. After many, many visits with doctors and priests, the family is desperate for help. The father, Will, goes to an old friend for help. Jimmy Holiday, used to be a priest. Along with the help of an old witchy flame, Jimmy will attempt to save the life of the little girl.
I really only have one complaint, it was too short. There were so MANY things Ms. DeVor could have expanded on. The Black family for one; you get little snippets into the 1950s before the Black family tragedy that started this all. It explains things fairly well, but she mentions some things that, I know were merely to show you the evilness of Mr. Black, but it seemed like a very interesting avenue to explore. I don’t know if that makes me sick…I hope not. I just won’t think about it!
The characters were well thought out. Oh well, I guess I have two complaints. Sometimes the interactions between Tabby and Jimmy felt forced, and not really believable. I didn’t really like Tabby’s character so much, I felt she was unnecessarily mean to Jimmy, always being condescending and acting like he was dumb…but hey, he was only saving the day, no biggie! I did enjoy the turnaround of a man of god, being open-minded about witchy things. You don’t see that very often…now if only the witch could have been more open-minded about the godly things.
The idea that Jimmy is of part some secret circle of Maker's, was only mentioned during a short portion at the end. It was more of a teaser as to whats to come in book two I guess. My interest is piqued, but I am also at the same time weary that it is slightly silly. You'll see what I mean when you read it.
The ending. Oh My God, the ending. I won't spoil it, but I will say I both loved it and hated it, but not because it was bad necessarily. I hated it because it was not all what I wanted or was expecting.
Very good story, I will definitely be picking up book two and anything else by this author.
I received this EARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review
December 2, 2014
Wow! Just wow. For months I wanted to get my hands on this book, but for some reason, it didn't happen. I would put off buying it or I was engrossed in reading other things... When I saw it on sale for $0.99 I just couldn't pass it up. So, two nights ago I started to read.
Now I am a sissy when it comes to scary movies, but not books. I have read books where leper baby's skin has sloughed of her little face, about a house haunted by the energy of a bunch of sex-crazed, glutenous deviants and about a town surrounded by darkness so thick and consuming that it was like a living thing, but nothing has really stuck with me like this damn book! Books don't usually come back to get me when I am laying in bed with the lights out. But then again, I saw The Exorcist when I was 13 and it still remains the most terrifying thing I have ever see. So maybe that is just the thing that really freaks me out.
This is the story of an ex-priest who gets a phone call out of the blue from a friend that he hasn't seen in ten years, asking for help. He believes his six-year old daughter is possessed. So the ex-priest goes with the man to his house and joins the dynamic of this husband and wife who are being torn up inside over the ordeal of having a "possessed" daughter. They have taken her to doctors and specialists but her father is sure that this is NOT his little girl.
Upon meeting Lucy, I knew I was really in for it. What it does to the little girl and her body. The things that it makes her do and say just seem so unnatural to me and it scared the crap out of me. I am so serious about this kind of stuff that I even refused to read the name of the demon in the little girl. That is how scared I was from this book.
Aside from the demon-stuff it was slow at points, like painfully slow. But in the end, that kind of just added to the tension and fear. I will say that the same things were said over and over and the same points were made again and again. The repetitiveness was slightly grating. They ate a lot, and spent an amazing amount of time talking about food... what to eat, preparing food, cooking, eating, cooking, eating... Ugh!!
In conclusion, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to spend the next few nights having their husband come with them into any dark room of the house, wait for you by the bathroom door or let you crawl under the blankets before he turns the light out before bed... ;)
Now I am a sissy when it comes to scary movies, but not books. I have read books where leper baby's skin has sloughed of her little face, about a house haunted by the energy of a bunch of sex-crazed, glutenous deviants and about a town surrounded by darkness so thick and consuming that it was like a living thing, but nothing has really stuck with me like this damn book! Books don't usually come back to get me when I am laying in bed with the lights out. But then again, I saw The Exorcist when I was 13 and it still remains the most terrifying thing I have ever see. So maybe that is just the thing that really freaks me out.
This is the story of an ex-priest who gets a phone call out of the blue from a friend that he hasn't seen in ten years, asking for help. He believes his six-year old daughter is possessed. So the ex-priest goes with the man to his house and joins the dynamic of this husband and wife who are being torn up inside over the ordeal of having a "possessed" daughter. They have taken her to doctors and specialists but her father is sure that this is NOT his little girl.
Upon meeting Lucy, I knew I was really in for it. What it does to the little girl and her body. The things that it makes her do and say just seem so unnatural to me and it scared the crap out of me. I am so serious about this kind of stuff that I even refused to read the name of the demon in the little girl. That is how scared I was from this book.
Aside from the demon-stuff it was slow at points, like painfully slow. But in the end, that kind of just added to the tension and fear. I will say that the same things were said over and over and the same points were made again and again. The repetitiveness was slightly grating. They ate a lot, and spent an amazing amount of time talking about food... what to eat, preparing food, cooking, eating, cooking, eating... Ugh!!
In conclusion, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to spend the next few nights having their husband come with them into any dark room of the house, wait for you by the bathroom door or let you crawl under the blankets before he turns the light out before bed... ;)
November 16, 2015
My favorite kind of novel is horror; in particular themes that have to do with possession. I remember reading (and seeing) "The Exorcist" a long time ago and since then have read many novels that tried to attain the same degree of horror and fear. None have come close until now. Not only does "Sorrow's Point" have that sense of underlying dread but it also manages to make you care about the main characters in the novel. It is not all one sided. Everyone has their strengths but also weak areas that make them all too human which helps them to be easier to relate to. It is definitely a multi-faceted novel which is definitely a bonus.
Jimmy Holiday who is a defrocked ex-priest is asked for help by an old friend whose young daughter appears to be possessed but no one will help including the Catholic Church. What he finds will challenge his notion of good and evil but he will also find out some truths about himself as well.
I literally could not put the book down. The suspense was drawn out very artfully. The conclusion was well done considering that this is (yay!) the first in a prospective series. I don't want to give any spoilers but the ending which is bitter sweet leaves it open to more adventures and self discovery for Jimmy Holiday. I received a copy of this novel from the publishers via Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.
Jimmy Holiday who is a defrocked ex-priest is asked for help by an old friend whose young daughter appears to be possessed but no one will help including the Catholic Church. What he finds will challenge his notion of good and evil but he will also find out some truths about himself as well.
I literally could not put the book down. The suspense was drawn out very artfully. The conclusion was well done considering that this is (yay!) the first in a prospective series. I don't want to give any spoilers but the ending which is bitter sweet leaves it open to more adventures and self discovery for Jimmy Holiday. I received a copy of this novel from the publishers via Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2016
Let me start by saying that I am a huge fan of The Exorcist—both the novel and the movie. Also, I am Catholic which, I suppose, is why stories about exorcism resonate so well with me. Now, I’ve read Danielle DeVor’s work before and, when I began Sorrow’s Point, I was pretty sure she wouldn’t be telling me a story I already knew. While The Exorcist concerns a Catholic priest suffering serious doubts about his faith, her novel is about a priest who had been “laicized”—that is, he returned to the laity (“defrocked” has no meaning in the Catholic Church, by the way).
“Once a priest, always a priest” is a universal truth. In Jimmy Holiday’s case, it’s especially important, because a friend is pleading with him to help his young daughter, Lucy, who may be exhibiting signs of being possessed. I won’t provide any spoilers, but I will tell you that the house where Lucy lives is not nice. In fact, it is downright hellish. I mean, seriously. Would you live in a place called “Blackmoor”? Yeah, me neither.
Teaming up with an old girlfriend, Jimmy will be calling on supernatural powers other than those found in the Rite of Exorcism to help Lucy. And in doing so, he will discover a frightening, life-changing truth about himself. If you enjoy supernatural stories of the demonic variety, you will love this book.
“Once a priest, always a priest” is a universal truth. In Jimmy Holiday’s case, it’s especially important, because a friend is pleading with him to help his young daughter, Lucy, who may be exhibiting signs of being possessed. I won’t provide any spoilers, but I will tell you that the house where Lucy lives is not nice. In fact, it is downright hellish. I mean, seriously. Would you live in a place called “Blackmoor”? Yeah, me neither.
Teaming up with an old girlfriend, Jimmy will be calling on supernatural powers other than those found in the Rite of Exorcism to help Lucy. And in doing so, he will discover a frightening, life-changing truth about himself. If you enjoy supernatural stories of the demonic variety, you will love this book.
December 20, 2013
Sorrow’s Point was probably one of the most terrifying books I’ve ever read. For me, there’s something so horrifying about innocent little kids being taken over by something dark and evil. It’s one of the reasons I consider Children of the Corn and The Exorcist the scariest movies I’ve ever seen and I was definitely reminded of the latter while reading Sorrow’s Point.
Sorrow’s Point is a book that I could easy see brought to life on screen. It just had such a movie feel to it as the tension gradually builds after the startling first chapter flashback. I liked the setup of a young girl being possessed and an ex-priest being approached to help cure her.
Characterizations were phenomenal and I had no problem picturing Jimmy and Lucy and her family in my mind. I liked how the author tied the characters together in interesting ways. I also enjoyed the switches between past and present and how the author gave subtle hints along the way about the mysteries surrounding Sorrow’s Point and the Black family.
The book is a page-turner, but definitely not for the faint of heart. There were a few chilling scenes that will leave me with nightmares for weeks. The author is one to watch and I’m going to check out her other novels available.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Sorrow’s Point is a book that I could easy see brought to life on screen. It just had such a movie feel to it as the tension gradually builds after the startling first chapter flashback. I liked the setup of a young girl being possessed and an ex-priest being approached to help cure her.
Characterizations were phenomenal and I had no problem picturing Jimmy and Lucy and her family in my mind. I liked how the author tied the characters together in interesting ways. I also enjoyed the switches between past and present and how the author gave subtle hints along the way about the mysteries surrounding Sorrow’s Point and the Black family.
The book is a page-turner, but definitely not for the faint of heart. There were a few chilling scenes that will leave me with nightmares for weeks. The author is one to watch and I’m going to check out her other novels available.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
February 15, 2014
This is the third book by Devor that I have read and probably the darkest. The story is told from the first person perspective of Jimmy, a former priest. When an old friend he has not seen for years shows up at his door during the middle of the night, Jimmy agrees to travel to the cheery-happy-fun named Sorrow’s Point. His friend Will takes him there to help his daughter, Lucy, who he believes to be possessed and asks Jimmy to perform an exorcism. But it quickly becomes apparent that whatever’s happening to Lucy will not be so easily solved.
Sorrow’s Point is definitely a slow burner but it is worth the wait for what happens later in the story. As I said earlier, compared to the author’s other books (Tail of the Devil, Constructing Marcus), this story definitely has a darker edge to it. It can be gory and unforgiving in some places.
Also, Devor has done well to weave Christian mythology and magic together into the fabric of the story without making the book feel silly. It’s not overdone and the characters react to such circumstances in a believable manner. There’s definitely a lot more going on in the story than there originally appears to be and it’s well worth a read if you are a fan of tales about the paranormal.
Sorrow’s Point is definitely a slow burner but it is worth the wait for what happens later in the story. As I said earlier, compared to the author’s other books (Tail of the Devil, Constructing Marcus), this story definitely has a darker edge to it. It can be gory and unforgiving in some places.
Also, Devor has done well to weave Christian mythology and magic together into the fabric of the story without making the book feel silly. It’s not overdone and the characters react to such circumstances in a believable manner. There’s definitely a lot more going on in the story than there originally appears to be and it’s well worth a read if you are a fan of tales about the paranormal.
March 13, 2015
Sorrow's Point by Danielle DeVor is a new take on The Exorcist and for me a much better read. The author has invoked pure spine-tingling flesh-crawling terror from every chilling page. This novel should be a movie and if I ever get a chance I will pitch it to the right people for this is beyond doubt a true classic horror masterpiece.
6 year old Lucy is apparently possessed by a demon. The house is the star here as the author describes every nuance of the edifice from the present to back in the 1950s. This gives added chills and I got goosebumps just writing this review. Of course the church dismissed all claims of possession so the family turn to a defrocked priest and his witch friend. Jimmy and Tabby are awesome characters who have to deal with some hair-raising stuff. Above all else, this book is an atmospheric horror classic that should be downloaded by all fans of this genre.
I cannot recommend this book enough, but I will do my humble best. Go buy it now!
6 year old Lucy is apparently possessed by a demon. The house is the star here as the author describes every nuance of the edifice from the present to back in the 1950s. This gives added chills and I got goosebumps just writing this review. Of course the church dismissed all claims of possession so the family turn to a defrocked priest and his witch friend. Jimmy and Tabby are awesome characters who have to deal with some hair-raising stuff. Above all else, this book is an atmospheric horror classic that should be downloaded by all fans of this genre.
I cannot recommend this book enough, but I will do my humble best. Go buy it now!
May 16, 2015
Hmmm not so sure why this book is so highly rated. It was a difficult read and as a true horror fan I cannot in good conscience recommend this book to horror fans alike or to any individual for that matter. The story is a lot of bone and no meat. All stew lots of juice no potatoes. The writing is terrible grammar mistakes are abundant and its just a super duper dull read....
August 23, 2014
Once again so well done - weaving Christian mythology and magical moments together in this the story. Another amazingly well written an imaginative story, gripping with a darker edge to the book. Recommended well done once again Danielle.
May 7, 2014
Definitely an engaging read. Hope there is more to it!
July 4, 2014
This book is a great read!
February 24, 2023
DNF @50%
Sorry to the author but I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm putting my entire lengthy rant in spoilers tag so if you want to hear me spew venom then check it out at your own risk.
This is my favorite sub genre of horror to read but man this just made me so angry. I don't DNF often but I've reached my limit because finishing this will definitely push me into a reading slump.
Sorry to the author but I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm putting my entire lengthy rant in spoilers tag so if you want to hear me spew venom then check it out at your own risk.
This is my favorite sub genre of horror to read but man this just made me so angry. I don't DNF often but I've reached my limit because finishing this will definitely push me into a reading slump.
March 16, 2017
Sorrow's Point is book 1 of the Marker Chronicles. I don't call it scary but it sure is creepy. We get our first meeting with Jimmy Holiday. He is an Ex Catholic Priest. He chose a woman over the church, and not just any woman but a witch. After the witch Tabby and his relationship did not work out Jimmy is now a graphic designer living alone. One night at 3 AM his phone rings, reluctantly he answers. It is Will an old friend he grew up with. Will is in a state of despair. He asks Jimmy to meet with him to talk. Little did Jimmy know Will made the phone call from his driveway. Will asks Jimmy to hep him with his daughter who is possessed, thinking he is still a Priest. Jimmy decides to go with Will and determine for himself if 6 year old Lucy is possessed or not. After arriving he decides he is going to need help so he calls his Ex Tabby. Jimmy contacts the church with proof of the possession but is told they must wait 6 month to get a exorcism. Jimmy knows Lucy cannot last that long so takes it upon himself to perform the exorcism.
The book was pretty good and help my attention from page 1 throughout. I liked how they mixed both religions, Catholic and Pagan. I wish the reactions between Jimmy and Tabby had of been a bit more realistic. I did not particularly care for Will and Tor, Lucy's parent. Their parts in the book could of been improved upon. I get that they were at their wits end but they were really unrealistic. I also felt like the end was rushed. The whole book leading up to the exorcism and it was over in just a couple of pages. The very end is left wide open for book 2, I'm okay with that though since I will be reading it next.
The book was pretty good and help my attention from page 1 throughout. I liked how they mixed both religions, Catholic and Pagan. I wish the reactions between Jimmy and Tabby had of been a bit more realistic. I did not particularly care for Will and Tor, Lucy's parent. Their parts in the book could of been improved upon. I get that they were at their wits end but they were really unrealistic. I also felt like the end was rushed. The whole book leading up to the exorcism and it was over in just a couple of pages. The very end is left wide open for book 2, I'm okay with that though since I will be reading it next.
September 7, 2018
Jimmy Holiday is a defrocked priest, giving up his religious vocation for the love of a woman. When he receives a phone call from an old friend, Jimmy is sucked into the world of demonic possession. Can a former priest successfully exorcise a six-year-old girl, or will the demon maintain its grip on the innocent?
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DeVor has written a deeply disturbing, tautly-paced novel that ranks among the best exorcism books I've read. This book keeps the reader fully engrossed, with the tension building on every page. The author's ability to create compelling characters and a storyline sure to leave the reader in suspense make this a definite series to follow, and Danielle DeVor among the new greats of the horror genre.
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My Rating: 4.5/5 stars
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DeVor has written a deeply disturbing, tautly-paced novel that ranks among the best exorcism books I've read. This book keeps the reader fully engrossed, with the tension building on every page. The author's ability to create compelling characters and a storyline sure to leave the reader in suspense make this a definite series to follow, and Danielle DeVor among the new greats of the horror genre.
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My Rating: 4.5/5 stars
February 25, 2019
This book was Creeptastic in all the best ways! I got goosebumps each time Jimmy had to go into the room with the possessed and freaky little girl Lucy. Omg! I got a bit of the Exorcism vibe from it, but it is in no way the same story. Just the creep factor and the fact that Lucy was a little girl. That's where the similarities end. The author created a whole new spin and added a bit of witchcraft with Tabby's character and it totally worked for me. I found myself glued to the pages and couldn't put it down. I am officially a HUGE fan of the author and Jimmy Holiday! I'm on to book 2. I can't wait to see where this series goes!
November 14, 2021
A story about an ex-priest, a witch, and a possessed child. What could possibly go wrong? Everything. And yet, everything that went wrong still came out right! This book is exciting, fast paced, and fun! I absolutely love the main character, Jimmy Holiday, a smart-ass ex-priest flying by the seat of his pants, and his relationship with others.
Danielle DeVor's character development is excellent, it was so easy to get attached to the characters, to get sucked into theIr stories. To root for, or yell at, them.
DeVor has a natural aptitude for this genre, as if she was born to write dark fantasy/supernatural thrillers. I can't wait to read more of her work!!
Danielle DeVor's character development is excellent, it was so easy to get attached to the characters, to get sucked into theIr stories. To root for, or yell at, them.
DeVor has a natural aptitude for this genre, as if she was born to write dark fantasy/supernatural thrillers. I can't wait to read more of her work!!
June 20, 2023
The premise was a promising one, but the writing was so poor and riddled with mistakes ('deep-seeded', 'wrung' of a ladder) that it was almost impossible to read. The editor needed to do a lot more work to help the writer build a world and develop a character. 'I said', 'He said', 'She said', with the odd descriptive writing, doesn't work. It felt like the barest outline of an idea. It particularly suffered in juxtaposition with Mike Carey's Felix Castor series and the first book of WW Harris' Case Terhune series, both of which create richly evocative worlds and characters.
July 12, 2023
Sorrows Point by Danielle DeVor well I couldn't put this down the past two days and finished it, and am on to Sorrow's Edge already. This pulled me in quickly and didn't really let up, I enjoyed all of the characters, I do love stories around the Catholic Church and exorcisms etc as one of my favorite books is The Exorcist. I'm not one to give a synopsis as you can read the back of the book, but if you enjoy supernatural, exorcisms a little bit of "witchy" stuff or the like you should pick this one up! I can't wait to read more about Tabby and Jimmy Holiday's adventures!
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