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Power comes at a price...

Colina Campbell
had no choice but to seek the ways of the death dealers. After surviving three terrifying rituals, she's embracing her new power—but it comes at a price.

Now she must use her wits to root out a serial killer and escape a dark, mysterious hospital. Even if she makes it out alive, the nightmare's just beginning. Who knows what's waiting for her in the darkness?

THE DARK RITUALS
Awakening
Possession
Revenant
Legion

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2013

173 people are currently reading
934 people want to read

About the author

Catrina Burgess

6 books200 followers
Writing New Adult Paranormal Romance as Catrina Burgess and writing New Adult Angsty Contemporary as Friday Burgess

I write because it helps keeps the darkness away and reminds me that there is magic in the world. I live with one husband, two dogs, and a cat named Shitty Kitty in a small mining town in Arizona. At night this place is definitely spooky. I swear I’ve heard the wind giggle, and sometimes there’s a very odd breeze. Luckily, I love all things that go bump in the night. I adore old movies. I’m a huge Joss Whedon fan.

I’ve been known to eat pizza and cold Chinese food for breakfast, and I’m the queen of the board game Stratego. I’ve never been beaten. NEVER!

You can find me online at:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/catrinaburg...

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5 stars
148 (42%)
4 stars
102 (29%)
3 stars
75 (21%)
2 stars
13 (3%)
1 star
9 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda .
432 reviews179 followers
March 10, 2014
I really like this series, I think the whole world that Catrina Burgess has built is so original. I can never predict what is going to happen next in these stories. The setting of this book reminds me a lot of the second season of American Horror Story, yet at other times I was reminded of Girl, Interrupted. It set the story up with a lot of potential to go in several different directions. I got prepared for a good horror story, sat in a dark room, all alone, reading by several candles. Let me tell you, at times if the wind blew too loud I jumped out of my skin.

In the beginning I had no idea what was going on, and I absolutely loved that everything wasn't spelled out for you, because Colina had no idea what was going on. I truly felt as if I was in her head. As soon as Wendy was introduced I fell in love with her. She seemed like such a tortured soul and I want to know more about her. I need to know what happened to her, what made her the way she is now, and I would probably love to read a story from Wendy's point of view. I love the introduction of people with the ability to read minds, that is certainly something that I always find myself fascinated with.

I think the reason that I didn't like this book as much as I did the first book in the series was because Luke was hardly in the story. I hope to see more of him in the rest of the series, because I missed him throughout this book. I'm pretty mad at Colina right about now for the way she's acting though. I have such personal feelings towards the characters because they have really come to life for me. I think that says something about a writer. I just want to knock some sense into Colina!
Profile Image for jasna.
39 reviews36 followers
January 10, 2015
After taking few deep breaths, I... still don't feel better, in fact. That was terrible. And great. Colina would say: Terrific. I had to give this five stars, because, OK, I didn't cry or anything, but! It. Was. So. Amazing. And disgusting, most of the time.

The plot is a thousand times better than the Awakening plot, and that one already is pretty much amazing. So the plot is an unbelievable thing. Waking up in an asylum, not knowing anyone... I was heartbroken for Colina. But then when she came into that room and saw Dean/Luke/whatever, I drowned in feels. Awakening's climax went slowly upwards, but this... I didn't have time to flip the page, it was too addictive and quick and I loved it I totally loved it. But be sure to get prepared for lots of plot twists. Yeah, they were great, but sometimes heartbreaking. And the end... It's even worse than the ending of Awakening. Forget that. Even the ending of Allegiant is better than the ending of Awakening.

The characters...
I loved Colina in this book, she embraced who she was and didn't give up on those she loved and she was cool.
Luke. Okay, I can basically be grateful for him being alive. But anyway.... PLEASE GIMME MORE OF THAT HOT HUMAN BEING!
Dean. I don't know, I'm still confused about him. Okay. He is definitely handsome, and protective, and kinda cute, but ... Erghh. Too complicated, everything about him and Luke is too complicated. But in a good way.
I loved Wendy and some other people. In my last review I was sad about character development, here it's too perfect and too clever and too tricky. So big thumbs up. The thing Catrina did there with Mildred, oh my.

What I didn't like about this book? I don't know. The style of writing is good, not perfect, but really good. I don't like this cover that much either, but it's still a lot better than Awakening's cover. And yeah, I missed information about the world they live in. I just got more confused, because in Awakening I thought it was like some people had powers-Healers&Death Dealers, but now there are also amazing Readers and I am confused but I love that world anyway.

People, go read it, seriously, you'll love it!
I am just afraid of the last book. There will be lots of plot twists, I feel it in my bones. Just please, don't let any major character die. Not again. Not him !! Please, I beg you on my knees.
Profile Image for Marie Maness.
Author 6 books32 followers
July 30, 2025
This series has me in a chokehold

Once again, I was not expecting any of the twists that the author threw our way in this book. Every theory I had was wrong, and I'm so excited about that! I know, that sounds silly, but rarely do books truly surprise me anymore. This book had some spooky parts and some really interesting characters that I couldn't help but love. Rushing to start the next book because I need to know what happens next!
Profile Image for Myla L A.
569 reviews9 followers
May 26, 2018
Chilling

Wow I still have chills after reading this 2nd Book in the series that I started and could not stop reading. The added characters are great and scary too. Cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Levian.
446 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2014
Colina had released the evil when she tried to save her father and brother's soul. her boyfriend, Luke tried to save her and died in his attempt. Colina now awaken in an asylum, found herself previously possessed and now trying to regain her memories. the moment she laid eyes on Dean, a comatose patient, he became the perfect vessel to put Luke's spirit in. however, Luke could only surfaced during the witching hour. they had to escape the asylum at all cost, before they were killed by an evil spirit that possessed someone in the asylum, doing rituals and absorbing his victims' powers. things gotten further complicated when Dean returned, taking over the body during the day time and claimed to have feelings for Colina as well.

i received a free e-book from the author in exchanged for a review. i was so overwhelmed when i got goosebumps every now and then, being absorbed into Colina's situation. it was such a difficult emotion to obtain through reading, yet i was bathed in it for more than once, thrilled and thoroughly satisfied with the experience. the plot has gotten more and more intense since the previous book, where we could still took a breather occasionally; where else for this installment, i didn't realize the book could actually get more difficult to put down. Colina had became a target due to her unique abilities of being a combined healer and death dealer. now that the creatures older and more powerful than god had laid their eyes on her, they marked her with a bear totem, a protection and gift for those they choose. not forgetting the last but still extremely delicious bits of seeing a Berserker at work. now that i had more taste with The Dark Rituals (2013) series, i wanted more doses of it, which unfortunately have to wait until the next book is release.

my review: here
Profile Image for Sarah-Jayne Briggs.
Author 1 book48 followers
January 19, 2014
(I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review).

(This review may contain spoilers).

The first book in this trilogy was pretty dark - and this was even darker. I felt pulled into the action straight away, though I was really confused about what was going on at first. As the story progressed, though, things made a lot more sense.

This book was quite multi-layered. There were a lot of different plots going on that each managed to pull me in and make me want to carry on reading.

Some parts of this book were pretty scary. I kept thinking that I needed to put it down as it got later and later here (I finished this about 3.40am), but I couldn't bring myself to put it down. I felt I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen.

I really don't like love triangles, but the one in this book made a certain kind of sense. I liked Luke's and Colina's relationship a lot more in this book, though I wasn't too sure of Luke in this book. I think he did change after being brought back.

The supporting characters were interesting and although Colina is pretty powerful, she does have realistic weaknesses and it was good to see her have to deal with things going wrong.

I noticed a couple of errors in the book. Lightening was used at least twice instead of lightning. Apart from that, it was really easy to picture everything going on inside my head. I was a bit disappointed at how sadistic almost all of the workers in the hospital were. These are people responsible for the health and well-being of sick people.

A few things that happened in the book did make me sad. I was very invested in the storyline and the characters. I would definitely read the next book after this one and I highly recommend it to people who like much darker storylines.
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,576 reviews1,698 followers
October 8, 2015
Possession is the second book in the Dark Rituals series by Catrina Burgess. This installment picks up a few months after the end of the first book. Colina has gotten herself admitted to an insane asylum in order to try to find a way to save Luke. Unfortunately there is a killer on the loose in the asylum.

I'm not too big of a fan of things being set in an insane asylum, just a personal choice as I'm sure others would love it. But I didn't enjoy this as much as the first book in the series simply because of the setting. I felt that it seemed to be predictable to have the sadistic staff in the asylum so those parts tended to slow down for me. And everyone Colina interacts with I want to yell run, they had to have a reason to be in there!

Also, there were so many questions left at the end of Awakening but I felt that it was put on hold to deal with the killer in the asylum. The magic aspect could of used a bit more expanding on too but it was nice to bring a little bit more of a look into that world with some of the patients.

On the plus side I'm more looking forward to continuing now with the series than ever to hopefully answer so questions left from the first book and now with the cliffhanger ending of the second.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....

Profile Image for Natalie.
52 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2016
AAHHHH! Epic Cliff-hanger!

This book is the second in the series, and was even better than the first! I loved the setting. I loved the characters, and I definitely loved the storyline. In case you didn’t guess… I loved it all!
The first book was great, with Colina becoming a death dealer and meeting Luke. This one was all about her trying to keep this new life she had created for herself. With more drama and action, this book was so fast paced i didn’t want to put it down.
With most of this book set in an insane asylum, Catrina Burgess did a fantastic job of empathising with Colina and her bid to get Luke a new body, take down a serial killer and prevent any electric shock therapy. With many hitches along the way, Colina gets within sight of a happy(ish) ending, When BAM! the plot takes a massive turn and ends.
I both love and hate this book for that!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a supernatural storyline, with a bit of suspense and romance.
Profile Image for Vania Wijaya.
1 review1 follower
May 7, 2014
seriously I can hardly put off my ipad while reading this. Good Job Catrina, you may have possessed me to read your book. HAHA TWO THUMBS UP !!
291 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2018
Great book with excellent plot twist. The book is a continuation from book one. Colina is still trying to find a way for Luke to be back for good, but there's always something preventing her from doing so. At this point I wonder if it's ever gonna happen. Just as she gets rid of the big bad serial killer spirit, she is immediately faced with another threat. I do mean immediately, not even enough time to let out a sigh of relief immediate. This series is very dark and depressing. I might have to take a break from this series because of that. Corina never seems to catch a break and everything always feels so hopeless. I really hope that this is not the author's way of expressing how she feels, because I have never felt so negative about a story. I mean the story is good and the writing is good, it just keeps you feeling so hopeless. I expressed concern about reading a book about death magic before I started the first book. My intuition was right. I probably should have stayed away. If you're someone who really identifies with characters, you might want to skip this book.
55 reviews
January 17, 2025
I had to keep reading

Ill give the author props, she knows how to write an engaging story.

I had to keep reading and ultimately wanted to. She twists you into the plot and you become committed. This book lives up to the series name, it is dark and has a dark ritual.

I don't think I'd recommend it tho. The overall story and characters just aren't developed well. The FMC is whiny and both naive and wise somehow. The MMC is dead. And I understand the love triangle but it's just ultimately awkward.

The story has a lot of twists and turns but its hard to follow and they just get old after awhile. Like at some point were doing it for the trauma and pages and not really to develop the story.

That said its an easy read and about the same as the first. So if you're committed like me, go ahead and read it. But if you're not, skip it and start another series.
Profile Image for Kieren.
16 reviews5 followers
October 8, 2025
📖 Just finished: Possession by Catrina Burgess
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.8/5)

Wow—what a ride! I really enjoyed this story overall, though I definitely had to push through those last few chapters 😅. Colina’s journey was a bit bouncy at times, and her intense infatuation with Luke (after only knowing him for three months!) had me rolling my eyes a little.

Still, I loved meeting the new characters and seeing the dynamics unfold (even if the love triangle drove me a bit mad—why was everyone so obsessed with each other?! 😂).

That ending though 👀—I did not see it coming! Looking back, the clues were there, but I totally missed them. I won’t be diving straight into book three just yet, but I’ll definitely finish the series eventually.

💬 Have you read this one? What did you think of Colina and Luke’s relationship?
Profile Image for Heather Salisbury.
3 reviews
January 17, 2025
Why? Who? I asked that several times reading this book and those questions are what kept me hooked and hated to stop reading!
I was shocked more than once while reading. I am still mad that Luke died in the end of Awakening but was happy to hear that Colina found someone to help her bring him back but then mad again when I found out it didn't go completely as planned.
I enjoyed the new characters that were introduced and I think that my favorite new character is Wendy. I was a little worried about her in the beginning due to the way she was acting but came to love her and the way she was so willing to help Colina, Dean and Luke.
I would have never guessed that things would have ended the way they did in this book. I was completely blown away!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashley.
43 reviews
January 23, 2025
At first, I didn't think I would like the book, and it confused me. I was wondering how she ended up in a hospital. But OMG, did it get better. My heart was racing in a lot of places reading the book. Especially the end when the big fight happened when they were trying to escape. Shocked, Mildred turned them in. I love love that she still has Luke in her life. I'm glad she made friends. But the ending GIRLLL I was not expecting that. Plot twist to the fullest. Mildred was good at hiding who she was from everyone. I just hope she still has Luke and nothing happens to anyone. I'm glad she got rid of Weatherton, and she has a protection totem on her. Can't wait to see how book 3 is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jax.
254 reviews8 followers
June 7, 2025
Colina is now in a mental hospital for the mages that can’t control their powers, all for the man she loves to have a way to be with her again after the events of book 1. What ensues is a story full of deceit, fear, love, and surprising plot twists.

I don’t know what I was expecting from book 2 but this was not at all it. Not in a bad way though! This added an interesting spin off and depth to the storyline and had quite a rich plot. It’s suspenseful and adds a lot more to Colina’s characterization. I enjoyed it and can’t wait for book 3.
Profile Image for Megan.
106 reviews
September 19, 2017
I loved the world created by Catrina Burgess, for sure.
I read all the books quite fast, I couldn't get enough and I wanted to know what happened next.
The only reason why this doesn't get 5 stars is the fact that Colina is so slow to understand things and then all of a sudden, everything clicks in her head and everything falls into place. I feel it was missing some gradual work towards the end goal.
1,191 reviews5 followers
November 6, 2020
Not as good as the first, starts off in an Asylum and goes down from there, this book feels like a filler to make sure there are three volumes.
The ending is so confusing - I still am not sure what went down, but the very worst sin the author commits is to make that killer of books - the love triangle, god, how I hate that plot device, pitiful.
If you are reading the series skip this one, don't waste your time, y'all
Profile Image for L. J..
Author 2 books56 followers
March 23, 2024
Alright, so, apparently, I have owned this eBook since 2019 and never actually bothered reading it until now and I am deleting it; and I am definitely sure I got it for free back then, so, lucky me.

This was a waste of my time but, thankfully, I only read a few chapters and not the whole thing. That was enough for me to realize that the writing wasn’t that compelling to me.
Profile Image for Lara Wisinger.
19 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2024
This was not what I was expecting. To be honest I didn’t expect much when I found out all four books were free. Boy was I mistaken!! This series has taken me down a road I have never been on, the plot and characters are unique and very interesting. I started this series middle of last week and I’m starting book 3 now. You just can’t put them down. Phenomenal series and highly recommend it!!
Profile Image for Hayley Tomkins.
138 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2024
I enjoyed this read it was an interesting path not what I was expecting after book one but I liked how unpredictable the story was. I am looking forward to book 3 but feel so bad for Colina, I just want her to catch a break bless her. I am keeping fingers crossed for Luke and Colin still, not sure how it will play out though.
Profile Image for Maddy dooner.
80 reviews
January 3, 2018
Good storyline, not quite as easy to get into as the first. Flagged a bit at the beginning but picked up pace soon enough. Again it was mysterious, full of twists and turns and didn't guess the ending. So all in all not bad. 3 stars.
Profile Image for A. Powers.
Author 12 books26 followers
February 20, 2019
It's not often that I come across a book with the sequel even better than the first in the series. I loved the way the story unfolded and the main character began to regain her memories, however much the whole "memory loss" trope has been overdone. Creepy asylum, though. Totally worth it.
Profile Image for Sofia Paps.
105 reviews
October 9, 2024
And the mess continues.. Never hated a FMC as much as Colina. What an immature , irresponsible and clueless character . She is frustrating af .. I kept reading the series just to see how much more pissed off I could get ..
Profile Image for Audra Kee.
60 reviews
January 18, 2025
Good but a bit slower.

This book did not hold my attention the way the first one did. It was good aand an easy read, but the action was fewer and far between. The ending however threw me and made the book worth finishing.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
386 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2024
I am addicted

This series is amazing 🤩
World Building
Storyline
MC
Some spicy
Real page turner I had to start the next book right away
Profile Image for Yasemina.
46 reviews
March 6, 2025
I really loved this book. Just the last pages were very slow. I hope she will choose for luke in the next book.
149 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2025
Gripping my seat

On the edge of my seat, page after page. Never knowing where the next twist or turn would be. Completely side blinded at every turn. I love it.
Profile Image for Staci.
14 reviews
January 18, 2026
So many twists and turns I have whiplash. Amazing from start to finish.
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