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Amen: American Exorcists #1
Evil in the Lake
It has been here for decades... and it awakes every summer to claim new victims.
Paul is a young and forward-thinking university priest, so he can't imagine what the church bigwigs thought when sending him with the eccentric, volatile exorcist Father Conrad on a new investigation.
Their mission is to check out mysterious drownings in the quiet village of Elmwood, New York, which may involve unholy forces. But Paul doesn't even believe in the supernatural and he has his own demons to worry about.
As the investigation unfolds, however, Paul grows increasingly convinced something terrible is happening in Elmwood. More victims show up in terrifying circumstances and the town reveals its dark underbelly, with all signs pointing to an ominous presence lurking in the secluded lake.
Paul never expected he would have to fight for his life.
Now he might lose his soul.
Paul is a young and forward-thinking university priest, so he can't imagine what the church bigwigs thought when sending him with the eccentric, volatile exorcist Father Conrad on a new investigation.
Their mission is to check out mysterious drownings in the quiet village of Elmwood, New York, which may involve unholy forces. But Paul doesn't even believe in the supernatural and he has his own demons to worry about.
As the investigation unfolds, however, Paul grows increasingly convinced something terrible is happening in Elmwood. More victims show up in terrifying circumstances and the town reveals its dark underbelly, with all signs pointing to an ominous presence lurking in the secluded lake.
Paul never expected he would have to fight for his life.
Now he might lose his soul.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2024
137 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 8, 2024
This one was a lot of fun. The dynamic between Conrad and Paul was entertaining even if occasionally a little OTT and the whole thing had a monster of the week TV show vibe which I found tremendously enjoyable.
4.5 rounded up.
4.5 rounded up.
March 16, 2024
Imma tell y'all what, this book was everything I wanted in a creepy, harrowing tale of possession and evil. I was hooked from the start and it only got better from there. I'm definitely a fan of paranormal horror. And can't wait for the next book (Blood of Hollywood) to be released March 21, 2024! This is the first book I've read from this author and I might just order the rest of his books with Blood of Hollywood.
December 23, 2024
I was hopeful since there’s a lot of good reviews but it was boring to me.
February 28, 2024
Great creepy book from a new author for me. I must read more!!
February 19, 2024
This is the first book in the American Exorcists series and it's a fantastic creepy story with great main characters, a terrifying lake demon, and some twists at the end.
I loved the two main characters. They are both priests but very different from each other. One is older, old school in his thinking, while the other is young and has more of a modern way of interrupting religious symbology.
When they're forced together to investigate what looks to be an accidental drowning, it's apparent that they don't get along. Father Conrad believes the world is evil, demons are very much real, and this was the work of a supernatural force. Father Paul doesn't believe in demons or the supernatural, instead insisting these biblical passages were simply metaphors and allegorical.
But there is something very strange going on in this small town. And as the investigation goes along, nobody's life is going to be safe.
This book is like a Catholic demonic X-Files type story with both men and their opinions having merit at certain points. The two priest's are unlikely allies and it's a long road before they make any headway with each other. This keeps the tension tight and the horrors more frightening. Will they have each others backs in the end or will their opposite opinions make them both prey for a creature feeding on the population?
But I loved that back and forth dynamic. There will be some twists near the end that I didn't see coming involving other characters and that's always nice to read!
I highly recommend this book. It's going to be a great series and this is the one to start with! Highly recommend it.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
I loved the two main characters. They are both priests but very different from each other. One is older, old school in his thinking, while the other is young and has more of a modern way of interrupting religious symbology.
When they're forced together to investigate what looks to be an accidental drowning, it's apparent that they don't get along. Father Conrad believes the world is evil, demons are very much real, and this was the work of a supernatural force. Father Paul doesn't believe in demons or the supernatural, instead insisting these biblical passages were simply metaphors and allegorical.
But there is something very strange going on in this small town. And as the investigation goes along, nobody's life is going to be safe.
This book is like a Catholic demonic X-Files type story with both men and their opinions having merit at certain points. The two priest's are unlikely allies and it's a long road before they make any headway with each other. This keeps the tension tight and the horrors more frightening. Will they have each others backs in the end or will their opposite opinions make them both prey for a creature feeding on the population?
But I loved that back and forth dynamic. There will be some twists near the end that I didn't see coming involving other characters and that's always nice to read!
I highly recommend this book. It's going to be a great series and this is the one to start with! Highly recommend it.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
March 23, 2024
If you like the X-Files with priests, this will be for you. Really good creepy story. 2 priests are requested to a small town to investigate the murders of several people, possibly by something supernatural. The 2 priests are very different, one is a fire and brimstone old school priest and the other is far more modern.
Both the main characters are very likeable and you get drawn in very quickly. The dialogue between the priests is generally pretty good with the comments on their personal views of the church from 2 very different eras of thinking. However, their differences are what makes the priests work so well.
The priests are asked to investigate the death of young lad which may be linked to a demonic presence. However all is not what it seems in the small town that they are investigating. There are a few twists and turns along the way a few are predictable and others not so much.
All in all well worth a read you will not be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC from the author.
Both the main characters are very likeable and you get drawn in very quickly. The dialogue between the priests is generally pretty good with the comments on their personal views of the church from 2 very different eras of thinking. However, their differences are what makes the priests work so well.
The priests are asked to investigate the death of young lad which may be linked to a demonic presence. However all is not what it seems in the small town that they are investigating. There are a few twists and turns along the way a few are predictable and others not so much.
All in all well worth a read you will not be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC from the author.
March 18, 2024
The older meets the younger in this great demon possession book. When two priests are sent to Elmwood Lake, they are not sure what they will find. As the two try to work through generational differences, more issues come about. Conrad is determined to use his skills to find out whom the possessed entity is. Paul does not believe in possession and fights with Conrad refusing to budge. This author did an incredible job of telling the story from several different perspectives. I had a hard time discerning whom was more believable. I continued to read so I could find out who the possessed entity was. This book was very entertaining and had some horrific moments. I am looking forward to more adventures from these two unlikely partners.
April 14, 2024
Very nice read
Ok, I needed this book. Tired of the zombies and vampire stuff,..which even though authors have different spins on, are just the same stories over and over again. I love horror books and will take on this series. I read this book in one sitting and immediately looked for the next. You'll enjoy this book if you like horror, even though its on the mild side .
Ok, I needed this book. Tired of the zombies and vampire stuff,..which even though authors have different spins on, are just the same stories over and over again. I love horror books and will take on this series. I read this book in one sitting and immediately looked for the next. You'll enjoy this book if you like horror, even though its on the mild side .
April 9, 2024
Loved this book!!!!
I couldn't put this book down. It was creepy and beautifully told. I love Blaze's take on Exorcism and demons and the ending was perfect
I couldn't put this book down. It was creepy and beautifully told. I love Blaze's take on Exorcism and demons and the ending was perfect
February 7, 2025
3.5 round up
July 20, 2024
Pretty good
Quick read. It's good as its book 1 for priests going after demons. Enjoyed the book! My first time to read by this author
Quick read. It's good as its book 1 for priests going after demons. Enjoyed the book! My first time to read by this author
September 28, 2024
Exorcism..?
Being catholic, & enjoying horror stories, I looked forward to reading this book. The story was interesting & the dynamic between the 2 main characters was good - the grizzled world weary older priest, with his foil being the younger priest who does not agree with tactics employed.
The length of the story was, in my opinion too short, and could have been fleshed out more, but I am not a writer & far be it from me to be critical of the author's work.
I enjoyed the story, but would have enjoyed the implementation of catholic doctrine to support the exorcism.
I look forward to reading the follow up stories, hopefully with character development.The
Worth a read.
Being catholic, & enjoying horror stories, I looked forward to reading this book. The story was interesting & the dynamic between the 2 main characters was good - the grizzled world weary older priest, with his foil being the younger priest who does not agree with tactics employed.
The length of the story was, in my opinion too short, and could have been fleshed out more, but I am not a writer & far be it from me to be critical of the author's work.
I enjoyed the story, but would have enjoyed the implementation of catholic doctrine to support the exorcism.
I look forward to reading the follow up stories, hopefully with character development.The
Worth a read.
January 1, 2025
This book is a really simple short read. It’s not overtly descriptive and it’s mainly action based. I felt like I was reading a story from Archive of our Own or some sort of fan fiction.
There are so many questionable things that happen that I didn’t even find disgusting but if it were written more descriptively I thought could be better but I just found myself thinking that there were better ways to describe a scene like this.
The plot movies quickly and has short chapters which is a massive win but I found myself not as enthralled as I wanted to be. I personally think the book is just terribly written coming from other authors I have read but this could be perfect for someone who is looking to explore the horror genre
There are so many questionable things that happen that I didn’t even find disgusting but if it were written more descriptively I thought could be better but I just found myself thinking that there were better ways to describe a scene like this.
The plot movies quickly and has short chapters which is a massive win but I found myself not as enthralled as I wanted to be. I personally think the book is just terribly written coming from other authors I have read but this could be perfect for someone who is looking to explore the horror genre
July 14, 2025
Great summer read! It even takes place in July. It is a very short read and I honestly wasn't expecting much but it was so good. This is perfect if you are going to a lake and need something to get through the day, lol. I loved the concept of the Exorcists Priest police and that one is old school that has seen it all and a young priest that is still a skeptic. They have a great balance and a funny, snarky relationship. Went straight to my goat shelf. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. Even though it is a series, it had closure to this book but left just enough of a tease to leave you wanting more. This one has some creepy moments but none of it was over the top, just perfect. Highly recommend.
August 7, 2025
These books remind me of episodes of Supernatural. You've got the oh so serious young professor priest, and the hardened, old, hateful priest who takes no crap and is not interested in being proper. The reluctant professor is forced into a partnership of investigating and then dealing with supernatural issues that are foretold to the Vatican by a blind monk who had visions that are interpreted by nuns. There's conflict, humor, a bit of spooky supernatural stuff, and an unlikely pairing that works somehow. These books are fun reads that are short and don't take themselves too seriously. The Kindle version, at least, isn't always great with the translations, but if you can overlook them, they're well worth the read.
April 10, 2024
Ordinary
I enjoyed this book because I enjoy reading in general but this book didn’t bring me into it enough. I love books to take me into in so I can feel the characters. This one left me lacking that fulfillment. The young priest was a wimp, the older partner priest was an overbearing know it all and the senior priest was a pompous cleric. Well….i guess I identified with the characters after all but they were poorly developed. I get the feeling the author was glad when he finished this book. So sorry.
I enjoyed this book because I enjoy reading in general but this book didn’t bring me into it enough. I love books to take me into in so I can feel the characters. This one left me lacking that fulfillment. The young priest was a wimp, the older partner priest was an overbearing know it all and the senior priest was a pompous cleric. Well….i guess I identified with the characters after all but they were poorly developed. I get the feeling the author was glad when he finished this book. So sorry.
November 17, 2024
not bad but not scary
The whole thing is written oddly- I dont know if I can articulate it properly. It’s not a bad read at all but It sort of feels like you’re picking it up in the middle and you missed some character development exposition. Details about the character that do not necessarily pertain to the story but would make the character less 2D… that said I’d rather read a book like this rather than have too much detail and the plot takes forever to move along. I did enjoy the ending of the book though. And I do like the characters. I will probably get the second book.
The whole thing is written oddly- I dont know if I can articulate it properly. It’s not a bad read at all but It sort of feels like you’re picking it up in the middle and you missed some character development exposition. Details about the character that do not necessarily pertain to the story but would make the character less 2D… that said I’d rather read a book like this rather than have too much detail and the plot takes forever to move along. I did enjoy the ending of the book though. And I do like the characters. I will probably get the second book.
July 7, 2024
2.25⭐️
I feel kind of bad for the low rating but unfortunately this book wasn't for me. The characters didn't speak to me. I kind of forgot their names already. This book was overall not luring me in which bummed me out.
It's not a bad book. I think a lot of readers/friends would enjoy this one. It all comes down to personal taste and this wasn't mine.
Would recommend to try it out. It was less than a euro on amazon on the kindle and its only 164 pages so its definitely worth the try.
I feel kind of bad for the low rating but unfortunately this book wasn't for me. The characters didn't speak to me. I kind of forgot their names already. This book was overall not luring me in which bummed me out.
It's not a bad book. I think a lot of readers/friends would enjoy this one. It all comes down to personal taste and this wasn't mine.
Would recommend to try it out. It was less than a euro on amazon on the kindle and its only 164 pages so its definitely worth the try.
March 4, 2024
Two priests are chosen to investigate the drowning of a man thought to be the work of a demon in the lake. The demon was once a young girl who drowned herself after her love cheated her. She keeps returning to find love again however each person doesn't pass her test leading to their death. Can she be stopped?
May 6, 2025
Fast paced paranormal thrill ride!
Take 2 priests one old and by the book and a young priest that's a college professor. One believes in monsters and the young one not so much....until they are forced to team up a fight a paranormal monster drowning people in a lake. Everything isn't as it seems. Onward to book two!
Take 2 priests one old and by the book and a young priest that's a college professor. One believes in monsters and the young one not so much....until they are forced to team up a fight a paranormal monster drowning people in a lake. Everything isn't as it seems. Onward to book two!
May 14, 2025
Great start and it doesn’t really stop. I compared this book to like a mind hunters(the Netflix show) meets the popes exorcist(the movie). Young “priest” little of faith and an older more hardcore priest all in, they go on a road trip to figure out what has killed a young man. Entrusting the help of a local priest and law enforcement with the slight understanding of a “secret mission”
September 2, 2025
Predictable, but enjoyable.
Really interesting character study of two priests bound together on a mission. One a reluctant academic participant and one a career demon killer. They engage in their pursuit using tools of exorcism. Ultimately, they are successful in their job, but to what end?
Really interesting character study of two priests bound together on a mission. One a reluctant academic participant and one a career demon killer. They engage in their pursuit using tools of exorcism. Ultimately, they are successful in their job, but to what end?
September 14, 2025
While this wasn’t the head-spinning, pea-soup puking version of evil often associated with the word “exorcists,” there was still plenty of demonic & death!
I hated it took me so long to finish because we went out of town to a concert, because every night I found myself wanting to read regardless of how tired (or drunk) I was.
I hated it took me so long to finish because we went out of town to a concert, because every night I found myself wanting to read regardless of how tired (or drunk) I was.
August 26, 2024
Evil Beauty
We always think that an angelic face harbors an equally loving heart but that can be the furthest from the truth. When two priests with different backgrounds are sent to a lake to investigate a drowning they find much more.
We always think that an angelic face harbors an equally loving heart but that can be the furthest from the truth. When two priests with different backgrounds are sent to a lake to investigate a drowning they find much more.
September 27, 2024
Great read
Great hilarious book with a touch of horror. The part I still can't get though is the nymph sticking her fingers there and wiping it all over Paul 😂 like who does that especially a demon. But then again they are not normal are they.
Great hilarious book with a touch of horror. The part I still can't get though is the nymph sticking her fingers there and wiping it all over Paul 😂 like who does that especially a demon. But then again they are not normal are they.
December 29, 2024
loved it! i wouldn’t classify this book as “scary”, but definitely entertaining and had some small creepy parts. the banter between the two main characters was comical at times. if you’re looking for a short read, i recommend this one!
February 8, 2025
If written better, this could have been an interesting short story. But the short, choppy chapters that move at a breakneck speed make it hard to get into the story. There's little time for characterization or relationship development. Good idea, not executed well.
April 17, 2024
For anyone who has seen The Pope’s Exorcist, Conrad might as well be Father Amorth in all the best ways. Fun, super creepy, but the ending felt rushed. Looking forward to the next one though!
May 28, 2024
Great Read
Very interesting story. Didn’t figure out who the culprit was until the end. Well developed characters and storyline was very intriguing. Great Read!
Very interesting story. Didn’t figure out who the culprit was until the end. Well developed characters and storyline was very intriguing. Great Read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews