Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Armitage

Rate this book
From award-winning author, Atlas Creed

Some memories, like scars, linger even after healing...

Haunted by her sister's mysterious disappearance, Rebekah battles grief, depression, and the unsettling presence of a Reaper who invades her mind. Drawn by the Reaper into a realm of souls, she confronts not only her despair but the chilling truth of her sister's fate. Guided by a cunning witch and a Guardian imprisoned in her consciousness, Rebekah embarks on a desperate quest to free her sister from a terrible darkness.

Meanwhile, FBI Special Agent Niko Ortez untangles a web of cold cases, including the disappearance of Rebekah's sister, Nicole. The deeper he digs, the more sinister the trail becomes, pointing him to the foreboding Armitage Hotel. When a violent storm traps guests inside, tensions escalate and Niko's worst fears come to life.

As Niko and Rebekah's paths collide, long-buried secrets unravel, and they are forced to confront their own demons. Together, they race against time to expose the hotel's dark past before it consumes them. Courage and resilience become their only weapons in this gripping battle against an evil that threatens to shatter reality itself.


CONTENT WARNING:
Keep in mind that some of the content warnings may indicate spoilers, proceed with this in mind. This story contains adult language and depictions of violence and sexual assault that some may find uncomfortable, including:
- Self-Harm
- Attempted Suicide
- Blood, Gore, and Violence
- Language
- Sexual Assault
- Attempted Rape
- Accidental Cannibalism

346 pages, ebook

First published June 6, 2024

36 people are currently reading
1434 people want to read

About the author

Atlas Creed

3 books52 followers
With the release of his debut novel "Armitage," Book One in the Children of Arcanum series, Atlas Creed subverted genre norms and cemented his creative, character-driven approach to storytelling. Winning an IPPY (2025) for Mystery/Thriller audiobook, as well as two BookFest Book Awards (1st place in Supernatural Thriller and 3rd place in Urban Fantasy) for his book Armitage, Atlas Creed cemented his position as an ambitious up and coming novelist. As a writer, Atlas seeks to create new worlds for readers to explore, with stories being developed in several genres. He focuses primarily on characters, ensuring that their development resonates with readers. "We are not perfect, and those imperfections, as we embrace them, shape who we are."

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
83 (51%)
4 stars
51 (31%)
3 stars
26 (16%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for MikeLikesBooks.
745 reviews82 followers
June 6, 2024
This is a mystery, thriller, horror and paranormal novel that focuses on Rebekah trying to find out who murdered her sister. At the same time Niko, from the FBI, takes on a cold case to solve the murder. So Rebekah heads to the Armitage, the hotel where her sister was last seen alive. Niko also finds himself at the Armitage to crack the case. This book will take you on a who-done-it adventure that also brings in magical elements. The ending may surprise you. If you like a good mystery with some gross elements pick this book up, but if you’re at the Armitage, please DON’T eat the burgers.
Profile Image for Keri M.
437 reviews39 followers
September 12, 2024
Armitage stands out for its atmospheric tension and well-crafted suspense. The authors storytelling keeps readers engaged with unexpected twists and a haunting atmosphere that complements the novel's themes. The characters are well-developed, and their personal stakes drive the story forward with urgency. If you’re a fan of atmospheric mysteries and supernatural thrillers, this is absolutely for you!!
Profile Image for Vonnie.
300 reviews23 followers
May 26, 2025
Absolutely obsessed with this book. It’s dark, intense, and completely messed with my head in the best way. The hotel setting? Creepy as hell. Rebekah’s journey wrecked me, and Niko was the perfect balance of logic and chaos. Atlas Creed does not hold back—this one will stick with me for a while.
Profile Image for David Adams.
Author 20 books15 followers
March 15, 2024
This book feels like a masterpiece. It really does. You can feel the work and love that has gone into this and it is very clearly evident that it was constructed and crafted over several years. It genuinely is one of the best and smartest books I have read in recent memory.

I was a little pessimistic at the start, I must admit, because for the first 100 pages or so, it seemed like two completely different books were going on at once, running in parallel to each other, and I couldn't see how they could possible join together. Niko running a thriller/crime novel and Rebekah exploring the darkness of her paranormal mystery. How wrong I was.

The mastery at how these two stories intertwined and functioned as a coherent unit was simply brilliant. I devoured the rest of the book, and could not pry myself away from it. I cannot express enough how people really need to read this book. Every aspect was brilliant and it ended perfectly.

I am aware that this is meant to be the first book in the series, but I don't expect we will see book 2 for some time given how long it took Atlas to craft this one. But what I do know, whenever we get it, the second book will certainly be worth the wait. And I'll be waiting for it.
Profile Image for Sean D Gregory.
Author 3 books16 followers
November 16, 2024
Took me a bit to get used to the prose at first, but once I did, I was engrossed. Once the action starts, the story takes off. Great imagery, strong characters, and some twists. The climax brings some very tense moments. I can't wait to read Book II!
Profile Image for Leilani.
204 reviews
August 25, 2025
4.5 stars, rounded up.
This one is gritty, brutal, and intense. Creed’s writing kept me hooked, but I actually had to pause a few times to pull myself out of the story...it gets that heavy. Definitely not my usual kind of read, but I’m so glad I picked it up. (I'm a romantasy girlie through and through...life can be hard enough, and I typically read to escape.)

His writing is impressive. The way he delves into the minds of the unhinged and the grieving, and somehow gives voice to the dark is surreal. I dont know how else to say it, but it...lingers.

Armitage weaves multiple genres by mixing crime, thriller, paranormal, and horror. Check your triggers, grab your earbuds, and maybe keep a night light on…because this one will have you seeing things in the dark.

Its so freaking good!
Profile Image for nicole.
142 reviews9 followers
March 14, 2025
A beautifully written and powerful story in the thriller/fantasy realm.
I really enjoyed this paranormal and atmospheric thriller full of twists and turns with a heroine.

First off, Atlas is a great writer. His prose is fantastic and reads poetically on a backdrop of a thriller/fantasy/ paranormal story.

The reader will immediately root for Rebekah and while her story is both heartbreaking and at times graphic, I wanted her to win from the start
Profile Image for Laura Kozlowski.
1 review1 follower
June 13, 2024
My husband and I met the author of Armitage at a book stand in a Barnes & Noble store this past weekend. After hearing a brief description of the book and chatting with the author, I decided to purchase it for myself. On the drive home, my husband told me that he actually wanted to read it himself as he thought the plot sounded interesting. He started the book on Sunday and finished it on Wednesday. He has never really read a book before in his life, and he enjoyed this one so much that he finished it in 3 days! He said he loved that the plot had elements of mystery, thriller, and also fantasy. He also enjoyed the alternation between narrators to keep him hooked from chapter to chapter. I cannot wait to give it a read myself and he is excited to be able to discuss it together after I finish it. I am grateful to this excellent book for pulling my husband into the wonderful world of reading!
Profile Image for Nathan Helm.
Author 2 books37 followers
December 31, 2024
Well this was certainly a ride that I wasn't expecting. It's a slow burn fantasy thriller. Niko and Rebecca's stories are both unique and intriguing with Niko being my favorite character. I enjoyed how the gods were introduced and how it all tied in to Rebecca's sister and the amulet. Definitely got some really sad and thrilling moments. Not for the faint of heart. If you like the Dresden Files, Vampire Diaries or Legacies, The Shinning and Supernatural... You will love this debut novel by an exciting and fresh new author. I highly recommend and definitely looking forward to book 2!!
Profile Image for Louis (audiobookfanatic).
335 reviews31 followers
July 15, 2025
Armitage is a genre-blending locked-room thriller that intertwines trauma and paranormal horror in an extraordinarily unique story. It is Book One in the Children of Arcanum series and the debut novel of Atlas Creed. The story follows Rebekah Daroh, whose sister Nicole disappeared without a trace several years ago at the Armitage Hotel. While grieving and mentally unraveling, she begins experiencing surreal visions and an intrusive psychic presence in her mind. Desperate for closure, she returns to the hotel alone, against her parents wishes. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Niko Ortez, who’s investigating missing persons cold cases—including Nicole’s disappearance—is led to the Armitage Hotel, where he begins unraveling secrets. When a hurricane strikes and the power goes out, Niko and Rebekah find themselves trapped with a killer and dark occult forces.

Atlas Creed’s writing is atmospheric, poetic, emotionally charged, and heavy at times, requiring the reader’s full attention. If reading the story on audio, it’s highly recommended to listen at a slower speed to keep up with all the character transitions, stream-of-consciousness sections, and intricate storytelling. The book is a wonderful balance of emotionally compelling inner monologues from Rebekah and Niko, coupled with a quiet dread narrative that escalates to sheer horror. The chapters are mostly short, with several ending in cliffhangers, and many feel like waking nightmares. The transitions between flashbacks and the present-day events are deliberately disorienting, adding an additional layer of unease to the reading experience!

The story is told from a dual POV structure, alternating between Rebekah's and Niko’s POVs. Rebekah is a highly emotional and fractured protagonist. She is still processing the trauma and grief from losing her sister—very evident in her inner monologues, which are filled with aching grief. The mysterious forces—both good and evil—that communicate with her in her mind take an additional psychological toll on her. The “Guardian” presence seems to assist her (but also has his motives for doing so), while a sinister reaper tries to manipulate and intimidate her for their benefit—it’s all too much for anyone to bear, but her fractured state and emotional instability put her on the edge of a breakdown at several points in the story, making her easy to empathize with!

Meanwhile, Niko is a much more emotionally stable protagonist and is grappling with past regrets. His inner monologues are much steadier, driven by logic and his investigative skills—a stark contrast to Rebekah’s spiraling panic—and provide the perfect counterbalance of emotional energy to give readers literally all the feels while reading!

The Armitage Hotel is the perfect backdrop for this atmospheric thriller and becomes a character in its own right. As Niko and Rebekah navigate its eerie, warped hallways, flickering lights, and dark stairwells, there’s a constant sense of danger waiting for them just ahead. In addition, the hotel’s oppressive architecture, vague history, and dreamlike feel amplify the creepiness of it all—giving similar vibes to stories like The Shining and Silent Hill—and will leave readers with an unsettled feeling after finishing this book!

The pacing in the early chapters is deliberately slower as Rebekah and Niko’s backstories are laid out and the supernatural forces that plague Rebekah are revealed through vivid stream-of-consciousness sections. Once Rebekah and Niko both arrive at The Armitage Hotel, the pacing improves simultaneously with escalating horror. The book includes heavy themes and potentially triggering content, including mental illness, PTSD, suicidal ideation, violence, and murder scenes. In particular, there are a few disturbing scenes where Rebekah endures psychological and sexual trauma that sensitive readers should be especially aware of. Fortunately, most of Rebekah’s other struggles are presented with care through inner monologues and atmospheric suspense that will have readers more likely empathizing and rooting for her rather than being triggered!

In summary, Armitage is a standout, genre-bending thriller and an impressive start to a new series! It’s definitely not a light read, but it will keep readers fully engaged and offers a perfect balance of emotional drama and paranormal horror. Fans of atmospheric “haunted house” vibes, genre-bending fiction, grief-centered character arcs, and stories that linger should immediately grab a copy of this book!
Profile Image for Courtney.
192 reviews19 followers
October 13, 2024
This is an urban fantasy, paranormal, murder mystery. Normally, this isn't a genre a tend to gravitate towards. However, with the spooky season, I figured I'd give it a shot. This book follows a 17yr old gir who has lost her sister and also follows an FBI agent who is working on this cold case. The writing is extremely descriptive and makes you feel like you're there with the characters.
There are many points where the characters are trying to determine whether they're actually hearing voices or if they're just in their heads. This was a really interesting book with quite a few twists. I would recommend this, but I would definitely say to check your triggers.
Profile Image for Matt Kozlowski.
1 review2 followers
June 13, 2024
From start to finish this book grabs your attention. Each chapter entails numerous twists and turns. You will not want to put this book down. Excellent read!
Profile Image for Tanya Pratt-Dubois.
68 reviews6 followers
September 27, 2024
This audiobook was the best audiobook I have listened to. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and this one just tops the cake!! I really enjoyed this book. It had all the spooky, thriller, horror vibes you could ask for. Loved the character building in the beginning as then the middle and ending was so good I didn’t want to stop listening. Run to get this book/audiobook!!
Profile Image for Amber Steadman.
12 reviews
March 9, 2025
Book: Armitage
Author: @Atlas Creed - Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

From the masterpiece he paints with words, the emotions he captures, the feelings he makes you feel, it's almost as if you too are a guest at The Armitage, going through every event alongside the characters. The poetry in his words. Hands down one of the best books I have ever read!!!!

I've said it before and I'll say it again; Your sir, are brilliant!
Profile Image for C.A. Stampley.
Author 4 books12 followers
September 22, 2024
First, as a fellow author, I want to give kudos to Atlas. As a Christian, I normally wouldn't read this book, but to give me the opportunity to read his novel he went out of his way to send me a clean copy. And for that I truly thankful and appreciative.

Second, as a Christian, I feel it is my duty to my brothers and sister to give you a content warning. This books does take the Lords name in vain multiple times. There is a good amount of cursing, blood, and death in the book. Also there are two attempted rape scenes.

Now the book as a whole I feel was done quite well. Atlas did an amazing job with building suspense in the novel, but didn't drag the suspense out. I was able to guess everything, but that's on me I read a lot of crime novels. His characters and how they handled trauma was done exceptionally well and the conversations throughout the novel felt real and believable. I found myself discussing the conversations with my wife especially between Nico and his girlfriends dad. I felt that as a father and as a husband and could really see both sides giving that amazing conflict and emotion.

Now for the the things I didn't like about the book, were of course the attempted rape scenes. And the paranormal aspects of the book didn't really make much sense to me, it wasn't bad, but I didn't really grasp the reason behind it being there, but that's just me.
Profile Image for Liz Fully Booked.
530 reviews21 followers
December 24, 2023
Armitage was quite the interesting book. It crossed over multiple genres: murder mystery, thriller, horror, supernatural…you name it. And while it was pretty tame throughout a lot of the book, it definitely gave off some Silence of the Lambs vibes in parts. Creepy!

This well written book really gets under your skin. Make sure to check trigger warnings before reading though, as there is some attempted rape, and some implied gruesomeness that is really kinda gross. However, the main characters are really likable, (though it took a while to warm up to Rebekah) and the supernatural element leaves you wondering just what the heck is going on. Took me til the end to grasp it.

Overall this was a really good book, and a very entertaining read. If you like all the genres first listed, this book is definitely for you!

I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
18 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2024
ATLAS!!!! This book was absolutely amazing! I can’t wait to read part two to see what the future holds. So I just finished this and I must say I freaking loved it!!! Atlas Creed you sir are amazing and I can’t wait for the next book!!!! The energy this book gave off * chef’s kiss *
Profile Image for William.
125 reviews
January 13, 2024
4/5 stars

Armitage a book of scifi, mystery and thriller combining into a hell of a good detective story led by 17 year old Rebekah and FBI Agent Niko. This book is not for the faint of heart.

The story takes place in the early 2000's following Rebekah who is visited by her sister Nicole whom previously died several years prior in an abduction case. Nobody believes that Rebekah is actually seeing her sister, but Rebekah determined to save her sister's soul leaves for the Armitage hotel (Nicole's last known location).

On the flip side you are following Niko who's been stuck performing desk work since a prior case ended with him being shot and is now on probation. In order to be cleared for active duty again Detective Niko must first clear a number of cold cases collecting dust. One such case involving the abduction of a teenage girl named Nicole finds Niko traveling to the Armitage hotel.

In my honest opinion if you can get past the first 100 pages I believe that is where the story really takes off. It took me about that long to get truly invested in what was happening with Rebekah/Niko in the story. But as soon as it happened I was sucked into the world and the mystery of Nicole's abduction. Had me guessing the culprit to the end and I was still wrong.

For the first novel by Atlas Creed I feel the writing style does a good job of introducing the reader into the world they have built as well as pulling the reader into the story. My only objection to this first novel is the use of vocabulary sometimes feels forced and on several occasions caused pause to consider the use of particular word play. Other than that I can only see Atlas Creed getting better with each consecutive novel and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashley Miller.
614 reviews20 followers
September 10, 2024
This book would have been a five-star read if I had experienced it as a regular physical book or e-book, but it's a 10,000-star read when you listen to the audiobook! The cast was perfectly chosen, bringing the diverse and well-developed characters to life.

Despite the main character being a 17-year-old female, it doesn't feel like a typical young adult book. It's a horror paranormal murder mystery—imagine the show Supernatural combined with Frieda McFadden's murder mysteries, plus some gore all rolled together. The paranormal elements provided a unique storyline, unlike anything I've seen in most paranormal or murder mysteries. This is a book unlike any I've read before.

I feel honored to have been selected by the author to receive an audiobook copy, and I cannot thank him enough for the opportunity. I need more of his books! This story has a happily ever after—thank goodness because I was worried we wouldn't get one. 😝 I have to admit, I often get concerned when a male author writes a female main character, but he did such a great job! 😊
Profile Image for Iain Benson.
Author 22 books18 followers
August 1, 2024
For me, the best kinds of paranormal mystery thrillers are those where I ask the question the “is it real, or in their head?”

This is one of those.

And it’s executed so well as I reader I flipped between thinking Rebekah was hallucinating it, to believing it is real. If it’s not real, then two shared delusions have resulted in a string of missing person cases over the years, including Rebekah’s sister. This disappearance left Rebekah bereft, and easily capable of a psychotic break.

Investigating the cold cases is talented, but broken, FBI agent Nico. On probation, this is one more box tick before he’s allowed back in the field. But will that affect his relationship?

There is so much history sitting behind these characters, informing every move they make, that they ooze with a vitality that renders them four dimensional.

Coupled with powerful characters is a definite sense of place. The Armitage, a rundown hotel amid more modern hotels at the seaside, with plastic sheeting cutting off areas under maintenance and a storm cutting them off from the rest of the world. A classic, understandable location, vivid in my imagination.
63 reviews
September 22, 2024
4,5⭐️


Before I start my review: Please check those trigger warnings as there is attempted r*pe and some g*re.


Armitage is an Urban Dark Fantasy that evokes a lot of different emotions. Through out the story you will feel love and kindness, but also anxiety, fear and rage. Armitage flawlessly crosses over several genres like
thriller, supernatural, murder mystery and horror with a small touch of romance. The characters are real and likable and the writing style is really great. It pulls you into the story from page one and goes under your skin.



When Rebekah was 10 years old her sister Nicole went missing on a family holiday. Rebekah blames herself for that and is consumed by guilt which leads to depression.

At the age of 17 she is now on the quest to find answers. Back at the Armitage hotel where Nicole went missing she meets the FBI agent Niko Ortez, who is also trying to crack the case.

It is soon revealed that something far beyond the physical realm is involved in the mystery surrounding Nicole’s disappearance. Is Nicole still alive or already dead? All of those uncertainties leave Rebekah unsettled and unable to continue her normal life.


All in all this was a really good and entertaining book. I love the facts that there are multiple worlds and the supernatural element leaves you in constant wonder about what is happening. It took me some time to grasp everything but the gradual disclosure made the reading journey even more exciting. My only problem was the attempted rape scene, since I don’t cope well with things like that.


I recommend this book to everyone who likes horror and murder mystery with a big dose of supernatural.

Profile Image for J.C. Ceron.
Author 3 books8 followers
July 12, 2024
Dean Knootz Like

ARMITAGE by Atlas Creed is an Urban Dark Fantasy that grabs you on the page one and doesn’t let go—even long after you’ve finished reading the book. Two story lines crossing mystery, horror, and supernatural genres are skillfully woven into a shocking tapestry of good storytelling. The writing is smart. The style is Dean Knootz like. The characters are flesh and blood and leap off the pages, sometimes making you wonder if they’re in the dark recesses of the room you’re reading in. No cliches here. Just honest, talented writing. I highly recommend this book to mystery fans who like a taste of the supernatural and lovers of anything Stephen King or Dean Knootz. I look forward to reading more work from this talent author.
Profile Image for Alexandra Coc.
12 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2024
Armitage, let me say that’s a unique name.

When I first started reading this book, I was not expecting the first chapter. It took me by surprise and I wasn’t sure what to expect.

This is a SF debut novel and a very well constructed thriller. It’s the first book from the series, and honestly, I can’t wait for the second one! I don’t know if it’s for anyone to read, but for those who can stand a little of horror and grafic content, I recommend it.

The plot it’s very well defined, and the characters have so much depth. I love the fact that are multiple worlds, and everything is so well written and put together. Also, I like that the characters show so much humanity, and their backgrounds are so detailed as well.

I love how Atlas, the author, combined the mystery with a little of horror and fantasy and it came out something so good.
Profile Image for Alfred Muller.
Author 17 books35 followers
July 8, 2024
Great Paranormal Mystery

I think the base mystery story was engaging and fun to explore as you follow Rebecca living out her side while the detective nicko attempts to solve the cold cases surrounding the hotel. However the Paranormal elements and the mysterious world we are introduced to underlying The investigation is where Atlas creed truly shines. You feel for these characters on a personal level struggling with them as they just try and live their life. A must read that'll have you turning the page.
6 reviews
August 5, 2024
I gave this book a go after the Author promoted it on a book group I'm part of. Sounded like my type of book and it did not disappoint.
The pacing was great, the characters were likable and the story kept me pulled in. The first half of the book kept my curiosity and I read it when I had spare time, the second half I could not put it down! It had me sad, angry, smiling and at one point tearful.

If you like a psychological thriller with a touch of fantasy and the paranormal you will enjoy this book. I can't wait for the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Daphne Parker.
Author 3 books79 followers
June 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this! The writing was *chefs kiss and I appreciated how well the two storylines balanced each other out. It was like reading two books in one which can be hard to do if not done correctly and Atlas nailed it.

I’m a sucker for a paranormal thriller and I especially appreciated the little nod to The Lovely Bones—brilliant.

Atlas has a way of kidnapping you into his story and making you want to stay. Definitely a great read!
Profile Image for Leah.
5 reviews
September 8, 2024
I came across this author on tiktok and decided to check out his book after his description of it. I am not disappointed! Dark, twisty, suspenseful. I enjoyed it a lot!
Profile Image for Megan Hicks.
38 reviews
September 10, 2024
While I felt the book was a little slow at the beginning, it definitely picked up and kept me on the edge of my seat. It was a very good read and I fully intend on recommending it to others!
Profile Image for Denise Desmarais.
15 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2024
This book follows 2 main characters. First one being 17-year-old, Rebekah, who has a guardian inside her. Rebekah has gone through a lot in her short life, including losing her sister at her age. She sees her sister's soul in a "dream" and must find a way to set it free. The 2nd character is Niko, a special agent for the FBI. He is looking into unsolved murders/ missing people in a small area of a beach town. He stays at the hotel where he meets Rebekah staying there as well trying to get to the bottom of her sister's imprisoned soul. Unfortunately for both of them, a storm comes in trapping everyone in this hotel, including the murderer. A lot of twists and turns in this book but definitely recommend. I am looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Ashley Ottesen.
195 reviews484 followers
October 2, 2024
A truly unique book, blending the genres of dark urban fantasy, thriller and murder mystery. I was left guessing what would come next.

Do review the trigger warnings as there are elements of attempted rape, verbal abuse and violence.

A very well written story, Niko is by far my favorite character. My main critique was the supernatural element I felt didn’t quite blend, was a bit confused by it in some parts, but overall it was a fun read ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.