What do you think?
Rate this book
The Black Testament
Hell grants nothing without sacrifice.
Still grieving the loss of her mother, seasoned occultist Anna Jacobs now hunts the dead alone. But when a message from beyond the grave whispers her name, she follows it to a remote abandoned village frozen in time and swallowed by the lingering traces of something unspeakable.
There she discovers a family living in hiding—tormented, evasive, and guarding dark secrets of their own. Anna’s arrival stirs ancient forces better left buried, and she soon becomes entangled in a mystery far older and far more sinister than any she has faced before.
Beneath the eerie calm, the desolate village guards the Black Testament, an unholy grimoire gifted by the Devil himself to one of history's most feared witches. Its infernal pages have carved a trail of madness and blood through the centuries, but it may also hold the only key to saving her mother’s soul from damnation… if it doesn’t claim hers first.
Atmospheric, harrowing, and rich with supernatural menace, The Black Testament delivers a chilling tale of dark magic, buried sins, and a fearless heroine pushed to the edge of damnation.
Still grieving the loss of her mother, seasoned occultist Anna Jacobs now hunts the dead alone. But when a message from beyond the grave whispers her name, she follows it to a remote abandoned village frozen in time and swallowed by the lingering traces of something unspeakable.
There she discovers a family living in hiding—tormented, evasive, and guarding dark secrets of their own. Anna’s arrival stirs ancient forces better left buried, and she soon becomes entangled in a mystery far older and far more sinister than any she has faced before.
Beneath the eerie calm, the desolate village guards the Black Testament, an unholy grimoire gifted by the Devil himself to one of history's most feared witches. Its infernal pages have carved a trail of madness and blood through the centuries, but it may also hold the only key to saving her mother’s soul from damnation… if it doesn’t claim hers first.
Atmospheric, harrowing, and rich with supernatural menace, The Black Testament delivers a chilling tale of dark magic, buried sins, and a fearless heroine pushed to the edge of damnation.
- GenresHorrorHistorical Fiction
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2024
About the author
Michael Penning
15 books130 followersMichael Penning is a bestselling author and award-winning screenwriter of horror and dark fiction, crafting stories so chilling they could make a ghost shiver. He has been weaving nightmares since before he could finish his own sack of trick-or-treat candy. When he's not conjuring new ways to make readers sleep with one eye open, he enjoys traveling, photography, and brewing beer. He lives in Montreal with his wife and daughter, who have yet to flee in terror. For free giveaways and updates on new releases, visit www.michaelpenning.com and sign up for Michael's newsletter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 27, 2024
Michael Penning can write horror like no other, and The Black Testament is another incredible installment in the Book of Shadows series. This book is a pulse ponder right from the beginning and it is all things violent, gory, and scary. Anna Jacobs is one of my favorite female leads, and she doesn't let fear stop her from doing the dangerous things like killing otherworldly monsters (and monsters of this world too). There is nonstop action with very few lulls making this an easy 2 sitting read for me.
If The Black Testament were a movie I wouldn't be able to watch it, and this is not something that is for the faint of heart. Penning's imagery is off-the-charts amazing, and you feel like you are right there in the action with Anna. There are a few different viewpoints that collectively make the storyline even creepier, but Anna will forever be my favorite one. This book has a very eerie and atmospheric feel to it as does the rest of the series, and I highly recommend reading them in order for maximum character growth. If you are a horror fan even in the slightest, this author and series are a must-read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
If The Black Testament were a movie I wouldn't be able to watch it, and this is not something that is for the faint of heart. Penning's imagery is off-the-charts amazing, and you feel like you are right there in the action with Anna. There are a few different viewpoints that collectively make the storyline even creepier, but Anna will forever be my favorite one. This book has a very eerie and atmospheric feel to it as does the rest of the series, and I highly recommend reading them in order for maximum character growth. If you are a horror fan even in the slightest, this author and series are a must-read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 14, 2025
What Lies in Wait Within a Cursed Village?
Small backstory:
Anna Jacobs has been sent on a mission to help a family in an abandoned village that has been cursed but she thinks there might be something truly evil that has invaded the village along with the family which could be tied to hell itself!
That is about all I can hand out with a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This fourth installment in the Book of Shadows series could be read as a stand alone however things are mentioned here and there from previous books so it might be best to read the books in order.
Once again I was transported back into the world of Anna Jacobs and all the characters that she comes across in her travels. I really liked all the characters in this book and the author weaves a tale of imaginable horror that gripped me throughout most of the book!
Author, Michael Penning's writing style breathes atmospheric details of everything that takes place and will keep the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the story. When I read this author's stories I am always taken straight into the heart of the book and feel like I am right there experiencing whatever the characters are going through! This story is one spooky tale that goes deep into the occult and brings the creepiness of the story alive on the page! Looking forward to reading book five in the series which will be out soon to see what lies in store for Anna Jacobs! Giving this book five "Skin Shiver Spooky" stars!
Small backstory:
Anna Jacobs has been sent on a mission to help a family in an abandoned village that has been cursed but she thinks there might be something truly evil that has invaded the village along with the family which could be tied to hell itself!
That is about all I can hand out with a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This fourth installment in the Book of Shadows series could be read as a stand alone however things are mentioned here and there from previous books so it might be best to read the books in order.
Once again I was transported back into the world of Anna Jacobs and all the characters that she comes across in her travels. I really liked all the characters in this book and the author weaves a tale of imaginable horror that gripped me throughout most of the book!
Author, Michael Penning's writing style breathes atmospheric details of everything that takes place and will keep the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the story. When I read this author's stories I am always taken straight into the heart of the book and feel like I am right there experiencing whatever the characters are going through! This story is one spooky tale that goes deep into the occult and brings the creepiness of the story alive on the page! Looking forward to reading book five in the series which will be out soon to see what lies in store for Anna Jacobs! Giving this book five "Skin Shiver Spooky" stars!
June 7, 2024
Michael Penning is a new author for me. "All Hollows Eve" been on my radar for a long time. I jumped at the opportunity to read "The Black Testament" which is the fourth in a series of stand alone books. After finishing this book and being captivate in a delicous setting, I need to back track and read the first three.
"The Black Testament", by Michael Penning, is an atmospheric read full of ominous darkness that pulls in th reader from the first page. This fast paced story is ruch with detail describng everhything from clothing to cemetaries.
In "The Black Testament", we follow Anna Jacobs. After the the loss of her mother, she recieves a cryptic message that leads her to an abandoned village where she meets a secretive family. The readr follows Anna as she tries to end a curse after uncovering ancient secrets mystery involving the Black Testament. This bookm will end curse and sve her mother's soul. Penning wove a story that involcews witch vibes and ghoset huntingy that captures the readers attention. Several nods were made to the Salem Witch Trials. (Swoon). My favorite period to read. These pages are full of horror and still retain the historical vibes
"The Black Testament", by Michael Penning, is an atmospheric read full of ominous darkness that pulls in th reader from the first page. This fast paced story is ruch with detail describng everhything from clothing to cemetaries.
In "The Black Testament", we follow Anna Jacobs. After the the loss of her mother, she recieves a cryptic message that leads her to an abandoned village where she meets a secretive family. The readr follows Anna as she tries to end a curse after uncovering ancient secrets mystery involving the Black Testament. This bookm will end curse and sve her mother's soul. Penning wove a story that involcews witch vibes and ghoset huntingy that captures the readers attention. Several nods were made to the Salem Witch Trials. (Swoon). My favorite period to read. These pages are full of horror and still retain the historical vibes
June 3, 2024
This book quickly became my favorite witchy horror book. Penning is a brill in world-weaver and this book brings to life a haunting occult tale. Anna, suffers the loss of her mother, but continues their legacy alone. A cryptic message leads her to an abandoned village where she meets a secretive family. Uncovering ancient secrets, Anna becomes entangled in a sinister mystery involving the Black Testament, a cursed grimoire with a deadly legacy. Despite the dangers, Anna sees the book as her only chance to save her mother's soul from eternal damnation. This was an edge of your seat, what’s gonna happen type of read and I wholeheartedly recommend reading it and the entire series!
May 21, 2024
A witchy, paranormal horror set in the 1800s, this was the perfect dark, spooky, eerie read and also has a very historical feel (which makes it creepier lol). It is always Halloween in my heart lol and this really put me in that setting and I loved it! Michael Penning is one of my favorite indie authors and his writing truly makes you feel like you are living inside the pages of his stories. If you’re into historical horror, I’d highly recommend this. This book comes out on June 3rd!
August 22, 2024
I'm just going to pine away waiting for more A-team adventures! Love these books!
May 8, 2024
An abandoned village cursed a century ago, a terrified family fleeing persecution, an ancient evil stalking the land and an unholy book from the Devil himself. Anna Jacobs carries on her mother’s legacy as an occultist and after receiving a message from beyond the veil she arrives at the home of the Alden family deep in the forest near the deserted village just as all hell breaks loose. The grimoire is Anna’s only hope of saving her mother’s soul from damnation but at what cost.
The fourth book in the Book of Shadows and this does not disappoint. Pulsing with an ancient malevolence, an atmosphere of fear and torment pervades the whole story. Anna is conflicted, unsure and barely in control of her anger, the Aldens, scared, desperate and willing to do anything to avoid detection, the evil insidious and bloodthirsty.
The writing is exquisite, dripping with malice and yet beautifully poetic, it is a story of the power of place, the location itself is a character that seeps into your consciousness and claws at your brain. A supernatural horror with demonic pacts, malicious rituals, forbidden knowledge and nefarious characters, excellent!
The fourth book in the Book of Shadows and this does not disappoint. Pulsing with an ancient malevolence, an atmosphere of fear and torment pervades the whole story. Anna is conflicted, unsure and barely in control of her anger, the Aldens, scared, desperate and willing to do anything to avoid detection, the evil insidious and bloodthirsty.
The writing is exquisite, dripping with malice and yet beautifully poetic, it is a story of the power of place, the location itself is a character that seeps into your consciousness and claws at your brain. A supernatural horror with demonic pacts, malicious rituals, forbidden knowledge and nefarious characters, excellent!
June 3, 2024
I don't know how he does it every time, but Michael Penning has managed to deliver another phenomenal chapter in the 'Book of Shadows' series and probably my favorite so far.
I've been eager to read the 4th installment the moment I've finished 'The Wolf Society' (3rd book) and once again, Michael Penning was awesome enough to send me a copy for review.
The story follows Anna Jacobs, who carries alone, her late mother's ghost-hunting legacy.
When a cryptic message from beyond the grave leads her to an abandoned village wrapped in silence and shadows, her arrival awakens something ancient. When she crosses paths with a mysterious family hiding secrets, she becomes entangled in a mystery much older and more sinister than any she has encountered before.
For the village shields the 'Black Testament' . An unholy grimoire gifted by the Devil, to one of history's most infamous witches. Death and destruction follows the book, but it might also hold the key for the salvation of Anna's mother soul.
Get ready to dive in a magnificent, epic story steeped in witchcraft and impeccably beautiful dark atmosphere.
The author passes the torch to Anna, the youngest member continuing the legacy of the Jacobs family fierce women, fighting all kinds of unspeakable evil in an utterly cinematic portrayal within the pages of this book.
What you get is brilliant storytelling, abundance of mystery interwoven with fast paced action, great characters and edge of your seat plot twists with the right amounts of horror to make you fall in love with this spine-chilling roller-coaster of an adventure.
A great addition to the 'Book of Shadows' series, one that got me spellbound and eager to discover what's next in the Saga.
I said it before and I'll say it again : If you wanna lose sleep and be happy about it, if you wanna fall in love with reading horror again, then dive into this fantastic series the soonest.
'The Black Testament ' is out just now so make sure to get your fangs around it the soonest.
I've been eager to read the 4th installment the moment I've finished 'The Wolf Society' (3rd book) and once again, Michael Penning was awesome enough to send me a copy for review.
The story follows Anna Jacobs, who carries alone, her late mother's ghost-hunting legacy.
When a cryptic message from beyond the grave leads her to an abandoned village wrapped in silence and shadows, her arrival awakens something ancient. When she crosses paths with a mysterious family hiding secrets, she becomes entangled in a mystery much older and more sinister than any she has encountered before.
For the village shields the 'Black Testament' . An unholy grimoire gifted by the Devil, to one of history's most infamous witches. Death and destruction follows the book, but it might also hold the key for the salvation of Anna's mother soul.
Get ready to dive in a magnificent, epic story steeped in witchcraft and impeccably beautiful dark atmosphere.
The author passes the torch to Anna, the youngest member continuing the legacy of the Jacobs family fierce women, fighting all kinds of unspeakable evil in an utterly cinematic portrayal within the pages of this book.
What you get is brilliant storytelling, abundance of mystery interwoven with fast paced action, great characters and edge of your seat plot twists with the right amounts of horror to make you fall in love with this spine-chilling roller-coaster of an adventure.
A great addition to the 'Book of Shadows' series, one that got me spellbound and eager to discover what's next in the Saga.
I said it before and I'll say it again : If you wanna lose sleep and be happy about it, if you wanna fall in love with reading horror again, then dive into this fantastic series the soonest.
'The Black Testament ' is out just now so make sure to get your fangs around it the soonest.
November 25, 2025
Another incredible story told by Michael Penning. This story was eerie. From beginning to end, the story doesn't waver from its dark, bone chilling atmosphere.
Anna Jacobs is guided to the abandoned village once inhabited by French settlers called Sévérité by Gideon, the familiar to whom her mother bound to her. Upon her arrival, Anna discovers a family with a dark past. The story unfolds with chilling truths, tragic deaths, and the looming threat of an innocent child being sacrificed to resurrect an evil spirit, Angéle de la Barthe, the first woman to be burned at the stake in France in 1275.
As the story continues, Anna embarks on a quest for The Black Testament, a grimoire bound in human skin and inked in blood. Within its pages lies the gospel of Satan, which contains dark spells that bring untold horrors.
The Black Testament is probably my favorite so far in the Book of Shadows series, though every book has been a damn good read with it's paranormal, witchy, dark magic perfection🤌
Anna Jacobs is guided to the abandoned village once inhabited by French settlers called Sévérité by Gideon, the familiar to whom her mother bound to her. Upon her arrival, Anna discovers a family with a dark past. The story unfolds with chilling truths, tragic deaths, and the looming threat of an innocent child being sacrificed to resurrect an evil spirit, Angéle de la Barthe, the first woman to be burned at the stake in France in 1275.
As the story continues, Anna embarks on a quest for The Black Testament, a grimoire bound in human skin and inked in blood. Within its pages lies the gospel of Satan, which contains dark spells that bring untold horrors.
The Black Testament is probably my favorite so far in the Book of Shadows series, though every book has been a damn good read with it's paranormal, witchy, dark magic perfection🤌
June 4, 2024
This is a series that gets better with each novel and this particular book has so many of the elements I love. A heroine to root for, a great setting- an abandoned and cursed village- plus, enough witchiness to make my soul happy. There is also an ancientg deadly grimoire! This is paranormal literature done right. It is creepy, has gore and monsters, twists and turns, and still manages to retain a classic, historical feeling. This book was everything I could want. It also has a bit of joy and hope and the hint of another possible sequel to come. If you love supernatural horror and all things witchy, definitely give this series a try.
May 30, 2024
Michael Penning has done it again and made me long for crisp autumn days. This book was a spooky good time, with nonstop paranormal action and multiple pov’s. I enjoyed this fun, historical horror and I loved going back along with Anna’s monster hunting adventures. If you’re looking for an atmospheric, witchy read with beautiful writing, I highly recommend the “Book of Shadows” series by Michael Penning. The Black Testament comes out June 3rd!
Thank you to the author for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2024
Book 4 in the Book of Shadows series continues with another deliciously dark horror, complete with everything you expect from this author. Well written rounded characters in terrifying situations. No spoilers, if you have read a Michael Penning book you are going to get what you love. A true story teller through and through. This is a series you are going to go back to in a few years time and binge read them again. The good news is that if you have not read the first 3 they are available as a set.
I received a free reader's copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I received a free reader's copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
May 21, 2024
Terrifyingly Good!
The author’s detailed description is so well done, I could almost feel the cold and the eeriness of each scene. This book has it all, the villain we all hate, the female protagonist we find ourselves all rooting for, and the hope for a family’s survival. Filled with witchcraft and history, it is a well-researched and intelligent read. Once again, Penning has not disappointed!
July 23, 2025
A dark and twisted tale
Anna is back but feeling lost without her mother. She is trying desperately to find a way to bring her back from beyond the veil. And she may have found that way when Gideon sends her on a mission. She comes across a family that is being haunted by some kind of witch, or is it many witches? Or is it a curse? What an insane read. Definitely dark and twisted! Always look forward to this series newest books. Highly recommend
Anna is back but feeling lost without her mother. She is trying desperately to find a way to bring her back from beyond the veil. And she may have found that way when Gideon sends her on a mission. She comes across a family that is being haunted by some kind of witch, or is it many witches? Or is it a curse? What an insane read. Definitely dark and twisted! Always look forward to this series newest books. Highly recommend
May 31, 2024
I was worried about feeling confused or not connected to the plot/characters as I haven’t read the previous books (something I am now definitely going to do) but in fact I found myself fully immersed and enjoying the wild ride that Anna is on. I really liked the writing style, it was an atmospheric and haunting tale that horror fans of all genres I think can enjoy.
June 15, 2024
I love all the books in this series. The books are well written and well thought out. It’s super natural, witchy,paranormal bounty hunter, scary, with good plots and twists and turns. I will read them all.
October 1, 2024
Wow
Another fantastic read by Michael Penning. This story continues to follow Anna in her search of a way to bring back her mother. With lots of suspenseful moments, plot twists, and exciting climax, this book is a page turner. I look forward to the next one when it's released.
Another fantastic read by Michael Penning. This story continues to follow Anna in her search of a way to bring back her mother. With lots of suspenseful moments, plot twists, and exciting climax, this book is a page turner. I look forward to the next one when it's released.
May 20, 2024
First off thank you to Michael Penning for gifting me a copy of his book for an honest review.
Book 4 in the Book of Shadows series The Black Testament is another great read. Following the loss of her mother Anna is called to help a family in need. In hopes of helping this family Anna also hopes to be able to bring her mother back.
Michael leads us on a wild ride of supernatural horror, with witches, secrets and hope. This was such an intense read from start to finish, always wanting to know what will happen next. The writing is excellent and the characters really make this a great story in the series. Adding more depth to the overall story. A must read to follow the other books. Best of all the epilogue tells us that the evil never really dies and leaves us with a cliff hanger, in hopes we have another book in the series on the way? 🙌🏻
Book 4 in the Book of Shadows series The Black Testament is another great read. Following the loss of her mother Anna is called to help a family in need. In hopes of helping this family Anna also hopes to be able to bring her mother back.
Michael leads us on a wild ride of supernatural horror, with witches, secrets and hope. This was such an intense read from start to finish, always wanting to know what will happen next. The writing is excellent and the characters really make this a great story in the series. Adding more depth to the overall story. A must read to follow the other books. Best of all the epilogue tells us that the evil never really dies and leaves us with a cliff hanger, in hopes we have another book in the series on the way? 🙌🏻
June 10, 2024
Absolutely loved thos book but really hope there is another one. We need to know what happens next!!!
August 23, 2024
Gripping
Another brilliant novel by Michael Penning.
Can be read as a stand-alone book, but it is best if you have read Michael's previous novels.
Another brilliant novel by Michael Penning.
Can be read as a stand-alone book, but it is best if you have read Michael's previous novels.
May 4, 2026
Truly scary
It has been a long time time since I have read an honest to goodness scary series!! Don't read them alone!
It has been a long time time since I have read an honest to goodness scary series!! Don't read them alone!
June 3, 2024
Now, before you start thinking you cannot read The Black Testament let me tell you a little something that makes this series so great. Although there are correlations in the series, you can totally read each book as a standalone without feeling lost. I started reading the series with The World Society (third book) then moved on to All Hallows Eve (first book), I read The Black Testament (fourth book) and am now reading Suicide Lake (second book) and I haven't felt lost a single time.
If you're a fan of dark, mysterious and witchy books, The Black Testament is for you! From the start, Michael Penning sets an eerie atmosphere that is sure to make you want to look over your shoulder.
Fast paced and filled with amazing descriptions that really emerges you into this creepy environment charged with lovable and not so lovable characters. Penning's writing is beautiful and poetic.
Follow Anna Jacobs, this strong and vulnerable main character while she tries to put an end to a sinister curse before it is too late for the Alden's family.
I can guarantee that although you might think you can see where the story is going, the ending will surely surprise you.
Light some candles and gets cozy in bed with a copy of The Black Testament and let Michael Penning suck you in his new ominous tale.
The Black Testament is available for free on Kindle Unlimited so make sure to add it to your TBR.
If you're a fan of dark, mysterious and witchy books, The Black Testament is for you! From the start, Michael Penning sets an eerie atmosphere that is sure to make you want to look over your shoulder.
Fast paced and filled with amazing descriptions that really emerges you into this creepy environment charged with lovable and not so lovable characters. Penning's writing is beautiful and poetic.
Follow Anna Jacobs, this strong and vulnerable main character while she tries to put an end to a sinister curse before it is too late for the Alden's family.
I can guarantee that although you might think you can see where the story is going, the ending will surely surprise you.
Light some candles and gets cozy in bed with a copy of The Black Testament and let Michael Penning suck you in his new ominous tale.
The Black Testament is available for free on Kindle Unlimited so make sure to add it to your TBR.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews