Inside the Vatican, the sacred tradition of choosing the next pope becomes a battleground for the ultimate evil. When the Pope dies under mysterious and terrifying circumstances, 120 cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel—sealed off from the world—to elect a new Holy Father. But something else is sealed in with them.
A storm brews over Rome, black tendrils crawl across Michelangelo’s ceiling, and whispers rise from ancient catacombs. The rites are corrupted. The relics bleed. And a man claiming to be a forgotten cardinal—cloaked in black and crimson—enters the chapel without explanation.
As cardinals begin dying in grotesque, unholy ways, and Sister Agnes and Father Schmit uncover a forbidden book bound in bone and blood, the conclave descends into a nightmarish ceremony of possession, sacrifice, and betrayal.
This is not a vote. It is a summoning. And the Devil isn’t tempting… He’s choosing.
Prepare yourself for a chilling, theological horror epic that blends Vatican tradition with the sheer terror of cosmic evil. Perfect for fans of The Exorcist, The Omen, and Midnight Mass, this novel will make you question what lurks behind sacred doors.
Thomas Miller – Author, Thinker, and Storyteller Born: Port Jefferson, New York Hometown: Palatka, Florida Heritage: Third-generation Italian American
Thomas Miller is an accomplished author known for his deeply emotional, haunting, and thought-provoking works that explore suffering, loss, redemption, and the darker aspects of human nature. His stories blend horror, historical fiction, and raw emotional depth, often featuring characters struggling with internal and external battles in a world that seems unforgiving.
Raised in Florida, Thomas grew up with a love for literature, storytelling, and the arts. He attended Flagler Palm Coast High School, where he worked in stagecraft, later taking his talents to major venues, including Universal Orlando, Disney, and Broadway tours. His professional background in technical theater and automation adds a dramatic, visual depth to his writing.
Despite facing a traumatic brain injury that challenged his memory and language skills, Thomas persevered, proving his resilience and passion for writing. His work is 100% original, as he only uses AI for spelling and marketing, ensuring that every story comes from his own mind and heart.
His books and stories include:
The Phantom of Palatka, Florida The Arrival of Al Chopya Buried in Time: The Heart-Pounding Escape from Pompeii Poems to Die For Midnight at the Observatory The Deadly Lust of Chesterson Manor The Meta World Horizons Chronicles Even the Dead Weep Thomas also writes poetry, often inspired by grief, lost love, and the ghosts of the past, including his beloved dog, Smitty, whose death profoundly impacted him. He has a deep disdain for corruption in the justice system, a critical view of hospice care, and a strong advocacy for mental health awareness.
Now living in Palatka, Florida, Thomas continues to write, creating powerful narratives that resonate with readers who seek stories of deep emotion, tragedy, and eerie, supernatural undertones.
His works are available on Amazon: Thomas Miller's Amazon Page Official Website: www.authorthomasmiller.com
Completely caught me off guard—in the best way possible.
This isn’t my usual genre, but from the very beginning, I was pulled into a world that felt both unsettling and impossible to put down.
The atmosphere is deliciously creepy, with just the right amount of tension to keep you turning the pages. Miller has a way of building unease that lingers, making certain scenes stick with you long after you’ve finished reading. It’s dark, intriguing, and layered in a way that keeps you guessing.
What surprised me most is how much I enjoyed stepping outside my comfort zone. This book proved that sometimes the stories we least expect to love end up being the most unforgettable.
If you’re looking for something eerie, thought-provoking, and a little outside the norm—this one is absolutely worth it.
This book was an interesting read. It was a bit slow for me in the beginning and then picked up around the halfway mark which allowed me to fly thru it. This book was written well, with a little confusion at times, but without hinderance. Thank you for the arc.