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Azazel's Scriptures
You only think you know why Henry VIII shuttered the monasteries. The real reason will leave you haunted . . .
In 16th-century England, Newt, a reluctant monk, discovers that a demonic book with a chilling history—Azazel’s Scriptures—has been hidden in his monastery for centuries. Intrigued and terrified, he shares the story with his friends Simon and Hugh. When Hugh decides to publish a version of this incredible tale, it triggers a series of events that lead to the resurfacing of the Daegons—a group of immortal beings who harvest innocent souls to fuel the dark ambition of the demon Azazel. This also draws the attention of a knowledgeable professor and three powerful Druid sisters—Ravenel, Sibyl, and Elswyth—whose ancestors once battled the Daegons and knew their dark ways. After Thomas Bromwell, the Daegon leader, persuades the unsuspecting King Henry to break with the Catholic Church and close the monasteries to search for the scriptures, his men recover the book and resume turning and reaping souls. Now, the three friends, along with the professor and Druid sisters, must unite in a race against time to find the scriptures and stop the Daegons from destroying humanity.
In 16th-century England, Newt, a reluctant monk, discovers that a demonic book with a chilling history—Azazel’s Scriptures—has been hidden in his monastery for centuries. Intrigued and terrified, he shares the story with his friends Simon and Hugh. When Hugh decides to publish a version of this incredible tale, it triggers a series of events that lead to the resurfacing of the Daegons—a group of immortal beings who harvest innocent souls to fuel the dark ambition of the demon Azazel. This also draws the attention of a knowledgeable professor and three powerful Druid sisters—Ravenel, Sibyl, and Elswyth—whose ancestors once battled the Daegons and knew their dark ways. After Thomas Bromwell, the Daegon leader, persuades the unsuspecting King Henry to break with the Catholic Church and close the monasteries to search for the scriptures, his men recover the book and resume turning and reaping souls. Now, the three friends, along with the professor and Druid sisters, must unite in a race against time to find the scriptures and stop the Daegons from destroying humanity.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
9 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
S.F. Parkhurst
3 books13 followersS. F. Parkhurst A Little Squirrely, A Lot Creative
Meet S. F. Parkhurst, the author who believes that the best stories are a little odd, a little quirky, and full of heart. From a young age, Sally Freeman Parkhurst was obsessed with books (no surprise there, right?). Growing up in Falls Church, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., she spent her childhood buried in stories, getting lost in the lives of characters who seemed to live a little more freely than the people around her.
But it wasn’t until she was studying anthropology in graduate school that Sally got the “nudge” to start writing. Several professors told her she had a knack for words, and just like that, the seed was planted. "You can’t be a good writer without being a good reader," she says, and let’s just say that philosophy has shaped her entire writing career.
Her first attempt at writing a full novel came in 2011 with The Emboldening of Kassia West, a historical fiction novel set in Victorian England, though it’s still gathering dust on her hard drive. But it was enough to get the wheels turning. Now, Sally writes stories that are anything but ordinary. Her debut fantasy novel, Azazel’s Scriptures, was inspired by none other than her son, a huge fantasy fan. Sally, however, wasn’t one to read fantasy novels for fun, so she just sat down one day and decided to create a world filled with magic (in Tudor England!), mystery, and friendship.
Sally is also the founder of Squirrely Publishing, a name that perfectly captures her personality and her writing style, quirky, unpredictable, and just a bit eccentric. Squirrely Publishing is all about stories that make readers smile, laugh, and maybe even think a little deeper. Although she’s currently the only author under the Squirrely umbrella, Sally plans to expand her publishing house to bring in other quirky writers who can appreciate a good, offbeat tale.
When Sally isn’t writing or daydreaming about new worlds, you’ll probably find her riding horses or reading a book (or watching a movie with subtitles because she prefers to read). And yes, every single one of her stories has a horse scene. It’s a thing. She can’t help it.
Sally’s current project is a novel set in the 1970s, featuring a young girl who discovers she can enter other people’s dreams. And who knows? Maybe there’s a dream sequence with a horse in it.
If she could collaborate with anyone, Sally would definitely choose Charles Dickens (and, well, he’s dead, but let’s pretend they could do a time-travel collaboration). She’d share her ideas for an ending (because there wasn’t any) to The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Then she would introduce Dickens to James Thurber, have them mix and stir and create something utterly quirky and fantastic!
Follow her journey, get lost in her quirky worlds, and stay updated on her latest creations at sfparkhurst.com or on Facebook.
Meet S. F. Parkhurst, the author who believes that the best stories are a little odd, a little quirky, and full of heart. From a young age, Sally Freeman Parkhurst was obsessed with books (no surprise there, right?). Growing up in Falls Church, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., she spent her childhood buried in stories, getting lost in the lives of characters who seemed to live a little more freely than the people around her.
But it wasn’t until she was studying anthropology in graduate school that Sally got the “nudge” to start writing. Several professors told her she had a knack for words, and just like that, the seed was planted. "You can’t be a good writer without being a good reader," she says, and let’s just say that philosophy has shaped her entire writing career.
Her first attempt at writing a full novel came in 2011 with The Emboldening of Kassia West, a historical fiction novel set in Victorian England, though it’s still gathering dust on her hard drive. But it was enough to get the wheels turning. Now, Sally writes stories that are anything but ordinary. Her debut fantasy novel, Azazel’s Scriptures, was inspired by none other than her son, a huge fantasy fan. Sally, however, wasn’t one to read fantasy novels for fun, so she just sat down one day and decided to create a world filled with magic (in Tudor England!), mystery, and friendship.
Sally is also the founder of Squirrely Publishing, a name that perfectly captures her personality and her writing style, quirky, unpredictable, and just a bit eccentric. Squirrely Publishing is all about stories that make readers smile, laugh, and maybe even think a little deeper. Although she’s currently the only author under the Squirrely umbrella, Sally plans to expand her publishing house to bring in other quirky writers who can appreciate a good, offbeat tale.
When Sally isn’t writing or daydreaming about new worlds, you’ll probably find her riding horses or reading a book (or watching a movie with subtitles because she prefers to read). And yes, every single one of her stories has a horse scene. It’s a thing. She can’t help it.
Sally’s current project is a novel set in the 1970s, featuring a young girl who discovers she can enter other people’s dreams. And who knows? Maybe there’s a dream sequence with a horse in it.
If she could collaborate with anyone, Sally would definitely choose Charles Dickens (and, well, he’s dead, but let’s pretend they could do a time-travel collaboration). She’d share her ideas for an ending (because there wasn’t any) to The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Then she would introduce Dickens to James Thurber, have them mix and stir and create something utterly quirky and fantastic!
Follow her journey, get lost in her quirky worlds, and stay updated on her latest creations at sfparkhurst.com or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 2, 2025
Azazel's Scriptures, by S.F. Parkhurst, is a richly textured novel that blends historical mystery with magical realism, immersing readers in a vibrant medieval setting laced with supernatural elements. It follows a trio of friends, Simon, Hugh, and Newt, as they become entangled in dark folklore involving the demonic grimoire of Azazel, the ancient Druids, and mysterious beings known as the Daegons. As secrets unfold and tensions rise, they find themselves confronting forces that blur the lines between reality and myth, testing their courage and friendships in unexpected ways.
I found myself completely absorbed by Parkhurst’s lyrical yet accessible prose. The vivid imagery and atmospheric storytelling evoked genuine emotional responses, sometimes fascination, sometimes unease. The author effortlessly drew me into a world where the mystical seems entirely plausible, making even the more fantastical scenes feel believable. Particularly impressive is the way Parkhurst crafts dialogue: each character speaks with a distinctive voice that genuinely matches their persona, providing a sense of depth and realism. Though the writing flows well overall, at times it felt slightly dense, requiring deliberate attention to fully grasp the subtleties of the narrative.
The ideas Parkhurst explores are captivating and unsettling. Themes such as immortality, friendship, and the dangerous allure of forbidden knowledge run deeply throughout the story. Parkhurst does not shy away from portraying complex moral dilemmas, which often left me pondering the ethical gray areas presented in the book. While I appreciated the layers of intrigue and symbolism, the volume of interconnected plots and historical references sometimes made me lose track. That said, the confusion was fleeting and never severe enough to detract significantly from my overall enjoyment.
Azazel's Scriptures is not a casual read. It demands a willingness to engage deeply with its historical mysteries and magical undercurrents. I recommend it to readers who enjoy thoughtful storytelling blended with dark folklore, especially those who appreciate narratives that explore the boundaries between reality and legend. This book would resonate particularly well with readers drawn to medieval settings and characters whose humanity shines brightest against the backdrop of supernatural darkness.
I found myself completely absorbed by Parkhurst’s lyrical yet accessible prose. The vivid imagery and atmospheric storytelling evoked genuine emotional responses, sometimes fascination, sometimes unease. The author effortlessly drew me into a world where the mystical seems entirely plausible, making even the more fantastical scenes feel believable. Particularly impressive is the way Parkhurst crafts dialogue: each character speaks with a distinctive voice that genuinely matches their persona, providing a sense of depth and realism. Though the writing flows well overall, at times it felt slightly dense, requiring deliberate attention to fully grasp the subtleties of the narrative.
The ideas Parkhurst explores are captivating and unsettling. Themes such as immortality, friendship, and the dangerous allure of forbidden knowledge run deeply throughout the story. Parkhurst does not shy away from portraying complex moral dilemmas, which often left me pondering the ethical gray areas presented in the book. While I appreciated the layers of intrigue and symbolism, the volume of interconnected plots and historical references sometimes made me lose track. That said, the confusion was fleeting and never severe enough to detract significantly from my overall enjoyment.
Azazel's Scriptures is not a casual read. It demands a willingness to engage deeply with its historical mysteries and magical undercurrents. I recommend it to readers who enjoy thoughtful storytelling blended with dark folklore, especially those who appreciate narratives that explore the boundaries between reality and legend. This book would resonate particularly well with readers drawn to medieval settings and characters whose humanity shines brightest against the backdrop of supernatural darkness.
December 7, 2025
This book effortlessly transports readers to the Tudor dynasty under King Henry VIII in the 16th century.
The story revolves around three friends—Newt, Hugh, and Simon and beautifully depicts their bond.
Newt, a monk in the monastery, accidentally overhears the seniors discussing a demonic presence named Azazel and immediately shares this with his friends.
Hugh, being a writer, sees commercial potential in the story and publishes it without a second thought, setting off a chain of events that change everything.
The trio befriends Ravenel, with whom they feel a strong attraction, but suspicion arises when they begin to think she might be one of the demons, especially after a copy of Hugh’s book in their possession is stolen.
This book is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fantasy.
Sally has beautifully balanced both genres, leading to the creation of an amazing read.
Definitely one of my most loved reads of 2025.
The story revolves around three friends—Newt, Hugh, and Simon and beautifully depicts their bond.
Newt, a monk in the monastery, accidentally overhears the seniors discussing a demonic presence named Azazel and immediately shares this with his friends.
Hugh, being a writer, sees commercial potential in the story and publishes it without a second thought, setting off a chain of events that change everything.
The trio befriends Ravenel, with whom they feel a strong attraction, but suspicion arises when they begin to think she might be one of the demons, especially after a copy of Hugh’s book in their possession is stolen.
This book is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fantasy.
Sally has beautifully balanced both genres, leading to the creation of an amazing read.
Definitely one of my most loved reads of 2025.
October 15, 2025
A rich blend of history, mystery, and dark magic
Azazel’s Scriptures takes you straight into the heart of Tudor England, full of monks, druids, demons, and dangerous secrets, and makes it all feel completely believable. The blend of real history and dark folklore is done so well that you can almost smell the candle wax and old parchment as you read.
S.F. Parkhurst’s writing is rich and atmospheric, full of lyrical touches but always easy to follow. She blends real history and dark folklore masterfully and the word-building is exceptional. There are moments of humour, moments of dread, and plenty of twists that keep you turning pages.
If you like your historical fiction with a supernatural edge, Azazel’s Scriptures is an absolute treat. Gripping, imaginative, and beautifully written it deserves to be discovered.
Azazel’s Scriptures takes you straight into the heart of Tudor England, full of monks, druids, demons, and dangerous secrets, and makes it all feel completely believable. The blend of real history and dark folklore is done so well that you can almost smell the candle wax and old parchment as you read.
S.F. Parkhurst’s writing is rich and atmospheric, full of lyrical touches but always easy to follow. She blends real history and dark folklore masterfully and the word-building is exceptional. There are moments of humour, moments of dread, and plenty of twists that keep you turning pages.
If you like your historical fiction with a supernatural edge, Azazel’s Scriptures is an absolute treat. Gripping, imaginative, and beautifully written it deserves to be discovered.
December 14, 2025
You think you know why Henry VIII shuttered the monasteries? Think again!
Set in 16th-century England, it follows three friends, Newt (a reluctant monk), Simon, and Hugh, who stumble upon a demonic grimoire that's been hidden for centuries. When they decide to share the tale, all hell literally breaks loose.
What I loved:
- The blend of real history with dark fantasy is chef's kiss
- A completely fresh take on history
- The prose is lyrical but accessible
Fair warning: This isn't a light beach read. It's requires your full attention. Multiple plot threads weave together with historical references, folklore, and supernatural elements. But if you love stories that make you THINK? This is it.
The way Parkhurst explores forbidden knowledge, friendship, and immortality had me pondering long after I finished.
Set in 16th-century England, it follows three friends, Newt (a reluctant monk), Simon, and Hugh, who stumble upon a demonic grimoire that's been hidden for centuries. When they decide to share the tale, all hell literally breaks loose.
What I loved:
- The blend of real history with dark fantasy is chef's kiss
- A completely fresh take on history
- The prose is lyrical but accessible
Fair warning: This isn't a light beach read. It's requires your full attention. Multiple plot threads weave together with historical references, folklore, and supernatural elements. But if you love stories that make you THINK? This is it.
The way Parkhurst explores forbidden knowledge, friendship, and immortality had me pondering long after I finished.
December 11, 2025
Azazel’s Scriptures is a richly imagined blend of historical intrigue and supernatural danger, weaving Tudor era politics with an ancient demonic threat that feels both timeless and chillingly intimate. Parkhurst brings 16th-century England to life with immersive detail, but it’s the interplay between the reluctant monk Newt, his friends, and the reemerging Daegon threat that drives the story forward with real momentum. The blend of folklore, dark magic, and political manipulation especially tied to Henry VIII’s infamous break from the Church adds a compelling layer of “what if” tension. Readers who love historical fantasy, occult fiction, and stories with high stakes, hidden histories, and ensemble casts will find this one deeply absorbing.
November 15, 2025
Azazel’s Scriptures is a gripping historical thriller infused with dark fantasy, where centuries-old secrets, demonic forces, and brave heroes collide in a pulse-pounding race against time
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews