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The Hellfire House
Every haunted house has a history. This one is written in blood.
When monster-hunter Anna Jacobs sails to the storm-lashed shores of Brimwatch Isle, she seeks only one the forbidden ritual that might restore her mother’s soul from beyond the Veil. But the secrets buried in the haunted halls of Hallowspire are far older—and far deadlier—than she ever imagined.
Stranded in the crumbling mansion where the dead do not rest, the mirrors lie, and something ancient stirs in the flooded depths below, Anna must uncover the secrets left behind by occultist Alistair Gilead Thorne, a man who tore open the fabric of death—and paid the price. But the ritual that could bring her mother back demands more than knowledge. It demands blood. And two young girls may be the key to all of it.
Haunted by history, hunted by the soul-stripped dead, and tempted by the darkness growing inside her, Anna must decide how far will she go to bring back the one she lost... and what she will become in the process.
Enter the house built on fire and blood and return to a world of fierce women, dark magic, and terrifying evil in the newest chapter in the bone-chilling Book of Shadows series!
When monster-hunter Anna Jacobs sails to the storm-lashed shores of Brimwatch Isle, she seeks only one the forbidden ritual that might restore her mother’s soul from beyond the Veil. But the secrets buried in the haunted halls of Hallowspire are far older—and far deadlier—than she ever imagined.
Stranded in the crumbling mansion where the dead do not rest, the mirrors lie, and something ancient stirs in the flooded depths below, Anna must uncover the secrets left behind by occultist Alistair Gilead Thorne, a man who tore open the fabric of death—and paid the price. But the ritual that could bring her mother back demands more than knowledge. It demands blood. And two young girls may be the key to all of it.
Haunted by history, hunted by the soul-stripped dead, and tempted by the darkness growing inside her, Anna must decide how far will she go to bring back the one she lost... and what she will become in the process.
Enter the house built on fire and blood and return to a world of fierce women, dark magic, and terrifying evil in the newest chapter in the bone-chilling Book of Shadows series!
- GenresHorror
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2025
17 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Michael Penning
12 books129 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.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 28, 2025
What Lies Within Harrowspire?
Small backstory:
Anna Jacobs is back in this fifth installment as she makes her way to Brimwatch Isle that holds the haunted house of Hallowspire which used to be owned by the occultist Alistair Thorne.
Anna is determined to do whatever it takes to save her mother's soul and the only place that will let her perform the ritual lies within Hallowspire however will Anna be able to pursue her endeavor to see it through or will she be stopped by the haunting forces that reside deep within the halls of Hallowspire?
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:
Once again I was thrown right back into the world of Anna Jacobs as the author, Michael Penning starts this book out with some swashbuckling action aboard a ship heading to the island!
When Michael Penning writes these stories you are transported into the book and the room around you disappears! All that matters is what the characters are going through as they endure whatever they are dealing with and once again Anna Jacobs has to deal with quite a bit of resistance as she makes her way toward Hallowspire!
The pace is fast and this story moves quickly just like all the other books in the series. There is no slow down and I had a hard time putting this book down as I wanted to find out what was going to happen next! Lots of spookiness resides deep within this book and this book was another insomnia fueled ride! Giving this book five "Spooky Shivers" stars!
Small backstory:
Anna Jacobs is back in this fifth installment as she makes her way to Brimwatch Isle that holds the haunted house of Hallowspire which used to be owned by the occultist Alistair Thorne.
Anna is determined to do whatever it takes to save her mother's soul and the only place that will let her perform the ritual lies within Hallowspire however will Anna be able to pursue her endeavor to see it through or will she be stopped by the haunting forces that reside deep within the halls of Hallowspire?
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:
Once again I was thrown right back into the world of Anna Jacobs as the author, Michael Penning starts this book out with some swashbuckling action aboard a ship heading to the island!
When Michael Penning writes these stories you are transported into the book and the room around you disappears! All that matters is what the characters are going through as they endure whatever they are dealing with and once again Anna Jacobs has to deal with quite a bit of resistance as she makes her way toward Hallowspire!
The pace is fast and this story moves quickly just like all the other books in the series. There is no slow down and I had a hard time putting this book down as I wanted to find out what was going to happen next! Lots of spookiness resides deep within this book and this book was another insomnia fueled ride! Giving this book five "Spooky Shivers" stars!
November 7, 2025
Crappers, forgot my review. Ummm so I think this one can totally be read as a standalone because I haven’t read the first four books myself and I never felt lost or confused at any point. That said, I’m sure reading the other books would give you even more insight into the characters and their backstories - which I’m definitely planning to do now because this one completely hooked me!
Be prepared though because this book is absolutely wild. It’s super fast-paced and packs a punch - or two. It delivers all the same intensity you expect from this author. The writing is fab, the pacing is spot-on, and the worldbuilding is phenomenal.
This is also one of those books that consumes you - you’ll lose track of time - forget where you are - and have to fight your way back into reality. I also have to say that I loved how the house itself feels like its own character. It really pulled me in.
And then there’s the FMC - she’s fierce, determined, and totally bad@$$ 🤩. The action scenes are off the chainnnnn, and the tension never lets up. From the first page to the very last page you’ll be glued to this story.
So if atmospheric - high-stakes supernatural horror - is your thing, this one’s for you.
ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕀𝕗 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕃𝕚𝕜𝕖:
• The Occult
• Horror
• Supernatural Elements
• Haunted Houses
• Indie Authors
Be prepared though because this book is absolutely wild. It’s super fast-paced and packs a punch - or two. It delivers all the same intensity you expect from this author. The writing is fab, the pacing is spot-on, and the worldbuilding is phenomenal.
This is also one of those books that consumes you - you’ll lose track of time - forget where you are - and have to fight your way back into reality. I also have to say that I loved how the house itself feels like its own character. It really pulled me in.
And then there’s the FMC - she’s fierce, determined, and totally bad@$$ 🤩. The action scenes are off the chainnnnn, and the tension never lets up. From the first page to the very last page you’ll be glued to this story.
So if atmospheric - high-stakes supernatural horror - is your thing, this one’s for you.
ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕀𝕗 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕃𝕚𝕜𝕖:
• The Occult
• Horror
• Supernatural Elements
• Haunted Houses
• Indie Authors
December 12, 2025
Book Title: The Hellfire House (Book of Shadows #5)
Author: Michael Penning
Publisher: Independent
Publication Date: November 5, 2025
Currently Available on KU? ✅
Audiobook? 🙅🏼♀️
🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: I feel like I have been waiting for book 5 of the Book of Shadows series forever, but I have to say The Hellfire House was definitely worth the wait! It was full steam ahead from the very first chapter, making it extremely hard to put down.
🧺 𝚁𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚖 𝙼𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜: Michael Penning writes dark, paranormal fiction like nobody’s business and I NEED more people to read his books. This was a wild and disturbing ride, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Literally, there was so much tension coming off the pages that it gave me anxiety of what would happen next. Every scene, character, and entity is described in such detail that you can picture it which I love. Anna is one of my favorite characters for sure, and if you love a badass FMC, she is definitely it!
💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: While you don’t necessarily need to read this series in order, I would strongly recommend it since there is a lot of backstory you would potentially be missing. That being said, this was still a story all its own and Penning does a great job of referencing things that happened in the previous installments. THAT ENDING THOUGH! *Shakes fist* I can’t wait for the next book, and I say ‘read it now’ to all my horror and dark fiction loving friends!
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🔥🌑🤐👿
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author: Michael Penning
Publisher: Independent
Publication Date: November 5, 2025
Currently Available on KU? ✅
Audiobook? 🙅🏼♀️
🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: I feel like I have been waiting for book 5 of the Book of Shadows series forever, but I have to say The Hellfire House was definitely worth the wait! It was full steam ahead from the very first chapter, making it extremely hard to put down.
🧺 𝚁𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚖 𝙼𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜: Michael Penning writes dark, paranormal fiction like nobody’s business and I NEED more people to read his books. This was a wild and disturbing ride, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Literally, there was so much tension coming off the pages that it gave me anxiety of what would happen next. Every scene, character, and entity is described in such detail that you can picture it which I love. Anna is one of my favorite characters for sure, and if you love a badass FMC, she is definitely it!
💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: While you don’t necessarily need to read this series in order, I would strongly recommend it since there is a lot of backstory you would potentially be missing. That being said, this was still a story all its own and Penning does a great job of referencing things that happened in the previous installments. THAT ENDING THOUGH! *Shakes fist* I can’t wait for the next book, and I say ‘read it now’ to all my horror and dark fiction loving friends!
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🔥🌑🤐👿
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 17, 2025
Every haunted house has a history. This one is written in blood. That single line perfectly captures the essence of 'The Hellfire House' by Michael Penning. The chilling and sublime new installment in the Book of Shadows saga.
When monster-hunter Anna Jacobs sails to the storm-lashed shores of Brimwatch Isle, she seeks only one the forbidden ritual that might restore her mother’s soul from beyond the Veil. But the secrets buried in the haunted halls of Hallowspire are far older—and far deadlier—than she ever imagined.
From the moment Anna Jacobs sets foot on Brimwatch Isle, the story grips you with its gothic intensity. The decaying halls of Hallowspire are more than just a setting—they feel alive, steeped in secrets, lies, and a history that refuses to stay buried. The atmosphere is so vivid you can almost hear the echo of dripping water in the flooded depths and feel the cold breath of the soul-stripped dead at your back.
What makes this book stand out is its balance of emotional depth and relentless suspense. Anna’s quest to restore her mother’s soul is both heartbreaking and terrifying, forcing her to confront not only the horrors around her but also the darkness growing within. The moral dilemmas she faces—how far she’s willing to go, and what she’s willing to sacrifice—give the story a weight that lingers long after the final page.
The lore surrounding occultist Alistair Gilead Thorne is masterfully woven, adding layers of mystery and dread. The mirrors that lie, the restless dead, and the blood-soaked ritual all build toward a climax that is as shocking as it is satisfying. And at the heart of it all are fierce, complex women who refuse to be defined by fear.
If you love haunted mansions, forbidden magic, and heroines who fight with both courage and vulnerability, this book delivers in spades. It’s gothic horror at its finest—dark, lyrical, and utterly enthralling.
This newest chapter in the Book of Shadows series doesn’t just continue the saga—it elevates it. A must-read for fans of atmospheric horror and anyone who craves a story where the house itself becomes a character, and every shadow hides a secret.
A Dark, Atmospheric Triumph, perfect for your Halloween reading pleasure. I'm eager for the next book in the saga.
When monster-hunter Anna Jacobs sails to the storm-lashed shores of Brimwatch Isle, she seeks only one the forbidden ritual that might restore her mother’s soul from beyond the Veil. But the secrets buried in the haunted halls of Hallowspire are far older—and far deadlier—than she ever imagined.
From the moment Anna Jacobs sets foot on Brimwatch Isle, the story grips you with its gothic intensity. The decaying halls of Hallowspire are more than just a setting—they feel alive, steeped in secrets, lies, and a history that refuses to stay buried. The atmosphere is so vivid you can almost hear the echo of dripping water in the flooded depths and feel the cold breath of the soul-stripped dead at your back.
What makes this book stand out is its balance of emotional depth and relentless suspense. Anna’s quest to restore her mother’s soul is both heartbreaking and terrifying, forcing her to confront not only the horrors around her but also the darkness growing within. The moral dilemmas she faces—how far she’s willing to go, and what she’s willing to sacrifice—give the story a weight that lingers long after the final page.
The lore surrounding occultist Alistair Gilead Thorne is masterfully woven, adding layers of mystery and dread. The mirrors that lie, the restless dead, and the blood-soaked ritual all build toward a climax that is as shocking as it is satisfying. And at the heart of it all are fierce, complex women who refuse to be defined by fear.
If you love haunted mansions, forbidden magic, and heroines who fight with both courage and vulnerability, this book delivers in spades. It’s gothic horror at its finest—dark, lyrical, and utterly enthralling.
This newest chapter in the Book of Shadows series doesn’t just continue the saga—it elevates it. A must-read for fans of atmospheric horror and anyone who craves a story where the house itself becomes a character, and every shadow hides a secret.
A Dark, Atmospheric Triumph, perfect for your Halloween reading pleasure. I'm eager for the next book in the saga.
November 12, 2025
Michael Penning delivers another propulsive, and chilling adventure in the latest installment in the Book of Shadows series, “The Hellfire House”. The story follows demon-hunter Anna Jacobs on a mission to restore her mother’s soul, as she travels to a secluded island to uncover the mysteries buried deep in a haunted mansion called Hallowspire.
Fast-paced action has become one of the hallmarks of this series, and the thrills begin right at the start as Anna faces off against a threat aboard the very ship transporting her to her destination. This is an old-school adventure story full of mysteries and twists, not unlike an Indiana Jones tale, only far creepier and chilling. Penning’s descriptive writing style conjures up truly frightening imagery and creates a truly haunting atmosphere that makes the story engaging.
The characters are fully developed and very well-written. Anna is accompanied on her quest by Mercy, a young girl she is connected to from the previous book. Like Anna, Mercy’s actions are largely motivated by unresolved issues from her past, and as the story progresses, it becomes clear that she has a key role to play. Other important characters include Jubba, a former slave who will do whatever it takes to protect her two young children Micah, and Effie, who are under a constant threat within the walls of Hallowspire.
The plot has many layers that are revealed as Anna and her companions venture deeper into the haunted bowels of the mansion. Penning does a great job of both, creating a sense of history as well as establishing a unique mythology surrounding the evil deeds of the former owner of the mansion, Alistair Thorne. The ghostly apparitions, known as The Thirteen, victims of their former master, are a constant threat to the mental and physical safety of the main characters.
The heart of the story is Anna’s desire to rescue her mother’s soul from beyond the ‘veil of death’. The forbidden ritual that Anna seeks to learn about requires a sacrifice and it is this moral dilemma that makes the story so compelling. Anna is personally haunted by the voice of her ancestor, the witch Rebecca Hale who is constantly trying to influence her decisions.
“The Hellfire House” is a creepy, atmospheric read full of twists and intrigue. The series as a whole is a winner and I highly recommend it.
Thank you for the ARC!
Fast-paced action has become one of the hallmarks of this series, and the thrills begin right at the start as Anna faces off against a threat aboard the very ship transporting her to her destination. This is an old-school adventure story full of mysteries and twists, not unlike an Indiana Jones tale, only far creepier and chilling. Penning’s descriptive writing style conjures up truly frightening imagery and creates a truly haunting atmosphere that makes the story engaging.
The characters are fully developed and very well-written. Anna is accompanied on her quest by Mercy, a young girl she is connected to from the previous book. Like Anna, Mercy’s actions are largely motivated by unresolved issues from her past, and as the story progresses, it becomes clear that she has a key role to play. Other important characters include Jubba, a former slave who will do whatever it takes to protect her two young children Micah, and Effie, who are under a constant threat within the walls of Hallowspire.
The plot has many layers that are revealed as Anna and her companions venture deeper into the haunted bowels of the mansion. Penning does a great job of both, creating a sense of history as well as establishing a unique mythology surrounding the evil deeds of the former owner of the mansion, Alistair Thorne. The ghostly apparitions, known as The Thirteen, victims of their former master, are a constant threat to the mental and physical safety of the main characters.
The heart of the story is Anna’s desire to rescue her mother’s soul from beyond the ‘veil of death’. The forbidden ritual that Anna seeks to learn about requires a sacrifice and it is this moral dilemma that makes the story so compelling. Anna is personally haunted by the voice of her ancestor, the witch Rebecca Hale who is constantly trying to influence her decisions.
“The Hellfire House” is a creepy, atmospheric read full of twists and intrigue. The series as a whole is a winner and I highly recommend it.
Thank you for the ARC!
November 4, 2025
Witch and demon hunter, Anna Jacobs, makes the journey to Hallowspire, the haunted house of occultist Alastair Thorne on the cursed Brimwatch Isle. Her mission to root out the secrets of the house to bring her mother back through the veil of death. Anna is torn by her desire to conduct the ritual even though it could rip the fabric of reality as the darkness within her screams to be heard. Is the price of success worth the horror it will unleash?
The fifth instalment of the All Hallows story and Anna is back, this time the dark magic pull is overwhelming and she risks losing herself to save her mother. Starting with a bang and never letting up this is a deeply disturbing tale of power and evil, love and pain, decisions and consequences. There is a constant undercurrent of impending doom, the tension is intense and unforgiving, the atmosphere eerie and chilling.
With an immaculate gothic feel, it crackles with dark energy as the location, a character in itself, breathes and watches, lurking ready to pounce and devour. A twisted tortured story that grips your heart with cold icy fingers and drags you into the abyss, spectacular!
The fifth instalment of the All Hallows story and Anna is back, this time the dark magic pull is overwhelming and she risks losing herself to save her mother. Starting with a bang and never letting up this is a deeply disturbing tale of power and evil, love and pain, decisions and consequences. There is a constant undercurrent of impending doom, the tension is intense and unforgiving, the atmosphere eerie and chilling.
With an immaculate gothic feel, it crackles with dark energy as the location, a character in itself, breathes and watches, lurking ready to pounce and devour. A twisted tortured story that grips your heart with cold icy fingers and drags you into the abyss, spectacular!
September 28, 2025
Worth the Wait!!!
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book ever since I turned the final page of The Black Testament, and I’m thrilled to say it was well worth the wait. Once again, the author delivers a gripping, unforgettable experience that pulls you in from the very first chapter and refuses to let go.
The pacing is relentless in the best possible way. Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s coming, the story twists in a new direction, keeping the suspense high and the tension tight. There are moments that are downright creepy in the most satisfying, spine-tingling sense, and the atmosphere throughout is masterfully crafted.
If you’re a fan of intelligent thrillers with emotional depth and eerie undertones, this book should be at the top of your list. My only complaint? The wait between books! Please tell me I won’t have to wait too long for the next one… and the one after that… and the one after that.
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book ever since I turned the final page of The Black Testament, and I’m thrilled to say it was well worth the wait. Once again, the author delivers a gripping, unforgettable experience that pulls you in from the very first chapter and refuses to let go.
The pacing is relentless in the best possible way. Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s coming, the story twists in a new direction, keeping the suspense high and the tension tight. There are moments that are downright creepy in the most satisfying, spine-tingling sense, and the atmosphere throughout is masterfully crafted.
If you’re a fan of intelligent thrillers with emotional depth and eerie undertones, this book should be at the top of your list. My only complaint? The wait between books! Please tell me I won’t have to wait too long for the next one… and the one after that… and the one after that.
November 7, 2025
Michael Penning has written many dark characters into his books, but none so dark as Alistair Thorne, the architect of the plans to let loose the darkest of evil that has dwelt for eons, waiting below the Hellfire House, known as Hallowspire. This is a fairly fast paced story full of horrific images and shivers galore. Mr. Penning draws the reader in with a deft hand and wraps them in antomosphere, gripping them tightly while they race through the prose he offers. Book 5 of the Book of Shadows series, The Hellfire House has earned it's place.
I received a copy of this book via the author and I voluntarily leave my opinion of the tale.
I received a copy of this book via the author and I voluntarily leave my opinion of the tale.
November 11, 2025
Penning has a knack for crafting scenes that feel cinematic but deeply unsettling, like you’re standing right there in the dark with the characters. The house itself feels alive, watching, waiting… and by the time you realize why, it’s already too late. I won’t spoil a thing, but if you love horror that gets under your skin rather than just jumping out at you, this one delivers. Right into your soul. You’ll feel it in the tremble of your hands as you flip each page. He brings you in, and you live it out with the characters. This author continues to impress and frighten me more and more.
November 2, 2025
Michael Penning does it again! This latest installment in the series may be the best yet! The story is dark and relentless. There were twists, there were turns. There were tendrils reaching out through the pages. If you're already a fan of this amazing series you will not be disappointed - just say goodbye to your resting heart rate.
I can't wait for the next book! Just please show us some mercy next time... or maybe don't.
I can't wait for the next book! Just please show us some mercy next time... or maybe don't.
November 1, 2025
This was the perfect Halloween read, haunted house, dark magic, witches! The world building and characters were impeccable, this book was so atmospheric and gripping, I would highly recommend.
November 24, 2025
Hellfire House is book five in the Book of Shadows series, and despite not reading any of the others I was not left confused. The gothic atmosphere of Hellfire House and Alastair Thorne’s occultist experiments reminded me a little of Joyce Carol Oates’ Butcher with a dash of the Hawthorne Institute from Riley Sager’s Middle of the Night. I love horror books that feature weird/messed up history being uncovered by going through old documents. If you love a good gothic atmospheric read featuring haunted houses, mad scientist experiments, and being shipwrecked on an island, give Hellfire House a read!
Special thanks to Michael Penning for giving me a free E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Special thanks to Michael Penning for giving me a free E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 26, 2025
Love this series so much, hope there is another book!!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews