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Her Suffering

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The life of Julie Knight, an eighteen-year-old waitress, crumbles after she's sexually assaulted by a malevolent entity—an invisible intruder. She attempts to hide the first attack, shrugging it off as a nightmare, but then the inexplicable attacks increase in frequency and intensity. Reina Knight, Julie's single mother, attempts to help her by staying by her side and enlisting the aid of doctors, but Julie's agony refuses to end... Is Julie's suffering the result of a severe mental illness? Or has an incubus targeted her from the supernatural realm? Can Reina end her daughter's suffering before Julie is consumed by her agony? Extreme horror author Jon Athan, the writer of In the Name of the Devil and Madness at Madison Mall, brings you another shocking supernatural horror story. This book contains some suggestive scenes and themes, some violence, and some vulgar language. It is not intended for those easily offended or appalled. Please enjoy at your own discretion.

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2017

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400 people want to read

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Jon Athan

96 books2,258 followers

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5 stars
129 (38%)
4 stars
121 (36%)
3 stars
65 (19%)
2 stars
11 (3%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Peter Topside.
Author 6 books1,465 followers
April 15, 2025
Part exorcist. Part The Entity. Part Insidious. This was a truly unsettling and intense experience. Poor Julie is just trying to save for college, work hard, and support her single mother. And it was refreshing to see how unified this little family unit was, including Julie’s brother Nick. But the spirit world has some impure intentions for our main character. And the battle for Julie’s life and spirit is on! Now, not to spoil anything, there are a fair amount of depictions of abuse and rape in here. Nothing is terribly detailed, and all of it is pertinent to the story. But reader beware. I really loved the team of paranormal experts that came to help save Julie, and the climax of this young girl’s struggle was powerful. I had to double check that Jon Athan wrote this, as the violence and language were completely toned down from his normal fare. But it was a relief to see him step out of his usual splatterpunk and uber violent stories to tell a great possession tale like this. My only critique was that I felt the reasoning for the possession went a little too far. Like there could have been a much simpler and logical reason for it happening, so that just felt too big of an idea for this sort of story. But otherwise, I really enjoyed this and am glad to see Jon Athan’s display some pure writing abilities.
Profile Image for Mellisa.
606 reviews158 followers
January 19, 2022
Julie Knight's life crumbles when is assaulted by something evil, something that cannot be seen. At first, she thinks it's a nightmare, but as they get worse and more frequent, and others witness the attacks, she can't lie to herself anymore. Julie's mother is desperate to help, bringing in a range of help to try and stop her daughter's suffering. Little do they know, it has only just started...

This author is one to watch! His books are just not spoken about enough, and they need to be! I can't begin to describe how haunting his books can be, how gory!

Once you start his books, it is so hard to stop reading them. They have you hooked until the very end. You'll sit there cringing at some parts, wanting to cover your eyes!

He's an author that is like no other. He's brave enough to write stories that others probably wouldn't, and it pays off because they end up a thrilling read. They'll make you feel so many emotions. They'll creep you out. They are unlike anything you'll read - he's that good.
Profile Image for Lynn Vaillancourt.
626 reviews14 followers
October 24, 2023
I rarely get scared reading horror novels or watching horror movies, but this book really spooked me. I was hooked from the beginning, it's shocking, dark, and disturbing and definitely not for the faint of heart. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for The Library of Thrills.
196 reviews33 followers
May 19, 2021
I started reading this book yesterday and finished today! I honestly couldn't put it down.
This is the second novel I have read by Jon Athan. For all the People that like to read about demonic possession this one definitely could be for you. „Her Suffering“ has a similar plot with “The Exorcist.”

I enjoyed reading this extreme Horror Novel. There’s really not much left to shock or astonish me, but somehow Jon Athan managed to do so🤷🏻‍♀️😅

This one disturbed,shocked,gripped and disgusted me all together, and please believe me when I say that it is quite difficult to do!
So therefore, good Job! 🤣🤷🏻‍♀️👍🏼

I’ve definitely a fan of Jon Athan his writing is addictive & horrific.
Already ordered a whole bunch of his books!

3.5/5 💫
Profile Image for Tam.
2,179 reviews54 followers
January 26, 2019
VERY graphic and explicit. Not for the feint of heart. Addresses some extremely taboo forms of abuse. This one actually made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end and gave me a raging case of the heebee jeebees.
1,536 reviews14 followers
October 20, 2022
WOW just WOW

This story was OFF the charts FANTASTIC!!!. This child SUFFERED from this entity that was her father!!!. Sick, Sick, b_stard!.. Jon is a Fantastic storyteller and is a PHENOMENAL writer!!!.
Profile Image for CARLEEN.
178 reviews7 followers
September 3, 2019
ENTITY ABUSE!

Poor 18yr old Julie is repeatedly raped by an entity, her family reaches out for help. This was not what I expect from a Jon Athan read, but he explained that, he has a supernatural side. It was a good read and opens the door for sequels; of course I've been reading Jon's book out of order so there probably are sequels. Onto the next one I go.
Profile Image for Kaylyn .
397 reviews18 followers
February 8, 2024
"Her Suffering" is a spooky campfire tale on steroids.

The fear and dread crawl out of the pages and settle into your bones. You're right there with the main character, feeling every ounce of anticipation and fear. It's the kind of read that has you checking the locks on your doors and sleeping with one eye open.

On the other hand, there's the loving, seemingly normal family. You get attached, like really attached. And that's when the author flips the script. Suddenly, everything you thought you knew takes a twisted turn, and you're left gasping. It's a rollercoaster of emotions – from warm and fuzzy to downright spine-chilling.

The "unable to put down" level is off the charts. I lost track of time, staying up way past my bedtime because I needed to know how everything was going to go down. The twists were like a series of punches, leaving me gasping and slack-jawed.

Overall, "Her Suffering" is a spine-chilling paranormal read that deserves a spot on your shelf. The fear, the family dynamics, the pacing – it all adds up to a story you won't easily shake off. If you're up for a thrilling ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this one's a must-read. Just be prepared for some seriously haunting dreams.
Profile Image for agnes.
7 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2017
Omg,,,what a fantastic,scary,amazing book. For all you readers that love demonic possession this is for you. I generally only write a review if I feel the book is brilliantly good or drastically bad. This comes under ,,brilliantly good. I started reading this book at 10pm ,,it's now 2:43 am,,I've read the entire book in one sitting. I honestly couldn't put it down. It's kinda tangled my nerves but in all honesty ,,,,it's the best book I've read in a wee while.... Definitely not for the faint hearted. This is the first book I've read by this author but I'm now gonna check out his other title,he can write a great novel. I would recommend you read it with the lights on and don't be alone in the house . Congratulations to Jon Athan,,my new favourite author by far

Omg,, this is by far the best book I've read in a long time . If you like books on demonic possession then this is the one for you,scary,creepy,realistic and pure evil.. right up my street. This is the first book I've read by Jon Athan but I can assure you it won't be the last.
Profile Image for Tam French.
167 reviews
December 16, 2018
I've read 7 or 8 of your books now & I will agree that this one was a bit "tame", but still very intense in all aspects. Very relatable characters. Would definitely freak me TF out if it happened to me or someone I loved. How terrifying for Nick to know it was real, but scared to do/say something about what he actually saw. Loved all the characters & the flow of the story.
I, personally, LOVE stand-alones that are also a series. I would be thoroughly delighted if you decided to do a "series" of Unearthly Happenings (would really want more than 1 a year though, yes, I'm greedy!!)!!! I also think a prequel about Kisho's story would be awesome!!
Thanks for writing some stuff that is truly twisted & demented!! Keep up the great work & I'll keep reading them as fast as I can!! I should also say that I enjoy the supernatural novels as well as the extreme horror ones too!!!
6 reviews
October 13, 2024
Her suffering

I really liked this book but I did think that it was a little tame and somewhat flat. I would have liked a bit more info on what happened before the trouble started. Like what happened to the family when she was younger and maybe more on what caused her father to do what he did to her. The fathers story was barely told in my opinion. Was this a part of his childhood too? I also found the ending to be almost too tame and mushy compared to the rest of the story. That is why I only gave it 4 stars. But I'll still be reading more from this author!
Profile Image for Helen LAZCANO .
109 reviews
September 23, 2025
It’s horrifying, yes, but it’s also heartbreakingly human. Strip away the supernatural layer and it becomes a raw metaphor for surviving abuse: the painful, complicated process of letting go of someone who hurt you but was still supposed to love you. Athan doesn’t sensationalize the trauma; instead, he forces you to sit with the messy emotions—love tangled with hate, grief tangled with anger.

This isn’t an easy read, but it’s powerful. For me, it felt less like a possession story and more like a brutal exploration of healing and the courage it takes to reclaim your own life.
Profile Image for Serenity  Pickles.
12 reviews
January 19, 2026
Oh, How Shocking (Excellent)

I was in two minds about reading this and I read ALL Jon Athan books. I love the detailed explanations when he writes woven into each scene, and I love all the times he shocks me lol.
Being a Christian and my views on the devil made me wonder if this would actually give me nightmares. I’m glad to say though, no nightmares and the chance to read such a well written book, that’s shocking and also believable (to some).
I can’t wait to see what’s next :-)
Profile Image for Mandy McKechnie.
8 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2018
A different twist on a much used subject

May contain spoilers!
I really enjoyed the authors take on possession and exorcism. It was refreshingly different to have these things presented in the form of emotional strength and attachment as opposed to any religious involvement, which let's face it, has been done to death (pun intended). I hope the author writes more about Kisho, he is a character I feel could really become legendary.
Profile Image for Diane .
364 reviews11 followers
January 3, 2022
A very well written and good book,but not the best I've read from Jon Athan,I found it a little tedious at times and somewhat repetitive.The rape and attack parts were rather shocking and brutal.I did however find it easy to connect with the characters...and I felt their agony and hurt towards Julie and what was happening to her by her dead father's ghost.Not a book for everyone if you are easily offended by strong language and violence,but worth the time to read if you are a Jon Athan fan.
Profile Image for Thomas Hobbs.
919 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2025
This is a different book of sorts by Jon Athan. Most of the books I have read by him are slasher books. This one was like a malicious entity that continued to rape a 18 year old many times over and over again. This book was hard to read because of the multiple rape scenes. The physical and psychological torture of rape victims must be astronomical and I hope no one ever has to go through this torture ever. I know it happens but I rather not think about it.
Profile Image for Josette Thomas.
1,263 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2022
A supernatural horror book about a young girl who becomes possessed after being violated. Everyone tries to help her but no one can get rid of the demon. That is until an expert comes from Japan. Only then is she able to get some relief. This is my second book in the sub-genre of extreme horror. These books are intense, so be warned!
Profile Image for Shee Reads.
99 reviews3 followers
August 29, 2023
HER SUFFERING
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

Damn this is awesome. Jon Athan does a supernatural extreme horror more terrifying. It was scary and disturbing. Not too gruesome like his other books but still, the thought of being attacked by an unseen entity is enough to scare me.

I really love his writing style and the fact that he based this book from a movie, well, I gotta say he totally nailed this one. Loved it. An easy 5 stars for me.

🖤
Profile Image for amanda Pickett.
28 reviews7 followers
December 26, 2017
Awesome

This writer amazes me, can go from one genre to another. I am in awe of him, he is my favourite author by far. Please read his books, he's amazing. I presume he must write a new book every month. If you like different, then please give this guy a go.
8 reviews
April 4, 2018
Another great one

I can't stop reading your books Jon! They keep my interest even after my bedtime has come and gone. Loved this one, I am on a roll. You keep writing, I am a forever fan!!
84 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2018
Her Suffering

This was a pretty freaky story of a teen girl being haunted,this was about a mother's love and her willingness to do whatever it takes to save her daughter from a paranormal doorway opened by her own father.This was really dark story,well done.
1 review
September 12, 2020
Cracking Read

Very well written fast paced horror story.
Reminded me of the Book Entity but with a better ending.
I think that the adventures of kisho Sato would be a good spin off series of books. First book I have read of Jon Athan wont be the last.
83 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2021
Took me back to an old horror film....

This reminded me of the awful film the Entity. But with a more believable reason behind it. It really spooked me like the film did. It was written so well it was actually like watching a film.
8 reviews
May 25, 2022
Need more of Kisho Sato

Good read, very interesting. Finished in a couple of hours without a break by accident. Horrible story but fantastic plot. Need more stories about Kisho Sato!!
Profile Image for Nate Dawg.
132 reviews10 followers
October 30, 2022
Her Suffering is an excellent modern tale of possession. Its a well written and quick read with good plot and character development. Warning for ghost SA. This is my first book by Jon Athan and I’ll definitely read more.
138 reviews7 followers
November 20, 2024
Outstanding!

I went into this completely blind and man it did not disappoint. I absolutely loved this because it checked all the boxes for. You can envision and damn near feel the pain and suffering of the poor girl. Just try to hang in there.
2 reviews
February 7, 2018
Brilliant

Yet another classic by jon, good storyline, a book on kisho and his travels would be cool , well done yet again
5 reviews
June 24, 2018
Not for the faint hearted.

What a brilliant horror/paranormal book. First time I've read something by this author and I'm not disappointed. An incredible and horrifying read.
211 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2018
Like an okay version of a Twilight Zone episode. With ghosts having sex with a teenage girl!!!
Profile Image for Emily.
33 reviews
April 27, 2022
What a ride! Loved every second of this!

The entity meets the exorcist 😍❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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