The Brotherhood

The Abbey #1

by Jo Fenton

CONTAINS DISTURBING SCENES

The Brotherhood – safe haven or prison? After her parents’ sudden death, a grieving Melissa falls back on her faith and into the welcoming arms of a religious sect. Captivated by their leader, Dominic, she leaves her old life behind and moves to the countryside to join them. But life in The Brotherhood is not as safe as it first appeared. When engineer Mark joins The Brotherhood, Melissa finds herself conflicted between her growing feelings for him and her crush on Dominic. With their leader's initial encouragement, Melissa and Mark grow close. But as her haven becomes a prison, Melissa's newfound happiness is destroyed by Dominic’s jealousy. How can she escape and save the ones she loves?

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Ebooks

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2018

About the author

Jo Fenton grew up in Hertfordshire, UK. She devoured books from an early age, particularly enjoying adventure books, school stories and fantasy. She wanted to be a scientist from aged six after being given a wonderful book titled “Science Can Be Fun”. At eleven, she discovered Agatha Christie and Georgette Heyer, and now has an eclectic and much loved book collection cluttering her home office.
Jo combines an exciting career in Clinical Research with an equally exciting but very different career as a writer of psychological thrillers.
When not working, she runs (very slowly), and chats to lots of people. She lives in Manchester with her husband, two sons, a Corgi and a tankful of tropical fish. She is an active and enthusiastic member of two writing groups and a reading group.

Reviews

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I’m speechless. I didn’t read anything about this story. Saw the cover and just jumped into the blog tour. Not even sure what I was thinking as I rarely pick reads for the cover. I’m grateful for whatever caught my eye as this is a book I wouldn’t want to have missed out on.

Melissa’s hit rock bottom when her parents suddenly die. She loves her job but just can’t keep her head in it. She leans on Dominic as he reaches out to help her after her big loss. When her safety is at risk Dominic offers her a home at The Brotherhood. There she is catapulted into a whole new life and not all is for the better.

I really am hesitating to say more about the storyline. It’s fast paced and totally not what I expected... it’s so much more.

This was a one sitting read for me. I was hooked. I literally could not put it down. I’m so looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Susan Lodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disturbing and compulsive page turner.
I read this book whilst on holiday, which was just as well as I found it very hard to put down.
Seeking shelter and peace from her troublesome life Mel is persuaded to join 'The Brotherhood' by Dominic, the sects enigmatic leader. Instead of finding refuge her life quickly spirals downwards as the twisted reality of her new community unfolds. A powerful insight into mental and physical manipulation, inside a world where love and hate are skillfully combined. A great read!

[Mc Chanster · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 stars**

This was a pretty good read. I don’t always enjoy first-person POV novels, but in this case, it really helped me connect with the main character, Melissa.

Having lost both her parents in an accident, Melissa is floundering and quickly finds comfort in Dominic, a charming and charismatic older man. Unbeknownst to her, he more than just a shoulder to cry on. He is also shockingly cruel, a side of him she doesn’t see until the doors to The Brotherhood close behind her, and she is trapped.

I found this novel to be compelling, and disturbing. I enjoyed how the author set up tension and suspense, and there were definitely parts where I just could not put the book down. I thought the characters were really well done – Melissa was complex, despite her naivety and innocence, and Dominic proved to be a great villain. Secondary characters provided great support and really helped create the "mood" of The Brotherhood. I liked the slight twist near the end, but at the same time, I also felt the ending was rushed. A lot of things happen in the last few chapters and it felt pressed to tie up too many loose ends too quickly. As a result, parts of the ending seemed a little slapped together when most of the novel felt well planned out. Overall, an enjoyable read and will be interested in seeing where it goes in The Refuge.

Thank you Voracious Readers and Jo Fenton for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

[J.E. Friend · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the beginning of this book a bit disjointed. As I read on, I felt it was an after thought to the rest of the story, which was quite good.

The main body of the story kept me reading. I wanted to know what happened to the characters in the story, which demonstrates well thought out characters and good writing.

I found the descriptive ‘vampire bats’ in her stomach a bit odd, but that may be the difference between myself and a UK author.

Again the ending seemed to happen too quickly, trying to tie everything up with a nice bow, but all in all a good read.

I received a complimentary copy via Voracious Readers for an unbiased review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I found this series

I can't wait to get started on Book 2. Wondering how it can top this one. Unlike other authors, Fenton has drawn characters with a minimum of physical description and has instead allowed their words, actions, and thoughts (in the case of Mel) build a picture of them. All in all, this was a great read.

[Charlie Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark and thrilling read. At times I felt claustrophobic and found myself holding my breath. Melissa is a very well-drawn and complex character and it was scary yet believable watching her get sucked into Dominic’s world.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real nail biter of a story that had me reading late into the night! Beautifully well drawn characters and a story that zipped along and left me breathless! I really enjoyed this.

[Joan Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo Fenton created a complex character in Melissa, the protagonist for her debut novel, The Brotherhood — and one of the creepiest cults ever. Melissa’s naivety and grief make her the perfect victim for the cult’s leader. But being a psychological thriller, I was hoping for more from this character. And I got it. I look forward to reading what this author writes next.

[J.B (Debbie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Melissa is at her most vulnerable, after her parents die, she is befriended by the charasmatic Dominic, she is relieved to have someone to confide in about the stress she is under, particularly from an ex boyfriend who appears to be stalking her. She feels very alone in the world and Dominic is the only person she feels safe with. When he suggests that she join his religious sect in an old Abbey it seems like the perfect solution. Her ex will never find her there. She'd be safe at last. However, The Brotherhood is not the safe haven she had hoped it would be. It seems there's more to fear inside The Brotherhood that outside in the real world.

What a roller coaster of a book! I was exhausted by the time I got to the end of it! I loved Jo Fenton's writing style and the writing gripped me from page one. I've always been interested in what draws people to religious groups and religion of any sort. Dominic it seems chooses people when they are at their most vulnerable and probably not in a position to make the best life choices. He feeds on their fears and this cult, which is what it is, is there to serve his ego more than anything else. Driven by fear, his 'followers' are brainwashed into believing he is something he isn't. He is the master manipulator using charm to draw people into his dark world.

The novel is beautifully paced and a desperate desire to find out more about Melissa's story, drives the read to read it at breakneck speed. I just needed to know what was going to happen. Told in the first person, we learn first hand what Melissa is feeling and throughout the course of the novel her fear is palpable. Just how far people go to believe something smacks for me, of something all too real and that's what made this story so compelling. I loved this book. A brilliant piece of writing and a recommended read from me if you want a book to get your heart racing!

[Susan Roebuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I darted through "The Brotherhood", reluctant to put it down. It is so compelling, the writing is second to none and the characters life-like and relatable. The suspense of, first, whether Mel would realise just what the Brotherhood was and, second, whether she could save herself kept me up late in the night wanting to know more. It's one of those books I was sorry when it ended.

[Susan King · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional roller coaster ... couldn't put it down.

[Miriam Drori · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an wonderful novel! I was hooked from the beginning and remained so to the end.

The author has a keen perception of human beings and how they behave in certain situations. I never stopped believing that what I was reading, awful as it was, could happen in the real world.

Highly recommended!

[Katharine Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb debut - dark, disturbing and gripping. The characters are plausible especially Mel who's very easy to sympathise with. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes psychological thrillers

[Val Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo Fenton's debut novel, The Brotherhood was published by Crooked Cat Books and is a gripping psychological thriller. It tells the story of Melissa who, when face with the sudden death of her parents, joins a secretive religious sect that is not all it seems to be at first. 

Melissa finds the leader, Dominic, irresistable. Unfortunately, life within the sect is not safe for her, particularly after Mark joins The Brotherhood. Melissa is attracted to Mark and finds this impinges upon her feelings for Dominic. Although Dominic originally encouraged the relationship between Melissa and Mark, he soon becomes jealous and the confines of the sect become destructive to Melissa and her happiness. I really enjoyed The Brotherhood. It would certainly make for interesting discussions within a reading group.

[Sue Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps the pages turning

A great debut novel. slightly disturbing but you want to keep on reading. Some good characters and interesting plot.Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Gabrielle Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brotherhood was a page turner right from page 1... I fell in love with the characters, i was made to feel uncomfortable at certain points, and it was believable... excellent read!!

[Chelle W (teaandplottwists) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic psychological thriller that had me completely sucked in and thoroughly engrossed from start to finish.

Melissa lost her parents in a plane crash a few months ago, and Dominic, caring and loving religious leader has been helping her get through the trauma. After meeting Dominic for a coffee, her ex who has accepted their break-up kicks off, and when she returns to her room, comes across a grusome discover. Wanting to get as far away as she can, Dominic offers to take her to the community where he lives known as The Brotherhood – there she will be safe from her ex……

All is well but then a few things happen that cause her to raise her eyebrows…..things that aren’t normal in a ‘safe, caring and loving community’. She also doesn’t understand why she doesn’t get to see or speak to Dominic and why he blows hot and cold with her……Then a new resident arrives in the form of Mark and their relationship develops. But despite Dominic’s initial approval, he becomes jealous and Melissa world turns into one of horror…..But will she survive it? Why are the things that happen at The Brotherhood allowed to take place? And is it really a safe refuge for people?

The storyline is fantastic! I’ve watched quite a few documentaries on cults and sadly, some of this stuff has happened in real life. This will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions and will have you completely and utterly gripped. Fenton does a brilliant job of drawing out your emotions and pulling at your heart strings, and gives us characters that you will truly come to love (and others you will certainly hate!). I was just glad that I had number 2 to get into straight away!

There should be a trigger warning that the story does have some quite graphic scenes of violence and rape.

[Ruth Coulson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Brotherhood is sub-titled a psychological thriller. It doesn't disappoint in that. It basically illustrates how easily the young, the innocent, the lonely and the troubled - in fact the vulnerable in society - are easily drawn into a cult.

Initially Melissa is taken to the Brotherhood by its leader Dominic who seems to offer her shelter, warmth and at least somewhere safe to stay. Only later is it obvious that he is completely devious. If the reader isn't aware of his duplicity earlier it is obvious when it becomes known that he claims to be The Messiah. We have to wonder why Melissa doesn't understand the situation she is in. But then, she is young, innocent, lonely and troubled. And Dominic is very charismatic. By the time she understands what is going on she cannot escape. And she has made friends and fallen in love with Mark another member of the Brotherhood. She doesn't want to leave them and has nowhere else to go.

The description of manipulation is very well done. Cruelty and kindness intermingled will affect anyone. I found it very hard to put down and suspect most readers will also. For me the ending seemed a little unsatisfying in some way, but that is only a small fault.

I received a free copy of the book through Voracious Readers and thank them and the author, Jo Fenton for the opportunity to read and review.

[Erik Sapp · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea behind this book was good. Sadly, it was ruined because the MC / narriator is so stupid.

The book begins to fall apart when the MC stays in the Brotherhood. She is skeptical and is not yet brainwashed. She has no reason to stay when things start getting weird. (Yes, there is the whole thing that her ex is stalking her. However, there were other options if she had just not been so stupid.) Then when she met Mark, they considered running away. There was no reason they couldn't - it doesn't seem like there were many guards at night and Mark knew where the cameras were. Then she and Mark were seperated, but there was nothing keeping them from meeting up and...leaving! But the epic stupid was when Dominic was keeping her captive. She accidentally found the way to escape him, but it never occurred to her to actually use it. (I don't mean the book. I mean biting his penis when he was demanding oral sex. She did it once and saw how it hurt him, but never thought to do it and mean it.)

The ending was too pat. Everything just...worked out.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa. Just whoa. I had no idea what I was in store for with The Brotherhood. I saw psychological thriller and jumped on the blog tour. I am so glad I did!

There have been some really good psychological thrillers that I've been reading, but The Brotherhood might just take the cake. It is a book that I don't want do describe much, because it's something you should experience. What I can tell you is that you should expect not to put this down when you start reading it.

The pace is fast, the plot is addicting and disturbing. It has themes of mental and physical manipulation, and it really sits with you when you put it down.

I can't say enough good things about The Brotherhood. If you enjoy fast-paced, psychological thrillers, you need to pick this one up. A definite add to my favorites of 2019!

*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*

[Eclectic Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The last few weeks – ever since I got the news about Mum and Dad – have been cold and dark. Locked into a nightmare of logistics with no one to help me, no one to advise, and no shoulder to cry on. Except for this stranger who appeared out of the darkness to guide me. Who allowed me to talk. And who is now offering me a home."

Melissa is alone and vulnerable with a sadistic ex-boyfriend who is stalking her and threatening to harm her so when Dominic offers his protection and a place to stay far away from her ex, she jumps at the chance.  However, The Brotherhood, a religious community located in an old Abbey, holds horrible secrets that could cost her her life.

I want to curl up in a ball and hide away, but Jimmy’s distant cry of pain intrudes and drags me back from the precipice. How can they punish him for killing an insect?

This is a dark and disturbing look at a cult that includes a messiah, torture and murder. The manipulation of the followers is creepy and shocking with a bizarre plot twist. The book is fast-paced and not what I was expecting. A great debut novel!

More book reviews at The Eclectic Review

[Lexie Conyngham · Rating 3 out of 5]

We’re rushed into the meat of the plot here: young nurse, bereaved, threatened, befriended only by an older, religious man, gallops off to take refuge in his religious community which is, of course, not all it seems. As so often with these things, you spend quite a lot of time yelling at the main characters – No, don’t trust him! Run away! Gradually the plot convolutes until it’s not clear whom she should not be trusting, and while I found her trusting acceptance of the situation a bit peculiar, I enjoyed the ride. Then we’re rushed out of it again, and I couldn’t help thinking that the author wrote the middle of the book and then tacked on the beginning and the end to fit, but I was happy enough with the overall result – with one small misgiving concerning a loose end I thought might be wrapped up. On the other hand, I was afraid it might be wrapped up in a very contrived way, so perhaps it’s better flapping free.

[Eilean Rawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through Voarcious Readers. Mel is a victim. She is devastated by the death of her parents and bullied by her boyfriend. She seems to be trapped in a pool of misery and cannot seem to move on. When she is befriended by the charismatic Dominic, she thinks her problems are over. He takes her to a monastery of sorts - The Brotherhood- where she will find peace and safety. There she meets other people who have been broken and are seeking a sanctuary. However, Dominic is not as he initially appears and the santctuary turns out to be anything but. Mel gradually becomes aware that she is, in fact, trapped in an even worse situation than before and people cannot just get up and leave. The rules and punishments are draconian and she fears for her life and those of others. Eventually things are resolved but not before Mel commits a crime that is likely to stay with her for the rest of her life.

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tackles the difficult subjects of charisma, power, manipulation and faith. Melissa finds herself in difficult circumstances and accepts a invitation to stay with The Brotherhood. Their leader, Dominic, introduces her and she’s in at the deep end. I found myself thinking the story was far-fetched till I remembered how many people are manipulated by someone they look up to. Eventually, they are harmed, but unable or unwilling to leave or fight back. I found Melissa’s struggle, together with those of the friends she made, also seemingly trapped in the Brotherhood, very engaging. Would she exert herself or would she, and all of them, remain in the power of a dominating madman? Read it and find out. It’s very good.

[Lel Budge · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her parents died, Melissa is at her most vulnerable, after her parents die, her new friend Dominic is someone to help her with the heartbreak and stress, as she feels someone is following her.

She joins The Brotherhood as she feels this could help….but she is more fearful here that she was before….just what is going on ?

A very thought provoking book, an interesting view on how vulnerable people can get drawn in to a cult…..Dominic is an emotional ‘vampire’, feeding on people’s sadness, fears and hopes…but really only thinking about himself…..a brilliantly unsettling read.

Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.

[Between The Pages (Gemma M) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooh this was a good read! Dark, unexpected and twisted. I really enjoyed reading this one. This is book one and book two is The Refuge. I cannot explain how awful it must have been at times to be Mel and Mark. Breaks my heart. Turns my stomach to go through what they have. However, there is a good ending which I kind of don’t believe as I need to see what happens in book two now…
Dominic is one dark, twisted and sick character. Never hated a character so much in my life. Horrible man. This really was a page turner of a read that will stick in your head. Brilliantly written. Highly recommend. A well deserved four stars from me.

[Heidi Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit to finding the idea of cults a little bit fascinating, so this book got me interested very quickly. I really liked how the story was told in first person, present tense as it felt very much like I was in the main character's shoes being drawn into 'The Brotherhood' (except I wanted to run away long before she did!) This is a creepy book that will stay with you long after you finish it.

[Elba M · Rating 3 out of 5]

The basic Cult situation.

The story is about a man that has the ability to charm anyone he wants to. He is like a wolf ready to attack his prey. There isn't much I can say about the book because it is basically life in a commune, were the leader is completely CRAZY. Within the book there are some small plots that are very sweet. The ending is predictable (of course is a commune) but unlike real life cults, there is a happy ending.

[Lynda Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping read. Melissa is groomed for the Brotherhood while vulnerable following her parents deaths. This story has all the elements of the gothic tradition: the fainting heroine; the charismatic male; buildings with dark passages and cellars, to keep the reader wondering how Melissa will survive her ordeal. From the moment she entered the commune I feared for her life. I could hardly wait to turn each page.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not my usual read, but once I'd started I was gripped and turning the pages to see how the story would play out. Mel is a sympathetic main character and although damaged and naive, she develops over the story, taking her fate into her own hands. I'm excited to see that there is a sequel to this book as there were characters I wanted to know more about. Looking forward to The Refuge!