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The Invocation
The Invocation is a thrilling combination of Stranger Things and The Exorcist. When Kenna Trigg plays with an Ouija board, little does she know that she is about to unleash a malevolent spirit upon the world, leaving her and her older brother, Jake, to stop the spirit as it leaves a trail of dead bodies in its wake.In The Invocation, a supernatural thriller, Kenna Trigg and three of her friends from the fourth grade manage to befriend a spirit named Mia, who died in her late teens in a drowning accident, using of an Ouija board. Cotter, a malevolent spirit who had been a con-man and criminal in life, tricks Kenna and her friends into releasing him into our world by posing as Mia. Cotter has the ability to take control and possess people he comes across. With this new power, he begins a vicious crime spree. Kenna turns to her older brother, Jake, a professional mixed-martial artist who has recently been released from prison. Now, Kenna and Jake must stop Cotter from unleashing havoc in our world.
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2019
39 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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April 23, 2020*ARC received in exchange of an honest review*
So first thing comes first. I DID NOT COMPLETE IT!!
Beleive me it so scary for my taste to read. In the initial chapters only I had my goosebumps raised on the top level.
But, but....the writing was amazing. The plot was fantastic (till the point I read).
Everyone should give any a book a chance despite what others have to say.
Apology to the author for not completing it 🙏
So first thing comes first. I DID NOT COMPLETE IT!!
Beleive me it so scary for my taste to read. In the initial chapters only I had my goosebumps raised on the top level.
But, but....the writing was amazing. The plot was fantastic (till the point I read).
Everyone should give any a book a chance despite what others have to say.
Apology to the author for not completing it 🙏
February 19, 2020
What do you get when you cross inquisitive kids, an Ouija board and a spirit hell bent on revenge?
I was intrigued when I heard this novel is like a cross between Stranger Things and The Exorcist. I have a soft spot for kids taking on the supernatural aspects of life and this novel delivers. Kenna and her friends decide to play around with her brother’s Ouija board one afternoon and start the process of unleashing an evil presence into their world.
Kenna is around 10 years old and her maturity level was very refreshing even though she effectively comes off as a younger sibling (if that makes any sense). Jake, her brother, is the logical rock of the story. Supportive, calm and loyally protective with a future in professional fighting. As they set out to fix what they did the reader is drawn in by the fierce family bonds and loyalty of friends. Fun fact, like most horror movies, the parentals always seem to be MIA.
Even though this novel has elements of violence and possession the author also wove underlying themes that focus on fixing your mistakes, pushing forward when times are tough, forgiveness and sticking together.
Overall this was a quick and easy read. The characters are lovable. There is graphic violence, sexuality, possession, spirits and drugs. I honestly think the creepiest part was the opening chapter and the rest was more a supernatural thriller.
Thank you to the author, Mr. Carl Alves, for the opportunity to read and review this novel for an unbiased opinion. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy creepy reads with younger MCs!
I was intrigued when I heard this novel is like a cross between Stranger Things and The Exorcist. I have a soft spot for kids taking on the supernatural aspects of life and this novel delivers. Kenna and her friends decide to play around with her brother’s Ouija board one afternoon and start the process of unleashing an evil presence into their world.
Kenna is around 10 years old and her maturity level was very refreshing even though she effectively comes off as a younger sibling (if that makes any sense). Jake, her brother, is the logical rock of the story. Supportive, calm and loyally protective with a future in professional fighting. As they set out to fix what they did the reader is drawn in by the fierce family bonds and loyalty of friends. Fun fact, like most horror movies, the parentals always seem to be MIA.
Even though this novel has elements of violence and possession the author also wove underlying themes that focus on fixing your mistakes, pushing forward when times are tough, forgiveness and sticking together.
Overall this was a quick and easy read. The characters are lovable. There is graphic violence, sexuality, possession, spirits and drugs. I honestly think the creepiest part was the opening chapter and the rest was more a supernatural thriller.
Thank you to the author, Mr. Carl Alves, for the opportunity to read and review this novel for an unbiased opinion. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy creepy reads with younger MCs!
May 8, 2020
I want to appreciate the author for gifting me the kindle copy. You made my apocalypse experience better.
I saw that this novel is a cross between Stranger Things and The Exorcist and I was excited to read it. I haven’t seen The Exorcist yet, but I have seen the movie, Stranger things and it was interesting. I was delighted to read this book when the author offered.
Kenna Trigg and her friends decide to have fun in the basement and play with her brother’s Ouija board. But everything does not turn out as expected. What do you think will happen when a spirit bent on unleashing evil on those who have wronged him returns from the dead? Will Kenna and her friends be able to stop him in time?
You can view my full review here👇 on my blog
https://digitalkindlebookworm.wordpre...
I saw that this novel is a cross between Stranger Things and The Exorcist and I was excited to read it. I haven’t seen The Exorcist yet, but I have seen the movie, Stranger things and it was interesting. I was delighted to read this book when the author offered.
Kenna Trigg and her friends decide to have fun in the basement and play with her brother’s Ouija board. But everything does not turn out as expected. What do you think will happen when a spirit bent on unleashing evil on those who have wronged him returns from the dead? Will Kenna and her friends be able to stop him in time?
You can view my full review here👇 on my blog
https://digitalkindlebookworm.wordpre...
February 19, 2020
The Invocation
By Carl Alves
Genre - Fiction/Horror/Supernatural
Pages - 334
Publication Information - Independently Published, April 3, 2019
Format - Print (Paperback)
ISBN-10: 1090153023
ISBN-13: 978-1090153029
Reviewed by: William C. Bitner, Jr., https://booksinmylibraryblog.wordpres...
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Combine ‘Ouija’, ‘Stranger Things’, and ‘Fallen along with a bit of martial arts and cage fighting and you get ‘The Invocation’ by Carl Alves. Kids playing around with a ouija board can be nothing but trouble, and it proves a bit more than this group of pre-teens can deal with when they mistake the gentle, kind, lost spirit they initially contacted with a spiteful, hateful ex-con out for revenge and looking for a way back into the real world. He finds his way into the real world by taking possession of one of the participants' bodies and from there he will jump from one body to another in his endeavor to get revenge on people who have wronged him in his past (this is where the similarity to ‘Fallen’ comes into play).
I was quite entertained with this read, my first by this author. It was a page turner from start to finish and I couldn’t wait to get to the end. Well structured characters and a great plot/storyline. If you’ve ever read a book where the words begin to form three-dimensional objects and a life of their own, then you will love this one for sure. These words take root and become something more than words on a page. With an easy flow and fluid cadence this book almost read itself. I look forward to reading more of this author's work in the near future.
From the back cover: A séance gone wrong. A demonic crook unleashed. Who can stop the callous carnage?
Ten-year-old Kenna Trigg thought playing with a Ouija board would be harmless fun. So when she and her friends connect with a dead girl’s energy, they vow to help the teen’s disturbed spirit rest in peace. But Kenna’s curiosity transforms to terror when she accidentally unleashes a malevolent specter out for blood.
With the malicious entity able to possess others and jump from body to body, Kenna struggles to stop his relentless crime spree. Desperate for help, she turns to her recently paroled older brother, hoping her brain and his professionally bloodied fists can bring an end to the ruthless fiend’s rampage.
Can Kenna and her brother defeat an insidious evil before it kills them all?
About the author: Carl is the author of six published novels which span the horror, fantasy, and science fiction genres in no particular order. He lives in Central Pennsylvania with his wife and the two most awesome boys you have ever met. When not feverishly conjuring stories about monsters, aliens, and things that go bump in the night, he works as an engineer for a medical device company.
Other works by Carl Alves: ‘Battle of the Soul’, ‘Reconquest: Mother Earth’, ‘Conjesero’, ‘Blood Street’, and ‘Two for Eternity’ et.al...
By Carl Alves
Genre - Fiction/Horror/Supernatural
Pages - 334
Publication Information - Independently Published, April 3, 2019
Format - Print (Paperback)
ISBN-10: 1090153023
ISBN-13: 978-1090153029
Reviewed by: William C. Bitner, Jr., https://booksinmylibraryblog.wordpres...
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Combine ‘Ouija’, ‘Stranger Things’, and ‘Fallen along with a bit of martial arts and cage fighting and you get ‘The Invocation’ by Carl Alves. Kids playing around with a ouija board can be nothing but trouble, and it proves a bit more than this group of pre-teens can deal with when they mistake the gentle, kind, lost spirit they initially contacted with a spiteful, hateful ex-con out for revenge and looking for a way back into the real world. He finds his way into the real world by taking possession of one of the participants' bodies and from there he will jump from one body to another in his endeavor to get revenge on people who have wronged him in his past (this is where the similarity to ‘Fallen’ comes into play).
I was quite entertained with this read, my first by this author. It was a page turner from start to finish and I couldn’t wait to get to the end. Well structured characters and a great plot/storyline. If you’ve ever read a book where the words begin to form three-dimensional objects and a life of their own, then you will love this one for sure. These words take root and become something more than words on a page. With an easy flow and fluid cadence this book almost read itself. I look forward to reading more of this author's work in the near future.
From the back cover: A séance gone wrong. A demonic crook unleashed. Who can stop the callous carnage?
Ten-year-old Kenna Trigg thought playing with a Ouija board would be harmless fun. So when she and her friends connect with a dead girl’s energy, they vow to help the teen’s disturbed spirit rest in peace. But Kenna’s curiosity transforms to terror when she accidentally unleashes a malevolent specter out for blood.
With the malicious entity able to possess others and jump from body to body, Kenna struggles to stop his relentless crime spree. Desperate for help, she turns to her recently paroled older brother, hoping her brain and his professionally bloodied fists can bring an end to the ruthless fiend’s rampage.
Can Kenna and her brother defeat an insidious evil before it kills them all?
About the author: Carl is the author of six published novels which span the horror, fantasy, and science fiction genres in no particular order. He lives in Central Pennsylvania with his wife and the two most awesome boys you have ever met. When not feverishly conjuring stories about monsters, aliens, and things that go bump in the night, he works as an engineer for a medical device company.
Other works by Carl Alves: ‘Battle of the Soul’, ‘Reconquest: Mother Earth’, ‘Conjesero’, ‘Blood Street’, and ‘Two for Eternity’ et.al...
June 16, 2019
I found THE INVOCATION a heartwarming horror novel, due to the characters' devotion to their friends and family, sometimes to the extent of imperiling and endangering themselves. I also enjoy horror involving spirit possession, which is a strong theme of this novel.
December 8, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was a pretty good horror story about spirit possession. It definitely had its scary moments. The relationships between the various characters was heart warming, and it gave a good insight into their lives.
That being said, I realize now that this book was more geared towards the YA audience. I don't read YA usually, which is why it wasn't exactly my cup of tea. But if you like scary YA books, then I would definitely recommend this one!
This was a pretty good horror story about spirit possession. It definitely had its scary moments. The relationships between the various characters was heart warming, and it gave a good insight into their lives.
That being said, I realize now that this book was more geared towards the YA audience. I don't read YA usually, which is why it wasn't exactly my cup of tea. But if you like scary YA books, then I would definitely recommend this one!
April 28, 2021
Not your typical ouija board book
Enjoyed it from beginning to end. As an mma enthusiast it kept my attention throughout the whole book. Will check out more from author.
Enjoyed it from beginning to end. As an mma enthusiast it kept my attention throughout the whole book. Will check out more from author.
July 19, 2019
A novel for fans (adult and teen) of Stranger Things on TV, Carl Alves’ The Invocation offers a terrifying view of what might happen when a Ouija board is used by a group of fourth grade students. Genuinely flawed characters take a shot at redemption and nicely empathetic dialog brings them to life. An interesting combination of storylines brings young adults and preteens together, some to help and some to hinder. And a wounded mother is gradually restored to her place in a fracturing family.
The Invocation is an enjoyable read, sometimes deeply scary, but always with a sense that things must surely work out. I really enjoyed the characters and found myself really hoping Jake would win his fight. A faint sense of predictability lightens the tale, which might otherwise be seriously dark. And the sometimes simplistic narration perfectly fits the blend of middle-grade and adult audience. A cool, scary novel, perfect for readers who like strange things.
Disclosure: I was given a copy and I offer my honest review; just wish I’d found time to read it sooner.
The Invocation is an enjoyable read, sometimes deeply scary, but always with a sense that things must surely work out. I really enjoyed the characters and found myself really hoping Jake would win his fight. A faint sense of predictability lightens the tale, which might otherwise be seriously dark. And the sometimes simplistic narration perfectly fits the blend of middle-grade and adult audience. A cool, scary novel, perfect for readers who like strange things.
Disclosure: I was given a copy and I offer my honest review; just wish I’d found time to read it sooner.
February 18, 2020
This book has been described as a cross between Stranger Things and The Exorcist.
It starts with a group of fourth graders playing with a ouija board. It is fairly innocent turns into something more sinister. A hardened criminal in his previous life, finds his way into their world and starts occupying people’s bodies. He uses this ability as a way to murder and commit crimes, then move to another body without any consequences. The scenes with this character are scary and disturbing. He is gruesome in his crimes with no remorse. In contrast, the other characters are flawed and loveable. Young, innocent kids that are building a relationship with a friendly spirit and an ex con brother, trying to make the lives of his mom and sister happier.
The novel was easy to read, a bit predictable, and simplistic in writing. While horror is not a genre I typically am drawn to, I found Alves made it an enjoyable read by developing characters I could connect with and relationships I could root for.
The content was high in violence, language and intense situations. I recommend this book for anyone who loves creepy reads, Stranger Things or demonic possession.
I received this book from the author, Carl Alves, in exchange for an honest review (thank you for supporting my site!).
It starts with a group of fourth graders playing with a ouija board. It is fairly innocent turns into something more sinister. A hardened criminal in his previous life, finds his way into their world and starts occupying people’s bodies. He uses this ability as a way to murder and commit crimes, then move to another body without any consequences. The scenes with this character are scary and disturbing. He is gruesome in his crimes with no remorse. In contrast, the other characters are flawed and loveable. Young, innocent kids that are building a relationship with a friendly spirit and an ex con brother, trying to make the lives of his mom and sister happier.
The novel was easy to read, a bit predictable, and simplistic in writing. While horror is not a genre I typically am drawn to, I found Alves made it an enjoyable read by developing characters I could connect with and relationships I could root for.
The content was high in violence, language and intense situations. I recommend this book for anyone who loves creepy reads, Stranger Things or demonic possession.
I received this book from the author, Carl Alves, in exchange for an honest review (thank you for supporting my site!).
April 15, 2022
mixture of different genres
This book had it all: horror, romance, action. Toward the end I was standing up. I was getting excited especially toward the end. A great book.
This book had it all: horror, romance, action. Toward the end I was standing up. I was getting excited especially toward the end. A great book.
June 18, 2025
This book was terrible. And unexpectedly raunchy in how the spirit spoke about women.
April 18, 2020
My review can be found at http://alldragonsread2.home.blog
Hope you are all staying safe and healthy in these strange times!
Hope you are all staying safe and healthy in these strange times!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews