Testament

by Jose Nateras

Gabe Espinosa, is trying to dig himself out of the darkness. Struggling with the emotional fallout of a breakup with his ex-boyfriend, Gabe returns to his job at The Rosebriar Room; the fine dining restaurant at the historic Sentinel Club Chicago Hotel. Already haunted by the ghosts of his severed relationship, he’s drastically unprepared for the ghosts of The Sentinel Club to focus their attentions on him as well.

When a hotel guest violently attacks Gabe, he finds himself the target of a dark entity’s rage; a rage built upon ages of racial tension and toxic masculinity. Desperate to escape the dark spiral he’s found himself in, Gabe flees across the city of Chicago and dives into the history of the hotel itself. Now, Gabe must push himself to confront the sort of evil that transcends relationships and time, the sort of evil that causes damage that ripples across lives for generations.

Gabe must fight to break free from the dark legacy of the past; both his own and that of the hotel he works in.

Genres: Horror, Paranormal, LGBT, Queer, Latinx, Mystery

ebook

Published December 30, 2019

About the author

Hailing from Chicago, Jose Nateras is a Los Angeles based based Actor, Writer/Novelist, Teacher, and Director with experience in everything from Shakespeare, to Sketch Comedy, Improv, Puppetry, TV/Film, Stand Up, and more. He has his MFA in Writing from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), and always has new and exciting projects in development.

Instagaram @JLorca13

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Jose.Nateras.39

Reviews

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars

For me, this horror story dragged. Aside from the Epilogue, the whole story takes place over a twelve-hour period. Gabe is in his head for about 85% of that time, often rehashing his grief over the breakup with Kevin and his suicide attempt. While I could sympathize with his pain, I struggled to connect with this unreliable narrator; Gabe hides his true resentments even from himself. Gabe is frustrated with his life, has internalized self-hate for himself as a Hispanic gay man, and struggles with racism and toxic masculinity within the gay community. At times, these last two points took over the story.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.

[Anghell · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! So worth reading! More please!

[Dev · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley

actual rating: 3.5

This was a pretty interesting book although definitely more character driven than I was expecting it to be. This worked well because a lot of the story focused on the main character's struggles both as a gay man and a man of color so it was nice to see a different perspective in an urban fantasy book and these things did tie into the haunting very heavily by the end of the story. I do think it could have been a little bit longer and maybe have a few more scenes focusing on the horror/haunting elements because I did feel like it was a bit lacking in that area, but definitely a very enjoyable read and I would read more from this author in the future.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t really feel qualified to write an objective review of this book, given that the author and I have been friends since we were eleven, but I will say that Jose has written a very effective, atmospheric little horror novel that sucks you in and doesn’t let you go as it barrels towards its inevitable conclusion. The pace is relentless, but given that the events of the story take place over the course of a single day, it absolutely works. And I’ll read anything set in Chicago, but this novel felt more grounded in and *of* its setting than most. I felt like I was really there with Gabe as he traversed the city (and not just because I’ve been to most of these places in person).

Well done, JT. I’m so proud of you.

[Inkslinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

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You know that feeling.. when you see a book cover that just reaches out and draws your gaze? That's exactly what happened to me with this novel. The blood red tempest against the black and white Chicago skyline just pulled me right in. And it's not misleading, in the least. This is a book I feel secure saying, you can judge by its cover.

From the opening scenes, freshman author Jose Nateras easily immerses you in even the day to day life of Gabe Espinosa. The anxiety swirling within the main character is apparent, even in his mannerisms as he takes the train into work.

Nateras glimpses at society as a whole, are clear and concise, but never boring. The same things that emerge in Gabe's thoughts, are the kinds of things we probably think ourselves. Even the pattern of his thoughts feels natural. It's actually difficult to remember that this is a debut novel, because the author is so skilled.

The story is well rounded. There's deep backstory, both on a personal level, and in regards to what is actually occurring around Gabe throughout the story. Though we only see them briefly here and there, the supporting characters have some depth and backstory of their own, which is refreshing. Foreshadowing is so well done, that at least once, I found myself on edge in a situation where none of the intense moments even occurred. I had just become so conditioned to them, I was left feeling almost alarmed when it didn't happen.

And make no mistake, there is a terrifying undercurrent to this story. It may not be the contemporary horror we've come to expect.. overwrought with gore or jump-scares.. but it is most definitely terrifying in its way. This novel is psychologically exhausting, not just due to the nature of the story itself, but also because Nateras does such a good job of connecting the reader with the character. I felt like I knew his pain intimately. At times, I even cried with him, and that's no small feat.

There is an almost old fashioned 'creep' factor to 'Testament.' I've had similar reactions to books over the years, but with few contemporary authors-- William Peter Blatty, Stephen King, Ira Levin-- to name a few.. and okay, you got me. Most of those are not very recent contemporary at that.

But don't just let me tell you, add this book to your to-be-read list. Get to know this phenomenal new author.

(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)

[AGMaynard]

Certainly some cinematic moments, possibly a treatment for a screenplay? Content warnings for sexual assault, domestic violence, suicide.

[AC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three point five stars out of five.

Gabe Espinosa, two weeks off a suicide attempt, returns to his job at the Rosebriar Room, part of Chicago's Sentinel Club, only to find an evil making itself known to him. He is attacked by a diner at the restaurant, finds the furniture in his apartment stacked upon itself, receives calls and voicemails from a voice exuding evil menace, and is in his roommate's Uber as a random jogger attacks the car, only to fall behind as they escape. Clearly, something is stalking Gabe, but what?

Gabe ends up at the library to research The Sentinel Club, and finds that many years ago, it served as a (white) man's only club, where apparently everything went - including the murders of people of color who toiled away there. After being attacked on the L by a group of Wall Street types, he makes his way back to the Rosebriar Room, intending to end the evil. He just doesn't know how.

As he stands in the empty dining room, he is attacked again, and nearly loses his life but for the actions of his immediate supervisor - who clocks the attacker with a heavy flower vase. The evil is stalled. For now.

I rarely say this about many books, but I wished it had been a bit longer. It is a slim volume, and the last quarter - finding out the cause of the evil and then going to meet it - feels a bit rushed. The opening is a tad slow, but it's probably necessary to really get into who Gabe is: a young gay man and person of color, working in a job he hates under a supervisor he can't stand. I'd also have preferred some more action-related items to show the reach of the evil. It's still a decent read, and if you're into horror/evil, you'll appreciate the descriptive passages of ordinary people and things that shift into evil beings with which no one would want to deal.

Thanks to NetGalley and NineStar Press for the reading copy.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a terrifying ride this novel is! so let’s see... Gabe is returning to work after a suicide attempt, he’s recently broken up with his boyfriend... so things are pretty raw for him on all fronts. I don’t mean to minimize what happened to Gabe...but I don’t want to give away too many details about what is revealed in the novel.

Gabe returns to work but he’s unsettled. Of course, he’s still missing Kenny - the partner who cheated on him and moved out of their home - but he’s feeling unsettled in the hotel he works in. He can’t really put his finger on why he’s feeling so unsettled. It’s one of those things where he’s seeing figures out of the corner of his eyes, he feels the air move around him... he feels eyes on him.

He tries to put it all behind him and get back into the swing of work. The first customer of the day goes well for about 3 minutes then Gabe finds himself being attacked. The man’s entire demeanor changes from when he walks into the dining room... suddenly he’s agile, strong and definitely tries to kill Gabe.

From this point in the novel... Gabe is haunted by more than just his ended relationship. It’s as though the spirit from the hotel is following him, stalking him through the Chicago. There are some terrible attacks on Gabe ... and he beings to think he’s losing his mind. I mean, who wouldn’t?

Gabe is a great character. Nateras does a great job of writing about some of the issues that Gabe faces as a POC... who is also gay! Racism is at the source of the haunting that’s going on... and Gabe is a convenient victim.

The author did a great job of ratcheting up the fear and anxiety in some of the scenes. I will definitely never ride the subway again without taking a careful look around me. Come to think of it, I probably won’t want to get in an elevator for a while either!

Nice and spooky with a good dose of timely topics! Thanks! Enjoyed this one!

[Andrew Peters]

A brisk and entertaining #OwnVoices story that weaves together hauntings, racial exploitation, and post-break-up depression, which probably sounds like an odd combination. But what Nateras has to say about the positionality of Latino men in the gay community (and beyond) is at least equally important to the story as the harrowing journey of his lead character.

I was once told by a writing instructor: Never begin a story with a hero who's depressed. I often appreciated the wisdom in that. Depressed characters can scan as whiny, self-absorbed, and frustrating. As a genre reader, you generally want the hero to be bold and surprising in what they're capable of, even if they start out down-on-their-luck as they typically are. You want the hero to do something rather than brooding on how miserable they are.

I'd count Testament as an exception to that rule. For one thing, the emotionality of the lead Gabe is one of the book's charms and feels honest and relatable. The guy just broke up with his first live-in boyfriend and first true love. Nateras doesn't skim over the bleakness of that and happily he doesn't go down the route of banging the reader over the head with the power of renewal through spirituality, though it's hard not to have that theme in mind as the story unfolds.

I'm not familiar with Chicago, but Chicago fans should definitely appreciate the historical, architectural and contemporary references to the city. A well-constructed story with added appeal for gay fiction fans.

[Micchi Kins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes a book just grabs you by the hand and drags you through its story. This is one, and I loved every minute of it.

Gabe struggles with a lot. Both paranormal, supernatural weirdness, amd his own internal problems. Queer and brown in a world that doesn't care for either of those, he nonetheless searches for community, acceptance, love.

This book does a marvellous job at depecting these struggles. The way the supernatural elements mirror and highlight Gabe's frustration and journey is very well done. The tension in this journey is palpable, rising and falling and always just enough to keep me turning the pages.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some hesitations: Stiff writing (more at beginning), inconsistencies in time/weather description, elements of "Magical Negro" figure that didn't ring true. But overall hugely compelling. Sucked in by Chicago setting at first, then repeatedly moments of surprise that had me gasping, and I was much satisfied by the ending - the mystery and threat are still out there but some justice prevails and our hero is well. Also appreciated his friends and his self-reflection/discovery over the course of the story.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in just two days. I found the story compelling and spooky. Like the best of the genre, the book also raised larger questions about society. The place-making in Testament makes the whole city of Chicago eerie and rich with its complicated history.

The narrator is a queer Latinx man and brings a unique and important perspective to the story. During a time of great racial introspection in America and abroad, this book touches on racism in the gay community and the danger that brings.

I highly recommend.

[leaht_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for the free ebook to review!

This fast paced horror was interesting. I enjoyed that it was easy to read and fast paced most of the time. I thought it was interesting that it took place in a day. I thought the author did a great job weaving other important things into the story-sexual assault in the workplace and a small glimpse of what it’s like to be LGBTQ and latinx in a city. Overall I thought it was well written and interesting.

[Michael Turrentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really and truly enjoyed this novel! Reading about a person of color being the main character in the book, as well as this character being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, it was wonderfully refreshing to see a take on a horror novel with those eyes at the helm. And it was scary at that! Thumbs up from me!

[Damian Serbu]

Since I live in the Chicago area, I'm biased in my review because I love any gay story set here! You feel Chicago and its energy, good and bad, as your read this novel. Nateras offers an intense ghost story, as well as raw, true commentary on real societal problems such as racism and class.

[Hannah L · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not often that a book terrifies me, but wow did this one. Not to mention, as a queer woman, it was terrifying on two fronts, the paranormal activity and the thought that past evils of privileged groups of people can have lingering effects on a place, on a society. Honestly, that thought scares me more than the paranormal activity. The thought that, despite all of the advances we have made as a society, our dark past can never be undone, and it will never stop haunting those people still affected by it.

Gabe Espinosa is back at work after a suicide attempt, and although neither he nor anyone else at the Rosebriar Room, a fancy restaurant in an upscale hotel that was converted from an old Gentleman's Club, thinks he's quite ready to be back yet, Gabe is trying his best to return to some sort of normalcy. That is, until a man hurls a three hundred pound table at him and tries to kill him. From there, it only gets scarier.

This book heavily reminded me of the indie horror film, It Follows. Not just because of the way both the movie and the book involve possessed people just off in the peripheral working their way ever so closer and closer to you, but also in the meaning behind it. It Follows is a metaphor for an STI, the main girl goes on a date with a man she barely knows and she gets tied up and told that this "thing" walking towards her is going to follow her now, until she passes it on to someone else. In the same vein, Gabe's following is tied to his idea that he cannot be worthy of love. In It Follows, the main character decides that she could never live with herself if she gave it to someone else, so she spends her whole life walking away from It. Gabe realizes he needs to move on, love himself, and find worth in himself to get the haunting to stop.

I loved this spooky, atmospheric, dark-themed read!

{This review will be published as a blog to the link below. It will also be posted, in a shortened version, to my Instagram @citronella_seance)

[Diversity Horror · Rating 4 out of 5]

Testament is a horror story about trauma and minority stress, and the protagonist Gabe’s struggles were achingly familiar. He worries about how to let new people know he’s gay in a way that feels natural, finding a boyfriend who doesn’t see him as “exotic” or call him “papi,” and working around a bunch of rich White people. And poor Gabe works in rich douche central, a swanky hotel that once functioned as a members-only men’s club called The Sentinel Club. As if working around so many White folk isn’t unnerving enough, the hotel also seems to be home to something supernatural and sinister. Something that has its attentions turned on Gabe.

Read my full review here: http://diversityhorror.blogspot.com/2...