Perfect Soul

by S.J. Hermann

Raised to be the PERFECT Daughter. To be the PERFECT Christian. To be the PERFECT Soul in a town of PERFECT sinners. Nikki was brought up to be the perfect daughter. Raised on the word of God by her parents, who kept her on the correct path with punishments if she strayed from her faith, Nikki was the perfect Catholic. A respected citizen in the small religious town of Perfect, Illinois, Nikki held firm to her beliefs. Until her heritage returned to claim her soul. Guided by mysterious entities who claim to be her true family, Nikki is shown the haunting secrets of not only the town she holds close to her heart, but also her parents and friends. Discovering that Perfect is a dark and twisted place, her faith is put to the test and sends her spiraling down a path of insanity, for which there may be no escape.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2019

About the author

S.J. Hermann is a writer of paranormal, science fiction, horror, and urban fantasy novels. He has the same taste in movies, television shows and books. He currently resides in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois,

Hermann is an avid rollercoaster fan who has ridden over forty different coasters throughout his life. If there is a hockey game on television, you can bet that he will be watching, especially his favorite team the Chicago Blackhawks.

He is a Walking Dead fan and will read or watch anything about zombies. Max Brooks and Stephen King are his authors of choice.

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Reviews

[Leonard Tillerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard not to admire people who unequivocally devote their entire lives to something.  Perhaps it is their family, pets, or even a burgeoning career.  They make a firm commitment and follow it through.  One area where such dedication is particularly tenacious is that of religion.  Whatever the faith maybe, deeply religious individuals typically hold steadfast to the concepts of good, wholesomeness and purity.  Or do they?  In certain instances could this simply be a cover for a heart which is not quite so pure?  In the novel Perfect Soul by author S.J. Hermann, we get a first hand look at the darkness which may lurk in the hearts of some who hide behind such a wholesome facade.  A creepy and intriguing read which will bewitch you from start to finish!

The novel follows the life and struggles of the main protagonist, Nikki Strange.  She lives in the small and devoutly religious town of Perfect, Illinois.  She is the "perfect" daughter of the local pastor who ensures that she stays on a straight and narrow path.  Any small lapses in judgement by Nikki are met with punishment which can only be described as cruel and unusual.  Nikki seldom strays from this pious path however as she is a true believer and is convinced it is all for her own good.  She is the perfect daughter... until she is visited by entities from the past.  Many moons ago something very dark and horrific happened in the small town of Perfect, Illinois.  Now is the time for vengeance- and Nikki is the key.  The visitors will open up her eyes and mind while showing Nikki the true nature of her neighbors.  The biblical town of Perfect... saturated in sin.  Will Nikki be able to actually come to terms with this horror and ultimate betrayal?  Or has time run out for the sanctimonious community of Perfect?

I found this to be an exhilarating novel!  The theme of deception is cleverly supported by the addition of revenge and the creepy elements of horror.  It is a thrilling ride which is full of twists and turns with each passing page.  The author knows his craft very well as the tension builds steadily from the first page right up to a virtual crescendo by the end.  Excellent and engrossing pacing from start to finish.  You will become lost in the pages of this novel- in a very good way!

A great plot however always needs to be supported by interesting and believable characters.  Those who the reader will remember long after the book is closed.  Once again, that is absolutely the case with Perfect Soul.  As the main protagonist, Nikki is obviously developed in the most depth.  In fact, she is not merely just developed well.  It is like a full-blown metamorphosis!  A caterpillar emerging from a Chrysalis into a fascinating butterfly.  During this growth, she is surrounded by a number of supporting players who also steadily evolve throughout the story.  The really interesting part for all the characters is that you feel empathy for them one minute, and disdain the next.  Sympathy-then scorn.  The ability to play with the reader's emotions in such a manner is not only brilliant writing, but it ultimately leads to a whole new level of true engagement.

I would highly recommend this novel to fans of the paranormal and horror.  In truth, it is a great selection for any reader who likes a thrilling and excellent story which is full of descriptive and riveting action.  There is some gore and adult scenes so be forewarned.

5 out of 5 Righteous Stars for this one!  *****

[Bridgett Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is basically a creepy tale of nurture vs. nature. In a town where everyone is super religious, Nikki lives there with her family. She’s the perfect girl. She listens to her parents. She even reads the Bible everyday. But just as her friend returns from college to visit. Nikki starts seeing and hearing things. Things a good Christian girl shouldn’t be seeing. Will she succumb to the evil in her blood or will she be able to use her religion to overcome. In the end we all may just be Sinners.

[K. L. Laettner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing read

I enjoyed this book, the storyline was intriguing and the flow smooth and uninterrupted. Stayed up late to finish, first time I have read this author. A recommended read.

[Laney Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Vividly creative - sinfully entertaining!

This book snatched me out of my world and had me perched on the edge of my seat to see what happens in this “Perfect” world.

As others have mentioned, this story is not for the faint of heart. Hermann starts out strong, describing a community, devoted entirely to their religion. Little by little, we get to watch perfection unravel as each of these devout Christians become exposed for their sins. One girl, Nikki Strange, is the daughter of the town’s pastor, but, that doesn’t mean this man or his wife are living a clean, honest life - though Nikki hasn’t quite caught on to that, yet. She gets a little help with that, as evil loves any opportunity to tinker with wholesomeness. So, all these sinners of the town of Perfect are perfect targets when the town’s past rises from the tainted soil in an effort to make the sins of the past right by punishing the sinners of the present. Why now? Because the link between the past and the present has been discovered and tracked right to the town of Perfect and that link is none other than Nikki Strange. Nikki stares up to the heavens, praying faithfully as the flames of hell begin to nip at her feet. Nikki has to choose between her faith and the wicked, alluring temptations of the dark side. Which side will she choose? It’s not going to be what you’re thinking - and definitely not in the way you are thinking. Good on Hermann for carrying the intrigue right up to the very end!

I read this book in two days and from beginning to end, I applauded S.J. Hermann’s ability to suck his readers in with the promise of a grand payoff. It’s not a broken promise. I was entertained from beginning to end. Having read a number of this author’s works in the past, I can say with absolute certainty that Hermann has crossed some lines for the sake of entertainment. He boldly went where many writers wouldn’t. Nothing great ever came without taking that risk, however. S.J. Hermann pulled it off. If you are a horror/paranormal fan, this book will impress you! If you shudder at evil/witchcraft/undead/gore, this one won’t work for you.

In this work, the characters have depth. The setting is easy to visualize. The action is steady. Everything about this one felt creative, original, entertaining, and “fun” for people who find paranormal entertaining. (I just so happen to be a paranormal fan.)

Creepiness: 5/5
Originality: 5/5
Gore: 3/5 (Glad it wasn’t 5/5.)

Overall, I give this 5/5. I truly enjoyed this one.

[MJ LaBeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite themes to explore as a writer is the balance of good versus evil. I always say, “If you believe God exists, you have to believe the Devil exists.” Author S.J. Hermann builds upon this foundation in Perfect Soul. The story’s religious undertone and naïve character, Nikki, provide the perfect setup for this paranormal thriller- even the secluded town of Perfect is like a character with its not-so-perfect past residents.

What I enjoyed most about this story is that I did not know who or what was on the side or good evil. Between the corrupt religious believers and the haunting visitors luring Nikki to what seemed like a better place, it kept me guessing. She suffers terrific abuse from her parents any time she gets out of line with either of them, and neither of them are saints. The hypocrisy is maddening. I wanted Nikki to exact revenge in a biblical, justified way.

A highly recommended read for fans of horror, paranormal, thrillers.

[Cindy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in a reclusive town, this book is eerie as well as captivating.
Nikki is very religious, pure in heart. Her preacher father and her mother are determined to keep her that way. The punishments she endures for any perceived infraction or sin are horrendous, but she knows they are done to keep her soul perfect. She has begun having unclean thoughts about her friend Jake and prays to curb her thoughts.
Something unheard of has happened, her best friend is allowed to leave the town and go to college. When she returns for a break, life in this religious place changes.
Nikki will soon find her faith is not what she has been lead to believe, nor is she who she thought she was.
The past joins the present seeking justice. Will faith win or justice prevail?
Loved the story. Again a book that leads me to question my beliefs in right and wrong. My faith in human nature.

[Aim Ruivivar · Rating 5 out of 5]

There can only be two words for this book, horrifically awesome. The story was a challenge read for me as it dealt with faith, sins and the occult. It brought me to a realization that sin is hard to escape. And when you do commit it, will you really be punished and how? Nikki’s story was so creepy I’d give it a 10. It’s an awesome story about how faith can sometimes be twisted. It’s gory and it filled me with terror every second of my read. I would recommend this book for those who have not a faint heart. I had to read during lunch time as it was so spooky. S.j. Hermann really knows his business (the horror business).

[Caroline Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Another brilliantly written story from Mr Hermann.
The characters are brilliant, I do love innocent little Nikki though, she's so sweet natured always trying to please. But she does have a big crush.
I enjoyed watching all the characters unravel, like the author peels away the layers until we see the real people.
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline, the way it creeps up on you until you think, I never expected that!
It had my heart palpitating all over the place, first with the anticipation and then what happened next.....
You'll have to read the book if you want to know....
If you enjoy creepy horrors you'll love this book!

[Jupiter Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark horror to give you the creeps!

In the town of Perfect, the devoutly Christian residents will be called upon to answer for the crimes of their forebears, as well as their own hypocrisy. As preacher's daughter, Nikki, begins to hallucinate and becomes drawn into a centuries-old vendetta, Perfect becomes a terrifying Hell-like place.

"Perfect Soul" is an engrossing read. The twists and turns of the narrative add to the sense of confusion and darkness. The horror elements are genuinely scary, but I couldn't look away!

[Niki Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another story of SJ Hermann's that kept me on the edge of my seat. It was difficult to put down as I had to find out the tale behind Nikki's visions. A perfectly sinister and eerie story. Nikki was a young Christian woman who lived her religious beliefs better than most, but there is always something more than what meets the eye. And the author did a fantastic job of molding and weaving this into a spooky tale. Highly recommend.

[Katherine Dempster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for this book, and let me tell you - it’s awesome! Perfect Soul is a fantastically dark look at what can build from the secrets that burn all around you. A gothically creepy tale that leaves you wanting more!

[Sarah Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I read all of this author’s works but it seemed I missed one. I’m so glad I got the chance to read this story. It was definitely worth my time. This author knows exactly how to pull you into the story by the world he’s created. Nikki was the perfect soul who was destined for greatness. She learns that not everything is as it seems in the small town where she resides.

[Jolene Huber · Rating 5 out of 5]

All's Well That Ends Well

Nikki grows up in a very strict religious home. Her parents are borderline abusive in the beginning and move to being more abusive as the story develops. One of her friends go away to college only to come back a different person. Her parents see her as being corrupt and try to keep them apart. That's when it begins. Weird things happening. This book has a religious undertone but isn't a religious book. I think it is done perfectly. And people get what is rightly deserved. This book is different than anything I have ever read. I really enjoyed it.

[Katherine Dempster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for this book, and let me tell you - it’s awesome! Perfect Soul is a fantastically dark look at what can build from the secrets that burn all around you. A gothically creepy tale that leaves you wanting more!