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Walking Among the Trees
After notifying the bishop that a young girl possessed by an invisible demon must be exorcised immediately, Father Nathaniel Kerrigan is shocked when the bishop insists he perform the ritual. Panicked, Kerrigan calls on his old friend and trusted mentor, Monsignor Carmichael, to convince the bishop he should use another priest instead. But when Kerrigan claims he wants out because he has no experience with the preternatural, Carmichael fears there is much more at stake than Kerrigan’s letting on. As Carmichael drags Kerrigan on a dark and painful journey through a secluded nature preserve, it soon becomes clear the real reason Kerrigan is so desperate to avoid the confrontation is that the demon inside the girl has a window into his hidden past.
- GenresHorror
204 pages, Hardcover
First published June 22, 2021
About the author
Frank M. Oliva
1 book79 followersFrank Michael Oliva is a practicing attorney and law professor from Long Island, New York. As a teenager, he worked as a receptionist at the rectory of his local parish and developed a close relationship with one of the priests, a former English teacher. Their philosophical conversations about the nature of good and evil left a lasting impression on Frank and inspired him to write his first novel, Walking Among the Trees, nearly two decades later. When he isn't busy working or writing, Frank can be found spending time with his wife and twin children, reading, or playing video games.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 6, 2021
A little girl possessed by a demon...a priest with a past..that haunts him every second of the day...an exorcism...well hello spooky season read!
A great debut that had me flipping the pages well into the night. The writing was superb. Helloo..look at that cover. It's perfect for this book!
As the plot builds and Father Nathaniel Kerrigan is asked...well basically told he needs to be present for an exorcism for this young girl..he is less than thrilled...I thought it was because..well you know...it's an exorcism...However it went much deeper than that...you see Father Kerrigan has some demons of his own...inner demons that drove him to be a priest...
I really enjoyed the back story of what ultimately led to the secrets that tore Kerrigan apart...and of course there's that little issue of the exorcism...
Thank you to Suzy Approved Tours and Sage Tower Publishing for my gifted copy.
A great debut that had me flipping the pages well into the night. The writing was superb. Helloo..look at that cover. It's perfect for this book!
As the plot builds and Father Nathaniel Kerrigan is asked...well basically told he needs to be present for an exorcism for this young girl..he is less than thrilled...I thought it was because..well you know...it's an exorcism...However it went much deeper than that...you see Father Kerrigan has some demons of his own...inner demons that drove him to be a priest...
I really enjoyed the back story of what ultimately led to the secrets that tore Kerrigan apart...and of course there's that little issue of the exorcism...
Thank you to Suzy Approved Tours and Sage Tower Publishing for my gifted copy.
May 6, 2021
Truly one of my favorite books I have read. This book will pull you in with its supernatural mystery, its strong character development, and its page turning suspense. A definite page turner that will give you chills the way a supernatural suspense book should.
May 12, 2021
I loved this book! There were so many unexpected twists and turns, it kept me engaged throughout it. The end was a mindboggling surprise, but so satisfying. Even though there were spooky parts and tragic parts, I felt happy at the end
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May 26, 2021This book has me all kinds of stressed and confused; I love it!
It was completely unexpected and I like that in a book. I was sure that this was going to be a supernatural book but it ended up being about good Vs evil, the nature of sinning and atoning. I'm not disappointed by this because I think it was a really fascinating story and would make a seriously amazing movie, given the pace and formatting of the book.
For a debut novel, I'm rather impressed and cannot wait to see what Oliva writes next.
It was completely unexpected and I like that in a book. I was sure that this was going to be a supernatural book but it ended up being about good Vs evil, the nature of sinning and atoning. I'm not disappointed by this because I think it was a really fascinating story and would make a seriously amazing movie, given the pace and formatting of the book.
For a debut novel, I'm rather impressed and cannot wait to see what Oliva writes next.
June 2, 2021
Oliva’s debut novel is a psychological horror/thriller, this book pulls the reader into the realm of supernatural demons and also the dark omens that fester in our minds.
Walking Among the Trees is told through a single narrator, Father Nathaniel Kerrigan. Kerrigan is a Catholic priest who is called to help a young girl suspected by her brother of demonic possession. As Kerrigan encounters this ominous presence he is haunted by his own internal demons from a past life. This book is infused with thrilling surprises and eerie surroundings, captivating my attention till the final pages.
In a nature preserve on a foggy and foul weather day, Kerrigan and his friend are deep in an emotional conversation. Distracted, they look up to discover ravens in the trees overhead, “One of the crows dove out of the tree like a suicide bomber…passing them so closely Kerrigan felt a cool rush of air blow across his face.” The murder of crows had me cringing in my seat! I love birds but a mass of large birds driving the beeline towards people is c r e e p y.
Father Kerrigan is a flawed human and he feels so indescribably real in this book. He’s haunted by choices which have left deep scars on his soul, those distortions aren’t so unlike the spiritual demons we imagine, both are insidious and unrelenting and in need of a little invocation.
I really liked this book! Thank you so much for to Sage Tower Publishing for the ARC of this upcoming release!
Walking Among the Trees is told through a single narrator, Father Nathaniel Kerrigan. Kerrigan is a Catholic priest who is called to help a young girl suspected by her brother of demonic possession. As Kerrigan encounters this ominous presence he is haunted by his own internal demons from a past life. This book is infused with thrilling surprises and eerie surroundings, captivating my attention till the final pages.
In a nature preserve on a foggy and foul weather day, Kerrigan and his friend are deep in an emotional conversation. Distracted, they look up to discover ravens in the trees overhead, “One of the crows dove out of the tree like a suicide bomber…passing them so closely Kerrigan felt a cool rush of air blow across his face.” The murder of crows had me cringing in my seat! I love birds but a mass of large birds driving the beeline towards people is c r e e p y.
Father Kerrigan is a flawed human and he feels so indescribably real in this book. He’s haunted by choices which have left deep scars on his soul, those distortions aren’t so unlike the spiritual demons we imagine, both are insidious and unrelenting and in need of a little invocation.
I really liked this book! Thank you so much for to Sage Tower Publishing for the ARC of this upcoming release!
May 20, 2021
I couldn’t put down Walking Among The Trees and read it in two sittings, and now I’m regretting reading it so fast because I wish I could have taken more time to enjoy it!
Walking Among The Trees isn’t just another thriller/exorcism novel. Is it thrilling? Yes! Does it keep you on the edge of your seat? Yes! BUT it’s so much more than that. It’s deep. It’s filled with themes and symbolism delicately woven throughout, giving the book layers that I’m still unpacking.
Frank Oliva is an extremely talented writer, from descriptions to dialogue, his debut was masterfully crafted. The characters are so well written that even the minor ones feel like real people. Frank Oliva is one to watch and I can’t wait to read what he writes next.
Walking Among The Trees isn’t just another thriller/exorcism novel. Is it thrilling? Yes! Does it keep you on the edge of your seat? Yes! BUT it’s so much more than that. It’s deep. It’s filled with themes and symbolism delicately woven throughout, giving the book layers that I’m still unpacking.
Frank Oliva is an extremely talented writer, from descriptions to dialogue, his debut was masterfully crafted. The characters are so well written that even the minor ones feel like real people. Frank Oliva is one to watch and I can’t wait to read what he writes next.
October 22, 2021
A great October read or any time you want a great mystery with a fantastic ending that you didn't see coming.
Thriller lovers are going to love this one, maybe the best debut book I have read this year so far and the years about over.
You are going to want to read this 5 star read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
Thriller lovers are going to love this one, maybe the best debut book I have read this year so far and the years about over.
You are going to want to read this 5 star read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
October 1, 2021
Are you looking for a supernatural creepy Halloween book? Well this book is the perfect fall read!! The hair on your neck will stand up!
Father Nathanial Kerrigan a catholic priest is called for help when the brother of a young girl, the brother suspects she’s possessed by a demonic entity. Nathanial tries to get out of performing the exorcism, so he turns to his old mentor Monsignor Carmichael for advice. Nathanial and Carmichael go for a walk among the trees and we are taken down a path while his story unfolds, the story is told in flashbacks and slowly bits and pieces are revealed and it’s perfectly creepy and the demon inside the girl may hold the key to Nathaniels past! Four stars!!
Father Nathanial Kerrigan a catholic priest is called for help when the brother of a young girl, the brother suspects she’s possessed by a demonic entity. Nathanial tries to get out of performing the exorcism, so he turns to his old mentor Monsignor Carmichael for advice. Nathanial and Carmichael go for a walk among the trees and we are taken down a path while his story unfolds, the story is told in flashbacks and slowly bits and pieces are revealed and it’s perfectly creepy and the demon inside the girl may hold the key to Nathaniels past! Four stars!!
June 22, 2021
Two priests are walking among the trees and talking..
One of the Priests, Father Kerrigan is trying to get his old friend and mentor, Monsignor Carmichael to help him get out of participating in an exorcism.
The Monsignor suggests they walk and as they do the story unfolds how Father Kerrigan came to be involved in this exorcism and why he doesn’t want to participate in it.
That’s all I’m going to tell you!
I’ll say the descriptions throughout the book were excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed the slow reveal of the back story of why Father Kerrigan didn’t want to be part of the exorcism.
Excellent read that deals with the supernatural while at the same time revealing real human emotions.
One of the Priests, Father Kerrigan is trying to get his old friend and mentor, Monsignor Carmichael to help him get out of participating in an exorcism.
The Monsignor suggests they walk and as they do the story unfolds how Father Kerrigan came to be involved in this exorcism and why he doesn’t want to participate in it.
That’s all I’m going to tell you!
I’ll say the descriptions throughout the book were excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed the slow reveal of the back story of why Father Kerrigan didn’t want to be part of the exorcism.
Excellent read that deals with the supernatural while at the same time revealing real human emotions.
June 9, 2021
Y'all, this book blew my mind!!! And it's his debut novel! GTFOH!!!! It's brilliant. It's gritty, it's creepy, it's real. And I'm a sucker for a good exorcism story! This story is told from the present day and in flashbacks. It's about a priest who doesn't wanna help with an Exorcism. He definitely cares about the girl and wants to help her but he's afraid the demon will see and use a terrible tragedy from his past. So he meets his friend and mentor to talk and they walk among the trees. I already can't wait for his next novel!!! This book will be published June 22nd. Make sure you get it!!!!!
June 5, 2021
Could. Not. Put. It. Down. This walk among the trees quickly becomes a personal race to discover the truth about Father Kerrigan and his past. Every page fed an insatiable curiosity for what comes next. Will Father Kerrigan perform the exorcism? What really happened in Vietnam? Will Monsignor Carmichael save Father Kerrigan from himself? Every twist and turn of the path through the trees shrouds the end of this story in mystery. Once you pick up this book, you won’t stop until Father Kerrigan’s fate is decided.
July 4, 2021
A Debut Novel at its finest!
Frank Oliva wrote this exorcist thriller with such precision, I had no doubt his “day” job required very specific details in order to excel.
He is a smart, clever writer with an keen eye for knowing how to deliver fear with a nice touch of anticipation!
Every character is so rich and deep. I felt attached to them, especially Monsignor Carmichael and Harout.
Frank Oliva puts words into sentences and quotes that completely made me feel a sense of uneasiness.
I found myself closing my eyes, tight! Scared of what was to come.
This story made me squirm with a hair raising creepiness that actually had me scream out loud at times when I least expected it.
I was acutely aware of how scared I was, and I really loved it!
This storyline is so multilayered that my excitement grew with each flip of the page.
To be so richly developed and scary at the same time reminded me of reading my only Stephen King novel, “Misery”. I trust it is because of Frank Oliva’s ability to dig deeply into the emotions of each character, making them so complex that their own fears are brought to the surface…leaving you vulnerable as the reader.
“Walking Among the Trees” kept growing thicker, deeper….and, scarier! Nicely paced!
Seeming like such a metaphor as these two priests share stories as they step further into the Trees…but, even deeper still as the the story leads up to the very end that I was not prepared for!! I dare you to be ready!
My “Walks Among the Trees” will never be the same!
Frank Oliva is one to watch!
Frank Oliva wrote this exorcist thriller with such precision, I had no doubt his “day” job required very specific details in order to excel.
He is a smart, clever writer with an keen eye for knowing how to deliver fear with a nice touch of anticipation!
Every character is so rich and deep. I felt attached to them, especially Monsignor Carmichael and Harout.
Frank Oliva puts words into sentences and quotes that completely made me feel a sense of uneasiness.
I found myself closing my eyes, tight! Scared of what was to come.
This story made me squirm with a hair raising creepiness that actually had me scream out loud at times when I least expected it.
I was acutely aware of how scared I was, and I really loved it!
This storyline is so multilayered that my excitement grew with each flip of the page.
To be so richly developed and scary at the same time reminded me of reading my only Stephen King novel, “Misery”. I trust it is because of Frank Oliva’s ability to dig deeply into the emotions of each character, making them so complex that their own fears are brought to the surface…leaving you vulnerable as the reader.
“Walking Among the Trees” kept growing thicker, deeper….and, scarier! Nicely paced!
Seeming like such a metaphor as these two priests share stories as they step further into the Trees…but, even deeper still as the the story leads up to the very end that I was not prepared for!! I dare you to be ready!
My “Walks Among the Trees” will never be the same!
Frank Oliva is one to watch!
November 1, 2021
Father Kerrigan is pulled into helping a young girl possessed. He elicits the help of a bishop but wants no part of the exorcism. Something about that girl haunts him.
Written with flashbacks to many years ago when Father Kerrigan was a medic during The Vietnam War, we are pulled into the violent and heartbreaking trenches of war.
This is an emotional story, not a scary story. I went into it thinking it was going to be spooky, even saved it for Halloween weekend. Although there were some disturbing situations, it wasn't scary.
Once I had my expectations properly set, I enjoyed it. It has left me a little sad and heartbroken, the sign of a well written book.
Written with flashbacks to many years ago when Father Kerrigan was a medic during The Vietnam War, we are pulled into the violent and heartbreaking trenches of war.
This is an emotional story, not a scary story. I went into it thinking it was going to be spooky, even saved it for Halloween weekend. Although there were some disturbing situations, it wasn't scary.
Once I had my expectations properly set, I enjoyed it. It has left me a little sad and heartbroken, the sign of a well written book.
October 1, 2021
Walking Among the Trees by Frank Olivia is a story that delves into good and evil. When Father Kerrigan is approached by a young boy who insists his sister needs an exorcism, he is scared and reluctant to be the priest who performs the ritual. Deciding to consult with his mentor, Father Kerrigan is met with the secrets of his past and must decide if he can move past them to help this girl take back her life from an evil entity.
There were times throughout this book where I was genuinely chilled to the bone. Scary doesn’t even begin to cover this. Oliva’s descriptions were so vivid that I made my husband stay awake with me until I finished reading. While I would have wanted a different ending, I do understand the purpose of Oliva choosing the route he went. Although I generally don’t read books that scare me, I’m glad I took a leap with Walking Among the Trees.
There were times throughout this book where I was genuinely chilled to the bone. Scary doesn’t even begin to cover this. Oliva’s descriptions were so vivid that I made my husband stay awake with me until I finished reading. While I would have wanted a different ending, I do understand the purpose of Oliva choosing the route he went. Although I generally don’t read books that scare me, I’m glad I took a leap with Walking Among the Trees.
October 30, 2021
Father Nathan Kerrigan walks along a wooded path with his longtime friend and mentor, Monsignor Carmichael. Father Kerrigan has sought out his elder for help on a very troubling matter.
As the two priests walk along a trail headed into a nature preserve, the Monsignor tries to pull from Kerrigan what has him so distressed, and slowly, the story begins to spill out.
A young boy has asked Father Kerrigan to help his dying sister. When asking for details, the young boy explains that he believes a demon possesses his sister. Upon seeing the gravely ill girl, Kerrigan is not convinced, until strange and unsettling events take place.
Father Kerrigan knows he is not the priest to perform an exorcism; he fears the demon knows his own dark sin. So he turned to Monsignor Carmichael to help convince the Bishop to order the exorcism by another priest.
As the two priests walk deeper into the woods, their dialogue is measured and tense, and it begins to feel like Kerrigan’s own confessional.
𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬 certainly gave me the chills. The whole idea of demonic possession just unnerves me, so I was anxious throughout. Although Father Kerrigan’s past life could be a book all in itself, Frank Oliva does a good job reflecting Kerrigan’s past to the present day all through this tormented young girl.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @frankoliva1284 for an invite to the tour and a digital copy.
As the two priests walk along a trail headed into a nature preserve, the Monsignor tries to pull from Kerrigan what has him so distressed, and slowly, the story begins to spill out.
A young boy has asked Father Kerrigan to help his dying sister. When asking for details, the young boy explains that he believes a demon possesses his sister. Upon seeing the gravely ill girl, Kerrigan is not convinced, until strange and unsettling events take place.
Father Kerrigan knows he is not the priest to perform an exorcism; he fears the demon knows his own dark sin. So he turned to Monsignor Carmichael to help convince the Bishop to order the exorcism by another priest.
As the two priests walk deeper into the woods, their dialogue is measured and tense, and it begins to feel like Kerrigan’s own confessional.
𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬 certainly gave me the chills. The whole idea of demonic possession just unnerves me, so I was anxious throughout. Although Father Kerrigan’s past life could be a book all in itself, Frank Oliva does a good job reflecting Kerrigan’s past to the present day all through this tormented young girl.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @frankoliva1284 for an invite to the tour and a digital copy.
June 14, 2021
Book Review!!!
Walking Among the Trees by Frank Oliva was such a crazy trip! Thank you so much to @frankoliva and @sagestowerpublishing for sending me this ARC.
I went in expecting this story to flow a certain way, and for about half of the book it did. Then the story seemed to take an entirely different direction, and it was like I was reading an entirely different story. The build up to the end was done really well, and Father Kerrigan left me guessing until the very last page.
The only reason I didn’t give the full five stars is because I REALLY would have liked to see how one of the main plot-lines of the story played out. But other than that, this was an excellent read that I would highly recommend!
Walking Among the Trees by Frank Oliva was such a crazy trip! Thank you so much to @frankoliva and @sagestowerpublishing for sending me this ARC.
I went in expecting this story to flow a certain way, and for about half of the book it did. Then the story seemed to take an entirely different direction, and it was like I was reading an entirely different story. The build up to the end was done really well, and Father Kerrigan left me guessing until the very last page.
The only reason I didn’t give the full five stars is because I REALLY would have liked to see how one of the main plot-lines of the story played out. But other than that, this was an excellent read that I would highly recommend!
July 6, 2021
I flew through this psychological thriller this weekend!!! I was immediately drawn in and had to keep going because I wanted to figure out what in the world was going on! This book is beautifully paced by slowly building suspense followed by short periods to catch your breath on repeat. Thankfully I read this on my Kindle so I could stay up late last night and finish it. Just got to the end when my husband said “it’s late! Go to bed” 😂. Totally worth it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 21, 2021
It is a really good book and It is really interesting.
July 12, 2021
Excellent book!! Must Read! Can't wait to read it again!
October 4, 2021
Walking Among the Trees
It takes a lot for a book to scare me, but this book actually gave me chills while reading it! In fact I couldn’t read it on my porch, one of my favorite places to read, once night set in. If you're looking for a spooky read, look no further! This is a perfect book for October.
Synopsis:
Kerrigan is a priest at St. Patrick’s Catholic church and that’s where he is when evil creeps into his life. One day a boy comes to see him at his parish, Harout, pleading with him to come see his 14 year old sister and help her.
Kerrigan finds the girl in a catatonic state. Harout is convinced his sister has been possessed by a demon. Kerrigan is skeptical at first, but after a few visits he is starting to believe it himself. He goes to see the bishop to ask about an exorcism to save the girl, but the bishop asks him to be present for the ceremony. Kerrigan, not comfortable with this, seeks help from his longtime colleague and friend, Carmichael. They meet up at a nature preserve to discuss the situation.
During their walk through the woods, much is revealed about Kerrigan’s current predicament and skeletons from his own past.
It takes a lot for a book to scare me, but this book actually gave me chills while reading it! In fact I couldn’t read it on my porch, one of my favorite places to read, once night set in. If you're looking for a spooky read, look no further! This is a perfect book for October.
Synopsis:
Kerrigan is a priest at St. Patrick’s Catholic church and that’s where he is when evil creeps into his life. One day a boy comes to see him at his parish, Harout, pleading with him to come see his 14 year old sister and help her.
Kerrigan finds the girl in a catatonic state. Harout is convinced his sister has been possessed by a demon. Kerrigan is skeptical at first, but after a few visits he is starting to believe it himself. He goes to see the bishop to ask about an exorcism to save the girl, but the bishop asks him to be present for the ceremony. Kerrigan, not comfortable with this, seeks help from his longtime colleague and friend, Carmichael. They meet up at a nature preserve to discuss the situation.
During their walk through the woods, much is revealed about Kerrigan’s current predicament and skeletons from his own past.
August 3, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. An incredibly tense horror story that's perfect for the Halloween season. Looking forward to Frank's next book!
July 3, 2021
Reconciliation
There is darkness and light in this story. You will not be able to leave the path once you start walking with Frank Oliva's characters. He weaves past and present, natural and supernatural together skillfully. It is a journey you will be thinking about long after the last paragraph.
There is darkness and light in this story. You will not be able to leave the path once you start walking with Frank Oliva's characters. He weaves past and present, natural and supernatural together skillfully. It is a journey you will be thinking about long after the last paragraph.
November 11, 2021
When the past is never really behind us...
A young man seeks out Father Kerrigan to request his help in helping his sister who he believes is possessed by a demon. When looking for permission from the church to perform an exorcism, Father Kerrigan is told he must be present during the ritual. Distressed by this condition Father Kerrigan reaches out to his mentor and friend Monsignor Carmichael to help him with dealing with his reluctance. What follows is a spellbinding walk among the trees that you won't soon forget.
I find this one to be very well written with a steady, comfortable pace and a compelling plot. I thought going into it that it was going to be about the exorcism but what I found was that is about so much more than that. Told through their conversations and his personal flashbacks the story unfolds gradually, ratcheting up the suspense with each step on their walk. With wonderful character development, the subjects come alive and are believable. While there are quite a few twists and turns involved it has an ending you won't see coming. I feel I can safely recommend this one to those of you who enjoy a good psychological thriller with a healthy dose of creepiness thrown in for fun.
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Thank you to the author, Sage's Tower Publishing and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.
A young man seeks out Father Kerrigan to request his help in helping his sister who he believes is possessed by a demon. When looking for permission from the church to perform an exorcism, Father Kerrigan is told he must be present during the ritual. Distressed by this condition Father Kerrigan reaches out to his mentor and friend Monsignor Carmichael to help him with dealing with his reluctance. What follows is a spellbinding walk among the trees that you won't soon forget.
I find this one to be very well written with a steady, comfortable pace and a compelling plot. I thought going into it that it was going to be about the exorcism but what I found was that is about so much more than that. Told through their conversations and his personal flashbacks the story unfolds gradually, ratcheting up the suspense with each step on their walk. With wonderful character development, the subjects come alive and are believable. While there are quite a few twists and turns involved it has an ending you won't see coming. I feel I can safely recommend this one to those of you who enjoy a good psychological thriller with a healthy dose of creepiness thrown in for fun.
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Thank you to the author, Sage's Tower Publishing and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.
May 24, 2021
I had the pleasure of reading this ARC in exchange for a fair review.
I take giving five stars very seriously. When I receive a book for an honest review, I will provide my feedback truthfully. Without spoiling this book, I was concerned that being raised Catholic might bias my opinion given the protagonist is a Catholic priest. While my only criticism is the amount of swearing this priest did (even with the plot line, I struggled with that area), I do not believe this minor flaw should deduct from the fact that I couldn’t put this book down. Truly, for an author to publish a book with developed characters and plot line as a first release is amazing. I did have to piece the story together at the end, which is a quality I love. The surprise ending caught me completely off guard which rarely happens to me when reading. I have to admit, this author exceeded my expectations and I’ll be looking for more to read. Release date is June 22nd!
I take giving five stars very seriously. When I receive a book for an honest review, I will provide my feedback truthfully. Without spoiling this book, I was concerned that being raised Catholic might bias my opinion given the protagonist is a Catholic priest. While my only criticism is the amount of swearing this priest did (even with the plot line, I struggled with that area), I do not believe this minor flaw should deduct from the fact that I couldn’t put this book down. Truly, for an author to publish a book with developed characters and plot line as a first release is amazing. I did have to piece the story together at the end, which is a quality I love. The surprise ending caught me completely off guard which rarely happens to me when reading. I have to admit, this author exceeded my expectations and I’ll be looking for more to read. Release date is June 22nd!
May 11, 2022
I could hardly put this book down. It is nothing like I thought it would be, I was totally surprised. A priest is asked by a young Armenian boy to help his sister, whom he believes is possessed. Fr. Kerrigan doesn't want to do it, is actually afraid to get involved - but he does. What happens next is drawn out by a walk through the woods with his old mentor, Msgr. Carmichael. Fr. Kerrigan has been asked by the bishop to assist in an exorcism, but Fr. Kerrigan is dead set against helping. The reasons why is drawn out through the walk with his mentor. Fr. Kerrigan carries tremendous guilt from when he served as a medic in Viet Nam. This story is not really about the exorcism for the girl, it's about Fr. Kerrigan facing his own demons and moving forward. How it plays out has a touch or two of the supernatural, but it is an excellent story, very well written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2021
This was a great addition and perfect time for a spooky read. A case of demonic possession, a reluctant priest, what more can you ask for? This about more than possession and an exorcism and as we read, we learn more about Father Kerrigan, his past, and why he is so reluctant to perform this ritual. Told from Kerrigan’s POV, we learn through flashbacks about his past and his own demons. This was a very engaging book and a fast read. I recommend this for fans of the supernatural and psychological stories as well. 3.75 of 5 stars! Thank you to Suzy’s Approved Book Tours and author Frank M. Olivia for the review copy of this book. As always my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. I look forward to more books by this author.
July 13, 2021
After hearing details and spoilers about this book, I was finally able to sit down and read it. Even knowing so much of the story line and plot twists couldn't ruin this book; it was that good! You know when you finish a really exceptional book and then can't stop thinking about it? That is this book. Normally I shy away from anything about possession or demons, but this book takes this genre and turns it on its head. It's about so much more. If you love books that have many layers and underlying themes, you will love this book.
October 15, 2021
It started out spooky, and ended up going a path I didn't expect. I wish it focused more on the exorcism. But that's just my horror loving self.
It really focuses on the character development, and unfolding of the good vs evil. It talks about secrets, and how they burden us in a long run. A bit of self exploration and dealing with your own demons.
It really focuses on the character development, and unfolding of the good vs evil. It talks about secrets, and how they burden us in a long run. A bit of self exploration and dealing with your own demons.
June 12, 2021
Read my spoiler-free review here: https://savoryourreads.com/2021/06/wa...
October 14, 2021
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“Walking Among the Trees” is a gripping, haunting, suspense thriller with a touch of horror that will unnerve you, and I enjoyed reading it!
The author makes the book atmospheric from the first page, and I got “Exorcist” vibes while reading this book. The standout of the tale is the main character, Nathan. I started getting creepy vibes as soon as Nathaniel Kerrigan met Monsignor Carmichael, who spoke about Marianna. Frankly, the scenes between Kerrigan and Carmichael were one of the main highlights of the tale. I loved reading about their conversations, which also included the settings of the roses and the crows.
Moreover, the author gave multiple layers to Kerrigan, and I was curious to read more about his past and what happened during the war. Speaking of the war, I also enjoyed how the author flashbacks the story between the past and present, where we learn more about Guzman and Campbell. Honestly, the story stands out because of Kerrigan’s growth and his fight to not fear the actions he must take, rather than the event itself.
Some of the memorable scenes in the book are when Kerrigan sees Marianna, when she starts bleeding, or when Kerrigan tries to help the young girl, but she lashes out at him. Similarly, There were even small details, like when they smell the scent of cigarettes, and infected bedsore, which gave me goosebumps because of how eerie it is.
Furthermore, I love stories where there is a surprising twist in the end. The author shocked me with a twist that I did not see coming, which made the story and the characters memorable.
Overall, if you are in the mood for a suspenseful horror tale that will psychologically disturb you, you should read “Walking Among the Trees.”
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