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The Frequency
Death wasn’t an absolute end, but a further form of being.
Deep within the bowels of an abandoned Cornish mine a covert occult group, known as the Network, protects the living from the dead. Their mediums host a plethora of abilities—from telepathy to astral projection—because of their connection to an energy source called the frequency.
Fifteen-year-old Rasha Abadi and her mother are Syrian refugees granted leave to remain in Gorenn Village. The seaside town sprawls with beaches and idyllic coves, but the last thing Rasha finds there is peace. An impossible shadow visits her nightly and infests her mind with memories of the chaos that she and her mother fled in Syria. When she becomes possessed by the shadow, the Network intervenes to save her.
The shadow’s wrath knows no bounds and orchestrates a string of interconnected possessions across the south coast. Having survived the shadow, Rasha eagerly offers to aid the Network’s investigation. They must all act quickly to unearth its motive before it disrupts the balance between the living and the dead, and forges a new world from the embers of their own reality.
No choice will be easy for Rasha when thwarting a monster means becoming one herself.
The Frequency is a paranormal thriller exploring grief in a world where death is just the beginning and where reality can be rewritten.
Fans of Stephen King and James Herbert will enjoy this mind-bending, paranormal thriller with LGBTQ+ and POC characters.
This is book one in The Imprint Quintet series, a five-part saga following a rag-tag group of mediums as they attempt to thwart an otherworldly tyrant from unleashing paranormal terrorism.
Deep within the bowels of an abandoned Cornish mine a covert occult group, known as the Network, protects the living from the dead. Their mediums host a plethora of abilities—from telepathy to astral projection—because of their connection to an energy source called the frequency.
Fifteen-year-old Rasha Abadi and her mother are Syrian refugees granted leave to remain in Gorenn Village. The seaside town sprawls with beaches and idyllic coves, but the last thing Rasha finds there is peace. An impossible shadow visits her nightly and infests her mind with memories of the chaos that she and her mother fled in Syria. When she becomes possessed by the shadow, the Network intervenes to save her.
The shadow’s wrath knows no bounds and orchestrates a string of interconnected possessions across the south coast. Having survived the shadow, Rasha eagerly offers to aid the Network’s investigation. They must all act quickly to unearth its motive before it disrupts the balance between the living and the dead, and forges a new world from the embers of their own reality.
No choice will be easy for Rasha when thwarting a monster means becoming one herself.
The Frequency is a paranormal thriller exploring grief in a world where death is just the beginning and where reality can be rewritten.
Fans of Stephen King and James Herbert will enjoy this mind-bending, paranormal thriller with LGBTQ+ and POC characters.
This is book one in The Imprint Quintet series, a five-part saga following a rag-tag group of mediums as they attempt to thwart an otherworldly tyrant from unleashing paranormal terrorism.
- GenresScience FictionHorror
433 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2021
About the author
Terry Kitto
3 books30 followersBorn and raised in Cornwall, England, Terry Kitto was never found without reading a book or penning one of his own. Teaching himself to write screenplays in Sixth Form, he took his creativity to Film School at Falmouth University. There he wrote the first draft of biopic Christopher’s Queen and studied postmodernism in long running television series’, earning a First Class with Honours. He further developed his television writing skills at the University of Salford, with a PGDip in TV and Radio Scriptwriting.
In February 2015 he won the award for Best Writer at the New York 100 Hour Film Contest with the short Can You See Me? and was shortlisted for the BBC's Writers Room 2016 with comedy-drama Brunswick House.
The Frequency is Terry's first novel.
In February 2015 he won the award for Best Writer at the New York 100 Hour Film Contest with the short Can You See Me? and was shortlisted for the BBC's Writers Room 2016 with comedy-drama Brunswick House.
The Frequency is Terry's first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 2, 2022
My honest review
This story wasn’t my cuppa of tea, but I am certain that it will appeal to many other readers.
This story wasn’t my cuppa of tea, but I am certain that it will appeal to many other readers.
March 30, 2022
I really like the vibes of this book. It not only gave the vibes of a paranormal book but also, it kind of dipped into horror as well. Which I am here for it. Although, I will admit that in the beginning, I did struggle a bit to become engaged in the story as well as the characters. Yet, the further I got into the story; I did become more intrigued by it.
What was happening to Rasha was terrifying, but she was very composed. Yet, it showed the Network's importance it was to stop the shadow's wrath. The diverse cast of characters is which I do also like about this book. There is a character for everyone to relate or connect to. This is a good start to this series that I would continue with reading the next book.
What was happening to Rasha was terrifying, but she was very composed. Yet, it showed the Network's importance it was to stop the shadow's wrath. The diverse cast of characters is which I do also like about this book. There is a character for everyone to relate or connect to. This is a good start to this series that I would continue with reading the next book.
July 27, 2024
I found it difficult to become engaged in the story and feel invested. I felt there was so much going on to focus on and that the concepts introduced weren’t fully explained well and I remained confused for most of the book. Needless to say I think when the other part of the series is released I will try to give it another go as I really have not explored this genre before and this could have affected my reading experience with this book. Overall I wouldn’t say it’s bad though and could maybe just not be for me. May revisit in the future.
October 4, 2025
When I started reading The Frequency I didn't know what to expect. I follow the author on TikTok and took a chance on a book I knew little about.
If you only skim reviews, here's the key bit. The Frequency is fantastic. It's comfortably one of the best, most original books I've read all year. The take on life after death is truly new and the characters used to tell the story are all so well fleshed out they feel real.
Knowing there will be four books in the series is a major positive, I already have book two and I can't wait to jump into it. This was very close to a five star read!
Also, I both read and listened to The Frequency, for my audiobook fans, the narrator does a brilliant job!
If you only skim reviews, here's the key bit. The Frequency is fantastic. It's comfortably one of the best, most original books I've read all year. The take on life after death is truly new and the characters used to tell the story are all so well fleshed out they feel real.
Knowing there will be four books in the series is a major positive, I already have book two and I can't wait to jump into it. This was very close to a five star read!
Also, I both read and listened to The Frequency, for my audiobook fans, the narrator does a brilliant job!
Read
April 21, 2025DNF @ 79 pages / 21%
August 8, 2021
One of the best books I have EVER read- definitely my highlight book of this year.
I’ve recommended this to everyone I know & will continue to do so 💗
Amazing work as always Terry!
I’ve recommended this to everyone I know & will continue to do so 💗
Amazing work as always Terry!
October 15, 2021
I am so grateful to Books of Match Media, Pennard Press, and the author for a physical copy in exchange for an honest review! This book was a well executed paranormal thriller that kept me peeked until the very end!
This book was such an epic paranormal read that I was NOT expecting, but ended up loving!
When the read started, I was expecting to follow Rasha and her dark story through healing from a tragic loss and experiencing some creepy dark vibes. However, as the story goes on, more characters and their dark stories are added into making a story that is much darker and much deeper than I expected. So I got all the creeps and thrills of a paranormal, but with some very well developed and unpredictable characters. I was obsessed, but it also took me a minute to readjust and get into it.
The author goes VERY in depth with explaining the dynamics of the Network and how the frequencies actually work. It was a LOT of world building and I actually had to take some notes to get some of the vocabulary down! (maybe the author should have a glossary in the back... just saying) BUT.... there is NOTHING wrong with world building especially if the author created such a unique and creative world that I don’t know whether to be scared of it orrrrrr amazed by it.
The writing style and the storyline reminded me a LOT of reading a Stephen King book because this author’s attention to detail is spot on and very well done. The author, like Stephen King, also took a very spooky horror movie like concept, but gave the characters a much better depthness which almost explains how they got to where they are. This book takes the concept of grief to a whole new level as well and almost gives it a physical appearance. These characters are very real and what they're experiencing is dark, but relatable. The story is told through multiple perspectives and I enjoyed ALL of them. They all added something to the bigger picture of the work and I never found myself skimming to get to another character.
Note... THIS BOOK IS BEYOND HEARTBREAKING SOOOO GET SOME TISSUES PEOPLE!
The plot had so many crazy and bumpy moments and I never knew what was going to happen next. However, make sure you PAY ATTENTION because there are a LOT of small details that come back to haunt you later.
Overall, this book was FANTASTIC and I can’t wait for the next installment.
This book was such an epic paranormal read that I was NOT expecting, but ended up loving!
When the read started, I was expecting to follow Rasha and her dark story through healing from a tragic loss and experiencing some creepy dark vibes. However, as the story goes on, more characters and their dark stories are added into making a story that is much darker and much deeper than I expected. So I got all the creeps and thrills of a paranormal, but with some very well developed and unpredictable characters. I was obsessed, but it also took me a minute to readjust and get into it.
The author goes VERY in depth with explaining the dynamics of the Network and how the frequencies actually work. It was a LOT of world building and I actually had to take some notes to get some of the vocabulary down! (maybe the author should have a glossary in the back... just saying) BUT.... there is NOTHING wrong with world building especially if the author created such a unique and creative world that I don’t know whether to be scared of it orrrrrr amazed by it.
The writing style and the storyline reminded me a LOT of reading a Stephen King book because this author’s attention to detail is spot on and very well done. The author, like Stephen King, also took a very spooky horror movie like concept, but gave the characters a much better depthness which almost explains how they got to where they are. This book takes the concept of grief to a whole new level as well and almost gives it a physical appearance. These characters are very real and what they're experiencing is dark, but relatable. The story is told through multiple perspectives and I enjoyed ALL of them. They all added something to the bigger picture of the work and I never found myself skimming to get to another character.
Note... THIS BOOK IS BEYOND HEARTBREAKING SOOOO GET SOME TISSUES PEOPLE!
The plot had so many crazy and bumpy moments and I never knew what was going to happen next. However, make sure you PAY ATTENTION because there are a LOT of small details that come back to haunt you later.
Overall, this book was FANTASTIC and I can’t wait for the next installment.
October 17, 2021
The world building in this book is beyond exceptional and I find myself delving deeper and deeper as the story unfolds. I expected a lot of dark themes, but it is so much more than that.
The small moments that the reader can discover come back again to pull you even deeper when you didn’t think you could go more. An emotional read, this book satisfied all the haunting feels I wanted (and needed) in this season of spooky.
Thank you to @bookofmatchesmedia for the eBook
The small moments that the reader can discover come back again to pull you even deeper when you didn’t think you could go more. An emotional read, this book satisfied all the haunting feels I wanted (and needed) in this season of spooky.
Thank you to @bookofmatchesmedia for the eBook
October 8, 2025
From the very first page, The Frequency grips the reader with an atmosphere that is both hauntingly beautiful and brutally real. Kitto weaves together supernatural horror and emotional truth with impressive skill — this isn’t just a story about ghosts or shadows, but one about grief, identity, and what it means to survive.
The protagonist, Rasha Abadi, a young Syrian refugee, is immediately compelling. Her trauma is not just a backdrop — it pulses through the narrative, shaping her fears, hopes, and choices. Kitto treats her with a profound empathy; Rasha’s nightmares and her experiences fleeing war feel vivid and necessary, not merely dramatic. The support cast is equally well-drawn: each character carries weight, histories, and secrets, so that you care deeply about not just what happens to them, but why.
One of the greatest strengths of the novel is its world-building. The idea of the Network — mediums connected by an energy source called the Frequency, oscillating between life and death, the mundane and the terrifying — is fresh and clever. Kitto blends paranormal elements, horror, occult mystery, and even some sci-fi in a way that feels coherent and inevitable. Settings like the abandoned Cornish mine, and the seaside town, give the narrative texture; there’s a sense of place, both beautiful and unsettling, that lingers after you close the book.
The pacing is excellent. There are moments that let you breathe, moments that pull you into dark corridors, and moments that wrench at your heart. And while the themes are heavy — loss, displacement, fear of what can’t be seen — the book never feels bleak. There’s hope, resilience, and a beautiful sense of what it means to rebuild.
Kitto’s prose is cinematic: rich without being overwrought; able to describe “spearmint mornings” and then make a shadow feel alive, swallowing light. There are passages that haunt you, others that hurt. The supernatural horror is vivid, but the emotional horror — what Rasha and those around her carry — is what makes The Frequency soar above genre fare.
If there’s any minor quibble, it might be that some of the more complex mechanics of the Frequency or the Network’s workings require attentive reading; there are terms, lore, and layers that occasionally demand patience. But this is compensated many times over by the strength of the story and the emotional truth behind its scares.
In all, The Frequency is an extraordinary debut — ambitious, unsettling, uplifting in its own way. It thrills, it terrifies, it makes you think. Terry Kitto has crafted something special here, and I’m already eagerly awaiting the next book in the Imprint Quintet.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Highly recommended for fans of paranormal thriller, supernatural horror, and deeply felt stories that explore grief and hope in equal measure.
The protagonist, Rasha Abadi, a young Syrian refugee, is immediately compelling. Her trauma is not just a backdrop — it pulses through the narrative, shaping her fears, hopes, and choices. Kitto treats her with a profound empathy; Rasha’s nightmares and her experiences fleeing war feel vivid and necessary, not merely dramatic. The support cast is equally well-drawn: each character carries weight, histories, and secrets, so that you care deeply about not just what happens to them, but why.
One of the greatest strengths of the novel is its world-building. The idea of the Network — mediums connected by an energy source called the Frequency, oscillating between life and death, the mundane and the terrifying — is fresh and clever. Kitto blends paranormal elements, horror, occult mystery, and even some sci-fi in a way that feels coherent and inevitable. Settings like the abandoned Cornish mine, and the seaside town, give the narrative texture; there’s a sense of place, both beautiful and unsettling, that lingers after you close the book.
The pacing is excellent. There are moments that let you breathe, moments that pull you into dark corridors, and moments that wrench at your heart. And while the themes are heavy — loss, displacement, fear of what can’t be seen — the book never feels bleak. There’s hope, resilience, and a beautiful sense of what it means to rebuild.
Kitto’s prose is cinematic: rich without being overwrought; able to describe “spearmint mornings” and then make a shadow feel alive, swallowing light. There are passages that haunt you, others that hurt. The supernatural horror is vivid, but the emotional horror — what Rasha and those around her carry — is what makes The Frequency soar above genre fare.
If there’s any minor quibble, it might be that some of the more complex mechanics of the Frequency or the Network’s workings require attentive reading; there are terms, lore, and layers that occasionally demand patience. But this is compensated many times over by the strength of the story and the emotional truth behind its scares.
In all, The Frequency is an extraordinary debut — ambitious, unsettling, uplifting in its own way. It thrills, it terrifies, it makes you think. Terry Kitto has crafted something special here, and I’m already eagerly awaiting the next book in the Imprint Quintet.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Highly recommended for fans of paranormal thriller, supernatural horror, and deeply felt stories that explore grief and hope in equal measure.
September 3, 2021
The Network – a group of gifted mediums who use an energy source known as The Frequency to monitor and connect with the paranormal. However, when fifteen-year-old Rasha Abadi is visited and then possessed by a malignant shadowy figure, the Network gather all their resources to save her and themselves…
Primarily, The Frequency is a paranormal thriller with a fresh, imaginative concept that is not over-complicated, nor too simple. The beginning of the novel is immediately gripping, immensely intriguing and ably carried by Syrian refugee, Rasha. Her opening experiences are not for the faint-hearted but full of visceral impact. This is a book (and series) to invest in and one of the elements that sets it apart is the quality of the characterisation.
The characters are so well-realised and compelling that it’s hard to pick a favourite; they are all also incredibly individual, which is enhanced by the close third-person perspective. Mr Kitto also takes immense care to build their stories and personalities, the reader is not just reading about their place and involvement in the Network, but also what brought them there, their lives and loves. Their backstories and development throughout The Frequency affect not only the other mediums in the Network but also their interactions with those beyond it.
The plot is intricately layered but never becomes unreadable and maintains credibility and continuity. The idea of connecting with forces beyond normal limitations be that through projection or telepathy is always interesting but, in The Frequency, it is given a modern, refreshing twist. There is a definite contemporary relevance that renders the narrative quite thought-provoking. The ‘shadow’ is unnerving and, for a while, takes the narrative into supernatural horror territory.
It could be levelled this first book a shade too long, it does feel as if there are two or three other novels trying to break out and the narrative can become quite intense. However, the quality of the writing in The Frequency is excellent. Unusually for a book of this genre, there is a some achingly lovely and evocative descriptive imagery; ‘spearmint morning’, and ‘pirouetting in an absent breeze’, I found beautifully straightforward yet strangely profound.
The landscape of the abandoned Cornish mine for the Network added a nicely dystopian flavour which was complementary to the story and editing was faultless throughout. I also liked the artwork for the chapter headings; simple yet thoughtfully effective.
The Frequency is a well-written, ambitious and deeply involving novel that straddles several genres and does so with considerable skill. Highly recommended.
Primarily, The Frequency is a paranormal thriller with a fresh, imaginative concept that is not over-complicated, nor too simple. The beginning of the novel is immediately gripping, immensely intriguing and ably carried by Syrian refugee, Rasha. Her opening experiences are not for the faint-hearted but full of visceral impact. This is a book (and series) to invest in and one of the elements that sets it apart is the quality of the characterisation.
The characters are so well-realised and compelling that it’s hard to pick a favourite; they are all also incredibly individual, which is enhanced by the close third-person perspective. Mr Kitto also takes immense care to build their stories and personalities, the reader is not just reading about their place and involvement in the Network, but also what brought them there, their lives and loves. Their backstories and development throughout The Frequency affect not only the other mediums in the Network but also their interactions with those beyond it.
The plot is intricately layered but never becomes unreadable and maintains credibility and continuity. The idea of connecting with forces beyond normal limitations be that through projection or telepathy is always interesting but, in The Frequency, it is given a modern, refreshing twist. There is a definite contemporary relevance that renders the narrative quite thought-provoking. The ‘shadow’ is unnerving and, for a while, takes the narrative into supernatural horror territory.
It could be levelled this first book a shade too long, it does feel as if there are two or three other novels trying to break out and the narrative can become quite intense. However, the quality of the writing in The Frequency is excellent. Unusually for a book of this genre, there is a some achingly lovely and evocative descriptive imagery; ‘spearmint morning’, and ‘pirouetting in an absent breeze’, I found beautifully straightforward yet strangely profound.
The landscape of the abandoned Cornish mine for the Network added a nicely dystopian flavour which was complementary to the story and editing was faultless throughout. I also liked the artwork for the chapter headings; simple yet thoughtfully effective.
The Frequency is a well-written, ambitious and deeply involving novel that straddles several genres and does so with considerable skill. Highly recommended.
October 17, 2021
THE FREQUENCY was such an odd book, and I mean that in the most complimentary manner. Blending several genres, this first book in The Imprint Quartet delivers a sci-fi paranormal thriller with a light touch of horror that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, and possibly even questioning if this could truly be real.
The story starts off with our main character Rasha seeing a strange shadow creature in her nightmares, giving her flashbacks of her life in Syria and making her relive the events that led to the death of her family, including her close sister. Her experiences with the shadow creature are the catalyst that leads her to working with a group called the Network, who are working to figure out how to stop this shadow creature before it destroys the sort of space between the dead and the living. A very impressive debut, the world that Kitto created was fascinating and so skillfully constructed that it felt like a real part of our world. I can imagine the abandoned mine actually existing, I can imagine the Network is truly in that mine, and I’m so blown away by the skill it takes to create such a vivid, yet fictional world.
Alongside all of the sci-fi bits and shadow creatures, this is a book that also tackles some tough topics, primarily grief, death, and war among others. The inclusion of such relevant and timely subjects such as refugees and war-torn countries added such emotional depth to this book, and my heart broke for Rasha and her mom, and those they’ve lost in their country. Add in the inclusion of some LGBTQ+ representation with the side characters, and this book hit so many high notes for me.
Bottom line — this is a series I’ll be following along with, and I’m so thankful I discovered it through a tour with Book of Matches Media. 4.5 stars, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting book 2.
*Many thanks to Book of Matches Media and the author for providing an arc for review.
The story starts off with our main character Rasha seeing a strange shadow creature in her nightmares, giving her flashbacks of her life in Syria and making her relive the events that led to the death of her family, including her close sister. Her experiences with the shadow creature are the catalyst that leads her to working with a group called the Network, who are working to figure out how to stop this shadow creature before it destroys the sort of space between the dead and the living. A very impressive debut, the world that Kitto created was fascinating and so skillfully constructed that it felt like a real part of our world. I can imagine the abandoned mine actually existing, I can imagine the Network is truly in that mine, and I’m so blown away by the skill it takes to create such a vivid, yet fictional world.
Alongside all of the sci-fi bits and shadow creatures, this is a book that also tackles some tough topics, primarily grief, death, and war among others. The inclusion of such relevant and timely subjects such as refugees and war-torn countries added such emotional depth to this book, and my heart broke for Rasha and her mom, and those they’ve lost in their country. Add in the inclusion of some LGBTQ+ representation with the side characters, and this book hit so many high notes for me.
Bottom line — this is a series I’ll be following along with, and I’m so thankful I discovered it through a tour with Book of Matches Media. 4.5 stars, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting book 2.
*Many thanks to Book of Matches Media and the author for providing an arc for review.
September 23, 2025
I won't lie, I struggled with this one. I finished the book today, and if asked to complete a test on what happened, I suspect I would get less than 40 %.
I'll start by saying that I had high hopes for this book. I saw one of the author's videos on TikTok and was attracted to the afterlife aspect of his book. In many ways, there are a lot of similarities between The Frequency and my novel, The Archivist - for that reason alone, I should have loved it.
The biggest issue I had with The Frequency was the characters. They were not particularly well developed and, because of that, I did not care for any of them or their plight. The book appeared to focus too much attention on describing the character's actions (when they pick something, where they look, when they open a door) and not enough focus on their dialogue. Because the characters did not have enough time to riff off each other, they were unable to express themselves sufficiently for a novel of this length.
I also found there were too many characters who were referenced but were not part of the story. This added to my confusion as the characters were important, but I effectively did not get to meet them.
I should add that I listened to the audiobook version mostly while driving. While I have been fine with other books listened to in this manner, for some reason I couldn't fully understand everything that was going on with The Frequency. There was also the issue of the audio quality. The book either needs re-mastering or re-recording as is sounded saturated in the lower registers, giving the narration a booming quality.
I wish I could be more positive about this book. I set out to enjoy it, but unfortunately that didn't happen for me. However, as others have clearly enjoyed The Frequency, I will chalk it up to me being the issue, and not the book.
I wish the author all the best of luck for this book and its sequels.
I'll start by saying that I had high hopes for this book. I saw one of the author's videos on TikTok and was attracted to the afterlife aspect of his book. In many ways, there are a lot of similarities between The Frequency and my novel, The Archivist - for that reason alone, I should have loved it.
The biggest issue I had with The Frequency was the characters. They were not particularly well developed and, because of that, I did not care for any of them or their plight. The book appeared to focus too much attention on describing the character's actions (when they pick something, where they look, when they open a door) and not enough focus on their dialogue. Because the characters did not have enough time to riff off each other, they were unable to express themselves sufficiently for a novel of this length.
I also found there were too many characters who were referenced but were not part of the story. This added to my confusion as the characters were important, but I effectively did not get to meet them.
I should add that I listened to the audiobook version mostly while driving. While I have been fine with other books listened to in this manner, for some reason I couldn't fully understand everything that was going on with The Frequency. There was also the issue of the audio quality. The book either needs re-mastering or re-recording as is sounded saturated in the lower registers, giving the narration a booming quality.
I wish I could be more positive about this book. I set out to enjoy it, but unfortunately that didn't happen for me. However, as others have clearly enjoyed The Frequency, I will chalk it up to me being the issue, and not the book.
I wish the author all the best of luck for this book and its sequels.
October 24, 2021
[*ARC sent by the author in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine*]
tw: homophobia, racism, addiction, misogyny, child abuse/pedophilia, slavery, kidnpad and suicide.
REVIEW
The Frequency is not what I expected. That is maybe because I didn’t know what to expect going in. I think most of this is due to the fact that I was under the impression that we would follow Rasha as she navigates creepy things she doesn’t understand. And while this is in part true, we also follow other characters throughout the story and I was taken aback at first. It just took me a minute to adjust. That being said, I did end up enjoying the other main characters as well and I could not help but connect with all of them. All the characters are well fleshed out, it’s impossible not to feel invested when tragedies hit.
It isn’t as scary as I thought (that’s a good thing to me!), but it is really creepy. While it’s perfect for this time of the year, it’s also not something that I want to read before bed. This book is making me look for shadows everywhere I go… the paranoia!
The world building, although confusing at times, is very well crafted. You can tell the author spent a lot of time thinking about how everything would work and he did an excellent job at it. It is very complicated though, at least to me, and I had to reread certain passages more than once to truly understand what was happening. This was to be expected, we’re getting to know a whole new world after all.
Despite this, the story still reads very quickly and it feels much shorter than it actually is… for a fast book though, it includes a lot of heartbreak, so beware.
Overall, this book is a heartbreaking, fast-paced sci-fi, horror-thriller that will keep you at the edge of your seat. I cannot wait to see what will happen next.
tw: homophobia, racism, addiction, misogyny, child abuse/pedophilia, slavery, kidnpad and suicide.
REVIEW
The Frequency is not what I expected. That is maybe because I didn’t know what to expect going in. I think most of this is due to the fact that I was under the impression that we would follow Rasha as she navigates creepy things she doesn’t understand. And while this is in part true, we also follow other characters throughout the story and I was taken aback at first. It just took me a minute to adjust. That being said, I did end up enjoying the other main characters as well and I could not help but connect with all of them. All the characters are well fleshed out, it’s impossible not to feel invested when tragedies hit.
It isn’t as scary as I thought (that’s a good thing to me!), but it is really creepy. While it’s perfect for this time of the year, it’s also not something that I want to read before bed. This book is making me look for shadows everywhere I go… the paranoia!
The world building, although confusing at times, is very well crafted. You can tell the author spent a lot of time thinking about how everything would work and he did an excellent job at it. It is very complicated though, at least to me, and I had to reread certain passages more than once to truly understand what was happening. This was to be expected, we’re getting to know a whole new world after all.
Despite this, the story still reads very quickly and it feels much shorter than it actually is… for a fast book though, it includes a lot of heartbreak, so beware.
Overall, this book is a heartbreaking, fast-paced sci-fi, horror-thriller that will keep you at the edge of your seat. I cannot wait to see what will happen next.
October 25, 2021
I deliberately avoid reading books with muslim represention that's because I always think they are misrepresented.
Westernised and never really reflecting the principles we lead our lives by.
So, of course I was apprehesive when starting this book but I am so relieved I didnt feel uncomfortable reading it.
I feel seen and heard because the author really did alot of research to get the tiniest of details right.
The parts about Syria are difficult to read about, its hard because unfortunately this isnt fiction. A reality very rarely spoken about so I am glad that its finally being talked about.
For that I thank the author.
As for the plot, WOW. I thought this was going to be just about Rasha and her PTSD but noooo there were so many characters with dark backgrounds. Honestly the best part, the part that I squealed over was when a murder was woven into the plot. Because at that point, the book became an all rounder for me.
Initially I was having trouble understanding because of the different terminologies but slowly and gradually I caught up. There's alot of world building that honestly bores me with other books but with this one I was thirsty to the point I couldn't stop reading until daybreak! Once you're caught up with the Network and the different terminologies, its easy to follow but very engrossing. I love that the chapters were short because I could squeeze in a chapter everytime I took a 5 minute break from studying.. I really loved that the book wasn't just one Point of View but rather Multiple Point of Views dedicated to each character's dark story that all came together flawlessly in the end.
May I just float this out there that it is scary 😂 it has a bit of creepiness that forces you to keep your lights on at night.
Highly recommend!
P.s How does Rasha not get a flying 🩴 for calling her mum by her name 😆
Westernised and never really reflecting the principles we lead our lives by.
So, of course I was apprehesive when starting this book but I am so relieved I didnt feel uncomfortable reading it.
I feel seen and heard because the author really did alot of research to get the tiniest of details right.
The parts about Syria are difficult to read about, its hard because unfortunately this isnt fiction. A reality very rarely spoken about so I am glad that its finally being talked about.
For that I thank the author.
As for the plot, WOW. I thought this was going to be just about Rasha and her PTSD but noooo there were so many characters with dark backgrounds. Honestly the best part, the part that I squealed over was when a murder was woven into the plot. Because at that point, the book became an all rounder for me.
Initially I was having trouble understanding because of the different terminologies but slowly and gradually I caught up. There's alot of world building that honestly bores me with other books but with this one I was thirsty to the point I couldn't stop reading until daybreak! Once you're caught up with the Network and the different terminologies, its easy to follow but very engrossing. I love that the chapters were short because I could squeeze in a chapter everytime I took a 5 minute break from studying.. I really loved that the book wasn't just one Point of View but rather Multiple Point of Views dedicated to each character's dark story that all came together flawlessly in the end.
May I just float this out there that it is scary 😂 it has a bit of creepiness that forces you to keep your lights on at night.
Highly recommend!
P.s How does Rasha not get a flying 🩴 for calling her mum by her name 😆
August 3, 2021
The Frequency is quite an impressive debut novel from author Terry Kitto. It easily holds its own against works by much more experienced authors. Indeed, if this is what he gives us for his first book, I'll be excited to follow his career in the coming years to see what comes next.
The novel itself is a genre-bending paranormal thriller. Immediately evident to the reader are elements of supernatural horror, science fiction, and even espionage thrillers. Especially when combined with a moderately large cast of characters, it's easy to see how juggling all these factors would be a difficult challenge. And admittedly, the book occasionally seems to lose control of the balance between its various genre elements. However, on the whole, the author succeeded brilliantly in bringing these disparate tropes together and blending them into a coherent whole.
Similarly, the reader never loses interest in any of the characters, even when some of them spend some time "off screen." A few times while reading I found myself starting to wonder what was happening with a particular character (or group thereof), but the author invariably rewarded my patience by returning to their plotlines in short order, keeping the whole thing moving and interesting.
That's not to say it's absolutely perfect. A few of the novel's events seemed to drag on a bit and a few others felt rushed. But these are minor complaints that do not significantly detract from what remains a gripping and excellent read. I understand this book to be the first in a series, and I anticipate the next one with great eagerness.
(Disclaimer: I received a free ARC for purposes of review. My opinions are my own.)
The novel itself is a genre-bending paranormal thriller. Immediately evident to the reader are elements of supernatural horror, science fiction, and even espionage thrillers. Especially when combined with a moderately large cast of characters, it's easy to see how juggling all these factors would be a difficult challenge. And admittedly, the book occasionally seems to lose control of the balance between its various genre elements. However, on the whole, the author succeeded brilliantly in bringing these disparate tropes together and blending them into a coherent whole.
Similarly, the reader never loses interest in any of the characters, even when some of them spend some time "off screen." A few times while reading I found myself starting to wonder what was happening with a particular character (or group thereof), but the author invariably rewarded my patience by returning to their plotlines in short order, keeping the whole thing moving and interesting.
That's not to say it's absolutely perfect. A few of the novel's events seemed to drag on a bit and a few others felt rushed. But these are minor complaints that do not significantly detract from what remains a gripping and excellent read. I understand this book to be the first in a series, and I anticipate the next one with great eagerness.
(Disclaimer: I received a free ARC for purposes of review. My opinions are my own.)
June 10, 2022
Rasha is a teenage refugee in Cornwall who is being haunted by a shadow entity that has her reliving the horrors of her last days in Syria. Members of the Network track Rasha down via her energy in the Frequency to save her from possession by an imprint and bring her into the folds of their organization. When one of the witnesses who assisted in Rasha’s extraction dies under mysterious circumstances, the other members of the team uncover truths about the Network that could endanger the balance of life and death in the universe.
The main characters were very real and vivid such that they were easy to envision and empathize with. I was immediately drawn into Rasha’s story and absolutely loved her character throughout this novel. She was a good balance of damaged but resilient as well as a smart and relatable teenager. The LGBTQ characters Will and Sam explored the difficulties of their relationship complicated by their psychic abilities in an intertwined storyline.
There is a lot to absorb in this paranormal thriller. I was engaged with the spiritual aspects of the novel and the characters’ experiences with their supernatural abilities. When it came to the conspiracy plotlines, I sometimes got lost in the details and technical descriptions. For me, the dive into the spiritual warfare and the conflicts with the Network directors often became tedious and I had a hard time pushing through to get back to the main characters and the overall arc of the story.
This read may be for you if you love paranormal conspiracy stories with a lot of fictional technical jargon and intricately detailed action sequences. The main characters were very engaging and the plot had a lot of creativity if you can embrace the Network conflict portions of the novel.
The main characters were very real and vivid such that they were easy to envision and empathize with. I was immediately drawn into Rasha’s story and absolutely loved her character throughout this novel. She was a good balance of damaged but resilient as well as a smart and relatable teenager. The LGBTQ characters Will and Sam explored the difficulties of their relationship complicated by their psychic abilities in an intertwined storyline.
There is a lot to absorb in this paranormal thriller. I was engaged with the spiritual aspects of the novel and the characters’ experiences with their supernatural abilities. When it came to the conspiracy plotlines, I sometimes got lost in the details and technical descriptions. For me, the dive into the spiritual warfare and the conflicts with the Network directors often became tedious and I had a hard time pushing through to get back to the main characters and the overall arc of the story.
This read may be for you if you love paranormal conspiracy stories with a lot of fictional technical jargon and intricately detailed action sequences. The main characters were very engaging and the plot had a lot of creativity if you can embrace the Network conflict portions of the novel.
October 18, 2021
The Frequency by Terry Kitto is the first book in the five-book saga of The Imprint Quintet. It is perfect to read in October to get in the Halloween vibe. It is a paranormal thriller set up in a grief-filled world.
The story starts with Rasha Abadi leaving with her mother to become a refugee and then get possessed by a Shadow. She then goes on to suffer and reimagine the horror and chaos that she's been through, all while a group of gifted mediums- called the Network, work to save and protect her.
This story is not for the faint-hearted, it follows not just Rasha's but other characters' dark stories/past also.
The writing is good and so is the story. It is so well written that I could feel the characters' grief, their pain, and also their fears. Many times I had to put the book down because my heart was racing and I needed to calm down. I don't read much of paranormal thrillers. So even though I couldn't enjoy it as well as it should be enjoyed, I would say that the story is very well written and it keeps you on your toes.
The story starts with Rasha Abadi leaving with her mother to become a refugee and then get possessed by a Shadow. She then goes on to suffer and reimagine the horror and chaos that she's been through, all while a group of gifted mediums- called the Network, work to save and protect her.
This story is not for the faint-hearted, it follows not just Rasha's but other characters' dark stories/past also.
The writing is good and so is the story. It is so well written that I could feel the characters' grief, their pain, and also their fears. Many times I had to put the book down because my heart was racing and I needed to calm down. I don't read much of paranormal thrillers. So even though I couldn't enjoy it as well as it should be enjoyed, I would say that the story is very well written and it keeps you on your toes.
October 22, 2021
TW- Contains mild representations of: homophobia, racism, addiction, misogyny, child abuse/pedophilia, slavery, kidnap, and suicide.
This book revolves around a group of mediums who use a source known as The Frequency to capture and connect with paranormal activity. The group is pushed into a dark & thrilling journey when Rasha, a 15 year old Syrian refugee, is possessed by an evil figure.
It was unexpectedly in so many ways. I expected the mediums to pull some stunts to save Rasha yes but there are so many elements to the world Terry has created. Rasha's story will break your heart. At the beginning, the Network is shrouded in mystery but we get their backstory too.
There are aspects in the world that have a very dystopian vibe. I loved that it has so many elements from different genres. The language and storytelling is intense and would definitely hold your interest. Sometimes, the intensity felt a bit too much and because there are so many things going on, it feels some things didn't get a lot of explanation. But overall, I enjoyed reading it.
This book revolves around a group of mediums who use a source known as The Frequency to capture and connect with paranormal activity. The group is pushed into a dark & thrilling journey when Rasha, a 15 year old Syrian refugee, is possessed by an evil figure.
It was unexpectedly in so many ways. I expected the mediums to pull some stunts to save Rasha yes but there are so many elements to the world Terry has created. Rasha's story will break your heart. At the beginning, the Network is shrouded in mystery but we get their backstory too.
There are aspects in the world that have a very dystopian vibe. I loved that it has so many elements from different genres. The language and storytelling is intense and would definitely hold your interest. Sometimes, the intensity felt a bit too much and because there are so many things going on, it feels some things didn't get a lot of explanation. But overall, I enjoyed reading it.
March 30, 2022
So, let me start by saying this is now in my list of favorite books. With the level of character and world building that Kitto uses you really get a good idea of both The Network and The Frequency and how it works. The mix of sci-fi, paranormal, horror, and thriller were unique and a refreshing change from the same old story and plot. There are SEVERAL triggers through the book and Kitto does readers a solid by listing them on the Frequency webpage for those who want to see them. I am really impressed with how mor and more authors are either listing triggers on a website r n the back of the book so that those who are in need of this have it available without spoiling the book trying to look it up. With the triggers involved the book can get very dark but it is a compelling story and one that keeps the reader engaged. I highly recommend this book and am very much looking forward to the next installment! Thank you to Traveling Pages Tours and Terry Kitto for the review copy of this book and the opportunity to join in on the tour. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
September 25, 2024
Unraveling the unseen !
Terry Kitto's "The Frequency"is a gripping paranormal thriller that hooks you from the first page. The story is packed with a compelling plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, expertly weaving suspense, mystery, and supernatural elements. Kitto's ability to create vivid, superbly developed characters is one of the novel’s greatest strengths—each one feels real, complex, and essential to the narrative.
Just when you think you have everything figured out about the unfolding events, Kitto proves you wrong, twisting the story in unconventional and unexpected ways. This keeps the reader guessing and adds to the overall intrigue. The pacing is tight, with twists and turns that evoke a strong sense of suspense, reminiscent of shows like Torchwood. The book captures that eerie, sci-fi vibe, blending human drama with the unexplained in a way that feels fresh yet familiar. Whether you're drawn to paranormal stories or just love a well-crafted tale, "The Frequency" delivers on all fronts.
Terry Kitto's "The Frequency"is a gripping paranormal thriller that hooks you from the first page. The story is packed with a compelling plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, expertly weaving suspense, mystery, and supernatural elements. Kitto's ability to create vivid, superbly developed characters is one of the novel’s greatest strengths—each one feels real, complex, and essential to the narrative.
Just when you think you have everything figured out about the unfolding events, Kitto proves you wrong, twisting the story in unconventional and unexpected ways. This keeps the reader guessing and adds to the overall intrigue. The pacing is tight, with twists and turns that evoke a strong sense of suspense, reminiscent of shows like Torchwood. The book captures that eerie, sci-fi vibe, blending human drama with the unexplained in a way that feels fresh yet familiar. Whether you're drawn to paranormal stories or just love a well-crafted tale, "The Frequency" delivers on all fronts.
October 2, 2021
I received an e-copy of this book for free. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own.
Wow....I mean WOW. This book is a crazy paranormal thriller combined with espionage and terrorism. I was shocked at how much I enjoyed the book. It will take you on a trip that was fascinating and very different.
This book follows Rasha, a 15 year old Syrian Refugee who is plagued by a shadow bent on destroying humanity. She is rescued by the Network and Rasha decides to help the group stop the terror from becoming a reality.
The spookiness and possibility of this ever happening is a very scary thought. I love How Terry Kitto told this story and I love his writing style. This is the perfect book for halloween and I look forward to the next book in the saga. The only reason I did not give this 5 stars is it was a bit confusing at the beginning. It took me a bit to get through that but once I did, I loved the book.
Wow....I mean WOW. This book is a crazy paranormal thriller combined with espionage and terrorism. I was shocked at how much I enjoyed the book. It will take you on a trip that was fascinating and very different.
This book follows Rasha, a 15 year old Syrian Refugee who is plagued by a shadow bent on destroying humanity. She is rescued by the Network and Rasha decides to help the group stop the terror from becoming a reality.
The spookiness and possibility of this ever happening is a very scary thought. I love How Terry Kitto told this story and I love his writing style. This is the perfect book for halloween and I look forward to the next book in the saga. The only reason I did not give this 5 stars is it was a bit confusing at the beginning. It took me a bit to get through that but once I did, I loved the book.
October 15, 2021
The first book of The Imprint Quintet by Terry Kitto, The Frequency is a paranormal thriller exploring grief in a world where death is just the beginning and where reality can be rewritten. This was an interesting story with a unique plotline.
The Network protects the living from the dead, the shadows using a plethora of abilities through an energy source called the frequency. They reach out to fifteen-year-old Rasha Abadi when she becomes possessed by the shadow. When Rasha understands the importance of the mission, she readily agrees to help them in their investigation.
This is my first thriller of the genre and I was pleasantly surprised. Rasha is definitely a favorite character. She was strong and fearless after all the horror she had seen. It was amazing reading through the investigation that I could not put down the book!
The Network protects the living from the dead, the shadows using a plethora of abilities through an energy source called the frequency. They reach out to fifteen-year-old Rasha Abadi when she becomes possessed by the shadow. When Rasha understands the importance of the mission, she readily agrees to help them in their investigation.
This is my first thriller of the genre and I was pleasantly surprised. Rasha is definitely a favorite character. She was strong and fearless after all the horror she had seen. It was amazing reading through the investigation that I could not put down the book!
May 27, 2025
This was a very entertaining and mysterious read. I was hooked from the very first page and couldn't put it down. It's a very interesting and unique take on ghosts and the afterlife. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and fell in love with the characters.
It's a lot darker than my usual genre of choice but there's some great and thought provoking themes throughout the story which kept my attention.
Some things were left unexplained, and due to to it being very fast paced and multi-POV, I feel like we did miss some of the story and some of the connection to the characters but as it's the first book in a series, I'm sure more will be revealed in the following books. I'd definitely give them a read :)
It's a lot darker than my usual genre of choice but there's some great and thought provoking themes throughout the story which kept my attention.
Some things were left unexplained, and due to to it being very fast paced and multi-POV, I feel like we did miss some of the story and some of the connection to the characters but as it's the first book in a series, I'm sure more will be revealed in the following books. I'd definitely give them a read :)
April 2, 2022
This book sells itself as a mind-bending paranormal thriller and ain’t that the truth? The concept of this book is absolutely fascinating, made more so by really thorough world building. I love the writing style here, but it does occasionally delve more into horror than thriller. The Frequency is really well done, especially for a debut novel.
The characters, especially Rasha, are also really well-crafted. I also love that there is POC and LGBTQ+ representation throughout. This book tackles a lot of dark, tough themes and is definitely really intense, but I’m also excited to see where the rest of the quintet takes the story and the characters.
The characters, especially Rasha, are also really well-crafted. I also love that there is POC and LGBTQ+ representation throughout. This book tackles a lot of dark, tough themes and is definitely really intense, but I’m also excited to see where the rest of the quintet takes the story and the characters.
June 22, 2025
Such an interesting story. It was giving Torchwood vibes, if only Torchwood was set in Cornwall instead of Wales. It took a little bit to get my head around everything that was happening with a lot of new (Cornish) words, but once I was a few chapters in I started to get the hang of it (The author includes a glossary at the back of the book for reference and that was super helpful too!)
Really interesting concept of the Ombrideri and the Gwyndras all a little spooky but very cleverly written.
I really want to read book 2 but it’s not out yet 😅
Really interesting concept of the Ombrideri and the Gwyndras all a little spooky but very cleverly written.
I really want to read book 2 but it’s not out yet 😅
May 10, 2025
DNF
I found tell was used to much in parts when show should of been used.
wrong medical Information on page 12 about asthma
I found it confusing to read and understand
there was nothing grabbing me to continue reading in the beginning
I found tell was used to much in parts when show should of been used.
wrong medical Information on page 12 about asthma
I found it confusing to read and understand
there was nothing grabbing me to continue reading in the beginning
October 9, 2025
Three and half star no spoilers review. I enjoyed the pace of the story and the characters and enjoy the set of the book in Cornwall. Overall experience was good. The author is very talented and inspirational too. I highly recommend everyone reads this book right now. Enjoy!.
July 12, 2026
This was really good, not necessarily scary for a paranormal book, but definitely intriguing. So many things went into the entire plot and I love how it was all woven into each other. Complex but simple at the same time. I've already bought the second one.
September 6, 2022
Absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for the rest of the quintet
November 10, 2024
I think if you're into super-natural, sci-fi, horror then you'd absolutely love this book. It's extremely well-written, just not my cup of tea.
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