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Lambs Among Wolves
Evil may soon consume mankind, if the demons have their way.
After the death of her father, young Cyndi Fisher travels to Paris to meet the grandfather she never knew. That man turns out to be Father Jack Cahill, a renegade exorcist who was unaware he’d fathered a child before taking his vows.
Cyndi is soon drawn into Father Jack’s world, where demons from Hell are possessing humans and robbing Europe’s churches of sacred relics. From the cathedrals of Paris, through the graveyards of France, and into the sewers of Rome, they confront the possessed, battle risen corpses, and fight gang members sent to stop them.
They uncover a plot to set Satan free upon the Earth, but stopping it seems impossible. Demons are always one step ahead of them, and each manifestation is more powerful than the last. Stopping Satan’s return will take courage and faith. Will an aged priest and an agnostic teen have enough of either?
After the death of her father, young Cyndi Fisher travels to Paris to meet the grandfather she never knew. That man turns out to be Father Jack Cahill, a renegade exorcist who was unaware he’d fathered a child before taking his vows.
Cyndi is soon drawn into Father Jack’s world, where demons from Hell are possessing humans and robbing Europe’s churches of sacred relics. From the cathedrals of Paris, through the graveyards of France, and into the sewers of Rome, they confront the possessed, battle risen corpses, and fight gang members sent to stop them.
They uncover a plot to set Satan free upon the Earth, but stopping it seems impossible. Demons are always one step ahead of them, and each manifestation is more powerful than the last. Stopping Satan’s return will take courage and faith. Will an aged priest and an agnostic teen have enough of either?
318 pages, Paperback
First published July 5, 2021
About the author
Russell James
51 books229 followersRussell R. James was raised on Long Island, New York and spent too much time watching Chiller, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, and Dark Shadows, despite his parents’ warnings. Bookshelves full of Stephen King and Edgar Allan Poe didn’t make things better. He graduated from Cornell University and the University of Central Florida.
After a tour flying helicopters with the U.S. Army, he now spins twisted tales best read in daylight.
His wife reads what he writes, rolls her eyes, and says “There is something seriously wrong with you.”
He has published the novels DARK INSPIRATION, SACRIFICE, BLACK MAGIC and DARK VENGEANCE, the compilations OUT OF TIME and TALES FROM BEYOND, as well as numerous short stories. He founded the Minnows Literary Group.
He and his wife share their home in sunny Florida with two cats.
Drop by the website to kill some time with some short stories.
After a tour flying helicopters with the U.S. Army, he now spins twisted tales best read in daylight.
His wife reads what he writes, rolls her eyes, and says “There is something seriously wrong with you.”
He has published the novels DARK INSPIRATION, SACRIFICE, BLACK MAGIC and DARK VENGEANCE, the compilations OUT OF TIME and TALES FROM BEYOND, as well as numerous short stories. He founded the Minnows Literary Group.
He and his wife share their home in sunny Florida with two cats.
Drop by the website to kill some time with some short stories.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 28, 2021
Touted as The Exorcist meets The Da Vinci Code, James’ latest novel caught my attention right off the bat. Call it a guilty pleasure if that’s your thing, but Dan Brown’s work is fast and usually fun. To bring that globe hopping/adventure element to the good versus evil Catholicism elements of The Exorcist would result in something special.
So does James’ book live up to that promise? In short, yes. Cyndi winds up traveling to Europe under false pretenses and meeting up with Father Jack Cahill. Rather than turning right back around and heading to the states, she teams up with him as he travels Europe looking for relics. Adding to that thriller-level intrigue, Father Jack is working under the orders of a small, secretive group within the Vatican.
Lambs Among Wolves has detailed scenes of exorcisms and possessions from the very beginning, allowing the reader into the action right from the get-go. The moment Cyndi joins the story, the pace never relents and James earns the entire 300 page runtime. The author’s Afterword makes clear that although not everything is complete truth, a lot of research went into composing this story.
Full of twists and turns throughout, Lambs Among Wolves is a fantastic example of what thriller horror can be. If the book’s tagline draws your attention like it did mine, follow through and check it out. Well worth your time.
I received a copy from the publisher for review consideration.
So does James’ book live up to that promise? In short, yes. Cyndi winds up traveling to Europe under false pretenses and meeting up with Father Jack Cahill. Rather than turning right back around and heading to the states, she teams up with him as he travels Europe looking for relics. Adding to that thriller-level intrigue, Father Jack is working under the orders of a small, secretive group within the Vatican.
Lambs Among Wolves has detailed scenes of exorcisms and possessions from the very beginning, allowing the reader into the action right from the get-go. The moment Cyndi joins the story, the pace never relents and James earns the entire 300 page runtime. The author’s Afterword makes clear that although not everything is complete truth, a lot of research went into composing this story.
Full of twists and turns throughout, Lambs Among Wolves is a fantastic example of what thriller horror can be. If the book’s tagline draws your attention like it did mine, follow through and check it out. Well worth your time.
I received a copy from the publisher for review consideration.
December 1, 2021
4.5⭐ This is my third or fourth outing with Russell James and easily my favorite. The others were all solid and enjoyable, but didn't latch their hooks in me. LAMBS AMONG WOLVES, however, reeled me in from the start and kept me invested throughout. Even when it seems like there's little excitement, I was intrigued and interested. James does a lot of fictional and non-fictional world building here, all of which is impressive and detailed. You can tell a lot of research went into writing this novel. I've seen comparisons to Dan Brown and Exorcist, but (oddly enough) I've never read or seen those titles. I will say there are multiple thrilling sequences involving exorcisms and battles with the possessed. I will also point out that there's a lot of religious mystery and crypt raiding throughout, which was reminiscent of Indiana Jones and Lara Croft. I could see comparisons to James Rollins or Brian Moreland, as well. These influences or reflections aside, LAMBS AMONG WOLVES is smart and exciting, thought-provoking, and curiously gripping. It's not easy to make research in a story worthy of your attention, but James has succeeded here. My complaints are minor and not really worth mentioning. I'll say the final few pages in which we fast forward a bit were a bit corny for my likes, but they were also followed by a cliffhanger should James want to mess with Father Jack and his granddaughter again -- and for that, I am grateful.
July 18, 2021
Russell James can always be counted on to provide a fascinating and riveting read. Lambs Among Wolves takes us into the world of possession, exorcism and locations in Paris, southern France and Rome (especially Rome) that you won't find on any tourist map.
Father Jack Cahill is a maverick priest with a colourful past who carves his own way within a church that frowns on many of his practices. Cyndi Fisher is a young woman on a mission. Together they embark on a scary journey. Demons are taking possession of people at an alarming rate, and Father Jack must use all his powers to defeat them. Holy relics are disappearing, and Satan himself always seems to be one step ahead, anticipating Jack and Cyndi's movements before they've even made them.
As the story builds towards its shattering climax, both the priest and the young woman will experience the full force of the evil one's power.
Exceptional characterisations, intense atmosphere and perfectly measured pacing kept me enthralled throughout. Don't miss this if you enjoy great storytelling, suspense, scares and thrills.
Father Jack Cahill is a maverick priest with a colourful past who carves his own way within a church that frowns on many of his practices. Cyndi Fisher is a young woman on a mission. Together they embark on a scary journey. Demons are taking possession of people at an alarming rate, and Father Jack must use all his powers to defeat them. Holy relics are disappearing, and Satan himself always seems to be one step ahead, anticipating Jack and Cyndi's movements before they've even made them.
As the story builds towards its shattering climax, both the priest and the young woman will experience the full force of the evil one's power.
Exceptional characterisations, intense atmosphere and perfectly measured pacing kept me enthralled throughout. Don't miss this if you enjoy great storytelling, suspense, scares and thrills.
August 18, 2021
Evil demons stalking the Earth. A secret cabal with a plan to open a gate to Hell. And the only people who can stop it are an aging exorcist and a young girl who is just trying to make sense of her life after her father’s death.
This book has been described as The Exorcist meets The DaVinci Code, and that’s a very apt description. Cyndi Fisher, still reeling from her father’s death, is drawn into a web of conspiracy, danger, and supernatural terrors when she stumbles into Father Jack Cahill’s investigation of church desecrations. All too soon they realize demons are possessing humans in order to steal sacred relics from some of Europe’s oldest churches. The story moves at breakneck speed from one city in France to the next, and then to Italy and Vatican itself. Along the way, Cyndi and Father Jack must fight reanimated corpses, possessed humans, and ordinary criminals. From filthy sewers to creepy graveyards, underground temples to hidden passages, this mismatched pair must learn to trust each other and fight side-by-side. Along the way, they discover secrets within themselves and the Church that could mean the difference between success and eternal damnation.
The action in this one is non-stop, and James’ knowledge of European history, particularly that of the Catholic Church, is fascinating but never gets in the way of the story. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, this book will thrill you and send shivers down your spine from beginning to end.
This book has been described as The Exorcist meets The DaVinci Code, and that’s a very apt description. Cyndi Fisher, still reeling from her father’s death, is drawn into a web of conspiracy, danger, and supernatural terrors when she stumbles into Father Jack Cahill’s investigation of church desecrations. All too soon they realize demons are possessing humans in order to steal sacred relics from some of Europe’s oldest churches. The story moves at breakneck speed from one city in France to the next, and then to Italy and Vatican itself. Along the way, Cyndi and Father Jack must fight reanimated corpses, possessed humans, and ordinary criminals. From filthy sewers to creepy graveyards, underground temples to hidden passages, this mismatched pair must learn to trust each other and fight side-by-side. Along the way, they discover secrets within themselves and the Church that could mean the difference between success and eternal damnation.
The action in this one is non-stop, and James’ knowledge of European history, particularly that of the Catholic Church, is fascinating but never gets in the way of the story. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, this book will thrill you and send shivers down your spine from beginning to end.
September 26, 2021
Lambs among Wolves lays its cards slap bang on the middle of the table in its opening chapter with a demon lurking within the walls of Abbey Santo Marco whilst Brother Eduardo prays inside one of the monastery’s secluded chapels. A few pages later, Eduardo and all the other monks have been slaughtered by the creature, setting off a chain of events which is at the core of the plot. On one hand, this first chapter gives a solid indication of the demon infestation fun you can look forward to, but on the other, it is also the overwhelming weakness of Lambs among Wolves. The manner in which the demons are described is incredibly bland and repetitive, failing miserably to instill an ounce of fear with top-heavy cartoon caricatures akin to the baddies in Scooby-Doo.
You can read Tony's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Tony's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
August 20, 2021
Legendary Catholic exorcist, Father Jack and his granddaughter work under orders from a secret society at the Vatican to investigate a burglary/arson/murder at a famous church where they find missing items from the church’s reliquary. Discovering that the demons are taking Saint/Martyr Pudentiana’s relics, Father Jack finds that much more is at stake. Catholicism is in a weakened state due to radical changes to the religion. Satan is trying to return to earth and needs a vessel. Father Jack and his granddaughter race against the demons to try and get to the relics before evil does.
From the beautiful rich architecture of the ancient churches and terrifying exorcism scenes, the way the author makes religious history interesting to fit into the story, you get an epic exorcism story that puts the movies to shame.
https://piratetwinkiereadsblog.wordpr...
From the beautiful rich architecture of the ancient churches and terrifying exorcism scenes, the way the author makes religious history interesting to fit into the story, you get an epic exorcism story that puts the movies to shame.
https://piratetwinkiereadsblog.wordpr...
August 30, 2021
4/5 stars
I was raised Catholic so reading this was like slipping back into a well worn shoe. While I never had a bad experience in the church I understand the myriad pain it has caused others. I’m currently an agnostic. That being said, the only pain to be found in this novel by Russel James is the demonic kind.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Exorcist meets Da Vinci Code story. The characters were familiar and the story was entertaining. There is plenty of history, latin phrases, and Vatican secrets to hold the attention of a Catholic and atheist alike. While I found the story predictable, that didn’t impact my enjoyment level. James kept the action moving and settings plentiful so I never felt bored. Can’t wait to read more from him.
I was raised Catholic so reading this was like slipping back into a well worn shoe. While I never had a bad experience in the church I understand the myriad pain it has caused others. I’m currently an agnostic. That being said, the only pain to be found in this novel by Russel James is the demonic kind.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Exorcist meets Da Vinci Code story. The characters were familiar and the story was entertaining. There is plenty of history, latin phrases, and Vatican secrets to hold the attention of a Catholic and atheist alike. While I found the story predictable, that didn’t impact my enjoyment level. James kept the action moving and settings plentiful so I never felt bored. Can’t wait to read more from him.
December 30, 2021
LAMBS AMONG WOLVES by Russell James—Highly Recommend!
‘Evil may soon consume mankind, if the demons have their way.’
‘After the death of her father, young Cyndi Fisher travels to Paris to meet the grandfather she never knew. That man turns out to be Father Jack Cahill, a renegade exorcist who was unaware he'd fathered a child before taking his vows.’
‘Cyndi is soon drawn into Father Jack's world, where demons from Hell are possessing humans and robbing Europe's churches of sacred relics.’
In a word, WOW!
As odd as these words are to say, considering the intense content of the book, I can’t help but utter—with a smile on my face—that I had an absolute blast reading it!
I mean, think about it…
The story centers around:
Possession *check*
Exorcism *check*
Sacred Relics *check*
Characters You Love And Love To Hate *check* *check*
PLUS! Yes, I said ‘PLUS!’ The pièce de résistance…
LAMBS AMONG WOLVES is currently available to read on KindleUnlimited!
*insert squeeeeeee! here*
However, if you’re like me, you’re going to want to purchase the paperback version, as well. ;)
Thank you, Silver Shamrock Publishing, for providing me with an eBook of LAMBS AMONG WOLVES in the request of an honest review.
‘Evil may soon consume mankind, if the demons have their way.’
‘After the death of her father, young Cyndi Fisher travels to Paris to meet the grandfather she never knew. That man turns out to be Father Jack Cahill, a renegade exorcist who was unaware he'd fathered a child before taking his vows.’
‘Cyndi is soon drawn into Father Jack's world, where demons from Hell are possessing humans and robbing Europe's churches of sacred relics.’
In a word, WOW!
As odd as these words are to say, considering the intense content of the book, I can’t help but utter—with a smile on my face—that I had an absolute blast reading it!
I mean, think about it…
The story centers around:
Possession *check*
Exorcism *check*
Sacred Relics *check*
Characters You Love And Love To Hate *check* *check*
PLUS! Yes, I said ‘PLUS!’ The pièce de résistance…
LAMBS AMONG WOLVES is currently available to read on KindleUnlimited!
*insert squeeeeeee! here*
However, if you’re like me, you’re going to want to purchase the paperback version, as well. ;)
Thank you, Silver Shamrock Publishing, for providing me with an eBook of LAMBS AMONG WOLVES in the request of an honest review.
August 11, 2022
After the death of her father Cyndi receives a letter and plane ticket inviting her to France to meet the grandfather she never knew. In Paris, an anonymous parishioner requests a meeting with Father Jack Cahill at a sidewalk cafe. The players are now engaged and as soon as Cyndi and Father Jack meet at that cafe the game is on. Who’s playing this wicked game, why these two players…how is this connected to the ever growing increase in demonic possessions, gruesome crimes and church vandalisms?
This is a multi-layered work of fiction which includes a great bit of actual history of the Roman Catholic Church, first-class relics, pre-Vatican II religious rites, exorcism, and saints. Part thriller, horror, mystery and an edge of your seat battle between the light and the dark. I would recommend this book to a wide audience; those with an interest in the 2nd century Roman Catholic era, and readers who enjoy a good thriller with a touch of evil.
Thank you #netgalley for,allowing me to read, and review #LambsAmongWolves
This is a multi-layered work of fiction which includes a great bit of actual history of the Roman Catholic Church, first-class relics, pre-Vatican II religious rites, exorcism, and saints. Part thriller, horror, mystery and an edge of your seat battle between the light and the dark. I would recommend this book to a wide audience; those with an interest in the 2nd century Roman Catholic era, and readers who enjoy a good thriller with a touch of evil.
Thank you #netgalley for,allowing me to read, and review #LambsAmongWolves
August 17, 2022
A very good horror/thriller novel
For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
August 3, 2021
Wow. This book, I had seen somewhere described as Angels and Demons x The exorcist, and that was accurate, but that doesn’t do it justice.
If you follow my reviews at all, you know my interest typically wanes when books start going over 300 pages. I could have read another 300 pages of this and asked for more. Russell James and Silver Shamrock have teamed up for something truly epic. I really enjoyed the mystery spanning multiple countries. The horror, the deception. What’s at stake. All of it combines to make what for me is my favorite read of the year. This book has to be in stoker contention. It’s that good.
Pick this book up, I’m not going to reiterate plot details or things on the back of the book. This one comes with my highest recommendation
If you follow my reviews at all, you know my interest typically wanes when books start going over 300 pages. I could have read another 300 pages of this and asked for more. Russell James and Silver Shamrock have teamed up for something truly epic. I really enjoyed the mystery spanning multiple countries. The horror, the deception. What’s at stake. All of it combines to make what for me is my favorite read of the year. This book has to be in stoker contention. It’s that good.
Pick this book up, I’m not going to reiterate plot details or things on the back of the book. This one comes with my highest recommendation
November 10, 2021
James is always reliable and I appreciate how every book of his is different. Lambs Among Wolves is a very good tale of demons, exorcisms, and naughtiness going on within the Vatican. Lots and lots of interesting background and history inform the back-story, making this sorta a DaVinci Code book of horrors. The characters are solid and there's a sequence that takes place in the sewers of Paris that is riveting. Not just for horror fans, if you're a fan of Dan Brown's books, you're sure to enjoy. Recommended.
February 19, 2022
**Note: I was provided a copy of this title in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
You can also read my review over at HorrorTree.com: https://horrortree.com/epeolatry-book...
I know this is a strange thing to say about a horror novel, but Lambs Among Wolves was a nice cozy read. You know, like something you’d spend an afternoon reading in a folding chair next to the lake.
Years ago, I read Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. Sucked in by the history and religious intrigue mixed with a heavy dose of suspense, I absolutely loved it (don’t judge me!). Russell James’s Lambs Among Wolves tickled those same corners of my brain.
But there’s a taste of something extra here that Brown didn’t include—imagine if The DaVinci Code and The Exorcist had a baby. This would be it! Lambs Among Wolves combines two of my guilty pleasures: the pseudo history of National Treasure (that fun movie with Nic Cage) and Catholic/Possession based thriller.
I would’ve loved for the author to ramp up the horror aspects a touch more. Much of the story seemed fairly tame with only a hint of the absolute dread and shock that I look for in my favorite horror reading. But the heavily researched locations and Church history made up for this. James truly has a love for the milieu of the novel.
Overall, Lambs Among Wolves is fun ride that with a steady pace. Definitely check this one out.
You can also read my review over at HorrorTree.com: https://horrortree.com/epeolatry-book...
I know this is a strange thing to say about a horror novel, but Lambs Among Wolves was a nice cozy read. You know, like something you’d spend an afternoon reading in a folding chair next to the lake.
Years ago, I read Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. Sucked in by the history and religious intrigue mixed with a heavy dose of suspense, I absolutely loved it (don’t judge me!). Russell James’s Lambs Among Wolves tickled those same corners of my brain.
But there’s a taste of something extra here that Brown didn’t include—imagine if The DaVinci Code and The Exorcist had a baby. This would be it! Lambs Among Wolves combines two of my guilty pleasures: the pseudo history of National Treasure (that fun movie with Nic Cage) and Catholic/Possession based thriller.
I would’ve loved for the author to ramp up the horror aspects a touch more. Much of the story seemed fairly tame with only a hint of the absolute dread and shock that I look for in my favorite horror reading. But the heavily researched locations and Church history made up for this. James truly has a love for the milieu of the novel.
Overall, Lambs Among Wolves is fun ride that with a steady pace. Definitely check this one out.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews