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The Salvation of Kora
Life hasn’t been easy since the accident.
It’s the only way I can describe things because I was there.
I saw what happened.
I’ve had so many nightmares about it.
And now I find myself starting over in a new place where no one should have known about it.
Instead, I’m branded an outcast by the people that heard whispers of what she did.
Rumors instead of truths.
The very things that have a way of breaking someone, and I’m so goddamn close to being broken.
Especially now that she’s found me again.
I think the Devil is here.
Inside of her—squatting like an infestation.
I can’t run anymore.
I have to help her.
No one else will.
It’s the only way I can describe things because I was there.
I saw what happened.
I’ve had so many nightmares about it.
And now I find myself starting over in a new place where no one should have known about it.
Instead, I’m branded an outcast by the people that heard whispers of what she did.
Rumors instead of truths.
The very things that have a way of breaking someone, and I’m so goddamn close to being broken.
Especially now that she’s found me again.
I think the Devil is here.
Inside of her—squatting like an infestation.
I can’t run anymore.
I have to help her.
No one else will.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2021
51 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Yolanda Olson
223 books1,889 followersYolanda Olson is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author. Born and raised in Bridgeport, CT where she currently resides, she usually spends her time watching her favorite channel, Investigation Discovery.
Occasionally, she takes a break to write books and test the limits of her mind. Also an avid horror movie fan, she likes to incorporate dark elements into the majority of her books.
You can keep in touch with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Occasionally, she takes a break to write books and test the limits of her mind. Also an avid horror movie fan, she likes to incorporate dark elements into the majority of her books.
You can keep in touch with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 8, 2022
First of all, this is not a romance!
It's a crazy story that starts with an exorcism...
The second part, Lily, Kora's sister is living with her father in a small town.
Her only friends are a priest and a nun.
The troubles begin when Kora appears to Lily. She tries to run but the priest goes after her to her old house...
December 16, 2021
3.25 Stars
Told in dual POV (mostly single POV), 1st person, it’s a standalone novel. The story is a bit dark (not that dark, only contains dark elements), and still better to proceed with caution. It was predictable, I could guess the twist early on. It’s a very short read and I needed more for the ending, not enough for me. Overall, it wasn’t that bad but it wasn’t that good either, hope you like it too!
Told in dual POV (mostly single POV), 1st person, it’s a standalone novel. The story is a bit dark (not that dark, only contains dark elements), and still better to proceed with caution. It was predictable, I could guess the twist early on. It’s a very short read and I needed more for the ending, not enough for me. Overall, it wasn’t that bad but it wasn’t that good either, hope you like it too!
March 1, 2022
I suck in as deep a breath as I can, doing my best not to eat my tongue due to the lack of food over the past three days, and let my eyes roll back into my head
As always, you never know what you're going to get from her books.
As was in this case. It started with a demon exorcism scene. I'm glad we didn't exactly got the graphic details of what happened, because even the jist of what happened, creeped me the hell out. I cannot describe anything more since it was a very short book, all that I can say is, it scratched that itch I had in me for now.
As always, you never know what you're going to get from her books.
As was in this case. It started with a demon exorcism scene. I'm glad we didn't exactly got the graphic details of what happened, because even the jist of what happened, creeped me the hell out. I cannot describe anything more since it was a very short book, all that I can say is, it scratched that itch I had in me for now.
December 28, 2024
Such a good exorcist book with great twists! A nice chunk to read and palette cleanser
February 15, 2025
and you will never catch me trusting a priest!
October 25, 2021
When you pick up a book by Yolanda Olson, you don’t know what to expect, yet at the same time, you know exactly what to expect. Read that again and try to make sense of it. 😂 It doesn’t matter what evilly twisted story Olson has come up with this time, you can guarantee that it’s dark, depraved and absolutely brilliant. The Salvation of Kora is no exception.
This is a short review, not only because the book itself is short, but also because I don’t want to give away any spoilers.
The story follows Lily, a young woman who’s moved to Kennebunk to live with her father following the hideous, failed exorcism of her sister Kora and Kora’s murder of their mother. She finds peace among the churches of the town and has befriended the town priest, Father Whittaker. But Kora’s coming back out to play and Father Whittaker is determined to accompany Lily back to her childhood home to confront the demons of her past.
As I expected, Olson’s writing is on point, managing to let go of unnecessary details and focusing on Lily’s fear of Kora and the psychological impact of her experience. She pulls in intrigue and uncertainty as Lily begins to discover the truth about that dark time and keeps the reader mulling over potential theories and outcomes until the very last page.
My only real complaint about The Salvation of Kora is that it was far too short. It’s like Olson wants to show off her brilliance by dangling it in front of you but then snatches it away because she’s not going to let you have it all in one go. It’s cruel and sadistic, but I’ll come back for more every single time.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ THE SALVATION OF KORA
* I couldn’t put it down
* You’ll never figure out Lily’s truth, or Kora’s, or Father Whittaker’s. Don’t get me started on Devyn either.
* Completely haunting
This is a short review, not only because the book itself is short, but also because I don’t want to give away any spoilers.
The story follows Lily, a young woman who’s moved to Kennebunk to live with her father following the hideous, failed exorcism of her sister Kora and Kora’s murder of their mother. She finds peace among the churches of the town and has befriended the town priest, Father Whittaker. But Kora’s coming back out to play and Father Whittaker is determined to accompany Lily back to her childhood home to confront the demons of her past.
As I expected, Olson’s writing is on point, managing to let go of unnecessary details and focusing on Lily’s fear of Kora and the psychological impact of her experience. She pulls in intrigue and uncertainty as Lily begins to discover the truth about that dark time and keeps the reader mulling over potential theories and outcomes until the very last page.
My only real complaint about The Salvation of Kora is that it was far too short. It’s like Olson wants to show off her brilliance by dangling it in front of you but then snatches it away because she’s not going to let you have it all in one go. It’s cruel and sadistic, but I’ll come back for more every single time.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ THE SALVATION OF KORA
* I couldn’t put it down
* You’ll never figure out Lily’s truth, or Kora’s, or Father Whittaker’s. Don’t get me started on Devyn either.
* Completely haunting
October 30, 2025
This book was really good!! It was super different compared to other books I normally read and I really enjoyed the exorcism aspect in the beginning. It’s what shaped the story ultimately. This was also my first time reading this author and most definitely won’t be my last.
The Salvation of Kora follows Lily after she’s gone through a horrific incident involving her sister, Kora. Kora was quite literally possessed by a demon of sorts and committed murder that changed her life forever. She doesn’t fit in, being labeled an outcast due to her sister’s behavior. She has a terrible father who abuses her and blames her for everything and she seeks the comfort of her friend who is a priest at the church nearby. As this story continued to unfold we start to learn more pieces of the story and begin to question if Kora escape being locked away from the mental institution she was put in to spend the rest of her life.
The Salvation of Kora follows Lily after she’s gone through a horrific incident involving her sister, Kora. Kora was quite literally possessed by a demon of sorts and committed murder that changed her life forever. She doesn’t fit in, being labeled an outcast due to her sister’s behavior. She has a terrible father who abuses her and blames her for everything and she seeks the comfort of her friend who is a priest at the church nearby. As this story continued to unfold we start to learn more pieces of the story and begin to question if Kora escape being locked away from the mental institution she was put in to spend the rest of her life.
October 31, 2021
This is a crazy story. This is a story of a girl who goes through hell and back and what happens to everyone afterwards.... It's dark and twisted and not a happy sunshine story so be prepared.
July 12, 2022
Man... Yolanda will forever be one of my favorites. Her talent is unmatched, and i truly would love to see how her brain operates and comes up with these unique storylines!
The Salvation of Kora is a dark story. This won't be everyone's cup of tea, so be sure to read the TW's. Per usual,you never truly know what's coming in her books... and this one is no different.
We start with an exorcism scene. I can't say too much more without giving away spoilers as this is a shorter read at only 100 pages.... BUT if you've read other books by Yolanda and loved them, you'll love this one too!
October 14, 2021
Writing a review for a Yolanda book after you've been thoroughly mind f*cked is like wondering around aimlessly in your subconscious, muttering to yourself, and you just can't seem to find your damn nametag. You know you had it. But it's no where to be found. And you can't for the life of you remember what it was without it. Your mind is so deeply immersed in the story and Yolanda has masterfully mind warped you so good, but you have to leave a review because this story was so twisted and sadistic and phenomenal you simply can't not review it. You see the dilemma?
This story was indescribable. On a good day. So dark and demented and delicious. I love the way Yolanda doesn't simply write a story. No, that's not good enough. She sucks your soul into the deepest most darkest part of her psyche and then pile drives you from the top ropes where you can't help but look around and think "wtf just happened to me?" There are no words to describe how good this book was. If you love Yolanda's books then you already know this. Should I read this is never a question you ask yourself. Will I survive this level of depravity and come out the same as when I went in? Possibly. Will I question my own sanity and moral compass because I simply can't get enough and nothing she writes will ever be too dark? Probably. What in the hell has happened to her in her life to make her this way? Absolutely lmao!!! My point is... GO READ THIS BOOK!!!
This story was indescribable. On a good day. So dark and demented and delicious. I love the way Yolanda doesn't simply write a story. No, that's not good enough. She sucks your soul into the deepest most darkest part of her psyche and then pile drives you from the top ropes where you can't help but look around and think "wtf just happened to me?" There are no words to describe how good this book was. If you love Yolanda's books then you already know this. Should I read this is never a question you ask yourself. Will I survive this level of depravity and come out the same as when I went in? Possibly. Will I question my own sanity and moral compass because I simply can't get enough and nothing she writes will ever be too dark? Probably. What in the hell has happened to her in her life to make her this way? Absolutely lmao!!! My point is... GO READ THIS BOOK!!!
October 18, 2021
I NEED THIS MADE INTO A MOVIE ASAP!
What an opening and a closing.
After a very traumatic incident that happens to Lily's sister and her family, Lily is sent to live with her father. In a new town, Lily is faced with stares, mean whispers and voices of nighmares. Lily finds peace at a church and seeks friendship with a priest.
Until one day, a stranger seeks out Lily and makes her relive that dreeded day. Will Lily find salvation for her sister and end the nightmares or will her past come back for her?
What a delicious little horror delight. Must read in the dark if you dare.
What an opening and a closing.
After a very traumatic incident that happens to Lily's sister and her family, Lily is sent to live with her father. In a new town, Lily is faced with stares, mean whispers and voices of nighmares. Lily finds peace at a church and seeks friendship with a priest.
Until one day, a stranger seeks out Lily and makes her relive that dreeded day. Will Lily find salvation for her sister and end the nightmares or will her past come back for her?
What a delicious little horror delight. Must read in the dark if you dare.
November 2, 2021
Amazing
This was an amazing book. Lily was scare by past trauma. As time,e goes by her fear grows..Will she ever feel safe?
This was an amazing book. Lily was scare by past trauma. As time,e goes by her fear grows..Will she ever feel safe?
January 2, 2025
Unfortunately I couldn't connect with the story. I like the Author and her writing but this book not so much. Sorry.
December 20, 2025
have you ever read a possession from the POV of the Possessed?! thats how this starts!! holy sh!t was this story good!! i wish it was longer because DAMN!!!
April 26, 2022
Well done!
This book was really good! Solid, and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I was on the fence about purchasing this book since I have read a book from Y. Olson before and regretted reading it, but I am glad that I took a chance with this one, I enjoyed reading this book and it was well worth both the money and time.
This book was really good! Solid, and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I was on the fence about purchasing this book since I have read a book from Y. Olson before and regretted reading it, but I am glad that I took a chance with this one, I enjoyed reading this book and it was well worth both the money and time.
October 25, 2021
Good looord...this book....is an absolute mind fuck of a book as you walk through from beginning to end you will be completely consumed by the darkness that may be the path to Kora's salvation. With any Yolanda book, you have to be on your toes and catch the crumbs as you read, but she managed to take the psychological aspect to an entirely new level this time. This book made my dark little soul so happy, and I can't tell you enough GET THE BOOK.
January 26, 2025
Despite being an overall predictable exorcism story, this was still really fun and short read that definitely scratched that horror itch I was searching for.
(And despite being predictable, there was some confessing of sins by a character that made me actually shout “WHAT?!?!?” out loud which totally caught me off guard in the best way)
(And despite being predictable, there was some confessing of sins by a character that made me actually shout “WHAT?!?!?” out loud which totally caught me off guard in the best way)
October 16, 2025
Couldn't put this book down!! ... mostly because I was confused.
Seriously, I must be missing something. I read this book in one sitting, it was an extremely quick read which I usually don't like but I decided to give it a chance. Can't complain about my time being wasted cause... again, it was a quick read.
The story starts with an exorcism which could've been a great start to build tension but I personally felt like it was poorly executed (ahaha.) and I just felt like I was thrown into the story, not in a good way. It felt so rushed but certain moments felt way too stretched out?? The characters didn't feel well-written, they felt flat and poorly thought-out.
Also, the twist with the priest... was just thrown out like "hey this happened btw" and I was surprised by it but only because it was SO RANDOM. I think if this book wanted to shed a little light on abuse that happens in churches that would've been nice but it was so poorly executed and felt so weird.
Maybe I'm missing the point. I don't know! I personally don't recommend this book, however if you are like "um, I'm not listening to you!" that's fine... here's some trigger warnings just in case you do decide to read: pretty graphic imagery, abuse, assault, psychological manipulation, death...
Seriously, I must be missing something. I read this book in one sitting, it was an extremely quick read which I usually don't like but I decided to give it a chance. Can't complain about my time being wasted cause... again, it was a quick read.
The story starts with an exorcism which could've been a great start to build tension but I personally felt like it was poorly executed (ahaha.) and I just felt like I was thrown into the story, not in a good way. It felt so rushed but certain moments felt way too stretched out?? The characters didn't feel well-written, they felt flat and poorly thought-out.
Also, the twist with the priest... was just thrown out like "hey this happened btw" and I was surprised by it but only because it was SO RANDOM. I think if this book wanted to shed a little light on abuse that happens in churches that would've been nice but it was so poorly executed and felt so weird.
Maybe I'm missing the point. I don't know! I personally don't recommend this book, however if you are like "um, I'm not listening to you!" that's fine... here's some trigger warnings just in case you do decide to read: pretty graphic imagery, abuse, assault, psychological manipulation, death...
October 25, 2024
Good evening, darlings of darkness!
Another Yolanda Olson book? Check! Done and dusted, because when it comes to Yolanda’s writing, I simply can’t resist. That woman drags me into the shadowy recesses of my own mind, flips the script, and then plunges me headfirst into some soul-wrenching madness. And yes, this book is no exception—but a little warning: It might offend some of you. Guess what? It’s 2024, and Google is still free, so… do your own research.
Now, let’s talk plot. We’re following Lilly, and honestly, is she finding religion? Losing it? Just out here hunting sinners like some holy bounty hunter? Who knows! You’ll have to read it to figure that one out. Compared to Yolanda’s usual flavor of pitch-black depravity, this book is lighter—but don’t be fooled, that plot twist still hits like a sucker punch to the gut.
Yolanda’s writing? As always, chef’s kiss. She never disappoints, which is why she’s forever on my auto-buy list. Will you read this book? I don’t know, and frankly, I don’t care—but I had a blast with it, and I bet you will too.
Yours in sweet chaos,
E
Another Yolanda Olson book? Check! Done and dusted, because when it comes to Yolanda’s writing, I simply can’t resist. That woman drags me into the shadowy recesses of my own mind, flips the script, and then plunges me headfirst into some soul-wrenching madness. And yes, this book is no exception—but a little warning: It might offend some of you. Guess what? It’s 2024, and Google is still free, so… do your own research.
Now, let’s talk plot. We’re following Lilly, and honestly, is she finding religion? Losing it? Just out here hunting sinners like some holy bounty hunter? Who knows! You’ll have to read it to figure that one out. Compared to Yolanda’s usual flavor of pitch-black depravity, this book is lighter—but don’t be fooled, that plot twist still hits like a sucker punch to the gut.
Yolanda’s writing? As always, chef’s kiss. She never disappoints, which is why she’s forever on my auto-buy list. Will you read this book? I don’t know, and frankly, I don’t care—but I had a blast with it, and I bet you will too.
Yours in sweet chaos,
E
March 9, 2022
Holy mother and all the saints - Yolanda floored me with this creepy, bone chilling tale that kept me glued to my kindle and on the edge of my seat.
This had me questioning so many things and the twists/truths that happened floored me - while wanting to grab my rosary, some holy water and all the holy books I could find.
I loved everything about this - the flow, the twists, the suspense. The characters, I couldn’t have asked for better written MC’s - I don’t think I have ever had such a strong reaction of wanting to help and to protect while being completely terrified. Everything was done to perfection and when I hit the ending, I was left pondering if it was truly the end or just the beginning. This is definitely a perfect read for horror/suspense fans, like myself, that enjoy a good adrenaline pumping one sit read. Yolanda never ceases to surprise me with her books, I love how unique and well written they are - this one is proof.
This had me questioning so many things and the twists/truths that happened floored me - while wanting to grab my rosary, some holy water and all the holy books I could find.
I loved everything about this - the flow, the twists, the suspense. The characters, I couldn’t have asked for better written MC’s - I don’t think I have ever had such a strong reaction of wanting to help and to protect while being completely terrified. Everything was done to perfection and when I hit the ending, I was left pondering if it was truly the end or just the beginning. This is definitely a perfect read for horror/suspense fans, like myself, that enjoy a good adrenaline pumping one sit read. Yolanda never ceases to surprise me with her books, I love how unique and well written they are - this one is proof.
October 12, 2021
First of all, look at that cover how freaking beautiful is it? I am making it my life's mission to own every Yolanda book b/c her covers are freaking ::::chef kisses:::: yea I usually don't say that but I can't help it with her books.
In the perfect Yolanda style, The Salvation of Kora is pure mind banging. You will think you know what's going on until about 75-80% of the book where she makes you question your own sanity.
Kora was possessed. She did some not so nice things while this happened and landed her in the coocoo house.
Lily, a sweet girl, just trying to escape the shadow of her sister Kora. She tries to save up to get her life together and works at the local church to do so.
But here come Yolanda bing bang boom. Ha! I am not telling you anything else. Why would I spoil this wonderful story doing that. Read it!!!!
Read Responsibly.
In the perfect Yolanda style, The Salvation of Kora is pure mind banging. You will think you know what's going on until about 75-80% of the book where she makes you question your own sanity.
Kora was possessed. She did some not so nice things while this happened and landed her in the coocoo house.
Lily, a sweet girl, just trying to escape the shadow of her sister Kora. She tries to save up to get her life together and works at the local church to do so.
But here come Yolanda bing bang boom. Ha! I am not telling you anything else. Why would I spoil this wonderful story doing that. Read it!!!!
Read Responsibly.
November 1, 2021
The Salvation of Kora
by Yolanda Olsen
***5 mind bending stars***
What can I say, besides the fact that Yolanda grabbed my dark heart, and consumed me with Lily's story. It was dark and twisted...basically everything I love in a story.
A terrible yet mysterious tragedy hits Lily's family, and in the aftermath, she's shipped off to her estranged father. He's a nasty piece of man trash, who treats his own daughter like a slave, who's only option in life is to serve him.
When her past comes back to take control, once again, she realizes that she can no longer run from her nightmares. With the unwanted help of the local priest, who's befriended her, she goes back to where the horrors began.
Will she survive or be lost to the darkness forever? I loved everything about this story, especially the twist at the end. It's an absolute must read!
by Yolanda Olsen
***5 mind bending stars***
What can I say, besides the fact that Yolanda grabbed my dark heart, and consumed me with Lily's story. It was dark and twisted...basically everything I love in a story.
A terrible yet mysterious tragedy hits Lily's family, and in the aftermath, she's shipped off to her estranged father. He's a nasty piece of man trash, who treats his own daughter like a slave, who's only option in life is to serve him.
When her past comes back to take control, once again, she realizes that she can no longer run from her nightmares. With the unwanted help of the local priest, who's befriended her, she goes back to where the horrors began.
Will she survive or be lost to the darkness forever? I loved everything about this story, especially the twist at the end. It's an absolute must read!
7-tbr-ooit
November 2, 2021
April 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Salvation of Kora by Yolanda Olson
This novella opens with a gut-punch of a demon exorcism scene that seriously creeped me out! Loved it! ⛪️
The weird priest friendship and heavy occult vibes were totally up my alley. The atmosphere is dark and unsettling, perfect for a quick, late-night Kindle read. 🕯️
I especially loved the creepy twist midway through. I saw it coming, but that didn’t ruin the fun it actually made it more satisfying. 🩸
Overall, a solid and eerie story, though it didn’t fully blow me away. Still, a cool horror bite worth checking out if you like your fiction unsettling and strange. 😳
The Salvation of Kora by Yolanda Olson
This novella opens with a gut-punch of a demon exorcism scene that seriously creeped me out! Loved it! ⛪️
The weird priest friendship and heavy occult vibes were totally up my alley. The atmosphere is dark and unsettling, perfect for a quick, late-night Kindle read. 🕯️
I especially loved the creepy twist midway through. I saw it coming, but that didn’t ruin the fun it actually made it more satisfying. 🩸
Overall, a solid and eerie story, though it didn’t fully blow me away. Still, a cool horror bite worth checking out if you like your fiction unsettling and strange. 😳
Read
January 3, 2022WTF!!!
This book is a twisted tale of Lily and her tragic past. She is no forced to stay with her abusive father and only friends are the local priest and nun. When her past comes back to haunt her all hell breaks loose.
This is a quick read and great story; with everything I love about Yolanda's book. It's a dark book so read the warring
This book is a twisted tale of Lily and her tragic past. She is no forced to stay with her abusive father and only friends are the local priest and nun. When her past comes back to haunt her all hell breaks loose.
This is a quick read and great story; with everything I love about Yolanda's book. It's a dark book so read the warring
November 4, 2021
Well..! Must read if you are looking for psychological thriller and little bit of exorcism content!! This book blown me away!
The more I read, the more I want to turn the pages!!
I felt anxious when the story reached its ending!!
I'll definitely recommend this book!!
The more I read, the more I want to turn the pages!!
I felt anxious when the story reached its ending!!
I'll definitely recommend this book!!
May 12, 2022
Some major Exorcist vibes! This story will get under your skin and will leave it crawling; it will disturb you on so many levels and haunt you in your dreams—a perfect, shudder-inducting read for all fans of the genre! Yolanda did it again and I loved every second of it!
February 22, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ i thoroughly enjoyed this. what a good exorcist book. the pace was also really great. what a freak priest *shocker*. the confessions seemed oddly placed with zero context after, but all i gotta say is he deserved it lol.
September 1, 2025
I really love Yolanda and everything she writes. I love the visceral gory horror with paranormal elements. I didn’t see the twist coming and it’s hard to surprise me now. My only complaint is the ending seemed abrupt and I wish the character pov was more obvious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews