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Road To Malevolence: A Dark Psychological Novel To Remember
A dark psychological novel which exposes the secrets buried behind the illusion of a happy, God-fearing family.
Gary, Indiana, 1987: They seem like an ordinary, church-going family. But behind the facade…
Nine-year-old Janet Moore is so tired of going to church. Boring clothes, boring sermons, boring family.
But during one particular Sunday service, she’s in for a shock when her father, the church deacon, starts acting strangely.
He’s down and out rude to a beautiful first-time visitor who stands during testimony service to share how good the Lord has been to her. She doesn’t even get her words out before Janet’s father cuts her off and tells the band to crank up the volume.
Soon after, a toxic secret is exposed.
Janet’s secure young life explodes into a million pieces. She calls on Jesus for help. But He doesn’t come to her rescue. Neither does her mother because she's got problems of her own.
Janet struggles to contain her anger. She wants everyone who’s ruined her life to burn in hell. If only she had a match.
Can she wait for the Lord’s vengeance? Or is this sassy, outspoken, nosey child about to become her holier-than-thou father's worst nightmare?
Gary, Indiana, 1987: They seem like an ordinary, church-going family. But behind the facade…
Nine-year-old Janet Moore is so tired of going to church. Boring clothes, boring sermons, boring family.
But during one particular Sunday service, she’s in for a shock when her father, the church deacon, starts acting strangely.
He’s down and out rude to a beautiful first-time visitor who stands during testimony service to share how good the Lord has been to her. She doesn’t even get her words out before Janet’s father cuts her off and tells the band to crank up the volume.
Soon after, a toxic secret is exposed.
Janet’s secure young life explodes into a million pieces. She calls on Jesus for help. But He doesn’t come to her rescue. Neither does her mother because she's got problems of her own.
Janet struggles to contain her anger. She wants everyone who’s ruined her life to burn in hell. If only she had a match.
Can she wait for the Lord’s vengeance? Or is this sassy, outspoken, nosey child about to become her holier-than-thou father's worst nightmare?
- GenresThriller
218 pages, ebook
Published April 27, 2022
51 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 29, 2022
awesome!
Wow Samyra ! I really enjoyed and loved this book so much I want it to reach the entire world ! Love your craft and I look forward to reading more of your work - masterpiece ❤️
Wow Samyra ! I really enjoyed and loved this book so much I want it to reach the entire world ! Love your craft and I look forward to reading more of your work - masterpiece ❤️
April 27, 2023
Damaged and Dangerous
Samyra Alexander has produced an intense and challenging read. A highly religious family in the US is torn apart by the infidelity of the husband and assistant pastor, and the book follows the reaction of Janet, a nine-year-old girl, as she discovers the truth and works to win her father back. Janet has a unique way of seeing the world, and she is devious, and intent on exacting revenge on the other woman, baby Maine, and her father.
Themes of mental illness, religion, and responsibility make this dark novel insightful and frightening. It is well-written, but a bleak view of life. Janet is damaged and dangerous.
Samyra Alexander has produced an intense and challenging read. A highly religious family in the US is torn apart by the infidelity of the husband and assistant pastor, and the book follows the reaction of Janet, a nine-year-old girl, as she discovers the truth and works to win her father back. Janet has a unique way of seeing the world, and she is devious, and intent on exacting revenge on the other woman, baby Maine, and her father.
Themes of mental illness, religion, and responsibility make this dark novel insightful and frightening. It is well-written, but a bleak view of life. Janet is damaged and dangerous.
December 13, 2022
wtf did I read?
Nah Janet was out of control from start to finish. I am disappointed in her actions especially when it came to the baby.
Nah Janet was out of control from start to finish. I am disappointed in her actions especially when it came to the baby.
September 16, 2022
This book made me think about many things. We usually think about these things fleetingly, too busy with our everyday worries. Still, “Road to Malevolence” by Samyra Alexander gives us a chance to see where such negligence might lead to.
Janet is nine. Her parents’ negligence of the fact that she is a child makes her life unbearable.
Janet’s father and mother expect their daughter to behave like an adult. I notice this trend in the nowadays society. People seem to expect children’s judgements and reactions to be the same as judgements and reactions of adults. It leads to permanent stress stemming from failed expectations and disappointment when the reflection of picture-perfect parenthood social media projects on us shatters into shreds under the pressure of reality.
Janet likes to dance, but her parents consider “worldly” dance styles sinful. Janet likes to discuss girly things with her best friend, but her parents expect her to sit still and quiet in church. Janet wants to explore the world, but her parents “build walls” of religious limitations and rules around her.
Isn’t it natural that when Janet sees that her pious father isn’t as God-fearing as he wanted to be seen, she rebels against the conservative life her parents impose on her? And isn’t it natural that being a nine-year-old girl, she gets the things that happen to her family wrong?
When Janet’s world, as unsatisfactory and vexatious as it was, crumbles, she acts not like an adult but as a child, unable to realise the consequences of her actions. She also doesn’t understand the motivations of grown-ups. “Road to Malevolence” by Samyra Alexander explores a possible scenario of what can happen if the fact that the workings of a child’s mind differ substantially from the way adults think is ignored.
The author included the following trigger warning in the book: corporal punishment, child kidnapping, and child murder without graphic details. I believe that author’s intentions were to make readers think rather than shudder with horror reading the story. For me, it has worked perfectly. After finishing the book, I can’t stop thinking about Janet’s struggle with the adults' world.
Janet is nine. Her parents’ negligence of the fact that she is a child makes her life unbearable.
Janet’s father and mother expect their daughter to behave like an adult. I notice this trend in the nowadays society. People seem to expect children’s judgements and reactions to be the same as judgements and reactions of adults. It leads to permanent stress stemming from failed expectations and disappointment when the reflection of picture-perfect parenthood social media projects on us shatters into shreds under the pressure of reality.
Janet likes to dance, but her parents consider “worldly” dance styles sinful. Janet likes to discuss girly things with her best friend, but her parents expect her to sit still and quiet in church. Janet wants to explore the world, but her parents “build walls” of religious limitations and rules around her.
Isn’t it natural that when Janet sees that her pious father isn’t as God-fearing as he wanted to be seen, she rebels against the conservative life her parents impose on her? And isn’t it natural that being a nine-year-old girl, she gets the things that happen to her family wrong?
When Janet’s world, as unsatisfactory and vexatious as it was, crumbles, she acts not like an adult but as a child, unable to realise the consequences of her actions. She also doesn’t understand the motivations of grown-ups. “Road to Malevolence” by Samyra Alexander explores a possible scenario of what can happen if the fact that the workings of a child’s mind differ substantially from the way adults think is ignored.
The author included the following trigger warning in the book: corporal punishment, child kidnapping, and child murder without graphic details. I believe that author’s intentions were to make readers think rather than shudder with horror reading the story. For me, it has worked perfectly. After finishing the book, I can’t stop thinking about Janet’s struggle with the adults' world.
May 24, 2022
What in the ODD, Anti-Social, ADHD, future Psychopath is going on here with Janet? Ms. Thang should have been across the street from her mother in the Pediatric Mental health residential treatment facility as a permanent under permanent one-to-one supervision by her RC. From the moment this book started I was engaged. Some things were seen coming. Like Yolanda couldn't have been more obvious showing up at church. I knew who she was. She was a little off herself. But learning about 'Senior's' vice, chile, listen. What in the Thundercat, Sword of Omen.. Anyway, Every moment going on in this book had something going on. I would have liked a little more on the ending, but it gave what it was supposed to, which was drama and psychological engagement.
This was a good read and I am glad I took the time out to give it a try.
This was a good read and I am glad I took the time out to give it a try.
April 22, 2023
I didn't see the author's trigger warning until I opened the book, but it was fine. I'm usually very sensitive to stories that portray child abuse, but I found the author's writing so gentle, it was as though she held my hand through those scenes, leading me to the main point of the story. Beyond the challenging scenes was a vibrant coming-of-age story told from the point of view of a 9-year-old girl. Through her eyes, I discovered a family with some dark secrets behind a fascade of happiness, functionality and normality. I felt I was also inside the head of all the other characters, too, such is the power of this author's writing. I highly recommend this story to anyone enjoys a story with psychological depth and a few surprises along the way.
July 16, 2022
I could not put this book down. This story is very gripping from start to finish. One of the few books that had me emotionally attached to the characters and speaking out loud while reading 😅. Samyra did an excellent job drawing the reader in and presenting us with unexpected events. I love not being able to predict the main characters next moves. Even though the narration is written in third person, the main character Janet reveals her thoughts & feelings to us in first person. This was tricky in the beginning, but Samyra stays consistent with the writing throughout the entire book which makes it easier to pick up on. I have been recommending and talking about this book with everyone.
January 19, 2025
I honestly don’t even know where to start. My brain is trying to process this book reasonably, but it’s tough. I feel a bit ashamed for finding some dark humor in it about 70% in. The way the story took a sharp left and never recovered… I definitely need to heal my spirit after this one. The author has a sauce for making you love and hate the characters at the same time. I enjoyed moments where I thought I knew what was coming, only to be pleasantly surprised when I was wrong—just enough to keep me engaged until the end. But be warned: the trigger warning is definitely triggering, so I’ll be taking my time with the second one. (The anger I feel toward Janet is still too fresh in my mind)
December 30, 2024
I would rate this book a 3.75! I was thoroughly surprised by this book! I really had no idea what I was getting myself into, but this was a quick, suspenseful read with many turns. I did not expect the ending, and honestly, I really like how the book ended. Janet is something else, that's for sure. At 9 years old, she was doing and getting into a whole lot of trouble. Benjie was a goody-two-shoes. I liked how this book explored extreme religion, mental health, affairs, and kids misbehaving.
September 26, 2025
Me running to get book 2…
Janet was something else.
Her daddy Tremaine was something else!
I guess this is what happens when you try to shelter your children, and keep them locked in the church. They rebel! This is what happens when you don’t let your children listen to Janet Jackson. LOL. SMH.
The slow build up will keep you on the edge of your seat. You are not going to want to put this book until you get to the end. Whew!
Janet was something else.
Her daddy Tremaine was something else!
I guess this is what happens when you try to shelter your children, and keep them locked in the church. They rebel! This is what happens when you don’t let your children listen to Janet Jackson. LOL. SMH.
The slow build up will keep you on the edge of your seat. You are not going to want to put this book until you get to the end. Whew!
May 5, 2022
Wild!!
Janet stressed me out from the beginning to the very end! This story definitely took some unexpected twists and turns. My heart hurt for Janet and everything she was dealing with but the way she handled things was just crazy. I wish we had a bit more in the ending, I definitely feel like Yolanda knew what she did but I wish I could know for sure!
Janet stressed me out from the beginning to the very end! This story definitely took some unexpected twists and turns. My heart hurt for Janet and everything she was dealing with but the way she handled things was just crazy. I wish we had a bit more in the ending, I definitely feel like Yolanda knew what she did but I wish I could know for sure!
May 10, 2022
This book leaves an impression
I won’t stop thinking about this book any time soon. It’s a compelling, well-written, and unflinching look into the mind of a troubled child. I didn’t realize before starting the book that the author is a clinical psychologist, but I’m certainly not surprised. Road to Malevolence is a great read.
I won’t stop thinking about this book any time soon. It’s a compelling, well-written, and unflinching look into the mind of a troubled child. I didn’t realize before starting the book that the author is a clinical psychologist, but I’m certainly not surprised. Road to Malevolence is a great read.
May 17, 2022
🥰🥰🥰🥰
I have to say I really did enjoy this read. That Janet was something else I was laughing and in shock of her scandalous ways. You can tell the author really spent a lot of time thinking about this character. I absolutely loved the story but the ending got me like😭😭😭😭😭 I need answers to the un answered questions #butleronbooksreview
I have to say I really did enjoy this read. That Janet was something else I was laughing and in shock of her scandalous ways. You can tell the author really spent a lot of time thinking about this character. I absolutely loved the story but the ending got me like😭😭😭😭😭 I need answers to the un answered questions #butleronbooksreview
September 23, 2022
Wow!
This was a gripping story. It is not a genre I typically read, but I couldn't put it down.
Road to malevolence should be a warning that often, what we do as adults has a damaging effect on children.
This was a gripping story. It is not a genre I typically read, but I couldn't put it down.
Road to malevolence should be a warning that often, what we do as adults has a damaging effect on children.
October 28, 2022
I loved this book. Samyra has a unique writing style that pulls you into the story visually and emotionally. I felt connected to the characters. This is a definite must read.
February 20, 2025
Unbelievable
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time reading this novel. It is hard to believe the protagonist is 9 years old! Well-written page turner!
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time reading this novel. It is hard to believe the protagonist is 9 years old! Well-written page turner!
May 19, 2022
wow!!!
Wow is all I can say! Janet was a crazy child like her momma smh 🤦🏾♀️ I loved every bit of this book Janet is funny. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants a good read
Wow is all I can say! Janet was a crazy child like her momma smh 🤦🏾♀️ I loved every bit of this book Janet is funny. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants a good read
May 13, 2022
wow! that ending!?!
I enjoyed this book so much. Even if you don’t enjoy African American Literature/Fiction, you should read it for the cultural references. Some of us are old enough to remember 1987 - and even the church politics in the more fundamental apostolic evangelical Christian churches of the day. Check it out!
I enjoyed this book so much. Even if you don’t enjoy African American Literature/Fiction, you should read it for the cultural references. Some of us are old enough to remember 1987 - and even the church politics in the more fundamental apostolic evangelical Christian churches of the day. Check it out!
August 14, 2022
This book was extremely well written. I felt that I personally knew the characters and felt all their emotions. The church scenes took me back to when I was a little girl and church lasted FOREVER! Janet had me stressed and I to jump through the pages often to snatch her up. Definitely a page turner!
September 12, 2022
Whewww this little girl 😂😂😂😂
I loved this book from beginning to end. It was an interesting choice to have the story told from her perspective, but it definitely worked. I laughed at times, cried at times, and was mad at other times. It definitely envoked feelings but that's a good thing. Excellent job Samyra.
I loved this book from beginning to end. It was an interesting choice to have the story told from her perspective, but it definitely worked. I laughed at times, cried at times, and was mad at other times. It definitely envoked feelings but that's a good thing. Excellent job Samyra.
September 2, 2024
As someone who grew up in a repressive religious environment, unable to express my authentic self, I found myself feeling sympathetic to Janet immediately.
I was really hoping she would pull it together and correct her choices from the minute she picked that baby up.
I've read a few books by this author and I feel like she does a great job taking very real issues people may face (in this book denial of self-expression by way of religion) and gets really creative with how far she can push her characters with the conflict their root issues cause.
I was really hoping she would pull it together and correct her choices from the minute she picked that baby up.
I've read a few books by this author and I feel like she does a great job taking very real issues people may face (in this book denial of self-expression by way of religion) and gets really creative with how far she can push her characters with the conflict their root issues cause.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2025
I've been seeing posts about this little bad ass girl and jokes about calling CPS on her so I went into this knowing our FMC Janet was going to be something. But ya'll when this little girl had the audacity, the nerve, the balls, to get up in front of the church congregation and gyrate like Salt n Pepa I about died. One part of me wanted to laugh my ass off the other knew damn well that there was NO way her God-Fearing Black Mama would have allowed such behavior especially in public.
I'm not even old school but you best believe one of mine would have been yoked up with the quickness.
This story follows Janet and her family. Lil bit is only 8/9 years old, and her daddy is an ain't shit man. Fake as hell. In Chapter one this man is trying to win the spot of assistant pastor and a few chapters later he has the nerve to have his side piece in his car with his daughter and threaten the little for not acting right.
This story and the setting gave me Spike Lee Crooklyn vibes. I really started to think that maybe Janet wasn't "bad" maybe she was just acting out. Her mama is a crazy bible thumper that screams about Jesus and uses prayer as a threat and well, you saw what I said about the daddy. Janet's brother annoyed me as well.
While he did have a few strong moments, at the end of the day he was super beta and tried to forgive the dad and just go with the flow. Nope, nah, not me, let my daddy disrespect my mama and our household like that he would have become public enemy number one.
Sorry I digress... As I was saying there were moments where I felt like Janet was misunderstood, acting out, and rebelling against being raised in a strict religious household.
But all empathy I had for that little heifer left my body. Once you read it, you will know why and I'm sure you will agree that she's the devil.
I'm not even old school but you best believe one of mine would have been yoked up with the quickness.
This story follows Janet and her family. Lil bit is only 8/9 years old, and her daddy is an ain't shit man. Fake as hell. In Chapter one this man is trying to win the spot of assistant pastor and a few chapters later he has the nerve to have his side piece in his car with his daughter and threaten the little for not acting right.
This story and the setting gave me Spike Lee Crooklyn vibes. I really started to think that maybe Janet wasn't "bad" maybe she was just acting out. Her mama is a crazy bible thumper that screams about Jesus and uses prayer as a threat and well, you saw what I said about the daddy. Janet's brother annoyed me as well.
While he did have a few strong moments, at the end of the day he was super beta and tried to forgive the dad and just go with the flow. Nope, nah, not me, let my daddy disrespect my mama and our household like that he would have become public enemy number one.
Sorry I digress... As I was saying there were moments where I felt like Janet was misunderstood, acting out, and rebelling against being raised in a strict religious household.
But all empathy I had for that little heifer left my body. Once you read it, you will know why and I'm sure you will agree that she's the devil.
February 13, 2025
I am STRESSED
Look, I don’t know where to start but Brava, Ms. Alexander!!!!
Okay , for one thing I have to question my sanity because I was agreeing with Janet a little TOO much. Not for what her most egregious act was…that’s sad . But like her general aggressive behavior honestly didn’t phase me because like real talk F*CK Tremaine and Diet F*CK Yolanda 😂 I’m sorry but they really did make this bed (not to the degree Janet’s jacked up reasoning in the end …but still)
But I’m not going to spoil anything, just know that this would gets wilder every chapter. I love it. I love thrillers that really do make me drop my jaw. Like this was a lot to absorb. The last few chapters felt like the true unveiling of a villain.
Not only that , but regardless of the genre , any book that has me punching the air and screaming out loud is a win in my eyes!
Ms. Alexander definitely managed to bring out intense emotion. I will certainly be reading part two and more from this author.
Janet Janet Janet 🤦🏽♀️ good grief . Y’all read this book so we can punch the air together 😂
Look, I don’t know where to start but Brava, Ms. Alexander!!!!
Okay , for one thing I have to question my sanity because I was agreeing with Janet a little TOO much. Not for what her most egregious act was…that’s sad . But like her general aggressive behavior honestly didn’t phase me because like real talk F*CK Tremaine and Diet F*CK Yolanda 😂 I’m sorry but they really did make this bed (not to the degree Janet’s jacked up reasoning in the end …but still)
But I’m not going to spoil anything, just know that this would gets wilder every chapter. I love it. I love thrillers that really do make me drop my jaw. Like this was a lot to absorb. The last few chapters felt like the true unveiling of a villain.
Not only that , but regardless of the genre , any book that has me punching the air and screaming out loud is a win in my eyes!
Ms. Alexander definitely managed to bring out intense emotion. I will certainly be reading part two and more from this author.
Janet Janet Janet 🤦🏽♀️ good grief . Y’all read this book so we can punch the air together 😂
January 13, 2025
A Twist I Did Not See Coming
Wow. Wow. Wow. I’ll admit, I did not see that twist coming, at all. Which is strange because I’ve read this author’s works so many times and know she WILL go there. I’m downloading book 2 today because now I need answers!
The story is being narrated by a 9 year old child who is detailing her life and her feelings after finding out her father has been unfaithful to their mother. It’s a perfect example of a real-world villain origin story. My jaw is still on the floor as I write this review. It does not disappoint if you love psychological thrillers. I will admit, for me, it began a little slow, but it’s worth sticking it out in the end. 4.5 stars!
Wow. Wow. Wow. I’ll admit, I did not see that twist coming, at all. Which is strange because I’ve read this author’s works so many times and know she WILL go there. I’m downloading book 2 today because now I need answers!
The story is being narrated by a 9 year old child who is detailing her life and her feelings after finding out her father has been unfaithful to their mother. It’s a perfect example of a real-world villain origin story. My jaw is still on the floor as I write this review. It does not disappoint if you love psychological thrillers. I will admit, for me, it began a little slow, but it’s worth sticking it out in the end. 4.5 stars!
August 26, 2025
Road to Malevolence is an unforgettable psychological thriller that gripped me from page one and never let go. Samyra Alexander pulls no punches in this raw, emotional, and chilling story.
Alexander’s writing is sharp, immersive, and unflinching. She masterfully puts you inside Janet’s mind.
As soon as I finished the last page, I immediately picked up Book 2. No hesitation. I had to know what happened next.
If you're looking for a gritty, psychologically intense story that challenges your expectations and stays with you long after it's over, this is it. Just be warned: once you start, you won’t be able to stop. I’m officially hooked on this series.
Alexander’s writing is sharp, immersive, and unflinching. She masterfully puts you inside Janet’s mind.
As soon as I finished the last page, I immediately picked up Book 2. No hesitation. I had to know what happened next.
If you're looking for a gritty, psychologically intense story that challenges your expectations and stays with you long after it's over, this is it. Just be warned: once you start, you won’t be able to stop. I’m officially hooked on this series.
December 3, 2024
This book was unlike anything I have ever read! I decided to skip the trigger warnings and went into this psychological fiction novel blind and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I had no idea where this story was going and there was no way I could have predicted what would happen next. The unexpected plot twist left me wide-eyed and my mind blown into tiny little pieces. If you like living on the edge go into Samyra Alexander’s Road To Malevolence blind and you will not be disappointed.
January 28, 2025
A slow burn...
So I'm definitely the problem here. I read so many thrillers and horror books that the entire time I was reading this one, I was like, "when is everyone going to be slaughtered?" I was legit waiting for her to take out everyone in the family, though I acknowledge what she actually did was probably much worse, but in a kinder, less slaughtery type of way lol...
Admittedly, this isn't my usual type of book, but it was a well-written, easy read, and a large part of me is curious to find out what happens next. I'm intrigued.
So I'm definitely the problem here. I read so many thrillers and horror books that the entire time I was reading this one, I was like, "when is everyone going to be slaughtered?" I was legit waiting for her to take out everyone in the family, though I acknowledge what she actually did was probably much worse, but in a kinder, less slaughtery type of way lol...
Admittedly, this isn't my usual type of book, but it was a well-written, easy read, and a large part of me is curious to find out what happens next. I'm intrigued.
February 9, 2025
This book was something else. The whole time I was reading, I just thought Janet was B.A.D. but whew the end took a dark turn. She went from bad to straight evil. Granted, I hated the dad & hooker nearly as much as she did but GOODNESS! That was DARK. My jaw literally dropped and I was hoping she’d change her mind or rethink things, but sadly no. Overall this was a good book. It had a bit of a slow start to me, but the last third of the book definitely drew me in. I’m interested enough to read the sequel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2025
I picked this one up because I truly enjoy Mrs. Alexander's writing style and creative mind.
This one hit heavy on the psychological aspect, because was Janet truly bad? Or was she internalizing what people said about her? Was she bad or was she just being a kid? Was she bad, or just acting out because all of the drama and neglect in her life.
So many questions, this read truly let's you think!
This one hit heavy on the psychological aspect, because was Janet truly bad? Or was she internalizing what people said about her? Was she bad or was she just being a kid? Was she bad, or just acting out because all of the drama and neglect in her life.
So many questions, this read truly let's you think!
November 25, 2024
Never read anything like it
A unique read that follow a 9 year old girl’s decent into madness. I didn’t know whether to feel bad for Janet or afraid of her. I usually would not read something from a child’s POV, but the author made it entertaining enough to make it through. Interested to see what happens in the next book.
A unique read that follow a 9 year old girl’s decent into madness. I didn’t know whether to feel bad for Janet or afraid of her. I usually would not read something from a child’s POV, but the author made it entertaining enough to make it through. Interested to see what happens in the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews