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Anathema #1
Anathema
Bryan and Ellie Stockton hope they left behind their demons when they move to their idyllic new home in southern West Virginia. Above all, they want a fresh start for their young son, Derrick, who witnessed the tumultuous first years of their marriage – years that were rife with substance abuse, rage, and resentment. Their bright hope for the future is darkened when a child disappears from their neighborhood. The couple becomes suspicious of a reclusive resident with a degenerative brain disorder. Strange events begin to happen in their house just as Derrick tells them about a new friend who visits him at night. Their son may be acting out from the trauma he endured, or he could be the obsession of something much more sinister.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2020
562 people are currently reading
4925 people want to read
About the author
Nick Roberts
31 books2,343 followersNick Roberts is a native West Virginian and a doctoral graduate of Marshall University. He is an active member of the Horror Writers Association and the Horror Authors Guild. His works include Anathema, The Exorcist's House, It Haunts the Mind & Other Stories, and Mean Spirited. He currently resides in South Carolina with his family and is an advocate for people in recovery from substance use disorder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 597 reviews
January 22, 2024
“Anathema” by Nick Roberts is the second book I’ve read by this author and I couldn’t wait to jump in. After reading “The Exorcist’s House” in 2023 which was a 5-Star read for me, I knew this book would more than likely be another rollercoaster ride through Hell. It sure was and once again Roberts delivered in this one.
Now, before I jump into my review, I found a bunch of trigger warnings while reading, some of which were very graphic. They were...
- Domestic abuse (mental and physical)
- Infidelity
- Drug and alcohol rehab
- Relapse
- Missing dog
- Abuse against animals (dogs and pigeons)
- Torture
- Rape
If any of these trigger you, please do not read this novel. Moving along, this was quite the solid read that started out with a crazy horror mystery angle. This was such a clever way to open things up as I was immediately hooked and couldn’t wait to see how this would all unfold. All the characters I met along the way were good with one in particular that stood out for obvious reasons.
Don’t worry, I won’t spoil anything for you but the main antagonist, Maren, is a character that I will never, ever forget. If you’ve also read “The Exorcist’s House” then you will be familiar with her. If not, let’s just say that once you read all the sheer horror involving her in this book, you will make many weird faces as I did while reading.
My goodness, those were some crazy good horror scenes involving Maren that pushed the envelope. I’m talking about checking all the boxes of being disturbing, horrific, and wild. It makes a lot of sense considering how great this book’s cover is and how it all came together. Some parts were so gruesome and disgusting that it will hit you pretty hard. In other parts you simply will not believe it as you read, they’re that insane. I love the way Roberts writes since it’s so descriptive, creepy, atmospheric, and yeah, just excellent horror.
The only thing I didn’t like about “Anathema” was that some parts of this book dragged on a bit. I thought it would be a slow burn at first but over time, I just realized that there were a few times of heavy dialogue and not more horror or things happening to progress the story faster. Overall, the story is pretty good and let me tell you, the plot twists and turns here were great. I didn’t see any of them coming and was delighted when they hit because it just added to the sheer madness of this book.
As things were wrapping up I enjoyed the climactic race to the end which was such a delight. It was so gripping and intense that I could not put this book down. All the carnage, blood, mystery, and even more plot twists and turns were awesome.
I give “Anathema” by Nick Roberts a 4/5 for a frightening horror reading experience that had one of the most vile and evil antagonists I’ve ever read. If you’re unfamiliar with Roberts, he is an author to watch in the horror community as he will only get bigger and better over time. So far, “The Exorcist’s House” in my opinion is his best novel but “Anathema” is right behind it. If this book was a bit tighter and didn’t have parts that dragged on, it would have been another 5/5 for me but besides that, this was still magnificent. I highly recommend this if you want a horror book that mixes reality with a demonic supernatural character that will make your skin crawl. Maren was here.
Now, before I jump into my review, I found a bunch of trigger warnings while reading, some of which were very graphic. They were...
- Domestic abuse (mental and physical)
- Infidelity
- Drug and alcohol rehab
- Relapse
- Missing dog
- Abuse against animals (dogs and pigeons)
- Torture
- Rape
If any of these trigger you, please do not read this novel. Moving along, this was quite the solid read that started out with a crazy horror mystery angle. This was such a clever way to open things up as I was immediately hooked and couldn’t wait to see how this would all unfold. All the characters I met along the way were good with one in particular that stood out for obvious reasons.
Don’t worry, I won’t spoil anything for you but the main antagonist, Maren, is a character that I will never, ever forget. If you’ve also read “The Exorcist’s House” then you will be familiar with her. If not, let’s just say that once you read all the sheer horror involving her in this book, you will make many weird faces as I did while reading.
My goodness, those were some crazy good horror scenes involving Maren that pushed the envelope. I’m talking about checking all the boxes of being disturbing, horrific, and wild. It makes a lot of sense considering how great this book’s cover is and how it all came together. Some parts were so gruesome and disgusting that it will hit you pretty hard. In other parts you simply will not believe it as you read, they’re that insane. I love the way Roberts writes since it’s so descriptive, creepy, atmospheric, and yeah, just excellent horror.
The only thing I didn’t like about “Anathema” was that some parts of this book dragged on a bit. I thought it would be a slow burn at first but over time, I just realized that there were a few times of heavy dialogue and not more horror or things happening to progress the story faster. Overall, the story is pretty good and let me tell you, the plot twists and turns here were great. I didn’t see any of them coming and was delighted when they hit because it just added to the sheer madness of this book.
As things were wrapping up I enjoyed the climactic race to the end which was such a delight. It was so gripping and intense that I could not put this book down. All the carnage, blood, mystery, and even more plot twists and turns were awesome.
I give “Anathema” by Nick Roberts a 4/5 for a frightening horror reading experience that had one of the most vile and evil antagonists I’ve ever read. If you’re unfamiliar with Roberts, he is an author to watch in the horror community as he will only get bigger and better over time. So far, “The Exorcist’s House” in my opinion is his best novel but “Anathema” is right behind it. If this book was a bit tighter and didn’t have parts that dragged on, it would have been another 5/5 for me but besides that, this was still magnificent. I highly recommend this if you want a horror book that mixes reality with a demonic supernatural character that will make your skin crawl. Maren was here.
October 26, 2023
Good grief!!!!!!!
What on earth have I just read? A Dark sadistic thriller, full of macabre twists and turns and, that's only the start of it. A troubled family relocate to a new area in the hope of a fresh start but, they have made the biggest mistake of their lives. The father suffers from anger issues and the mother is a recovering drug user, the son has emotional issues and his uncle has just been released from prison. Your average well adjusted family? They move in next door to a lady with a serious mental condition. What could go wrong? This was an explosive dark thriller, full of menace and evil intent. A gripping story and well worth reading.
What on earth have I just read? A Dark sadistic thriller, full of macabre twists and turns and, that's only the start of it. A troubled family relocate to a new area in the hope of a fresh start but, they have made the biggest mistake of their lives. The father suffers from anger issues and the mother is a recovering drug user, the son has emotional issues and his uncle has just been released from prison. Your average well adjusted family? They move in next door to a lady with a serious mental condition. What could go wrong? This was an explosive dark thriller, full of menace and evil intent. A gripping story and well worth reading.
April 17, 2024
This is the follow up book to The Exorcist's House. I wanted so much more from this book. There was some creepy bits, and Scotty sure brought some humour to it, but I would expect more intense horror involving Maren.
If I step back and not compare to The Exorcist's House, its a pretty good read and that what I'm doing.
If I step back and not compare to The Exorcist's House, its a pretty good read and that what I'm doing.
May 13, 2023
I'm giving this a 4 because there was no explanation for the 5 foot tall poop pile. How? Who? Why? I need answers.
July 16, 2025
“The thing about absolutes is they have no motive, whether something is absolute good or absolute evil, they are these things because that is their nature.”
This book is about a family that gets torn apart by a demonic entity, I really enjoy the way Nick Robert’s throws some musical lyrics into his story’s especially at certain moments, so you can hear the song playing in your head imagining the horrors that are taking place. Rocket Man for instance🤌🏻
This book is about a family that gets torn apart by a demonic entity, I really enjoy the way Nick Robert’s throws some musical lyrics into his story’s especially at certain moments, so you can hear the song playing in your head imagining the horrors that are taking place. Rocket Man for instance🤌🏻
January 20, 2025
5⭐️s
If a book makes you stop reading on several occasions because you’re having a physical reaction to the horror unfolding within, it must be a five star read, right?
That’s what happened to me as I read Anathema. Not only were the horror elements vividly wicked and repulsive, but the story moved with an unrelenting and captivating thrust. I could not put this down and I devoured it in a single sitting.
Themes…
Sometimes evil is just evil for the sake of evil evilness.
Oh, and the barriers to recovery and redemption are often impenetrable. It’s hard work, and fraught with failure.
Character Work…
Ellie and Bryan’s relationship felt authentic and their individual plight’s were steeped in realism. We watched them struggle, learn and grow. We watched them fail and persevere. None of it felt contrived. All of it felt believable.
Prose…
Expertly woven between straightforward description and elevated encapsulation, never skewing too far in either direction
Pace…
Page-Turner with a capital “P”…. And a “T” I guess. Capitalize them both.
If a book makes you stop reading on several occasions because you’re having a physical reaction to the horror unfolding within, it must be a five star read, right?
That’s what happened to me as I read Anathema. Not only were the horror elements vividly wicked and repulsive, but the story moved with an unrelenting and captivating thrust. I could not put this down and I devoured it in a single sitting.
Themes…
Sometimes evil is just evil for the sake of evil evilness.
Oh, and the barriers to recovery and redemption are often impenetrable. It’s hard work, and fraught with failure.
Character Work…
Ellie and Bryan’s relationship felt authentic and their individual plight’s were steeped in realism. We watched them struggle, learn and grow. We watched them fail and persevere. None of it felt contrived. All of it felt believable.
Prose…
Expertly woven between straightforward description and elevated encapsulation, never skewing too far in either direction
Pace…
Page-Turner with a capital “P”…. And a “T” I guess. Capitalize them both.
February 13, 2024
There were a couple of things that just generally seemed to be there for the sake of shock value and never explained so they came across as quite goofy (mainly the poop aspect and why does the kid not have a reaction to his pretty princess friend smelling like literal shit?). Other than that, I though the pacing was pretty great and that it got pretty creepy at time. I liked the characters well enough aside from a handful of really cringe worthy bits of dialogue.
3.5 rounded up.
3.5 rounded up.
July 16, 2022
4,5*
Nick Roberts just broke me. I have been sitting here for 30 min trying to gather my thoughts on this book 📖😅🙃 first of all I loved it. This book grabbed me from the first page and it did not let go. At one point I found myself saying ''don't go in there,, out loud to myself like I was watching a movie. I highly recommend this one if you like horror.
Nick Roberts just broke me. I have been sitting here for 30 min trying to gather my thoughts on this book 📖😅🙃 first of all I loved it. This book grabbed me from the first page and it did not let go. At one point I found myself saying ''don't go in there,, out loud to myself like I was watching a movie. I highly recommend this one if you like horror.
October 15, 2022
This is the same author that wrote “The Exorcist’s House”?? Dead ass??? Bad. So bad. Down to the spelling errors and grammar. The only thing that made me emote was when the brother Scottie said the demon’s 🐱 stunk. I got a long chuckle out of that one.
June 27, 2022
I read this after The Exorcist's House. Was quite pleased to discover that the Exorcist's House is a prequel to this book (the author confirmed this on Facebook): Maren appears in both. Anathema, however, is even better than the prequel. The writing is much more focused, the story more sinister, the ending stronger and more violent. I was totally wrapped up in this diabolical read! This is a book I'll gladly come back to.
July 31, 2023
The veterinarian that sees the dog is named Dr. Barker. That’s about all you need to know how bad this turd is.
April 21, 2025
please, only i would take forever to read a book that connects with a duet i’ve finished months ago. i ate up The Exorcist’s House and Genesis, and apparently this is a follow up to that story. i’m so mad at myself because i know this would have hit a lot different if i went into it right after the first two. as always with nick’s writing, many twists and turns, and the ending was crazy. the beginning was slow, but things really started popping off further in the story. it got a little emotional in the end, which was surprising because nick’s books are very much bam! bam! bam! in your face horror.
anyways, i can’t leave without talking about derrick. he had some nerve to switch up on his parents for this random woman who he’s known for only a couple days. i’m finding this to be common in horror books where kids are involved, and it’ll piss me off every. single. time. i get that Maren manipulated him, but after everything he’s seen, he still decided to take her side. absolutely insane. i’m glad he was able to eventually see the truth, but at what cost? 😔 (iykyk)
anyways, i can’t leave without talking about derrick. he had some nerve to switch up on his parents for this random woman who he’s known for only a couple days. i’m finding this to be common in horror books where kids are involved, and it’ll piss me off every. single. time. i get that Maren manipulated him, but after everything he’s seen, he still decided to take her side. absolutely insane. i’m glad he was able to eventually see the truth, but at what cost? 😔 (iykyk)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2023
I genuinely don’t understand the 4-5 rating. The writing and the characters were definitely better than the Exorcist’s House but I found myself feeling very much the same about the books overall. I know the horror boards love this book but I don’t get it.
October 10, 2023
I really had high hopes for this one, based off social media and GR reviews, but it really fell flat for me. There were too many plot holes, not enough character development, and I'm left with so many unanswered questions (and not in a good "the author left up to my own interpretations" way). There were a lot of repetitive conversations and thinking, hashing out two of the main characters' issues, which became mundane and boring after a while. And that ending? After all that trauma? I'm giving that a strong side eye.
Oh, and don't forget to check your TW, folks! There are a few in this one.
Oh, and don't forget to check your TW, folks! There are a few in this one.
May 16, 2023
I don't get it. You move to a new house and don't even know there's a secret door in your child's bedroom?! And when you realise it's there and being used by someone you know to be unhinged, you don't block it?! I could go on. Just so much of it was a giant question mark.
November 19, 2022
A really good book with such an eerie feeling especially for the first half of it.
February 8, 2023
DNF @ 46%. It's going to be a no for me. Seems like the story had potential but the writing is not that polished, and I don't fuck around with dogs.
October 1, 2023
I don’t know how @spookywv does it. He always capitates his readers right from the first page, gets you in his grip and does not let go until the end when you are left shattered. This novel is so much more than just a horror novel. There is so much heart, truth and grit within and some pretty heavy topics.
The tension and sinister vibes are strong in this one and don’t ever let up. This is a prequel to The Exorcist House which is amazing btw so …. grab that while you are at it. Maren is in both novels. We see more of her here and she is both terrifying and extremely violent. The psychological warfare that goes on in this one is intense and so brilliantly done. I think the reason Roberts books are so damn creepy is that they are realistic, and the actions of the characters are so normal that it makes it even more believable.
I was lucky enough to get this special edition copy and it is even more amazing in person. Roberts has the best covers (I said it) and I have told him several times. Add this to your reads and remember to keep your closet door closed when reading it.
The tension and sinister vibes are strong in this one and don’t ever let up. This is a prequel to The Exorcist House which is amazing btw so …. grab that while you are at it. Maren is in both novels. We see more of her here and she is both terrifying and extremely violent. The psychological warfare that goes on in this one is intense and so brilliantly done. I think the reason Roberts books are so damn creepy is that they are realistic, and the actions of the characters are so normal that it makes it even more believable.
I was lucky enough to get this special edition copy and it is even more amazing in person. Roberts has the best covers (I said it) and I have told him several times. Add this to your reads and remember to keep your closet door closed when reading it.
December 30, 2022
A really great book, but I think I prefer The Exorcist’s House.
There was a lot more psychological suffering in this story which made it really hard to read at times. As well, the poor puppy went through the ringer 😭
Definitely give this one a read, as it does feature Maren from the Author’s other book (TEH), and it’s creepy as heck!!
There was a lot more psychological suffering in this story which made it really hard to read at times. As well, the poor puppy went through the ringer 😭
Definitely give this one a read, as it does feature Maren from the Author’s other book (TEH), and it’s creepy as heck!!
November 4, 2024
Omg! This was NOT for me. I almost dnf'd it and kind of wish I had. This had way too many triggers for me and was creepy horror that I had a lot of trouble reading.
I'm sure some people would like this.
It's just not my cup of tea. Too violent and too icky and trigger-y.
I need a shower, a hug from my husband, and am going to go pet and hug my dog.
That is all I have to say.
I'm sure some people would like this.
It's just not my cup of tea. Too violent and too icky and trigger-y.
I need a shower, a hug from my husband, and am going to go pet and hug my dog.
That is all I have to say.
July 6, 2023
I loved this author's novel, THE EXORCIST'S HOUSE--however, this was nothing like that one. Besides the plot (or lack of), I just found this one disturbing. Not for me, personally.
June 28, 2020
A marvellously crafted psychological horror story reminiscent of the legendary gothic Hammer House productions.
Reading Anathema is like losing yourself in the works of Richard Laymon, Dean R Koontz, and the movies by M. Night Shyamalan. The tension is as sickening as it is horrific, a real page-turner that will delight true fans of terror.
Here Nick Roberts weaves madness through the fractured lives of a loving family, testing the very foundations that have threatened to crumble from trials and tribulations no family unit should have to endure. The reader is fraught with tension as the break-neck speed of the story unveils horror after horror, antagonising the characters of the story we grow to love.
Nick assures us that however poisonous and maddening the element, through pure faith, all obstacles can be overcome.
Reading Anathema is like losing yourself in the works of Richard Laymon, Dean R Koontz, and the movies by M. Night Shyamalan. The tension is as sickening as it is horrific, a real page-turner that will delight true fans of terror.
Here Nick Roberts weaves madness through the fractured lives of a loving family, testing the very foundations that have threatened to crumble from trials and tribulations no family unit should have to endure. The reader is fraught with tension as the break-neck speed of the story unveils horror after horror, antagonising the characters of the story we grow to love.
Nick assures us that however poisonous and maddening the element, through pure faith, all obstacles can be overcome.
October 29, 2024
Easily a 5 star read lol. I read this with my ears in ONE sitting and when I tell you I didn’t move… I’m not exaggerating. The way Nick Robert’s writes just makes me feel like I’m literally watching a movie. There wasn’t one second out of this book where I felt disengaged or bored and there was always something for me to hold onto. I JUST MIGHT, be slowly becoming a horror girly…idk lol. Thankssssss to Ember for recommending this. I was scared at first but this was right up my alley!
October 3, 2022
Holy hell. That book was gripping from start to finish. After reading The Exorcist’s House, I couldn’t wait to dive into this one. TEH is my favorite book of the year, and this one has to be near the top of the list too. It never lets up once the Stockton family gets to their new home. Not only is Anathema full of unsettling scenes, but Roberts does a great job of building the tension to a gut-wrenching final act that will leave you thinking about the ending well after you finish the book. Technically this book came out before The Exorcist’s House, but I found myself hoping it held up in quality-which it did with ease. I think it’s safe to say Nick Roberts is going to be disturbing us for years to come. Do yourself a favor and read this book!
August 26, 2024
I thought this book was okay, but I really LOVED and prefer The Exorcist’s House! So I was a little disappointed by this one. I also thought I heard and I was trying to figure out how this book is related to The Exorcist’s House and The Exorcist’s House: Genesis.
This book had a lot more of the viseral psychological horror implications in the story but this book will send you on a tale spin of twists and turns.
This book had a lot more of the viseral psychological horror implications in the story but this book will send you on a tale spin of twists and turns.
January 9, 2023
Must Read!!
This book was so hard to put down, Nick is a brilliant writer! *chefs kiss
This book spooked me and even shed a few tears. I’m in awe. It draws you in from the very beginning, the story is incredible and so believable.
6/5 read the book!!
This book was so hard to put down, Nick is a brilliant writer! *chefs kiss
This book spooked me and even shed a few tears. I’m in awe. It draws you in from the very beginning, the story is incredible and so believable.
6/5 read the book!!
August 26, 2024
it’s been a while since i stayed up til midnight to finish a book— this one was WILD
September 7, 2025
Wow. This was pretty creepy!
Imagine moving your lil family for a nice fresh start after addiction and infidelity, only to move next door to a creepy ass neighbor that makes everything 10x worse and pits your baby child against y'all. 😭
The ending was shocking!!!
off to book 2.
Imagine moving your lil family for a nice fresh start after addiction and infidelity, only to move next door to a creepy ass neighbor that makes everything 10x worse and pits your baby child against y'all. 😭
The ending was shocking!!!
off to book 2.
September 25, 2022
I immediately started this book after finishing The Exorcist’s House, and it was described as a semi sequel. So I was expecting more of the same genre wise, and that isn’t really what I got.
While I enjoyed this, I felt a little let down that not much backstory was revealed about the Maren character, or the fate of the Hill family.
I felt the book couldn’t decide if it was a supernatural horror, or a psychological horror. Given that The Exorcist’s House was supernatural in nature I went with that, and felt slightly let down at the end.
It left a lot of questions, was Maren a demon, or is it a nature vs nurture thing, did their paranoia lead her to become what her mother was always afraid of?
I think if maybe The Exorcist’s House hadn’t been so cut and dry that it was demonic entities, I’d have enjoyed the mystery of this one more. But given that it’s a character from that book it just felt like a lot was left out needlessly. We didn’t need to be asking that question when it was already answered in the previous book.
While I enjoyed this, I felt a little let down that not much backstory was revealed about the Maren character, or the fate of the Hill family.
I felt the book couldn’t decide if it was a supernatural horror, or a psychological horror. Given that The Exorcist’s House was supernatural in nature I went with that, and felt slightly let down at the end.
It left a lot of questions, was Maren a demon, or is it a nature vs nurture thing, did their paranoia lead her to become what her mother was always afraid of?
I think if maybe The Exorcist’s House hadn’t been so cut and dry that it was demonic entities, I’d have enjoyed the mystery of this one more. But given that it’s a character from that book it just felt like a lot was left out needlessly. We didn’t need to be asking that question when it was already answered in the previous book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2023
Welllll. I made it to the end.
I didn't like this book. It just seemed goofy to me. It started out slow with the standard back stories of the characters that seem to be in many books just to take up space. The group meeting was another spot where I almost fell asleep. The painting? The author really lost me with the painting. Everything about that painting screamed "not in my house, buddy." But of course....Also, the climax of the book was very telegraphed until the final gunshot which came from directly from a hundred tv shows that we have experienced over and over again. Nope. Didn't like this book, but I will admit, I really thought the author might salvage it with a killer epilogue. I had a great idea for one, but, alas, it didn't happen. I rated two stars because it was interesting enough to finish, hoping it would improve. It did not. I would not recommend this book.
I didn't like this book. It just seemed goofy to me. It started out slow with the standard back stories of the characters that seem to be in many books just to take up space. The group meeting was another spot where I almost fell asleep. The painting? The author really lost me with the painting. Everything about that painting screamed "not in my house, buddy." But of course....Also, the climax of the book was very telegraphed until the final gunshot which came from directly from a hundred tv shows that we have experienced over and over again. Nope. Didn't like this book, but I will admit, I really thought the author might salvage it with a killer epilogue. I had a great idea for one, but, alas, it didn't happen. I rated two stars because it was interesting enough to finish, hoping it would improve. It did not. I would not recommend this book.
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