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The Past Awakens
Evelyn is a real estate agent, and her listings are haunted by a sinister presence. The evil extends beyond the houses and threatens to destroy her town.
Welcome to Baneford, a small, low-income town in New England, but a century ago, it was the seat of a thriving industrial center with flourishing mills and tanneries. Three hundred years before that, it was an early colonial settlement for pilgrims in the New World.
Today, townspeople experience strange things at night—visceral terrors—that defy logic and explanation. Some have gone mad. Others sense death is around the corner and want to leave. Evelyn is willing to do what she can, but she needs the help of a medium, or necromancer.
Adrian is capable of communing with the dead—in Romania, a Vrăjitor. He’s come from afar and offers his help freely because he’s seen Evelyn in his dreams.
Summoning Baneford’s ghost together, they find he is more powerful and more heinous than they could have imagined. To survive the present and win, they’ll have to understand the origin of his evil, and dig up true horrors from the past.
Welcome to Baneford, a small, low-income town in New England, but a century ago, it was the seat of a thriving industrial center with flourishing mills and tanneries. Three hundred years before that, it was an early colonial settlement for pilgrims in the New World.
Today, townspeople experience strange things at night—visceral terrors—that defy logic and explanation. Some have gone mad. Others sense death is around the corner and want to leave. Evelyn is willing to do what she can, but she needs the help of a medium, or necromancer.
Adrian is capable of communing with the dead—in Romania, a Vrăjitor. He’s come from afar and offers his help freely because he’s seen Evelyn in his dreams.
Summoning Baneford’s ghost together, they find he is more powerful and more heinous than they could have imagined. To survive the present and win, they’ll have to understand the origin of his evil, and dig up true horrors from the past.
- GenresParanormal
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2022
78 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 6, 2022
Writing: 5/5
Character Development: 5/5
Dark Themes: 2/5
Warnings: Violence, Sex
Themes: Mystery, Thriller, Paranormal
The Past Awakens is about a town with a dark history that is affecting the current residents. My favorite parts were the history of not only the town but the history of different cultures and how they perceived the paranormal. Evelyn and Adrian were such strong characters. With Ali Kaden’s excelent writing it felt like I was experiencing everything along with them. I am not ashamed to say I did wake up a couple of times after I read this book wondering if there was a dark shadow in the corner waiting to attack me.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves a chilling paranormal story with strong characters that will make you debate sleeping with the lights on.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
Character Development: 5/5
Dark Themes: 2/5
Warnings: Violence, Sex
Themes: Mystery, Thriller, Paranormal
The Past Awakens is about a town with a dark history that is affecting the current residents. My favorite parts were the history of not only the town but the history of different cultures and how they perceived the paranormal. Evelyn and Adrian were such strong characters. With Ali Kaden’s excelent writing it felt like I was experiencing everything along with them. I am not ashamed to say I did wake up a couple of times after I read this book wondering if there was a dark shadow in the corner waiting to attack me.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves a chilling paranormal story with strong characters that will make you debate sleeping with the lights on.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
October 27, 2022
Just when I thought I had everything figured out, I was completely surprised at the outcome. This book has all the makings of a great thriller with a dash of romance. I really enjoyed this story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2022
The Past really Awakened
This book is so worth the read. The details and descriptions were so realistic. I felt I was there seeing this story. I definitely can not wait till book 2. I preordered it immediately. This book is perfect for the spooky season. A definite read.
This book is so worth the read. The details and descriptions were so realistic. I felt I was there seeing this story. I definitely can not wait till book 2. I preordered it immediately. This book is perfect for the spooky season. A definite read.
October 28, 2022
I love nothing better than an old-fashion New England ghost story full of horror and magic. The Past Awakens delivers both. At times, I found the writing awkward and stilted, but because the mysterious Adrian is Romanian this almost added atmosphere to an otherwise compelling story. He shows up in the small town of Branford after uncertain dreams about Evelyn, woman who is very much alive when normally he dreams only of the dead.
As a successful real estate broker, Evelyn finds herself in a quandary when two homes she is selling start manifesting violent and unexplained events. Adrian has come to one of her open houses and from there they will soon join forces to uncover the source of the disturbances and bring them to an end.
This is a story of chills, mystery and even some romance. For fans of magic and horror there are some interesting histories and rituals that take the tale beyond run of the mill. I recommend The Past Awakens and hope readers enjoy it as much as I did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As a successful real estate broker, Evelyn finds herself in a quandary when two homes she is selling start manifesting violent and unexplained events. Adrian has come to one of her open houses and from there they will soon join forces to uncover the source of the disturbances and bring them to an end.
This is a story of chills, mystery and even some romance. For fans of magic and horror there are some interesting histories and rituals that take the tale beyond run of the mill. I recommend The Past Awakens and hope readers enjoy it as much as I did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 2, 2023
It wasn't until I was deep into this story that I realized New England hauntings hit a bit harder than the rest. There is a certain pull there that you can feel with every haunted tale that comes from that part of the country. If the story is done properly the author will leave you on the edge of your seat checking behind the shower curtain for all manner of spooky things. And that is precisely what Ali Kaden did with The Past Awakens.
Eve, a realtor working in the town she grew up in is just making the best of her life when she comes face to face with an evil so dark there is no way she could be imagining things. The darkness could be felt heavy in the air of the house she was showing, and her only goal was to make it out alive.
Enter Adrian, a man more mysterious than the ghostly encounter Eve previously witnessed seems to know how to stop the terror she keeps sensing.
There is a pull between her and Adrian she can't seem to fight but stopping this source of evil before it takes over her town is her main goal.
Evelyn and Adrian came together to stop a centuries-old curse and right when you think you have it figured out, you don't.
Ali Kaden is off to a wonderful start with the Baneford series. I know I kept this review brief, but I went in blind, and I recommend you do too. Avoiding spoilers is crucial with a story like this.
With a wonderful plot, characters who had immense depth and eerie moments that had me holding my breath there is no way I am missing out on book two! I wonder what Eve is going to get herself into next...
Eve, a realtor working in the town she grew up in is just making the best of her life when she comes face to face with an evil so dark there is no way she could be imagining things. The darkness could be felt heavy in the air of the house she was showing, and her only goal was to make it out alive.
Enter Adrian, a man more mysterious than the ghostly encounter Eve previously witnessed seems to know how to stop the terror she keeps sensing.
There is a pull between her and Adrian she can't seem to fight but stopping this source of evil before it takes over her town is her main goal.
Evelyn and Adrian came together to stop a centuries-old curse and right when you think you have it figured out, you don't.
Ali Kaden is off to a wonderful start with the Baneford series. I know I kept this review brief, but I went in blind, and I recommend you do too. Avoiding spoilers is crucial with a story like this.
With a wonderful plot, characters who had immense depth and eerie moments that had me holding my breath there is no way I am missing out on book two! I wonder what Eve is going to get herself into next...
April 6, 2023
Baneford is a declining town with a long and storied history. Evelyn, a real estate broker, was born and raised in Baneford. When new clients come to her wanting to list their houses, she quickly realises that something is wrong in her community. With the help of the mysterious Adrian, Evelyn takes on the evil that torments her community.
There was a lot of prologue to this story. The biggest problem with all the prologuing was that it was very repetitive, and then the proper story included the key parts AGAIN. I found that this made it very hard to get into the story. I also felt that enough information was revealed through the course of the story that the prologues didn't serve any concrete purpose.
My other quibble with the novel is why Evelyn makes people sleep on the couch when her apartment was explicitly described as having a guest room?
Apart from those two elements, I did enjoy reading this novel. I thought the world-building was excellent (creating a detailed fictional bedroom community with the kind of small-town characters that felt realistic). I really liked the premise. I thought the characters felt very real, and I liked that they were all well fleshed-out. Even the minor characters had some interesting quirks that made them memorable. There were some surprises that were very well handled.
I'm really looking forward to reading about these characters further.
There was a lot of prologue to this story. The biggest problem with all the prologuing was that it was very repetitive, and then the proper story included the key parts AGAIN. I found that this made it very hard to get into the story. I also felt that enough information was revealed through the course of the story that the prologues didn't serve any concrete purpose.
My other quibble with the novel is why Evelyn makes people sleep on the couch when her apartment was explicitly described as having a guest room?
Apart from those two elements, I did enjoy reading this novel. I thought the world-building was excellent (creating a detailed fictional bedroom community with the kind of small-town characters that felt realistic). I really liked the premise. I thought the characters felt very real, and I liked that they were all well fleshed-out. Even the minor characters had some interesting quirks that made them memorable. There were some surprises that were very well handled.
I'm really looking forward to reading about these characters further.
April 5, 2023
I'm new to Ali Kaden but man oh man what a read this was. I was so afraid that i wasnt going to be able to finish the read, but let me tell you as i kept reading i feel more and more in love with the story and his writing style.At first I felt bad for Hendrick once learning his name but then learning the darkness of his soul i found myself praising the towns people of Baneford for rallying together and destroying him. Then here comes Evelyn and her tragic story being 9 and losing her father the way she did, but I loved that her and her mother didn't let the sadness over take them per say and gained a stronger friendship as she got older. I hate she lost her mom too. Then enter Adrian and man oh man he's something else. His dedication to his gift or curse whichever you call it. I'm glad he gave Evelyn alittle bit of happiness and he was able to bask in thay for a small time. I hate that he left in the end they would've been incredible together and I believe she'd had stood by his side through everything. Queue the best friend Casey and man she is what you call the ultimate best friend never leaving your side or never not trusting your words... All around amazing story!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2022
This book had a little bit of everything - history, mystery, suspense, the supernatural, suspense, and even some romance. The premise and storyline of this book was extremely interesting, and it always kept me wanting more. It did start off extremely slow, but don’t give up on it too soon. I think it would have been better if the background information was a little more condensed and concise.
I really enjoyed the characters, but I think the story would have come alive more if it were told for a first person or dual perspective POV. I prefer when characters speak for themselves instead of being told everything.
The writing was also a little monotone and flat in spots. I also found the dialogue a little clumsy and not realistic. Both of these elements got better as the book progressed.
Overall, I really liked this book and look forward to the next installment.
I did receive an advance review copy for free, but I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the characters, but I think the story would have come alive more if it were told for a first person or dual perspective POV. I prefer when characters speak for themselves instead of being told everything.
The writing was also a little monotone and flat in spots. I also found the dialogue a little clumsy and not realistic. Both of these elements got better as the book progressed.
Overall, I really liked this book and look forward to the next installment.
I did receive an advance review copy for free, but I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 29, 2024
“The Past Awakens: Baneford Book 1” introduces Evelyn, a real estate agent living in Baneford, a small New England town. The town’s history can be traced back as an early colonial settlement three hundred years ago, but that’s not all the past holds.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The main protagonist of Evelyn is endearing with clear motivations, emotions, and fears. Her friendship with Casey is intertwined in the story in a natural and sweet way that also adds much to both of their characters. Casey’s optimism also adds a bit of levity to the beginning of the book and the Christmas scene was a well-written love letter to the importance of family. Adrian’s history is also quite clear with interesting memories peppering his background with his mother. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The main protagonist of Evelyn is endearing with clear motivations, emotions, and fears. Her friendship with Casey is intertwined in the story in a natural and sweet way that also adds much to both of their characters. Casey’s optimism also adds a bit of levity to the beginning of the book and the Christmas scene was a well-written love letter to the importance of family. Adrian’s history is also quite clear with interesting memories peppering his background with his mother. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
November 29, 2022
I found this book really entartaining and different from other novels about haunting demons. The characters are well defined and the detailed description of their feelings and emotions enables the reader to follow them easily throughout the story. There are some twists and turns and although some parts of the story are a bit predictable it still remains an intriguing read. I have to admit I did not enjoy the romance and the scenes of a sexual nature which I think ruin the horror vibe of the book, but this is a personal objection. I'd be interested to know more about Hendrick as I found his character the most interesting and terrifying at the same time!
December 26, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It took a little bit longer than I would like to read this book as the beginning didnt really drag me in and I kept putting it down but I am glad that I kept picking it up to finish it.
This book is filled with traumatic scars left by pain both physical and emotional. The things that are unseen can cause as much damage as those seen, especially when it comes to the lasting effects of trauma. It doesn't always take blood or dark magic to leave a lasting affect on the people involved
It took a little bit longer than I would like to read this book as the beginning didnt really drag me in and I kept putting it down but I am glad that I kept picking it up to finish it.
This book is filled with traumatic scars left by pain both physical and emotional. The things that are unseen can cause as much damage as those seen, especially when it comes to the lasting effects of trauma. It doesn't always take blood or dark magic to leave a lasting affect on the people involved
December 5, 2022
A first Ali Kaden story for me. This story was written very differently to the stories I usually read, the author was actually telling the story and not the characters.
I kept turning the pages as I couldn't wait to find out who would survive the evil or how they were going to stop it.
I'll gladly read more from this author although I might end up having a few sleepless nights.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I kept turning the pages as I couldn't wait to find out who would survive the evil or how they were going to stop it.
I'll gladly read more from this author although I might end up having a few sleepless nights.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2023
This book got off to a slow start. I’m glad I plowed through it. The plot was interesting. I thought it was well developed though a little choppy in some parts. A really great twist to the paranormal. I loved Evelyn and Adrian together. They made a great team! I hope to see them team up again. I looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
April 5, 2023
Very Captivating
Ok so this is the first paranormal book I have read with ghost in it in a long time. I am a big fan of the writing of this book. It does start out a little slow but it picks up before then end. I will not add any spoilers since others have already. But I am a fan of the MMC and FMC and their dynamic together. Can not wait to see them in the next book.
Ok so this is the first paranormal book I have read with ghost in it in a long time. I am a big fan of the writing of this book. It does start out a little slow but it picks up before then end. I will not add any spoilers since others have already. But I am a fan of the MMC and FMC and their dynamic together. Can not wait to see them in the next book.
July 13, 2024
DNF - Very rarely do I not finish a book, even when it's bad. Unfortunately, the writing felt more like someone giving a brief summary of events rather than telling a story. It was choppy, lacked flow, and came across as childish. The short paragraphs made it difficult to get immersed in the narrative, and overall, the story was subpar.
August 9, 2024
I generally don't read this genre, but it looked interesting and I wanted a change. This book was a delightful read. The plot was interesting, and the characters were engaging. Another thing I liked about "The Past Awakens" is that it was not drawn out. The plot completed its arc and ended. Also, no loose ends were dangling. I'll read more of Ali's books.
August 20, 2024
This is the first book I have read by this author and I have read a lot of ghost and paranormal books. This is the first one that kept me interested due to how intense the characters were about something they’ve never encountered before. This book had a great storyline. This is definitely movie worthy.
March 18, 2023
I’m going to start off by saying this is a new author to me. With that being said, I want to express how much I loved this book.
All the details were heavily described, it was easy to portray the scene as I was reading it. The story itself was phenomenal. The suspense of every second kept me on the edge of my seat.
But with all of that said, there was two things I would have loved to see a bit more of. Number one, I would have liked to see a bit more romance between Adrian and Evelyn. I know that might only be me but the man makes me curious on that aspect. The second, a bit more emotion. There were parts I felt could have had a bit more. Those parts do not outweigh this book though.
Overall I still give this book a 5/5. I highly recommend this book to every one willing to read it. I do suggest reading triggers just incase.
All the details were heavily described, it was easy to portray the scene as I was reading it. The story itself was phenomenal. The suspense of every second kept me on the edge of my seat.
But with all of that said, there was two things I would have loved to see a bit more of. Number one, I would have liked to see a bit more romance between Adrian and Evelyn. I know that might only be me but the man makes me curious on that aspect. The second, a bit more emotion. There were parts I felt could have had a bit more. Those parts do not outweigh this book though.
Overall I still give this book a 5/5. I highly recommend this book to every one willing to read it. I do suggest reading triggers just incase.
December 31, 2022
The Past Awakens
Baneford Series: Book 1
Ali Kaden
Possible TW/CN, and Genres
Death of a parent, ghost, SA, murder, death of a partner, bareback, death via cancer, insinuated pedophilia, magic, mental hospital, physical assault by a mob, several girls missing, blood, torture (mostly off page), religion (Puritans), forced drowning, exorcism of houses, single parent, communing with the dead, Occult Metaphysical Phenomena, Paranormal Ghost Romance, Occult Horror, horror, romance, strangers to lovers, mystery, Witch, necromancer, dismemberment (off page), romance, a pact with Satan, Dark Rituals, thriller, suspense, Romanian MMC,
-Possible spoilers-
"“He who has transgressed, be removed at once! Nature’s vengeance reproaches you now! The man is now the boy, and the boy has no power here!” Adrian called out, hurling the other red maiden statue at the center of the circle, shattering it to pieces."
This book was quite interesting. It follows Eve as she deals with her life since her parents passed. She works as a real estate agent, and as far as people go, she is beyond normal every day. Until….
She is asked to sell a house, that she finds out the hard way, is possessed. The evil spirit is Hendrick, who is a merchant and painter back in 1697.
"The markings were born of blood magic, improvised, manifested by the ecstasy of the moment."
Hendrick took great joy, and lust in his paintings, and then in his sacrifices with blood magic.
I won't tell you the ending, but I will say this.. This is an interesting start to a series. At times it was a little slow, but looking back on it, it did work for the plot. I would absolutely read the next one in this series.
I would like to add, that the words used from other languages, when translated by Google, came up to be real words with the meanings being used in that sentence. It was also nice, to see someone who is Romani, in a good light. He fights against evil and helps the dead cross over. That's some gold-star content.
Now, I got this as a review copy, from the author via BookSirens. But, don't worry, I am leaving a review of my own wishes. 🤣😜
5/5 stars
-Destynnee
The Past Awakens: Baneford Series Book 1 (Baneford Series Paranormal Thriller) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Z29NHQQ?...
https://www.alikadenbooks.com/
Baneford Series: Book 1
Ali Kaden
Possible TW/CN, and Genres
Death of a parent, ghost, SA, murder, death of a partner, bareback, death via cancer, insinuated pedophilia, magic, mental hospital, physical assault by a mob, several girls missing, blood, torture (mostly off page), religion (Puritans), forced drowning, exorcism of houses, single parent, communing with the dead, Occult Metaphysical Phenomena, Paranormal Ghost Romance, Occult Horror, horror, romance, strangers to lovers, mystery, Witch, necromancer, dismemberment (off page), romance, a pact with Satan, Dark Rituals, thriller, suspense, Romanian MMC,
-Possible spoilers-
"“He who has transgressed, be removed at once! Nature’s vengeance reproaches you now! The man is now the boy, and the boy has no power here!” Adrian called out, hurling the other red maiden statue at the center of the circle, shattering it to pieces."
This book was quite interesting. It follows Eve as she deals with her life since her parents passed. She works as a real estate agent, and as far as people go, she is beyond normal every day. Until….
She is asked to sell a house, that she finds out the hard way, is possessed. The evil spirit is Hendrick, who is a merchant and painter back in 1697.
"The markings were born of blood magic, improvised, manifested by the ecstasy of the moment."
Hendrick took great joy, and lust in his paintings, and then in his sacrifices with blood magic.
I won't tell you the ending, but I will say this.. This is an interesting start to a series. At times it was a little slow, but looking back on it, it did work for the plot. I would absolutely read the next one in this series.
I would like to add, that the words used from other languages, when translated by Google, came up to be real words with the meanings being used in that sentence. It was also nice, to see someone who is Romani, in a good light. He fights against evil and helps the dead cross over. That's some gold-star content.
Now, I got this as a review copy, from the author via BookSirens. But, don't worry, I am leaving a review of my own wishes. 🤣😜
5/5 stars
-Destynnee
The Past Awakens: Baneford Series Book 1 (Baneford Series Paranormal Thriller) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Z29NHQQ?...
https://www.alikadenbooks.com/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2023
First of all, I love learning about history and other cultures. My favorite books are books that have both history and culture with some romance and spice that will keep me on the edge of my seat and hooked.
Ali Kaden delivers that with this book. I’m a huge fan. This book has thriller and paranormal aspects along with the historical aspects I’m such a fan of and a different culture that I’m craving to learn more about.
Evelyn is a real estate agent with a couple properties that have some very interesting and scary issues. Aiden is a mysterious foreigner that I instantly fell in love with. Their connection is strengthened exponentially throughout the book as they fight the darkness and ghosts that plague this small-town.
The end… Oh my God, Mr. Kaden, I did NOT see that coming. I need more. NEED MORE.
Ali Kaden delivers that with this book. I’m a huge fan. This book has thriller and paranormal aspects along with the historical aspects I’m such a fan of and a different culture that I’m craving to learn more about.
Evelyn is a real estate agent with a couple properties that have some very interesting and scary issues. Aiden is a mysterious foreigner that I instantly fell in love with. Their connection is strengthened exponentially throughout the book as they fight the darkness and ghosts that plague this small-town.
The end… Oh my God, Mr. Kaden, I did NOT see that coming. I need more. NEED MORE.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews