What do you think?
Rate this book
The Strange Nighttime Journey of Father Stephen Marlowe
In the year since his brother, Chris, committed suicide, Father Stephen Marlowe has not been able to pick up the pieces. He is racked with guilt over what he believes was his part in Chris’ death and his once-meteoric rise through the Catholic Church in New York City has come to an ignominious end.
Haunted by disturbing dreams of his brother suffering in a hellish underworld, Marlowe is at the breaking point. At the behest of his superiors, he goes to St. Michael the Archangel Church in the Bronx to seek counsel from a mysterious priest who specializes in helping spiritually troubled clergy. There, as he reluctantly attempts to make confession and unburden his soul, the church is rocked by a powerful earthquake.
The confessional disintegrates, the floor crumbles away beneath him, and Marlowe is plunged into a world both wondrous and terrifying, where he must fight to save his brother’s immortal soul...
Haunted by disturbing dreams of his brother suffering in a hellish underworld, Marlowe is at the breaking point. At the behest of his superiors, he goes to St. Michael the Archangel Church in the Bronx to seek counsel from a mysterious priest who specializes in helping spiritually troubled clergy. There, as he reluctantly attempts to make confession and unburden his soul, the church is rocked by a powerful earthquake.
The confessional disintegrates, the floor crumbles away beneath him, and Marlowe is plunged into a world both wondrous and terrifying, where he must fight to save his brother’s immortal soul...
- GenresHorror
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2022
2 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 9, 2023
Horror Reader's Ratings (out of 5 stars):
Gore ⭐
Creepy Atmosphere ⭐⭐
Character Development ⭐⭐⭐💫
Scary ⭐
Prose ⭐⭐⭐
I'm not Catholic nor do I have siblings and I've never been to New York but Ambrose Stolliker's writing is so tangible that I immediately felt like I knew the main character and his place in the world. Father Marlowe's grief and state of melancholy bitterness is recognizable to anyone who's suffered depression and loss. The search for belief, through whatever religion you adhere to and loss thereof is also something I can easily identify with. The writing here is beautiful and evocative. The main character's bleak dream of being able to receive forgiveness and salvation is translated over and over again symbolically in this book. I like any fantasy involving alternate dimensions, and those parts here were nicely cinematically described.
**Caution Spoilers Follow**
Very quickly into the story Stephen Marlowe is thrust into a journey to the underworld. Guided by various mythological figures, fictional fantasy and philosophical belief the setting for Father Marlowe's journey is strange, which I also liked. The Beast, Guardian and Ferryman archetypes and symbolism are interesting to ponder, more weird than scary tho. There's a bit of a recycled Tolkien vibe to parts of this book but the imagery and intention are so different, I think similarity mainly stems from both books having a basis in Christianity. I'll admit I didn't care for the "light in the darkest of places" and shortened journey to Mordor to defeat evil theme. The Crimson Storm in the distance and Eye of Sauron parallel as well. I wanted it to be so much more creative and bizarre than it was. I could also draw weak connections between Tolkien's Dead Marshes and the Waste Land setting but it was during this part of the journey, as Father Marlowe confronts his past, that the plotline really starts to dip into horror. The ragged angels were impressive but the reflections on Chris' struggle to accept himself and be accepted by his faith made me physically sick to read. The ending with it's age old message to "look within" was nice but I'm sorry to say I didn't enjoy this as much as other reviewers. I can however appreciate the amount of work involved in this deep of a dive into grief, forgiveness, self improvement and salvation. I think this book will have a grateful audience within the Catholic community certainly.
TW for Suicide, alcoholism, bigoted attitudes toward gay people, child abuse
Gore ⭐
Creepy Atmosphere ⭐⭐
Character Development ⭐⭐⭐💫
Scary ⭐
Prose ⭐⭐⭐
I'm not Catholic nor do I have siblings and I've never been to New York but Ambrose Stolliker's writing is so tangible that I immediately felt like I knew the main character and his place in the world. Father Marlowe's grief and state of melancholy bitterness is recognizable to anyone who's suffered depression and loss. The search for belief, through whatever religion you adhere to and loss thereof is also something I can easily identify with. The writing here is beautiful and evocative. The main character's bleak dream of being able to receive forgiveness and salvation is translated over and over again symbolically in this book. I like any fantasy involving alternate dimensions, and those parts here were nicely cinematically described.
**Caution Spoilers Follow**
Very quickly into the story Stephen Marlowe is thrust into a journey to the underworld. Guided by various mythological figures, fictional fantasy and philosophical belief the setting for Father Marlowe's journey is strange, which I also liked. The Beast, Guardian and Ferryman archetypes and symbolism are interesting to ponder, more weird than scary tho. There's a bit of a recycled Tolkien vibe to parts of this book but the imagery and intention are so different, I think similarity mainly stems from both books having a basis in Christianity. I'll admit I didn't care for the "light in the darkest of places" and shortened journey to Mordor to defeat evil theme. The Crimson Storm in the distance and Eye of Sauron parallel as well. I wanted it to be so much more creative and bizarre than it was. I could also draw weak connections between Tolkien's Dead Marshes and the Waste Land setting but it was during this part of the journey, as Father Marlowe confronts his past, that the plotline really starts to dip into horror. The ragged angels were impressive but the reflections on Chris' struggle to accept himself and be accepted by his faith made me physically sick to read. The ending with it's age old message to "look within" was nice but I'm sorry to say I didn't enjoy this as much as other reviewers. I can however appreciate the amount of work involved in this deep of a dive into grief, forgiveness, self improvement and salvation. I think this book will have a grateful audience within the Catholic community certainly.
TW for Suicide, alcoholism, bigoted attitudes toward gay people, child abuse
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
I don't often read a lot of religious horror, though I find it intriguing. When the author asked me to read this book, I was extremely interested as I don't often explore this subgenre. And I have to say- I enjoyed it!
While yes, it is a religious horror, it is also a grand adventure of a man struggling with what feels like insurmountable grief.
Father Stephen Marlowe, once dedicated to his flock, is now finding himself bereft after the loss of his brother. While at first we don't understand why he feels guilt, it begins to unravel on his quest to find his brother in this alternate dimension he's found himself in.
The writing on this book is interesting in that it isn't flowery nor dry- it hits right in between in a way that suits the fast pace of the book.
The exploration of intense grief and guilt was done well and I could often feel how keenly those emotions felt like a knife in Marlowe's chest.
There was also a bit of humor within this book, primarily with the beings that are found in this new dimension our Father finds himself in. That was nice for breaking up the despair that is spread through the book.
However, I would've liked the big confrontation to have had more to it- it almost felt too easy. There were so many trials Marlowe faced that I wanted more from it!
Overall, I've landed on a 4.5 star rating for this book (rounded down for GR purposes)! Thank you to the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
EDIT: I’d like to add TW for homophobia, including slurs.
While yes, it is a religious horror, it is also a grand adventure of a man struggling with what feels like insurmountable grief.
Father Stephen Marlowe, once dedicated to his flock, is now finding himself bereft after the loss of his brother. While at first we don't understand why he feels guilt, it begins to unravel on his quest to find his brother in this alternate dimension he's found himself in.
The writing on this book is interesting in that it isn't flowery nor dry- it hits right in between in a way that suits the fast pace of the book.
The exploration of intense grief and guilt was done well and I could often feel how keenly those emotions felt like a knife in Marlowe's chest.
There was also a bit of humor within this book, primarily with the beings that are found in this new dimension our Father finds himself in. That was nice for breaking up the despair that is spread through the book.
However, I would've liked the big confrontation to have had more to it- it almost felt too easy. There were so many trials Marlowe faced that I wanted more from it!
Overall, I've landed on a 4.5 star rating for this book (rounded down for GR purposes)! Thank you to the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
EDIT: I’d like to add TW for homophobia, including slurs.
October 27, 2022
“You almost sound confident”
“Resigned to my fate is more like it.”
Father Marlowe is on a journey to save his brother’s soul. Across a supernatural hellscape filled with freezing cold desolation, monsters, and ghosts, it is a mental battle of guilt and grief made physical. This story is dark and there are many nightmares to overcome and tense situations to endure.
One day he is an upstanding priest in New York, then his brother kills himself, beginning a downward spiral of Marlowe’s faith and livelihood. Extreme measures are taken to save Marlowe and he is thrown into another world. Is this hell or someplace worse?
Religion has always fascinated me and I love a good loss of faith story. Witnessing Marlowe’s transformation as he takes inventory of his actions and tries to turn his life around was quite moving.
“Even in the darkest of places, there is always light to be found. I know you don’t believe that, but it is true.”
“Resigned to my fate is more like it.”
Father Marlowe is on a journey to save his brother’s soul. Across a supernatural hellscape filled with freezing cold desolation, monsters, and ghosts, it is a mental battle of guilt and grief made physical. This story is dark and there are many nightmares to overcome and tense situations to endure.
One day he is an upstanding priest in New York, then his brother kills himself, beginning a downward spiral of Marlowe’s faith and livelihood. Extreme measures are taken to save Marlowe and he is thrown into another world. Is this hell or someplace worse?
Religion has always fascinated me and I love a good loss of faith story. Witnessing Marlowe’s transformation as he takes inventory of his actions and tries to turn his life around was quite moving.
“Even in the darkest of places, there is always light to be found. I know you don’t believe that, but it is true.”
June 16, 2023
I absolutely loved this book and it was the PERFECT travel book. I crushed through the 227 pages on the plane and my travel buddy started it as well!!
The Strange Nighttime Journey of Father Stephen Marlowe is a religious horror (which is the scariest kind in my opinion.) Father Marlowe is struggling with his faith after the passing of his brother, and gets turned in the direction of a priest that helps other troubled men of the cloth. When Marlowe arrives at the church late one night, he has no idea what’s in store for him.
This book gave me Journey to the Center of the Earth vibes, but with way scarier characters at play. It felt like the main character had just watched that movie and then had really messed up fever dreams. Stolliker can really paint a picture and this book had me questioning what was in the dark around me.
My only complaint about this book is that it ended too soon! While I usually find that books could have ended way sooner and with far less detail, I wasn’t quite ready for Marlowe’s journey to end in this one. With a cliff hanger ending, I really can’t wait to see what comes next for “Marlowe Stephen Marlowe!”
This is a book for fans of horror, adventure, religious horror more specifically, and books/movies like The Exorcist.
The Strange Nighttime Journey of Father Stephen Marlowe is a religious horror (which is the scariest kind in my opinion.) Father Marlowe is struggling with his faith after the passing of his brother, and gets turned in the direction of a priest that helps other troubled men of the cloth. When Marlowe arrives at the church late one night, he has no idea what’s in store for him.
This book gave me Journey to the Center of the Earth vibes, but with way scarier characters at play. It felt like the main character had just watched that movie and then had really messed up fever dreams. Stolliker can really paint a picture and this book had me questioning what was in the dark around me.
My only complaint about this book is that it ended too soon! While I usually find that books could have ended way sooner and with far less detail, I wasn’t quite ready for Marlowe’s journey to end in this one. With a cliff hanger ending, I really can’t wait to see what comes next for “Marlowe Stephen Marlowe!”
This is a book for fans of horror, adventure, religious horror more specifically, and books/movies like The Exorcist.
November 29, 2022
The author reached out to me to read and review this book. The synopsis definitely intrigued me and I'm so glad that I accepted. A harrowing story of a man in a crisis of faith and how he regained it.
Father Stephen Marlowe is a priest at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, and he is currently facing a crisis of faith. So much so that he is considering leaving the church. After the suicide of his brother, also a priest, he's still drowning in his grief. He decides to go see his monsignor, Monsignor Michael Smolenski. Believing he is no longer qualified to wear the cloth, Monsignor Smolenski suggests that he go see another priest, Father Andrew Eagan. Father Egan is touted as "a miracle worker when it comes to helping struggling priests get back on track".
Soon after meeting Father Egan, Marlowe set on a quest. After falling in the Well of Lost Souls he is met by a creature named Garrok. A sort of fairy across the Great Desolate Sea. He quickly discovers he's in a sort of purgatory on a mission to rescue his brother's soul. The quest is fraught with monsters and demons and delusions of his past. Hes trying to get to a place that "The Beast" lives, "A'ch'Ba'Hu: The Black Fortress that Sees". There is much pain, sorrow, self-reflection and terror on his journey to the black fortress. Once there can Marlowe save his brothers soul, or will he be trapped there with him?
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect when I began this story. From the title and cover photo, I thought it might be somewhat of a straightforward horror story. It was so much more. Father Marlowe is a likeable character and I love the journey he is on. As a Christian myself, I think at one point or another, I have questioned my faith. Thankfully I had a strong guide along my journey, and it deepened my faith and my resolve that what I believe is true. I can tell the author did a great deal of research especially into the workings of the Catholic church. The story moves along well. It's not broken down into chapters, but instead into three parts with an epilogue. I really enjoyed the ending of the story and I have high hopes that we will see Father Marlowe again.
Father Stephen Marlowe is a priest at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, and he is currently facing a crisis of faith. So much so that he is considering leaving the church. After the suicide of his brother, also a priest, he's still drowning in his grief. He decides to go see his monsignor, Monsignor Michael Smolenski. Believing he is no longer qualified to wear the cloth, Monsignor Smolenski suggests that he go see another priest, Father Andrew Eagan. Father Egan is touted as "a miracle worker when it comes to helping struggling priests get back on track".
Soon after meeting Father Egan, Marlowe set on a quest. After falling in the Well of Lost Souls he is met by a creature named Garrok. A sort of fairy across the Great Desolate Sea. He quickly discovers he's in a sort of purgatory on a mission to rescue his brother's soul. The quest is fraught with monsters and demons and delusions of his past. Hes trying to get to a place that "The Beast" lives, "A'ch'Ba'Hu: The Black Fortress that Sees". There is much pain, sorrow, self-reflection and terror on his journey to the black fortress. Once there can Marlowe save his brothers soul, or will he be trapped there with him?
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect when I began this story. From the title and cover photo, I thought it might be somewhat of a straightforward horror story. It was so much more. Father Marlowe is a likeable character and I love the journey he is on. As a Christian myself, I think at one point or another, I have questioned my faith. Thankfully I had a strong guide along my journey, and it deepened my faith and my resolve that what I believe is true. I can tell the author did a great deal of research especially into the workings of the Catholic church. The story moves along well. It's not broken down into chapters, but instead into three parts with an epilogue. I really enjoyed the ending of the story and I have high hopes that we will see Father Marlowe again.
October 23, 2022
In this novel, we meet Father Stephen Marlowe, who is experiencing a great deal of inner conflict, which is affecting his work and daily life. Thinking of taking a leave of absence, he is sent to seek counsel from an older priest known for helping other clergy with matters of faith. From here, he embarks on a dark and challenging journey.
Books about religion and clergy always make me a little nervous to start because I don't know much about the workings of the church and religion, but this is not a book about the church - this is very much a book about personal demons, personal faith (not necessarily in God) and redemption.
There is so much I love about this book - excellent storytelling, great characters and development, effective use of the church/religion framework without it being overbearing and SYMBOLISM! I love symbolism and found plenty of it in this book - it made me so happy!
This book moves along quite well so I do not recommend starting it right before bed - this is the perfect weekend read. Within the horror genre, it sits perhaps in quiet horror with some Lovecraftian vibes. If you liked the Fisherman, you will love The Strange Nighttime Journey.
Books about religion and clergy always make me a little nervous to start because I don't know much about the workings of the church and religion, but this is not a book about the church - this is very much a book about personal demons, personal faith (not necessarily in God) and redemption.
There is so much I love about this book - excellent storytelling, great characters and development, effective use of the church/religion framework without it being overbearing and SYMBOLISM! I love symbolism and found plenty of it in this book - it made me so happy!
This book moves along quite well so I do not recommend starting it right before bed - this is the perfect weekend read. Within the horror genre, it sits perhaps in quiet horror with some Lovecraftian vibes. If you liked the Fisherman, you will love The Strange Nighttime Journey.
October 10, 2022
💫Book Review💫
The Strange Nighttime Journey of Father Stephen Marlowe. By @ambrosestolliker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this. I found myself being drawn right back to reading it. I had to know how the journey was going to play out. I admit it gave me Dante Inferno vibes throughout Father Marlowe’s journey through the Well of Lost Souls. While the Father didn’t have a Virgil to guide him, he did in fact have a couple of characters there to lead him when he needed it the most. The writing was sharp and at times I felt like I was there walking with him through the pits of hell. A very valuable lesson in how we treat others, handle our grief, and the trials we are willing to endure to make things right. Don’t pass this one up.
If you enjoyed Dante’s Inferno, you will for sure enjoy this.
Summary:
In the year since his brother, Chris, committed suicide, Father Stephen Marlowe has not been able to pick up the pieces. He is racked with guilt over what he believes was his part in Chris’ death and his once-meteoric rise through the Catholic Church in New York City has come to an ignominious end.
Haunted by disturbing dreams of his brother suffering in a hellish underworld, Marlowe is at the breaking point. At the behest of his superiors, he goes to St. Michael the Archangel Church in the Bronx to seek counsel from a mysterious priest who specializes in helping spiritually troubled clergy. There, as he reluctantly attempts to make confession and unburden his soul, the church is rocked by a powerful earthquake.
The confessional disintegrates, the floor crumbles away beneath him, and Marlowe is plunged into a world both wondrous and terrifying, where he must fight to save his brother’s immortal soul
The Strange Nighttime Journey of Father Stephen Marlowe. By @ambrosestolliker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this. I found myself being drawn right back to reading it. I had to know how the journey was going to play out. I admit it gave me Dante Inferno vibes throughout Father Marlowe’s journey through the Well of Lost Souls. While the Father didn’t have a Virgil to guide him, he did in fact have a couple of characters there to lead him when he needed it the most. The writing was sharp and at times I felt like I was there walking with him through the pits of hell. A very valuable lesson in how we treat others, handle our grief, and the trials we are willing to endure to make things right. Don’t pass this one up.
If you enjoyed Dante’s Inferno, you will for sure enjoy this.
Summary:
In the year since his brother, Chris, committed suicide, Father Stephen Marlowe has not been able to pick up the pieces. He is racked with guilt over what he believes was his part in Chris’ death and his once-meteoric rise through the Catholic Church in New York City has come to an ignominious end.
Haunted by disturbing dreams of his brother suffering in a hellish underworld, Marlowe is at the breaking point. At the behest of his superiors, he goes to St. Michael the Archangel Church in the Bronx to seek counsel from a mysterious priest who specializes in helping spiritually troubled clergy. There, as he reluctantly attempts to make confession and unburden his soul, the church is rocked by a powerful earthquake.
The confessional disintegrates, the floor crumbles away beneath him, and Marlowe is plunged into a world both wondrous and terrifying, where he must fight to save his brother’s immortal soul
November 23, 2022
Thank You to the author for a copy of the book for review!
The Strange Nighttime Journey of Father Stephen Marlowe has all the good components of a terrifying horror novel. There was even one scene that I’ll continue to think about (hopefully not dream about) which had a monster with two horribly disfigured men as FEET!
So yes, there was horror. But there was also lovely prose. The descriptions and world building of the Well of Lost Souls took me on my own nighttime journey. There was magic and fantasy. There were kind and gentle creatures as well as horrible monsters.
The protagonist, Stephen Marlowe, was horribly flawed but endearing. I wanted him to succeed in finding his brother and his faith again. This story made me feel like I felt first watching What Dreams May Come.
Lovely and terrifying read!
The Strange Nighttime Journey of Father Stephen Marlowe has all the good components of a terrifying horror novel. There was even one scene that I’ll continue to think about (hopefully not dream about) which had a monster with two horribly disfigured men as FEET!
So yes, there was horror. But there was also lovely prose. The descriptions and world building of the Well of Lost Souls took me on my own nighttime journey. There was magic and fantasy. There were kind and gentle creatures as well as horrible monsters.
The protagonist, Stephen Marlowe, was horribly flawed but endearing. I wanted him to succeed in finding his brother and his faith again. This story made me feel like I felt first watching What Dreams May Come.
Lovely and terrifying read!
September 30, 2022
This is unlike any book I have ever read before- in a good way! Halfway into this long titled read, I thought of the movie “What Dreams May Come”. Full of emotion, Robin Williams character goes into hell to find his wife who committed suicide. This book is about Father Ambrose, who fell into a Purgatory/hell to save his brother’s soul.
I will admit, I cried at the end because I’m an emotional reader. I really wish that Stolliker put the emotion at the beginning like he did towards the end, but even so, it was such a good story!! I felt Father Marlowe’s pain and was rooting for him throughout his journey to get to his brother.
The world building and characters were awesome!
I will admit, I cried at the end because I’m an emotional reader. I really wish that Stolliker put the emotion at the beginning like he did towards the end, but even so, it was such a good story!! I felt Father Marlowe’s pain and was rooting for him throughout his journey to get to his brother.
The world building and characters were awesome!
September 22, 2022
It’s not often I get to read a story with a priest who ISN’T just in the book to perform an exorcism, so this was a nice change. A year after the suicide of his brother, Father Stephen Marlowe is still trying to deal with the grief he feels. With his faith seemingly hanging in the balance he embarks on a journey seeking help from another priest who deals with troubled clergy. It’s after this meeting that everything goes to hell (or something similar to it).
Father Marlowe gets sucked down into the pits of the earth where he now must fight through trickery and glimpses of his past all for the sake of saving his brothers soul. It’s a pretty good redemption story.
All in all, I enjoyed this book. While I wouldn’t consider this something I would normally read, I thought the story was well written and the world building was amazing. I look forward to seeing if there will be a sequel!
Father Marlowe gets sucked down into the pits of the earth where he now must fight through trickery and glimpses of his past all for the sake of saving his brothers soul. It’s a pretty good redemption story.
All in all, I enjoyed this book. While I wouldn’t consider this something I would normally read, I thought the story was well written and the world building was amazing. I look forward to seeing if there will be a sequel!
December 31, 2022
This was a wonderfully fast paced dark fantasy story. Following Father Marlowe in his journey of faith and personal growth through a fantastical world to save his brother, this story has amazing world building, character development, and heart. Definitely a must read for fans of dark fantasy style stories, especially those looking for one that isn't excessively long.
October 9, 2022
Father Stephen Marlowe is in a crisis of faith. He recently lost his brother, Chris, to suicide and he struggles with guilt. He feels like he has nothing to give to his parishioners.
Father Stephen visits his friend, the Monsignor and asks for a leave of absence. Instead, his friend sends him to a Father Egan who is “a miracle worker when it comes to helping struggling priests get back on track.”
This is how Father Stephen falls into the Well of Lost Souls, a hellish purgatory, sent on a quest to rescue his brother’s soul.
His quest is full of monsters and demons, sent by “the Beast” to foul his efforts to save his brother. The Beast’s first messenger is one of the most horrifyingly described monsters I have ever read. A winged monster with legs that end as deformed crouching men! Oh gosh, I love how that monster freaked me out!
Father Stephen must survive a physically dangerous journey, like Frodo and Samwise in LOTR, but with more terrifying tests of worth. He must fight through his worst memories re-enacted to crush and demoralize him.
Although a harrowing and taut read, with demons and monsters, violence and terror, it is also a story of a brother’s love, and man’s need for faith and purpose. This is not a book about god and religion, much like the movie The Exorcist is about god and religion. It is about love and guilt, acceptance and forgiveness. It is about the damage done in a dysfunctional family, and the need for community and hope to heal yourself and others.
A solid 4 star book. And an opening for a sequel or a book series at the end, which is ok with me!
Father Stephen visits his friend, the Monsignor and asks for a leave of absence. Instead, his friend sends him to a Father Egan who is “a miracle worker when it comes to helping struggling priests get back on track.”
This is how Father Stephen falls into the Well of Lost Souls, a hellish purgatory, sent on a quest to rescue his brother’s soul.
His quest is full of monsters and demons, sent by “the Beast” to foul his efforts to save his brother. The Beast’s first messenger is one of the most horrifyingly described monsters I have ever read. A winged monster with legs that end as deformed crouching men! Oh gosh, I love how that monster freaked me out!
Father Stephen must survive a physically dangerous journey, like Frodo and Samwise in LOTR, but with more terrifying tests of worth. He must fight through his worst memories re-enacted to crush and demoralize him.
Although a harrowing and taut read, with demons and monsters, violence and terror, it is also a story of a brother’s love, and man’s need for faith and purpose. This is not a book about god and religion, much like the movie The Exorcist is about god and religion. It is about love and guilt, acceptance and forgiveness. It is about the damage done in a dysfunctional family, and the need for community and hope to heal yourself and others.
A solid 4 star book. And an opening for a sequel or a book series at the end, which is ok with me!
September 20, 2022
This is only 'sort of' a horror novel, despite what shelf I put it on. A pretty kick-ass story about a priest trying to regain his faith, by going through one really weird-ass journey in some sort of hell/purgatory. This book had a good deal of imagination engineered into it, and who doesn't love a good story about redemption? Only thing is, the ending gives a hint that JUST MAYBE there will be a sequel. If the author actually reads these (which I doubt, none of them do, and who can blame them?) then please consider writing another one with more of Marlowe Stephen Marlow!
December 6, 2022
When Ambrose first reached out to me about reading and reviewing this book I was hesitant because I have experienced my own personal trauma within the Catholic Church.
However, the synopsis drew me in and the first few pages kept me there.
Right away I was rooting for Father Marlowe and hoping he'd find the peace he was seeking.
The pacing of this book made for a quick read. Instead of chapters it is broken into three parts. The character development was on point as I mentioned above. Father Marlowe is a very likeable character.
Then there's the world building- immaculate!
I appreciate the research that went into making the main character authentic as a modern day priest in the Catholic Church as well.
If you're looking for a very well written story with lovecraftian elements and some heartstring tugging moments, The Strange Nighttime Journey of Father Marlowe is for you.
However, the synopsis drew me in and the first few pages kept me there.
Right away I was rooting for Father Marlowe and hoping he'd find the peace he was seeking.
The pacing of this book made for a quick read. Instead of chapters it is broken into three parts. The character development was on point as I mentioned above. Father Marlowe is a very likeable character.
Then there's the world building- immaculate!
I appreciate the research that went into making the main character authentic as a modern day priest in the Catholic Church as well.
If you're looking for a very well written story with lovecraftian elements and some heartstring tugging moments, The Strange Nighttime Journey of Father Marlowe is for you.
June 28, 2023
I was initially approached by the author with the offer of a free signed copy in exchange for an honest review, but with geographical issues it wasn’t feasible……but the premise sounded so good to me, so I just bought a copy anyway.
I am very glad I did.
Even as someone with zero religious beliefs, I am a HUGE fan of the theology, ideology and imagery of religion, especially the afterlife. This was right up my street.
A book about a priest dealing with grief and a crisis of faith is a welcome change from tales that revolve around exorcism. Honestly this is more a story about personal resolve and faith in himself, than of a higher power.
The flow of the story was perfectly paced, the journey was really well described throughout in both imagery and description and there was some absolute nightmare fuel characters(the messenger on the Moonglider 😱).
This whole book brought struggle, horror, adventure and emotion. A wonderful tale with a satisfying conclusion.
The obvious course for comparison here would be The Divine Comedy(inferno/purgatorio specifically) but for me Richard Matheson’s What Dreams May Come would be a closer fit.
You should absolutely pick up this book.
I am very glad I did.
Even as someone with zero religious beliefs, I am a HUGE fan of the theology, ideology and imagery of religion, especially the afterlife. This was right up my street.
A book about a priest dealing with grief and a crisis of faith is a welcome change from tales that revolve around exorcism. Honestly this is more a story about personal resolve and faith in himself, than of a higher power.
The flow of the story was perfectly paced, the journey was really well described throughout in both imagery and description and there was some absolute nightmare fuel characters(the messenger on the Moonglider 😱).
This whole book brought struggle, horror, adventure and emotion. A wonderful tale with a satisfying conclusion.
The obvious course for comparison here would be The Divine Comedy(inferno/purgatorio specifically) but for me Richard Matheson’s What Dreams May Come would be a closer fit.
You should absolutely pick up this book.
March 7, 2023
I wasn't prepared for how quickly this story dragged me into its strange world, but I'm so happy that I did. This is one of my favorite books of the new year and had I read it in 2022, it would have been in my top three favorite reads.
January 15, 2023
Well….this was not the night time journey I was expecting!! I thought this was going to be one priest’s questioning of his faith and the church but instead we take a much more physical trip! This is incredibly well written, is jam packed for a novella and does indeed give you plenty to think about however, the type of horror in this book is a bit too fantastical for me and not something I am a huge fan off. I definitely enjoyed the more psychological elements of the story and those me of the best parts of a very well known novel!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews