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jeanne25's review
2.0
Least favorite Janz novel to date
Story was written well but not for me. Glad this wasn't my first Janz story because it probably would have been the last.
Story was written well but not for me. Glad this wasn't my first Janz story because it probably would have been the last.
michellesmelancholia's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Gore, and Pedophilia
Moderate: Rape and Violence
Minor: Alcoholism and Grief
motherhorror's review
4.0
*EDIT: At first, I rated this five stars because it's easy to do that on technical ability alone. Janz is a phenomenally talented writer but after sitting here thinking about it, I think that I enjoy horror books more when I have a character I can invest in. Characters I fall in love with and that the story has some kind of hope to latch on to-something redeeming in the midst of overwhelming darkness. Exorcist Falls fell short on those counts. There were not any characters I fell in love with, they were all impossibly void of anything that caused my heart to swell. So I'm going with 4 stars.
Original Review: Exorcist Falls is my second Jonathan Janz book. I read, Children of the Dark earlier this year and was totally drawn in by Janz's storytelling style--very much in the vein of Stephen King and Robert McCammon; rich character development, natural dialog and a slow & steady build of tension and horror.
This book was *much* darker but there are some similarities here: Both books deal with this duality of threats: The supernatural and man. Which is scarier? The depravity of man or the unknown evil of monsters and demons?
In this book, a small town is under attack. The Sweet Sixteen killer is brutally murdering young girls. There is also a family under attack, a teenage boy is likely possessed by a powerful demon who has the supernatural ability to see man's deepest, darkest deeds and thoughts if its host touches you.
At first, I was suffering from culture shock, like when you go to a foreign country and everything is so new and so different, Exorcist Falls is in stark contrast to Children of the Dark, but I quickly got over it as Janz's compelling narrative swept me away.
The novella, Exorcist Road comes first which is a set up for the novel, Exorcist Falls. You really need to read both of them to have the full scope of the story (please read the synopsis for the perfect plot summary).
Much like William Peter Blatty's book, the Exorcist, there are some very disturbing scenes. Which makes recommending this book a little tricky so:
If you are a seasoned horror fan and you enjoy quality storytelling, intricate plot twists, rich character development, strong descriptive language and you don't mind being terrified, you can handle mature language and you like a good Light vs. Dark, demon possession book--you need to start buying Jonathan Janz's books (all of them) that's what I'm planning on doing.
But if you find yourself timidly skimming over dramatic, intense scenes in horror books because they're too scary for you--this book is not for you.
That's how I'm going to frame the disclaimer, so decide which kind of horror reader you are and then realize that it's MY favorite genre and that's why it's getting *four stars.
I can't wait to read my next Janz tale, The Siren and the Specter.
Original Review: Exorcist Falls is my second Jonathan Janz book. I read, Children of the Dark earlier this year and was totally drawn in by Janz's storytelling style--very much in the vein of Stephen King and Robert McCammon; rich character development, natural dialog and a slow & steady build of tension and horror.
This book was *much* darker but there are some similarities here: Both books deal with this duality of threats: The supernatural and man. Which is scarier? The depravity of man or the unknown evil of monsters and demons?
In this book, a small town is under attack. The Sweet Sixteen killer is brutally murdering young girls. There is also a family under attack, a teenage boy is likely possessed by a powerful demon who has the supernatural ability to see man's deepest, darkest deeds and thoughts if its host touches you.
At first, I was suffering from culture shock, like when you go to a foreign country and everything is so new and so different, Exorcist Falls is in stark contrast to Children of the Dark, but I quickly got over it as Janz's compelling narrative swept me away.
The novella, Exorcist Road comes first which is a set up for the novel, Exorcist Falls. You really need to read both of them to have the full scope of the story (please read the synopsis for the perfect plot summary).
Much like William Peter Blatty's book, the Exorcist, there are some very disturbing scenes. Which makes recommending this book a little tricky so:
If you are a seasoned horror fan and you enjoy quality storytelling, intricate plot twists, rich character development, strong descriptive language and you don't mind being terrified, you can handle mature language and you like a good Light vs. Dark, demon possession book--you need to start buying Jonathan Janz's books (all of them) that's what I'm planning on doing.
But if you find yourself timidly skimming over dramatic, intense scenes in horror books because they're too scary for you--this book is not for you.
That's how I'm going to frame the disclaimer, so decide which kind of horror reader you are and then realize that it's MY favorite genre and that's why it's getting *four stars.
I can't wait to read my next Janz tale, The Siren and the Specter.
charshorrorcorner's review
5.0
4.5/5 stars!
EXORCIST FALLS was so much demonic fun, I don't even know where to begin!
Narrated by Matt Godfrey, this audiobook starts out with the novella EXORCIST ROAD. A completely off the wall story of demonic possession with so many twists and turns, this reader didn't know which way was up!
I'm not going to get into the plot-exorcism is involved- which is plain from the get-go. What makes this book exciting and different is the twists and the loads of action within. Not only do we have the demon and the priest, we have an extremely depraved serial killer-and perhaps more than one. Father Crowder, the protagonist, isn't a completely good guy either-he often gets a bit over- zealous, (over-righteous?), in his thinking, which leads him down some uncommonly sinful roads.
My only criticism is the fact that towards the end of the tale the twists began to feel contrived. Honestly, though? I was having so much fun by then that I really didn't care. The final scene was such a gleeful delight, I would have overlooked a LOT worse. I'm grinning just thinking about it!
As I mentioned above, Matt Godfrey narrated (the hell out of)this story, and his voice and pacing were perfect. There were a few hairy scenes that I'm sure must have been difficult to get through, but he made it sound easy. He also sounded like he was having a great time, which only added to MY enjoyment.
If demonic possession all mixed up with a mysterious serial killer and sketchy priests sounds good to you, I highly recommend you give EXORCIST FALLS a try. I've never read anything else quite like it!
You can get your copy here, (tell 'em Char sent you): https://amzn.to/2EZv54z
*I received this audiobook free of charge from Audiobook Boom! in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it.*
EXORCIST FALLS was so much demonic fun, I don't even know where to begin!
Narrated by Matt Godfrey, this audiobook starts out with the novella EXORCIST ROAD. A completely off the wall story of demonic possession with so many twists and turns, this reader didn't know which way was up!
I'm not going to get into the plot-exorcism is involved- which is plain from the get-go. What makes this book exciting and different is the twists and the loads of action within. Not only do we have the demon and the priest, we have an extremely depraved serial killer-and perhaps more than one. Father Crowder, the protagonist, isn't a completely good guy either-he often gets a bit over- zealous, (over-righteous?), in his thinking, which leads him down some uncommonly sinful roads.
My only criticism is the fact that towards the end of the tale the twists began to feel contrived. Honestly, though? I was having so much fun by then that I really didn't care. The final scene was such a gleeful delight, I would have overlooked a LOT worse. I'm grinning just thinking about it!
As I mentioned above, Matt Godfrey narrated (the hell out of)this story, and his voice and pacing were perfect. There were a few hairy scenes that I'm sure must have been difficult to get through, but he made it sound easy. He also sounded like he was having a great time, which only added to MY enjoyment.
If demonic possession all mixed up with a mysterious serial killer and sketchy priests sounds good to you, I highly recommend you give EXORCIST FALLS a try. I've never read anything else quite like it!
You can get your copy here, (tell 'em Char sent you): https://amzn.to/2EZv54z
*I received this audiobook free of charge from Audiobook Boom! in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it.*
lauriereadslohf's review
4.0
This unabridged audio contains two excellent connected stories of demonic possession. One is a novella that sets the scene for the novel to follow. You’ll want to read/listen to them back to back because they’re both horrifyingly hard to put down.
EXORCIST ROAD sets everything up and is a pretty complete story on its own about a young teen being savaged by a demon and who is suspected of being a murderer. Is it all an act or is a true case of demon possession? Two priests are called in to investigate and perform an exorcism. The younger, inexperienced priest discovers some horrifying secrets about the family and nearly everyone soon becomes a suspect in the Sweet Sixteen Killings.
EXORCIST FALLS continues the story of the young priest who has been shaken but not destroyed by all he has experienced. He is now very haunted and conflicted but I can’t tell you why. The search for the Sweet Sixteen Killer continues and it’s pretty much non-stop action from here on out. There’s a little side of lust and a budding romance brought over from EXORCIST ROAD that I felt completely out of place in both storylines considering the trauma the woman recently experienced. Her character was woefully underdeveloped which probably explains my disbelief of her “romance” storyline. The last thing I’d be looking for after all of that was some love from a new guy. The reader is continually told that she is amazing but I didn’t feel her amazingness was ever shown which is kind of a shame. All of the men are very well developed though and she’s a bit player so it’s a minor nitpick, really. I loved the Jason Crowder character so much. A tormented priest with a horrible backstory and a demon ready to exploit all of his human weaknesses? Yep, you’ve got my attention.
Both stories are pitch black and ghoulish and very graphic. Terrible things are said and terrible deeds are done and I loved it but it may not be for everyone as the scenes are so realistically described you can pretty much picture it all going on very clearly. Maybe a little too clearly in some cases!
I can easily recommend the audiobook narrated by Matt Godfrey who has such a down to earth, calming voice he makes even the evilest of deeds go down a little easier. He does an excellent sinister demon voice too! Don’t miss it if you love this kind of story.
EXORCIST ROAD sets everything up and is a pretty complete story on its own about a young teen being savaged by a demon and who is suspected of being a murderer. Is it all an act or is a true case of demon possession? Two priests are called in to investigate and perform an exorcism. The younger, inexperienced priest discovers some horrifying secrets about the family and nearly everyone soon becomes a suspect in the Sweet Sixteen Killings.
EXORCIST FALLS continues the story of the young priest who has been shaken but not destroyed by all he has experienced. He is now very haunted and conflicted but I can’t tell you why. The search for the Sweet Sixteen Killer continues and it’s pretty much non-stop action from here on out. There’s a little side of lust and a budding romance brought over from EXORCIST ROAD that I felt completely out of place in both storylines considering the trauma the woman recently experienced. Her character was woefully underdeveloped which probably explains my disbelief of her “romance” storyline. The last thing I’d be looking for after all of that was some love from a new guy. The reader is continually told that she is amazing but I didn’t feel her amazingness was ever shown which is kind of a shame. All of the men are very well developed though and she’s a bit player so it’s a minor nitpick, really. I loved the Jason Crowder character so much. A tormented priest with a horrible backstory and a demon ready to exploit all of his human weaknesses? Yep, you’ve got my attention.
Both stories are pitch black and ghoulish and very graphic. Terrible things are said and terrible deeds are done and I loved it but it may not be for everyone as the scenes are so realistically described you can pretty much picture it all going on very clearly. Maybe a little too clearly in some cases!
I can easily recommend the audiobook narrated by Matt Godfrey who has such a down to earth, calming voice he makes even the evilest of deeds go down a little easier. He does an excellent sinister demon voice too! Don’t miss it if you love this kind of story.
craigwallwork's review
2.0
Ok, I struggled with Exorcist Falls. But before I get into that, here’s my thoughts on EXORCIST ROAD: It’s hard not to draw comparisons to Blatty’s great novel when someone writers about an exorcism. It’s like a book about a shark terrorising a small island and attempting to block out the iconic composition of John Williams. Janz’s real skill here is two fold: First is pace. Yes, it’s a novella so by its very limitations you can’t afford to meander. You have to keep things very tight. Janz does this by hitting the boards running when Father Crowder attends the house of a 15 year old boy showing signs of demonic possession. We’re then thrown into a literal Hell before we have time to blink. The second is plot. Sure, there’s every exorcism trope thrown in here, but running parallel is a second story, that of the Sweet Sixteen Killer. The town has a serial killer roaming around targeting 16 year girls. Weaving this storyline into the exorcism presents us with a extra dynamic; who is the Sweet Sixteen Killer? And more importantly, are they one of the characters in the house during the exorcism? Now we have a “who dun’it”. This is why Exorcist Road gets four stars instead of three. It’s that extra layer needed to differentiate it from its predecessor. Yes, you could say it’s more a homage to The Exorcist and Legion, whereby again, in the latter we are presented with the Gemini killer, but Janz dodges skilfully the obvious connection by making his story very claustrophobic (pretty much one setting throughout the novella) and exchanging those deep philosophical questions present in Blatty’s work for more wince-inducing gratuitous fun.
Spoilers
Now, onto EXORCIST FALLS, which perfectly dovetails to the last book. Here we pick up the story of a Crowder coming to terms with the aftermath of the exorcism, and the demon now residing in him. That he knows who the Sweet Sixteen killer is but is held back from reporting them to the police to save the lives of Liz (his crush) and son, began to get a little far fetched. Sure, you could say Exorcist Road needed suspension of disbelief, but that was seated in a history of exorcisms. Whereas now, it just felt a little ridiculous. While the second book is longer in form, I felt like the first it should have been a novella. The writing was solid, but the story just didn’t sit well with me. Hence why EXORCIST FALLS gets two stars. EXORCIST ROAD (which I’ve reviewed separately) got four stars.
Spoilers
Now, onto EXORCIST FALLS, which perfectly dovetails to the last book. Here we pick up the story of a Crowder coming to terms with the aftermath of the exorcism, and the demon now residing in him. That he knows who the Sweet Sixteen killer is but is held back from reporting them to the police to save the lives of Liz (his crush) and son, began to get a little far fetched. Sure, you could say Exorcist Road needed suspension of disbelief, but that was seated in a history of exorcisms. Whereas now, it just felt a little ridiculous. While the second book is longer in form, I felt like the first it should have been a novella. The writing was solid, but the story just didn’t sit well with me. Hence why EXORCIST FALLS gets two stars. EXORCIST ROAD (which I’ve reviewed separately) got four stars.
fuzz's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Exorcist Falls begins with the novella 'Exorcist Road' which I felt was Jonathan Janz's homage to William Peter Blatty's 'The Exorcist'. However, rather than a psychological build-up towards the climactic exorcism (as in Blatty's novel), Janz opens the story with the exorcism and follows how the aftermath of that exorcism unravels across the lives of everyone involved. Paired with the brutal murders being carried out by the mysterious 'Sweet Sixteen' killer, this story delves into the different kind of evils that exist in our world. If you're a fan of supernatural horrors, then you won't be disappointed by this book. Another brilliant read in my #o4ureadathon
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