Possessed / Thomas B. Allen / 333 pages / October Challenge

This book is based on the same case as The Exorcist playing in theaters in 1973, which was based on William Blatty's 1971 book of the same title.  The movie was fictionalized; this book is what really happened.  The author presents the information from various sources to reconstruct what happened to "Robbie Mannheim" in 1949.  Several priests became convinced that he was a victim of demonic possession and began the exorcism rites for him.  Many seemingly supernatural things happened before and during the exorcism.  This book tells all.  The diary from one of the priests involved is printed in the back of the book - but the story itself is so heavily drawn from the diary that reading it is rather repetitive.  A careful reader may notice a difference in emphasis on various parts of the story, but there is no real departure from the diary itself.  Possessed was first published in 1993, 44 years after the case actually happened. 


This is a challenging book to read if you have any question at all about whether demonic possession could be real.  The author himself questions the possession in his afterword.  The beginning is a bit slow, but once all the background information has been established, the action picks up considerably.  Readers who saw the original movie, or the Showtime movie Possessed will certainly enjoy this book.  Anyone who has questioned Christianity or the existence of demons will also appreciate the straight-forward presentation and ability to make up their own mind after the evidence is presented.

The Demon Lover: A Novel by Juliet Dark. Paperback, 448 pages

     Callie McFay is looking for a job and maybe a new direction in her life. She has finished her thesis and successfully published much to her bethrothed Paul's chagrin. Callie applies and interviews for a position at Fairwick College in upstate New York. She really wants to stay in New York city in order to be near Paul but something compels her to take the job and purchase a beautiful old Victorian house. Then the dreams begin.
     Unbeknowst to Callie, she has taken a job where witches, gnomes, fairies, including the Fairy Queen reside in anonymous splendor. They are part of the town of Fairwick and teach at the college. They warn Callie about the demon who once haunted her house and she does some research in the library. It is an incubus who is haunting Callie and she is beginning to fall in love with him. Now what is she going to do?
     A fast-paced book that is somewhat predictable in places. No so bad language but if you aren't interested in sex scenes do not read this book.
     I was surprised to find out that Juliet Dark is a pseudonym for Carol Goodman (The Lake of the Dead Languages, The Seduction of Water). I have enjoyed her other novels which are nothing like this.  Demon Lover is well written with some surprising scenes. This novel is a beginning of a trilogy. The second one is out and the third is going to be published soon.
   
     Six Degrees: The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston; City of Dark Magic by Magnus Flyte; Through the Door by Jodi McIsaac.

Kiss of a Demon King / Kresley Cole 417 p.

Rydstrom Woede, the King of the Rage Demons, wants Tornin and his kingdom back and a Queen worthy of his people. Sabine, Sorceress of Illusions, wants to fulfill the covenant and cease the power from the well of Tornin. Her brother, Omert, currently rules over Rydstrom’s kingdom with his evil ways. Sabine captures Rydstrom and chains him to keep him from using his powerful strength. He’s her captive slave and must do as she wishes. Sabine learns that Rydstrom resists with his considerable strength. He turns the table on her and she is his captive. There starts the romance as he has found his Queen but she resists.

2010 RITA Winner: Best Paranormal