Review by Sunnyridge -- Raven's Peak by Lincoln Cole

[Sunnyridge]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Raven's Peak" by Lincoln Cole.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Raven’s Peak, World on Fire, Book 1 by Lincoln Cole is the first book of a fictional series in which the world of demons and humans collide. This is a story of juxtapositions. It begins with the Reverend Arthur Vanqeest in his underground cell. He flogs himself. He attacks a guard but there is no retaliation. He is imprisoned yet he is there voluntarily. Contradictions abound.

The two main character that confront these demons are also from polar opposite back grounds. Abigail Dresslar is an orphan raised from childhood to fight demons and evil. And Haatim who is shielded from knowing that they exist. Their paths cross because Haatim writes a blog, The Hidden Lens, about the positive interactions of world religions but he is now questioning his beliefs due to the recent loss of his sister.

The story has a plethora of physical encounters with demonic possession, mental persuasion and bodily mutilations. Potions and chants are used to control demons and send them back to hell. Delaphene, a lesser demon, sends Abigail to Raven’s Peak in pursuit of information about Arthur. This setting is in the Tennessee Smokey Mountains at the old Raven’s Peak town. Battles occur in the church, mining tunnels, cabins, and bars. The major battles are with a familiar enemy, Belphegor, who possess children and adults to disseminate his evil.

The book is filled with interesting characters. Frieda, the leader of the Ordo Daemonium Venator who protect and serve those who defend the world against evil. The Ninth Circle compromised of psychopaths and demons. The Council that oversees the hunts of the demons and the cells which support them. This combination provides multiple levels of conflict and action.

The first half of the book was exemplary in its character development and plot development. The second half was packed with action that would be well suited for a movie. The ending was a bit anticlimactic. Since this is only the first book in the series, I may view this differently after reading the entire collection.

Despite the dark subject, humor is interjected throughout the narrative. The book is enjoyable. The development of characters is clever. If I was rating the first half of the book, I would give it 4 out of 4 stars. But because of the less enjoyable second half I give it a 3 out of 4 stars. Raven’s Peak is worth reading and I want to continue reading this series.

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Raven's Peak
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