The Devil’s Prayer

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Pub Date Aug 26 2016 | Archive Date Jun 30 2017

Description

17th March 17 - Shortlisted for the Australian Shadow Award - Best Australian Horror Novel of 2016.

A nun commits suicide in front of thousands in Spain. In Australia, Siobhan Russo recognises that nun as her mother, Denise Russo, who disappeared six years ago.

In search of answers, Siobhan travels to the isolated convent where her mother once lived. Here she discovers Denise’s final confession, a book that details a heinous betrayal that left her crippled and mute, and Denise’s subsequent deal with the Devil to take revenge. In the desperate bargain Denise made with the Prince of Darkness, she wagered Siobhan’s soul.

As Siobhan discovers the fate of her soul, she learns that hidden within the pages of her mother’s confession is part of The Devil’s Prayer, an ancient text with the power to unleash apocalyptic horrors.

And now her mother’s enemies know Siobhan has it.

Can Siobhan escape an order of extremist monks determined to get the Prayer back? Can she save the world from its own destruction?

Watch the book trailer on YouTube youtube.com/watch?v=1OJMiPIR0zw or Vimeo vimeo.com/156061258

See the stunning locations from the book at devilsprayer.com.au

17th March 17 - Shortlisted for the Australian Shadow Award - Best Australian Horror Novel of 2016.

A nun commits suicide in front of thousands in Spain. In Australia, Siobhan Russo recognises that...


A Note From the Publisher

Explicit Content Warning: The Devil's Prayer is a historical horror thriller that contains brutality, rape, sex, drug abuse and murder. Readers may find its content offensive and confronting.

Paperback available from 26th Aug 2016. RRP $19.99 USD.

Explicit Content Warning: The Devil's Prayer is a historical horror thriller that contains brutality, rape, sex, drug abuse and murder. Readers may find its content offensive and confronting.

...


Marketing Plan

The Devil's Prayer was converted from a film script written by the author. It is to be pitched as a TV series or film in early 2017. Book is currently available in Paperback in India only.
Looking for International Publisher. Or Looking for Print and Fulfilment in US, UK, Canada and Australia. Or Looking for a Literary Agent.




The Devil's Prayer was converted from a film script written by the author. It is to be pitched as a TV series or film in early 2017. Book is currently available in Paperback in India only.
Looking...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781925427332
PRICE $4.99 (USD)

Average rating from 330 members


Featured Reviews

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chilling. Scary. Painful. Brilliant.

It is a painful and heartbreaking yet captivating and horror story of a woman who faces such betrayal,deciet,lies and torture

And then it's all about her journey towards revenge and then the ultimate discovery that sets her on a difficult path.

I am so glad I picked this one up from NetGalley!

This was absolutely UNEXPECTED.

I opened this one up and then I couldn't spend a single peaceful moment til I finished it. Yes it was THAT good.

I was reminded of so many things, movies and books during this one. The DaVinci Code to name a few. The author has done a brilliant job with all the details and the research is clearly thorough because every word is written with such clarify.

If you enjoyed that, you will love this one so much!

But I really really suggest anyone reading this to give this one a chance

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Absolutely addictive. This is a page-turned historical thriller, and definitely couldn't put it down from the very beginning. Luke Garcias' style of writing, the high-leveled suspense will keep you in your seat unable to put the book down, leaving you to wonder what will happen next.

For the first time in a long time I had to stop myself from reading it in one seating because it was to good to finish in one-go. Absolutely loved the strong female characters, and the details of the several historical events and places. Gracias took me in a journey across the world and in an amazing adventure.

This book will definitely make you shiver and make your pulse racing!

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“The Devil’s Prayer” is a phenomenal book that makes you want to read it over and over again. The author blends history and fiction into a cocoon of reality that leaves the reader wondering what was historical and what wasn’t. “The Devil’s Prayer” is extremely well researched with no shortage of details.

A mixture of “The Da Vinci Code” and “Rosemary’s Baby”…. Highly recommend this new favorite of mine.

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An unusual book that, for me, was as educational as it was interesting. It is by far the book in which I highlighted the most passages for personal research.

Though raised as a Christian (Lutheran), I never knew too much about the history of Catholicism. The plot centers on the redemptive journey of a young woman, tricked into a sexual encounter with Satan himself, which resulted in the birth of her second daughter. Satan is personified not as a raging devil, but rather is portrayed as a seemingly unobtrusive "normal" man with piercing eyes... someone the main character keeps seeing on the perimeter of her daily activities. Of course, Satan's goal is not one intended to inspire hope in the future of mankind.

What I especially found fascinating about this book, however, is the content of all those highlighted passages to which I referred in my opening paragraph. Those passages focused on the ancient history of the Catholic church and the highly evocative descriptions of some of the most isolated monasteries and convents ever built, including all their hidden rooms, basements and attics... accessible only by disguised buttons and highly-guarded keys made centuries ago (e.g., much of the tumultuous activity took place in 1222) . I was also intrigued by "The Devil's Prayer", Pope Honorius, and Arnaud Amalric... If you, too, are not familiar with the above, I suspect you'll be tempted to do some research of your own.

All in all, a different kind of book where historical facts often overshadow the plot, although that doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the story in the least. Still highly recommended!

*** This book was provided to me by the author and/or the publisher as an ARC in return for my honest review. ***

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A thriller that has it all.

The synopsis gives a good idea of what you'll find. It's definitely a psychological thriller as Siobhan finds herself on a real mind f*ck of a journey in learning about her mother and how her mother's decisions have directed the path of Siobhan's own life.

And if that wasn't all.... something's not right with her mother's grandkids.

The story doesn't end with this book but I felt like it reached a good stopping point. A place to catch one's breath before beginning the next chapter. For both the reader and the characters.

Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of this book and holy moly do I hope the next book is coming out soon! This one was riveting.

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The Devils Prayer is a dark, macabre, religious, psychological thriller, a real page turner that I couldn't put down!! Like Dan Brown, we have a cat and mouse game of religion and murder that skips from the 13th century to the present day and is chock a block full of facts regarding the history of monasteries and Catholicism that makes me wonder no more, why Catholics have so much guilt and shame.
Imagine your child has been pulled out of a swimming pool and is unresponsive, despite the heroic attempts at defibrillation by paramedics. You call out to God for help and miraculously your prayers are answered, but what if the Devil answered instead?
Denise Russo is a naive single mother to Siobhan. Out on her birthday with her friends, she is attacked and hard used, and left paralysed. The Devil offers her a deal, her life back in exchange for the souls of her attackers. If she defaults, then he will take Siobhan's soul as payment.
Skipping forward many chapters so as not to spoil your enjoyment of this book, Denise leaves home and becomes a Nun. She starts to research ancient scriptures and books that mention The Devils Bible in an attempt to stave off the threatened Armageddon that involves her family.
You simply must read this book!! It has been so well researched, yet it's not dry and dusty like other books that deal with the history of religion. It is part Dan Brown, Raiders of the lost Ark and Scott Moriani in my opinion. It is a fast paced read that can induce fear, read with the lights on if you are of a nervous disposition and the violence can be startling but necessary to convey the sense of evil that is being fought against. The book ends abruptly and I do hope that's because there is a follow on, or I will feel extremely cheated!! Amidst all this religious fervour, there are also parables and messages about the destruction and death of humans and the Earth that we are inflicting by our selfish behaviour, a sense of we need to be Eco- warriors in order to appreciate what we have and not destroy our children's futures, which was a nice touch.
I rated this as a 5 star read and I heartily recommend this book. Thanks to NetGalley for a marvellous read.

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After the death of her mother, Denise Russo, Siobhan needs to understand what caused her to vanish six years earlier, and finds herself caught up in a nightmare centuries in the making. Traveling to the convent in Zamora where her mother lived, Siobhan is in danger from the moment she arrives, and it is with great difficulty that she is able to access her mother’s final written confession. Reading it, she learns of a terrible betrayal that led her mother to make a deal with the Devil, risking Siobhan’s soul if Denise didn’t hold up her end of the bargain. As disturbing as all that is to Siobhan, other discoveries made in later parts of her mother’s confession are absolutely horrifying… as is the unfinished task her mother begs her to complete.

The Devil’s Prayer is unlike any book I’ve ever read; this historical horror thriller has it all. The historical aspects of the book are based on actual events that occurred in the 13th century, and the locations mentioned actually exist—a bonus to any readers who are also history buffs. (Go here to see photographs and read information about the locations mentioned in the book.) Gracias’ historical research is excellent, and the masterful blending of fact and fiction makes this story even more chilling.

The novel ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, but the point it ends on felt like the perfect stopping point, in my opinion. Don’t let that dissuade you from reading this fascinating novel. It’s my understanding that a sequel is in the works, and that’s a good thing because there is plenty more story waiting to be told.

The Devil’s Prayer is an excellent read, and superbly written. I recommend this one highly… add it to your reading list!

I received an advance review copy of this book courtesy of the author and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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***This book was reviewed via Netgalley***

The Devil’s Prayer by Luke Gracias is a brilliant series of nested stories recounting two generations of one young woman’s family. The mother who disappeared for decades, only to turn up dead in Europe. The two orphans raised by their grandma when their mother vanishes. The history of the Devil's Bible. Three stories and countless lives tied together by one elusive, powerful document.

The first story follows Siobhan, elder daughter of Denise Russo. After her mother's death, she embarks on a journey to Spain, where her mother had lived in self-exile as Sister Benedictine. There, Siobhan acquires a book her mother had written about the circumstances of her life.

Into this, in a brand-new voice and tone and style, we follow her mother's confessions of terrible crimes, the tearing treachery of close betrayal, and a deal brokered for vengeance. A third layer threads through Denise's Confession, telling the history of Armaud Almaric and the creation of the Devil's Bible. Yet another tone and style make up this innermost story.

I love that Gracias utilised three different tones/styles for each of the nested stories, making them unique in themselves. Unlike many books with nested levels, or A plot and B plot, I enjoyed all three levels, looking forward to each change. Usually I have one storyline I look forward to, and the others I simply tolerate. Not here! Description flows well, often in a lazy pleasing fashion, such as the one below-

“It is the prerogative of night, when thoughts, like relentless waves, break on the impressionable sands of the mind.”

Many points in this tale gave me pause to think, most often about the truly despicable depths to which humanity can sink. Denise’s ordeal at the hands of her so-called friends made me feel physically ill. People can be so vile to one another. Many moons ago I trained to do forensics anthropology. I wasn't able to pursue that career goal as planned, yet I have many times found myself grateful for that fact. I would have burned out long ago. Denise's story brought a lot of those memories back full force.

Denise’s story takes a turn for the bizarre that briefly left me wondering if she were perhaps schizophrenic, and that it passed on to the elder daughter. It was a nice theory while it lasted, but later evidence seems to have put paid to it. There’s no overt horror. Even the Devil is a gentleman. There terror generated by the human element, and plenty of psychological suspense to keep the reader guessing. There's a subtleness to this story, with hints of Stephen King’s Needful Things, and a healthy dose of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, and The X-Files.

My biggest qualm is the ending. Two of the three story threads resolved, but Siobhan's wasn't. That thread just begs a sequel and I really want to know what happens next! Does she accept her mother's challenge, or turn her back on it? If she does pursue things, how far will the red monks go to stopping

🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻 Highly recommended if you like historical fiction, books like The Historian, Shutter Island, or books by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, or David Gibbons. Also, if you enjoyed the shows/movies The Exorcist, Premonition, or The X-Files

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A historically and spiritually intriguing work, "The Devil's Prayer" is one of the best of 2016. I can already visualize the lines of people clamoring to see this on the silver screen. This book has the potential to be another "DaVinci Code" type of hit, if only the author retains his screenwriting authority. I enjoyed the style of the novel , the way it journeyed between ancient Papal times, and then back to the present, where Denise, the nun's daughter, was on the run from those trying to keep an ancient secret buried. Denise's story itself was a fascinating tale, almost enough for its own book, but cleverly interspersed to tie in the past, and link it to a very daunting future for her daughters. Amazing historical detail among such interesting descriptions of religious archives, with buildings, monasteries, and Australian scenery painted before the reader's very eyes, drawn you into this book, so much so that you never want it to end. I highly recommend "The Devil's Prayer", as well as commend the author on a timeless piece of literature that's enjoyable and gripping from the first page to the last.

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The devil's prayer by luke Gracias is a horror read.
 nun commits suicide in front of thousands in Spain. In Australia, Siobhan Russo recognises that nun as her mother, Denise Russo, who disappeared six years ago. 

In search of answers, Siobhan travels to the isolated convent where her mother once lived. Here she discovers Denise’s final confession, a book that details a heinous betrayal that left her crippled and mute, and Denise’s subsequent deal with the Devil to take revenge. In the desperate bargain Denise made with the Prince of Darkness, she wagered Siobhan’s soul. 

As Siobhan discovers the fate of her soul, she learns that hidden within the pages of her mother’s confession is part of The Devil’s Prayer, an ancient text with the power to unleash apocalyptic horrors. 

And now her mother’s enemies know Siobhan has it. 

Can Siobhan escape an order of extremist monks determined to get the Prayer back? Can she save the world from its own destruction? 
This is a fantastic read. Very cleverly written with brilliant characters. I would love to see this as a movie. To see the church and halls ect. It would be great. Highly recommended. 5*. Thanks to netgalley for the arc.

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Luke Gracias describes his novel The Devil’s Prayer as a historical supernatural horror thriller and it delivers on all that. With undertones of Dan Brown and the De Vinci Code, it starts off running with the suicide of a young nun in Spain. Siobhan Russo recognizes her mother, Denise, as the dead nun. Her mother had unexpectedly disappeared six years before leaving her sister and Siobhan in the care of their very religious grandmother. Now Siobhan feels that in order to have closure and understand why her mother abandoned her, she must travel to the convent in Spain. She finds her mother Confession, a book discloses in specific and graphic details the life of Denise, her bargain with the Devil, and the souls that have been wagered. The end of the world is in Siobhan’s hands now and her mother’s enemies are hers.

Born in India, Luke Gracias migrated to Australia and works in the Environmental Engineering field. He used his knowledge of Global Warming and environmental disasters to add layers of information to the story. His travels in Europe and research into the 13-century conspiracy between the Papal Inquisition and the Moguls continue to add to the story’s richness. Characters like Nostradamus, Genghis Kahn and various Popes come alive in his descriptions. The lines between fact and fiction blur as the story becomes more complex and alive.
This book is both graphic, and brutal and as such might offend the reader. However, these events are crucial to the story building tension. Many might also find the religious elements in the story upsetting to their own personal beliefs.

My only criticism of the book is that many of the secrets and mysteries are left unsolved and unexplained at the sudden end of the book. I can only hope that a sequel is published soon.


This is not usually the type book I read and at times the violence in it was difficult to read but I was hooked by the storyline. Just be warned beforehand.

I received a copy of the book from NetGalley and the publisher Australian eBook Publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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What would you do if the ones you trusted turned on you? What would you do if your way of life was taken from you? What would you do if the Devil offered you a way to get back what was taken, would you sell your soul?
This book had me at the first paragraph, I really enjoyed reading it. It's a tale of betrayal, revenge, regret, and redemption. It gave me pause to think what I would do in that position if I would have the strength to carry on and fight the battle. The history sprinkled through the was well done it, I even learned some things. If I had any complaint it would be the ending. I kept getting closer to the end having less and less to read and I wanted more. I really did like the ending it just left it open and I really hope the author continues the story.

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I started reading this book late one night and really only got part way through the 1st chapter, I laid it down and didn't pick it up the rest of the week and didn't think much about it. Then Friday night I picked it up started reading it and couldn't put it down, I ready until my eyes would not stay open and then I woke up Saturday morning and did nothing else until I was finished! I love reading but it's a been awhile since a book had me so obsessed that I couldn't put it down. This book has EVERYTHING.

It starts out with a nun running from what seems to be a cult of monks, only to hang herself before they can grab her...then we find out she went missing from her family 6 years prior, this is where I was hooked. One of Denise's(the nun) daughters is given information and a chance to find out why her mother went missing, the stories within the story are amazing, Denise's Confession takes you on an emotional journey for sure. What would you do for your children? would you make a deal with the devil? There is mystery, betrayal, horror, thrills, chills and along with all that are historical facts and places written in so that you aren't always sure what's fact or fiction...this book is well researched and well written, I definitely recommend it for anyone who likes thriller, mysteries, or historical fiction, what a plus to have it all in one book. Thank you to Luke Gracias and NetGalley for giving me this book for an honest review! I can't wait for the sequel!

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A great read.
I didn't know what to expect when I started this book but it soon pulled me in.
This book had everything History,suspense,horror and supernatural tones.
It reminded me of The Da Vinci Code its a well researched book.
Read it well worth it.

Thank you to the Author Netgalley and Publisher for a chance to read this book.

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Book – The Devil's Prayer
Author – Luke Gracias
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 294

Cover – Spooky!
POV – 3rd person, and 1st person diary entries
Would I read it again – Yes!

Genre – Horror, Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Diary, Revenge, Religious, Devil


** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **


WARNINGS: Murder, violence, suicide, rape, self-flagellation



Wow! The first thing I have to say is: please bear with me because I'm a bit speechless after literally just finishing this book.

I have always been a major historical nerd. From true history, conspiracies, myths and legends, I love everything about the mesh holding history and religion together. I've studied ancient lands, secret societies and read about them numerous times in both fiction and non-fiction. Nothing packed a punch like this one.

If you're looking for a mystery, then this is the one you want. Forget Dan Brown. He can read this and eat his heart out, because THIS is the one you want to read.

Intrigue, murder, a little gore, betrayal, revenge, religion, the Devil and so much more. But, it doesn't feel over-saturated. In fact, this story folds together seemlessly, weaving the tales of Amalric, Denise, Siobhan and Zachary together into one tangled web of trickery, deceit and danger that had be hooked right from the get go.

Right from the Prologue, I was engrossed in the story. That never wavered once, as we were introduced to each character as and when it became appropriate. The writing was equal parts direct, dramatic and yet effective in portraying the immediacy, the intrigue and the path leading from one mystery to another.

And can I just say a huge “Thank you!” to the author. It's one of the rare times that I've come across a book that uses a lot of foreign text/language and actually offers translations, without expecting me to be an expert linguist.

In terms of presentation – A+. I mean, from the cleverly placed and contained font variations, used for reasons that mean we recognise what we're about to read – diary entry, note, foreign term, landmark – based on the font used. The chapter headings and the use of diary entries that are so clearly marked out for me, meant that I never once got lost in time or place. I never had to turn back and double check what year/time I was reading or who I was reading about. It was all so perfectly clear, without having to spell it out.

The attention to detail within the historical research and the respect and sympathetic approach to the more mythological and creative license aspects of the novel were incredible. As a history buff, I'm often infuriated by those who come up with implausible theories or conjectures for what “might have” or “could have” happened. Nothing in this book felt false, fabricated or even that far out of the stretch of reality. Everything was rooted in fact, science, religion and history, so much so that I quickly lost track of what was read and what wasn't. I didn't care, because it all felt real. It all felt as though every single thing in this book had really happened and I was just another version of Siobhan, reading it in a copy of someone else's Confessions.

At first, I was engrossed with the mystery of it all, then the story of Siobhan's search. It was all so captivating and had endless possibilities for what might happen next. Then she began reading the Confessions and I became completely spellbound by Denise's story, which had the biggest emotional impact on me. The idea of a <spoiler> quadraplegic committing mass murder at night <spoiler> is not only brilliant, but the perfect alibi and revenge.

When it comes to characterisation, I feel like I personally knew Denise, Siobhan and even the Devil, for a short time. I was so enthralled by this world I had been led into by the hand that I didn't want to let go. I had learned to love and feel protective over Denise, who had suffered so much in her life, but always fought against the injustices of the world to keep her daughter safe. I actually think I bonded more with Denise than anyone else in the story, sympathizing, feeling each emotion she felt, and searching for the same answers she sought. I learned to appreciate the subtle strength in Siobhan, to read this information about her own mother and doubt it, then begin to trust it and rediscover a piece of herself within the story. And the Devil – well, he was a refreshing take on the concept of the Prince of Darkness. Neither too benevolent or too horrific, he was simply a man with a means to an end, exploiting whatever opportunity came along, creating a few of his own, and finally getting what he wanted. As he always knew he would. The instincts and the affection that he showed within certain elements of the plot were surprisingly captivating.

~

Overall, this was an incredible foray into binding historical mystery with a modern day twist. While leaving me wanting more, there wasn't one thing about this story or the writing that I didn't love to pieces. There was action, adventure and a whole lot of mystery. And, what I really loved out of all of it, was the focus on the mother/daughter relationship that ebbed and flowed as Siobhan read her mother's Confessions, learning who her mother really was, what she'd done in her life and how all of it had been done to protect the daughter she loved more than life itself.

If there is a next book – and I seriously hope there is, after that ending – then I will be first in line to get my grabby hands on it. I can't wait to discover a little more about Jess, the enigma, and see what kind of adventure lies before Siobhan, now that she's learned all she needs to know to get started.

To be honest, there's probably a whole lot more I wanted to say about this, but I'm still processing, still grieving for the end and readjusting to my plain, boring life, that I don't think I would ever be able to find the words to express it.

With plenty of intrigue, murder and mayhem, love and loss within these pages, I'll be eagerly awaiting a time when I can come back, feeling like it's the first time all over again, to immerse myself in the world between the covers one more time. I don't doubt that each read will show me something new that I never noticed before.

~

Favourite Quotes

“Like most people, I prayed the hardest in my time of need. My prayers were head by the Devil.”

“I felt a part of my life was robbed from me. Forgiveness was not an option. The time had come for the blood-letting to start.”

“Strangely, with one murder and abduction, the only thing that I felt guilty about was the petrol I hadn't paid for.”

“My romantic soul had died months ago, but tonight I laid it to rest.”

“Religion is like a knife: in the hands of a surgeon, it heals, but in the hands of a murderer, it kills.”

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Thank you to NetGalley and to Australian eBook Publisher for approving me to read and review this book.

I was pretty much hooked when I read the synopsis and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. Believe me when I say, it really didn't disappoint. I am quite a fan of historical books (in case you hadn't guessed) and this has a lot of history, religious history and it does go back to the Crusades. When I say there is graphic content, there really is graphic content and definitely goes into a lot of detail.

Siobhan's mother went missing 6 years ago and suddenly commits suicide in Spain in front of 80,000 witnesses. She gets given her mothers bible and in the back is a key. Siobhan decides to go to Spain to get answers as to why her mother disappeared. She ends up reading her mothers confession of the why's, what's, how's and when's. Siobhan has a lot of questions and she is finally learning the truth about what happened.

This book for me has left me with a lot more questions and I am really hoping that there is going to be a sequel as I would love for those questions to be answered. Especially as I feel that Siobhan's journey has only just begun and so much more needs to be done.

Luke Gracias has done a fantastic job with his debut book and I can't wait to read more of his work.

I'm going to give this book a 5/5 rating, it was brilliantly wrote and the plot seriously has me hooked. I have literally just finished the book and I'm still asking questions.

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I grew up Catholic and for 13 years (K-12) I went to Catholic school. This included the uniforms (maybe why I love plaid - weird), priests, sisters, a rather creepy but beautiful convent next to the school, and of course Religion classes. We learned the history of all religions and studied the scriptures with Jesus-themed coloring books and cheerfully illustrated Children's Bibles. But I always preferred the creepier parts of the Church and the Bible. As I got older and cynical, I was much more interested in the books left out of the Bible. If this is supposedly The Word of God, who gets to decide what to leave out? And why?

Luke Gracias has taken real history and some fantasy and blended them into this fantastic and rather horrifying story. I don't want to give too much away, since this novel is better if you go into it blind. The first scene is all I'll talk about: a chase through a remote and inaccessible convent and the small Spanish town near it. It's exciting and leads us on a journey through evil - both human and supernatural.

There are elements of supernatural but they are not the focus. There's a great deal of secret Church texts and mysterious doings in centuries past and those are integrated with the present day story so well that I wanted to dig more into the writings and how they come together in what is our real world. It was not what I was expecting - but it's better than that.

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Siobhan Russo's mother disappeared six years ago. Leaving her and her younger sister Jess to be raised by their grandmother. Siobhan tried to create an explanation for why her mother left, but nothing she tried to comfort herself with was anywhere near the truth of why Denise Russo vanished.

The Devil's Prayer is Luke Gracias' debut novel. A gripping mix of horror, suspense, intrigue, a touch of the supernatural, and a female protagonist whirled into one stunning novel.

Denise Russo was having the time of her life. Newly engaged, celebrating her 28th birthday surrounded by her closest friends, and making a birthday wish that turned out to come true. Just not in the way she ever expected. But, that's what happens when the Devil overhears your wishes.

Her wish, that the night would never end turns into her worst nightmare. After a grisly "accident" that leaves her mute and a quadriplegic, Denise is again visited by the Devil, who offers her the thing she desires most. Revenge and justice. But the cost is her daughter Siobhan's soul. Six souls in six nights. Denise will recover fully, and lead a normal life with her daughter.

Only the Devil keeps intervening in Denise's plans. She is forced to leave her daughters, and run. And run she does, back to the Catholic church of her youth. Where she begins to unravel the story of the missing 12 pages of the "Devil's Codex", an ancient manuscript written by another person who sold their soul to the Devil.

Flipping back and forth between Siobhan's present and Denise's past, all written in a diary given to Siobhan at the memorial service for her mother. In the diary is the details of the last six years, and everything Denise has done to help prevent the Devil return to power is unfolded.

I can't go into great detail, because there are so very many points that are essential to the plot, and I don't want to spoil this book entirely. But it's a great read, and the wheels are turning to make it into a movie already. The book is a bit like The Name of the Rose and DaVinci Code, but a touch less conspiracy theory and more grounded in researchable, verifiable fact. The historical characters in the book are real people, the Codex Gigas is a real book, and Gracias weaves his tale so deftly that the line between historical fact and modern fiction is blurred. The prose is wicked sharp, skillfully teased into something that is much bigger than what is written on the page.

If you're a fan of Dan Brown, Stephen King, The X-Files, etc...you'll find this book enticing. Historical fiction fans, those who like fast paced action with a female protagonist will also enjoy this story. There is so much more to it that I haven't even begun to touch on with the review, it really needs to be read. And, hopefully, soon, watched. In the meantime, keep an eye on Luke Gracias' Instagram The Devil's Prayer to see pictures from the historical places described in the novel, and visuals of the movie!

I received a review copy of the book from the author in exchange for a fair review.

The Devil's Prayer
Luke Gracias
Publisher: Australian eBook Publisher (February 18, 2016)
Publication Date: February 18, 2016
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B01BXR4838

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Well, this was a startling read. Very much reminded me of Umberto Ecco's The Name of The Rose. Gracias' writing has that same filmatic quality with the powerful, but not overly detailed descriptions, especially with reference to historical persons or places.

A quite ingenious combination of historical, psychological, and horror mystery thriller, Devil's Prayer surpassed any expectation I may have had. It's just plain clever, well written and executed.

The seamless interweaving of past and present, the strong characters and natural dialogue underpin a chilling, intriguing storyline.

My thoughts as I turned the last page: if this is the quality that his first book has reached, I'm extremely interested to see what he will produce for his next. I will definitely be reading his next book.

*I was provided with an ebook copy to review. My thanks to the author and NetGalley.*

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Not since I read Rosemary's Baby Rosemary's Baby have the hairs on my body stood up reading a book in terms of sheer evil and devilry.
Like all good historical fiction The Devil's Prayer focuses on some real names and incidents in the past but when cloaked in the mysteries of the Catholic church and the trend towards End Times literature and biblical revelation the author has a real winner on his hands.
It reads well and is filled with tension from the opening dramatic mystery. A sense of menace and threat is sustained throughout the book which recounts the mission of a Mother who left her family one day and through her death leave a diary, a confession for her daughter to find and understand. In the hope that in death her first born daughter will continue the struggle against the Devil himself.
I am interested history and as a reflection on church history and biblical prophesy the author makes a thriller that is rooted in reality even when the events seem fanantical most of the time.
It spins a tale that is fiction but with enough truth in different guises to be embraced and the reader is transported to the Papal Bulls, Crusades and the Inquisition. Monks being threatened with being bricked up alive; brutality in the name of God and in a time with a dark sense of the Occult.
I liked the general mystery and threat from monks rather than spies, government agents or general assassins.
The sense of who can you trust and the fear for your life are also strong elements here. In between is a simple life of friendship and hope in the future that is destroyed by greed and jealousy.
Here the story falters at times but it is such an interesting plot that much can be forgiven.
A story where the Devil is a re-occuring character my not appeal to everyone but this isn't an attempt to undermine faith but to show that good and evil have always existed and it remains a human quality to chose their own path by the decisions they make. Satan is the author of lies so it is a great line when someone complains to the Devil for misleading them.
The book appears to leave much unresolved which points to the story continuing into at least another book. If it is as good as this debut then it should be anticipated with the same enthusiasm this novel should be received.

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"This book was read in two days, couldn't put it down"

Dan Brow's Da Vinci Code meets The Ninth gate (The Dumas Club by Perez Reverte) meets Gillian Flynn's twists meets National Treasure (the movie) (yup, all that action and mystery!)

I have to say first that this is a genre that I enjoy (mystery/horror) but the mix of styles was pleasantly overwhelming.

The book is written in a very enticing way where you can flow through the pages and not realise that you've been reading for 2 hours straight when it felt like 15 minutes. It is descriptive enough to keep your imagination and excitement going but with not much detail that will make you lose the attention.

The characters are solid, and I feel like that they are what they are supposed to be. They are not deep in the sense that you don't really know their feelings, except the character of the "Mother". And in this story, you don't really have the need to go into deep characters.

I am glad that there is nothing out there regarding the writing style or format of the story so I will not spoil that for you, it's strange at the beginning but then you really enjoy it.

The story is PACKED with action (I really can't wait for it to be a movie) in the sense that there is always something going on in the different eras that take place inside the story.

Regarding the story, I have to say that it is very interesting and hooks you. You might find it cheesy, since at some point it's no different than similar stories (regarding the devil), but there's always a twist. I loved the build-up the author made regarding this point, and the story just keeps changing/morphing into one giant WOW.

I am really happy I went with this book, and can see it as a NYT best seller in the action/mystery genre for a while. I recommend it if you're not easily scared or if you enjoy good thrillers. But beware, there are some strong themes such as Sexual violence.

If I could change anything about this book, it would be the cover. It gives you more of a feel of a "satanistic mystery" novel.

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Noooo!!! It's over!?!? I want MORE! This was definitely one of the best books I've read this year. It was fast paced, intriguing, and had great lore. The first half was like a torture porn version of Kill Bill and I loved it (and I hate torture porn and Kill Bill, ironically). It had such a satisfying sense of revenge, yet that was balanced by a touch of angst and mystery. It all worked.
Then we get hit hard with the historical fiction elements. Think a Dan Brown novel, but with better writing. Much better. The tale is unveiled in a clear, yet enticing manner. There's always a risk in tonal shifts like this that you might lose your reader, but Gracias manages to avoid this by linking these two sections by a continuing the sense of mystery. My only slight complaint about the book does come in this segment, though. I think that some of the history is repeated a bit too much. For example, we learn the history of the Devil's Bible like three times, once in prologue and later in this historical segment. It felt unnecessary. Honestly, I think it would have been better to drop the prologue altogether. We relearn all that information in the last 100 pages or so and I just kept thinking "I've already read this". But honestly, that's such a small issue. Obviously I think it's small, or else I wouldn't have given this 5 stars, something I VERY rarely do.
I'm very much looking forward to the sequel of this and highly recommend it to anyone to finds the synopsis interesting. But, do heed the trigger warnings. If you have problems with violence, skip it. But if you can accept that these aren't real people and it's just a work of fiction (Seriously, I hate this stuff in movies, but this is just text on a page. If I can do it, you can do it.), give it a try.

**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

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Really shocked me- not sure what I was expecting, but I read this every night until I was done. A cross between a search for the 'truth', a mystery, some paranormal stuff that I didn't expect.
Really well written, the prose moved quickly and engaged me. I generally skip over violence and did so here, there are some instances of it that it was hard to expect from the narrator.

Her story comes in the form of a diary, and I must say, what a writer- amazing recall and detail for episodes so far in the past. Very captivating and almost Shakespearean in the level of tragedy. Maybe a little Rosemary' Baby as well.

There are some questions about how the guys in red always managed to be right there, and never seemed to need a wallet, ID, money, tickets for travel and all the other realities of modern life, but they were really great bad guys and I think I just figured out who streamlined their travel.
Fun in an unexpected way.

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I could not put this book down. What a roller coaster of a horror story.

We start off the book with a monk, Herman the Recluse, in the thirteenth century. He has been condemned to death by being walled up alive. As a way to escape this horrific fate, Herman says that he will write a book “filled with human knowledge that would glorify the monastery forever”. The monks agree, thinking this could never be done, and allow Herman to try. By the end of the night, with a little prayer to the Devil, it had been completed and would be known as the Devils Bible.
After seventy years of the Devils Bible being hidden away in a trunk with a key, it was finally opened, to discover that 12 pages in the back were missing, the “the Devils Prayer”.

After a nun commits suicide, Siobhan discovers that it was her mother who, six years ago had suddenly disappeared, with no goodbyes. With only a note left to her by her mother saying “Come to Zamora. Tell nobody”, Siobhan sets out to uncover the truth about her mother; why she had disappeared and from what.

This is a story about betrayal, revenge which had led to rage, guilt, and then heartbreak. There are some great horror scenes, and gore throughout as well.

Warning-some trigger words and actions throughout: rape, sex, drug abuse, torture, suicide, and murder.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest opinion. My thanks to Luke Gracias and Australian eBook Publisher for the opportunity.

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Soihban's mother disappeared six years ago without a trace. Now she gets news that her mother has been living at a convent in Spain and has committed suicide. So against her grandmother's wishes she travels to Spain to try to understand what happened. This story is more about her mother's journey and her day's coming to terms with her mother's pact with the devil. This was a very engrossing story and I am hoping the author continues the journey of Soihban.

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Compelling. Bound to evoke deep thoughts about the subject of “The Devil”. Believe or do not believe but read this book. A well-crafted tale offering some factual accounts from history which by no means offer proof of there being such an entity as the devil, however the details offer provocative thoughts of the subject. Anyone who follows the news will associate some of the offerings from this book of recent events such as fires, unprecedented weather events and even certain religious related findings and perhaps the prominence of never ending wars in the name of religion which have been raging for many centuries. Mentions of Hilda of Bingen who few have heard of and Nostradamus, a more recognizable name. But the historical facts are easily checked and verifiable. This author has done a superb job of reintroducing a religious figure whose title seems to be less bandied about these days. Check the website offered by the author at the books end. A fine work worth the investment of the time to read, with an engaging plot and likely to remain in the reader’s thoughts long past the finish.

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A gripping thriller that sucks you in and keeps you turning pages. I love the characters and plot twist. The story was very well written and intriguing. It all began with an unfathomable and heinous act that tears 6 friends apart. When Denise suddenly leaves behind everything she ever loved and embarked on an unusual journey ,she didn't know if she would ever see her family again. Six years later Siobahn and her sister Jess, received the news that their mother had committed suicide and so begins Siobahn's journey to uncover the dark secrets her mother hid.

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Interesting book which held my attention very well. I think the story has not been finished and lends itself to a follow up book in the future.

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This was one of the best horror novels I've read in recent memory.. Mr Gracias kept me glued to each page & I couldn't put it down for anything! He literally made it feel like I was right there, watching the horrors unfold! I'm definitely looking forward to reading more work from this delightful author!
Absolutely amazing!

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Gripping and all-consuming, this book could easily be the next blockbuster movie. I found myself totally absorbed in the mix of the suspenseful present day story line and the well researched history. I read this book in 24 hours, it was that good. A blend of The Da Vinci Code and The Omen, it left me wanting to know more... more about what happens next, and more about the amazing history detailed in this book.

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This was a remarkably well written and well researched novel. Although it is fiction, there is a feeling of reality about it that grabs the reader from the onset. If you go into it with no preconceived notions you will be captivated and stay with it to the end...and wonder if there will be a follow up. Thanks to Net Galley and Australian e-book Publishers for an ARC for an honest review.

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I was very surprised by this book. A fun, thrilled ride with a lot of twists and turns. Honestly, better than most of Dan Brown's recent books.

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Review: THE DEVIL'S PRAYER by Luke Gracias

A convoluted and complex mystery-suspense-thriller, THE DEVIL'S PRAYER will keep readers on tenterhooks wondering "what next?" With supernatural, religious, and historical threads interwoven, this thriller will appeal to a widely diverse audience. The author's affinity for delineating both visual scenery as well as heartfelt emotions, and ability to effect reader's suspension of disbelief, combine into an exciting thriller with serious overtones.

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Filled with fiction interspersed with non-fiction, this novel takes you through a wild ride. Seeing a nun hang in Spain and realizing it is her long lost mother. There is nothing left to do but find out where she has been and what has transpired since leaving her family without a word.
Thus starts a story that is filled with dark mystery, and both good and bad forces that push it forward.
An interesting read that once started is hard to put down. Plenty of twists and turns and edge of your seat adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.
5 Stars

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The Devil’s Prayer by Luke Gracias is a very exciting and chilling read! I made the mistake of thinking I would read a LITTLE of it before going to bed then could not STOP! I finished in the early morning hours, I HAD to finish the book! It pulled me in from the beginning and would not let me go. A nun is chased by red robed priest that are trying to kill her for sneaking a peek at a book that is locked away in a secluded room. She ends up killing herself in public before they can get to her. She wasn't always a nun. She ran away six year prior and told no one she was leaving or why. She left two kids and her mother. Why, well this is what the book is about, oh boy, it is soooo devilishly good! It is full of mysteries, revenge, gruesome violence, (most of the violence the reader really cheers for-Yes, yes you will!), paranormal activity, suspense, intrigue, creepy happenings, and so many other things I can't mention because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. This is a book for the paranormal, horror fan out there that needs a good book to read. This is a book for someone that needs a change of pace. Wonderful plot and lay out. Full of surprises!!! Wow. I would give this more than 5 stars if possible. The characters are so unique and .... creepy, interesting, different, and yet real, all of course except the paranormal ones ... and they seem to linger in the readers mind. I will be watching for book 2, he HAS to write book 2!!! Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this amazing, chilling, horrifying book that kept me up all night! I loved it!

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Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was at first a little anxious to start. The synopsis sounded fascinating, but, Siobhan recognizing her mother, a nun, that committed suicide? Deals with the devil? An explicit content warning? That small bit of doubt soon flew out the window as I started and didn't want to put the book down! This book was definitely a roller coaster, but so worth it. I hope this story continues; I want more

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This is a genre I am very familiar with. I can't tell you how many books I have read this year about the Illuminate, the other secret societies and the Catholic Church. While some have been quite good, this book is beyond that. It is exceptionally well written, blending fact with fiction and with enough twists and turns to make it whiplash worthy!

When a nun commits suicide in front of thousands of people, Siobhan Russo recognizes the woman as her mother, who disappeared six years ago. At a memorial service for her mother, Siobhan is approached by an elderly priest. Father Jakub has something for Siobhan, her mother's Bible. And then he is gone. As Siobhan begins to read, she finds the book is more of a confession, written for her and also a request to finish what her mother started.

As we bounce back and forth between centuries, we along with Siobhan hear fantastical stories of the Devil and of God. You can't have one without the other. Did her mother kill herself? What happened in the past that drove her to make a deal with the Devil for Siobhan's own soul?

This is a brutally raw and ugly look at history and what people have done in the name of religion and what continues to go on. How far would you go to exact revenge for unspeakable acts done to you or your loved ones? For Denise,she made a pact with the Devil. Wagering her own daughter's soul. And with the Devil is anything really as it seems? What will this deal cost her in the end?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and actually spent 8 straight hours reading it and then looking up all of the historical places and people and events mentioned in it. Fascinating look at history and religion through the ages.

Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this. I'll be keeping it.

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The Devil's Prayer is a fast-paced, intriguing suspense and a powerful, raw, chilling read. There is much brutality, and those who tend to be sensitive to that should avoid this book. The brutality however was not gratuitous (there simply for shock value), but necessary, even integral to the story. When Siobhan recognizes the face of a nun who committed suicide in front of thousands in Spain as that of her mother who disappeared six years ago, she is compelled to learn her mother's story. As she discovers the truth of what happened to her mother, she realizes that she too is in danger, and things are not as they seem. The book tells of the never-ending war between good and evil (from the 1200's until today), and beautifully weaves historical fact with fiction and suspense. For those who believe in greater powers, we are reminded that souls are constantly being sought by both sides, and it is all too easy to be seduced by the evil one.

I was immediately drawn into the story and literally could not put it down until I finished it. How often does that happen? Not very often for me - WOW!!! I can easily see this being made into a movie. I highly recommend it!

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book to read and review.

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If you are someone who loved The Da Vinci Code, this would be right up your alley... and this is so much darker ... so get ready to be taken on a ride like no other!

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I greatly enjoyed reading this. I was immediately pulled in, and before I knew it I was halfway through the book and the sun had set hours ago. Well paced, emotional, and filled with mystery and adventure, 'The Devil's Prayer' is an excellent book and a must read!

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Usually don’t read stories like these, but it was definitely an interesting read. It kind of pulls you in from the first page and you want to find out more. It was a fast pace and an intriguing read that was well written. So if you get a chance check it out you may be surprised at how really good it really is.

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Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Very well researched, depth of characters, and an entertaining story.

A little bit of the Monkey's paw in it but still very unique.
I spooked myself several times and have found myself thinking about the book even when I'm not reading it. What a great story. I can't wait for the sequel.

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The author did a great job of mixing historical facts with fiction.
I couldn't get this one out of my head throughout the day.
Definitely pick this one up!
See my full review on Amazon.com

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5 Stars

What a spectacular book!!

I wasn’t sure when I picked this book out. But I was most pleasantly surprised.

A woman learns of the death of her mother – a suicide – in Spain. That she happens to be a nun from whom she and her sister haven’t heard from in years adds to the mystery. She flies from Brisbane to Spain to visit her mother’s grave. There she learns that there is more to the story. At much risk to herself, she manages to recover her mother’s diary titled “A Confession.” Whilst running from the bad guys, she reads the diary.

What follows is a heartbreaking and tense story of the mother’s missing years, as well as what came before. The diary takes us before the youngest sister was born and through her (the mother’s), last days. It is an astonishing read.

A woman is raped, beaten and left for dead. She turns out to be a quadriplegic, unable to even speak. But the devil makes her an offer she can’t refuse.

This starts out a chain of events that is impossible to avoid. Her daughter, now an adult herself must follow the path set out by fate and circumstance.

This is a remarkable book. My only criticism is that we are left hanging at the end. I can only hope that there is a sequel. Please!!!

A very big thanks to Netgalley and Australian eBookPublisher for granting my wish to read this book.

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Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. I expected this book to be good but wow I was not expecting this. An absolutely brilliant book. The storyline was fantastic the characters gelled together. Some scenes where a bit harsh but they needed to be believable I suppose. I would definitely like to see this on the big screen. It's one of those books that you will always remember. I would love to see it continue just to see what Siobhain does about Jess. It is without.a doubt the best book I have read this year, and I will recommend it to anyone who will listen to me.

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Spine chilling and disturbing, this is a book that can not be put down.
It has a complex plot and it is very fast paced. Although there is some gore and explicit situations, this is a book that I would recommend.

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The Devil’s prayer is a story that will reel you in and possibly leave you with nightmares, and sleeping with the light on far into the future.

If you are a lover of dark mysteries with a religious undertone, conspiracies and secrets, and tales that tip into the supernatural, then this will most definitely sate your appetite. But also be aware that there are some disturbing scenes regarding rape and murder that may offend the soft at heart.

The author definitely displayed an intriguing versatility; writing what were essentially two stories in one, which converged into a mind blowing and spectacular climax. You need to be careful when making deals with the Devil, as ultimately, he will expect to collect.

Overall, The Devil’s Prayer is a powerful mix of history and modern day events that hold the world’s survival in its grasp. When the Prince of Darkness is involved, there’s certain to be deceit, mayhem, danger and death around the corner.

My one criticism is the cover. This book has so much to offer, but the cover doesn’t do it justice or make a reader want to pick it up and read the blurb. Other than that, a highly recommended read that is sure to entertain.

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The Devil’s Prayer by Luke Gracias
Sometimes you pick up a book and don’t know why. It’s not what you’d normally choose, it’s premise is a little different than you find interesting to stick with. Sometimes you just turn to page one and find you don’t want to stop till you finish. And then you might try to think how you would recommend it, what with the title and all.
I chose this book as an advance copy for my opinion. I don’t know why but I did and after finishing it last week I find I’m still thinking about it. Please don’t let the title slow you down.
The book starts with a chase. Cardinals chasing a nun who ends up committing suicide in front of thousands of people. And that’s just the beginning. On the other side of the world Siobhan Russo realizes this nun is her mother who has been missing for six years. Siobhan travels to Spain in the hopes of discovering something about her mother’s life since she left.
There is a journal. Siobhan finds it and begins reading about her mother’s life, the betrayal of her friends, her torture and the months spent paralyzed. During those months Denise Russo makes a deal with the devil and in that deal she wagers the soul of Siobhan.
We spend time trying to understand how Good lives alongside Evil. How there can’t be one without the other. We spend time in the 13th Century, in ancient monasteries and among historical figures of the time who inflicted incredible evil on the world.
I know this sounds like “hmmm…” but this book is a rousing page turner, written with an ease of style that will put you there with Denise. And it will leave you thinking long after you regretfully turn the last page.

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I was enthralled by this book from the very first page and I was upset when I finished it, that's not something that happens very often, given the amount I read.
The story is fast paced, gripping and very well researched but it also drags you in on an emotional level, you feel for the main character and what happens to her.
This was a thoroughly good read and I can't recommend it highly enough.
The only problem I have is wondering if or when there will be a second book, but one thing is for certain, if there is I'll be first in the queue to buy it.

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Gripping and enthralling book, sort of like the Da Vinci code. But this book can definitely hold it's own against the Da Vinci Code. Extremely well written and filled with history and knowledgeable details, it was hard to put this book down. I can definitely see this book as a movie. Damn good reading!!

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Siobhan’s mother disappeared without a trace six years ago. She knew nothing about her whereabouts, until a mysterious priest visits her, bringing news of her mother and her mother’s Bible. He told Siobhan that her mother hung herself in a bell tower during the Semana Santa procession in Zamora. The priest also tells her that her mother was a Catholic nun in Spain. Siobhan finds that her mother’s Bible contains a key and a note telling her to go to Zamora, the place where she died.

Siobhan goes to the isolated convent in search of answers. What she finds is quite a story. By following a mysterious and hidden passage in the convent, she finds her mother’s journal written to her. From it, she learns how her mom became a quadriplegic, how she recovered from the irreparable injury, and how and why she became a nun. Between reading the journal, Siobhan finds she, herself, is constantly running from danger.

This book has it all. Part Rosemary’s Baby, part DaVinci Code, this book mentions the Nag Hammadi Scrolls, the Codex Gigas and many other texts. The plot is a whirlwind carried out with realistic characters who visit some incredible real sights like the Sedlec Ossuary and Zamora during the mysterious Semana Santa. The action never stops! This is an exciting read. It would certainly make a great movie!

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

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I went into The Devil’s Prayer with few ideas about what the story was actually about, beyond the synopsis provided. I think that’s the best way to begin with the book, because one of the strengths of this book is the suspense that begins on the first page and doesn’t let up the whole way through. I began to expect the unexpected and go along for the ride, and I’m so glad I did.

It did remind me of The Davinci Code in regards to general themes, although it is very different. Parts of the story are told through traditional narrative, but the majority of the story is told via a journal left by Denise Russo to her daughter, Siobhan, who takes possession of the journal after Denise publicly commits suicide. As such, we don’t learns as much about Siobhan as a character as I might have liked at this stage, except what we learn from Denise’s journal, although we do go on the journey with Siobhan as she uncovers things about her mother that she never knew.

This book is a thriller, through-and-through. There are terrible things that occur to the characters throughout - many times, I found myself wondering whether things could possibly get worse, and they did - but it does help to set the tone for everything that follows and it was quite confronting to read.

Luke Gracias has obviously done a lot of research into events and locations for his story. It is well written, fast-paced and engrossing. While the ending did seem a bit abrupt, with plenty of unanswered questions, there’s room for a follow-up book. Even if there isn’t, where the story ended is enough for the reader to fill in their own blanks, too, which is not always a bad thing.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed The Devil’s Prayer. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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Although very different, this definitely reminded me of the "Da Vinci Code" combining mystery, thriller, history and religion.

From the theft of a lottery ticket, this swiftly moves to include remote monasteries, lost ancient texts, the Devil, Ghengis Khan, some brutal murders and a family secret. Despite this vast range, it still manages to feel personal! I enjoyed the way there were effectively two narrators - the life of the daughter plus the notes from her mother. Great plot, great characters.

Nothing happened as I expected it, and as for the end.....

I am not surprised there is a movie coming.

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This novel has everything modern pulp fiction needs: a little truth, a little lie paired with sex and violence. Luke Gracias could very well write for brands like John Sinclair or Professor Zamorra (famous German pulp series).

The Devil's Prayer is a work of art that you can read well on a rainy Sunday to pass the time and just have a "fun ride". You do not want lobster and champagne every day, sometimes it has to be a burger and a cola.

And if next year a sequel should come out then I would look forward to it to see how this will continue.

Full review on GoodReads.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.

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Described as a historical, horror, thriller this book is exciting, intriguing, fascinating with shades of Da Vinci Code (if you liked that you will like this). A nun being hounded by some monks in red robes takes her own life in dramatic fashion in Spain during Holy Week celebrations. The nun originally hails from Australia – herein the first mystery.

The nun’s daughter (Siobhan) residing in Australia makes the journey to Spain and becomes embroiled in the mystery.

I loved the way the mystery unfolded with letters written from the nun to her daughter and Siobhan’s efforts to try and fathom what the Confession and the Devil’s Prayer meant. You will learn of her mother’s involvement with the devil.

This is clever, powerful stuff, and with the promise of more to come. I would love to see this as a film.

I reviewed this book as an ARC via NetGalley on my kindle.

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Meticulously researched . Completely absorbing, I could not put it down.

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This book is perfect for fans of Dan Brown and Ben Hopkins. The characters are complex. The story is intriguing, full of suspense and mystery! There are some dark scenes, but they are so important to the plot and the understanding of character motive. The details show just how much thought and research the author put into the story and absolutely draw the reader in. After that ending, I hope there is a sequel coming. I highly recommend this story, I could not put it down.

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The story in this book is fascinating and I do believe it. I don't think the amount of history it records was necessary. I would recommend this book.

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Very good book. Well written and wonderfully paced. Intriguing from start to finish! I have this on my 2017 list for one of my book groups ( the second group is too fluffy).
Highly recommended for readers of dark, intelligent mysteries. Great read!

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What a fascinating book. Throughout the book I kept wondering how much of the history is based on fact and how much on fiction, and although I am still not entirely certain, it was confirmed that many historical references had factual relations.

Personally I loved this book. The plot was brilliant and the way its many layers were unravelled during the book was very entertaining. I must admit at times I felt parts of the story were relayed a little too factually 'she did this, and then she did that, which resulted in this.....' but I can't fault the author on this. Any other approach would have ended up in a 1300 page book that would have lost its draw.

Again some of the historical revelations are both intriguing and have relevance on where we are as a human race. The prophecies depicted in the sketches (Hieroglyphs of Herrod, I think it was called) were thought provoking and a little depressing when you realise that the outcome is surely inevitable, it's just the timeline that we have some control over.

The war (and dependence / co-existence) between good and evil is a clear thread through the book and often you are faced with not knowing who is playing who. In fact this is the unanswered question in the end, who is manipulating who. Spoiler alert, but I need to put this out there…….. If Jess contributed funds for Siobhan’s trip, then surely everything that happened prior to Siobhan returning was what Jess wanted, otherwise why would the spawn have paid for the trip. Ah man, what a way to end the book, so so may questions left unanswered, but yet you aren’t upset or left feeling badly done by.

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This Historical Thriller is a magnificent rendition of the Phropecy of the Apocalypse. The Conspiracy Theory is terrifying. Ah! Revenge! Sweet revenge but the consequences can sometimes outweigh the "sweetness" by far.

The main characters are Denise and Siobhan. The story takes place between 1994 and 2014.

Siobhan is a Journalist, living with her grandmother and her younger sister Jess. Her mother, Denise disappeared six years ago. It's Easter week in 2014 when Siobhan witnesses the terrible tragedy of her mother's suicide. She is then approached by a stranger with her mother's last wish. Hence, she embarks on a journey where she retraces her mother's steps in the form of her Confession.

The confession is dated from 1994 when Denise was a newsreader. She still lived with her mother who helped with the care of Siobhan. There was a strange and terrible incident which was then followed by some lucky breaks. She was engaged to Matt and things couldn't be better! Matt and her close friends organised a party for her 28th birthday in 1995 and she was bursting with happiness. She had another unexpected lucky break and this was where everything changed.

She had an accident which resulted in the most heartbreaking outcome. At the same time, she discovered that her friends were not who they appeared to be but she was helpless and unable to take any steps! She received an unexpected visit one night and was tempted into making a bargain. In desperation, she sealed the bargain and her fate with it. The sequence of events was bloody and brutal. She got what she wanted but one false move could cost her the life of the one who meant the most to her. It was too late when she discovered that she had been tricked but there was no going back.

Denise tried to put all this behind her to give Siobhan and Jess, her new born, a good life. Eleven years later, her life was turned upside down, yet again. Only, this time she was on her own when facing the difficult and dangerous situations leading up to that fateful day in 2014.

Whilst Siobhan is reliving her mother's past through this confession, she finds that she too is in danger and ends up having to run from the same mysterious sect of monks. She learns about the prophecy and the role that she has to play. Has she been tricked too?

Although this is a historical fiction, it recounts some of the natural and political disasters which have actually taken place. The historical aspects are very well documented and the characters are very well portrayed. It's full of violence, suspense and immoral behaviour but nevertheless a compulsive read. It's a good reflection on what drives the human behaviour.

I like the way the story flows flawlessly from one generation to the next. The analogy between physical quadriplegia and the way the earth progressively degenerates towards a form of quadriplegia is impressive. Human greed is the downfall! Be careful of what you ask for, especially from the Devil! The only negative from my point of view is that there are too many dates towards the end, otherwise a fabulous read. One of the best historical thriller that I have read this year.

I received a complimentary eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

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