A review by karlakayjenniges
The Black Testament by Michael Penning

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

“In the dark, the shadows crawl. The night’s embrace consumes us all. The weeping trees, they call my name, and in my dreams, I play his game…” “Voices call from below; ancient power, the seeds I sow. The moon weeps blood, the stars turn black; the Devil’s hand guides my track…”

In a long-forgotten village, where there is an enshrouding darkness, where shadows linger, there is an ancient evil waiting for its release from the deepest depths beyond the veil of life. 

A family living in seclusion to protect their lives from persecution. 

A ghost hunter who is called from beyond the veil must travel to the abandoned village because there is something there that she needs to uncover. Something with a power so dark and evil and unholy it has claimed the lives of the innocent through centuries of time. 

The Black Testament: a grimoire, gifted by the devil himself to an infamous witch.

As all their lives entwine, they must battle the evil that surrounds them. It whispers malicious intentions to follow the darkness that lies deep within, causing them to do unthinkable harm against each other, weakening the bonds that 
have served as their protection.

The atmospheric writing pulls us into a dark and foreboding tangled web of secrets and lies. The secluded home of the family lying at the precipice of a dark haunting forest filled with deathly whispers is claustrophobic, bleak, and gravely disturbing. The characters are intricately woven into insidious despair as they fight for survival.  It's a layered tale of mystery and buried motives. 

I enjoyed this so immensely, it was exciting, captivating, and the dreadfulness seeps into the bones. I am completely intrigued to read the other books in this series as I know there is so much more to learn and be enchanted by within the Book of Shadows. 


Excellent, compelling, and a definite top 10 contender in my reading journey!