Synopsis:
It is March 1938 and Nazi Germany has plans for war. But it doesn’t have to happen. Can one exorcism change history?
When Werner Stengel entered the Nazi fold, he was a young Catholic priest. World War I had ended in defeat. He was desperate and loyalty to his country pushed his faith aside. It seemed Adolf Hitler had the answers Germany needed. But as Stengel watched Hitler’s rise, his skepticism grew. Was something more than evil at play? Something demonic?
Now, as Minister of the Interior, and with Germany’s plans for an even greater war in motion, he’s reached a critical point. Stengel’s small, loyal team of conspirators has just kidnapped the Nazi leader. They suspect Hitler is demonically possessed, but what they find is darker and more horrifying than they could have imagined.
The Rite of Exorcism may reveal the truth…if they survive. Can their plan actually prevent a second world war? You’ll love this chilling supernatural thriller because the clever melding of horror, historical events, and unholy possibility by Connor Gunnin will keep you hooked until the end. Get it now.
Favorite Lines:
“The weariness and humility sewn into her face made her beauty feel earned.”
“We exorcised a demon but unleashed a monster.”
“Because to him, faith was not about evidence. He taught her that if
people all had proof, there would be no test, no purpose, and ultimately, no redemption.”
My Opinion:
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
I must admit that when Gunnin contacted me about this book, I read the title and thought to myself that there was no way this wasn’t going to be satire despite Gunnin reassuring me it was a serous tone – I was quite wrong.
This story explores a creative blend of history and horror, presenting readers with a creepy what-if scenario that I found to be both disturbing and addictive. Without giving any spoilers away, this book is as the title suggests – it presents the possibility that perhaps Hitler was not “human evil” but rather, was demonically possessed.
Gunnin did a great job at both world and character building. I also thought the mix of history with horror was really unique and only added to the world building. I could definitely see reading this around Halloween with the lights dimmed in order to be thoroughly creeped out and I could also most definitely see this being on the big screen someday.
Summary:
Overall, if you are a fan of horror, historical fiction, and thrillers especially of the supernatural variety then this book could be for you. Happy reading!
Likely Story 