by Lis Wiehl
Series: East Salem Trilogy
Genres: Paranormal
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
The evil that's in East Salem is no longer content to hide in the shadows. The stakes and the darkness-are rising. Dani Harris thought there wasn't much left that could surprise her after serving as a forensic psychiatrist in East Salem. And Tommy Gunderson has faced few challenges in his life that he couldn't overcome by either physical strength or his celebrity status. But as they race to uncover what's really happening behind the high walls of St. Adrian's Academy, it becomes clear that supernatural forces have been at work here for generations. And now their focus is on making sure Dani and Tommy don't interfere. When the unseen becomes seen, faith is the only weapon strong enough to fight in a battle involving not only murder and betrayal-but angels and demons.
I have always liked books and movies that depict the battle between good and evil. Especially books that feature demons, angels, and secret societies. Darkness Rising is the second book in the East Salem trilogy and it had me on edge the entire time. Evil is coming and its starting in East Salem Massachusetts. This tale left me breathless and afraid. I cannot wait for the final installment.
This tale picks up right after book one ended. Forensic psychiatrist Dana Harris and football legend, turned private eye Tommy Gunderson are investigating the mysterious death of a young girl and the boy who killed her. An angel named Charlie appears as a biker dude to guide them. Officially the case is closed. When a one-hundred-year-old woman is killed in a closed room it quickly becomes clear that something supernatural is in Salem. Dana and Tommy are convinced that the St. Adrian’s Academy might be behind it. The closer they get the more danger they find themselves in. It will take bringing in others to uncover the evil plot and save themselves from demons.
I really like the characters Wiehl has created in Tommy and Dana. Tommy is strong in his faith, confident and knows he has been blessed. He has an uncanny ability to see patterns in things, and a determination to see things through. He is solid, honest and someone I’d like to call a friend. Dana is a scientist at heart, and her faith sometimes takes a backseat to her need for answers. While she is confident in her abilities, she often feels like a teen when it comes to relationships and trust. Carl is suffering as the anniversary of daughter died approaches. Ruth, Tommy’s Aunt is delightful and a Librarian so of course I adored her. Other key players are introduced rounding out the members who will unite to fight evil. Of course, the evil villains in this tale were mysterious, creepy and gave me goosebumps. Be on the lookout for a windgo.
Darkness Rising oozes creepiness and kept me reading late into the evening. It is a tale of good versus evil and Wiehl gives us an awesome back history of this battle with secret societies that had me drooling. While the tale is laced in faith, and the message clear you cannot help but be caught up in the plot. I have always loved tales of possession, the television show Supernatural, the Omen and the Exorcist. Give me an evil society working for Satan, an unknowing oblivious world and a group destined to save them and I am completely enthralled. This had so many dangerous action scenes, dark twists, and legends; I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The authors weaved a tale that was suspenseful. They wove history, Indian and religious history into the tale blurring the lines of reality. I won’t tell you what, but at the end of the tale I was afraid of something and every time I do it…I think of this story and shiver..eeep! I cannot wait for the final book.
I recommend Darkness Rising and the East Salem trilogy to fans of paranormal suspense and mystery. Fans of secret societies and myths will gobble this one up. I look forward to the final installment.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Midnyte Reader
I haven’t heard of this author before. I have to check out the first one.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks I am enjoying it and good luck maybe you will win book one 🙂
sherry fundin
Your review was very intriguing. Makes me want to read the books. Thanks for the giveaway.
kimbacaffeinate
You are welcome Sherry, book two was intense and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
kimbacaffeinate
This is a good one thanks Darlene!
earthdancedaph
Fighting the Supernatural now this is right up my dark alley:)
kimbacaffeinate
Right! Love it 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, the Doctor made me fear angels too!
Blodeuedd
The weeping angels *shudders* Yup these days covers like that freak me out, lol
kimbacaffeinate
just keep the lights on!
Kristin Clifton
I completely eat these types of books up – I personally think they are scarier than horror, as in blood and guts. Can you say nightmares?!?! LOVE!! Thanks for the giveaway, too!!!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, that is because they blur the lines of reality..eep! Good Luck!
kimbacaffeinate
Awesome Erin and good luck, maybe you will win book one!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks maybe you will win the first one..LOL
A Belle's Tales
This sounds great! Fabulous review!! Thanks so much for the giveaway 😀
Liz
This definitely sounds like a good series to start for October 🙂 I love a whole good vs evil thing too. And I definitely need to get started on this to find out what is giving you the shivers LOL
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha..
Carmel
This book oozed creepiness, eh? Sounds like a good Halloween read. I might have to check it out. Thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Carmel, good luck!
Heidi
Wow I am surprised to hear that this oozes creepiness, I admit I often steer clear of Christian fiction, but this sounds too good to pass up!
kimbacaffeinate
This one while it speaks to a higher power really has those
Omen, Exorcist, Supernatural woo-woo elements that I love.
Giselle Cormier
I’m not always a fan of good vs evil books mostly bc angel books have had a lot of meh from my experience. BUt I do like how creepy this one sounds.
kimbacaffeinate
This only has one angel and he rides a motorcycle..LOL This is more demons ..think Omen, Supernatural, those creepy tales told around fire camping as a kid..kind of vibe.
Christy (Love of Books)
I NEED TO READ THIS SERIES! Give me creepy. heh. A forensic psychologist? Perfect.
(I had Mt. Dew – lol)
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha..i will never again drink a glowing beverage..
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
I wasn’t in love with the first in the series…but after reading your review I might give book 2 a shot.
kimbacaffeinate
this is faster paced and a whole lot darker.
Quixotic Magpie
This book sounds so good! And perfect for the season!
kimbacaffeinate
It is perfect for the witching season!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks good luck!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Danielle, I loved this one 🙂
Diane Estrella
I read the first book and it was great. :O)
kimbacaffeinate
You are going to love this then as it is darker and faster paced!
Darlene's Book Nook
I’m going to have to get the first one in this series. I love good vs evil type of tales. Nice review, and thanks for the giveaway!
Erin F
Oooohhhh… how did I miss this series!?! And with that fabulous cover! I love reading scary books. I pick books over movies any day. Thanks for the great review! I’m running over to amazon right now to add them to my wishlist 🙂