Reviews

Prey Without Ceasing by Andrew Franks

felifirefly's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

A great book! Loved the writing, themes, story, characters. It was really fast paced and hooked me from the very beginning.
This is a short sweet book about a boy living his teenage years in very religious circumstances. This might be triggering (or even offensive) for some people so I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone but if you’re into these kinds of stories + a ‘lil bit of horror (it’s not a horror book per se but it certainly deals with some topics/themes from the genre) this one is definitely worth it! Give it a go. Also, the audiobook is done pretty well!

stitching_ghost's review

Go to review page

4.0

I've typed like 5 different reviews for this book and each time I ended up deleting everything I wrote because it wasn't quite right, so what you'll get is probably the worst version imaginable.

It's religious horror that isn't anti-faith but also not pro-church. It's a quick read with a fairly compelling character dealing with some really dark stuff. The religious imagery was pretty good and it got really, really, uncomfortable at some points.

Content warning for a secondary character using racist language.

anxiouslyreading33's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I loved this book creepy and just a great story

deblyn's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This is a short little creepy gem. The use of possible damnation as a discipline tool is frightening in and of itself, add a curse and demons and it’s a scary mix! I would’ve loved more!

bookish_gamer_girl's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

What a great read! You can't go wrong mixing religion and horror; the imagery itself is enough to keep you up at night. Add to that a nicely developed protagonist and a struggle for a soul, and you've got yourself a hell of a ride! I only rated this 4 out of 5 stars because I found myself wishing we could've delved more a bit into the relationship between Dalton and his father, and I did wonder why it was James' soul that hung in the balance, rather than Dalton's own. Actually, maybe it was both their souls, in retrospect. Read it and let me know what you think! All in all, a super enjoyable read, and I can't wait to see more from Andrew in the future!

sharron_joy_reads's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Dalton is the son of the pastor and along with his brother James us drowning in feelings of guilt and the need for redemption. When his little brother is kidnapped by an evil witch he enters his father’s haunted church to do battle with the forces of evil. 

A fantastic horror novella of one boy’s journey to find his faith in the midst of religious abuse and the hammer of religious damnation to force obedience. The battle in the church is good versus evil but this is also played out in the “good” Christian’s in his real life. This is ultimately is a story of hope. 

shelfcontrolreviews's review

Go to review page

4.0

This book was a highly anticipated read for me. I had been looking forward to it for a long time!

Prey Without Ceasing by Andrew Franks is touted as a Bible Belt horror. The first of its kind as far as I know. However, definitely the most relatable - even if there are others out there! I would give this a 3.5/5⭐️ overall. I cannot wait to read book two — which I already own. Hahaha. This book did a brilliant job of capturing what it’s like to be a teen in southern church culture plus all the pitfalls & confusion that comes along with it. Might help that, for once, an author knows what they’re talking about on this subject.

Dalton is a preacher’s son. He’s not the stereotypical “rebel without a care” type we’re used to seeing in books. Instead, he tries to follow every rule to the T. Every family - especially Pastor Gary Folmer’s - has secrets. Dalton’s little brother, James, has been kidnapped by a truly evil witch. What would you do? You’d go through hell & high water, right? That’s exactly what Dalton does to a gripping extent!

Gary Folmer is a scary man. He has fire and brimstone flowing out of him…at church & at home. This family is about to understand the true meaning of sinister.

horror_haus_books's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark fast-paced

3.0

This was a fast paced religious horror novella full of metaphors as well as a closer look at the toxicity of Christian teachings in America that no one wants to talk about. 

While this isn’t typically a genre I would reach for on my own I thought the story was well written and to the point. 

our_bookish_reads's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

𝕻𝖗𝖆𝖞 𝖂𝖎𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖙 𝕮𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝔟𝔶 𝔄𝔫𝔡𝔯𝔢𝔴 𝔉𝔯𝔞𝔫𝔨𝔰

"𝑰𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕."

I had this finished the same day I started it, but it has taken a few to reflect on the story and events. So here goes...
Prey Without Ceasing was not at all what I had expected it to be. The whole of the story is religious with underlying horror themes. I haven't read many fictional books having to do with any religion, I reserve my horror movies for these types... however, this was a nice switch up.
The MC, Dalton, is pretty much under very strict and watchful eyes, and everything is a sin to his father, who also happens to be the preacher of the church Dalton goes to.
Prey Without Ceasing had its ups and fowns in events during my reading, but it was easy to follow along with the characters and storyline. 
The ending, while executed nicely, I felt was very abrupt. I was expecting a bit longer of an ending, but I still enjoyed the book.

To me, this was written in a Stephen King style, so I'd say if you enjoy his books to listen to or read it.

TW/CWs:
•Adult/child sex
•Racism
•Borderline extreme religion
•Pedophilia
•Domestic Abuse
•Child Abuse
•Fire

I was given a copy of the audiobook by Andrew Franks. I'm leaving this review of my own volition.
With that said, thank you for the book, Andrew.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

amandakozreads's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0