Perfect Prophet; Book One -- The Perfect Prophet series by Diane M. Johnson was very spooky! The author was a gem and sent me all three of the books in this trilogy as a gift! I was truly thankful to have gotten to read this before most people!

To be 100% honest, this book was like an absolute trainwreck, and I couldn't look away; and I mean that in the kindest way possible.

I wasn't expecting the twisty, turning, absolutely confusing points that this book would take and the plot twists that just kept coming. The characters will make you want to scream AND have such empathy for a few of them. There were parts that made me bite my nails, frantically reading what was going to happen next and I couldn't put it down.

Most of the plot points felt like they didn't fit together, and it just kept adding more and more to it. There were about 4 different points that I thought the book was ending, and yet it just kept going.

I don't know that I'll read the rest of the series, but this was honestly one of the most memorable books I've read in a long time.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

"Perfect Prophet" brilliantly bridges the divide between atheism and faith. The story follows Alec, a death-metal guitarist, whose near-death experience shakes his belief system to its core, propelling him into a world of unsettling transformation and dark revelations about his family.

Although the narrative pace can be slow, it serves to amplify the dread and impending doom that runs through this religious horror. The revelations about a local Satanic cult add a persistent, thrilling tension to the story.

The author's exploration of faith and the existence of God is handled deftly, making it accessible and engaging for all readers. Despite the heavy religious themes, it's a captivating read that offers a fresh perspective on faith, making it a worthy addition to the genre.

With a solid four out of five stars, "Perfect Prophet" is a rich, atmospheric thriller that promises more to come in its sequel "Prophet Reborn" and the final installment, "Perfect Sacrifices".

The narrative is compelling, and the characters are well-developed, making for a good read overall. However, the pacing felt uneven at times, with certain parts dragging on a bit. While fitting to the narrative, the ending left something to be desired. Despite these minor issues, Johnson's unique storytelling and thought-provoking themes make me eager to explore more of her work. A 3.5 out of 5 stars for this entertaining read.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Diane M. Johnson, and BookBaby for a chance to review this book. I was given this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion. I have not felt compelled, in any way, by the author, the publisher, or NetGalley to alter my sincerest thoughts on this book. Every word of this review is solely and completely mine.

Perfect Prophet is a dark, horror narrative that at its heart is an examination of faith, hope, and prophecy, their significance to the vicissitudes of day-to-day existence, and how they serve to answer the existential questions. Alec, our MC, is a death-metal guitarist, who is shot in the heart (happens in the beginning pages) only to live and ask existential questions revolving around faith and why me?

The journey is not just his alone. There are the other members of the band, an ex-girlfriend, and even a kid that may be his own, riding the ups and downs of association with a possible charlatan, false prophet, and a cult that has clearly been influenced to behave in anti-social ways.

If you have enjoyed the Omen or the Exorcist, books that scrutinize the connections between religion and faith, darkness and light, good and evil, then Perfect Prophet is something you might find worth reading. There is horror, suspense, and supernatural story beats that crescendo and leave you breathless. Yeah, I guess you can say I liked it alot.

Not my favorite book ive read on netgalley but also not the worst. It was more like in the "meh" category,

It grabs your attention from the first line to the last. I laughed, I cried, my heart stopped a couple times from the suspense, what more could you ask for from a book! The twists and turns were practically never ending. Just when you thought the rollercoaster was over, BAM! Another twist. I would definetely read another book of this story line if Diane Johnson wrote one. I thought the ending was a little preachy, but thats a small price to pay for an otherwise riveting story line.

Alex was so annoying I nearly put this down. And I almost wish I had . . . This had an excellent premise but it ended up being slow, boring, A but confusing in places, and the characters were all cliches.

First and foremost we need to talk about the plot TWISTS! As I was reading this book I would think I knew something and a couple of pages later I was proven wrong. The plot kept me on my toes the whole read and I was most definitely shocked by the ending.
Alec’s character growth was definitely something to talk about in the beginning he seemed really self absorbed but by the end he seemed like a genuinely good guy. But he isn’t the only character who’s growth shocked me can we talk about Lucas? Geez talk about a 180.
When I first started this book I definitely was under the impression that Alec wasn’t a prophet and that it was all just a big cult thing but when I find out that he has powers let me tell you I was gasping out loud.

Disappointed in this, wasn't not at all as interesting as I thought it would be and didn't really keep my attention at all.

“We Sold Our Souls” wanna-be. I’m actually confused by where this story was trying to take its readers. It seemed scattered and all over the place.

I received this book from Netgalley and give my review voluntarily.

Alec Lowell is the guitarist of a heavy metal band that denies God. The other members are Cleo the vocalist, Paddy the drummer and Mark on bass. Mark also is the one who keeps the business aspect for the band. Alec is shot at a concert by a satanist. Alec goes to the hospital for surgery. He heals quickly and the doctors are surprised. Alec decides to go home and sees Lindy, a former lover. She had Alec’s child but doesn’t know about the child, Jake until Lindy tells him. He is surprised to be a father. Why? He is surprised to discover his father is a leader of a group of satirists. He can’t believe it. He learns more as the satanist want him. As he explores and discovers what is the truth about himself, he only becomes more puzzled. He doesn’t know what to believe.

The novel is about a man who is okay with his life as a guitarist until he learns things about his parents. He realizes that he must find what is the truth. It’s a fascinating story as I go to know his relationships he had with people and his surprises he learned about himself yet doubted that it was true. I can wait to read the next volume.

It took me way too long to understand what was going on. All this time in my head, I’m thinking, “Why does everyone think this man is a devil worshipper?” when he has never said not one word about the devil. He’s a moody, crabby, doubtful atheist at best, a man who needed therapy a long time ago to deal with at least some of his familial issues. Death metal does not a Satanist make, but carry on. By the time the book ended, I was….not shocked. The whole battle between "good" and "evil" is always an interesting concept to fall headfirst into, however, for me Perfect Prophet was somewhat predictable once the gist of the plot was understood. It took me some time to fully get into this novel as it started out really strong in setting the scene, then began to taper off with a lot less action.

That said, I liked the characters, especially Patrick and Jake. Alec was obnoxious, Marc was arrogant, and Cleo was cool so I guess that's what makes a great band, right? The storyline took a while to get going and I have to admit, I hate the fact that the groundskeeper was never fully explained. I kept waiting for a full revelation and never got one. Oh, well. Lucas was your typical bitter second or maybe even third wheel to a "great prophecy" and looking for his shine and The Man....well, if you pay attention, you'll see it coming. All in all, Perfect Prophet is a decent read that incorporates death metal and Satanic cults, heavenly gifts and mental health issues, a "will-he-or-won't-he-be-the-ANSWER" game of life or death.

Now excuse me while I vibe out to In This Moment because metal is life.


Thank you to the author and NetGalley for my eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

I got really excited about this book. The title, Perfect Prophet, an illustration of just how deep the story is. Suspenseful, frantic, and fraught with menace, this was an excellent read! A cult are out to fulfill their mad leader's prophecy through the ritualistic killing of his own son. First of all, the premise sounded amazing. Satanism and metal music, made for an 80's style horror tale. I was all in.I liked the cast of characters, particularly the secondary characters. It was a good enough read and you end up rooting for the lead player.

I enjoyed reading this book, it is dark as I expected it to be and entertaining at the same time. The ending, it did not feel as satisfying as I was hoping it to be. I was expecting a stronger conclusion. The other thing is that I felt the drama and story were going over the top at many times.

How could I not want to read a book that's about Satanism and metal? It's practically screaming my name. Sadly this book was so slow paced and boring that I found myself dazing while reading it. The characters were not interesting and it just lacked development for me. Just a 2 star for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for providing a digital copy of this book.

Rock and Roll and Revelations

I got really excited about this book. The title, Perfect Prophet, is loaded with different meanings, an illustration of just how deep the story is. Suspenseful, frantic, and fraught with menace, this was an excellent read!

The central characters were likable and well-developed. Within a plot full of action and danger, their internal struggles were an important component and highly relatable. There were unexpected twists that made the novel truly original.

*** Warning: mild spoilers are forthcoming!

A cult of Satanists are out to fulfill their mad leader's prophecy through the ritualistic killing of his own son, the guitarist and lyricist of a popular band.

Even though their lyrics referenced the Satanic and their fans thought that he and the rest of the band were Satanists, Alec believed that the existence of either God or Satan was dubious at best.

He had rejected the idea of himself as some kind of messiah completely. If anything, his music was an act of rebellion against his father, a religious zealot who had physically and mentally tortured him throughout his childhood.

His father believed he was a Prophet, that beating and abusing Alec was in service to his God. He believed he was preparing his son for his portentous destiny. After Alec rejected that and left, his father's mental condition deteriorated until he was hospitalized.

While Alec, his fiancee, and the rest of the band are in a race for survival as terrible deeds are done in the name of Satan, they also wrestle with weighty spiritual topics. The author explores personal spirituality and religious controversies without being preachy or overly simplifying them.

This treatment was thought-provoking in a way that is so relevant for our modern lives. As the number of traditional religious followers are falling, those who feel lost and are searching for deeper meaning in their lives are multiplying. This gives important value to a book that might only have been another apocalyptic horror story.

The author seems also to have skillfully adapted real life events into the plot. In the attempts on Alec's life, I thought of the murder of Pantera's Dimebag Darrell by a crazed fan, for example. I picture Alec as a more metal-leaning Kurt Cobain (without a heroin addiction), sensitive, incredibly talented, but broken. I see sweet and saucy Cleo as the Mary Magdalen of their group, supporting them all in her own ways. I could go on… LOL

Perfect Prophet perfectly fulfilled my desire for an exciting, rock and roll thriller and an intelligent, philosophical read as well.

First of all, the premise sounded amazing. Satanism and metal music, made for an 80's style horror tale. I was all in. However, the story never really caught fire for me, and seemed tepid at best. Some choices were great and some missed their mark. I did like Alec and his arc, but some of it seemed misplaced here. There is a great novella buried in here, and while I was frustrated I do believe there is more good than not and it is worth a read.

Satan against the good people. Very good story, holds your interest. I have to admit I found myself asking if this was a true story. Read this book!!!Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book. Although I received the book in this manner, it did not affect my opinion of this book nor my review.

It was definitely interesting story to read. I don't usually read synopsis of books but i saw there was a metal band and i wanted to read. I don't like metal music is evil stereotype so i wanted to read how author wrote it. I liked the plot twist and how Alec wanted to change his life because of his son. It was creepy and a good read.

Took a while to catch fire this story but once it did it was a good enough read and you end up rooting for the lead player.