The Haunting of Elena Vera by Steven Pajak

It has been a long time since I’ve read a book that scared me this much.  I read it in segments before bed and had to cleanse my palate with Revelations from the Holy Bible and spray holy water, I stole from the church across the street, on my bed before getting in. Though I jest, this book is immensely evil in the best way.

      Elena is terrorized by an ancient demon that follows her family through generations. The demon haunts her during sleep and wake, trying to take possession of her body by brutalizing her mind. Time stands still, children freeze in place, unnatural sounds fill the air, but only Elena can see the demon.

     The use of the Spanish language and mythos throughout, coupled with Catholic demonology, conjures up an entire genre of fear and entanglement. “Demons” take on metaphoric existence in the personal demons all characters must face to overcome, as well as the actual demon.  The weakness of each character allows evil to seep through liminal space to corporeal existence. Elena finds allies in an excommunicated priest, a sixteen-year-old, and a non-believing friend. The group’s ability to face their individual vulnerabilities brings them all together in an explosive exorcism that would make William Peter Blatty proud.

    This book was so good that even though I received an ARC copy, I will be buying a physical copy to reread immediately upon its release.