Perfect Prophet

by Diane M. Johnson

When atheistic death-metal guitarist Alec is shot on stage by a Satanic fan, his miraculous recovery inspires a change in his beliefs about God. But when he returns to his hometown to make amends with his family, he discovers that his strictly religious and abusive father has dark secrets that involve Alec and his role in a local Satanic cult.

Perfect Prophet is a dark, supernatural thriller where normal people who question the existence of God must choose what roles they will play in a battle over an unlikely savior's soul.

Genres: Horror

370 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 2018

About the author

Diane grew up in the Mohawk Valley of Upstate New York, where she attended a state school and graduated with a B.A. in Film Theory. She gravitated to stories of horror as young as five, when she first saw The Birds on TV. She has written several screenplays that have never been produced, but keep her passion for writing alive by continually placing in some competition or other, so she has that going for her. She loved the Kubrick version of The Shining even if Stephen King never did. She is also keenly aware that Diane Johnson wrote the screenplay for The Shining… She is not that Diane Johnson.

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Reviews

[Constantine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Alec is the lead singer in a satanist band. One day on stage he is shot but he makes it and lives on. However, after the accident and his recovery, Alec changes a lot and tries to discover himself and make some amends regarding his family, his ex-girlfriend, father and sister. Through this rediscovering journey, Alec finds out many shocking things specifically about his father and his dark secrets.

I enjoyed reading this book, it is dark as I expected it to be and entertaining at the same time. The characters development I think could've been somehow more tuned. Two main things I have to criticize here though, one of them is 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. I usually prefer this kind of thrillers to be more subtle. The more subtle it gets the more chilling and horrifying it becomes. Perfect Prophet did not have this subtle plot. It had more action than necessary.

Overall this book was an entertaining read and I give it 3.5 stars out of 5.0. I grabbed an advanced copy of this book from the Read Now section on NetGalley and this is my honest and unbiased review.

[Irene Well Worth A Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I've come across a really satisfying Satanists versus the good guys story and that is just what Perfect Prophet delivers. I'm not going to get into the plot too much except to say I wasn't convinced this death metal band was going to interest me much. I was wrong.
Race With The Devil is mentioned in the book but I was already reminded of it before then. It also has shades of Salem's Lot and Let's Scare Jessica To Death. No there are no vampires but you just never know who you can trust and who is in league with the devil.
5 out of 5 stars

I received an complimentary copy for review.

[Rachel Bea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Forgive any typos and rambling... Currently on vacation and on my phone.
2.5 stars.
I liked the cast of characters, particularly the secondary ones. I found the main character, Alec, to be a bit obnoxious and unsympathetic. I liked the themes explored in the story but thought the execution was a bit messy. Meaning, I think the plot could've been trimmed down and less repetitive. Even though the story had a lot of action and movement, with characters constantly in conflict, it wasn't that interesting to read. She's definitely a good writer, and I did like a lot of the book, but on the whole I wasn't in love with it like I wanted to be.
My copy was received from Netgalley and it was much appreciated!

[Karen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Diane Johnson]

First, I'm not leaving a review of my own book. This is more of a warning. This is a dark tale with elements that some readers may find too disturbing. But if you're a reader who enjoys horror with no boundaries, I hope this story satisfies. I encourage your reviews!

And thanks for checking out my work!

[Sarah Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Sarah Stuart for Readers' Favorite

Perfect Prophet by Diane M. Johnson opens with disbelief from Alexander the Great – Alec Lowell, death-metal guitarist. He was playing on stage, so he cannot, simply cannot, be bleeding from a bullet wound in his chest, but he is, and he collapses before anybody can call 911. Far away in Wisconsin, Belinda, emergency room nurse and ex-girlfriend, catches television coverage of the shooting in a Los Angeles nightclub and flies to his side. She brings memories of his former life and love, and the news that he has a son, Jake. The paparazzi claim a miracle when Alec survives, but they wait in vain for the re-emergence of an anti-Christ rebel; Alec too believes in a miracle – a God-given second chance to make peace with the family he rejected, but what are the dark secrets his overtly religious father is hiding?

Perfect Prophet opens with dramatic action, and then goes into a long, vivid flashback: the formation of the band, when Alec takes a back seat to his sexy lover Cleo, and then he is drawn into the drink, cigarettes, and drugs culture of underground Los Angeles. A self-declared atheist, Alexander the Great embraces what Belinda and his family back home rejected. Nothing about this hedonistic lifestyle prepares him for a public declaration of faith in God despite those prepared to crucify him, or the fatherhood of his beloved Jake. Diane M. Johnson has delved deep into the darkness beneath the showbiz glitz and twisted, corrupted religion in Perfect Prophet and produced a powerful psychological thriller.

[Icy_Space_Cobwebs Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago a famous ad campaign that queried "Is it live or is it Memorex?" (Recorded on tape) That stayed on my mind throughout this novel, which in large part faces the question of "Is it Fake, or is it Real?" and the concomitant question, in essence asked of all its characters: "Do you really believe?" Also there's the Theological Conundrums:
"Does Satan exist?" "Does God exist?" "Do I worship, or trust in secular humanity?" As.you read, you will witness the unraveling of conspiracies and ponder these questions for yourself.

[Rafael Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[TheOtherJessyca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a creepy and thrilling book. It is well written, sucked me in and kept a grip on me. I really enjoyed reading this book. Recommended.

[Rose Auburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Alec Lowell, guitarist for death-metal band The Great, miraculously survives being shot on stage, he decides to take a hiatus and bond with his young son back in his hometown and to consider his beliefs and future. However, as he tries to make a fresh start, the band members and his past need him to confront some truths; truths and revelations that will question Alec’s very existence…

Perfect Prophet is a thoughtful, complex and engrossing novel by an author who really immerses both themselves and the reader in their narrative. Personally, the first half of the novel was the strongest. The beginning is confident, gripping and pulls the reader in different intriguing directions; all conflicting and well-realised. Different points of view are used; it was a clever touch to use Alec’s young son, Jake, to naively voice complex, emotional turmoil. The characters are quickly and skilfully rounded out so that you fully inhabit the story. I thought the early near overdose scene with Patrick was among some of the best writing describing such an incident; it was viscerally outstanding. I also liked the non-linear prose in the first half, it was thoughtfully worked, with the backstory woven into the immediacy and Belinda is a really good anchor throughout the novel. There is a twist, albeit one that is hinted at, approximately halfway. It does propel the narrative down an involving, sometimes rather tangled but still eminently readable supernatural rabbit hole. I especially liked the Groundskeeper; an assumed idiot savant crossed with a lodestar.

Alec is a dislikeable yet perplexing character. I think this was deliberate on the part of Ms Johnson and for the majority of the novel it works. It’s a clever tactic; as much as Alec is emotionally damaged and the reader wants to root for him, you have interest and sympathy in his nemesis; they are not an immediate bad guy because of Alec’s unpleasant personality. It makes you curious. Notwithstanding, I did begin to struggle with Alec’s character arc and his repelling personality; there comes a time when I wanted to, and needed to, feel all sympathy for him yet I could not and personally, I found his development a touch questionable towards the conclusion.

Yet, this novel is all engrossing and technically excellent. It just sometimes felt that every possible angle was being thrown into the plot and I think some elements could have been reined in to make a tighter construct.

Overall, an original, compelling and rewarding supernatural thriller – highly recommended.

[Catriona Lovett · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 Magdalene 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.

[Tiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[HrrorGrl · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Lauren Woodward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am the Resurrection, and I am the Light

So says Jesus. And Ian Brown. But not Alec Lowell, lead guitarist in ‘The Great’ and the antagonistic protagonist of Diane M. Johnson’s second novel, an atheistic anarchist who finds himself thrust into the centre of the ultimate Light vs Dark battle.

This story plays out as a supernatural mystery, fantastical elements of black magic and miracles running alongside the classic ‘Whodunnit’ (or rather, Whoissit) of the true persona of The Man, Ashland’s satanic cult leader. The reader is taken on a journey of theological debate and personal struggle as Alec survives a bullet that should surely have killed him, returns home to his family and begins to uncover the secrets of his devoutly religious father.

I found the language and style of writing a little heavy going at times, and this novel took several evenings of perseverance to complete. The subject matter, as any type of theology, requires more than comfy slippers and a mug of hot chocolate to fully devour and appreciate, and I felt the great time leaps between Alec’s major life incidents confusing at times. The idea of an entire town being composed of Satanists, and not knowing who (including law enforcement) to trust came across very intensely, and had me ‘edge of my seat’-ing as if I were watching a Final Girl trying to survive the night in a classic horror film.

Overall, I really enjoyed Perfect Prophet, if I could suspend my disbelief at the darkest of dark magicks taking place in a small town in Wisconsin, of all places. And The Great singer Cleo’s propensity to call everyone ‘hon.’ If you’re after something with a little more meat than your standard mystery thriller, I would recommend giving this a try. But keep a clear head and an open mind as you go!

I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Alex Ganon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Key Take Away: "...Diane M. Johnson was dead-on with her narrative and ability to hold the theme, message, and spirit that I believe she intended."

Review: **SPOILERS**

Honestly, it’s been a while for me since I’ve had the chance to read a story that has involved the church versus the occult. Good against evil. The will of God matched against Satan.

Well maybe that’s not true, but it was refreshing to read through a plot such as that where it’s not completely muddled with humour and angst. Again let me correct myself in making clear that I absolutely love humour in a character, the more the better, but in Perfect Prophet’s style, I will say that any silliness added would have taken from the soul of the story.

So no matter what I say below, remember that I truly believe in my heart that Diane M. Johnson was dead-on with her narrative and ability to hold the theme, message, and spirit that I believe she intended. Her words were not derailed with a misconceived notion that her reader needed ridiculousness.

The book sets out with the guitarist of a metal band, Alec Lowell, getting shot through the chest mid-performance. Through this commotion, we are introduced to the other members of his band. His “apostles” let’s just call them, although they are never referred to as such, but it's fun for me to do so.

I should add that for some reason when a music genre is usually written into the plot, I’m left with a bad taste in my mouth...I'm left with a feeling the author doesn’t really know their stuff.

Here I did not.

There weren't pages of lyrics (I’m not actually going to read those, you know that right?) And the bits of info I do get are enough to leave me with the normal coffee and cigarette taste that should be in there.

Cleo, the vocal, Paddy, the kid drummer phenomena, and Mark on bass (but also on the books, being the only one them concerned with the business side of things).

The band is the typical heavy-metal-stereotyped group. Drugs and alcohol are a must and the more satanic, anti-God and church message they can push with their music the better.

This adds some meat to the plot as all members of the band are, at best, atheists and must all come to terms with Alec's miraculous recovery from a bullet through the heart. Healing in record time, Alec is front page news, giving his band some much-needed publicity and also giving an ex cause to reconnect.

...“ohh btw, Alec, you’re the father of my son...” that’s not quite how it played out, but that’s the gist.

Lindy (the mom) is actually a nice lady despite her suspicious timing (suspicions from me, the reader, not to any character). Jake, his newly discovered son, is just a normal, sweet ol' kid.

Alec thinks Lindy is sweet as well, I guess, cause they hook up right away...telling Cleo to take a hike. In my experience with such situations there is much screaming, some possible threats, and definitely excommunication. By the end, Cleo and Lindy become good friends, Alec's genitals are intact as well, and I begin to suspect that beyond Alec's ability to heal himself, he has a godly ability to maintain peace among ex-girlfriends. Somehow there seems to be zero animosity in a situation that would at the very least leave the unholy presence of passive aggression. If this were reality, I am sure such a man would be blessed with a title of “Saint."

The Saint of “let’s stay friends," Alec Lowell.

Alec takes a reprieve from the spotlight and spends some time in his small hometown, living with Lindy and beginning his relationship with his son. Things seem to be going well for Alec, slowly dealing with the emotions and anxiety that should and do come with being shot through the heart (the "why me?" and all that) plus we start to see some decent character development in this new atmosphere of fatherhood.

Taking a side note here, I would like to thank Diane for how she took me through this bond. As the book progresses, we see Alec succumbing to the stress and fears of being responsible for a child, going from a carefree, don’t give a shit guy, to an "I need to protect this child, man" guy. In my opinion, it is written proportionally, not smushed in my nose. It is sincere.

As Alec deals, we realize he happens to be dead centre...or should I say in the “heart" of a satanic hotbed. I mean these weirdos are everywhere. It’s basically the whole town.

They are led by a young man named Lucas (cough, Lucifer...). Well, at least it’s not Damian. Either way, he and his deformed hand lead a group of robe wearing, orgy practicing, sacrifice making devil worshipers against the great Alec Lowell. There is even an entire black book in their possession that foretells of Alec's coming and the need to sacrifice him for their greater good.

(Sorry, I shouldn’t explain, but I am concerned you didn’t catch that...I wrote: for the devil worshiper’s “greater good"...that's super witty.)

Also, I should add that this black book was written by Alec's estranged father. You can guess that such a plot would start to turn into a hybrid occult soap opera. It does not. I’m still good with it.

So the scene is set for Alec to grow, through trepidation and toil, spirit and sin.

In a way, this is Alec’s coming of age story. His internal struggle with his own beliefs and with himself is as important as any of the external struggle we see as his apostles jump to his aid, ready to take a bullet or knife. If only one of these apostles would have pointed out the miracle of his new girlfriend and ex (that he abruptly dumped) becoming instant besties, Alec would have had the huge time-saving epiphany that he was, without doubt, the reincarnation of Jesus Christ.

If you feel like me, and it has been a long time since you read or even watched a wholesome “saint vs. sinner" story, please take a look at this one...there’s something nostalgic to it.

You’ll get what you expect in a good way.

9 out 10 Hail Marys.

Have a nice day.

[Ariel G · Rating 4 out of 5]

The phrase "death metal" calls up instant associations of the grim, the gothic, even the diabolical: horror stories about music made to tempt souls into damnation. PERFECT PROPHET, however, doesn't paint the scene black - the death metal band at the heart of its story is composed of a ragtag group of misfits, none of them interested in leading the innocent astray. But a sinister cult conspiracy is determined to change that. Their efforts center on guitarist Alec and his potential for darkness. As a mystery unfolds around him it becomes clear that Alec's very soul might be at stake - not to mention the lives of the people he loves.

PERFECT PROPHET's cast of characters is colorful and lively, from underage drummer Paddy - whose inherent decency shines against the much more cynical company he keeps - to Belinda and Jake, the fledgling family Alec returns to when the darkness in his life becomes overwhelming. Bassist Mark plays an almost devil-like role with his disregard for social criticism and his encouragement of self-destructive behaviors in his bandmates. But under his abrasive surface he still shows himself to be worth caring about, as illustrated when he first introduces budding drummer Paddy to the crew.

Despite the title, PERFECT PROPHET focuses on people whose lives are far from perfect. That's what makes reading it so enjoyable - you get to see the good and bad sides of everyone, even those motivated by dark intent. The death-metal cult storyline could easily have devolved into a Christian tract, but never dips too far into preachy territory. As a result, watching the forces of light and darkness duke it out is a thrilling ride, regardless of your stake in the theological battleground. I would recommend it to anyone who likes their cult mysteries with a touch of religious horror.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Willow Moon Greymoor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilling, horrifying, and morbid!

To be honest, I haven’t read much Satanically based literature in my life; this book will certainly stay in my mind and leave a mark on my literary soul. The abuse Alec (main protagonist) suffered as a child became an unconscious force that piloted his life in many ways for the majority of the book. On some level, he is unaware of this phenomena. His experiences and exposure to Satanic ritual abuse during his developmental years, led him into a life of self-destructive habits and negative coping mechanisms as an adult. Drug abuse, self-harm, poor relationship with self, and the outer world— were a few of the issues this poor man suffered.

Alec became a “Rock Star” as an adult and suffered a gunshot wound during a performance. This event was the catalyst of the unraveling of his life and few interpersonal relationships he had cultivated. The tragedy opened the door of communication with his semi-estranged family. This book is more than a horror novel; it's a brief study in Psychology and the devastating effects of Satanic ritual abuse, and how the exposure as a child can lead to a troubled life as an adult when professional help is not administered for the victim.

[Rachel Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Prophet is a horror novel that tells the story of a Satanic rocker named Alec. Alec is haunted by disturbing childhood abuse, which he suffered at the hands of his devout father. After a shocking accident Alec discovers a new sense of purpose in life but also finds himself embroiled in a dark web of religious mystery that threatens his life, and the lives of everyone he cares about. I really enjoyed this book. The author did a good job in providing the characters with psychological depth and complexity. The character of Jake was particularly lovable and it was interesting to observe Alec’s attempts to create meaningful bonds with the people in his life as he struggled with his personal demons. Another aspect of the book I appreciated were the fun twists threaded throughout the narrative. This keeps the reader on their toes and maximises the novel’s suspense. While there is obviously quite a bit of religious content in the novel I appreciated that the author avoided presenting the story in a ‘preachy manner. Instead she depicts Alec’s spiritual torment in a multi-faceted, often ambiguous manner.

[Cas Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This occult crime thriller with twists of dark magic and the supernatural is a feast for horror fans.

Death metal guitarist Alec Lowell is shot on stage by a satanic fan. He should have died, but his astonishing recovery stirs uncertainty about his atheist beliefs. When Alec returns to his hometown to make amends with prior girlfriend Belinda and son Jake, he uncovers dark secrets about his religious and abusive father. Secrets that involve Alec and his prophesied role in a local satanic cult. Soon, for the safety of his family and friends, Alec must choose whose side he is on. Faith in God? Or faith in something darker?

Perfect Prophet is a well-paced supernatural thriller with tropes adopted from occult detective fiction. Characters are clearly defined, yet remain mysteries, flawed, and damaged. What is truly frightening about this story is not the concept of the supernatural or dark magic, but people’s devout and obsessive beliefs, the lengths they will go to prove those beliefs, and how they allow it to dictate their actions. Every character is suspicious and can’t be trusted, which weaves a continuous thread of terror, tension, and suspense in the story.

The novel contains some highly graphic scenes involving human sacrifice and animal abuse and slaughter, which may upset and trouble some readers, but ultimately work in conveying the fixation the cult members have to their ideology. Throughout this novel, there is a sense that no character will truly escape the brainwashed fanatics that have infiltrated Alec’s small hometown. It evokes feelings of terror and stress.

Overall, Perfect Prophet is a well-crafted story that questions moral convictions about good and evil. If you enjoy reading about sinister rituals, black magic, and sadistic murders, put Perfect Prophet on your TBR list.

[Bella Slaughterhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

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".

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Prophet by Diane M. Johnson is certainly not what I had expected it to be. At times appearing like a classic thriller novel, and at others as a thoughtfully composed and well-written theological debate, I was happily surprised by how well the book managed to contain all of its contrasting thematic elements without losing its fluency or cohesiveness as a whole.

I can honestly say that this book is nothing like anything I’ve read before. The subject matter of a death-metal guitarist going on a quest for religious truth is itself very original, particularly the way that Johnson has approached it, with characters like Alec’s father in particular really standing out as believable horrors. The plot, too, is in my opinion as near to unguessable as humanly possible. All in all a great book.

[Susan Alpert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The horror novel “Perfect Prophet” by Diane M. Johnson is about a death-metal guitarist named Alec who is shot on stage and survives, only to have himself, his band, and his family pursued by a satanic cult. The shooting itself is reminiscent of the true story of the 2004 Columbus, Ohio shooting of heavy metal guitarist Dimebag Darrell. Sadly, in the true story neither Darrell, nor the three brave men who tried to intervene, survived.

The novel does evoke the mystery and suspense of beloved, low-budget satanic horror movies of the seventies. Ms. Johnson has a great ear for dialogue and creates realistic characters. She captures the lonely atmosphere of a small town in Wisconsin. However, there are so many resurrections in this novel that they start to lose their element of surprise.

[Douglas Castagna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for an honest review via Net Galley.

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.

[Viga Boland · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect prophet is an unexpected, contemporary Jesus

Reminiscent of the supernatural elements found in novels by Stephen King, Perfect Prophet will attract fans of the macabre. The author offers a blend of Satanism and saintliness, evil vs good, and it’s not for me to tell you who wins. But those who relish a clash between the two realms of heaven vs hell, taking place in a contemporary setting, with interesting characters finding either God or Satan after the world throws their lives into chaos will enjoy this well plotted novel woven around its unexpected, charismatic, jesus-like protagonist.

[Andrew Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a fascinating premise: the leader of a supposedly satanic rock band has a near-death experience and discovers his purpose in life as a father to a son he never knew he had. I loved seeing the characters navigate their journey toward faith, including the mix of religion and the false prophets trying to exploit Alec’s unique gifts. At its heart, though, the story is really about a man striving to be a good father and the deep love that grows between him and his son.

[Beth Ann Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me. I was expecting a satanic horror plot but was embroiled in a new prophet with parallels to Jesus story.

Alec is a determined atheist singing antichrist style music to nonbelievers. His life is changed for the better and for the worse when he is shot one night on stage. He miraculously survives and is led down a path of self-discovery (his hometown and healing), basic survival (him and his family) and finally redemption.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

“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.

[Peter Servidio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Written

Great dialogue throughout along with well developed characters sucked me into this book that revolves around a fan shooting a death metal guitarist. But the shooting was just the beginning. Tragic events can cause people to change, but sometimes those around you don’t want you to.