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Risen: A Horror Thriller Novella
Alexandra Toussaint is an ER doctor and staunch atheist, but when she's murdered, she finds that not only is death not the end, but the undead exist too. Now she's trapped in her body, completely aware, yet controlled by Katenas, a supernatural being. Now she must regain control of her soul before it's too late.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2020
5 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Tonia Ransom
6 books6 followersTonia Ransom is a horror writer and podcast creator, director, producer, and consultant. She creates podcasts through her company, Ransom Media Productions. She is the creator and executive producer of the podcasts "Nightlight" and "Afflicted." Her first book, "Risen: A Horror Thriller Novella," was published in 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 9, 2020
I have been anticipating this book for a long time, and even though it's coming at the tail end of 2020, I hope many horror readers will discover its awesomeness heading into the new year. The author, Tonia Ransom, had their work cut out for them with the explosive beginning. It is a challenging way to start for any writer, but Ransom makes the narrative compelling as the protagonist tries to figure out their new normal (I'm leaving it deliberately vague to avoid spoilers). It's an emotionally wrenching beginning, and one that leads up to a tale of discovery and trying to find out the truth.
"Risen" is one heck of a zombie novel -- the fantastic cover art by Lynne Hansen suggested to me that Baron Samedi, the lord of the dead in Haitian vodou, might figure prominently in this book and I was pleased to see that unfold. I loved this representation of the Baron, and found it fascinating to see what would happen next. The story is a fantastic, page-turning game of cat and mouse and there's a lot more than meets the eye. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
"Risen" is one heck of a zombie novel -- the fantastic cover art by Lynne Hansen suggested to me that Baron Samedi, the lord of the dead in Haitian vodou, might figure prominently in this book and I was pleased to see that unfold. I loved this representation of the Baron, and found it fascinating to see what would happen next. The story is a fantastic, page-turning game of cat and mouse and there's a lot more than meets the eye. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
March 23, 2024
Brutal, whip smart and goes hard from the first page. A kickass heroine and all kinds of supernatural fun - this was such a fun read.
December 29, 2024
Tonia Ransom’s Risen is a thrilling and thought-provoking novella that expertly combines vivid horror, sharp character development, and a storyline that keeps you guessing. From the first page, this book pulls you into a world where life, death, and the lines between them are blurred in chilling ways.
🚨 Spoilers Ahead! 🚨
The story centers on Alexandra Toussaint, an ER doctor who finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the realm of the undead. After a violent murder at the hands of an unknown assailant, Alexandra is resurrected as something she doesn’t fully understand. Bound by an ancient force and controlled by a powerful figure, Katenas, Alexandra must navigate her new reality while grappling with rage, grief, and a desire for freedom.
Ransom’s writing shines in its ability to evoke both physical and emotional terror. The descriptions of Alexandra’s reawakening are hauntingly vivid, as are the details of her struggles to regain control of her mind and body. The chilling presence of Katenas and his mysterious motivations add a layer of psychological tension that keeps the reader on edge.
Favorite Quote:
“I was dead, yet here I was, alive enough to feel the fury burning through me like wildfire.”
The blend of hoodoo-inspired lore and modern-day horror creates a unique atmosphere that sets Risen apart from other supernatural thrillers. The exploration of Alexandra’s relationship with her family, her past, and her newfound powers adds depth and relatability to a story brimming with suspense and dread.
While the novella’s pacing occasionally feels rushed, the compelling narrative and Alexandra’s fierce determination make up for any minor shortcomings. The ending leaves you eager for more, with tantalizing hints of what might come next.
If you’re a fan of supernatural horror with strong characters and a touch of revenge, Risen is a must-read. It’s a dark, powerful story that stays with you long after you close the book.
#RisenByToniaRansom #HorrorThriller #SupernaturalFiction #DarkReads 🖤📖
🚨 Spoilers Ahead! 🚨
The story centers on Alexandra Toussaint, an ER doctor who finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the realm of the undead. After a violent murder at the hands of an unknown assailant, Alexandra is resurrected as something she doesn’t fully understand. Bound by an ancient force and controlled by a powerful figure, Katenas, Alexandra must navigate her new reality while grappling with rage, grief, and a desire for freedom.
Ransom’s writing shines in its ability to evoke both physical and emotional terror. The descriptions of Alexandra’s reawakening are hauntingly vivid, as are the details of her struggles to regain control of her mind and body. The chilling presence of Katenas and his mysterious motivations add a layer of psychological tension that keeps the reader on edge.
Favorite Quote:
“I was dead, yet here I was, alive enough to feel the fury burning through me like wildfire.”
The blend of hoodoo-inspired lore and modern-day horror creates a unique atmosphere that sets Risen apart from other supernatural thrillers. The exploration of Alexandra’s relationship with her family, her past, and her newfound powers adds depth and relatability to a story brimming with suspense and dread.
While the novella’s pacing occasionally feels rushed, the compelling narrative and Alexandra’s fierce determination make up for any minor shortcomings. The ending leaves you eager for more, with tantalizing hints of what might come next.
If you’re a fan of supernatural horror with strong characters and a touch of revenge, Risen is a must-read. It’s a dark, powerful story that stays with you long after you close the book.
#RisenByToniaRansom #HorrorThriller #SupernaturalFiction #DarkReads 🖤📖
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2021
An Original Zombie Story - Finally
This is a well-written story about a scientist irrefutably confronted with a reality she had long dismissed and discounted. She wends her way through complicated plots of powerful beings, and she cannot tell if their motives are benign or malign... Of course, it rarely matters to the vulnerable.
Another plus for this novella is that it retains the original zombie concept, dead risen through voodoo necromancy to serve a master, and it's clear the author is knowledgeable on the subject. I dislike the modern trend of gentrifying monsters, and love that this story presents zombies as fear of the psychopomp, the fear that not even death will allow an escape from oppression. Most zombie stories these days represent the fear of "stupid" people with different opinions than you coming to outnumber you... it's just arrogance.
This is a well-written story about a scientist irrefutably confronted with a reality she had long dismissed and discounted. She wends her way through complicated plots of powerful beings, and she cannot tell if their motives are benign or malign... Of course, it rarely matters to the vulnerable.
Another plus for this novella is that it retains the original zombie concept, dead risen through voodoo necromancy to serve a master, and it's clear the author is knowledgeable on the subject. I dislike the modern trend of gentrifying monsters, and love that this story presents zombies as fear of the psychopomp, the fear that not even death will allow an escape from oppression. Most zombie stories these days represent the fear of "stupid" people with different opinions than you coming to outnumber you... it's just arrogance.
February 24, 2021
Strong female lead, hoodoo... You should read this.
4.5 stars. I so enjoy a go mix of family dynamic, hoodoo, and a brand new monster forMe to learn about. The writer marshals her extensive medical knowledge and her own life experiences to create a tightly paced story. And zombies!!! That’s always a winner, especially when they are different than the worn out walking dead. Strong female lead is another plus.
4.5 stars. I so enjoy a go mix of family dynamic, hoodoo, and a brand new monster forMe to learn about. The writer marshals her extensive medical knowledge and her own life experiences to create a tightly paced story. And zombies!!! That’s always a winner, especially when they are different than the worn out walking dead. Strong female lead is another plus.
February 28, 2023
Tonia Ransom came on my radar for her work on the Nightlight Podcast and this novella is as good as the show. Ransom puts compelling characters into interesting situations.
July 19, 2023
As fun, inventive, engaging, and heart-pounding as Laurell K. Hamilton's early work. I hope this is the first in a series, as I'd love to read more!
October 21, 2023
Highly recommend! Full of thought provoking encounters and lots of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat to see what will happen next. This author has become a must read for me!
March 16, 2024
Finished this great one. Enjoyed Alexandra's sense of humor in the face of life and death and death! She also writes the Afflicted podcast. Go listen!! afflictedaudio.com
April 25, 2024
A strong, deliciously gruesome start that kicks off a fast-paced, unsettling jaunt.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews