When Angels Fear

by P.J. Mordant

Exhausted, desperately seeking sanctuary from a terrifying partner, Emma arrives in the pretty English village of Flammark. But she cannot rest. A strange sleeping sickness stalks the village, and a young woman has disappeared. Why won't the police investigate? As events unfold, Emma becomes embattled yet again, compelled to fight for her life, against a deadly curse linked to a past about which she had no knowledge. She is the only one able to vanquish the evil, but doing so will entail confronting an horrific and all-too-familiar enemy.

The question is, after all she's been through, will she be strong enough?

Genres: Horror, Ebooks, Paranormal

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2022

Reviews

[Claudine Marcin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the midst of an abusive relationship, Emma needs to escape … needs a quiet place to regroup. She gets away as far as her limited funds will take her to the village of Flammark. Surely he won’t find her there …

The author slowly and methodically allows the reader to comfortably settle into Flammark. Introducing colorful characters to tell the town’s mysterious history. Welcoming the reader into cozy cafés and pubs, or to gather inside charming homes and warm hearths. While bit by bit, an ominous, dark cloud gradually rolls into view. Perhaps Flammark has been waiting for Emma …

The inevitable show-down looms almost from the very beginning but when it finally comes, it nearly sneaks up on you. Very enjoyable read.

You can find When Angels Fear on KU or purchase on Amazon in eBook and Paperback formats.

Enjoy!

[Eric Weule · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Angels Fear is one of those books that kept popping up in my life. I'm glad it did. One of the most important things to me as a reader is the Voice of a book. And this book sang to me. I loved the language and it's usage. The author understands the value of a well-timed F-bomb, while also expanding my vocabulary with a variety of words, all of which combined to create a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. The main character is wonderful. The tension builds steadily throughout the book. The climax stretched perfectly. In the end, I want to know more about the town of Flammark and all its secrets.
Well done. Fast paced. Highly recommended.

[Michelle Ryles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is completely awesome! I honestly couldn't put it down and would have read it all in one day if my eyes hadn't decided it was time to sleep and I wanted my full wits about me as the electrifying conclusion approached. Described as a supernatural thriller, it really only dips its toe into the fantasy genre so it will definitely appeal to readers who enjoy thrillers and police procedurals. It's an absolute must read for anyone who watches (or watched when it was good) the TV show Supernatural.

Emma is escaping an abusive relationship and drops a pin in the map which directs her to the quaint little village of Flammark. Emma arrives in Flammark at a turbulent time as the villagers are devastated when one of their own goes missing. Not only that, the church is getting emptier and the doctor's surgery is a ghost town as one by one the villagers succumb to a mystery illness. Something dark is coming to Flammark and it wants Emma...

I really can't begin to describe how good this book is; it's just absolutely fantastic. Intriguing and gripping from the start, creepy in the middle and sensational at the end. It has to be one of the most addictive books I have ever read and it completely possessed me to the point where I couldn't put it down. P. J. Mordant's writing is so very descriptive, both in the painting of scenes and exploration of feelings. I had a very clear picture of Flammark in my head and I certainly felt the fear!

There are some outstanding characters in the novel and some are not who they first appear to be. I really should have connected the dots on this one but it came as a complete surprise to me! I'm not saying what, as it will spoil the story, but it was very nicely done and I loved this element of the story. I also loved Emma's mysterious ancestry that added an extra layer to the storyline. I just loved everything about this book and I'm absolutely thrilled that it's the first in a series; I'm really looking forward to visiting Flammark again.

An outstanding debut novel from P. J. Mordant, When Angels Fear is simply exceptional. I really can't recommend it highly enough; it's one of my favourite books of the year and fully deserves 5 stars and more.

I can't thank P. J. Mordant enough for sending me an ARC to read and review; all opinions are my own.

[Michelle Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought-provoking fantasy horror

I love books that work on more than one level, and Angels Fear does just that. From one perspective, this is a classic story of good versus evil, of humanity against a powerful supernatural malevolent force ranged against it. In this novel, it takes the form of an ancient family curse poisoning an otherwise idyllic English village. What makes this story unique is it has so much more to say than that- about abuse and surviving victimhood, issues grounded in the reality of so many lives. Imaginative, well crafted, and so finely balanced, both levels hit home. I found myself zipping through the pages, desperate to find out what happened next. Can’t wait to read more about Flammark!

[K.S. Marsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma runs from her violent ex and hides in a small town, only to find herself in more danger. Sickness and violence are creeping in, and a family curse may be the cause of it.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

After suffering at the hands of her abusive ex, Emma flees to town picked at random, so there's no chance of him following her.
Flammark seems like a normal town, quaint and full of good people that know nothing of Emma's history.
Except the town has a history of its own, and Emma's choice may not have been as random as she hoped.

This story explores domestic abuse. Emma is a victim of a man who not only hurt her physically, but has mentally scarred her. His control and OCD were so subtle, he stayed so charming and smart, she knew that no one would believe her. Her only hope was to run away.
When Emma learns more about Flammark, and the questionable Blackstone family, the story also explores the lives of women in history. That some things never change, that they are hurt by the men around them.

I thought that the subject of domestic abuse was approached in a sensitive manner, but was never afraid to shy away from the topic.
I also liked the paranormal elements. I was pleasantly surprised when the police force were included, and the book took more of a Thriller turn. It was almost Midsommer Murders with angels and curses!

The not-so-good.
The pacing was a little slow for my liking. It flowed well in some parts - perhaps where the author's vision was strongest; but at other times it dawdled, losing momentum at some important times.
I felt that the different elements of the book didn't always gel. I wasn't a fan of the villain's narrative, I found it quite clunky and one-dimensional.

Overall, this was a 3.5 out of 5 for me.
This was an imaginative debut, and I would be interested in reading more of this author's work.

[Sarah Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still reeling

What an extraordinary story that I struggled to put down! Seriously, the writing sucked me in from the first few pages. Flammark and Seely Tor captivated me, and St. Jude's church! I was curious and horrified, angry and sympathetic in equal measures by what the characters went through...this complex, well-written, gut wrenching story will haunt my thoughts for some time.
Thank you, PJ Mordant, for writing this phenomenal book! When is your next one out?

[Paula R. C. Readman · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I wasn’t sure where this story was taking me but soon I was drawn in. Emma was on the run from a violent relationship. Unsure of where to turn she finally finds sanctuary in a village- and so the nightmare begins.
When Angels Fear reminded me of the Wickerman 1973 film - inspired by David Pinner’s 1967 novel Ritual.
The plot line of When Angels Fear - is well-crafted, with some violent and sexual assault scenes. The characters well-drawn and the dialogue natural. I look forward to reading more books by PJ Mordant.

[Abbie Jade Purnell · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 - The story had a lot of potential but I just felt it was all over the place, a bit confusing and weird! There were also quite a few spelling/grammar errors which I know is nit picky but I find it annoying. The characters were mostly likeable and the ending was nice but I don’t think I will be reading books 2 & 3.

[Harli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all for someone who's looking for a twist on a crime/mystery novel.

I like that it didn't hold back on the darker more graphic moments which made it more atmospheric and psychologically thrilling.

I love the characters, particularly westen! The detective who, without giving away too much, is sarcastic and just made it more fun to read! I hate books that shy away from proper realistic kind of conversation. Some people DO swear, some people are sarcastic.. Its a very English thing to do!

The plot does have its twists and turns and I hope the author makes this a series (and keeps westen!) because I really did want to carry on and discover more. I think I started to care about the characters which I think is a good sign of a good book.

I think I might offer this book as a Christmas present as well for my mates who like this type of genre. Very different to the usual 'village mystery'.

I highly recommend it I think it's definitely worth paying for to support the author (which might encourage another book in a series?? Maybe? I'll be watching out for it)

[Anne Prinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! Characters you believe in immediately. Well written and draws you in. Great mixture of genres. Looking forward to sequel!

[Gary Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘When Angels Fear’, book one of Polly J Mordant’s Flammark Series. A fantastic tale that reveals the diabolical goings on in the picturesque village of Flammark. Emma escapes her abusive/possessed partner Ben. Emma is drawn to the village of Flammark and all hell breaks out. A wonderful ensemble of characters and maniacs that keep you the co stent reader engaged and locked into this cacophony of myth, history, legend and a police detective who unfortunately lands in the middle between Emma and the underworld (for the lack of a better term). This imaginative story is also packed with humour. Not comedy. The humour it’s found in the duality of the ‘real’ world. ‘When Angels Fear’ the world is made up of the commonplace & a netherworld. Westen a youngish detective follows the murderous facts but these facts don’t match the demonic outcomes. Confusion and madness collide. Great book. Super smooth entertaining read. I will be talking with Polly about her Flammark on my YouTube channel BookMob in the coming weeks. Bought via Amazon $25. Enjoy.

[Dan Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well driven plot with a handful of interesting characters. I found myself wanting to read on for the story to unfold and clear things up. It did just that with an amazing ending I didn't see coming!

[Holly Picchioni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I was not aware it was going to be a series and am excited because the story was great but I LOVED the characters! Thinking there should be a Netflix show!

[Austrian Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When angels fear is, at its heart, an abuse survivor’s tale. It is dressed in horror and there are fantasy elements and paranormal elements, but it nevertheless circles around to its main theme – that of abuse survival and the associated feelings of guilt and rage and despair that go hand in hand with said situation. It is as relevant today as it has ever been, and PJ has added the fantastic elements in to highlight her standpoint, not to detract from it.

The voice is predominantly British, there are regional accents and slang words and mannerisms that can only exist in a person immersed in the culture, where a cup of tea is the standard answer all and where the police force are referred to as “bumbling” – and who do not have weapons. The voice is smooth, confident, and the plot is well thought out.

The reveal of the supernatural, that angels walk the earth, did come as something of a shock. Though the reader is aware that something supernatural is occurring, the presence of Angels is a confirmation of the validity of one particular religion, and therefore one doctrine. All ok, of course, but made more questions than it answered. If we accept that angels are real, and we accept that a curse is also real, that implies that other religions are as real and valid also? If Angels are sent to earth to contain a curse, but not actively stop it, might it not also be valid conclusion to suggest that other religions are also true? How did a curse exist? Who made it? And what power did whoever made it have? Who made the holder of the curse’s final resting place, and how did they know how to construct such a device?

There are enough questions threads here that are tied of nicely that the reader is satisfied with the conclusion to the tale, and there are enough dangling threads to prompt a belief that this is just the first in the series. Character development on the MC was good, as was the character development on Will the priest. I would like to see more of the doctor in the next book - who doesn’t like a grumpy but heartfelt Scot?

But to bring this nicely together, the real story, as I suggested earlier, is abuse survival. Survivors guilt was explored well here, as was the approach of forgiveness, of self. It is hard not to empathize with a damaged character that struggles to find herself once more, but the dialogue between all of the characters seemed well done, and the mystery was complex enough to keep the reader guessing until the reveals were made.

It was a good book to relax with, and though I was not “scared” of the horror elements inside the book, that is more a reflection of my own predilection to horror.

There – see, Polly. I can use a few big words too.

[Steve Turnock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Supernatural Thriller

Creepy rural village, ancient curses and Angels... Great mix in this new book from a powerful new voice in supernatural horror. Loved the very real characters, from the good to the very bad indeed . First book in a series apparently, I will be back for the next installment. Recommended

[P.J. Mordant]

The thing that is MOST important to me as an author is when people comment on the quality of my writing. I'm going to indulge your time a little further by publishing the following extracts from various blogs and reviews that do not appear on any of the main sites.

From Stephanie Geary in her blog "Writing from the Heart." *****

"The author has a wonderful way with words, and I sailed effortlessly over the vocabulary. The words which were used, and the way they were used help to bring the town of Flammark to life in my mind. The subject of abuse and survival was handled brilliantly and I believed Emma’s struggled as I read ahead. The descriptions brought the whole story to life, and Polly has a real way with words. I could read her work all day long. This story was dark, exciting, unnerving, horrific and brilliant! The contrast between the various characters, the descriptive language used to help the reader envision the town and the way in which the dialogue flowed effortlessly makes this author someone to watch out for!"

From Kim ****

Some of the language was new to me but I do love it when a book can both intrigue and educate you.

From "Fillmoretimereading" ****

There were a bunch of pieces that didn't fit together until the end and it was so fun to get there. The writing is so powerful, suspenseful and engaging; you won't want to put this own down!"

[Ashley Meggitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story starts by introducing us to the central character, Emma, who leaves an abusive and controlling relationship to start afresh in the sleepy village of Flammark. As she comes to terms with the new life in the village, she starts to realise that everything is not as it initially seemed. As Emma engages with the community, she starts to learn of her connection to the village, of its curse, and the evil that haunts an old family – her family as it turns out. Events reveal that acts of the past are playing out in the present and that Emma is the key to thwarting a darkness that threatens to consume the village. Help comes from an unexpected quarter as Emma faces up to her destiny.

In When Angels Fear, Mordant has delivered a suspenseful, well written, engaging gothic tale that isn’t afraid to put the horror up front and central when it’s required. A well-paced and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

P.J.Mordant's first offering to the psychological thriller sphere is bold and refreshing.

Through a complex narrative of crime solving, tinged with the supernatural, Mordant flags issues surrounding domestic abuse and the transition one must go through from just-surviving to survivor. Don't be put off by this, though, as the book as a whole is many more things.

A Willy Wonka gobstopper of a book; it begins as a regular thriller before tightly weaving you into a supernatural horror, an intelligent crime mystery and the beginning of a romance....

The characters are well developed and coalesce into a believable cast that I look forward to joining again in, as I see it, a promising serial.

Utterly compelling and doesn't hold back. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who likes something they can get their teeth stuck into.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Emma finally escapes her abusive relationship, she chooses a “pin on the map” which ends up being the village of Flammark. With no plans and no job, she strikes to get settled in and makes some friends with the locals. When a “sleeping sickness” starts to take over the village and she hears about the disappearance of a young girl, Emma realizes she is linked to a deadly curse. Can she survive?
While this is a supernatural mystery with some fantasy aspects, its also a story of abuse and survival. The story kept me very engaged even when it started to take turns I wasn’t expecting. As a warning, there are some difficult sexual abuse scenes. This was a good debut and I look forward to seeing more from this author. 3.75 of 5 stars

Thank you to Rachel’s random Resources and P.J. Mordant for the review copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Theresa Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can sit right up there with the top horror/suspense authors of the 21st century. Loved it coer to cover!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling horror story

Beautifully written this grabs you from the opening and holds you spellbound and horrified until the end. An excellent horror story with wonderful characters about whom I wish to read more. So I am heading off to see what’s next.

[Denise Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant book, bit of a slow build up but it was worth it in the end.
Once again it was by an author I hadn't read before and not a genre that I
usually go for but it was well written and had some decent characters.

[Elaine Hennessey · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spoilers

A rather enjoyable book. Some twists and turns. The ending was somewhat predictable. There were characters I didn't like who remained throughout the book, but that's just my thoughts

[Morwenna Blackwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novel. The writing is almost spellbinding, and the plot kept me guessing throughout. Can't wait for the next one in the series!

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I decided to read it based on its reviews and it did not disappoint.

[Jessika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my genre, but an enjoyable book. Reads well

[Lynn Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely fabulous I couldn’t put it down it’s very creepy and makes you want to know what happens next I can’t wait to start the second book 😆

[Jackiesreadingcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, I wasn’t sure to expect from this book, but once I started it I couldn’t put it down. I will say it’s not one for the faint hearted as there are some quite gruesome scenes. But I was absolutely hooked.

Emma has to get away, she is in controlling and violent relationship and she knows she has to escape, she leaves everything behind, terrified he will be able to find her.

Driving off one morning she ends up in a place called Flammark, basically she had just picked the place by dropping a pin in a map, using most of her money she pays 6 months rent on a cottage. Forever looking over her shoulder, terrified she is being followed. Terrified he will find her. What will her punishment be this time if he does find her? Jumping at shadows. She meets Gabby who lives in the village and knows everyone and everything, she picks up on Emma’s state and comforts her. The rental cottage is opposite an old church, which fascinates Emma, it turns out the place she has rented is owned by William the vicar of St Jude’s church. With Will’s help she gets a job working as a receptionist for the local Dr. But what is the illness that the people in the community have come down with? As Will’s congregation is getting smaller, and fewer patients are going to the drs surgery afraid of passing whatever they have to others. Then there is the disappearance of a young girl 6 months earlier, Isabel, why didn’t the police look harder to find her. Someone had desecrated the church, and left notes regarding Isabel and her father who had died 2 years earlier. What was that about? Why wasn’t the accident investigated more thoroughly by the previous Detective in charge at the time? Why did he retire shortly after?

I really liked Emma initially she seemed weak, but as the story progressed she became stronger, the characters are all great. As things unfold the reader starts to learn more about the history of Flammark. The way the place is described you can just picture it in your mind, so vividly written. The story pulls you in, with its intrigue as to what is happening the tension gradually building, at times it’s downright creepy. Is Emma there for a reason? But why?

If you want a read that is brilliantly paced, a great plot, with great characters some good, some not so good. A police procedural, mystery with some supernatural, humour, then you will enjoy this book. It literally has it all. As the tension builds you find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat, clutching a pillow wondering how this is possibly going to end. The fight between good and evil. To the dramatic climax at the end.

I highly recommend this book it’s definitely a 5⭐️ read, it’s book one in what I think could be a brilliant series, and I personally can’t wait to see more of these characters. To see where the writer takes them next.

[Richard E. Rock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover pitches this book as a ‘supernatural thriller’. Not quite a crime novel, not quite a horror, a ‘supernatural thriller’ is a tricky thing to pull off. But worry not, friends, because author Polly J Mordant has succeeded, and then some.
When we first meet our protagonist Emma, she is on the run from a violent and controlling partner. She hatches a plan to ‘disappear’ and start a new life in a quiet little village called Flammark. However, it seems that Flammark may have chosen Emma and not the other way around.
Yes, all is not quite as idyllic as it first appears. As a village, Flammark is the anti-Dibley. No loveable middle-class eccentrics and amiable buffoons here. Instead we get mysterious disappearances, spooky apparitions, strange visions, ancient curses, evil mists, horrifying possessions and locals who are not quite what they seem.
And if all that isn’t enough, Emma’s ex is onto her.
Emma is an engaging character and as readers we can’t help but punch the air as this particular worm turns, taking control of her own destiny, vowing to be a victim no more. And as the story progresses, with secrets getting unearthed like bodies from a graveyard, Mordant tightens the tourniquet effectively, putting our hero and her new friends through hell before they can even dream of finding salvation.
It’s exciting, creepy and gripping stuff, with shades of The Wicker Man and vintage Hammer Horror. The cover also states that this is ‘Book one of the Flammark’ series’. That’s good news for us newly-converted fans of supernatural thrillers.
Bring it on!

[Lost_in_her_bookland · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝗪𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫 on the tour with @rachelsrandomresources ⁣
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What a cryptic, creepy & supernatural experience that was. This left me guessing and guessing and guessing. What a talented author Mordant is, to include hard hitting subjects such as ancestory and domestic violence, but with the huge spin of paranormal pocession. ⁣
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I felt at first whether alone at night, this was going to be a good read for me, easily spooked, and the first storyline of a shadow in a graveyard, but I am so glad I got hooked, this was just so clever, ghostly & charmed. It had just the right amount of fear to keep me going, and I cannot wait for the future series.⁣
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"Emma arrives in the picturesque village of Flammark, escaping a brutal relationship, desperate for safety. She thinks Flammark is random, beautiful, needed, but there is a reason she is there. A supernatural drawing to a part of her history, that will have her meet demons she never knew existed, and is given the change to vanquish evil and change the future, all while living a seemingly normal but damaged life" ⁣
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