Book Review: Golem by P.D Alleva + Book Giveaway!
AD—Gifted. I received a copy of Golem in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own. Please see my review policy for more details.
As we head into Halloween season, I am delighted to share my timely book review of P.D Alleva‘s horror novel, Golem with you all.
Golem is a chilling read that cleverly weaves together the natural and supernatural into a story that makes the reader wonder where the line between truth and horror blurs. Here is why Golem is perfect for Halloween season and why it should be on your autumn reading list!
Don’t forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post for a chance to win one of two paperback copies or a hardback copy of Golem with its newly re-released fantastic cover.
From the Book
On November 1, 1951, war hero John Ashton was promoted to detective. His first assignment: find the district attorney’s missing daughter. But his only lead is Alena Francon, a high society sculptor and socialite committed to Bellevue’s psychiatric facility.
Alena has a story for the new detective. A story so outlandish John Ashton refuses to heed the warning. Alena admits to incarnating Golem, a demonic force, into her statue. A devil so profound he’s infiltrated every part of New York’s infrastructure. Even worse, he uses children to serve as bodily hosts for his demonic army, unleashing a horde of devils into our world.
When Alena’s confidant, Annette Flemming, confirms the existence of Golem, John is sent on a collision course where fate and destiny spiral into peril, and the future of the human race hangs in the balance.
The Devil Is In The Details!
Fans of The Silence of the Lambs, Clive Barker, John Connolly, old Stephen King, and Anne Rice will be fascinated by this edge of your seat psychological horror thriller with a story that tears out the heart of humanity and throws it on a slab to be feasted on.
Golem by P.D Alleva Book Review
Golem blends elements from Greek mythology, Jewish legend, and Satanism seamlessly into a modern setting to create an immersive storytelling experience that keeps the reader turning the pages.
The narrative unfolds in three parts, with the first part setting up the mystery and following John Ashton on his investigation. John is dedicated to his job and is determined to succeed where all others have failed. At first, he treats Alena with a healthy dose of skepticism even though she is his only lead into the disappearance of the district attorney’s daughter. Yet, as the story continues, even the reader feels the gnawing instinct that Alena’s story holds a wicked tinge of truth.
The second part of the book primarily explores Alena’s story and introduces elements of horror that touch on reality. Alena claims she created a depraved monster called Golem who seeks to corrupt the world and spread his darkness. Her claim is perceived as the raving of a madwoman; she is incarcerated and declared insane.
Alena is, however, an independent woman who suffered agonizing loss. She retreated into herself but unleashed her inner creativity and emotion into her art. Eventually her artistry gave birth to a creature that blended her passion and talent with her bottled grief and bitter sorrow.
This creature, Golem, first comes across as innocent and willing to learn. He respects Alena and quietly explores his curiosity about the world. However, he also possesses an unnerving sense of ancient wisdom. As the story progresses, he reveals his cruel nature and embraces his depraved side. He shows himself as a dangerous, charismatic character who uses his charm to his advantage to spread darkness and debauchery.
The final part of the book brings together John’s investigation and Alena’s story into a seamless narrative where the supernatural seeps out into the natural. The reader feels the emotion explode off the page and is thrust into the minds of the characters. Personalities conflict and good clashes with evil. Humanity itself stares into the face of its undoing.
Golem by P.D Alleva Book Review: The Prose & Narrative
P.D Alleva invites readers into the story with inviting, descriptive writing. The prose is crisp and sharp; it explores details and smaller narratives within the overall narrative. As the book promises, the devil is in the details.
Golem slowly builds up the tension and creates chills in just the right places. The horror elements blend both visual writing with Golem’s phycological games. This book is not for the faint of heart or those who are triggered easily, as it does contain violent imagery, possible triggers, and potentially disturbing concepts. However, if you take the book for what it is: an excellent horror read, these elements become essential to the narrative and are seamlessly incorporated into the book.
Golem by P.D Alleva Book Review: Is Golem for You?
I recommend Golem to lovers of good storytelling, to readers who enjoy texts that make them question their reality and wonder what if, and to all horror fans. The book is the perfect read for autumn and, as it is a big book, will last for several immersive reading sessions.
Paperback and Hardcover Copies of Golem by P.D Avella Giveaway!
Claim your free entry below for a chance to win one of two paperback copies or a hardcover copy of Golem! You must hit “enter” on the giveaway drop-down tabs in order to enter to win. US, UK, and Canadian entries only. One first place winner will receive a hardcover copy of Golem and two runners-up will each receive one paperback copy of this fantastic read.
a Rafflecopter giveawayWhat aspects of Golem connected with you? Does this book sound like a good addition to your autumn reading list? Tell me below!
If you loved this post, check out my reviews section for further recommendations on what to read next!
Cover Image: Courtesy of P.D Alleva
Raji (@journeyintofantasy)
Great review Jaya! This sounds like a perfect read for this time of year!
crazykat14
“Golem” definitely sounds like my kind of book. I love horror novels/stories 🙂
Jaya Avendel
Best of luck in the giveaway!
pacioalita9
The book sounds like a perfect addition to my autumn reading list. Thanks for sharing this
hotcha1
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
hotcha1
I’M AN AVID READER AND I WOULD LOVE TO WIN ONE!
Jaya Avendel
Best of luck in the giveaway then! 😍
crazykat14
WOW, I love the blurb and reviews of the book! The mythology is awesome. I’d LOVE to win a copy.
Jaya Avendel
Wishing you the best of luck in the giveaway!
Lucia’s Fiction
I enjoyed this review!
Bonnie
What a fascinating book! I would love to win a copy.
Jaya Avendel
Best of luck, Bonnie! 🥰
Lori Byrd
Sounds really great
Paula
Definitely it’s my kind of book. Creepy. Love that. I’ve already consumed the ebook, but my bookcase needs this cover .
Jaya Avendel
I know! The cover is just fabulous.
Corinne
This is my fav genre! Sounds like a great read, glad you enjoyed it!
Corinne x
Keep Calm & Drink Coffee
I would say this book is perfect for this time of year.
The horror genre is theoretically not my favorite, but I have often gotten involved in stories when they are interesting.
THANKS for the advice Jaya!
I’m too far away for the giveaway, but congratulations for the idea!
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Claudia!
Keep Calm & Drink Coffee
<3
Debra Guyette
This looks perfect for me. Thanks for the great post.
Jaya Avendel
Best of luck, Debra! Thank you for reading.
Linda Gawthrop
I’m intrigued!
Jaya Avendel
I am delighted to hear it!
Charity
This looks super scary!! Thanks so much for sharing your detailed review!
Jodie | That Happy Reader
This sounds like just the eerie read for Halloween Jaya! Such a well-written review!
Daphny Aqua
Sadly I won’t be able to take part in the giveaway but I most definitely will add this book to my reading list for sure, already super excited to get my hands on this. 💗
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Daphny!
Daphny Aqua
You’re welcome!
Lauren
That cover is terrifying ha ha! I am not good with scary films so not sure whether I could read a scary book. You have shared a great review Jaya! Thank you for sharing.
Lauren.
Ingrid
This sounds like the perfect spooky tale for the season 🎃
SaaniaSparkle 🧚🏻♀️
Great review
haoyando
I’ve never read much of supernatual books other than a couple from Stephen King, but your review piqued my interest. LOL.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you so much! Best of luck in the giveaway. 🥰
Her Digital Coffee
I loved your detailed review Jaya! This sounds like the perfect read for spooky season. Good luck to everyone entering!
Isa A
It has a nice plot. A very nice review. Seems like a perfect read for horror fans. I used to read horror now can do leas genres haha! The mythology and modern blend sounds quite intriguing. It does sound like a piece ofstory telling which is what I like in books if it’s a blend of ancient vs modern. Like it! Xx
Isa A. Blogger
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Isa!
Michele Lee
Excellent review, Jaya!
Unwanted Life
First off, I love the cover. Those eyes are awesome. I wished mine looked like that. The book sounds a lot more intense that I would have guess from the book title. Just how many demons get out into children’s bodies? And why children? Also, are you being literal when you said the golem had infiltrated the cities infrastructure?
Cindy Georgakas
Great review Jaya of an incredible author even though I’m scared of horror shows.. 💗