Can you hear it?Whispering in the dark.Secrets only the dark knows.Joseph Moore, choir director for the First Baptist Church of Lenora, Nebraska, has secrets of his own. Terrible, lonely secrets. One that involves natural human desire. One that calls forth powers he cannot begin to understand. Both with the potential to destroy him and those he loves.Now the world is changing. The darkness, the … world is changing. The darkness, the shadows, the ghosts, are closing in—and Joseph and his lover, Kevin, are being stalked by a merciless demon, hell-bent on possession.
Can you hear it now?
There in the dark.
It’s whispering your name.
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Audiobook Review—–
4.5 stars- Wow, talk about a profound story. Hallelujah is a standalone collaborative novel that mixes paranormal, some horror, and fantasy to deliver an inspirational story of a man fighting to stave off an evil entity and protect those he loves and the world around him. Hallelujah is a dual crossover. Fans of Mr. Feeley’s will recognize some characters from Memoirs of a Human Wraith and, though I haven’t read it, the novel also reportedly has a couple overlaps from Miss Fielding’s Motel.Pool. Even without the crossovers, Hallelujah is a story readers won’t soon forget.
I strongly feel some books are even more powerful when performed. It’s like extra life is breathed into the authors’ words. When I read the blurb for Hallelujah, I decided to wait on the audiobook release, and I’m incredibly glad I did. Mr. Staples did a phenomenal job at elevating the story using effects, inserting emotion, and simply getting me to feel the itchy suspense building before delivering a blow that left my heart racing.
Apart from a brilliant performance, the writing was smooth and descriptive with great characters who exhibited an admirable strength of will and faith. I loved that Hallelujah discussed religion and faith without feeling preachy or condemning. I also liked how pertinent some parts were, touching on current events in a way that increased the relevance of Joseph and his friends’ mission. I’d definitely recommend this audio for those who aren’t necessarily looking for a romance as much as they’re looking for a good story that makes you think and feel.
When Kim Fielding and F.E. Feeley Jr. bring their unique styles together the result is the complex, emotional, soul-searching tour-de-force Hallelujah. An extraordinary adventure, this is the story of one man’s journey as he strives toward his goal of peace and self-acceptance. His reward is a life filled with love, a revitalized commitment to his faith, and a deeper understanding of mankind.
If I thought Hallelujah was a moving, thought provoking book when I read it, following it up by listening to the audio version was a tremendous experience. I’m sure it’s a combination of knowing what’s coming and Alan H. Staples’ smooth and smokey delivery, but several scenes had chills running up my spine!
Returning home after college to help on the family farm, Joseph is also the choir director for the local Baptist church. A deeply spiritual man, and raised with those hellfire and brimstone values, Joseph is at an impasse. Convinced that God will keep him safe from the spirits he sees, he struggles with several fundamental aspects of his Church’s teachings and is questioning his relationship with God.
A tragic event has Joseph turning away from his faith, and it broke my heart to see the state Joseph’s in when the second part of the book starts off. Responsibilities to his family keep him stuck in his hometown for the next thirty years, and he’s closed himself off to all the things that brought him joy.
But changes are a-coming! With the entrance of his distant cousin, Francine, Joseph’s journey takes off full force and authors Fielding and Feeley pull out all the stops. The events which force Joseph to face his fears, find the courage to stand up for injustice, and create a future for himself are heartfelt and touching and incredibly exciting.
The writers warn us that Hallelujah is not a romance, though I found Joseph’s romantic relationships very moving. The love Joseph shares with Kevin is steamy-sweet, and filled with all the wonder and yearning of a new romance. Then, a mature Joseph finds a very different connection with Stormy. Pure and honest, with no way to conceal his thoughts from Stormy, Joseph truly opens up. The foundation these experiences provide give Joseph the strength he needs to proceed.
I want to reassure anyone on the fence about this one due to the “horror” tag. There is some violence, and the references to human injustices that truly are horrific, but the uplifting messages of hope, positive activism, and good-will far outweigh everything else.
New to me narrator, Alan H. Staples delivers a wonderful performance. With his subtle accents, strong emotion, and lovely singing voice, Mr. Staples has won himself a new fan. I was unfamiliar with much of the music in the novel, and the decision to have Mr. Staples sing the hymns adds so much to the overall effect.
The authors lay some very intriguing groundwork in Hallelujah, and I sincerely hope this is the beginning of a new series. I love Joseph and Stormy together, and watching as they ride off in a muscle car with the word “Prophet” on the vanity plate, opens up so many possibilities of the kinds of demon-hunting adventures they might have. I can hardly wait!
Intense and raw. This is the perfect tale for present day turmoil and every day life and strife! Good verses evil. Gift verses curse. Joseph’s character just draws it all out of you and leaves you weak and empty. I cried. I screamed. I sighed heavily. Kevin’s sacrifice-omg! Thankfully Joseph found his own peace with his gift and his new realities. Riveting and impactful.
I’ll never listen to the song the book is named for the same again. Joseph is such a strong character, and he’s forced to deal with unspeakable tragedy. Fielding and Feeley have created a world unlike anything I’ve read before, a world where a family descended from powerful beings must battle for the right to live and love. Fans of Stephen King’s Dead Zone, Rick R. Reed and the history and lore of the Creole people will love this original tale.
The premise and world building in this story are fabulous, and the characters very layered. Although there are romantic elements and a romance in it, it’s not the HEA of a romance novel, and even though the final pages give some hope for Joseph’s future, he’s still got a rough road ahead. I liked the mythos behind Joseph and those like him, and how their abilities work, and how they differ.
I hope this is the first in a series as I’d love read more of this world, and its characters. I got hooked on this story very quickly, and didn’t want to put it down. The writing style flows well and I couldn’t tell where one author handed over to the other as the transitions are very smooth. The settings were very easy to visualise. I particularly liked Stormy’s ability—it’s different and very cool.
I didn’t expect the story to go in the direction it went but that’s one of its strengths. There are consequences for actions taken, and not everyone gets out alive. The enemy they’re up against is very powerful, and I liked that taking it down wasn’t easy.
I also liked the part music plays in the story, and how it’s very much a part of who Joseph is
I loved the relationships between the characters, and their emotions feel very real and powerful. I felt for Joseph in particular and the burdens he carries because of his abilities, and who he loves. His losses are heartbreaking. Kevin rocks. It’s obvious he cares deeply for Joseph, yet he’s practical about moving forward too. I loved Stormy, and want to know more about him especially as he and Joseph work together in the future. Francine is a very interesting character, and I liked how the three of them working together was very powerful.
Highly recommended. More please.