Review: The Devil's Prayer by Luke Gracias

Published: February 2016

Pages: 294

Synopsis: “A nun commits suicide in front of thousands in Spain. In Australia, Siobhan Russo recognises that nun as her mother, Denise Russo, who disappeared six years ago. In search of answers, Siobhan travels to the isolated convent where her mother once lived. Here she discovers Denise’s final confession, a book that details a heinous betrayal that left her crippled and mute, and Denise’s subsequent deal with the Devil to take revenge. In the desperate bargain Denise made with the Prince of Darkness, she wagered Siobhan’s soul. As Siobhan discovers the fate of her soul, she learns that hidden within the pages of her mother’s confession is part of The Devil’s Prayer, an ancient text with the power to unleash apocalyptic horrors. And now her mother’s enemies know Siobhan has it. Can Siobhan escape an order of extremist monks determined to get the Prayer back? Can she save the world from its own destruction?”

Rating: ****

An intriguing and factual prologue that fed well into the first chapter. Vivid descriptions that were well thought out and more than likely heavily researched.

A good mix of authentic, believable characters particularly Siobhan and Jess's differing reactions to the news at the start of the book. The descriptions were in-depth and at times brutal, but very well written. There were some very explicit descriptions including those about sex, rape and murder but none of these were gratuitous or just there to shock the reader. They did actually enhance the plot and were pivotal to the plot and character development.

The plot didn't go in the direction I had thought, and I did find myself questioning if I had missed something and wondering what was real and what was imagined. But when looking back after finishing I appreciated that the plot flowed well and all slotted together to make sense.

The ending was quite abrupt and ended with a shock but this fit with the rest of the novel.

I would definitely recommend The Devil's Prayer to readers who like The Da Vinci Code and similar books.