Book Review: The Eighth House

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Eighth House     Amazon US TPB Amazon Canada TPB
Karen Sealy
Class/Genre:   Fantasy   Occult   Horror
Highbridge, Aug 2000, $19.95, 340 pp.

Early in the twentieth century in Manhattan, Edward Hastings, a teenager, kills his mother’s pimp Rick. Edward steals Rick’s money and opens a successful brothel. Two years later, his mother dies and the state takes Edward away because he is an orphan who is underage. Satan sees great potential in Edward. He visits the teen, persuading him to throw his lot in with the devil. Satan wants Edward to foster the flames of hate that ultimately destroy humanity. By 1955, Edward has been back on Earth for thirteen years. He keeps a journal of his activities. He is visiting an Italian brothel when a bomb explodes. Edward, being immortal compliments of his boss, loses his journal. He knows he is in trouble with Satan if he fails to find the damaging book.

In modern day New York City, Aaron Jacobs gives a rare astrology book to his fiancée, Tericita Ellis. However, unbeknownst to Aaron the book contains damaging information that tells them Satan’s plan of death and destruction. Even as Jacob and Teri wonder what they can do to thwart the devil, Edward knows they have his journal and he will do anything to regain it.

THE EIGHTH HOUSE is an intriguing horror tale that will thrill fans that enjoy reading Satan’s scheme for ending the world. The story line is fast-paced and exciting with the plot actually divided into four backdrops. Edward is a great anti-Christ because readers understand his motives. Teri and Jacob are a warm lead couple struggling to do more than just survive against overwhelming odds. In her debut, Karen Sealy shows much ability to write a supernatural novel that easily flows yet feels real.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner