Book: Possessed by Ava Thorne
Reviewed by Weird | weird.reads.books
Rating: 4.5/5
This book is hot, sacrilegious, and beautiful in the best ways possible. This is my second Ava Thorne read, and she does not disappoint. While the "hot priest yearning for a parishioner" trope isn't new, adding a demon possession into the mix made this story oh-so-delicious.
Thorne has a way of highlighting historical injustices toward women in a way that resonates deeply with the modern reader. Possessed takes place during the Bamberg Witch Trials in 1629. Our FMC, Katherina, is the daughter of a burned witch, raised by the very Church that executed her mother. As she secretly carries on her mother’s healing practices, Katherina witnesses the oppression and condemnation the Church inflicts on the innocent or on those who simply want to help their neighbors.
This hypocrisy is even more striking in Heinrich’s point of view. As a priest who truly follows the teachings of mercy, he is the perfect lens to highlight the callousness of those enacting horrific persecutions in the name of their deity. His desire for Katherina burns at a lovely simmer until the possession gives him the push he needs. I loved that Thorne wrote the possession in a way that didn’t force Heinrich to abandon his beliefs, but rather used it to sharpen his perspective on the Church's cruelty.
“I think a god who punishes the small for fighting those who would abuse them is no god worth our devotion.”
There were parts of this book that spoke volumes to me. While it may not hit the same for everyone, as someone who is an ex-Catholic and has deep religious trauma, I spent part of my read screaming, “Yes!” while highlighting so many quotes that resonated with me. Wrapping this with some female rage to carry out injustices made was exactly what I needed. Oh, and I absolutely cackled with glee when I realized this book releases on Easter Sunday. Absolutely beautiful.
If you’re looking for a novella that delivers forbidden love, high-heat spice, and satisfyingly enacted female rage, I can’t recommend Possessed enough.
Thank you to Ava Thorne for the eARC. All opinions are my own.