Possession by M. Verano — My Honest Thoughts

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I picked up Possession hoping for chills — the kind that make you check your locks twice and sleep with the hallway light on. I wanted something spiritually gripping, unnerving, and thought-provoking. As someone who believes in God, the devil, spirits, and yes — even the reality of possession as referenced in the Bible — I was hoping to read something that felt haunting, not just entertaining.

But instead, what I got felt... safe.

This was my first book by M. Verano, and while I appreciated the concept and pacing, the writing never took me deep into the world I wanted to explore. I didn’t feel the weight of evil, and I didn’t feel like I was inside the mind of someone truly fighting a spiritual battle.

What Worked:

The book has a creative format. It’s told through a mix of journal entries, police reports, doctor notes, and photographs. That gave it a unique feel. The story itself wasn’t rushed. It actually flowed well from entry to entry. I wouldn’t call it predictable — it had surprises. But the writing felt more like something from a YA TV drama — think ABC Family, not FX Horror. The language was simple, the emotional detail was minimal, and for someone who craves deeper context, it left me wanting.

Missed Opportunities:

There were moments in the story that could have taken me there—when the main character describes her possessions or when Ms. Pierre comes to cleanse the home. But the scenes were told so lightly that I couldn’t visualize anything.

What was Ms. Pierre wearing? What did her movements look like? Did she feel a chill in the air? Did the lights flicker? Did anything truly unsettling happen? I wanted smells, sensations, and symbolism—not just summaries.

And what about the police photos? What was the "shadow" that creeped them out? What was in the room? In the corner? Behind her?

The book mentioned things, but never showed them.

Final Reflection:

This book wasn’t terrible. It just wasn’t for me. It didn’t tap into the kind of spiritual horror I was hoping for — the kind that challenges your beliefs or makes your skin crawl with questions.

But for a younger reader, like my daughter, it might be perfect. Someone new to supernatural fiction might enjoy the light structure, fast pace, and spooky undertone without feeling overwhelmed.

As for me? I’ll be leaving M. Verano’s future titles to less advanced readers. I'm still open to exploring this genre, but now I know what I need from it — real fear, real depth, and spiritual weight.

Until next read. Be Well!