Miserere: An Autumn Tale
Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Baen, and other fine bookstores / Check out an independent bookstore near you at Indie Bound.
"Miserere reads like Ladyhawke had a baby in purgatory and Meljean Brook delivered it." -- New York Times Bestselling author Ilona Andrews (read Ilona's review of Miserere)
"Miserere is about redemption, and the triumph of our best impulses over our worst. It's also about swords, monsters, chases, ghosts, magic, court intrigues and battles to the death. It's also (and this is the important part) really, really good." --Alex Bledsoe, author of The Hum and the Shiver, Dark Jenny and The Sword-Edged Blonde (Alex reviews Miserere at his blog ... from down in Lucky Town)
Exiled exorcist Lucian Negru deserted his lover in Hell in exchange for saving his sister Catarina's soul, but Catarina doesn't want salvation. She wants Lucian to help her fulfill her dark covenant with the Fallen Angels by using his power to open the Hell Gates. Catarina intends to lead the Fallen’s hordes out of Hell and into the parallel dimension of Woerld, Heaven’s frontline of defense between Earth and Hell.
When Lucian refuses to help his sister, she imprisons and cripples him, but Lucian learns that Rachael, the lover he betrayed and abandoned in Hell, is dying from a demonic possession. Determined to rescue Rachael from the demon he unleashed on her soul, Lucian flees his sister, but Catarina's wrath isn’t so easy to escape. In the end, she will force him once more to choose between losing Rachael or opening the Hell Gates so the Fallen's hordes may overrun Earth, their last obstacle before reaching Heaven's Gates.
What people are saying about Miserere:
Library Journal gives Miserere a starred review: "Frohock sets her first novel on an alternate Earth, a quasimedieval realm that is aware of the existence of Earth's technology and that serves as a battleground for the war between Heaven and Hell. With richly developed, complex characters and a talent for portraying the horrific nature of evil, the author relates a compelling tale of faith rediscovered, trust regained, and hope reawakened. This exceptional dark historical fantasy debut should particularly appeal to fans of medieval fiction, tales of holy warriors, and fantasies that feature strong women characters. The religious aspects, integral to the story without being overwhelming, should interest readers of faith-based fantasy."
Bull Spec calls Miserere "a stunning, vivid foray into a complicated, but decipherable, world ... Frohock successfully plants a foothold in the speculative market as an author to watch." --J.P. Wickwire
"... a good novel, an exciting one, with a setting I’d be happy to revisit ..." Alyx Dellamonica, Tor.Com
"A tight plot, an interesting world, and something much like the Dan Brown knack for the religious 'what if', makes Miserere an absolute pleasure to read." Justin Landon, Staffer's Musings
"Highly recommended ... a superb debut." Stefan Fergus, Civilian Reader
"... a fascinating read full of religious symbols and character interactions that are realistic and gripping. The scenes were intense, from magic and swordplay battles to intimate meetings between scarred souls." Tim's Book Reviews
"... an impressive debut novel, especially if you’re a fan of character-driven, dark fantasy." Kristen, Fantasy Cafe
"If you are a fan of dark, beautifully written fantasy, set in a fascinating world and featuring well developed characters, then I would suggest you get your hands on a copy of Frohock’s debut as soon as possible." Michelle Goldsmith, The Ranting Dragon
"Miserere is a riveting tale, rife with political intrigue and pulse-quickening action ..." Vaughn Roycroft, Reader Unboxed
"... simultaneously one of the most complex, yet compulsively readable novels I’ve ever read ..." Kristin Centorcelli, My Bookish Ways
"... an impressive and entertaining debut, led by an interesting concept ... great characters, and compelling drama." Robert Thompson, Fantasy Book Critic
"In her debut novel, Miserere: An Autumn Tale, Teresa Frohock has succeeded at creating that all-too-rare phenomenon among first-time story-tellers: a mature prose style combined with a fully realized vision. Her ‘woerld’ will completely immerse the reader with its compelling and striking visuals, fascinating details and thrilling plot turns. The book is almost impossible to put down and it’s harder yet not to actually believe that what Ms. Frohock imagined isn’t terribly real—even if some of us haven’t found an entrée into the parallel existences she’s meticulously crafted. Studded with magic, demons, and terror run amok, dark fantasy and horror fans alike will walk away from Miserere feeling they’ve found a writer they not only admire, but are anxious to revisit soon in her future works." -- Lisa Mannetti, Bram Stoker Award-Winning author of The Gentling Box and Deathwatch
"Miserere is excellent dark fantasy with fascinating worldbuilding and beautifully realized characters." --Courtney Schafer, author of The Whitefire Crossing.