Customer Reviews

The Exorsistah: X Returns

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I have never read any of Claudia Mair Burney's books before. Starting with The Exorsistah: X Returns, the sequel to The Exorsistah, made me wonder why I had not picked up one of her earlier works. Emme Vaughan, the Exorsistah, has just turned 18 years old, when the story begins. She was on a mission to reconnect with her mother. However, the demons walking around are not about to allow that to happen if they can help it.

Francis, the son of a priest, has waited for this time to finally claim Emme as his girlfriend. But something scares her and she finds herself traveling without him on a quest to find a mysterious woman name Jane Doe. Jane is the one person who is believed to have the information she needs to be successful in finding her mother. Emme has no choice but to follow the direction given to her by some very spiritual people along the way. All the while she is fighting off demons and evil spirits by using her love for God.

I totally enjoyed this book. It was different than anything I have ever read. I found the characters quirky and unique in their own special way. My heart felt heavy during certain moments, but as I read on a sense of relief ended my dread. Ms. Burney created an unusual plot that crossed genres; paranormal and Christian fiction. The Exorsistah: X Returns is for readers who do not mind the constant reference to the Bible. I recommend this book to readers of the two aforementioned genres.

The publisher provided a copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub

Claudia Mair Burney has carved out her own niche, writing honest, urban, spiritual, and always entertaining novels that defy categorization. I loved the first in this series, "The Exorsistah." Emme Vaughn was a great character, with flaws and strengths, not to mention a kickin' pair of Prada boots.

This second installment never quite entertains the way the first did, but the continued development of Emme's character--past and present--is done with consummate skill. Emme's immaturity separates her from the love of her life, forcing her to learn new things about love, family, and demon-hunting. Yes, she does confront sulfurous foes, as well as sensual ones, but in this book those scenes are separated by long portions of her own spiritual journey. Burney also throws in humor and romance in equal measure.

The plot of "X Returns" loosely follows elements of the Book of Tobit, from the Catholic canon, and Burney offers a palatable mix of Catholicism that focuses on its theological strengths. She gives some information about saints and monastic orders, never letting us forget that the lessons from these these must carry over into real-world struggles. More important, Emme's battle against evil is not focused on evil but on God and His goodness. In a world tainted by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, Emme Vaughn and her friends remind us that our primary task, as given in Scripture, is to "watch and pray."

I usually don't write reviews but I just had to do it for this book. Claudia Mair Burney did a great job! Very talented writer. I highly suggest you read all of her books. You will not be disappointed! I hope it doesn't take to long for the next book to come out! The book picks up exactly where Exorsistah ended. I'm not Catholic, but the way Claudia Mair Burney has incorporated Catholicism into both books has made me want to read more about the saints and some other topics as well.