Book Review: Riley’s Excellent and not-at-all Fake Exorcism Service
By Elizabeth Suggs
If you’re looking for something with clever writing and an exciting plot, then read Riley’s Excellent and not-at-all Fake Exorcism Service by Sophie Queen. When I first started this story, I had no idea what I was getting myself into, and from page one, I was hooked.
Warning, this blog has some spoilers!
The story starts out with our lovable and very crass protagonist Riley, who is an editor and failed writer. She drinks all day to hide her feelings of failure, and while I personally don’t frequently partake of “Writer’s Juice,” and I’m now published, which also contrasts with Riley, I can relate to Riley’s undeniable Will I ever be published? sort of horror. This is a great introduction to our character and it shows that she isn’t perfect. She has a very much “give no shits” attitude on the outside, but she’s tender beneath. I love these types of characters because they have so much more depth than your normal Joe Schmoe.
Riley conceals the extent of her drinking from her husband, Daniel, who is, as we later find out, equally secretive. And while Riley isn’t okay with this, she does befriend some fun and unique characters throughout the story.
I really love how Queen took her time developing each and every character. There are no accidents with these personalities. These were planned and precise. It’s very refreshing. Not only that, but I love the chapter headings. From “Well… Ain’t All This Just Fine and Dandy” to “Nope… Nope… Nope… Nope. Nope. Nope.” You’ll get a kick out of guessing where the chapter is going from these clues.
Some of my favorite lines that really encompass Riley as a character: Stripping won’t make me rate you any higher, you know. And This sweaty man is Thomas, by the way, but you don’t have to worry about him.
I really loved the story from start to finish. This book asks the question of what is and isn’t possible, it pushes upon the limits of your understanding, and even makes you (at least me) pine for a love affair with a demon and a human. I don’t often reread books, but I would most definitely read this many more times! I can’t wait to read more from Queen. Just remember… don’t go into the meditation room.
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com