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I can’t save myself from the Cloister, and maybe I never could. The Prophet grows more dangerous by the day. His delusions are steeped in blood, and if I’m not careful, that blood will be my own. Despite the growing risk, I still continue the search for the truth, no matter if the thorny path eventually twists back to Adam, guilt in his dark eyes. I’ve seen glimpses of his soul, and I know there is more to him than the monster, but it’s so hard to reach him. I knew when I came here that I’d have to fight, I just didn’t realize the war would be waged on so many fronts.

Author's Note: If you have a trigger, this book will pull it. The Maiden is the first book of The Cloister Series. The Prophet will release in May, and the conclusion to the series, The Church, will release in June.

Join here: www.jointhecloister.com.

300 pages, ebook

First published May 1, 2018

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About the author

Celia Aaron

58 books4,148 followers
Celia Aaron is a recovering attorney who loves romance and erotic fiction. Dark to light, angsty to funny, real to fantasy—if it’s hot and strikes her fancy, she writes it. Thanks for reading.

Sign up for my newsletter at celiaaaron.com to get information on new releases. (I would never spam you or sell your info, just send you book news and goodies sometimes). ;)

You can find me on:
Twitter: @celiaaaron_
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5 stars
848 (49%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews14.8k followers
May 10, 2018





⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! The Prophet, book 2 of 3. While Adam & Delilah’s loyalties are questioned by the Prophet they discover they have more in common than lust!

“I don’t bother asking God to forgive me. Nothing will ever wipe away this stain.”

Books in The Cloister Trilogy should be read in order:
Book 1: The Maiden
Book 2: The Prophet
Book 3: The Church


In The Maiden, book 1 Delilah joined the Heavenly Ministries, a religious cult serving a sinister, ruthless and sexually depraved leader, The Prophet. Assigned as a Cloister Maiden, she was trained and broken into sexual submission by Adam Monroe, the Prophet’s oldest son and heir. Despite the treacherous environment, Adam and Delilah felt a connection leading to reckless moments of sex and truth.

The Prophet, book 2 picks up after book 1’s suspenseful ending. While Delilah’s mission has gone awry putting Adam and her in danger, we learn that behind Adam’s callous and blasé façade there is remnants of a young man with a plan held back by poor timing, loyalties and emotional blackmail. It’s a race against time with dark forces staking their claim and the Prophet set on furthering his cause while keeping everyone on their toes.

Told from dual POVs, it’s a dark erotic tale centered around themes of cult phenomena, sexual exploitation, torture, rape, drugs, coercion, indoctrination, and with dark and kinky sexual situations, some sensual, others just dark or morbid. Story ends shockingly leading right to book 3, The Church for the conclusion of their story.

***
Hero: ★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★
Story ending: N/A
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: | HIGH FOCUS |
Darkness: | HIGH FOCUS |
Humor: | LOW FOCUS |
Kink: | HIGH FOCUS |
Romance: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | HIGH FOCUS |

Thank you CC, Liz, Mer, Myla and WaWa for another awesome ARC(F)BR!

ARC provided to me by author Celia Aaron in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books.
2,340 reviews9,366 followers
May 14, 2018
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MY REVIEW can also be found on my blog:
KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS

“You will die here for your sins and be cast into the darkest pit of hell.”

‘THE PROPHET' is the second book in Celia Aaron’s ‘The Cloister Trilogy' series and it picks up where the first book left off. Yet again it’s spoken in ‘Dual Perspectives’ This is the continuation of ‘Delilah’s & ‘Adam’s’ journey.

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‘The Maiden,’ the first book in this series set up the perfect backdrop for a nail biting, dark, gritty, sit on the edge of your seat read.

Adam had a dilemma of either go against his father and suffer the consequences or hand Delilah back to the compound.

The opening chapters we see Delilah, bound, gagged and scared. Physical and mental torture take it’s tole on her, malnourished and weak she succumbs to the Prophet’s treachery. For now.

Finally realising that the Prophet is even bigger than she realised, his reach is far and beyond, there is no escape, but she’s still seeking the truth about her sister Georgia and she will stop at nothing until she discovers who murdered her.

“I save up all my pain, my loss, my anger, and I direct it into something so much darker. My vengeance is like a storm that forms slowly, the hot earth sending energy into the air as I boil and bubble and grow back into a black anvil that will rain hell down on my enemies.” - Adam

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Even in the most darkest of places, Adam and Delilah’s forbidden love finds strength, abandonment and trust that they will find a way out of this forsaken place.

How could this not be another 5 star rating!! Nail biting suspense, like a whore on crack I sped through the pages seeking all the answers that were up in the air in book#1. Finally we find out who murdered Delilah's sister, twists and turns which kept me guessing throughout, then I hit that stinky cliffy. Arrgghhh That's all I've got to say about that!! Can not wait for the next book to finish off this trilogy!!

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Profile Image for ✰ Liz ✰ .
1,367 reviews1,324 followers
May 3, 2018
"You're playing a dangerous game."
description

The Prophet is the second book in The Cloister series. After a nail-biting cliffhanger in The Maiden, Delilah and Adam are back and as the saying goes nothing is always quite as it seems.

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"Toying with me, little lamb."
Delilah is officially trapped in The Cloister. Although she has found comfort in the arms of Adam, her protector, she has lost all semblance of direction. The Prophet's power continues to intensify and with every passing second, Delilah is destined to meet her demise. Adam is desperate to keep Delilah and get her out but even he cannot find his way through the dark.

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Told in dual POV, The Prophet offers more terrors for the people dwelling in The Cloister. The plot is full of twists and turns as both the main characters and the secondary characters stumble their way through this cultish world. Glimpses of the past are revealed and as tensions continue to rise, life or death is on the line.

Overall, The Prophet is a must read for dark contemporary romance fans who enjoy taking a ride on the twisted side. Celia Aaron is a master storyteller who has created a suspenseful world full of terror and lust. I cannot wait to read The Church and see how this saga ends.

***The Cloister***
The Maiden (The Cloister, #1) by Celia AaronThe Prophet (The Cloister, #2) by Celia AaronThe Church (The Cloister, #3) by Celia Aaron

*ARC graciously provided in exchange for an honest review!

*This is an (F)BR with my girls CC, WAR, MER, SUEBEE, and MYLA!

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Profile Image for Sophia Triad.
2,240 reviews3,606 followers
June 2, 2018
“Only me, Delilah.” He kisses me again. “Only me.”
“Emily.” I stroke a hand down his cheek as my body begins to let go. “Call me Emily.”
“My Emily.”


Phew...Releasing my breath. Was I actually holding my breath?
That was intense!

So, this is the middle book of this “blasphemous” but sexy trilogy. I have to warn you that -even if you are into dark romance and you don't mind getting out of your comfort zone- if you are sensitive with religious matters (especially Christianity) better avoid this book.

Me, on the other hand, I gulp it down without a second thought.

So this the part in which
-we will learn what will happen to Delilah and Sarah after their attempt to escape,
-we have a bit more of the background story of Adam and Grace
-we will watch some “lovely” celebrations with a few sacrifices with slit throats
-we will discover a few children without obvious parents
-we will experience an unwanted wedding proposal

And finally we will learn what has happened to Delilah’s sister.

Masks will be off.
Desperation will be palpable.
Adam will be the main course of his shitty father’s preaching.

I hope this Church will be burned down and all the psychos are locked away in the last book.
And I hope that Adam and Emily will ride into the sunset together.
But who knows? Maybe Adam needs to visit the ER firstly.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,655 reviews1,105 followers
June 21, 2018
**** 4.5 Stars! ****

Holy hell!!! What an ending that was! Yes, it’s a cliffy; but thank goodness the conclusion of this trilogy is already out! I need to start it immediately!

This instalment was more intense and some secrets were revealed, while more cropped up! I can’t wait until I find out everything! This has been a gruesome and horrific journey; but I’m hopeful that good will conquer evil....fingers crossed and I’m thinking I should pray!!!
Profile Image for warhawke.
1,398 reviews2,122 followers
April 26, 2018
Genre: Dark Romance
Type: Book 2 of 3 from The Cloister Trilogy
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
(3.75)



When Delilah first joined The Cloister, she never thought she would be pulled in as deep. But it was too late to turn back now and she had to endure until she gets the answer that brought her there in the first place.

Adam Monroe had been concocting a plan of actions. But as he got closer to his goals, things were shifting and he had to decide if it's worth losing everything he ever lived for.



This book picked up right where the last book left off. True to her fashion, Delilah kept getting herself in trouble while trying to weed out who's friend and who's foe.

She calms the storm that constantly rages inside me with nothing more than her presence and a softly whispered “hi.”


I like how we get to see more of Adam's past, the things that defined who he was today. However I still wanted more especially when related to a certain character because it was only scratching the surface.



As the story continued, the pieces started to fall in place. While things were progressing in multiple aspects, I still prefer the pace to be a little faster.

We’re damned, all of us.


In this book, several revelations were unveiled and it would make an interesting change of direction in the finale. I'm looking forward to see how it will all tie together.

Note:
I actually like Grace and Evan and have hopes for them. #SorryNotSorry :p


Books in the series:
The Maiden (The Cloister, #1) by Celia Aaron The Prophet (The Cloister, #2) by Celia Aaron The Church (The Cloister, #3) by Celia Aaron




❌ ⛪ ❌ . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC, Mer, SuSu, Liz & Myla . . . ❌ ⛪ ❌






For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,627 reviews1,359 followers
May 7, 2018
I had a few questions going into The Prophet, such as:
1. Did any of the girls successfully escape The Cloister?
2. What would be the consequence of Delilah's escape attempt?
3. Would Adam show Delilah that he could be trusted?
4. Would these two characters finally realize that they were on the same side?
5. Would Delilah confide in Adam?
6. Will Grace die? LOL

The Prophet gave me so many of the answers that I was looking for, but it just gave me new questions going into The Church. That prophet was truly a monster and I don't fault Adam for his imagined patricide. Getting the story behind Adam's hatred for his father and Grace, my heart freaking broke. And while Adam wasn't as weak-willed or as blind to the truth as his father wished he was, he still had to suffer the ways of their Church and he couldn't find peace. That is until he met Delilah, who gave him his first ray of sunshine after a lifetime of pain.

Once again, there's a doozy of a cliffhanger. I'm not even sure how these people are going to get to the other side. If they're even going to get out. I just hope that the prophet gets his just desserts!

Check out the Blog Tour!!

Release: 05.01.2018 | Dark Romance | Dual POV - 1st person | Heat: 4 | The Cloister, #2

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Profile Image for D.L. Howe.
Author 20 books522 followers
July 2, 2021
3.5 ⭐️

“Not here in the suffocating darkness with the ever-present drops of water. Who knew that something so simple could drive a person mad?”- Apparently the Italians who were first described using the Chinese water torture device in the 15th or 16th century. 🤡

Oh good, she’s finally drank the koolaid. 🤦🏼‍♀️

Well, all of my questions were answered. A whole book ahead of time. Some answers were very surprising but not as surprising as the fact that I did start to care about Adam and Delilah.

And it turns out that Adam was a pretty good protector after all. And after what they did to him I can’t stop now. I need to see how it all plays out, hopefully it includes a lot of vengeance. If you know me at all, you know I live for the revenge!
Profile Image for Mali Mor ❤️ The Romantic Blogger.
433 reviews581 followers
January 5, 2020
HOLY MOLY, That ending!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😱😱😱
the-maiden

📚 "𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿. 𝗦𝗵𝗲'𝗹𝗹 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀." 📚

My review for the first book:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️

📖 ᖴOᒪᒪOᗯ ᗰE Oᑎ IᑎᔕTᗩGᖇᗩᗰ: 🎉 https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...

📖 ᐯIᔕIT ᗰY ᗷᒪOG ᖴOᖇ ᗰOᖇE ᖇEᐯIEᗯᔕ: https://books-romance.com/
Profile Image for ~**Anna**~ A Romance Reader.
621 reviews320 followers
May 7, 2018
This series is so messed up but I can’t stop reading it! I need book 3 now!

I loved Adam in this book. He’s a tortured soul and has done some horrible things, but he’s a good man. His father, the prophet, is to blame for every bad and evil thing that’s happened to him. The Prophet is such a sick bastard. He was more evil in this book and I just want him to get what he deserves.

Delilah has gone through and seen so so much during her stay in the Cloister, I am amazed she hasn’t gone crazy yet. That place is hell on earth. Delilah and Adam are such a great couple. I feel so sorry for them cause they can’t love freely.

Also there‘s a twist in this book that I didn’t see coming at all, that left me speechless. I love when that happens!

I can’t wait to read The Church and see how this story ends. If you like dark reads this series is for you!

arc
Profile Image for CC.
1,138 reviews685 followers
May 1, 2018



The Prophet opens with an uninterrupted timeline and resumes at a crucial point for Adam and Delilah. Knowing the penalty for her actions, the risk was high and Delilah pays for her transgression.

“She will be punished and cleansed until a serpent no longer dwells in her heart.”

As Adam is punished in a way that further fuels his need vengeance, the dynamic begins to shift and other unexpected contingencies arise that complicates the plan. Pushing forward is the only option leaving Adam to question loyalty.

“The water can’t wash away my sins. Not this one, especially.”

Told in dual POV, the tension continues to mount given the level of corruption and need to control. With practically every move being monitored, the feeling of desperation infiltrates the tone. Additionally, Delilah’s need for answers compounds as she realizes time is limited and they set it all in motion.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers again and releases his hold on my mouth. I kiss him through my tears and wrap my arms around his neck.”




This plot is steeped in action with various factions pushing limits. There were also more glimpses into Adam’s past that explain his lack of faith and his connection to a certain character. In fact, I started to appreciate her vulnerabilities and better understand her choices.

As for Delilah, I want to feel more of a connection between her and Adam and she remains a bit of a contradiction based on her thoughts and actions. With the addition of Evan, the plight of her future is grim no matter what happens but Evan’s tastes infuse depravity on a different level.

In The Prophet, Celia Aaron crafts a story that touches our fears and vulnerabilities. With corruption at every turn, the sense of being trapped is felt. With a crescendo ending, I am looking forward to the final book, The Church, in order to see the depths these characters will take to procure freedom and power. Needless to say, I am hoping for deep revelations and dark villainous action.

This series would appeal to those who want to be immersed in romantic suspense with a dark edge.


The Cloister series:
The Maiden (The Cloister, #1) by Celia Aaron The Prophet (The Cloister, #2) by Celia Aaron The Church (The Cloister, #3) by Celia Aaron



*An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.*



*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey, Lonestar Liz, Sue, Mer and Myla!


For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

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Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,783 reviews371 followers
May 2, 2018
*jaw on the Cloister floor*

So so good. Adam and Delilah slay me. And NOAH... Noah... what will you do Noah? Who can we trust? Can we trust anyone? Agh, what’s going to happen?
That ending!
GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK!
... I’d also like to say that this series so far has given me anxiety nightmares about being trapped in a cult. So thanks.

Also. Is the next book here yet?
Profile Image for Carlene Inspired.
973 reviews268 followers
April 25, 2018
You know I like a book when I read it in one sitting, in under 5 hours, and ignore everything else in life, so what does it tell you that I read this one in just 2 hours? Pretty much obsessed with the crazy. The Prophet immediately follows after The Maiden and is book two in The Cloister series. These are not standalones and they should be read in order, so if you haven't read The Maiden yet you need to mosey on over to Amazon, linked here, and get to reading.



"I reluctantly turn and follow him, though I leave far too many broken pieces of myself with Delilah, both us suffering in our own dark abyss."

Readers were left hanging, literally, with a cliffhanger and a sneak peak into The Prophet at the end of The Maiden and it was such a relief to open up the first page of this novel and dive right in. Thank you again, Celia, for NOT making us wait months and months for some answers. Delilah isn't quite as Delilah-y as she once was, her spark is dimmer, her will to fight lessening, while Adam's spark is only growing larger. Delilah has given him hope, and feelings, and his hatred towards his father threatens The Cloister with a wildfire that will burn its lies to the ground. We're given a lot of answers in this novel, like Delilah finally discovering just why the maidens are so important to the Prophet and Adam accepting he'd do anything for the girl who has stolen all his thoughts. I continued to root for Delilah and appreciate her unfiltered thoughts during her POV chapters. Adam, of course, is as handsome, twisted, and sexy as ever. Don't deny it, you love his murderous ways and his penchant for taking Delilah to the edge with a mix of pain and pleasure. Additionally, we're given a glimpse into who Noah really is and the torment he feels as he struggles with his belief of his father and with his brother Adam's plan to take the cult down. Plus, the secondary characters continue to have important roles in the novel and the direction it takes. I won't spoil it for you, but let's just say I am shaken up by some of the things that are revealed to us and I have a lot of thoughts about what is to come.

"I hope you were worth it."

*This is how I picture Miriam when she talks, only blonde*


I loveeeeee anything about cults, so it isn't a big surprise to me that I am enjoying this series, but it is a big surprise to me how accurate the novels have been. The creepiness is on point, the sex side of it is very similar to previous (and current) real cults, and the characters are realistic. I really like Delilah's role in the novel, both as someone trying to uncover the truths and as someone who is falling for the lies that are given to them tied in such pretty bows. The Prophet definitely branches off from the original church-like front and shows us who really is running the show and what is going one behind all the doors of the various buildings. The Sunday morning church scene made me feel like bugs were crawling on me and don't get me started on the preparation the girls went through for their first big reveal with all the important men. It's all about the power and the money for many of the men and the disturbing things they do really get to you physically as you read. Celia makes you feel like you're a part of the dark cult as she continuously ramps up the depravity with each chapter knowing she's got you hooked and unable to walk away, desperate to know what happens next. The Prophet is a stunning, dark novel and a perfect follow up to The Maiden.

"We'd be like this even if we weren't here. I'd be yours no matter where we were."

I'm here for this.


ARC provided.
Profile Image for Monique.
433 reviews178 followers
October 18, 2019
4 'what a nasty cliffy' stars

I said in my review for the previous book that I didn't find it as dark as I expected. Well, this book certainly ventured deeper into the darkness. Because, Jesus God, some really fucked up shit were going on in this one. And in the middle of the story, I got struck with a thought that things will probably not starting to get better before book 3. I was right, of course, and after this ending, I'm not sure how much more I can handle. I have read my share of gruesome torture and deaths but there is one thing I can't stomach and that's crucifixion. I really really hope that the wind will change quickly in the next book because the ending of this one literary left us hanging (pun definitely not intended). And I can say with pleasure how much I'm looking forward to seeing how certain characters will meet their ends.

For once in my life, I actually bow my head in prayer and send a request so full of vengeance and retribution that I have no doubt heaven redirects it to a far hotter place.

Also, in book 1, I wasn’t entirely convinced by Adam and Delilah's love story. It was quite insta and out of place but I loved the development here and now I'm completely invested in them. So please, please, let them be alright. I'm just not sure if the miracle from Heaven will be needed or some intervention from down below.

She sighs against my ear, an angel’s breath warming her demon.
Profile Image for Mamacita aka MawMaw .
389 reviews166 followers
January 6, 2019
5 "Outta... This... World" Stars!!!

O. M. G!!! This is the Best Dark Romantic Suspense Series I have read in So Damn Long! Yes I think it should be a new Genre all its own. It has balls to the wall action. This Hell-on-Wheels Rollercoaster does not slow down a damn bit. We are not complaining. Not. At. All.



I didn't think it was possible to top The Maiden. This did. I was worried that I might have my expectations too high and be let down by parts of this book. I wasn't. Yes it ends in a cliffhanger & something I didn't see coming. That ending. I mean really.... What. What??




Only Celia Aaron can prove every one of my theories wrong & me still be ecstatic about it. Thank You Ms. Aaron, May I have another!





This book is #2 in a series that should be read in order & should only be read after The Maiden. Pay close attention to the trigger warnings on the blurbs carefully. Warnings include but are not limited to rape, religious sacrifice, religious blasphemy, violence, murder, etc. etc.
Profile Image for Myla.
626 reviews130 followers
April 28, 2018
Delilah somehow became disoriented after what she's gone through in the hands of the Prophet and Spinners. But after a few days, she realized what she must do and she's now more focus on getting to know the truth.

No matter how dark and wicked Adam's mind is and I may not like every move he makes but I applauded his determination to be Delilah protector in every sense of the word. Also, in this book, we were able to take a peek at Adam's past and now I know why he acts like that towards one particular Spinner.

The Maiden set a good premise for The Prophet to continue with some twist and turns that will definitely give you the feeling of "what the f***" moment. Secondary characters have some surprises of their own. Celia Aaron is good at writing characters you love to hate. That what makes this series interesting, because you have no clue where the mind of this creative writer will go. I enjoyed it and I’m so looking forward to reading book 3 because I need some answer, Ms. Celia. Want some very dark and edgy read The Cloister Series (book 1 & 2) can give you that and so much more. Just brace yourself for this is not for the faint of heart. Highly recommended!

***Thank you SueBee, Elizabeth, CC, Mercedes & Warhawke for the (f)BR.
***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Timitra.
1,410 reviews8 followers
April 24, 2018
The Prophet was a wild ride filled with turns and twists. I didn't think it could have sicker or more depraved characters but it did, it so did. I'm so ready for the conclusion of this trilogy especially with the way this installment ended.


ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
Profile Image for SimplyƝì₭.
602 reviews296 followers
July 25, 2021
Wow~ it's pretty intense. Celia does a great job of continuing right where she left off. I found very little repeat in this book if any. My God the prophet is just evil. Can he like die today. You experience so many emotions in this one. Poor Delliah, poor Adam and poor dumb lost Noah. You are rooting for everyone to just find redemption and peace. But it is never easy, not with Celia as the author.

Another great installment in the trilogy. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Mercedes.
565 reviews106 followers
April 29, 2018
3.5 Stars

The second installment of this series picks up just a bit after the first book ended. Delilah's found herself on the receiving end of some of Heavenly Ministries' severe punishment. We don't get to see too much of that, we mostly skip right to the aftermath. I definitely would have liked to experience some of that, I think it would've helped in understanding some of the ongoing issues Delilah has from this experience.
I don't have to tell her I love her. She'll know when the Prophet's blood covers my hands.
Adam continues to struggle with his role at Heavenly Ministries. He doesn't want to further his dad's delusional plans but he's reluctant to step out of line for fear of harm coming to his loved ones. By the time this book was over I had some very strong feelings about Adam's lack of action.
Some parts of me—the worst—are the only ones I ever let show.
This one definitely had a good twist and I enjoyed the addition of Evan, he was an interesting character and I enjoyed his brand of crazy. I felt like we were more bystanders in this one rather than fully enveloped in it, I think it would have felt more inclusive if we'd been able to experience more with Delilah and Adam rather than a retelling of what happened. I'm interested to see how the series wraps up but it feels like I'm still waiting for something from Delilah and Adam, but I'm not sure what exactly.

**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book
Profile Image for Meggie.
501 reviews97 followers
June 3, 2018
“Our time, sweet angel. It’s almost here.”

5 BURN IT TO THE GROUND stars!! (review below)

burn this motherfucker DOWN photo tumblr_mcvswz5JQN1qlba55o7_500.gif

You can lie for me, help me, follow my every command, but I will never forgive you. Next time you have me over a barrel, I suggest you drown me. Because if you don’t, I’ll come for you one day.”

Things escalated in the second book of this dark, harrowing trilogy. Sides are being taken and lines have been drawn in the sand. Everyone has a motive, but there are a number of wild cards out there! This book was disturbing and suspenseful, but it gets five stars because I felt the love between Delilah and Adam more than ever. It's a testament to their strong personalities that their connection has blossomed amidst all the depravity of the Heavenly Ministries. I'm concerned about their future, but I'm not concerned about Adam's soul. I'm more sure than ever that he is going to burn the entire religion to the motherfucking ground, in the name of both vengeance and love. I, for one, can't wait to see it!!

But I save up all my pain, my loss, my anger, and I direct it into something so much darker. My vengeance is like a storm that forms slowly, the hot earth sending energy into the air as I boil and bubble and grow into a black anvil that will rain hell down on my enemies. My time is coming. “Our time, sweet angel. It’s almost here.”
April 11, 2024
Where The Maiden left you with so many questions, this will give you answers to ones you never even thought about

Caught in the clutches of a cult led by a mad man, desperate to find the truth about what happened to Georgia. This is a dark and twisty romantic suspense of the very best kind. It's the second book in a trilogy and can not be read as a stand alone. It also ends on a whopper of a cliffhanger.

I was attracted to the series by the blurb and the promise of darkness. I liked The Maiden, but it did leave me a feeling a little frustrated, it just lacked something that would have made it great for me. I was almost 50/50 on continuing with the series but us dedicated book whores can't leave a story unfinished. I'm glad about that because, despite my fears, this book was everything I could have hoped for and more. I haven't read a Celia Aaron series before so don't know if this is her normal MO, but it seems Book 1 was scene setting, Book 2 is throwing all the facts and possibilities out there and I'm assuming Book 3 is the resolution.

Delilah was caught trying to escape the compound, as punishment she is sent to The Rectory, where they break souls and minds. She isn't in there that long but what follows....OMG. We spend less time in The Cloisters in this book, and less time with most of the Maidens. In many ways this felt much more like Adam's book. Don't get me wrong, we still get alternating pov's (plus a chapter from Noah that will knock you sideways).

The first dozen chapters just threw revelation after new revelation at me. Things you wouldn't have even suspected from reading The Maiden! The revelations don't end there. You will be on the edge of your seat, you will be horrified, fearful, curious and devastated, right alongside Delilah, Adam and Noah.

Don't start this book unless you can read it in one go. You won't want to put it down. Prepare to be shocked beyond your wildest suspicions (I won't say dreams, it would be more like nightmares in this world). Georgia, Noah, Delilah, Adam, their mother, Grace, Chastity ..... oh my word you will see these all with new eyes. And the ending. The ending will slay you. Don't say you weren't warned.

It's impossible to say any more without spoilers emerging so I'll leave it at that.

Having read this episode of the series, I am much more confident in recommending these books. You need to read all 3 and they do have some very dark elements, violence, non-consent involving side characters, torture and abuse. They most certainly aren't a "rainbows-and-unicorns" read but if you like your romance to be dark, violent and less than shiny then this is for you.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,921 reviews407 followers
May 9, 2018
This is book two in The Cloister series. Make sure you read book one The Maiden before you read this book. As soon as this hit my kindle I was jumping right in. I needed to read more.

In The Maiden we read that Delilah joined a religious cult to find answers. There she meets Adam who is the son of the Prophet. The Prophet continues where The Maiden finishes.

It’s a brilliantly dark read with trigger warnings. There were many times I was asking myself what just happened, what have I just read. There are some great twists and turns that had the author playing with my mind. I loved it.

I seriously cannot wait for the conclusion of this trilogy.
Profile Image for Dana aka ♥Belladonna♥ .
807 reviews176 followers
May 11, 2018
5 "Gimme the Next Book Now" Stars

When I finished The Maiden, I had ALL. THE. QUESTIONS. My anticipation for this book was so high; I was like a toddler expecting candy. I needed it NOW.



From the first page, it was intense. The author doesn't hold anything back; the answers you are looking for are here and will have your jaw-dropping in shock. Heavenly Ministries' depravity is on full display, and with it Adam and Delilah's feelings for each other. Noah and Grace's moments in the book are revelatory and had me looking at them both differently. And the Prophet? He is diabolical. Just plain evil.

And that ending...



Whoa...

I may have had plans to savor this book, but it was too edge-of-your-seat. I HAD to keep reading. So, naturally, I gobbled this up in one day. Make sure you clear your schedule for this one. You won't be able to put it down.

Note: I've deliberately made this review as spoiler-free as possible. This book is best read without knowledge of the twists in the plot. Beware of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tuba Özkat.
Author 60 books174 followers
June 18, 2018
Değişik bir seri. İlki daha iyiydi sanki. Delilah hala katili araştırıyor. yersen tabii. Ama sonlara doğru katılin kimliği öğrenince şaşırdım 😂
Profile Image for Vicky Sp.
1,359 reviews110 followers
March 16, 2021
Recensione in Anteprima sulla mia pagina Bookstagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMeMc5Xn0...

«Dove credi di andare, Agnellino».

Erano state le ultime parole ascoltate da Delilah prima di finire nuovamente in trappola, ripiombata nell’oscuro mondo del Monastero dove era tenuta segregata insieme alle altre Ancelle, giovani ragazze manipolate e sedotte dalle fervide parole di un fanatico esaltato, un predicatore depravato e sadico, privo di moralità, che prometteva loro la salvezza divina: il Profeta.

Come punizione per la tentata fuga era stata sottoposta a pesanti torture, e ogni volta che riprendeva conoscenza rivedeva il bel volto del ragazzo che amava, perché nonostante il contesto terrificante e perverso nel quale si erano conosciuti, Adam era riuscito a fare breccia nel suo cuore.
Le tornavano a mente come in un loop la prima volta che l’aveva visto, la notte del falò e il modo in cui i suoi occhi scuri l’avevano ammaliata.

In quel momento era stata colpita ed affascinata dall’accenno dell’uomo che si celava sotto il mostro, ma mai si sarebbe aspettata che, nonostante quella sorta di relazione che avevano instaurato, avrebbe finito per condurla nel luogo più oscuro che potesse esistere:

«Sono stata una stupida a pensare che lui potesse essere qualcosa di diverso da quello che è: il figlio del Profeta. Per lui sono solo un agnello sacrificale. Nulla di più».

Adam però stava combattendo una dura battaglia interiore, fra le più devastanti. Il comportamento del Profeta nei confronti di sua madre e dell’Ancella era arrivato ormai a livelli di follia pura.

Era giunto il momento di fare qualcosa.

Ma provare a salvare Delilah dal destino che l’attendeva non era un’opzione, non con la costante presenza delle guardie armate in allerta. Doveva pensare ad un piano e in fretta, perché il loro tempo era finito .

«Sotterro il ricordo del suo dolore, ma memorizzo il punto in cui l’ho sepolto, proprio come un cane fa con un osso. Lo riesumerò più avanti, e lo userò per infliggere più danni possibili a coloro che se li meritano».

🖋️Un Dark romance che racconta di un mondo malato, violento e perverso, nel quale la manipolazione di giovani menti sprovvedute e candide ad opera di un uomo carismatico ma folle, porta all’attenzione quello che avviene all’interno di una congrega o setta segreta senza scrupoli.

🖋️Noah in questo secondo volume ha catturato la mia attenzione e mi ha fatto molta tenerezza, in quanto accoglie con stoica devozione l’influenza del padre perché ingenuamente convinto delle sue capacità divine.

🖋️Il Profeta questa volta riesce in parte a spezzare Delilah, con i suoi modi subdoli e deviati, ma anziché ottenere dalla  figlia della città Celeste una resa totale, finisce per alimentarne la determinazione a smascherarlo.

«Per una volta nella mia vita chino davvero il capo in preghiera e invio una supplica piena di vendetta e odio».


*Ringrazio la Hope Edizioni per la copia digitale *

 
Profile Image for Expresso.
873 reviews132 followers
May 2, 2018
Six words: When is the next installment available? I don't know how in the tarnation we're gonna raise bail money for all the readers because we're ready to jump in this story and start swinging!!! I was so mad at the end of The Maiden that I could chew nails and spit fire! And now???!!!! I'm ready to get violent!

Kudos to Aaron for ruining all my hard work over the last month to level my blood pressure! I swear Grace and the Prophet inspires a level of hatred that affects my blood pressure! But then Aaron pulls the ookie doke and all of a sudden we've been PLAYED! We can't tell the bad guys from a can of paint! What in the haystacks is next? How can we survive this bumfoolery? 

I'm convinced this madness will require more than a spoiler group. We need some laying hands on in intimate consultation with tall, muscular, wealthy, men. Cult affiliation not required. At this point I prefer not to deal with those loons. I don't think bail can be granted for the kinda whoppin' I'd give those fools!

Get this book! Wait! You gotta read The Maiden first. Read The Maiden then get The Prophet. You will need lots of chocolate, wine or Jack Daniel/coke, and cushion for your kindle or your hind parts!

Five amazing stars!

Disclaimer: This review is my personal opinion of this story. As usual my personal opinion should have ZERO influence on your experience with the story. With that being said, read, enjoy, and leave a review!
Profile Image for Karen.
1,464 reviews110 followers
April 23, 2018
If you haven’t read The Maiden yet, in the words of Meatloaf - stop right now! Go read it now (Meatloaf did not say that, but he should have). It has vestal virgins in white dresses and lunatics with drugged fruit. It is a total trip. So different to anything I have read before.

The Prophet rules over Heavenly, but it is not heavenly it is hell and I don’t want to go there, even if there is wine. You might think this means the series is dystopian. It isn’t. It’s true life with bonkers people who have a superiority complex. Think the weirdest cult ever and increase the weird level tenfold.

What would the prophet have in store for me in this book?

The gorgeous Delilah tried to escape. She failed. Adam, son of the prophet has fallen for his sweet maiden Delilah, he hates his dad, and wants out.

Fire! Punishment. Strap ons. Faith. And Jesus Christ on a cracker - I’m exhausted.

I don’t know who is good and who is bad. I don’t know what is going to happen next. I do know I’m invested into Heavenly. Bring on the fire!
Profile Image for Yael Shalom.
568 reviews33 followers
Read
October 2, 2018
This is better than Pilates .
My stomach tightens throughout all the reading .
It's INTENSE !
Profile Image for Vanitiromance.
540 reviews42 followers
April 2, 2021
4,5 stars
Continua la storia proibita tra Adam e Delilah, tingendosi, se possibile, di toni ancora più scuri. Questo secondo volume ci porta ancora più a fondo nell’animo umano, dove non c’è posto per la bontà e la gentilezza. Nel monastero ogni cosa è sotto l’influenza del male assoluto, quello che esige sempre più potere a discapito degli esseri umani.

Nel primo volume, L’Ancella, abbiamo conosciuto solo la superficie di quello che accade nel monastero, perché nel Il Profeta ci addentriamo ancora di più nelle trame tessute dal padre di Adam. La verità si fa sempre più evidente su quanto Adam sia legato ai vertici del potere vero e, soprattutto, quanto li influenzi e li minacci.

“Adam. Vedo il suo volto. Ho dei flashback diversi ogni volta che riprendo conoscenza. La prima volta che l’ho visto, la notte del falò, il modo in cui i suoi occhi scuri mi hanno assaporato, prendendo molto più di quello che ero pronta ad offrire. Il peso del suo corpo su di me. La sensazione delle sue labbra sulla pelle. L’accenno dell’uomo celato sotto il mostro.”

Questa volta, grazie a una introspezione più accurata sul personaggio di Adam rispetto a Deliliah, scopriamo un lato di lui più dolce e il motivo per cui sta contrastando il padre. Vuole la sua vendetta a tutti costi e non si fermerà fino a quando qualcuno non pagherà per la sua perdita.

Lui è un personaggio dalle mille sfaccettature. La parte più oscura, quella che usa per andare avanti e non crollare, la indossa ogni giorno come una maschera per proteggersi dal padre, dai sentimenti che prova per Delilah e dagli attacchi che arrivano dagli altri protettori. Sarà, infatti, l’oscurità la sua unica protezione quando entrerà in scena un nuovo personaggio, che metterà ancora più scompiglio in una situazione già complicata.

Delilah, invece, deve riprendersi dopo aver pagato le conseguenze delle sue scelte. Soprattutto perché ormai è diventata una freccia dell’arco del Profeta che vuole usarla per i suoi scopi. Sarà difficile per lei contrastarlo, soprattutto perché ora sta scoprendo qualcosa di più sulle sorti della sorella e sul perché della sua morte. Se Adam combatte contro i demoni del padre, lei deve affrontare i dubbi e l’oscurità che la sta accerchiando in un vortice senza uscita. Ogni giorno che trascorre dentro al Monastero rischia di perdere tutto, soprattutto la cosa più importante: la propria identità.

“Non riesco più a pensare a nulla, provo solo sensazioni. E sento tutto, le sue mani, il mio clitoride che pulsa, le lenzuola ruvide sotto di me, il bisogno di lui che oscura tutto il resto. Quando mi posa un bacio sulla schiena, tremo e mi volto verso di lui. Ho bisogno che le sue braccia mi avvolgano e che lui mi sussurri i suoi segreti all’orecchio.”

Non posso non parlare del Profeta, capo assoluto di questa setta di esseri umani malvagi e privi di scrupoli. È dura leggere i capitoli in cui appare, perché si fa fatica ad affrontare la sua visione, il suo credo, il suo bisogno di sottomissione della donna. È un perfido facile da odiare, Celia Aaron è stata bravissima infatti a renderlo perfetto nella sua malvagità, nel suo piano di conquista del potere.

Leggere questo secondo volume è stato ancora più doloroso del primo, perché ero consapevole a cosa andassi incontro. Sapevo che avrei letto di dolore fisico, torture psicologiche e di cattiveria pura. Nonostante però la consapevolezza è stata una lettura difficile, perché non c’è stato quasi mai un momento di sollievo. Ma, per chi come me ama il dark, il costringerti a non volgere mai lo sguardo dalla bruttezza del mondo che circonda questo emisfero letterario, rende questa serie intrigante e oscura. Non vedo l’ora di leggere il terzo volume, perché ho bisogno di una resa dei conti. Ho bisogno di sapere se quella cattiveria finisca ed entri un raggio di sole a illuminare tutta quell’oscurità.
Continua su https://www.vanitiromancebook.com/boo...
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,841 reviews1,442 followers
May 1, 2018
OMG THAT ENDING!! Celia Aaron did it again folks!! The Prophet was OUTSTANDING! Sexy, suspenseful, decadent and dirty. All things (and more) we can associate with a Celia Aaron book. I LOVED getting to see the progression of Adam's relationship with Delilah. This story was so damn addicting and I could not get enough. But that ending?! GOOD LORD. I was not ready!!! Bring on The Church!!!

Without giving anything away, The Prophet begins where The Maiden ended and in it we see Delilah continue her ongoing quest to figure out who murdered her bestfriend Georgia. But as more dark and murky secrets are revealed, things are not what they seem. But can Adam and Delilah determine fact from falsehood before it's too late?

Gah!!! I loveeed this novel!! It had the same level of mystery and mystique as the first one but in addition, Aaron added more emotional depth to Adam and Delilah and their growing connection. I loved the revelations and the secrets that were revealed. I seriously can not wait for the last book. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
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