The Cyber Exorcist & The Haunted River
ASIN B0DVF65TZ2
Wow! What an excellent novella. This was the fourth story from A.R.K. Watson that I have read. I have had this one for a while and just got around to reading it. The author had made it available in 2023 and I am very thankful. Her other works came highly recommended, and they were great reads as well. Her works follow in a long line of Catholic Science Fiction stories. Reading this I was reminded of Sacred Visions edited by Andrew M. Geeley and the two volumes edited by Karina Fabian; Infinite Space, Infinite God II, and Infinite Space, Infinite God. This story is a mystery wrapped up in an interesting tale. This story is a very good read.
The description of the novel is:
“In a future where cyborgs, post-humans, and quantum A.I.'s reign, Father Xavier, an apprentice exorcist, finds himself thrust into a world of haunting mysteries. Tasked with investigating a convent plagued by a malevolent poltergeist, Xavier realizes that his traditional prayers have no effect on the supernatural entity. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a power struggle within the convent, pitting a scandalously full-cybernetic abbess against a war veteran nun with outdated implants.
"The Cyber Exorcist" is a thrilling blend of cyberpunk, paranormal mystery, and introspective exploration. It captivates with its fusion of cutting-edge technology and ancient rituals, delivering a thought-provoking journey that challenges the boundaries of faith, science, and the human spirit.”
The story is more than just religious fiction. It is told from the perspective of Father Xavier Isaacs, a Diocesan Priest and an Exorcist. The prologue is a letter from Father Isaacs to the magisterium detailing the events leading up to his own excommunication which has now been appealed by his Bishop. That letter states:
“To the Magisterium in Rome and His Holiness, Pope Cephas,
I write to you at the behest of my bishop. He has promised to appeal my case of ex-communication before you in person. I wish I could adhere to your request that I come before you myself, but I am finding out that often when new worlds open their windows, the doors to the old ones close and lock themselves fast with iron keys.
In obedience to my bishop, I begin this accounting of the events that led me into error. This assignment, I perceive, is as much for my examination of conscience as for the council’s understanding. Perhaps this is why he has directed that I begin with the first case Jesse and I worked on together, rather than how we met. The haunting of the so-called ‘mermaids’ of the Mississippi became the first of many cases that revealed to me a world cut off from the sacramental graces. At the end of our first adventure together, I would never have thought the experience to be the first step that would lead to my exile. Indeed, it wasn’t until a few cases later that I ultimately had my fall. However, looking back now, it is undeniable the effect that the mermaids, and Jesse, had on me.
I wish to assure you that despite the appearance of things, I remain forever obedient to the Church and my vows as a priest. If circumstances had not forced my hand, I would gladly have waited on the Magisterium to speak on the subject of this poorly named ‘Incarnation Tech.’
Although I acted according to what I believed to be right, I accept that I could be wrong. If the Church decides my actions were incorrect, I will repent and submit to her teaching as fully as I am physically able.
After hearing my story, I hope your Eminences will understand that I have done what I have in the spirit of obedience to God, love for my vocation, and conviction of my conscience. The scandal I have caused to mother church is deeply felt and regretted. Despite these offenses, I hope you will hear my story with compassion.”
Once I started reading this I was completely enthralled by the story. It is fascinating story set in a future, and maybe one not that distant. It follows a young exorcist as he goes on assignment to a convent of fishing nuns, on the Mississippi. In this story there is a mix of technology, augmented humans, and transhumanism in a post-apocalyptic world. The Church appears to have taken a stance on Transhumanism, but augmentations have rules and guidelines around them. It follows Father as the bishop sends him to the convent, he is not given much information, and part of the story is his figuring out if this is supernatural, or someone using technology to haunt the convent. The story has some conflict with the River Queen and her court from the other shore. And other concerns mentioned is about the military, but we are not given much detail.
This is a story that really hooks readers. I already plan to reread it, and desperately hope Watson has further works planned in this universe. In some ways it reminded me of Our Lady of the Artilects by Andrew Gillsmith, but this story is much more honed on the Catholic elements in the story.
This is an excellent read in a classic Science Fiction style. The works of A.R.K. Watson are well worth the effort. Great for fans of Catholic fiction. Or those who like a mystery with a bit of an edge. And for fans of the Science fiction Genre. I can easily recommend it.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books by A.R.K. Watson:
...
The Cyber Exorcist Series:
The Cyber Exorcist & The Mermaids of the Mississippi
…
A Seeded Sky Series:
…
Contributed to:
Pilgrim Tales: An anthology of fiction by the Catholic Writers Guild
…
No comments:
Post a Comment