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Brother Jerome left this world after a rather silly accident—he slipped on a patch of icy grass and bashed his head on Brother Aloysius’s headstone. The afterworld appeared to be quite boring and disappointing at first, until Jerome learned how to travel from one world to the next—thanks to a friar cat who’s known as Leo in the land of the living and who’s also known as Quant in the afterworld. Now if Jerome could just quit getting stuck in trees and furniture on his attempts to return to earth, he might actually enjoy the afterlife and his traveling between worlds.
Leo/Quant is a peculiar feline who seems to be all-knowing. He spends his time either at the friary—especially in the kitchen, where he’s fed like a king—or in the afterworld. It appears as though he was sent as a sort of guide and helper for Jerome—and he has many surprising things to teach the friar. The cat even allows several of the friars who are still living to see Jerome’s spirit, in case he needs help getting back to the afterlife.
Jerome soon learns that his brothers in the faith are keeping some sort of secret from him, and he’s determined to find out what it is. Meanwhile, on earth, Brother Peter seeks Jerome’s help in spying on Father Fidelis—a monk who hasn’t exactly been faithful to his vows, especially where women are concerned. But Peter’s not exactly squeaky clean himself, visiting a psychic named Sibylla—just for fun, you understand.
Jerome and the Seraph is a literary paranormal novel that’s distinguished from others of its kind. With a unique hand, Robina Williams brings the reader a fresh look at the afterlife and the gods of old—and while her perspective might surprise you, it makes perfect sense. She even weaves some mythology into the story to add a bit of fascinating spice.
I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like this one-of-a-kind tale—and I enjoyed it very much. The ending is subtle, and it leaves you wondering who or what Leo/Quant really is. Perhaps we’ll find out in the sequel, Angelos.
If you’re looking for something a bit different from the norm, pick up a copy of Jerome and the Seraph. Though it may not be what you’re used to in the paranormal genre, it’s a short, enjoyable read with a thought-provoking plot—and it’s not to be missed.
