This turned out to be more dark fantasy than religious horror, with strong thriller vibes coupled with a few (though crucial) religious horror elements. The writing gave me some trouble: uneven pacing, too many unnecessary details, a bit unfocused and disorienting plotting technique, a large yet undifferentiated cast, and too much religious baggage. But there's a genuine passion and an authentic interest on the part of the author for the story to make sense and the ending to provide some kind of closure (is it a cliffhanger ending? I'm not sure). Most of the trouble comes from the fact that this seems to be part of a larger story, one I am still unclear about.

The premise is simple, but the wider context and the variety of settings make it complex and twisty: Natalia Garcia, a detective and mother of the boy Devonte, finds herself involved in solving a series of ritualistic murders; when Devonte is drawn into the whole mess, she has to make some very hard decisions. The story develops taking for granted that angels and demons exist, Lucifer fell as Milton's account describes it, and the idea is slowly introduced of a Messiah prophesied to bring the divine war to an end. Priests and the Vatican are also involved, and religious relics have a role to play as well. Demonic possession is a real thing, cults have also a say, and snippets by a variety of people, from the Apostle Paul to Dante Alighieri, appear throughout the book, providing a backstory to the slowly developping main plot.

If you enjoy epic fantasy in a contemporary religious setting, then this is the book for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free digital copy to review.

Mother of the Fallen by J.R. Manga is a dark, compelling blend of horror, fantasy, and suspense that had me turning pages late into the night. What stood out most for me was Natalia — she’s easily my favorite character. Her strength, determination, and fierce love for her child make her such a powerful and relatable lead. Watching her navigate impossible choices while facing terrifying supernatural forces kept me emotionally invested throughout.

The story is rich with tension, atmospheric world-building, and some well-timed twists that caught me off guard. The darker themes might feel intense for some readers, but I found they added to the emotional weight and urgency of the story.

Overall, this is a gripping and unforgettable read that combines heart and horror in the best way. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves supernatural thrillers with strong, resilient characters at the center.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

Mother of the Fallen is a gripping blend of crime, supernatural horror, and family drama that hooked me from the start. Detective Natalia Garcia’s journey—balancing her duty as an officer with her fierce determination to protect her son—felt raw and authentic, even against the backdrop of demons, cults, and dark prophecies. The story builds layers of suspense and emotion, and I especially appreciated how the author tied in personal struggles with the larger cosmic battle. I enjoyed this book because it kept surprising me—sometimes with action, sometimes with emotional depth—and I found myself rooting for Natalia the whole way through.