In the Eyes of Madness by Michael Pang is the first book in his Declan Peters Chronicles. It follows the life of a young man named Declan Peters whose mother tried to drown him when he was a young child of seven. Well into adulthood, he decides he needs to try and rebuild a relationship with this woman. When he tries to understand the woman that is his mother, he is thrown into a world he never thought existed. One filled with demonic possession, and other beings with evil intent. Beings that are on a mission to destroy his very existence. Is Declan strong enough to combat these beings and survive or will evil prevail?

This book is reminiscent of Seven – X by Mike Welch in that it plays on the realm of demonic possession in a way other authors seem afraid to address. Pang was able to create a dark tone that sends chills down your spine even during scenes that do not address the demonic nature of the beings. The atmosphere of the book remains consistent and readers are left on the edge of their seat wondering what will happen next, or rather what creature will rear their head.  Pang does spend a lot of time with his details in parts, to the point that it may feel like overkill, but in reality it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of reading this book.

The story changes viewpoints with each chapter between Declan, Tristan and Zoe, with Tristan and Zoe being together. At first it’s hard to determine who Tristan and Zoe are and how they fit into the story, but as readers progress into the story it becomes evident that they are major characters in the tale. The book is just under 222 pages, and has so much happening within those pages that keeps readers inching towards the edge of their seats. There is not a moment when the reader will be able to predict what will happen next, if you do try Pang does something completely unexpected and blows your mind.

It is evident that Pang has a strong understanding of the subject matter he uses. It adds to the intensity of the tale when an author seems to be knowledgeable in the genre. It almost makes the book feel more realistic, and that is exactly what Michael Pang has done. He has created a story that makes readers feel as if demonic possession could be something that happens every day. Doesn’t that just send chills down your spine? This is definitely going to be a series that will have people flocking to the stores just so they can get the next book. This story is a thrill ride that will put many horror/thriller movies to shame. It is something that creeps under your skin and remains there long after you have read the last word.  It is the perfect book for anyone who enjoys horror.

Pages: 222 | ISBN: 9780692437339