Content Warning
Promise to Eddie is a contemporary realistic fiction set in southeastern North Carolina with some depictions of disturbing scenes and difficult choices. As a result, this book contains mature, adult (18+) content and should not be read by children or minors.
Readers can expect depictions of alcoholism, child abuse, cults, homophobia, graphic violence, murder, necrophilia, pedophilia, physical abuse, profanity, racism, rape, sexual abuse, and sexual assault.
Please practice self-care as you navigate these themes if you find them especially difficult or triggering.
Description
A group of intergenerational secret society sadistic pedophiles targets and brutalizes poor young boys in a rigidly conservative southern rural, small-town community. Five victims endure horrific childhoods and become close friends, and all but Eddie grow into men. Two things are in common with the survivors: they want revenge against their abusers and to avenge the death of Eddie.
Lieutenant Luke Tanner of the local sheriff’s office stumbles upon damning and incriminating evidence during the deathbed confession of a convicted pedophile about corrupt leaders of the community who live double lives, including law enforcement, the judicial system, and local and state government.
With law enforcement gone bad and his trust in the legal system shattered, what will Luke do with this information, and how will he handle triggered feelings about his own past? Will Luke and the other survivors continue through life without justice, or will they take matters into their own hands?
“Hell hath no fury like sexually abused boys who grow up and seek revenge!”
CINEMATIC BOOK TRAILER - *PROMISE TO EDDIE*
Video creator: Hannah Kate Rowlins
Audiobook
My audiobook, narrated by David M. Seager, is 7 hours 40 minutes long. If you’re interested in reviewing it, email ** info@kurt-b-ellis.com ** and I’ll send you a promo code for a free copy in exchange for your honest review and rating on Audible.
Audible Retail Sample
Kindle or Paperback
My book is 338 pages long. If you’re interested in reviewing it, email ** info@kurt-b-ellis.com ** and I’ll send you a free copy (ePUB for Kindle Prereviewer or PDF) in exchange for your honest review and rating on Amazon and Goodreads.
What People are Saying ...
Goodreads: This book was definitely different than anything I have read to date. There are massive triggers. Four friends who seek revenge and justice. The sadness certain parts of this book make you feel is insane. It makes you realize how horrible things like this are happening everyday and no one bats an eye. The turn of events in this book are really something amazing. I would only recommend this one to those who have a strong stomach and can get through the descriptive abuse part.
Goodreads: "Promise to Eddie” by Kurt B. Ellis is an engaging and emotional story that dives into the difficult realities of abuse and seeking justice. The story follows a group of five childhood friends who experienced severe abųse from a clandestine group of pedøphiles in a conservative southern town, only one doesn't make it to adulthood. This novel touches on themes of justice, trauma, and the lengths people go to seek retribution, all while celebrating resilience and friendship. Ellis’s writing is powerful and thought-provoking, bringing out the deep experiences of the characters. While the story can be intense with its depiction of violence and abųse, it also showcases the strength of friendship. “Promise to Eddie” is a captivating read, though it does contain mature and challenging content.
Goodreads: I'm not going to lie, the parts of this story depicting child abuse by pedophiles were difficult to read as a mother and I don't have any triggers. So if you do have triggers, make sure you read the warnings as this may not be a book for you. This was definitely a powerful, emotional story with a good revenge plot and great ending. It is one that will stay with you long after finishing.
Amazon & Goodreads: Haunting - Trigger Warning: (Please review the content warnings listed before reading this book.) Promise to Eddie is a visceral, haunting tale of revenge, trauma, and survival set in a small, conservative southern town. Kurt B. Ellis explores the darkest corners of humanity, focusing on a group of five childhood friends who endure unspeakable abuse at the hands of a secret society of pedophiles, made up of the town's elite. With raw, evocative prose, Ellis delivers a gripping narrative of the boys' journey from traumatized children to resilient survivors, determined to seek justice for their fallen friend, Eddie. Mr. Ellis doesn't shy away from difficult topics—this book is packed with heavy themes, including systemic corruption, brutal violence, and shattered trust. The author masterfully interweaves these with moments of deep friendship and hope, making the characters' struggles feel deeply personal. The depiction of vigilante justice, combined with themes of personal redemption, adds layers of intensity to an already powerful storyline. One of the standout elements of this novel is how it portrays the different ways trauma manifests in the survivors and how their bond keeps them together. As they navigate adulthood with their pasts haunting them, Mr. Ellis raises thought-provoking questions about justice, morality, and whether revenge is ever truly enough. The pace of the plot is relentless, and the ending is as satisfying as it is emotional. Readers should be prepared for the heavy content but Promise to Eddie is a book that leaves a lasting impact, resonating long after the final page. Promise to Eddie is an unforgettable story of resilience, justice, and revenge. Though it's a challenging read due to its mature themes, the strength of its characters and the emotional depth of the narrative make it an essential read for those who appreciate dark, thought-provoking stories.
Amazon & Goodreads: Heartfelt - This book definitely pulls at the heartstrings and brings up a multitude of emotions. Although I believe God to be the ultimate judge, I can relate with how the author feels. I'm sad to think he won't forgive as forgiveness has nothing to do with them but would be freeing to him. I feel such empathy for victims and anger at perpetrators.
Goodreads: Kurt B. Ellis has crafted a literary gem in Promise to Eddie—a story that strikes at the very core of the human spirit. From the first page, I was captivated by its raw authenticity, rich character development, and the emotional depth that few authors can achieve so effortlessly. The protagonist’s journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, navigating themes of loyalty, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds that define us. Ellis has a unique gift for painting vivid scenes that feel so real, you’re not just reading the story—you’re living it. His ability to delve into complex emotions and present them with such clarity is what makes this book a standout. What I found most remarkable was the narrative’s pacing. Every chapter felt intentional, each word carrying weight, building up to a climax that left me breathless and introspective. It’s a rare thing for a book to tug at your heartstrings while challenging your perspectives, and Promise to Eddie does just that. Whether you’re a fan of emotionally driven dramas or simply someone who loves a well-told story, this book is an absolute must-read. Ellis doesn’t just tell a story—he invites you to reflect on your own.
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