Candelabra

David Ajluni’s Candelabra transports readers to 1981 through the eyes of Kevin Foster. This twenty-one-year-old protagonist remains listless while housesitting for his parents. His routine shifts when he discovers a pewter candle holder in the attic. The object triggers visions of a hooded figure and detailed dreams of death. Kevin recruits Marlene, his neighbor and former classmate, to help investigate the haunting. Their partnership reveals they are confronting a sadistic witch determined to inflict suffering. The narrative follows their descent into terror as they uncover the candelabra’s dark history. The story relies on classic supernatural tropes rather than complex literary structures. It focuses on the psychological toll of paranormal encounters on young adults. Readers who enjoy atmospheric horror set in the early eighties will find this compelling. Those seeking fast-paced action or scientific explanations for hauntings may feel disappointed. The book offers a slow-burn dread typical of gothic fiction. It examines how grief and isolation can make characters vulnerable to evil forces. The relationship between Kevin and Marlene provides the emotional core amidst the supernatural events. Ajluni draws on traditional witchcraft lore to build his narrative tension. The setting of 1981 grounds the story in a specific cultural moment. The plot unfolds through Kevin’s perspective, limiting the reader’s knowledge to what he discovers. This approach creates intimacy with the protagonist’s fear. The book suits fans of character-driven horror who appreciate detailed descriptions of dread. It does not suit readers looking for graphic violence or complex political commentary. The ending leaves the couple in grave danger, emphasizing the witch’s relentless nature.