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Hallow Mass
Party-loving grad student Mercy O'Connor must choose to set down the mimosas and follow in her family's footsteps by learning powerful magic, the only weapon that can check the diabolical warlocks of Dunwich, Massachusetts, and their scheme to summon monstrous beings to annihilate all earthly life. Mercy must confront her own skepticism, as well as a college administration scornful of her efforts, along with indifferent family and friends who think the horrors of Dunwich are only a series of folktales. Aided by a country & western-loving Zulu security guard, Mercy must dig deep to discover the confidence, then the skill, and then the courage to battle her terrifying foes and stop the earth from being dragged into another dimension.
244 pages, Paperback
Published April 29, 2016
2 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Mac
7 books41 followersA former assistant marathon coach with Team in Training, Mac studied creative writing at the University of Southern California. His short fiction has appeared in venues such as "The Cthulhu Mythos Mega Pack," and the anthology, "Horror: California." An Emmy Award-winning writer on Animaniacs, Mac has also written a collection of dark fantasy short stories and an autobiography of his struggles with prostate cancer. Currently, JP Mac has returned to his short story roots, working on several projects ranging from horror to humor and subjects in-between.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 18, 2016
I'm only passingly familiar with Lovecraft; I've read several stories that have borrowed from Lovecraft's universe, but I haven't read "The Dunwich Horror." It wasn't required to enjoy this book, but if you have, you might get more inside jokes than I did.
JP Mac's books tend to be immersive; whatever the genre, he's all in. This tale - a satiric mashup of eldritch supernatural horror and the more modern horrors of hyper-PC college campus politics - succeeds as both humor and genuine horror. The hero's journey is told plausibly; Mercy O'Connor "levels up" enough in the course of the story to survive, but with plenty of room to improve as the story ends.
This was a fun, quick read. There are some likable characters, some redeemable characters, and some you just want to see suffer - and the author doesn't disappoint. This isn't a young adult book, but the adult themes are treated with a deft hand; there's no explicit sex to speak of, and even the gruesome deaths are described with a sensitivity that keeps the barf-response at bay.
Even if Lovecraft isn't your cup of tea, there's plenty to like. Recommended.
JP Mac's books tend to be immersive; whatever the genre, he's all in. This tale - a satiric mashup of eldritch supernatural horror and the more modern horrors of hyper-PC college campus politics - succeeds as both humor and genuine horror. The hero's journey is told plausibly; Mercy O'Connor "levels up" enough in the course of the story to survive, but with plenty of room to improve as the story ends.
This was a fun, quick read. There are some likable characters, some redeemable characters, and some you just want to see suffer - and the author doesn't disappoint. This isn't a young adult book, but the adult themes are treated with a deft hand; there's no explicit sex to speak of, and even the gruesome deaths are described with a sensitivity that keeps the barf-response at bay.
Even if Lovecraft isn't your cup of tea, there's plenty to like. Recommended.
December 13, 2016
Read this book on kindle. It's not my genre but it's really good. The writing and editing is top notch. The story flows well and maintains interest and excitement. The euphemisms were hilarious. I would like to know the characters a bit better, my favorite being the security guard. If you like monsters, symbols, incantations and the scrambles of interesting people trying to stop an end of the world scenario. You'll like this.
May 18, 2017
With overtones of William Peter Blatty’s humorous dialogue style, Hallow Mass is irreverent, self-deprecating and amusing – a paranormal novel with a personality.
I’ve stumbled upon another enjoyable indie-read, and the most polished I’ve read to date – you can tell it’s been passed by the professional eyes of an editor or two. Hallow Mass is set in world slightly off-centre to ours: one in which wizards and spells exist, but in a humorous twist, are treated like paranormal hokum reduced to the cobwebs of the Antiquity Section of the fictional, ultra-PC Miskatonic University. The University itself appeared in Lovecraft’s The Dunwich Horror, and Hallow Mass follows the occult theme by exposing the horrors of Dunwich and the terror they wish to expose to the world.
The rest: https://culturedvultures.com/book-rev...
I’ve stumbled upon another enjoyable indie-read, and the most polished I’ve read to date – you can tell it’s been passed by the professional eyes of an editor or two. Hallow Mass is set in world slightly off-centre to ours: one in which wizards and spells exist, but in a humorous twist, are treated like paranormal hokum reduced to the cobwebs of the Antiquity Section of the fictional, ultra-PC Miskatonic University. The University itself appeared in Lovecraft’s The Dunwich Horror, and Hallow Mass follows the occult theme by exposing the horrors of Dunwich and the terror they wish to expose to the world.
The rest: https://culturedvultures.com/book-rev...
May 9, 2017
Old Ones, New Values – Evil is not a social construct
I loved the premise of this book, that ancient evil from Lovecraft's The Dunwich Horror returns to haunt the present day world of safe spaces and special snowflakes. It isn't necessary to have read H.P. Lovecraft to appreciate this book, but some familiarity with his work will increase your enjoyment.
This is a weapons-grade satire of political correctness and Social Justice Warriors and the author does it exceedingly well. As long as the satire is prominent, the book is a solid five stars. Alas, the satire wanes during some passages, notably the final battle scene and its preliminaries (it was better retained in at least one earlier skirmish). Some humor is there, it just isn't as sharp as elsewhere. It seems to have been temporarily elbowed aside by a focus on writing a very visual Hollywood-style grand finale. A similar thing happens in some passages where characters' feelz get seriously explored. These passages are rather undistinguished without the wit being honed to the razor sharpness of the rest of the book. I think there was a missed opportunity for the Old Ones to have done something monumentally and unspeakably politically incorrect in the finale.
All that said, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone, though it is guaranteed to offend the politically correct. Amazon indicates that this is the first in a planned trilogy. I look forward to reading future installments.
I loved the premise of this book, that ancient evil from Lovecraft's The Dunwich Horror returns to haunt the present day world of safe spaces and special snowflakes. It isn't necessary to have read H.P. Lovecraft to appreciate this book, but some familiarity with his work will increase your enjoyment.
This is a weapons-grade satire of political correctness and Social Justice Warriors and the author does it exceedingly well. As long as the satire is prominent, the book is a solid five stars. Alas, the satire wanes during some passages, notably the final battle scene and its preliminaries (it was better retained in at least one earlier skirmish). Some humor is there, it just isn't as sharp as elsewhere. It seems to have been temporarily elbowed aside by a focus on writing a very visual Hollywood-style grand finale. A similar thing happens in some passages where characters' feelz get seriously explored. These passages are rather undistinguished without the wit being honed to the razor sharpness of the rest of the book. I think there was a missed opportunity for the Old Ones to have done something monumentally and unspeakably politically incorrect in the finale.
All that said, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone, though it is guaranteed to offend the politically correct. Amazon indicates that this is the first in a planned trilogy. I look forward to reading future installments.
January 1, 2017
A Lovecraftian horror/comedy story where evil-doers seek to bring monsters into our realm that would destroy all life. Facing them is a young female administrator in the Antiquities section of Miskatonic University who guards the Necronomicon book from their grasp, and her black country music-loving security guard side-kick. The book has all sorts of fun with special snowflakes and nutty college departments. Fun characters and very good story, enjoyed it a lot.
March 20, 2017
Having read the description on the back cover of this book, I felt that it had all the ingredients to make this an exciting read, with many genre of adventure styles. However, having attempted to read this, not just once but twice, I had to give up. It wasn't to my taste after all even though I attempted to make the effort to continue with it. A little too complicated, intense and grotesque for me - sorry.
May 6, 2016
The perfect read for the Trumpening
A playful exploration of the implications of moral relativism, manages madcap and horrible elements with an almost straight-faced insouciance.
I laughed I shuddered I threw up in my mouth.
A playful exploration of the implications of moral relativism, manages madcap and horrible elements with an almost straight-faced insouciance.
I laughed I shuddered I threw up in my mouth.
January 9, 2017
What a blast! Hallow Mass is bitingly funny and action-packed. It's a twist on the grrl power urban fantasy genre set in an ultra politically correct college. I highly recommend it.
December 22, 2023
J.P. Mac's "Hallow Mass" is a thrilling page-turner that whisks readers away on an enchanting journey filled with magic, courage, and the battle against diabolical forces. Set in the mystical town of Dunwich, Massachusetts, this book weaves a tale that is both captivating and mesmerizing.
The protagonist, Mercy O'Connor, a party-loving grad student, is thrust into a world where her family's legacy of powerful magic becomes her only defense against the sinister warlocks threatening the very fabric of existence. Mac masterfully crafts Mercy's evolution from a skeptic to a determined magic wielder, navigating the challenges of her own doubts and the skepticism of those around her.
The blend of fantastical elements and real-world struggles adds depth to the narrative, making Mercy's journey one that resonates on multiple levels. Mac's storytelling prowess shines as Mercy grapples not only with otherworldly adversaries but also with the indifference of her family, friends, and a dismissive college administration.
What truly sets this book apart is its vibrant cast of characters. The unlikely alliance between Mercy and a country & western-loving Zulu security guard adds a delightful layer of uniqueness and camaraderie to the story, enhancing the richness of their quest to save Earth from a catastrophic fate.
With every chapter, the tension escalates, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, eager to unravel the mysteries and root for Mercy as she harnesses her inner strength to confront terrifying foes and prevent the cataclysmic summoning of monstrous beings.
"Hallow Mass" is a spellbinding adventure that seamlessly blends magic, courage, and the battle between good and evil. J.P. Mac's masterful storytelling and vivid world-building make this book an absolute must-read for fans of fantasy and action-packed adventures. Highly recommended!
The protagonist, Mercy O'Connor, a party-loving grad student, is thrust into a world where her family's legacy of powerful magic becomes her only defense against the sinister warlocks threatening the very fabric of existence. Mac masterfully crafts Mercy's evolution from a skeptic to a determined magic wielder, navigating the challenges of her own doubts and the skepticism of those around her.
The blend of fantastical elements and real-world struggles adds depth to the narrative, making Mercy's journey one that resonates on multiple levels. Mac's storytelling prowess shines as Mercy grapples not only with otherworldly adversaries but also with the indifference of her family, friends, and a dismissive college administration.
What truly sets this book apart is its vibrant cast of characters. The unlikely alliance between Mercy and a country & western-loving Zulu security guard adds a delightful layer of uniqueness and camaraderie to the story, enhancing the richness of their quest to save Earth from a catastrophic fate.
With every chapter, the tension escalates, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, eager to unravel the mysteries and root for Mercy as she harnesses her inner strength to confront terrifying foes and prevent the cataclysmic summoning of monstrous beings.
"Hallow Mass" is a spellbinding adventure that seamlessly blends magic, courage, and the battle between good and evil. J.P. Mac's masterful storytelling and vivid world-building make this book an absolute must-read for fans of fantasy and action-packed adventures. Highly recommended!
August 26, 2020
Imagine HP Lovecraft's horrors played out in modern day America, with woke social justice warriors on college campuses and in the media.
That's what you get with Hallow Mass, part comedy, part horror, part satire, and all well-written. The main characters are distinct and interesting, all of them consistent and reasonable within their character and perspective.
The main character Mercy is a complex person who grows considerably through the book, maturing to face her problems in a reasonable, organic way. The horrors are well crafted, with suspense and mood that creates a dread feeling, but also wrapped with a wry wink at the reader as its shown through the eyes of modern people.
Great work, very recommended, and very likely part of a possible future series.
That's what you get with Hallow Mass, part comedy, part horror, part satire, and all well-written. The main characters are distinct and interesting, all of them consistent and reasonable within their character and perspective.
The main character Mercy is a complex person who grows considerably through the book, maturing to face her problems in a reasonable, organic way. The horrors are well crafted, with suspense and mood that creates a dread feeling, but also wrapped with a wry wink at the reader as its shown through the eyes of modern people.
Great work, very recommended, and very likely part of a possible future series.
May 4, 2017
Hallow Mass follows several characters including Mercy, a grad student who along with several others at the university try to keep the Necronomion out of the hands of men who want to unleash monsters on the world. It had an evil dead vibe to it - comedy/horror elements and I enjoyed reading it. It was told in different styles, beginning with a kind of monologue, newspaper stories and first hand accounts from the characters. An unusual style, but it worked. Mercy was an interesting character, with obvious faults but she was relatable.
I would definitely recommend it.
I would definitely recommend it.
May 11, 2022
Very very good
One of life's pleasures is finding a nifty new author. I came across Death Honk about a year ago and it was a hoot, but Hallow Mass is even better. My only complaint is that volumes 2 and 3 aren't finished yet.
One of life's pleasures is finding a nifty new author. I came across Death Honk about a year ago and it was a hoot, but Hallow Mass is even better. My only complaint is that volumes 2 and 3 aren't finished yet.
August 20, 2019
What a fun book to read
May 24, 2016
“Should you be looking for the interstate in North-Central Massachusetts…you might accidentally drive through Dean’s Corners, take a wrong turn past the Old Yankee Coffee Shop, and come upon a forlorn and despised country”….These are the opening lines to Hallow Mass, the prologue of which puts you the drivers seat and lays out the physical, social, and psychic geography of the village of Dunwich. This story is inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Dunwich Horror”, and is a continuation of that tale that takes place in modern times. You do not have to be familiar with Lovecraft’s work to enjoy the story though (but why not be familiar with Lovecraft’s work??!!). JP Mac’s story is true to Lovecraft’s vision of this fictional town, but also has his own voice and his own characters, centering on the main protagonist, Mercy O’Connor. She is somewhat of a slacker college student at Miskatonic University with a little bit of a drinking problem, but she is likable and believable as she takes on the fight against the dark forces that assail her. You root for her and want her to succeed as she struggles to find her inner-strength as she is pitted against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Like all of his stories, JP Mac uses his signature dark sense of humor in this world of ghouls and black magic, but it doesn’t diminish the horror to make it schlocky or campy. There is some genuinely creepy imagery in this story that bring chills…some things that I’ve never even imagined (and I’ve read a lot of horror stories!). Overall this is a tale of adventure and of a young woman’s path to shake off her hangover and take a crash course in some intense sorcery, and possibly become a hero—it is a great joy to follow her on her adventure to see if she will succeed!
Like all of his stories, JP Mac uses his signature dark sense of humor in this world of ghouls and black magic, but it doesn’t diminish the horror to make it schlocky or campy. There is some genuinely creepy imagery in this story that bring chills…some things that I’ve never even imagined (and I’ve read a lot of horror stories!). Overall this is a tale of adventure and of a young woman’s path to shake off her hangover and take a crash course in some intense sorcery, and possibly become a hero—it is a great joy to follow her on her adventure to see if she will succeed!
July 15, 2025
This story nails the Lovecraft horror with a twist of modern social satire.
JP was ahead of his time with Freakazoid. He was among the earliest to foresee the zany side of the information Highway way before memes and social media.
With Hallow Mass he did it again. JP foresaw the woke culture. And yet, despite the challenge it represents, heroes are likable and charismatic, while villains are scary and magnetic.
I couldn't recommend it more to fans of Lovecraft, satire and horror.
JP was ahead of his time with Freakazoid. He was among the earliest to foresee the zany side of the information Highway way before memes and social media.
With Hallow Mass he did it again. JP foresaw the woke culture. And yet, despite the challenge it represents, heroes are likable and charismatic, while villains are scary and magnetic.
I couldn't recommend it more to fans of Lovecraft, satire and horror.
April 23, 2017
Full disclosure – I was provided a copy of this book by the author however have voluntarily chosen to write a review.
A snarky little satire
“Hallow Mass” takes the fictional setting of H.P Lovecraft’s short “The Dunwich Horror” and expands on it, bringing the setting, inhabitants and history into the present. The campus of Miskatonic University, where most of the action takes place, is a caricature of what current academia has become. The campus is a politically correct morass of “safe spaces”, “underserved groups”, “microagression studies”, “diversity enforcement” and all manner of ridiculousness masquerading as enlightenment. In the midst of all of this is Mercy O’Connor, student and curator of the special collections section of the University Library’s Antiquities section. Recently the Antiquities section and its chairman have come under fire regarding the presence of an ancient book. The Necronomicon is one of many books kept under lock and key in the Special Collections section, and with good reason. Should this ancient tome fall into the wrong hands, it may be used as part of a larger ceremony to basically bring about the end of the Earth. When protests mount to give the book back to the residents of Dunwich as a gesture of tolerance and inclusion of their unorthodox cultish religion, Mercy and library security Joe B are the only people standing in their way. Mercy’s meager knowledge of formula may not be enough to keep the residents of Dunwich from sending the Earth into oblivion, but she is going to try.
As I read through Hallow Mass, the term “horror novel” didn’t really come to mind, but that could also be because I have read a great many horror stories in my time. For me, Hallow Mass was more of a dark satirical comedy with a bit of the occult thrown in. Mercy O’Connor struck me as a sort of a “Buffy the Vampire Slayer-esque” character (the movie version) in the sense that she is the reluctant hero of the story. The Party Girl turned savior of the Earth due to her family’s heritage and history with the creepy residents of Dunwich and previous horrors. This knowledge is the difference between Mercy ultimately blowing off her studies and sinking in to attempt to stop the madness from unfolding.
Overall I really enjoyed Hallow Mass and found myself laughing out loud at the antics of SLUG and other characters. The residents of Dunwich were sufficiently creepy and the final Hallow Mass ceremonies and subsequent battle was easy to imagine and left me wondering if this is the end of the threat for Mercy, or will she have to dig deep again next year to thwart another attempt to steal the Necronomicon. I, for one, will be booking my virtual stay at Ye Great Olde Inn to find out…. but I’ll take a pass on the tea.
A snarky little satire
“Hallow Mass” takes the fictional setting of H.P Lovecraft’s short “The Dunwich Horror” and expands on it, bringing the setting, inhabitants and history into the present. The campus of Miskatonic University, where most of the action takes place, is a caricature of what current academia has become. The campus is a politically correct morass of “safe spaces”, “underserved groups”, “microagression studies”, “diversity enforcement” and all manner of ridiculousness masquerading as enlightenment. In the midst of all of this is Mercy O’Connor, student and curator of the special collections section of the University Library’s Antiquities section. Recently the Antiquities section and its chairman have come under fire regarding the presence of an ancient book. The Necronomicon is one of many books kept under lock and key in the Special Collections section, and with good reason. Should this ancient tome fall into the wrong hands, it may be used as part of a larger ceremony to basically bring about the end of the Earth. When protests mount to give the book back to the residents of Dunwich as a gesture of tolerance and inclusion of their unorthodox cultish religion, Mercy and library security Joe B are the only people standing in their way. Mercy’s meager knowledge of formula may not be enough to keep the residents of Dunwich from sending the Earth into oblivion, but she is going to try.
As I read through Hallow Mass, the term “horror novel” didn’t really come to mind, but that could also be because I have read a great many horror stories in my time. For me, Hallow Mass was more of a dark satirical comedy with a bit of the occult thrown in. Mercy O’Connor struck me as a sort of a “Buffy the Vampire Slayer-esque” character (the movie version) in the sense that she is the reluctant hero of the story. The Party Girl turned savior of the Earth due to her family’s heritage and history with the creepy residents of Dunwich and previous horrors. This knowledge is the difference between Mercy ultimately blowing off her studies and sinking in to attempt to stop the madness from unfolding.
Overall I really enjoyed Hallow Mass and found myself laughing out loud at the antics of SLUG and other characters. The residents of Dunwich were sufficiently creepy and the final Hallow Mass ceremonies and subsequent battle was easy to imagine and left me wondering if this is the end of the threat for Mercy, or will she have to dig deep again next year to thwart another attempt to steal the Necronomicon. I, for one, will be booking my virtual stay at Ye Great Olde Inn to find out…. but I’ll take a pass on the tea.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews