Cleanliness is important for Vera. Raised in filth, she now puts her skills to use by selling the Bissell SC (self-contained) 1632 model, the vacuum oCleanliness is important for Vera. Raised in filth, she now puts her skills to use by selling the Bissell SC (self-contained) 1632 model, the vacuum of her dreams. The money rolls in, the future for her family looking brighter and brighter until she comes face to face with the wrong person – someone that clearly doesn’t care for a clean house.
(WARNING: This review contains MAJOR spoilers.)
It’s not unusual for me to crave something that’ll turn my stomach and make me hate myself, it’s happened before. The Slob stood out with its cover that, like the story itself, I didn’t know if I was there for it or if I wanted to purge it from memory. Vera is a door-to-door salesperson, and after some initial success of selling vacuums, she soon visits the wrong home. It had an interesting start of learning about Vera’s early life and how she eventually became a clean freak. There was obvious effort put into her character, at least until things got out of hand, and that drew me in. I even enjoyed reading about her relationship with her partner – Beauregard’s writing had a certain flow I liked, and the various illustrations preceding each chapter were a nice touch. Everything was well and truly serene at this point. Then it wasn’t.
Now, let’s think of the vile things that could be done to a woman being held captive – it’s not pretty, is it? This book included a lot of them, and this is where my criticisms lie, not necessarily with the acts themselves, but at how Vera’s emotional and physical states were portrayed in the aftermath. As it was, she went through horrific torture – again, this was to be expected and I was well aware of what I was getting myself into – but she became less of a character and more of an immortal meatbag for the villain to abuse. Her loss of identity was a shame since she was introduced with such personality, and all that was left was the violence, which… yeah, did live up to its reputation. One particular scene of foeticide will forever remain in my brain, placing itself among one of the most disturbing things I’ve read. In that regard it did what I wanted it to, but even with accomplishing the desired effect of me feeling sick and wondering why the hell I seek this stuff out, it initially set up something more that was squandered.
Oh, and I didn’t much care for the ending. That’s all I’ll say about that.
In conclusion: Being one of those books I find difficult to pin a rating on, The Slob was about a woman, a vacuum, and a monster of a man. Held captive after a failed sales pitch, Vera experiences extreme trauma with graphic descriptions, basically surviving the unsurvivable. It’s one of those pieces that you expect the worst going in, but the result is far more twisted. My biggest complaint is that time was put into the main character’s backstory, but whatever development there was was forgotten and replaced by the violence – had their been a balance maintained between the two, I think it would’ve worked.
Notable Quote:
I had created my own den of deformity now, a land of misery without smiles.
Edith Penn once solved their problems as the local witch, but now the town of New Birmingham has a lot more to deal with when her body’s discovered anEdith Penn once solved their problems as the local witch, but now the town of New Birmingham has a lot more to deal with when her body’s discovered and her thirteen cats are unleashed to wreck havoc. The dying starts, families at risk when they open their doors to the stray felines that walk the streets.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I thank Sean McDonough for giving me the opportunity.
The Thirteen Black Cats of Edith Penn concluded my reading of 2021 with a gloriously gruesome bang. Two paramedics discover the corpse of Edith Penn in her home, where her body has been consumed by her cats – yeah, what a way to start off, right? It’s the kind of shocking event that would immediately hook me, yet my level of interest only increased tenfold as McDonough presented the compelling mystery of Edith, drip feeding information that I readily gobbled up. While it followed the fate of the cats after the flesh-eating incident and the other strange goings on of the town, it also hopped back in time to where young Edith made some startling discoveries about herself. It was all witchcraft and forces better left alone, involving everything from occult practices, to outright bloody mayhem where nobody was safe.
I’m never shy about voicing my dislikes, but I have nothing negative to say about this one. I always found myself thinking about it, even when it wasn’t possible to sit down and read it, and that’s rare. McDonough’s writing excelled in everything it set out to do, making me laugh one minute and uncomfortable the next. There were multiple characters to keep up with, their lives full of emotion and often highlighting the terrible things people are capable of. The supernatural elements also ticked the right boxes, and I especially appreciated the consequences of magic, as well as how it was depicted as such an unpredictable force.
In conclusion: The Thirteen Black Cats of Edith Penn had humour, murder, and fluffy kitties. With a host of characters, it had those to feel for, and those to wish horrible things upon. I loved everything to do with Edith herself, and the mystery surrounding her death. There’s no question that this book impressed the hell out of me, and I’m surprised there’s not more eyes on it right now. Being my first experience of McDonough’s work, I won’t pass up checking out his other books.
Notable Quote:
The silence was too full for an empty apartment. A dead body had a way of announcing itself. Eventually, you learned to hear it.
Santa Jaws is the only thing Claire’s daughter wants for Christmas, yet Claire fears the only gift she can give is disappointment, until a surprise onSanta Jaws is the only thing Claire’s daughter wants for Christmas, yet Claire fears the only gift she can give is disappointment, until a surprise on her doorstep leads to an unexpected bloodbath.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I thank Astrid Addams for giving me the opportunity.
Zombie Santa Claus: Santa Jaws Edition may be a mouthful of a title, but it’s also a wild ride that carried with it the Christmas spirit… in a way. There was Claire, a single mother desperately wanting the picture-perfect Christmas for her daughter in a world where zombies are used as cheap labour, even putting herself through hell in trying to make ends meet. This is what hooked me in the beginning, as not only did it do a fine job of depicting one person’s vulnerability in difficult times, but it told the story of Christmas from a different angle, one where a child might not get that shiny new toy.
The ending is where I became somewhat confused, though. With a strong build-up, the sudden craziness of bloody mayhem was jarring, and could’ve done with more meat to ease into it. As it was, it went by in a flash and didn’t seem to quite fit in with the rest, but that’s just me. Stories of such a short length usually don’t have time to beat around the bush, so there’s that.
In conclusion: All proceeds from Zombie Santa Claus: Santa Jaws Edition will be donated to Bacchus Residents Rescue, and it goes without saying that it’s a worthwhile cause. As for the story itself, I liked it, and despite not being familiar with the one preceding it, the world building was decent enough that I got caught up in no time. I connected with Claire and her struggles especially, yet I had difficulty in keeping up with how it finished off.
Notable Quote:
She tried not to flinch as Tilly hugged the abomination to her tiny chest as if it was the sweetest baby doll.
Three characters share their disturbing experiences, from a horrific murder, to tragic loss and catastrophic nightmares.
(WARNING: This review containsThree characters share their disturbing experiences, from a horrific murder, to tragic loss and catastrophic nightmares.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I thank Hugh Dante for giving me the opportunity.
The Reminders was a short glimpse of the author’s work, featuring three stories that brought to memory old forums and anonymous postings – you know, how creepypastas used to be, when they still had that air of mystery behind them. With "The Reminders" being the title story, it told of a boy that witnessed his family being murdered, while "Brothers" got into how a house affected the lives of two siblings, and lastly there’s "Bright Dreams", where a widow begins to experience odd night terrors. They were entertaining for the most part and didn’t require much commitment, yet as refreshing as it was to jump in and out so casually, I didn’t find it a particularly memorable experience. Still, is something worth it even if it’s just a few minutes of enjoyment? I’d say so.
In conclusion: A mini collection of stories that read more like forum creepypastas, The Reminders definitely didn’t demand much of my time, and with a lot going on, that can be a good thing. Including some unsettling subject matters, the bite-sized tales had some good ideas behind them.
Notable Quote:
But I dread nightfall, when I can no longer keep my old eyes from closing.
After acquiring a large amount of money, Marcel’s life changes, but not for the better. Believing his good fortune has brought upon a curse, he travelAfter acquiring a large amount of money, Marcel’s life changes, but not for the better. Believing his good fortune has brought upon a curse, he travels cross-country, eventually seeking out a mysterious woman and her cult in the hopes of getting help.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I thank Michael Rands for giving me the opportunity.
DNF: 40%
An interesting idea, but I found it increasingly difficult to read. A lot of the dialogue between characters didn’t come across as natural, instead laden with convoluted prose – people don’t actually talk like that… well, unless they’re high. It’s all well and good trying to be poetic and philosophical, but it can really put a downer on what’s supposed to be a form of entertainment. I believe it didn't do Marcel any favours either, his personality leaving a lot to be desired. As for the supernatural theme, it had potential yet didn’t draw me enough to continue.
In conclusion: Not my sort of book, left unrated due to not finishing it.
Various works of quiet horror from Beverley Lee, Lynn Love, Catherine McCarthy and T.C. Parker.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I receivVarious works of quiet horror from Beverley Lee, Lynn Love, Catherine McCarthy and T.C. Parker.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I thank Stephanie Ellis for giving me the opportunity.
Beverley Lee starts off the anthology by reimagining some familiar tales and tropes, each of the four stories steeped in atmosphere – Lee is well-known for her moody, gothic works, often leading the reader with a subtle promise toward a shocking conclusion, and it’s easy to get lost in the words. The most notable for me were "A Whiteness of Swans" that took the beauty of the swan and injected a disturbing twist, while the second, "Tender is the Heart", told of a boy and his lost love during a terrible plague.
It took only a moment. A moment where the boy in me died and the light swirled away into the hands of the night.
Lynn Love follows with introducing the character of Patricia in a three-part account of her life, touching on historical and supernatural elements. It featured a creepy nursery rhyme character as Patricia discovered some unexpected things about herself, and I could’ve read an entire novel about her and her encounters with the occult. As far as I’m concerned, Love created a compelling protagonist that jumped off the page.
"There’s too much death around you."
Catherine McCarthy comes in with "The Spider and the Stag", where a grieving widow sets out to find answers about the death of her husband. A longer story, I can’t help but admit my attention wandered a little in the beginning, but as McCarthy continued to weave a mystery, I became well and truly captivated, especially with a certain character. The ending also had me sit back in awe for a minute; it was beautiful, in a grim way.
She had failed the stag, just like she had failed Cameron.
Last but not least, T.C. Parker ends with two stories, "The Body Tree" and "Underserving", centred around a school named Hummingbird Academy. It wasn’t about the school per se, but the parents of the children and their differences. These were my favourite, because not only were the stories connected loosely through the same people, which I liked, but the general themes piqued my interest – topical and dark as hell. If anything, I wish I could read more about the strange goings on because it felt like I wasn’t getting the whole picture.
Thereafter came the eyes, bulging and then bursting through the wallpaper like pustules through pox-afflicted skin.
In conclusion: With horrors that were emotional, unsettling and magical, Daughters of Darkness II directed a spotlight on a quartet of women, three of which were new to me. There was a decent amount of variety, and I enjoyed the overall subtlety that, in turn, made the gruesome scenes even more effective when they came around. There’s no question that it was worth the time.
Amelia Fletcher’s life is turned upside down when she discovers her father’s affair. Taking it upon herself, Amelia seeks to warn the woman away, so tAmelia Fletcher’s life is turned upside down when she discovers her father’s affair. Taking it upon herself, Amelia seeks to warn the woman away, so that things can get back to normal and repairs can be made. But the house on Callaghan Drive, where the homewrecker supposedly lives, reveals that there’s more to the story.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I thank James Newman for giving me the opportunity.
Sitting at around a hundred pages, Ride or Die punished teenage mischief as Amelia, accompanied by her two friends, set out to teach her father’s mistress a lesson. Rather than an epic act of vengeance as intended, extreme consequences were quick to follow, twisted villains putting a halt on their shenanigans. It was an ordeal not totally out of the realms of possibility, especially when it involved juvenile bravado – yeah, I remember being stupid and thinking things were a good idea when they were the opposite. Newman nailed it with the friendship that felt genuine with the inside jokes and the codes only friends could decipher, the story supplemented with illustrations and an inside look into the trio’s text messages. When things really got nasty, it was impossible not to hope for the girls’ survival, but of course it escalated with violence, going to some dark places with an ounce of splatterpunk. I didn’t want to stop reading, Newman’s writing as compelling as I remember, even injecting some quirky humour into the mix. It just worked, and had it been longer, I’d have happily kept reading.
In conclusion: Teenagers walk into a situation that’ll scar them forever in Ride or Die, an addictive novella that pushes boundaries by exposing unsuspecting youth to horrors best avoided. It was short and packed a punch, with a couple of unexpected twists that made it all the more entertaining. Consider it a story that’ll go by in a flash, but will leave a lasting impression. Also, it turns out that illustrations can add a nice touch – I liked them here.
Notable Quote:
True friends didn’t have to say anything. They just had to be there for you.
Dealing with the lizards is the norm for Cora, they’re nothing but feral animals that can be easily outplayed, but when two strangers emerge from the Dealing with the lizards is the norm for Cora, they’re nothing but feral animals that can be easily outplayed, but when two strangers emerge from the forest with a gun, they threaten the few things she has left to fight for. There’s a reason she keeps herself isolated in the mountains, but now she must face her own kind.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I thank Horrific Tales Publishing for giving me the opportunity.
It’s rare I feel that pull that makes a book a five star, so it’s no surprise I can count my top reads of the year on one hand. Call me picky, stingy, or whatever else, but When The Cicadas Stop Singing quickly made it on that short list – that’s how much I enjoyed it. Taking place when society has crumbled after monsters sprung from the ground, Cora tries to live a quiet but cautious life in the the picturesque wilderness of the Australian mountains. The thing that immediately drew me was Cora’s isolation and the various details of how she managed her time in the aftermath of immense loss. When it comes to human versus nature, I always find the struggle engrossing, and even though Cora had a pretty decent setup around her, it was no less fascinating to read about. She was the best kind of protagonist, made all the more compelling by her grief; smart, resourceful, even her distrustful qualities made her the type of heroine that I love.
Nothing against zombies and the sort, but it was great to have a different kind of threat that brought the end of civilisation, in this case, lizard-men. I can state without doubt that they were a first for me, but despite enjoying the high-speed chases and violence, the biggest menace lay with the human beings. Anyone familiar with the post-apocalyptic genre will know what to expect – careful who you trust at the end of the world – yet Ashford’s writing reinvigorated these well-known tropes. While there was little detail on the world itself and the event that led to its current state, I didn’t feel like I needed to know the exact ins and outs as my interest and focus were glued to Cora’s corner. If anything, the novella length suited the story, with each scene having meaning and getting to the point without any beating around the bush.
In conclusion: When The Cicadas Stop Singing involved a lush setting, scaly predators, and one woman trying to keep it together. I couldn’t help but get swept up into Ashford’s prose, everything from the bloody fights to the touching moments, resulting in a memorable experience overall. I always looked forward to picking it up again, and even though I feared it might’ve catered off in the middle, it never did, instead establishing itself as a favourite. It had a mix of elements I adore, one of them being a strong leading character.
Notable Quote:
Morality was a luxury, she realised – the privilege of people who were safe.
Maynard Creed, in the aftermath of a messy divorce, finds a place on the Ross 128b mining colony, searching for a large payout, but instead of the veiMaynard Creed, in the aftermath of a messy divorce, finds a place on the Ross 128b mining colony, searching for a large payout, but instead of the vein of metal that was expected, a mysterious object poses a threat to the colony’s population.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I thank Mike Duke for giving me the opportunity.
I always welcome sci-fi horror, and AMALGAM scratched that itch with its solid foundation and excellent alien design. The plot was simple enough, with a mining colony attempting to reach metal within an exomoon, but instead they discover something different, thus unleashing a hungry force that proceeds to go on a rampage. There were delightful descriptions of mayhem and body horror, reminding me of various films and games of the same vein, and how mindlessly fun they can be to experience. If anything, I’d love to see Duke’s creation on a screen, because that would be something. Unfortunately, though, as a standalone novel it had its issues, as well as some aspects that niggled at me, especially the jarring use of language when “rape” was utilised as a metaphor.
Add to that a few inconsistencies along with misleading tidbits of information – most notably a character that was set up to be relevant but wasn’t due to being shelved and never again returning to the page – consequently posing questions it didn’t answer. Obviously Duke plans a series, but I always prefer a book to stand on its own legs regardless if there’s more to follow. Let’s face it, not everyone will commit to sticking with it long term, especially with the wait that comes in between books.
In conclusion: In AMALGAM, Maynard discovers something unusual while on the job, leading to a rescue mission and the ultimate fight for survival. There were elements I liked, especially when it came to the monster and action, but I found several problems that overshadowed everything else. With various details that amounted to nothing, it just seemed like wasted potential, even if these factors come into play later on in the series.
Notable Quote:
Awakened, it would never stop searching. Never stop hunting its prey.
A photo in the press forces a secret into the light of the public, and for David Lansdown, the repercussions could affect his career. Trying to avoid A photo in the press forces a secret into the light of the public, and for David Lansdown, the repercussions could affect his career. Trying to avoid damage, he takes himself to a remote hideaway where he can pen his next bestseller, but the land around him stirs, the dead restless at his trespass.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I thank Shane Douglas Keene for giving me the opportunity.
The House of Little Bones commenced my journey into the work of Beverley Lee, it’s yet another “about time” from me. I’ll start off by admitting that ghost stories generally aren’t my favourite, but I still like to give them their fair due. Illustrating the consequences of a spicy secret, it switched between the dual POVs of acclaimed author David Lansdown and Luca Fox-Waite, lovers separated by scandal. I immediately adored the atmosphere, especially of the moorland and house that David found himself occupying in an attempt to write his new novel. Obviously it wasn’t the refuge he thought it would be, Lee honing in on isolation and quiet horror, building suspense with the little things that David tried to apply logic to; despite his profession involving all sorts of scary things, he was a sceptic at heart. It all came together in a shocking culmination, and while I didn’t particularly connect with the ending straight off, specifically regarding how abruptly it left David and Luca, I began to warm to it after a bit. It didn’t beat around the bush, but was swift and brutal, with a payoff that didn’t instantly feel like one.
That said, even though the writing was beautiful in almost every way, I couldn’t quite get emotionally invested in the relationship at the centre. There’s a couple of reasons for this, namely the lack of interaction between the two and how it seemed fairly one-sided. I won’t go into further detail for fear of spoiling too much, but there was little time to understand the ins and outs, especially when it appeared to be such a complicated affair. This also relates to Luca and Charles, as well, where I would’ve preferred more time taking a peek into their family dynamic.
In conclusion: Hiding away in shame due to his complex love life, David attempts to settle in the secluded house of Bone Hollow, incurring the wrath of an old curse. I enjoyed The House of Little Bones as Lee dished out subtle chills and an eerie atmosphere, but I couldn’t quite get into the characters and their attachment. Still, I can’t wait to read more of Lee’s work.
Notable Quote:
And David Lansdown felt the shrill scream of something inevitable against his bones. Something outside was determined to come in.
Strange noises seem to come from nowhere and lead to impulsive behaviour for Amanda, her career and relationship on the line when a figure visits her Strange noises seem to come from nowhere and lead to impulsive behaviour for Amanda, her career and relationship on the line when a figure visits her in her dreams, tempting her to accept the loss of control. Finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with responsibilities, Amanda attempts to get help before it’s too late.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I thank Faber and Faber Ltd and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity.
Come Closer chronicles the story of Amanda, who begins to exhibit unpredictable behaviour that threatens her marriage and livelihood, the blame cast on a demonic presence pervading her body. I’ve always liked possession stories, especially the focus on mental health and that inner struggle – they can leave the reader questioning the reliability of the character, therefore it has the potential to be enjoyable in interpreting whether the supernatural has any presence at all. Told through a first-person narrative, it didn’t take long for events to escalate for Amanda, with small shifts in personality leading to more self-destructive outbursts. I didn’t feel a whole lot of sympathy for her due to a negative first impression, but my attention was captured regardless during her descent, even making the thought of giving in to a demon almost appealing; it was grim, sure, but Gran touched on a kind of freedom that could only come from handing over the reins to someone (or something) else. I mean, doesn’t everyone feel overwhelmed at times?
That said, when it came to the demonic side of things, it was mostly quiet, relying on the uncertainties of the protagonist’s psyche rather than scenes of gore and death. The more explicit aspects were mentioned, such as sexual encounters and the like, but details were left mostly to the imagination due to Amanda’s lack of awareness. It worked for me and encouraged me to try and put the pieces together, with some tension as circumstances worsened. It wasn’t hard to predict where it was going, all told, but I liked it for what it was.
In conclusion: A quick glimpse into the decline of a woman’s life, Come Closer was unsettling, yet the unease lay in the somewhat relatable depiction of possession where unwanted thoughts and urges can spiral out of control. Amanda and Ted had a seemingly picture-perfect marriage, but their dream rapidly crumbled, and I was in for the ride. While I believed it decent, it didn’t blow me away nor was it distinctly memorable, but worth the short amount of time to get through.
Notable Quote:
We could devote our lives to making sense of the odd, the inexplicable, the coincidental. But most of us don’t, and I didn’t either.
Pain both mental and physical awaits Laura when, on every birthday, she receives a letter from a stranger that claims to know about the friend that diPain both mental and physical awaits Laura when, on every birthday, she receives a letter from a stranger that claims to know about the friend that disappeared when she was a young teen. As time goes on, the demands get more and more extreme, haunting Laura well into adulthood.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
If I had children I’d want to keep them indoors forever as Dear Laura hones in on stranger danger, where in the blink of an eye lives can be changed forever. It centres on Laura, who witnesses her best friend enter a van and be driven off, never to be seen again. This leads to a penpal relationship between Laura and the abductor, where in exchange for updates on her friend, she must provide something personal, and it escalates from there. The dynamic was very much as disturbing as you might imagine, and I found Amor’s writing to be compelling, especially with how she handled the subject matter; there’s no doubt that it must’ve been unpleasant to write, as it was certainly unpleasant to read. Horror as a genre encompasses so much, and nothing is more thought-provoking to me than the evils people can commit. With those evils, the domino effect begins, and this is exactly what Amor touched on – the mental health of Laura who has to continue the arrangement for years, failing to truly escape her perverted correspondent.
While I appreciated the writing being subtle in some respects, there were areas when the lack of information was noticeable, the why and how of things not quite presented to the reader, an example being the reason behind Bobby getting into the van as willingly as he did. It was a mystery unsolved, but I had to keep to keep in mind that I learned only what Laura did, and sometimes answers prove evasive, no matter how much we try to seek them out. That said, what I couldn’t connect with at all was Laura’s actions in some instances, but that’s just me being hyperaware of character’s acting carelessly in bad situations (I really can’t help it, I swear). Ever want to scream at fictional people for doing something stupid? Me in a nutshell.
In conclusion: Dear Laura consists of two timelines – of Laura at fourteen, followed by her three decades later – where she enters a bizarre relationship with a predator that alters her life in significant ways. The man demands personal objects in return for details of her friend, of which he abducted right in front of her. Amor hones in on the psychological, exploring the impact of grief and guilt. I was locked in immediately, ready to go wherever Laura took me, and despite some minor issues along the way, I wasn’t disappointed with how Amor navigated the complexities of Laura’s journey.
Notable Quote:
And in doing so, he had taught her a lesson, a harsh and immutable truth: that nothing is permanent. Everything can change. A life can alter beyond recognition in the time it takes to simply let go of someone’s hand.
The doorway is nearly open, the Black Heavens await. Closer to his goal than ever before, Father begins to alter his physical form so that he’s able tThe doorway is nearly open, the Black Heavens await. Closer to his goal than ever before, Father begins to alter his physical form so that he’s able to take his place beside the cosmic gods. The only one with plans to stop him is Professor Bianchi, yet his role is uncertain as alarming revelations present themselves.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
Sacrament follows Ritual and Communion, concluding Stred’s extreme horror trilogy, where one man and his followers strive to ascend to the Black Heavens. From an inside look at the commune through one of its members (Brad), to the investigation that plunged a detective into madness (McKay), the final instalment switches it up yet again, putting Professor Bianchi in the spotlight. Bianchi is revealed to be connected to the cult in some way, yet he’s determined to thwart whatever grand plan’s at play. The thing that got me about Stred’s writing is that he did a lot with a little, especially with the characters and how they expressed themselves in specific ways. “Father” – the central villain I’ve praised before – exuded cruelty and wickedness in his every action, not to mention the nauseating quality he brought to the page. Undergoing a transformation, body horror surrounded Father; another spicy ingredient in the mixture of zealotry and sex, and another thing that drew my interest. Stred knew exactly how to keep things grim, as well as how to push boundaries with such limited space. Nowadays it’s a special thing to have short fiction so accessible, because it has the potential to hit the mark as powerfully as any lengthy novel. An example would be this trilogy – in the hands of the right reader, it’s a nasty, memorable treat.
In conclusion: Sacrament is the finale of the Father of Lies trilogy, featuring a whole lot of unpleasantness as a cult attempts to open the gates to a mythical plane of existence. With demonic entities, vile appetites, and almost nobody to root for, it was a high-speed climax that pulled no punches. I’ve been a fan since Ritual, and it was a pleasure to see how the story was expanded on with its biblical elements regarding Sheol and Abaddon. Stred has one hell of an imagination, one able to twist and disturb while still maintaining an engaging plot. I was desperate to know Father’s fate, and it didn’t disappoint.
Notable Quote:
“He’ll say what is necessary. Remember, sometimes it is ideal to be broken instead of repaired.”
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