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The Deciding Hour

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All will check in. But not everyone, will check out.

A trip home from summer vacation for six friends quickly spirals out of control as they find themselves in a precarious situation amid an unexpected storm. With no other options, they seek shelter within a strange hotel, where they hope to wait out the downpour. Surprised by the spacious room and amenities, they couldn’t be more elated. That is until they discover that this is a place of unimaginable horror, and their pleasant stay suddenly turns into a dreadful nightmare.

Trapped in a hotel room, the young men must play a "game" if they hope to escape. And not just any game -- but a game that somehow holds all their darkest secrets.

For some, these secrets holds the key to freedom, and for others, demise.

As their truths are exposed, their friendships and faith will be tested.

When life and death hang in the balance, who will be able to find it within to obtain salvation?

310 pages, Paperback

Published February 5, 2023

1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read

About the author

Author writes under Jerrod Fasan

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5 stars
18 (36%)
4 stars
11 (22%)
3 stars
10 (20%)
2 stars
8 (16%)
1 star
2 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Erin.
3,088 reviews378 followers
March 24, 2024
ARC for review. Published May 2, 2023.

DNF at 17%

This story of six friends returning from a summer vacation in Mexico and finding a scary hotel was incredibly poorly written and was filled with grammatical errors. Also, if you are planning to try to shove your religion down my throat, warn me about that so I’ll know not to read your book at all.
Profile Image for Niko  Taylor.
188 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2023
I simply picked this book based on the blub as it came off as interesting and the right thriller to continue the journey I've been on. It was a dark story. Unraveling slowly, each chapter allowing more darkness inside, I was impressed. The author really has a knack for writing horror/thrillers. The details, setting, and feelings were all tense and tender moments as the characters faced precarious moments in their lives, uncovering dark moments as their friends watched.

At the 60% mark, the book took a more religious tone, one I did not expect. I went back to BookSirens and saw that is was a 'Christen Thriller' and decided to go with it. The only Thrillers that come to mind with Christian things are those expelling demons, so I decided to roll with it, as I am not the devout. but I believe in the power of retribution and kindness.

Without spoilers, I can say I really enjoyed 70% of the book. The first 10% was leading to the grit and it was mid-twenty men talking and the last 20% could have been shorter.

From a person who does not practice Christianity, it reads more like an allegory and karmatic living. That is something, anyone, everyone, should follow. We have the power to be kind, forgive, second guess, be wrong, and right our wrongs.

A star rating is VERY tough for this book. I liked it, I did not love it; it gave me the chills, but also provided the messages I live by daily. I am okay with religion and this book was not pushing any as some do, which is great. The writing was strong, but I felt like the ending was a bit too long and could have more details as the heap of the book had so much. Overall, a 3.5 rating.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kendra.
669 reviews35 followers
December 30, 2024
I started this book knowing there would be religious context. It did not impact the story for me until the end. The thrill at the core of the story was interesting and creepy. However, the written dialogue was not good. The conversations did not feel natural and writing “haha” into your dialogue feels unprofessional.

At about 85%, I really wanted to end the book. There were chapters upon chapters of preaching and resolution that could have been summed up in one or two small chapters. I am not a religious person, but I understand the importance of the words being conveyed at the end. It would have packed a better punch being succinct.

Thank you NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and author Jerrod O. Fasan for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. “The Deciding Hour” was published May 2, 2023!
Profile Image for Bailey Stine.
3 reviews
March 24, 2024
I found it very difficult to read. At some places there was too much imagery and in others there was none. The characters weren’t well developed and seemed to have very base level traits. Overall the idea for the plot was very good but again, it was not well developed and it was very difficult to get through.
Profile Image for Ronak AhmadyAhangar.
396 reviews55 followers
March 28, 2024
This was painful to read. Basic lackluster narrative with the most excruciating level of pointless detail. The characters were drawn horrendously. An absolute awful experience. Ugh.
Profile Image for Sarah Woods.
95 reviews8 followers
February 22, 2023
When I began reading this book, I found the writing a little 'clunky' and unrefined. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. However, I persevered and I'm glad I did.
The characters are all interesting although some more defined than others so I cared more about some fates than others also. I feel like I was supposed to like Ethan but I actually found him a bit irritating. There was a sense that we are supposed to be like Ethan, reading his Bible and praying being at the centre of his life. Personally I think there's a balance to be had where you can be a 'good Christian' whilst still engaging more with life itself than Ethan seems to.
The whole idea of a 'deciding hour' is great food for thought. Are you genuinely repentant for the negative things you've done in your life? How will you stand in the final judgement when given the opportunity to see what you have done and be both remorseful and, more importantly, to ask for forgiveness? We all have rooms in the hotel described in The Deciding Hour.
I don't think 'enjoyed' is the right word for how I feel about this book. It made me very thoughtful and I found some of it very difficult to read. I'm left needing to pray about it and to address things in my own life.
It's ultimately a good read even if not the most fluidly written in places. I actually read it through twice before writing this review.
Profile Image for Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read.
3,441 reviews113 followers
July 12, 2023
Jerrod Oluwatoyin Fasan's The Deciding Hour was a little hard to rate, at least in terms of this many stars for this or less than that for something else. So, I finished the book, jotting down notes as I went, and then I gave it some thought and came up with this...
I really liked the premise of this creepy hotel and the game the guests must play in order to escape. Well, like the blurb says, "if they hope to escape." The problem for this group of friends is that they have a fair number of secrets among them, and most of them are really dark. How this "game" knows their secrets isn't so much explained as it's something the reader figures out as the story progresses. There are themes of redemption and repentance, as well as punishment and judgment, and the story does touch on religion, especially in the latter part of the book.
Now, all of that was interesting, and as I mentioned, I like the premise. I feel like this one could have been a really good book with the right execution. Unfortunately, that's where it falls short. The writing is kind of choppy, and the dialogue is stilted. The conversations just don't flow like a normal conversation would, and even in the course of the game, these characters say things that don't really fit with the circumstances. Then there are the characters who desperately needed some development, in my opinion. Most of them are very one-dimensional. I mean, obviously, not every one of this group is gonna make it through the game and out of the motel, but I at least wanted to care what happened to them.
So, as it stands, I liked some things about the book and didn't like some others, leaving me somewhere in the middle. I do think this one has potential and with the right tweaks, that potential could easily be realized.
Profile Image for Joyce.
1,832 reviews40 followers
December 19, 2023
324 pages

3 stars

As I read along, I thought that this book would make a good movie. I would make a few cuts, but it has potential.

Six young men in their early twenties are returning home following a week-long vacation in Mexico. Suddenly, they drive into severe weather. The driver cannot see. Luckily, they happen upon a hotel. It looks like a grand old place. They run into the premises. No one appears, until finally an old man shows up. Things begin to get weird. One of the men speaks calmly and jovially to the old man. The other five all see him as weird and downright creepy.

When they finally reach their room, they find the place warm and comfortable. They notice a gaming system set up. How odd. The machine comes alive and beckons the men to play a game called “The Deciding Hour.” One by one, they are selected. One by one they must confront their past actions. They must choose a response in five minutes. They must face the consequences of those actions. Their very lives depend upon their answers.

This novel is a lesson in morality. Good people do well and bad people are condemned. I found it interesting how the lesson was woven into the narrative. This reader could see it a mile away.

Still, it was a good read. I had as much fun reading it as I would many of my “creature feature” books. The writing was a little uneven, but still shows talent and was well thought out. I look forward to reading more by Mr. Fasan.

I want to thank NetGalley and Jerrod Fasan for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
Profile Image for Jamie Park.
Author 9 books33 followers
December 21, 2023
I don't normally read books by men about men. I just don't understand their culture or their reasoning.
I don't want to be like "I just don't care for men." but that's kind of what it is.
Also these young men are close to the age my son is and I am real nervous about things happening to him.
BUT This was good.
I really connected with the characters, and I am not gonna lie, that hasn't happened for a while. I wanted to take these boys home and give them some hot cocoa, especially Connor.
I am like really proud of the author. I will read more of his stuff.
And honestly a creepy novel with just men is nice. They are almost never "prey" or whatever. They are almost always heroes or the villains. In this book they're young men in a creepy situation and they are trying to cope.
And yeah they are dumb but it fits so well! It feels so honest.
Also I want to point out as middle aged woman- I would walk through the maggots and get right back in that car. Why are these boys afraid of the mystery bugs?
Go find our friend!
I love the videogame aspect too. I want more of these.
Fantastic job.
Profile Image for Milt Theo.
1,836 reviews152 followers
April 17, 2024
I picked up an ARC of this because I found the synopsis intriguing. It has a great premise: six friends in a mysterious hotel face unexpected horrors and their friendship is tested. I knew it was a Christian thriller, and having recently read (and reviewed) an awesome Christian horror novel (Thomas Smith’s ‘Something Stirs’) I had my hopes up this would follow in the same direction: no preaching, no Christian deus ex machina. Well, I was pretty much right in that, but, still, the emphasis started to feel off very soon, as the plot revolves too much around sin, redemption, and salvation. This is the point of the story, and the point is made repeatedly, both explicitly and implicitly. Putting (the serious) editing issues aside, there were a lot of problems with the book: the story is given to the reader very confusingly, it’s too wordy, the characters are not differentiated enough, and the situations are not always clearly described. Although I didn’t give up reading the book, I don’t feel that I’ll read anything else by this author.
89 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2024
Warning--do not read if you are not into religion.

This book left a lot to be desired. The storyline and plot were interesting and could have been good had it been properly executed. This however was not the case in The Deciding Hour. It was poorly written with LOTS of grammatical errors. The characters were very one-dimensional and the conversations they had with each other were not realistic nor were they natural at all. The concept of the book could have been great, if only the topic of religion wasn't so heavy throughout the last 40% of the novel.

I almost DNF this book mutliple times throughout--but I am not one to do that, so I pushed through thinking that maybe it would get better. There were a lot of places in the book where too much detail was given and things were too descriptive, and other places where it lacked.

Overall I'd rate this book a 2 which is based solely on the fact that I enjoyed the premise of the book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this novel.
Profile Image for Maria Leonova.
112 reviews7 followers
July 4, 2023
"The Deciding Hour" is a gripping and suspenseful novel that explores the themes of faith, friendship, and secrets in a life-or-death situation. The author creates a compelling scenario where six friends are trapped in a mysterious hotel room and forced to play a game that exposes their darkest secrets. The game is orchestrated by a mysterious voice that claims to offer salvation to those who confess and repent.
The novel is fast-paced and engaging, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end. The characters are well-developed and realistic, each with their own personality, background, and struggles. The author does a good job of portraying their emotions, conflicts, and dilemmas as they face the consequences of their actions and choices. The novel explores the role of faith in their lives, and how it can be a source of strength, hope, and forgiveness. It also challenges the reader to reflect on their own faith and secrets, and what it means to be saved.
Profile Image for Gary.
5 reviews
April 10, 2024
The Deciding Hour was atmospheric from start to finish. This debut thriller from this author is a must read. "The Deciding Hour" will take you on an emotional journey that you won't forget anytime soon with its eclectic cast of characters and bone chilling descriptions and environments. The characters in the book had great chemistry, and their interactions were pivotal in moving the story forward. The author did an exceptional job of bringing the characters to life, making them feel like real people with relatable struggles. Overall, the dynamic between the characters was well-crafted, adding depth and richness to the story. With its powerful themes of sadness, fear, grief, and redemption. With confidence, I can say it's almost certain to capture the hearts and minds of its readers.. If you love a good page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then look no further. This is the book for you!
Profile Image for Eric Crisante.
51 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2023
I found this book a bit difficult to read for quite a few reasons. Almost all of the characters irritated me, especially with the way they talked with each other. Their dialogue felt very unrealistic and childish for 20 something year olds (I know some people actually do talk like this but I hated reading it).
I wasn’t really into the whole overly religious aspect of this book and was hoping for more thrill less religion - especially towards the end of the novel.
The only things I enjoyed about this were, the main plot - a group of friends with dark secrets get trapped in a hotel and have to deal with their baggage and the atmosphere that the author creates - both would be so much better if the author created better characters.
The novel has some great potential but I feel that it needs some heavy refining.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,747 reviews140 followers
December 19, 2023
Hold onto your hats, folks, because The Deciding Hour by Jerrod Fasan is a thrill ride you won't want to miss! This book had me hooked right from the start with its chilling premise and suspenseful plot. Imagine getting caught in a storm and seeking refuge in a creepy hotel, only to realize that you're playing a life-and-death game with your darkest secrets on the line!

Why should you read it? Well, it's a nail-biting rollercoaster of a story that keeps you guessing at every turn. Jerrod Fasan delivers suspense and tension that'll make your heart race, and you won't be able to put it down until you find out who will make it out alive. The Deciding Hour is a wild ride through the darkest corners of human nature, and you won't want to miss it if you're looking for a thrilling read that'll keep you up all night!
Profile Image for Megan Wintrip.
568 reviews12 followers
February 22, 2023
The story had a religious vibe to it which I don't mind. I don't gravitate towards them apart from things like the exorcist etc but it was a nice read. Characters going down the wrong path and near death experiences will bring out a religious aspect I suppose.

I will say I didn't like the way the characters talked i.e. "brooo don't tell me", "nah man" etc etc but where I'm from nobody talks like that so maybe I'm just not used to it. It just kind of irritated me.

It's written nicely (apart from as I said above, the way the characters talked, but that's my opinion). The layout of the book is nicely spread out too.
Profile Image for Louise.
1,492 reviews20 followers
February 22, 2023
The story follows six friends: Connor, Caleb, Malik, Carlos, Ethan, and Dustin. Every character gets an introduction so readers can get a feel for their traits. Not long in the hotel, things happen to scare the men: a game reveals deep secrets and displays the title screen, ‘Deciding Hour’ - hence the book title. The story switches from the past to the present but it’s not very clear when and how far back in the past, and the book requires proofreading. This is a religious story, looking at what the characters did in their past and whether they will get a second chance or suffer from their acts.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Morrison.
28 reviews
April 28, 2024
Thank you so much NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

This book is hard to review. Mainly for these reasons: the idea was there, the elements were there, the lesson was there. But it just was executed poorly. The writing style made it hard to get into the story. The dialogue was too formal, especially for college-age characters. As a Christian, I appreciated the message behind the story, as it is an important message. If the writing style was switched up, the dialogue loosened up a bit to reflect actual conversation, and it went through editing again, I think Mr. Fasan would have a great book on his hands.
Profile Image for Savannah.
Author 4 books41 followers
August 9, 2024
Six friends, an unexpected storm, a creepy hotel...and decisions that must be made. Christian horror is hard to find, and dare I say, hard to do well. It can easily come across as melodramatic or preachy, neither of which apply to The Deciding Hour. Fasan does an excellent job drawing readers in and keeping their attention. I loved the setting and the high stakes game the characters are forced to play. The author did a fantastic job of creating and holding tension, making me want to speed right on through.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all views expressed are my own.
189 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2023
Good idea for a story, six friends on their way back from a holiday become stranded and end up in a strange hotel playing a weird video game. However some of the language used didn't seem to be appropriate for 20 something American males and the narrative didn't flow easily. The characters were well developed with good back stories and terrible secrets. About 3/4 of the way through this tale becomes a little heavy on the religious vibe, not really to my personal taste.
Received a complimentary copy via BookSprout and am leaving a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Abigail L..
1,726 reviews123 followers
December 20, 2023
A gripping and intense thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This book is like a rollercoaster ride of suspense and intrigue. When six friends take shelter in a seemingly innocent hotel during a storm, they soon find themselves trapped in a nightmare beyond their wildest imagination.

The author has crafted a chilling story filled with unexpected twists and turns, and the characters are so well-developed that you can't help but feel their fear and desperation. It's a heart-pounding race against time that will leave you questioning who can be trusted.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
5 reviews
April 10, 2024
This is my first read from this author and I must say that I was truly blown away by the depth of this novel. Six friends must find shelter to escape a bad storm and find themselves in a hotel that can only be described as a nightmare.
The cast of characters were great and the interactions were really well thought out. What I liked most about this movie is that you would get moments of laughter, horror and even sadness. This is a truly unique take of thriller/horror with an impressionable message intertwined.
Profile Image for James Cadshaw.
3 reviews
April 9, 2024
There were just so many things to admire about this book. The story begins with an introduction of the characters, which was humorous in nature; but that quickly changes as their situation changes to dire, then to out right frightening.

The highlight of this novel was definitely the deep hidden secrets each character contained. Secrets which held their only chance of escaping. The Deciding Hour is a truly riveting read that beautifully executes a take on the thriller genre, in a new and innovative way.
Profile Image for Tennille Lulham.
37 reviews8 followers
May 20, 2024
What a thrilling ride with a band of friends navigating a chaotic adventure. This narrative combines a chilling thriller with spiritual insights, that will captivate readers. The friends embark on a journey filled with tension, emotion, and moments of tragedy. Fasan developed well-crafted characters, and as each event unfolds, readers are gifted with real-world examples, resulting in a thought-provoking masterpiece. Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced thrillers or seeking a life-affirming read, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Profile Image for Doretha Bradley.
438 reviews
January 8, 2025
Excellent

This book would have been absolutely perfect had it ended with Chapter 11. The additional chapters did not enhance the main point of the story: forgiveness and repetentace. Going on and on about the events in the aftermath took away from the perfection of this book as you find yourself wondering, "When is this going to end?"

The best part about this book is that it does make you think about how you're currently living, your current life choices, and what you can do to improve in the future.
Profile Image for Amy .
213 reviews16 followers
January 30, 2025
The Deciding Hour is a gripping thriller that delves into the intricacies of human decision-making. The narrative centers on a protagonist confronted with a succession of challenging choices, each carrying significant implications. As they tackle these dilemmas, the protagonist is compelled to examine their own biases, values, and motivations. This novel serves as a stimulating exploration that encourages readers to contemplate their own approaches to decision-making. There is religion in this book, so if that's not your jam, you may want to take a pass one this one!
Profile Image for Cat B..
789 reviews7 followers
February 22, 2023
It was very difficult to get into this story. Then after about a quarter of the way through, it got very interesting. Then the last quarter was far too preachy for me.It did say it was a Christian thriller but I really expected more thriller, less religion. The only reason that I gave it a 3 star rating is that there are people who would enjoy it. I just was not one of them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
931 reviews
March 6, 2023
The Deciding Hour has potential. Six friends driving home from a holiday find themselves locked in a nightmare. As each of them relive their past sins, they will have to deal with the consequences of their actions. It does sound like a good storyline but needs a good editing. The characters are flat, and the story does not flow well. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
86 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2023
This book captured and held my attention right from the start. It starts out with five friends facing a horror No one could imagine. We learn a lot about each character, and they learn some heartbreaking information about eachother. Just when we think all is lost, we get to witness a miracle. It is so enjoyable to read how each character's life changes and develops. I really enjoyed this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Barbara Tsipouras.
Author 1 book38 followers
April 4, 2024
I'm sorry that this novel gets only 2 stars, but unfortunately it was poorly written.
The first half reads like a very bad horror movie. The second is a quite boring narrative of the following years. The issues redemption and forgiveness are so important, but I guess that this novel won't reach those to whom it is intended. I must admit that I skipped great chunks because of too much redundancies.
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