The Keep by Paul F. Wilson

by Paul F. Wilson

Genres: Horror, Fiction

Mass Market Paperback

Reviews

[Ian Backhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

F. Paul Wilson’s The Keep offers a story that would have captivated a younger me with its intense atmosphere and macabre premise: a group of Nazis, on a desperate search for shelter, unwittingly stumble into an ancient fortress that harbors a sinister presence. This fiend soon turns the tables on them in grisly fashion, and while the concept remains gripping, some elements don’t quite hold up as strongly now.

The plot’s hook—Nazis meeting a horrific end—is hard to resist, but Wilson takes the story beyond mere supernatural revenge. He weaves in an intricate mythology, hinting at a centuries-old clash between cosmic forces. This foundation grows as the Adversary Cycle unfolds, setting up a broader conflict between order and chaos.

Wilson does something distinct in his portrayal of Captain Klaus Woermann, a disenchanted war veteran burdened by what his homeland has become. He’s reluctant in his duty, which creates a more complex character than the usual depictions of Nazi soldiers. His discomfort with the horrific actions of the SS is a central part of his narrative, especially as he confronts the brutal methods of SS officer Eric Kaempffe, an antagonist whose ruthless loyalty to the party contrasts with Woermann’s troubled conscience. Woermann’s journey, as he faces both supernatural terror and his own moral dilemmas, stands out as one of the novel’s most compelling arcs.

Wilson skillfully establishes the dread within the keep, emphasizing the disorienting atmosphere with every chilling detail—from the sinister symbols carved into the walls to the gradual spiral of fear and madness among the men. Even after the monstrous entity begins to surface, Wilson doesn’t let the tension falter, instead using the characters’ unraveling minds to keep readers on edge.

The narrative does lose some of its momentum with the arrival of Glenn, though. While Professor Cuza and his daughter, Magda, provide a layered conflict with the SS soldiers, the romance that develops between Glenn and Magda feels like an odd addition. In a story so thick with horror and suspense, this subplot seemed to detract from the oppressive tension that made the beginning so enthralling.

Despite any reservations about Glenn’s role, his connection to the overarching mythos grounds The Keep within the larger storyline Wilson has crafted. For readers who appreciate supernatural horror with an unconventional twist, the book delivers an engaging experience. The Keep remains an absorbing blend of history and horror, sure to satisfy anyone drawn to stories that explore the darker edges of both human and supernatural worlds.

[Chasity Olszewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! I found myself enthralled with this work of literature. It does in fact reads like the year in which it was written however that made it more interesting rather than took away from the story. I even found myself wishing for the "bad guy" to win. (I personally have a soft spots for bad guys) Now that I know this author was responsible for Midnight Mass it all makes sense to me that was piece of art and it just translates well into this book. Absolutely loved,I recommend

[Robert (NurseBob) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A haunted castle....monsters.....rats.....and Nazis! F. Paul Wilson takes some tired old spook tropes and rewires them for this thriller, the first in a series, which proves to be a compulsive read despite a rather pat Hammer Horror type finale. Was made into a universally panned 1983 film (even Wilson hated it) heavy on the atmospherics thanks to a score by Tangerine Dream but not very faithful to the novel.

[Jeffrey Schmieder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wermacht unit has to occupy a strategic castle keep overlooking key Romanian oil fields. The Keep's vampire occupant hates having guests so he starts killing them, one per evening. (You don't know who you want to win in this scenario, maybe both could lose?) The SS come to take over and dispatch the undead. Meanwhile, a vampire hunter also joins the book. Fun read and an interesting hero.

[Marcel Driel · Rating 4 out of 5]

How did I miss this when it came out in the eighties?! I’d never even heard of the books or the writer, and now I find out it’s a whole universe. I totally loved this one, it’s brutal, scary and gory, but with a heart. Eighties horror at its best.

[Sushil Goswami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as an impressionable teenager back in 2006, and I was left wanting more. Still own the, now in tatters, copy from 2006.
A highly entertaining primer, as it was for me, before starting Stoker's Dracula.

[S.R. Bevilacqua · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Keep is an old-school page-turner from the 1980s. Excellent premise - Nazis versus Dracula - that's been used a lot since. It holds up well. The Keep is a really great read.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sword and Sorcery and Nazis. A delightful cocktail

[Kyle Heyward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. So much more in depth than the movie.

[Grady Hendrix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure whether to file this one under "Nazis", "vampires", "haunted castles", or "creatures everyone thinks are vampires but turn out to be Elder Gods from before time."

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well paced, interesting, generally enjoyed it

[Ryan Engorged · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars