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One Last Gasp
Near the end of World War II, during the Battle of The Bulge, a US Army unit pursues a renegade SS panzer battalion into the secluded Ardennes forest. There, hidden deep in the snow-covered pines, they find an ancient manor house containing an inhuman evil that defies any sense of reality.
Confronted with a supernatural evil inside the manor, and surrounded by enemy troops outside, the soldiers will have to unravel the mysteries of the creature called The Geist and face a nightmarish battle for body and soul if they are to survive.
Part war story, part Lovecraftian horror story, One Last Gasp will hold you in its haunting grip from its explosive beginning to its mindbending conclusion.
Confronted with a supernatural evil inside the manor, and surrounded by enemy troops outside, the soldiers will have to unravel the mysteries of the creature called The Geist and face a nightmarish battle for body and soul if they are to survive.
Part war story, part Lovecraftian horror story, One Last Gasp will hold you in its haunting grip from its explosive beginning to its mindbending conclusion.
515 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2013
540 people are currently reading
1328 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
February 1, 2023
"When you see a soldier crushed flat by a tank, you say, well, I guess that's what it looks like when a man is run over by forty tons of steel."
0.5⭐'s
Initial Thoughts
Andrew C. Piazza is a new author to me and I'd heard absolutely nothing about his World War II horror novel, One Last Gasp. But when someone picked this book for a reading challenge I have going on I couldn't say no. In fact, I'll do it if it kills me!
I normally like to stay away from these so called "indie authors" as the writing quality can be hit or miss. And I do love me some high quality writing. I'm deeply disturbed by the current craze in the horror community to put shocking content ahead of skill and craft as an author. But to each their own.
So what do you do when you know zilch about a book? Check that Goodreads rating of course. Only 4.36! Better than some of those all time classics like War and Peace, To Kill a Mockingbird and Stephanie Meyer's Twilight. Among some of the best books ever written no doubt, such is the accuracy of scoring on this site.
I found out this book has similar vibes to F Paul Wilson's the Keep. Where I absolutely loved the set up in that one; some of the second half plot choices spoilt it for me. Hopefully I'd get a better result with Mr Piazza. Wish me luck!
The Story
The premise here was certainly intriguing. A US battalion lead by Captain Powell and the main character of Sergeant Harry Kinder, 'Sarge' to his friends, discover a renegade unit of Nazi SS troops who are burning and torturing their captives. Hellbent on chasing them down they must pursue the villains to the remote and particularly ominous castle of Dom Caern, where these maniacs base themselves. All this takes place in the Ardennes Forrest in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge.
That's a great enough setup on its own. But when you throw in a mounting sense of dread at the possibility of something supernatural lurking within the castle, it certainly had the potential for some high-level entertainment. Are you as excited as I am? What could possibly go wrong?
The Writing
Unfortunately that's where the positive ends for Andrew Piazza and One Last Gasp. Where do I start with the writing? To put it simply, it is awful. The most uninspiring, bland and definitely amateur I have come across in a published novel. It really is that bad. Piazza has almost no talent for description and consequently the world he is trying to create is artificial and paper thin. You really get a sense of just how talented authors like Stephen King and Peter Straub are when you read something on this level. The difference in quality is staggering.
The aspects of war and horror struggle big time to create the desired effect because Piazza simply tells you what is happening without showing you. The action itself is formulaic and becomes really repetitive, being dragged out way longer than required. It's actually quite painful to read.
I can tell the author did some research before writing this one and he constantly throws in words to convince you he's clued up. Honestly, if I ever read the word 'meatchopper' or 'TD' again I'll throw my Kindle straight out the window. What this guy lacks is actual experience and it is blatantly evident. When a character discharges a high powered rifle in a basement the noise itself would have been deafening yet it doesn't even register with his characters. It left me wondering why an author would pick a subject he doesn't have a clue about. When Stephen King says "write what you know" he wasn't paying attention.
"I clambered down off the TD, keeping the steel between myself and the sudden influx of fire from our left flank and ran for the inside of the arsenal. Just inside, Doctor Schmidt was kneeling next to the door and firing at the advancing SS. Near his feet was Wayne with a gunshot wound in his leg.""
I'm going to have to draw a line under it there before I say something mean. But if you appreciate quality writing then this is one hundred percent not the book for you.
The Characters
It certainly doesn't get any better with the characters and there's plenty of the cardboard variety to go in this cardboard world. They're a stereotypical bunch with zero personality that lack any sort of real development. Honestly, the major bit of background for Harry Kinder was he picked his wife because she had big breasts. Absolutely juvenile stuff and the funny part is, it's not meant to be. As a result when the horror started I lacked any sort of empathy toward these throwaway characters and consequently didn't care one little bit if they died. In fact I was hoping they did as the novel might have finished sooner. But no, I had to work my way through five hundred torturous pages.
They also do some very unnatural stuff that left me scratching my head. None more so than when the squad rescue Rebecca, a civilian who was a captive of the SS, who decides to tag-a-long against their wishes because she's a "force of nature" and how are you going to stop her? Honestly, these guys have been killing Nazis and watching their friends die but can't stop one person involving themself in their mission! Give me a break.
Anything else for me to trash? Oh yeah, the dialogue is awkward and clunky, with the author constantly reminding you who is speaking even when it's clearly obvious. Thanks for that Piazza. I don't know what I'd do when there's only two people speaking without you there to help.
"Captain Powell led us off again, and Wexler wondered aloud, "What was that all about?" just as I passed him.
"He's wondering what took you so long to get up here after hearing gunfire and screams" I said.
"I was in the basement" he shrugged."
An example of the horrific dialogue featured in this book
Final Thoughts
I've been really harsh there. But honestly it is required. In no way shape or form should this book have a rating of 4.36. It's beyond ludicrous. Hopefully this review will provide a bit of perspective on a novel that has so many flaws it could be the Empire State Building. It is without doubt the worst novel I have ever read. If I hadn't been reading it for a challenge there's no way I'd have finished. But I did and I hate it even more now.
Call this a horror novel? The real horror is how many five star awards this has received. Andrew Piazza may be a great guy. But that's no reason to give this book a rating it doesn't deserve. You're rating the book, not the person after all.
I now feel bad for giving the Keep by F Paul Wilson a bad time. It is so much better than this. If you're hellbent on reading a World War II horror then I'd certainly pick that one instead.
So there you have it. Glad I got that off my chest. I have exorcised the demons!
Thanks for reading and...cheers!
September 8, 2018
You'll laugh, cry, hair will stand up on the back of your neck
70 years old, Vietnam combat veteran, nothing should scare me, yeah, right! If you can read this book and not be affected, then you are walking dead. This book found something in me that I didn't even know was there. Thanks Andrew.
70 years old, Vietnam combat veteran, nothing should scare me, yeah, right! If you can read this book and not be affected, then you are walking dead. This book found something in me that I didn't even know was there. Thanks Andrew.
June 8, 2021
This book was so great: A wonderful writer! I enjoyed the story, the characters, everything! Never would have picked a war book for myself, but it was such a great read: Thought it might be a little daunting at 508 pages, but there was never a lull for me. The horror aspect was right up my alley and I was very impressed. I’ll be reading more by this author!
May 20, 2021
Excellent blend of war novel and horror.
Skipped my daily housekeeping and lunch to finish this in one go. The setting, the characters, the research, everything was well done and the pace never slowed.
Skipped my daily housekeeping and lunch to finish this in one go. The setting, the characters, the research, everything was well done and the pace never slowed.
December 18, 2022
A brilliant read, full of twists and turns. There's some very dark themes in this book and yet it ended up being an engrossing read with realistic tangible characters. It took me a long time to read this book but it was worth it. I've never come across a book like this that can break someone's heart yet make you laugh in turn.
April 9, 2021
Okay, first off let me mention what a cool concept this book's plot/story is. A group of American and British soldiers on the front lines in Europe during WW2 get besieged by an elite German SS division led by an EVIL commander - and furthermore our protagonists are hiding/trapped/besieged in a haunted castle/manor. Pretty rad, right?
I respected the author's effort here, but it often read as a poorly edited, repetitive, amateur horror story. Overall, it was entertaining, but definitely not deserving of the high ratings and praise (in my opinion) that the Goodreads community has given it.
"It's a good day to be alive" was a line of dialogue that was used to death. Grammatical errors were present and they irked me, even if that admission makes me feel pretentious and snooty. Characters weren't very fleshed out and often behaved inconsistently. The aforementioned evil SS commander that is built up throughout the first 400 pages is a non-starter and has very little pay off. Finally, the monster/entity/whatever was at once overpowered and ill-defined (perhaps that was the point).
Maybe I'm being harsh, maybe my expectations before reading this book were too high, but I was definitely let down.
However, if you follow the general Goodreads consensus, then I am the minority asshole, and maybe this is an AWESOME book and story - so, try it yourself, and enjoy if possible.
2.5 stars for effort and the initial idea at the outset of this book, rounded up to 3 because I didn't hate it.
I respected the author's effort here, but it often read as a poorly edited, repetitive, amateur horror story. Overall, it was entertaining, but definitely not deserving of the high ratings and praise (in my opinion) that the Goodreads community has given it.
"It's a good day to be alive" was a line of dialogue that was used to death. Grammatical errors were present and they irked me, even if that admission makes me feel pretentious and snooty. Characters weren't very fleshed out and often behaved inconsistently. The aforementioned evil SS commander that is built up throughout the first 400 pages is a non-starter and has very little pay off. Finally, the monster/entity/whatever was at once overpowered and ill-defined (perhaps that was the point).
Maybe I'm being harsh, maybe my expectations before reading this book were too high, but I was definitely let down.
However, if you follow the general Goodreads consensus, then I am the minority asshole, and maybe this is an AWESOME book and story - so, try it yourself, and enjoy if possible.
2.5 stars for effort and the initial idea at the outset of this book, rounded up to 3 because I didn't hate it.
December 8, 2021
There are not enough stars to give this book! It was absolutely spectacular! It has a brilliant mixture of gore, suspense, and even a little humor!! I was a captive to this story and couldn't put it down!
You know it's a great book, with an affect on you when you actually have dreams about being trapped in the story!!
Brilliant!!! I highly recommend this book!!
You know it's a great book, with an affect on you when you actually have dreams about being trapped in the story!!
Brilliant!!! I highly recommend this book!!
March 18, 2023
Great read!
Once I started, I could not put this book down! I am definitely going to check Out Piazza's other books!
Once I started, I could not put this book down! I am definitely going to check Out Piazza's other books!
April 8, 2024
War is hell. But there's something on this battlefield that wants to feed and all the guns in the world can't stop the bloodshed.
This historical supernaturally charged novel is set during WW2 in an unnamed village in Nazi Germany towards the end of the war.
A battalion is under siege from enemy troops. They are outmanned and outgunned. But there's something else with them. Something which defies explanation. And when they're ordered to hold a former research facility deep in the woods, the nightmare is just beginning.
This novel had me from the get go and only got better as it went along. The horrors of war and being a front line soldier are fully explored and, as we get to know these characters, we can see that this isn't "war glorified" or anything like that. These mostly young people are scared, cold, shell shocked, tired, and hungry. Their day to day living conditions are dire and death waits around every corner.
Then, inside this facility, they'll experience a terrifying unstoppable creature while trying to survive an onslaught from a rogue nazi squad who's leader worships this thing.
This book will have you on the edge of your seat at every page. The tension is palpable and you never know who's going to die. It's one of those books that sinks it's teeth into your skin and doesn't let up. I highly recommend it.
This historical supernaturally charged novel is set during WW2 in an unnamed village in Nazi Germany towards the end of the war.
A battalion is under siege from enemy troops. They are outmanned and outgunned. But there's something else with them. Something which defies explanation. And when they're ordered to hold a former research facility deep in the woods, the nightmare is just beginning.
This novel had me from the get go and only got better as it went along. The horrors of war and being a front line soldier are fully explored and, as we get to know these characters, we can see that this isn't "war glorified" or anything like that. These mostly young people are scared, cold, shell shocked, tired, and hungry. Their day to day living conditions are dire and death waits around every corner.
Then, inside this facility, they'll experience a terrifying unstoppable creature while trying to survive an onslaught from a rogue nazi squad who's leader worships this thing.
This book will have you on the edge of your seat at every page. The tension is palpable and you never know who's going to die. It's one of those books that sinks it's teeth into your skin and doesn't let up. I highly recommend it.
December 2, 2024
An exciting and well written WWII thriller
The author does a superb job of making us feel engaged in battle, first against the Nazis, and then against something out of our deep imaginations. I read a lot of books and it’s rare to find one that lets me deeply know its characters and care about what happens to each of them. I definitely plan to read other works by this author and recommend this book to anyone who likes well paced action, engaging characters, and a touch of the supernatural
The author does a superb job of making us feel engaged in battle, first against the Nazis, and then against something out of our deep imaginations. I read a lot of books and it’s rare to find one that lets me deeply know its characters and care about what happens to each of them. I definitely plan to read other works by this author and recommend this book to anyone who likes well paced action, engaging characters, and a touch of the supernatural
April 8, 2018
A MARVELOUS TALE OF BRAVERY, SAVAGERY AND STUPIDITY IT IS...
Hello, this story was GREAT. Mr. Piazza did a remarkable job of telling and letting the reader almost live the story. Thanks.
Hello, this story was GREAT. Mr. Piazza did a remarkable job of telling and letting the reader almost live the story. Thanks.
April 19, 2018
Excellent
I was instantly drawn into this book. Mr. Piazza did an amazing job of describing the battle scenes and the lifelong friendships forged in war and the military. Hope he will write more like this.
I was instantly drawn into this book. Mr. Piazza did an amazing job of describing the battle scenes and the lifelong friendships forged in war and the military. Hope he will write more like this.
May 6, 2021
Hell of a read
One of the top three combat/ supernatural /horror books I have ever read. Well written, well researched, and a page turner.
One of the top three combat/ supernatural /horror books I have ever read. Well written, well researched, and a page turner.
March 1, 2024
Update:
I haven't stopped thinking about this book since I put it down in April of last year. I can't explain fully why I love it so much, but it's my new favorite horror book of all time.
Firstly, I've seen some other negative reviews that talk about the narrative style. It's important to remember throughout the book that we're reading from the perspective of Sarge. He's telling the story. Sarge is a humble, American, Army guy. He didn't go to university for literature. He's not a genius. He's your everyday guy just getting through this situation. Don't expect poetics and deep, thoughtful accolades. Read it with that in mind and everything matches Sarge's thoughts and personality perfectly. It's actually very well done.
Secondly, I take back what I said in my first review below. The length is perfect. The pacing is appropriate, in my opinion, for the perspective we're getting. I'm actually annotating this time around and I have gone through so many tabs and pens, taking notes. I don't think there are twenty pages so far (I'm halfway through) that I haven't made notes on and those were just heavy action scenes that I didn't think needed notes on.
But they're important because it's part of Sarge's memories and he makes that clear in the beginning that his main reason for telling his story is so he can get it out before his age starts to affect his memories. He's dwelling on these things. He's trying to make sense of it, after all these years. He's coming to terms with the things he believes is his fault and the things that weren't. One thing that I know personally from dealing with PTSD is that the things you do remember, the things that your brain hasn't completely blocked out...no matter how irrelevant they seem or how mundane...they meant something at the time, or they mean something still in the bigger picture.
So, what I'm trying to say to those who haven't read it or are thinking about reading it is that you should go into it with the mindset of the main character. Really get into his head. Digest it slowly.
First Review:
The best way I could review this book was by doing a comparison between both books in this series, One Last Gasp and A Song for the Void. I’ll do this by CAWPILE as that is what makes the most sense to me and I’ll attempt to keep the spoilery bits to a minimum. I’m not going to rephrase the synopsis for the books because I feel both explain the books rather well.
Characters: This was one area that I was drawn to both books for different reasons. I loved the number of characters that we got in One Last Gasp. However, I feel like only a handful of those characters were fleshed out. I wanted to get more from characters like Shorty, Davey, and Goliath. In A Song for the Void, I feel like, when the author focused on only one or two characters in the forefront, we got more character development. The main character in A Song for the Void felt more real than the main character in One Last Gasp. I would love to see the author marry these two things in the third book…more characters, but equal character development…maybe a multiple POV!
Atmosphere: Perhaps it is because WWII feels more tangible than the Opium Wars to me, but One Last Gasp really wins in this area. Maybe it is because we know what’s going on in the world at that point in time. With that being said, A Song for the Void definitely makes you feel isolated. Being trapped on a ship in open water while these things are happening just increased that unnerving feeling. I also feel that the “cosmic” part of the horror was more prominent in One Last Gasp. I only wish we had gotten more from the manor itself…above ground that is.
Writing: This is one area that I have to say the author greatly improved in A Song for the Void. Not that the writing was at all bad in One Last Gasp, but there’s a certain beauty to the writing in A Song for the Void. It almost feels poetic at times. I really enjoy the author’s writing. It feels very balanced, the words, sentences, structure, and dialogue. Nothing feels redundant or repetitive. One Last Gasp definitely has moments where there is some repetitiveness, but it’s very minor in my opinion. There are certain little hints in the way things are worded here and there that tip you off to things to come and it’s subtle. I love that.
Plot: This is another thing that I believe the author improved on between One Last Gasp and A Song for the Void. It’s important to note that the first is 500 pages and the latter is 331 pages. I go back and forth between saying that One Last Gasp should’ve been about 75-100 pages shorter and understanding that much would’ve been lost by cramping things together in 400ish pages or losing things altogether. I love a chunky book, but the beginning of One Last Gasp had a few dips where I was a little bored. However, I’m not enthusiastic about gun fights so that may have impacted my enjoyment there. Other than that, I think A Song for the Void was more evenly spaced out in climactic points and the increase in horror or suspense of those points over the course of the book. One Last Gasp had major climactic points, but not as well placed.
Intrigue: Something that I have really found enjoyable in these two books is the discussions and themes we find in each one. A Song for the Void has themes of grief and addiction and pain whereas One Last Gasp has themes of fear and war (obviously) and blind faith. I found both of these really intriguing and it kept me wanting to read more. It’s rare for me to find that sort of thought-provoking discussion in a horror novel that is done as well as this. It also didn’t escape me that each book features an embodiment of these themes in the horror itself. I’d also like to point out that each book has smaller discussions on racism and sexism. Those discussions are done really well, I think. It’s always a plus for me when an author writes from a male point of view and that character is respectful in those areas…even in an historical novel. Racism and sexism is expected in history, but I do not want to read from the point of view of someone who displays those things or doesn’t take a stand against those comments from other characters.
Logic: It’s difficult to really say what’s logical and what isn’t in cosmic horror…or any horror really. One Last Gasp definitely delves into the hows and whys more than A Song for the Void. In A Song for the Void, the cosmic parts simply are; they’re not really questioned much. In One Last Gasp, there are more questions and theories discussed between characters. I liked that. I found it more logical in One Last Gasp, but it is entirely possible that the ending monologue in A Song for the Void threw that enough for me to prefer One Last Gasp. Also on the topic of logic, the emotions and decisions of the characters, to me, felt more real in A Song for the Void. There were moments in One Last Gasp where it just fell short and felt a little unnatural.
Enjoyment: Even though I enjoyed both books for different reasons, I think A Song for the Void only gets the tiniest bit more because I read it first and it was the first of something like that I had read. With One Last Gasp, I knew, mostly, what to expect. I definitely enjoyed it, but the slightly slow bits brought it down just a tad and A Song for the Void’s writing brought it up just a tad. Literally, in CAWPILE, I gave them 9.71 and 9.73 respectively. I can’t wait for the third.
I haven't stopped thinking about this book since I put it down in April of last year. I can't explain fully why I love it so much, but it's my new favorite horror book of all time.
Firstly, I've seen some other negative reviews that talk about the narrative style. It's important to remember throughout the book that we're reading from the perspective of Sarge. He's telling the story. Sarge is a humble, American, Army guy. He didn't go to university for literature. He's not a genius. He's your everyday guy just getting through this situation. Don't expect poetics and deep, thoughtful accolades. Read it with that in mind and everything matches Sarge's thoughts and personality perfectly. It's actually very well done.
Secondly, I take back what I said in my first review below. The length is perfect. The pacing is appropriate, in my opinion, for the perspective we're getting. I'm actually annotating this time around and I have gone through so many tabs and pens, taking notes. I don't think there are twenty pages so far (I'm halfway through) that I haven't made notes on and those were just heavy action scenes that I didn't think needed notes on.
But they're important because it's part of Sarge's memories and he makes that clear in the beginning that his main reason for telling his story is so he can get it out before his age starts to affect his memories. He's dwelling on these things. He's trying to make sense of it, after all these years. He's coming to terms with the things he believes is his fault and the things that weren't. One thing that I know personally from dealing with PTSD is that the things you do remember, the things that your brain hasn't completely blocked out...no matter how irrelevant they seem or how mundane...they meant something at the time, or they mean something still in the bigger picture.
So, what I'm trying to say to those who haven't read it or are thinking about reading it is that you should go into it with the mindset of the main character. Really get into his head. Digest it slowly.
First Review:
The best way I could review this book was by doing a comparison between both books in this series, One Last Gasp and A Song for the Void. I’ll do this by CAWPILE as that is what makes the most sense to me and I’ll attempt to keep the spoilery bits to a minimum. I’m not going to rephrase the synopsis for the books because I feel both explain the books rather well.
Characters: This was one area that I was drawn to both books for different reasons. I loved the number of characters that we got in One Last Gasp. However, I feel like only a handful of those characters were fleshed out. I wanted to get more from characters like Shorty, Davey, and Goliath. In A Song for the Void, I feel like, when the author focused on only one or two characters in the forefront, we got more character development. The main character in A Song for the Void felt more real than the main character in One Last Gasp. I would love to see the author marry these two things in the third book…more characters, but equal character development…maybe a multiple POV!
Atmosphere: Perhaps it is because WWII feels more tangible than the Opium Wars to me, but One Last Gasp really wins in this area. Maybe it is because we know what’s going on in the world at that point in time. With that being said, A Song for the Void definitely makes you feel isolated. Being trapped on a ship in open water while these things are happening just increased that unnerving feeling. I also feel that the “cosmic” part of the horror was more prominent in One Last Gasp. I only wish we had gotten more from the manor itself…above ground that is.
Writing: This is one area that I have to say the author greatly improved in A Song for the Void. Not that the writing was at all bad in One Last Gasp, but there’s a certain beauty to the writing in A Song for the Void. It almost feels poetic at times. I really enjoy the author’s writing. It feels very balanced, the words, sentences, structure, and dialogue. Nothing feels redundant or repetitive. One Last Gasp definitely has moments where there is some repetitiveness, but it’s very minor in my opinion. There are certain little hints in the way things are worded here and there that tip you off to things to come and it’s subtle. I love that.
Plot: This is another thing that I believe the author improved on between One Last Gasp and A Song for the Void. It’s important to note that the first is 500 pages and the latter is 331 pages. I go back and forth between saying that One Last Gasp should’ve been about 75-100 pages shorter and understanding that much would’ve been lost by cramping things together in 400ish pages or losing things altogether. I love a chunky book, but the beginning of One Last Gasp had a few dips where I was a little bored. However, I’m not enthusiastic about gun fights so that may have impacted my enjoyment there. Other than that, I think A Song for the Void was more evenly spaced out in climactic points and the increase in horror or suspense of those points over the course of the book. One Last Gasp had major climactic points, but not as well placed.
Intrigue: Something that I have really found enjoyable in these two books is the discussions and themes we find in each one. A Song for the Void has themes of grief and addiction and pain whereas One Last Gasp has themes of fear and war (obviously) and blind faith. I found both of these really intriguing and it kept me wanting to read more. It’s rare for me to find that sort of thought-provoking discussion in a horror novel that is done as well as this. It also didn’t escape me that each book features an embodiment of these themes in the horror itself. I’d also like to point out that each book has smaller discussions on racism and sexism. Those discussions are done really well, I think. It’s always a plus for me when an author writes from a male point of view and that character is respectful in those areas…even in an historical novel. Racism and sexism is expected in history, but I do not want to read from the point of view of someone who displays those things or doesn’t take a stand against those comments from other characters.
Logic: It’s difficult to really say what’s logical and what isn’t in cosmic horror…or any horror really. One Last Gasp definitely delves into the hows and whys more than A Song for the Void. In A Song for the Void, the cosmic parts simply are; they’re not really questioned much. In One Last Gasp, there are more questions and theories discussed between characters. I liked that. I found it more logical in One Last Gasp, but it is entirely possible that the ending monologue in A Song for the Void threw that enough for me to prefer One Last Gasp. Also on the topic of logic, the emotions and decisions of the characters, to me, felt more real in A Song for the Void. There were moments in One Last Gasp where it just fell short and felt a little unnatural.
Enjoyment: Even though I enjoyed both books for different reasons, I think A Song for the Void only gets the tiniest bit more because I read it first and it was the first of something like that I had read. With One Last Gasp, I knew, mostly, what to expect. I definitely enjoyed it, but the slightly slow bits brought it down just a tad and A Song for the Void’s writing brought it up just a tad. Literally, in CAWPILE, I gave them 9.71 and 9.73 respectively. I can’t wait for the third.
November 11, 2025
highly recommended
October 31, 2022
I rate it five stars, not because it is a stunning work of fiction, but because it nails what it sets out to do. Offer up, war as the horror that it is... then unleash unworldly horror on top. If those things, as a combo, interest you. your gonna love this book.
November 8, 2022
SAVING PRIVATE RYAN collides with H.P. LOVECRAFT...
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Believable characters that I was sorry to part with. Incredibly well-researched WWII detail. Philosophical conversations about good, evil, warfare and the importance and NECESSITY of never defeating yourself.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Believable characters that I was sorry to part with. Incredibly well-researched WWII detail. Philosophical conversations about good, evil, warfare and the importance and NECESSITY of never defeating yourself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2023
A glorious surprise!
I read horror, but I've never read a war story novel. I never thought I'd have the patience to read battle scenes. But Piazza's pacing and vivid vocabulary, his clearly extensive research preparation, and his ability to make action scenes personal made this read like watching an exciting movie. I feel like I really connected and was able to understand and honor the WWII GI experience. And the horror is clever and top notch. Thank you for the page turner! I won't forget it.
I read horror, but I've never read a war story novel. I never thought I'd have the patience to read battle scenes. But Piazza's pacing and vivid vocabulary, his clearly extensive research preparation, and his ability to make action scenes personal made this read like watching an exciting movie. I feel like I really connected and was able to understand and honor the WWII GI experience. And the horror is clever and top notch. Thank you for the page turner! I won't forget it.
December 1, 2022
Wow, I can't believe how good this book was. I was expecting a pretty solid war book with some horror elements and maybe some zombies but I was pleasantly surprised. I was a little turned off at the size at first as 500 pages seems like a lot but the pace is incredible and I feel like I flew through this book. Even better, the characters were fantastic and all very fleshed out and I felt like I connected with most of them and cared for all of them. This book does a great job mixing the regular horror of war with the cosmic and fictional and really brings you front and center to all the action.
This was my first book from this author and I'm definitely going to look for more from him
This was my first book from this author and I'm definitely going to look for more from him
February 18, 2023
I don't read a lot of military oriented fiction, especially novels set in World War II. I don't generally watch documentaries about military history. I've never been in the military, and never fought in a war, so my impressions of what it is like to be in a battle zone are necessarily formed from secondary sources such as friends who actually have served in the military, from depictions in films (which are obviously going to be highly unrealistic, and even if they are realistic, how would I know?) I have read a small handful of books related to the subject. I can't judge how well or how poorly Piazza depicts the fighting in his chosen setting, and with the added ingredient of a supernatural horror, it seems like this book crosses from historical fiction and horror into fantasy. All of which is to say that while I enjoyed reading this book, I also acknowledge that it has problems. The writing is competent but not amazing. The characters are on the border of being a little too concise and clear-cut, but there is still an attempt to give them some complexity and nuance. The build up of the horror elements was pretty good, but at the end I felt let down, but then endings are always difficult. So I guess I landed somewhere in the middle, at about a 3.5
October 25, 2022
Band of Brothers vs Evil
Absolutely awesome book. Perfect for military, history, or horror fans. The military action was perfectly paced but still chaotic and realistic. The horror was spooky and terrifying. Going through the manor and discovering what the Nazis had done was awesome but terrifying. There's too much to describe in one review. Only issue I had were two characters who initially didn't speak English well suddenly speak near perfectly a few minutes later. But overall it was an amazing book.
Absolutely awesome book. Perfect for military, history, or horror fans. The military action was perfectly paced but still chaotic and realistic. The horror was spooky and terrifying. Going through the manor and discovering what the Nazis had done was awesome but terrifying. There's too much to describe in one review. Only issue I had were two characters who initially didn't speak English well suddenly speak near perfectly a few minutes later. But overall it was an amazing book.
January 7, 2023
This was a must-read for me after reading A Song for the Void, I very much enjoy Lovecraftian horror and I am always up for reading more. I thought it was going to drag with the in-depth explanations of battles but it only made it more interesting and intriguing. I just really enjoyed this novel, amazingly written, with many unsettling moments and I think it will stick with me for a long time.
Came out as a 4.5 but honestly may end up being a true 5.
Came out as a 4.5 but honestly may end up being a true 5.
October 24, 2022
An amazing book!
The author is now at the top of my list of favorite authors. Thank you Andrew Piazza. The story affected me on several different levels. I loved the fact that the story was tied to a part of our history. I highly recommend anything written by Mr. Pizza and look forward to reading his next book. Can't wait to get started.
The author is now at the top of my list of favorite authors. Thank you Andrew Piazza. The story affected me on several different levels. I loved the fact that the story was tied to a part of our history. I highly recommend anything written by Mr. Pizza and look forward to reading his next book. Can't wait to get started.
August 23, 2021
Awesome!
I loved this book! Action packed, suspenseful, gory, and amazing characters. It was very well written. A definite recommend! Loved it!
I loved this book! Action packed, suspenseful, gory, and amazing characters. It was very well written. A definite recommend! Loved it!
October 5, 2022
Horror thriller extreme
I'm not a reader of military books, but there was something about the review that caught my attention. I was hooked from the beginning.
I'm not a reader of military books, but there was something about the review that caught my attention. I was hooked from the beginning.
September 23, 2018
Absolutely brilliant
As someone interested in both world wars and horror this book was an ideal option.
I've read many books that try too hard to make a decent horror story or don't try hard enough and it turns into some modern writing rubbish, however this book gets it spot on.
It's rare that I get this engrossed in a book that I start to think about how it will end when I'm trying to get to sleep, it is absolutely fantastic.
Without spoiling the story the book is about an American platoon that gets caught up in a battle with the SS which leads to them becoming trapped in a huge mansion that houses the very door way to hell.
The book is very, very well written and from the battles, strategy, descriptions and eventual horror you will find yourself drawn into it. Even though it's an American platoon there is a very well integrated British officer included which scratched that itch for me!
I really don't want to ruin the story but even if you see only considering this book then you won't be disappointed.
My only gripe is that there aren't any more to make it series and it had to end!!
Absolutely brilliant
As someone interested in both world wars and horror this book was an ideal option.
I've read many books that try too hard to make a decent horror story or don't try hard enough and it turns into some modern writing rubbish, however this book gets it spot on.
It's rare that I get this engrossed in a book that I start to think about how it will end when I'm trying to get to sleep, it is absolutely fantastic.
Without spoiling the story the book is about an American platoon that gets caught up in a battle with the SS which leads to them becoming trapped in a huge mansion that houses the very door way to hell.
The book is very, very well written and from the battles, strategy, descriptions and eventual horror you will find yourself drawn into it. Even though it's an American platoon there is a very well integrated British officer included which scratched that itch for me!
I really don't want to ruin the story but even if you see only considering this book then you won't be disappointed.
My only gripe is that there aren't any more to make it series and it had to end!!
Absolutely brilliant
October 2, 2019
I saw this book on my Facebook feed a few months ago and the premise looked really interesting. When I went back to look for it I mistakenly thought it was this book since the general plot and the cover are similar: Ancient Enemy . I didnt like that book at all so I am glad I realized my mistake and finally found the right book.
The plot and action in this book had a great pace and I was never bored. I loved all the intricate details of WWII infantry tactics and weapons and the realistic portrayal of the raw realities of combat. It was very interesting how the Germans were humanized and the distinction was made between SS and non-SS troops.
The Geist was slowly rolled out....to great effect and it was fun seeing how the troops figured out how to fight the supernatural with what they had on hand.
The final conflict was satisfying and I loved that the ending came with an unexpected surprise from the narrator.
Overall a great book...I would love to read more military vs supernatural mashups done this well!!
The plot and action in this book had a great pace and I was never bored. I loved all the intricate details of WWII infantry tactics and weapons and the realistic portrayal of the raw realities of combat. It was very interesting how the Germans were humanized and the distinction was made between SS and non-SS troops.
The Geist was slowly rolled out....to great effect and it was fun seeing how the troops figured out how to fight the supernatural with what they had on hand.
The final conflict was satisfying and I loved that the ending came with an unexpected surprise from the narrator.
Overall a great book...I would love to read more military vs supernatural mashups done this well!!
November 28, 2019
The best war story combined with one of the best and most original horror story.....
This is the most original and terrifying horror stories I've ever read. It's also one of the best war stories I've ever read. It puts the war on a personal level I've rarely seen in fiction. It develops each character with enough details and background to make you understand them and invest your heart and mind to them as the book pulls you into the story. The details of the country makes you feel like you have been there even if you haven't. The descriptions of the battles, large and small, make you feel like you are in the middle of them. You feel all the courage, fear, pain and loss s if you are right in he middle with them. And the horror is so deep and terrifying that out are deeply invested in that storyline that you can see the monster although you have never had any real lifelike experience with something like that. In short, it's a book that you will never forget. Highly recommended for ages 15+!!
This is the most original and terrifying horror stories I've ever read. It's also one of the best war stories I've ever read. It puts the war on a personal level I've rarely seen in fiction. It develops each character with enough details and background to make you understand them and invest your heart and mind to them as the book pulls you into the story. The details of the country makes you feel like you have been there even if you haven't. The descriptions of the battles, large and small, make you feel like you are in the middle of them. You feel all the courage, fear, pain and loss s if you are right in he middle with them. And the horror is so deep and terrifying that out are deeply invested in that storyline that you can see the monster although you have never had any real lifelike experience with something like that. In short, it's a book that you will never forget. Highly recommended for ages 15+!!
April 20, 2023
I am growing tired of being suckered by 1000+ of 4/5 star reviews on Amazon and having my expectations crushed. I think the author wanted it to be some sort of Private Ryan / Horror hybrid but it failed quite abysmally.
A promising premise turned out to be a bit of an amateurish mess I'm afraid. The structuring of the story feels like it was made up as it went along and the dialog is clunky and overuses tired phrases such as "it's a good day to be alive".
If the author had spent less time explaining to us why the title of the novel is what it is as the climax drags on and on and on the book might have been 20 pages shorter.
I think the character "Tedeski" was probably originally to be of a different ethnicity as I am pretty sure there were not many African Americans that went by that name in 1945. Another example of the feel of "making it up" as he went along.
The poker game near the end too could have been done in a few paragraphs rather than nearly a whole chapter!
The epilogue was over long and self indulgent.
Should have added to my DNF pile ....
A promising premise turned out to be a bit of an amateurish mess I'm afraid. The structuring of the story feels like it was made up as it went along and the dialog is clunky and overuses tired phrases such as "it's a good day to be alive".
If the author had spent less time explaining to us why the title of the novel is what it is as the climax drags on and on and on the book might have been 20 pages shorter.
I think the character "Tedeski" was probably originally to be of a different ethnicity as I am pretty sure there were not many African Americans that went by that name in 1945. Another example of the feel of "making it up" as he went along.
The poker game near the end too could have been done in a few paragraphs rather than nearly a whole chapter!
The epilogue was over long and self indulgent.
Should have added to my DNF pile ....
January 23, 2019
This will be a short review since I'm recovering from shoulder surgery and typing is a little more difficult than normal, but I wanted to take a moment and comment on an amazing book. I love military history, with a degree in that area, as well as a great scifi/horror novel, but rarely do the two come to me in one book. I feel that One Last Gasp did an amazing job with the WWII setting as well with the horror aspects of the tale. While the story is not necessarily new ground for the genre, it is told in a manner that simply makes it work well and fires on all cylinders for me as a reader. I kept worrying that the end of the story was going to let me down since most horror stories seem to fall to that at the end, but Mr. Piazza brought the tale to a close in a manner I respect. This was the third of Mr. Piazza's novels I have read and it is clearly the best, but the others such as Shards of Glass are also worthy of a fun read. Looking forward to reading more of Mr. Piazza's work.
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