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Stany Zjednoczone potrzebują prezydenta odważnego, nie lękającego się podejmować najtrudniejszych decyzji. Hunter Peale nie wybija się spośród innych kandydatów na głowę państwa i ma mniej niż przeciętne szanse na wygraną w wyborach. Do czasu…
W jednej chwili kampania Peale`a przybiera nieprawdopodobnego tempa. Podczas jego przemówień gromadzą się ogromne tłumy. Ludzie łkają i padają na kolana, nie dowierzając własnym oczom, gdy Peale ukazuje im Amerykę taką, o jakiej zawsze marzyli. Mnożą się głosy poparcia i wkrótce jest już jasne, kto zostanie prezydentem największego mocarstwa na świecie.
Jack Russo, odpowiedzialny za kampanię Huntera Peal`a, odkrywa przerażającą przyczynę sukcesu swego pracodawcy. Wraz z piękną i charakterną Jennifer usiłują nie dopuścić do zagłady całego świata. Peale bowiem podpisał pakt z diabłem.
Stany Zjednoczone potrzebują prezydenta odważnego, nie lękającego się podejmować najtrudniejszych decyzji. Hunter Peale nie wybija się spośród innych kandydatów na głowę państwa i ma mniej niż przeciętne szanse na wygraną w wyborach. Do czasu…
W jednej chwili kampania Peale`a przybiera nieprawdopodobnego tempa. Podczas jego przemówień gromadzą się ogromne tłumy. Ludzie łkają i padają na kolana, nie dowierzając własnym oczom, gdy Peale ukazuje im Amerykę taką, o jakiej zawsze marzyli. Mnożą się głosy poparcia i wkrótce jest już jasne, kto zostanie prezydentem największego mocarstwa na świecie.
Jack Russo, odpowiedzialny za kampanię Huntera Peal`a, odkrywa przerażającą przyczynę sukcesu swego pracodawcy. Wraz z piękną i charakterną Jennifer usiłują nie dopuścić do zagłady całego świata. Peale bowiem podpisał pakt z diabłem.
504 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1980
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580 people want to read
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February 22, 2019
”I want you to understand that a strong nation doesn’t necessarily have to be a repressive nation. I’m not a prude or a puritan. I’m not a harsh disciplinarian. I’m strong because I’m a man, with a man’s appetite. Just like I want my women to be strong, with a woman’s appetite. We can be powerful without being narrow-minded. We can be leaders without being canting moralists. We have a rich nation, crowded with fruits to be relished and enjoyed. Food, drink, beautiful women. They’re all ours for the taking. Ours for the unashamed taking.”
Jack Russo joined the campaign of the senior senator from Colorado for President when Hunter Peal was still a moderate, but something happened after they stayed in an old, creepy house in Connecticut. His whole message changed.
”Hunter was the master of illusion. He was also a master of euphemism. It was at a Kansas delegation caucus that he coined his famous phrase about ‘moderating the material expectations of the less productive members of our community’-in other words, taking steps to make sure that the deprived stayed deprived.”
Hunter was suddenly vastly different, more aggressive, way more right of central. He wasn’t the only one experiencing changes. Jack was seeing things that made him start to believe the rigors of the campaign trail were catching up with him. His girlfriend Jennifer had never looked like this before. ”Jennifer’s eyes were totally white, like marble. Two tiny pupils seemed to be indented in them, just as if they were the eyes of a statue. They stared at me with utter coldness, utter indifference, and as I stared back at them I became aware of a chilly rustling somewhere in the room, as if an invisible spirit in a frosted clock had slid out of this world and back into the next.”
Jack was rather attached to Jennifer’s pink, flexible, soft flesh and had never had any lustful Pygmalionesque desires for cold, hard stone, regardless of how beautifully it was carved. He also saw a dark, bristling shape running across the lawn that raised the hackles on his neck.
And were the statues on the lawn...moving?
Jack Russo, you poor bastard, you have landed in a Graham Masterton horror novel!
Jack wasn’t the only one to notice the 180 degree change in Hunter Peal’s political ideas. The whole Peal staff was alarmed, especially when polling showed this bastard was going to win. ”I never thought the day would come when this whole country would throw sweet reason out of the window and vote for nothing but personal prejudice and individual gain. I never thought the day would come when I’d go along with it, either.”
Does that sound vaguely familiar? Like maybe something that happened in American politics recently? Or how about this. ”The choice you have made tonight is the first step in making our nation GREAT AGAIN. Powerful again. Rich again. And self-assured again.”
Jog any memories?
As if things weren’t bad enough, Peal had acquired psychokinesis powers, which meant he could project illusions to those who were listening to him. He could conjure up flights of B-52 bombers or wheat fields as far as the eye can see.
What the FRILL is going on?
Well this.
”It was a huge, bulky outline, as dark as sin. But its eyes glowed slanted and orange, like the eyes of a wolf, and on its head were two curved horns. It stank of stale incense and animal sweat, and it was grunting with grotesque delight.
‘Jennifer!’ I yelled. And then I whipped back my bedclothes and seized hold of the demon’s body with both hands.
It felt horrifying. It had bristles all over. Bristles that were prickly and sharp with some kind of static electricity. Bristles that crackled and spat and numbed every muscle in my fingers.”
Dare he think it? Had Hunter Peal been possessed by the Devil? Jack had a choice: he could quit the campaign and go back to Butte, Montana, or he could stay around to try and save the nation from Hunter Peal. ”The ancient Greek tragedy writers would have loved this one. They would have called it The Fall of Russo and had me putting my eyes out in Act IV”
All fine and good for Russo to say, ”Hey, let’s save the world,” but his girlfriend Jennifer was the one that the beast had a real boner for. Except for a few delusional Goth chicks, I don’t think that forming one half of the beast with two backs with Satan is on most women’s bucket list. Call that a **Double Shudder** moment.
The interesting thing about this book is it was written in 1980 as a response to President Ronald Reagan’s campaign, even though Masterton drops Reagan’s name in the book a few times to make sure that he can not be accused of actually saying that Hunter Peal was based on Reagan. With the advent of President Donald Trump, it was suggested to Graham to revive this book. I can’t think of why!
The book is a blast to read, but I will issue a few cautions. The sex is GRAPHIC. Masterton has written several sex manuals in his long tenure as a writer, and believe me, the guy likes to explore the full repertoire of sexual experience. So if you have even a thimbleful of prudishness, you might avoid this book or skip through those scenes.
The writing is actually really good for what I would consider a pulp horror novel. (This book was a suggested reading from Paperbacks from Hell that I reviewed recently.) I used several quotes from the book in the writing of this review, and those only represent a smattering of the many notes I made as I was gasping and shivering my way through the reading of this psychotic novel. There are also several DON’T OPEN THAT DOOR moments in the book that were such vintage horror delights, erhhh I mean dreadful petrifying experiences.
The moral of the story is Be Careful Who You Vote For!
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
Jack Russo joined the campaign of the senior senator from Colorado for President when Hunter Peal was still a moderate, but something happened after they stayed in an old, creepy house in Connecticut. His whole message changed.
”Hunter was the master of illusion. He was also a master of euphemism. It was at a Kansas delegation caucus that he coined his famous phrase about ‘moderating the material expectations of the less productive members of our community’-in other words, taking steps to make sure that the deprived stayed deprived.”
Hunter was suddenly vastly different, more aggressive, way more right of central. He wasn’t the only one experiencing changes. Jack was seeing things that made him start to believe the rigors of the campaign trail were catching up with him. His girlfriend Jennifer had never looked like this before. ”Jennifer’s eyes were totally white, like marble. Two tiny pupils seemed to be indented in them, just as if they were the eyes of a statue. They stared at me with utter coldness, utter indifference, and as I stared back at them I became aware of a chilly rustling somewhere in the room, as if an invisible spirit in a frosted clock had slid out of this world and back into the next.”
Jack was rather attached to Jennifer’s pink, flexible, soft flesh and had never had any lustful Pygmalionesque desires for cold, hard stone, regardless of how beautifully it was carved. He also saw a dark, bristling shape running across the lawn that raised the hackles on his neck.
And were the statues on the lawn...moving?
Jack Russo, you poor bastard, you have landed in a Graham Masterton horror novel!
Jack wasn’t the only one to notice the 180 degree change in Hunter Peal’s political ideas. The whole Peal staff was alarmed, especially when polling showed this bastard was going to win. ”I never thought the day would come when this whole country would throw sweet reason out of the window and vote for nothing but personal prejudice and individual gain. I never thought the day would come when I’d go along with it, either.”
Does that sound vaguely familiar? Like maybe something that happened in American politics recently? Or how about this. ”The choice you have made tonight is the first step in making our nation GREAT AGAIN. Powerful again. Rich again. And self-assured again.”
Jog any memories?
As if things weren’t bad enough, Peal had acquired psychokinesis powers, which meant he could project illusions to those who were listening to him. He could conjure up flights of B-52 bombers or wheat fields as far as the eye can see.
What the FRILL is going on?
Well this.
”It was a huge, bulky outline, as dark as sin. But its eyes glowed slanted and orange, like the eyes of a wolf, and on its head were two curved horns. It stank of stale incense and animal sweat, and it was grunting with grotesque delight.
‘Jennifer!’ I yelled. And then I whipped back my bedclothes and seized hold of the demon’s body with both hands.
It felt horrifying. It had bristles all over. Bristles that were prickly and sharp with some kind of static electricity. Bristles that crackled and spat and numbed every muscle in my fingers.”
Dare he think it? Had Hunter Peal been possessed by the Devil? Jack had a choice: he could quit the campaign and go back to Butte, Montana, or he could stay around to try and save the nation from Hunter Peal. ”The ancient Greek tragedy writers would have loved this one. They would have called it The Fall of Russo and had me putting my eyes out in Act IV”
All fine and good for Russo to say, ”Hey, let’s save the world,” but his girlfriend Jennifer was the one that the beast had a real boner for. Except for a few delusional Goth chicks, I don’t think that forming one half of the beast with two backs with Satan is on most women’s bucket list. Call that a **Double Shudder** moment.
The interesting thing about this book is it was written in 1980 as a response to President Ronald Reagan’s campaign, even though Masterton drops Reagan’s name in the book a few times to make sure that he can not be accused of actually saying that Hunter Peal was based on Reagan. With the advent of President Donald Trump, it was suggested to Graham to revive this book. I can’t think of why!
The book is a blast to read, but I will issue a few cautions. The sex is GRAPHIC. Masterton has written several sex manuals in his long tenure as a writer, and believe me, the guy likes to explore the full repertoire of sexual experience. So if you have even a thimbleful of prudishness, you might avoid this book or skip through those scenes.
The writing is actually really good for what I would consider a pulp horror novel. (This book was a suggested reading from Paperbacks from Hell that I reviewed recently.) I used several quotes from the book in the writing of this review, and those only represent a smattering of the many notes I made as I was gasping and shivering my way through the reading of this psychotic novel. There are also several DON’T OPEN THAT DOOR moments in the book that were such vintage horror delights, erhhh I mean dreadful petrifying experiences.
The moral of the story is Be Careful Who You Vote For!
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
November 16, 2018
Milktoast presidential candidate gets possessed by a double-donged lawn ornament and wins the presidency by promising to make America great again. Climaxes with the Pope being smuggled into the White House via Air Force One to conduct an exorcism in the Oval Office. Graham Masterton: Always Raising the Stakes.
January 4, 2016
4.5 stars.
How did I NOT read this book before? I'm guessing because Masterton wrote it under the name "Thomas Luke"; however, it is a Masterton novel through and through! The perfect time to read this book (during the political debates). While it was very heavy on the political aspect, this book sucked me in so quickly that I just didn't want to put it down until I'd finished. (Alas, kids still needed to eat ;) ).
The action starts off immediately with the setting of an old, derelict mansion called "Allen's Corners" in Sherman, Connecticut. It was there that Presidential hopeful, Hunter Peal, stayed for three days of campaigning.
It was there that the "darkness" overtook him.
A strong, horrific novel that hit all the right notes to keep me invested until the very last page.
Highly recommended!
How did I NOT read this book before? I'm guessing because Masterton wrote it under the name "Thomas Luke"; however, it is a Masterton novel through and through! The perfect time to read this book (during the political debates). While it was very heavy on the political aspect, this book sucked me in so quickly that I just didn't want to put it down until I'd finished. (Alas, kids still needed to eat ;) ).
The action starts off immediately with the setting of an old, derelict mansion called "Allen's Corners" in Sherman, Connecticut. It was there that Presidential hopeful, Hunter Peal, stayed for three days of campaigning.
It was there that the "darkness" overtook him.
A strong, horrific novel that hit all the right notes to keep me invested until the very last page.
Highly recommended!
April 5, 2021
What kind of story do you get when you have an overblown, sexist, repetitive narration riddled with ridiculous plot devices that challenge your suspension of disbelief with every hole-riddled page, all told by an unlikeable protagonist with an even more unlikeable girlfriend who has no character other than being a buxom, promiscuous redhead, who face an unbelievably cartoonish villain with two penises who is actually a demon in disguise running for US president? A Graham Masterton novel, of course.
I really just don't get the appeal of this author, which has made him popular enough to be quite prolific, and to earn his books consistent four to five star ratings from gushing horror fans. Not that I didn't give it the old college try. This is the third novel from Masterton that I've read, following the lackluster but enjoyable "Death Trance," and the insultingly silly "Ritual" aka "Feast." I have separate reviews on those novels if you are interested. You will see that my feelings remain consistent--Masterton is good at shock and gore, but he's a mediocre novelist at best.
Here's the plot synopsis. SPOILERS AHEAD:
Jack Russo is a publicity man for Senator Hunter Peal who is running for president in an alternate 1980. Jack has been enamored with the gentle and honest Hunter who has served as a role model and hero for Jack, so he jumped at the chance to help run Hunter's campaign for president. But shortly after his announcement to run for the GOP nomination, Hunter Peal quickly changes into an abusive schmuck. He also has great powers to alter reality around him and can cause things to happen to people from great distances. He makes his rival crap his pants during a debate, conjures a squadron of B-52s out of thin air at a rally, squeezes someone's balls with a Darth Vader wave, makes a would-be assassin puke out his literal guts, and other Jedi Master tricks.
Yet for three-quarters of the book, poor Jack just doesn't seem to get it. As well as most everyone else. He simply thinks Hunter is cracking under the pressure of the campaign. Because stress makes you suddenly have magic powers and have sex with statues while horns start sprouting out of your head.
Meanwhile, Jack continues to work for the man even though he is clearly dangerous. The lazy excuse that Masterton gives is that Jack didn't know what he was up against. But there is no slow burn here. There's no gradual change in the character of Hunter, and no slow reveal of his hellish abilities or demonic alter ego. Things get supernatural real fast, and so no one should have thought he was delusional if in the first few chapters he were to run around like Gene Simmons exclaiming, "I am Satan!"
I thought that this book would contain some decent political satire, but British-born Masterton's knowledge of American politics was too basic and digital for any clever exploration of our bipartisan system, no more interesting than the understanding of a high school kid listening to arguing relatives exchange MSNBC vs Fox News talking-points over the Thanksgiving table. At least his novel "Feast" was self-aware enough to include some genuine attempts at humor and parody. But this novel behaves like a B-movie directed by a sleazy guy with a pornstash who really thinks he is creating high art.
Pair all of this with a general lack of thrilling action as well as a paucity of scares, and the end result is sadder than a frat-boy after chugging a pint of Everclear... and about as charming. This is no "Godzilla vs. Kong." This is a serious attempt to blend a political thriller with demonic horror. Think "The Omen III," though even that stinker of a movie was better than this rubbish.
The idea for the novel evidently came from Masterton hanging out with Ronald Reagan's brother over cocktails at Masterton's summer home. The reissue of this book dispenses with the original awesome cover art and replaces it with an obvious Trump caricature who casts a demonic shadow over the American flag. Obviously, the publishers thought people who assumed it was a foregone conclusion that the Orange Man was a Russian bot controlled by Satan and the ghost of Adolph Hitler who could be foiled via wicca "bindings" would be attracted by the new cover. That kind of lazy marketing is as uncreative as the rest of this novel. And despite the updated cover, this book has not aged well, feeling as stale as the open sleeve of Nabisco saltines you forgot in your pantry that you tried to eat with your can of Vienna Sausage at 2am.
Not only was this my third Masterton novel, but it was almost the third time I would give a book a ONE STAR rating since I joined Goodreads in 2016. However, it was spared even that dubious distinction for the simple fact I didn't rage-quit. But I do think this will be the last Masterton I read indefinitely. If I ever want some mindless fun that still doesn't offend my intelligence, there are plenty of better offerings out there.
I really just don't get the appeal of this author, which has made him popular enough to be quite prolific, and to earn his books consistent four to five star ratings from gushing horror fans. Not that I didn't give it the old college try. This is the third novel from Masterton that I've read, following the lackluster but enjoyable "Death Trance," and the insultingly silly "Ritual" aka "Feast." I have separate reviews on those novels if you are interested. You will see that my feelings remain consistent--Masterton is good at shock and gore, but he's a mediocre novelist at best.
Here's the plot synopsis. SPOILERS AHEAD:
Jack Russo is a publicity man for Senator Hunter Peal who is running for president in an alternate 1980. Jack has been enamored with the gentle and honest Hunter who has served as a role model and hero for Jack, so he jumped at the chance to help run Hunter's campaign for president. But shortly after his announcement to run for the GOP nomination, Hunter Peal quickly changes into an abusive schmuck. He also has great powers to alter reality around him and can cause things to happen to people from great distances. He makes his rival crap his pants during a debate, conjures a squadron of B-52s out of thin air at a rally, squeezes someone's balls with a Darth Vader wave, makes a would-be assassin puke out his literal guts, and other Jedi Master tricks.
Yet for three-quarters of the book, poor Jack just doesn't seem to get it. As well as most everyone else. He simply thinks Hunter is cracking under the pressure of the campaign. Because stress makes you suddenly have magic powers and have sex with statues while horns start sprouting out of your head.
Meanwhile, Jack continues to work for the man even though he is clearly dangerous. The lazy excuse that Masterton gives is that Jack didn't know what he was up against. But there is no slow burn here. There's no gradual change in the character of Hunter, and no slow reveal of his hellish abilities or demonic alter ego. Things get supernatural real fast, and so no one should have thought he was delusional if in the first few chapters he were to run around like Gene Simmons exclaiming, "I am Satan!"
I thought that this book would contain some decent political satire, but British-born Masterton's knowledge of American politics was too basic and digital for any clever exploration of our bipartisan system, no more interesting than the understanding of a high school kid listening to arguing relatives exchange MSNBC vs Fox News talking-points over the Thanksgiving table. At least his novel "Feast" was self-aware enough to include some genuine attempts at humor and parody. But this novel behaves like a B-movie directed by a sleazy guy with a pornstash who really thinks he is creating high art.
Pair all of this with a general lack of thrilling action as well as a paucity of scares, and the end result is sadder than a frat-boy after chugging a pint of Everclear... and about as charming. This is no "Godzilla vs. Kong." This is a serious attempt to blend a political thriller with demonic horror. Think "The Omen III," though even that stinker of a movie was better than this rubbish.
The idea for the novel evidently came from Masterton hanging out with Ronald Reagan's brother over cocktails at Masterton's summer home. The reissue of this book dispenses with the original awesome cover art and replaces it with an obvious Trump caricature who casts a demonic shadow over the American flag. Obviously, the publishers thought people who assumed it was a foregone conclusion that the Orange Man was a Russian bot controlled by Satan and the ghost of Adolph Hitler who could be foiled via wicca "bindings" would be attracted by the new cover. That kind of lazy marketing is as uncreative as the rest of this novel. And despite the updated cover, this book has not aged well, feeling as stale as the open sleeve of Nabisco saltines you forgot in your pantry that you tried to eat with your can of Vienna Sausage at 2am.
Not only was this my third Masterton novel, but it was almost the third time I would give a book a ONE STAR rating since I joined Goodreads in 2016. However, it was spared even that dubious distinction for the simple fact I didn't rage-quit. But I do think this will be the last Masterton I read indefinitely. If I ever want some mindless fun that still doesn't offend my intelligence, there are plenty of better offerings out there.
September 21, 2015
Very 80's horror on the seedier side of King and Koontz; Hunter Peale is the worst man to have his goal set for US president since Damien in The Final Conflict (or if the order was possibly the other way around). Starting out as a 'ordinary' republican candidate, things (and the man himself) soon changes. Even though the official side of the candidate turns an uglier side, his popularity increases. The private side of things, revealed only to the one closest to him is, however, on a whole different level of evil. Graphic, disturbing, thrilling, fun and hard to put down. The book loses some pace and impact and the suspension of disbelief gets harder near the end, when things are explained and the final confrontation/resolution. But as I remembered it, that often is the case with 80's horror.
September 12, 2024
Upon reading a third time, I still think this is a great book for fans of horror and political thrillers.
It’s a presidential election year so I read this a fourth time. Still great!
9/12/2024: I read it again. Still the best political horror novel!
It’s a presidential election year so I read this a fourth time. Still great!
9/12/2024: I read it again. Still the best political horror novel!
May 28, 2021
В началото на 80-те години в Съединените Щати цари разочарование. Либералните идеи на хипитата са претърпели крах в управлението на тогавашната администрация. Страната търпи удари както вътре, като спад в качеството на живот на гражданите, така и отвън, като загуба на международен престиж. В тази обстановка Хънтър Пийл, почтен политик вдясно от политическия център опитва да върне властта в ръцете на Републиканската партия, опозорена след аферата “Уотъргейт” на Ричард Никсън. Пийл вярва в духа на пионерите от Дивия запад и смята, че Америка трябва да се върне към него. Но след едно посещение по време на кампанията му за партийната номинация в Кънектикът нещо се случва и консерваторът става радикално десен екстремист. Пийл жадува за тотално политическо и военно надмощие, за небе, почерняло от бомбардировачи, за вътрешна политика, насочена не толкова срещу бедността, а срещу самите бедни. Всяко едно от изявленията, свързани с тези позиции, би трябвало да го извади от предизборната борба. Би трябвало, но не го прави. И само неговият пресаташе Джак Русо знае истината за случилото се в Кънектикът, за тропота на копита около старата къща, за оживелите статуи, за това как в рамките на една нощ Хънтър се е променил изцяло. И само от него зависи дали някой ще спре КАНДИДАТА ОТ АДА…
The Hell Candidate е един от най-добрите романи, които Греъм Мастертън е писал някога, като само предпазливостта, свързана с ентусиазма от току-що прочетена книга ми пречи да го обявя за най-добрия. Страхотна история за това как механизма на най-великата демокрация може да бъде изкривен, когато забравим милосърдието и добротата и се поддадем на алчността и егоизма. Просто страхотно!
Подробно ревю - на линка!
https://citadelata.com/the-hell-candi...
The Hell Candidate е един от най-добрите романи, които Греъм Мастертън е писал някога, като само предпазливостта, свързана с ентусиазма от току-що прочетена книга ми пречи да го обявя за най-добрия. Страхотна история за това как механизма на най-великата демокрация може да бъде изкривен, когато забравим милосърдието и добротата и се поддадем на алчността и егоизма. Просто страхотно!
Подробно ревю - на линка!
https://citadelata.com/the-hell-candi...
July 5, 2017
At the time of reviewing this, The Hell Candidate is thirty years old. Astoundingly, it's not dated in the slightest and in fact it serves as a reminder of the quality of old school horror. Masterton (under the Luke pseudonym) weaves a tale of malevolence and brooding horror which pulls no punches. The evil here is clearly incarnate. It creates a monstrous power hungry presidential candidate, using both emotional and cultural persuasion at a supernatural level and the story follows the campaign trail as it slowly escalates in to carnage. Masterton fans will know exactly how the carnage will be played out - humiliation, sexual deviation and evisceration. A little too long, the dense narrative of the 1980's seems tough at times, however readers are rewarded with tension and suspense. You'll be rooting for the good guys with genuine concern for them. That's decent writing. If you can find a copy, this is recommended reading for the twenty-first century.
July 15, 2022
Peale presidential candidate goes and stays in a stately mansion while campaigning and goes from a conservative attitude to start appealing to selfishness, aggression, class hatred, racism, greed, sexual immorality and human corruption. He wants to make America great again. He sexually assaults his wife, beats her with his fists and starts talking about dropping bombs and taking over the world. He will be taken over by Satan himself, he will murder two daughters of his political enemy with his two massive penises destroying their insides. Once elected he has a plan of world destruction and now has executive control. But the Pope will save the day by secretly flying to the White House on a Concorde and perform an exorcism. Sounds corny, stupid and dumb but is highly engaging, well written and perfectly paced.
July 26, 2014
he's no worse than any other politician!!!!
Read
January 8, 2021Alternate title: “The Devil Has Two Dicks” 👿 🍆 🍆
October 19, 2025
Hunter Peale jest kandydatem na prezydenta Stanów Zjednoczonych. Z sondaży wynika, że jego szanse w wyborach nie są zbyt wielkie. Wszystko jednak zmienia się w ciągu jednego dnia, kiedy Hunter przemienia się ze spokojnego człowieka w prawdziwą bestię – gwałci brutalnie swoją żonę, zmienia diametralnie swoje poglądy polityczne i zachowuje się, jakby sam diabeł w niego wstąpił. Pracownicy jego sztabu są w szoku, jednak nikt nawet nie podejrzewa, jak straszliwa jest prawda kryjąca się za tą nagłą przemianą ich kandydata.
Książka była przerażająca, a dokładniej – przerażająco nudna :) Dominuje tu seks i polityka, tylko wszystko jest straszliwie przegadane, do tego do bólu amerykańskie (chyba, że ja po prostu nie rozumiem ich podejścia do polityki i tego wyborczego szału). Gdyby ją okroić tak o połowę, byłaby strawniejsza.
5/10
Książka była przerażająca, a dokładniej – przerażająco nudna :) Dominuje tu seks i polityka, tylko wszystko jest straszliwie przegadane, do tego do bólu amerykańskie (chyba, że ja po prostu nie rozumiem ich podejścia do polityki i tego wyborczego szału). Gdyby ją okroić tak o połowę, byłaby strawniejsza.
5/10
August 25, 2020
I really wanted to like this one more. The first half of the book is great where a demonically possessed presidential candidate starts giving “inspiring” pro-violence and hatred stump speeches, much to the shock and awe of stupefied journalists and becomes popular because of it.
It certainly seems prophetic in a lot of ways in 1980 of future political discourse, but depressingly, it’s it’s sex and violence approach to evil almost seems quaint compared to the insidious ness of real corruption.
This is an early Masterton work and finds the writer atypically light on action, sure there are a few weird double penised monster rapes but the crux of the book is the satirical political dialogue and the book more or less gives up it halfway through. The back half is kind of tedious as the beleaguered press secretary hero schemes to outwit the bedeviled republican to little effect until the last thirty pages or so. There is still some mean spirited fun to be had but it’s just diminishing returns at a certain point.
Lastly, Masterton was writing for a certain audience, men. Horny men. And a significant portion of the book is dedicated to the sex act and the entire character of Jennifer is kind of problematic, aside from her near constant sex scenes but also how she this young girl who throws herself at an older man she’s never met and immediately moves in with him and doing all this stuff. She’s a total prop and the stuff that happens to the women in this book (aforementioned multiple monster rapes) get old pretty quick.
Masterton still has an eye for detail and a way with prose that just flows so easily and dialogue that manages to feel casual despite some ridiculous plot points; so it’s never a chore really. It’s just leans a little too hard in the wrong direction and doesn’t quite know how to make the best use of an entertaining premise.
It certainly seems prophetic in a lot of ways in 1980 of future political discourse, but depressingly, it’s it’s sex and violence approach to evil almost seems quaint compared to the insidious ness of real corruption.
This is an early Masterton work and finds the writer atypically light on action, sure there are a few weird double penised monster rapes but the crux of the book is the satirical political dialogue and the book more or less gives up it halfway through. The back half is kind of tedious as the beleaguered press secretary hero schemes to outwit the bedeviled republican to little effect until the last thirty pages or so. There is still some mean spirited fun to be had but it’s just diminishing returns at a certain point.
Lastly, Masterton was writing for a certain audience, men. Horny men. And a significant portion of the book is dedicated to the sex act and the entire character of Jennifer is kind of problematic, aside from her near constant sex scenes but also how she this young girl who throws herself at an older man she’s never met and immediately moves in with him and doing all this stuff. She’s a total prop and the stuff that happens to the women in this book (aforementioned multiple monster rapes) get old pretty quick.
Masterton still has an eye for detail and a way with prose that just flows so easily and dialogue that manages to feel casual despite some ridiculous plot points; so it’s never a chore really. It’s just leans a little too hard in the wrong direction and doesn’t quite know how to make the best use of an entertaining premise.
October 2, 2018
One of the most horrid pieces of garbage I have ever read. Even as a sophomore in high school I recognized that.
July 27, 2025
“Politics is hell”- turns out that wasn’t a metaphor after all.
So here we are again, knee-deep in yet another Graham Masterton fever dream, this time masquerading as a political thriller under the sneaky pseudonym Thomas Luke. The Hell Candidate starts out almost like a serious novel… The basic setup? A charismatic presidential candidate, a shady campaign manager, and the kind of backroom deals that would make even Frank Underwood blush. Everything seems just political enough to keep your average thriller fan engaged… until it takes a hard left turn straight into the ninth circle of bonkers.
Without spoiling everything, let’s just say the presidential hopeful is… not your average guy. Unless your idea of “average” includes demonic possession, ancient rituals, and a growing body count. It’s as if The West Wing suddenly hired Clive Barker as a script consultant halfway through the season. The climax is, naturally, completely off the rails—with hellfire, grotesque transformations, and some classic Masterton brand nightmare fuel that reminds you, “Oh right, this guy wrote The Manitou.”
Now, about the tone. Imagine trying to take a serious look at American politics—then halfway through, someone laces your coffee with LSD and drops you into a satanic cult’s campaign headquarters. That’s this book. It’s campy. It’s pulpy. It’s ridiculous in the best way. Masterton’s writing is always fast and fluid, like he’s sprinting to the finish line before the absurdity catches up with him. The prose zips along, the plot gets increasingly unhinged, and you’re left going, “Wait, what just happened?” But you’re still turning the pages like a maniac because it’s just so entertaining.
Is it good? Maybe. Is it terrible? Definitely not. It’s one of those weird little relics where you can feel the author trying something different (political horror? sure, why not?) while still very much keeping one foot in the bloody, brain-melting world he’s most comfortable in. It’s like watching a horror director try their hand at a rom-com—and halfway through, the boyfriend sprouts horns and starts eating the neighbors.
The Hell Candidate isn’t exactly profound, and it’s definitely not subtle, but if you’re in the mood for fast-paced, high-concept horror wearing a suit and tie, this one delivers. Just don’t expect it to shake your faith in democracy…you’ll be too busy wondering what the hell just happened.
So here we are again, knee-deep in yet another Graham Masterton fever dream, this time masquerading as a political thriller under the sneaky pseudonym Thomas Luke. The Hell Candidate starts out almost like a serious novel… The basic setup? A charismatic presidential candidate, a shady campaign manager, and the kind of backroom deals that would make even Frank Underwood blush. Everything seems just political enough to keep your average thriller fan engaged… until it takes a hard left turn straight into the ninth circle of bonkers.
Without spoiling everything, let’s just say the presidential hopeful is… not your average guy. Unless your idea of “average” includes demonic possession, ancient rituals, and a growing body count. It’s as if The West Wing suddenly hired Clive Barker as a script consultant halfway through the season. The climax is, naturally, completely off the rails—with hellfire, grotesque transformations, and some classic Masterton brand nightmare fuel that reminds you, “Oh right, this guy wrote The Manitou.”
Now, about the tone. Imagine trying to take a serious look at American politics—then halfway through, someone laces your coffee with LSD and drops you into a satanic cult’s campaign headquarters. That’s this book. It’s campy. It’s pulpy. It’s ridiculous in the best way. Masterton’s writing is always fast and fluid, like he’s sprinting to the finish line before the absurdity catches up with him. The prose zips along, the plot gets increasingly unhinged, and you’re left going, “Wait, what just happened?” But you’re still turning the pages like a maniac because it’s just so entertaining.
Is it good? Maybe. Is it terrible? Definitely not. It’s one of those weird little relics where you can feel the author trying something different (political horror? sure, why not?) while still very much keeping one foot in the bloody, brain-melting world he’s most comfortable in. It’s like watching a horror director try their hand at a rom-com—and halfway through, the boyfriend sprouts horns and starts eating the neighbors.
The Hell Candidate isn’t exactly profound, and it’s definitely not subtle, but if you’re in the mood for fast-paced, high-concept horror wearing a suit and tie, this one delivers. Just don’t expect it to shake your faith in democracy…you’ll be too busy wondering what the hell just happened.
September 14, 2024
I think it’s safe to assume at this point that Masterton peaked with “The Manitou” and nothing will ever come close to it. This has some okay Paperbacks from Hell kooky moments (the demonic presidential candidate psychically gives his debate opponent diarrhea), but those are few and far between. The prose in this is busted from a basic writing standpoint, full of awful similes and awkward clinical descriptions of the female anatomy, so it’s not even enjoyable in between the pulp silliness. It also doesn’t help that this has multiple graphic rape scenes, which really sours the mood. The base idea of “what if the president was possessed by the devil and stirred up nationalist fervor to bring about chaos” is interesting, but Masterton is too concerned with hacky occult/exorcism trend-chasing to explore any of the interesting paths the story could take.
December 29, 2019
Apart from a few gory, disturbing scenes this is not a full fledged horror tale. I didn't care for all the political scenes and jargon, but as usual Graham Masterton who is Thomas Luke kept it somewhat interesting. Published in 1980. Creepy scenes involving statues and a bizarre home/cult. It all ends very abruptly.
November 29, 2016
“The Hell Candidate” would not have been (could not have been) called a “mashup” when it was published? Although I first read it perhaps a decade ago, hard not to call it that now.
Supernatural-Satanic-Politico-Erotic-Thriller? That’s a genre now, right? There’s a whole aisle down at Barns & Stables—pretty sure.
Some things you read and you’re “proud and wanna share” (shows how bright or sophisticated or whatever-the-newest-word-for-hip-is you are).
This is. . . not that book.
This is one of those books that (if you have various defects that I won’t judge, because I share them) you want to keep; but. . . you want to keep it on the lower shelf, spine turned in or sideways.
You’ll be able to find it; not something other people necessarily need to see as part of your library.
Presidential candidate pretty much sells his soul to the devil (not really much of a spoiler there; pretty much on the cover). And then. . . sexually intense, horrific-abhorrent, but compelling. . . scenes ensue.
Applicability to the 2016 race. . . we'll see.
Steven King meets Anne Rice (writing as her porn alter-ego A. N. Roquelaure)? Pretty much.
Nice ride if that’s your taste (I enjoyed it). A vomit comet if that’s not your thing.
Supernatural-Satanic-Politico-Erotic-Thriller? That’s a genre now, right? There’s a whole aisle down at Barns & Stables—pretty sure.
Some things you read and you’re “proud and wanna share” (shows how bright or sophisticated or whatever-the-newest-word-for-hip-is you are).
This is. . . not that book.
This is one of those books that (if you have various defects that I won’t judge, because I share them) you want to keep; but. . . you want to keep it on the lower shelf, spine turned in or sideways.
You’ll be able to find it; not something other people necessarily need to see as part of your library.
Presidential candidate pretty much sells his soul to the devil (not really much of a spoiler there; pretty much on the cover). And then. . . sexually intense, horrific-abhorrent, but compelling. . . scenes ensue.
Applicability to the 2016 race. . . we'll see.
Steven King meets Anne Rice (writing as her porn alter-ego A. N. Roquelaure)? Pretty much.
Nice ride if that’s your taste (I enjoyed it). A vomit comet if that’s not your thing.
March 30, 2018
Ha valido la pena esperar esta reedición; una de las novelas más curiosas de Masterton mezcla hábilmente thriller político (muy bien documentado) con terror sobrenatural. La campaña presidencial del senador republicano Hunter Peal, que se va radicalizando cada vez más tras ser poseído por mismo diablo, pone en peligro el futuro de los Estados Unidos, por lo que su jefe de prensa intenta encontrar una solución para exorcizarlo. Obviamente, los paralelismos con Trump son demasiado obvios, pero es sorprendente ver como la realidad ha acabado hasta cierto punto por eclipsar a la ficción.
September 29, 2019
Works better as a political novel than a supernatural horror one. Not that Masterton hasn’t written some fine examples of the latter - though I do find him hit-or-miss - just that the political aspects are the most interesting aspects of this work. That said I would like to hear more about Fain.
April 18, 2025
„Kandydat z piekła” Grahama Mastertona to moja pierwsza styczność z twórczością tego autora. Powieść należy do gatunku fantastyki z domieszką grozy. Opowiada o kandydacie na prezydenta Stanów Zjednoczonych, który początkowo nie ma większych szans na zwycięstwo, jednak z czasem zaczyna prowadzić niezwykle przekonującą kampanię i niespodziewanie staje się jednym z głównych faworytów w wyścigu o fotel prezydencki.
Jack Russo – rzecznik prasowy kandydata i jego prawa ręka – odkrywa jednak szokującą prawdę na temat swojego pracodawcy. Postanawia wszcząć własne śledztwo, by zapobiec nadchodzącej tragedii, która może zakończyć się masakrą.
Powieść jest ogólnie całkiem dobra, choć nie wybitna. Fabuła jest interesująca, ale niezbyt zaskakująca – choć zdarzają się momenty, które trzymają w napięciu. Zakończenie można przewidzieć wcześniej, co trochę odbiera frajdę z lektury. Na plus zasługują postacie – mają swoje motywacje i nie są jednowymiarowe. Jedyny zgrzyt to postać Huntera Peala – głównego bohatera, wokół którego kręci się cała akcja. Jak na tak ważną postać, jest go w książce zaskakująco mało i pozostaje dość powierzchownie zarysowany.
Podsumowując – to dobra, ale niewybitna powieść. Ciekawy pomysł, momentami udane budowanie napięcia, choć z przewidywalnym finałem. Na uwagę zasługuje również ciekawe wydanie z barwionymi brzegami stron, które miałem okazję przeczytać.
Ocena: 7/10
Jack Russo – rzecznik prasowy kandydata i jego prawa ręka – odkrywa jednak szokującą prawdę na temat swojego pracodawcy. Postanawia wszcząć własne śledztwo, by zapobiec nadchodzącej tragedii, która może zakończyć się masakrą.
Powieść jest ogólnie całkiem dobra, choć nie wybitna. Fabuła jest interesująca, ale niezbyt zaskakująca – choć zdarzają się momenty, które trzymają w napięciu. Zakończenie można przewidzieć wcześniej, co trochę odbiera frajdę z lektury. Na plus zasługują postacie – mają swoje motywacje i nie są jednowymiarowe. Jedyny zgrzyt to postać Huntera Peala – głównego bohatera, wokół którego kręci się cała akcja. Jak na tak ważną postać, jest go w książce zaskakująco mało i pozostaje dość powierzchownie zarysowany.
Podsumowując – to dobra, ale niewybitna powieść. Ciekawy pomysł, momentami udane budowanie napięcia, choć z przewidywalnym finałem. Na uwagę zasługuje również ciekawe wydanie z barwionymi brzegami stron, które miałem okazję przeczytać.
Ocena: 7/10
December 18, 2025
To mogłoby być dobre, ale mam parę zarzutów.
Sam pomysł świetny, tradycyjne sprzedanie duszy diabłu w zamian za coś, jednak w bardzo nietypowej osobie, aspirującej do władania całym krajem. Wszystko z dobrze opisaną kampanią w tle i całym zapleczem politycznym. Opisów tego jest mnóstwo. Wszystkich okropieństw, których dokonuje opętany także. Zakończenie jednak nie zostało tak samo przedstawione. Jest szybkie i zadziwiająco łatwo przychodzące. No i nie ma tu ani jednej, dobrej postaci żeńskiej. Wszystkie kobiety są narzędziami, które kończą z porwanymi narządami wewnętrznymi. Przedtem nosząc najbrzydszą ozdobę, na którą kto by się zgodził?! Co to w ogóle za pomysł? To było tak bardzo zbędne i głupie. I nie wnosiło nic.
Sam pomysł świetny, tradycyjne sprzedanie duszy diabłu w zamian za coś, jednak w bardzo nietypowej osobie, aspirującej do władania całym krajem. Wszystko z dobrze opisaną kampanią w tle i całym zapleczem politycznym. Opisów tego jest mnóstwo. Wszystkich okropieństw, których dokonuje opętany także. Zakończenie jednak nie zostało tak samo przedstawione. Jest szybkie i zadziwiająco łatwo przychodzące. No i nie ma tu ani jednej, dobrej postaci żeńskiej. Wszystkie kobiety są narzędziami, które kończą z porwanymi narządami wewnętrznymi. Przedtem nosząc najbrzydszą ozdobę, na którą kto by się zgodził?! Co to w ogóle za pomysł? To było tak bardzo zbędne i głupie. I nie wnosiło nic.
January 5, 2019
This is an enjoyable read. It might hit a bit close to home if you're living in the US under the current administration, but personally, I found that made it all the more interesting.
some things worth mentioning: this book handles politics pretty well, especially aspects of the campaign process not often spoken about. There are scenes describing assault, sexual and general, which can be uncomfortable. This is also a story of demonic possession, so maybe don't give it to your faint hearted friends.
some things worth mentioning: this book handles politics pretty well, especially aspects of the campaign process not often spoken about. There are scenes describing assault, sexual and general, which can be uncomfortable. This is also a story of demonic possession, so maybe don't give it to your faint hearted friends.
July 12, 2025
The Hell Canidate asks you What if Satan ran for president... and America loved him for it?
It's a fast, fun, and crazy blend of political thriller and demonic horror. It absolutely oozes 1980s paperback energy.
It’s pulpy, paranoid, and surprisingly relevant today ..so many parallels to present day. The plot is as fast paced as you can get, the stakes escalate rapidly, and while the characters are thin, the sheer audacity of the premise makes it a blast to read through.
It's a fast, fun, and crazy blend of political thriller and demonic horror. It absolutely oozes 1980s paperback energy.
It’s pulpy, paranoid, and surprisingly relevant today ..so many parallels to present day. The plot is as fast paced as you can get, the stakes escalate rapidly, and while the characters are thin, the sheer audacity of the premise makes it a blast to read through.
July 17, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ A very good horror with some dark erotic content which I am usually not very keen on but generally book was very well written and it was very easy to read. I would definitely read more Masterton books in the future. It’s scary to think how one person (the main character) can manipulate millions of people, it makes me think that this was like a sheep was following the wolf knowing that it must end up very badly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 21, 2020Uwielbiam to uczucie, kiedy patrzę na okładkę książki i choć czytałam ją 10 lat wcześniej, to nadal pamiętam dokładnie, kiedy to było i jakie uczucia mi towarzyszyły!
Tę konkretną pozycję czytałam na wakacjach nad jeziorem i szczerze mówiąc, była całkiem przerażająca. Powinnam poczytać coś więcej od Mastertona!
Tę konkretną pozycję czytałam na wakacjach nad jeziorem i szczerze mówiąc, była całkiem przerażająca. Powinnam poczytać coś więcej od Mastertona!
August 4, 2025
Od pierwszych stron „Kandydata z piekła” zostałam porażona – to horror na miarę wielkiego mistrza: brutalny, szybki, polityczny i nadprzyrodzony zarazem. Masterton bez ogródek wprowadza nas w świat, gdzie demoniczne siły splatają się z władzą, a narastająca groteska i makabra potrafią naprawdę przytłoczyć.
November 8, 2018
Politics is Hell
What happens when Lucifer himself runs for the presidency? Murder, violence, and sexual depravity. Jack Russo, our narrator, must find a way to prevent world destruction and scheme against a president possessed by the devil himself.
What happens when Lucifer himself runs for the presidency? Murder, violence, and sexual depravity. Jack Russo, our narrator, must find a way to prevent world destruction and scheme against a president possessed by the devil himself.
October 8, 2024
Amazing 80's horror novel about a Satan possessed Republican presidential candidate. Interesting premise and great characters. Some of the candidate's actions and attitudes mirror someone in this year's election campaign.
February 9, 2021
Bardzo fajna. Trzyma w napięciu. Zakończenie wyraźne. Mimo że gruba, czyta się szybko :) Polecam!
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