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Hell's Gates
**I received a copy of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway**
Hell’s Gates combines the chilling tone of H. P. Lovecraft’s writing with the dread-inducing pace of a Stephen King novel, resulting in a supernatural horror story that will keep you riveted from start to finish.
Author Mary Masters sets the tone with a prologue that recounts the bizarre events of the past twenty-five years involving Jason Torrent; a powerful, glowing golden mask; and the deaths of the sinister Thorn Mastema and his daughter, Sameal.
Now, Sheriff Chris Samuels has come to this small town because it appears to be the perfect place to raise his children and finish out his career in peace.
But appearances can be deceiving.
One by one, strange happenings occur, conjured up by the same evil that had emanated from the looming Mastema mansion on that fateful night long ago. A cloaked figure in the cemetery; holy water that freezes solid; undue interest in the birth of a certain child…it will all lead Chris and his colleagues into an epic battle against demonic forces at the gates of hell—and beyond!
Hell’s Gates combines the chilling tone of H. P. Lovecraft’s writing with the dread-inducing pace of a Stephen King novel, resulting in a supernatural horror story that will keep you riveted from start to finish.
Author Mary Masters sets the tone with a prologue that recounts the bizarre events of the past twenty-five years involving Jason Torrent; a powerful, glowing golden mask; and the deaths of the sinister Thorn Mastema and his daughter, Sameal.
Now, Sheriff Chris Samuels has come to this small town because it appears to be the perfect place to raise his children and finish out his career in peace.
But appearances can be deceiving.
One by one, strange happenings occur, conjured up by the same evil that had emanated from the looming Mastema mansion on that fateful night long ago. A cloaked figure in the cemetery; holy water that freezes solid; undue interest in the birth of a certain child…it will all lead Chris and his colleagues into an epic battle against demonic forces at the gates of hell—and beyond!
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First published October 23, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 10, 2015
Review - 5 Stars
I have not read such a good horror story in many years, it was on a par to The Exorcist, well written, gripping, gory at times but necessary to preserve the continuity in the story. The characters were terrific and believable.
The Author did a marvellous job, I was riveted to the kindle, eyes wide open, wishing I could read even faster (and I am not a slow reader lol).
I have never read any of this author's work, but I will certainly be looking out for more from her, this was a masterpiece in my opinion.
http://lilianflesher.blogspot.co.uk/
I have not read such a good horror story in many years, it was on a par to The Exorcist, well written, gripping, gory at times but necessary to preserve the continuity in the story. The characters were terrific and believable.
The Author did a marvellous job, I was riveted to the kindle, eyes wide open, wishing I could read even faster (and I am not a slow reader lol).
I have never read any of this author's work, but I will certainly be looking out for more from her, this was a masterpiece in my opinion.
http://lilianflesher.blogspot.co.uk/
July 15, 2018
Creepy
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Overall, I enjoyed the storyline, the characters and the pacing of the book. I also found it to be a tad bit creepy. The only reason this was a 3 star book for me was because most of the twists were predictable. It did make it a little harder to connect. It did remind me of more classic horror stories from the 50’s and 60’s. It was a bit campy which I loved. I will recommending this to a few of my friends.
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Overall, I enjoyed the storyline, the characters and the pacing of the book. I also found it to be a tad bit creepy. The only reason this was a 3 star book for me was because most of the twists were predictable. It did make it a little harder to connect. It did remind me of more classic horror stories from the 50’s and 60’s. It was a bit campy which I loved. I will recommending this to a few of my friends.
November 17, 2015
Instantly, I wanted to like this book. Createspace is a place that allows aspiring writers to self publish. Great idea, but just having a good story isn't enough to make you a successful author. While a pretty decent old fashioned horror story, I was disappointed by the writing and the lack of editing. Very juvenile and predictable. Reminiscent of a campy horror film with horrible puns and terrible fake gore. I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaway.
March 14, 2018
I received this as a giveaway and it was so good, that I would have had no problem paying full price. I am unsure of the Stephen King comparisons but this is old school horror done right. I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone that yearns for the old days.
May 30, 2018
A promising premise that fell short for me.
When I read the blurb for the description I thought the book sounded so creepy and promising. I may be in the minority but this one just didn't deliver and fell flat for me. The many characters were so one dimensional, just names & the vaguest of description I couldn't remember from one chapter to the next who was who, even backtracking to try & get them straight. The pregnant woman was the easiest to remember simply due to her pregnancy. There was so much promise that could have happened with the plot had it not been all over the place with entirely too many plot side stories (zombies?!Ughhh!!) & once started the story felt extremely rushed, especially at the end. For me this was a 2&1/2*-3*, not sure if this was the author's first book (apologies). But I would try the author again as she obviously has unique ideas, just needs to work on fleshing out characters, pacing and not having too many different things going on instead of digging in and giving a more indepth story/background on an already good idea. In my humble opinion the potential is there with work on her craft and a good editor.
Many thanks to Goodreads, I won a Kindle copy in a Goodreads giveaway. *While I was gifted a copy this in no way influenced my review, all thoughts & opinions are my own.*
When I read the blurb for the description I thought the book sounded so creepy and promising. I may be in the minority but this one just didn't deliver and fell flat for me. The many characters were so one dimensional, just names & the vaguest of description I couldn't remember from one chapter to the next who was who, even backtracking to try & get them straight. The pregnant woman was the easiest to remember simply due to her pregnancy. There was so much promise that could have happened with the plot had it not been all over the place with entirely too many plot side stories (zombies?!Ughhh!!) & once started the story felt extremely rushed, especially at the end. For me this was a 2&1/2*-3*, not sure if this was the author's first book (apologies). But I would try the author again as she obviously has unique ideas, just needs to work on fleshing out characters, pacing and not having too many different things going on instead of digging in and giving a more indepth story/background on an already good idea. In my humble opinion the potential is there with work on her craft and a good editor.
Many thanks to Goodreads, I won a Kindle copy in a Goodreads giveaway. *While I was gifted a copy this in no way influenced my review, all thoughts & opinions are my own.*
August 6, 2020
I received a free copy of this book through a goodreads first reads giveaway.
(There's a typo on the back of the book, come on!)
Immediately I did not like this book. It starts off being over descriptive to make up how unbelievable and over the top it was. I think it was supposed to be a thrilling and dramatic opening but it killed the book for me before it started.
It was really hard to get into the book when most of the characters came off as pathetic or hateful (and these weren't even the devil worshippers?!!!). And the choice of villain was laughable. He's the kind of guy whose coffee you'd spit in at work. I never thought a scene involving a dead baby would make me laugh.....but it, because it was really that bad, so so cheesy. Same goes for the scene in the graveyard with the skeleton. After these parts of the book I started to wonder if the book was a joke about horror films that I was missing by a mile but apparently not.
To sum it up this book is like every bad horror film made involving the devil, resurrection/sacrifice, soul exchange and ending the world via hell. Just don't read it.
(There's a typo on the back of the book, come on!)
Immediately I did not like this book. It starts off being over descriptive to make up how unbelievable and over the top it was. I think it was supposed to be a thrilling and dramatic opening but it killed the book for me before it started.
It was really hard to get into the book when most of the characters came off as pathetic or hateful (and these weren't even the devil worshippers?!!!). And the choice of villain was laughable. He's the kind of guy whose coffee you'd spit in at work. I never thought a scene involving a dead baby would make me laugh.....but it, because it was really that bad, so so cheesy. Same goes for the scene in the graveyard with the skeleton. After these parts of the book I started to wonder if the book was a joke about horror films that I was missing by a mile but apparently not.
To sum it up this book is like every bad horror film made involving the devil, resurrection/sacrifice, soul exchange and ending the world via hell. Just don't read it.
April 30, 2019
I won this book on Goodreads (Kindle version) and Amazon for an honest review.
I will try my best to put down in words how great I think this book is. This book gives the horror genre a true run for its money. Not in many years, movies, or books have I come across such a great horror story. This is an edge of your seat, cannot put down, nail-biting type of story that keeps you flipping page after page. The author did a great job of creating characters that you find yourself caring about what their outcome will be. The story is even and steady at first and ramps up to skin crawling, yelling at the characters to "get out of there", so you almost can't breathe.
If you are a horror, supernatural, just plain scary story fan, I recommend this book for you. This author is very good at putting down a terrifying story that keeps you wanting to come back for more. I have not read anything from this author before. However, I look forward to reading her works in the future, Yes it is that good.
I will try my best to put down in words how great I think this book is. This book gives the horror genre a true run for its money. Not in many years, movies, or books have I come across such a great horror story. This is an edge of your seat, cannot put down, nail-biting type of story that keeps you flipping page after page. The author did a great job of creating characters that you find yourself caring about what their outcome will be. The story is even and steady at first and ramps up to skin crawling, yelling at the characters to "get out of there", so you almost can't breathe.
If you are a horror, supernatural, just plain scary story fan, I recommend this book for you. This author is very good at putting down a terrifying story that keeps you wanting to come back for more. I have not read anything from this author before. However, I look forward to reading her works in the future, Yes it is that good.
August 15, 2016
WOW does not even begin to describe HELL'S GATE BY MARY MASTERS! I give it a ten out of ten on the old creepy story meter! From the first page to the very end HELL'S GATE takes you into a town where when you say "The devil made me do it" is taken literally. I haven't been this scared reading a book since Stephen King's Salem's Lot hit the shelves many moons ago.
Set in a little town where things just start falling apart piece by piece and things literally go to the devil, the "good guys" of the story are trying to save the day and the devil wants their souls along with the rest of the towns.
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If you want to be scared out of you socks then you have to read HELL'S GATE BY MARY MASTERS.
I recieved this book from goodreads free in exchange for honest and non biased review
Set in a little town where things just start falling apart piece by piece and things literally go to the devil, the "good guys" of the story are trying to save the day and the devil wants their souls along with the rest of the towns.
-
If you want to be scared out of you socks then you have to read HELL'S GATE BY MARY MASTERS.
I recieved this book from goodreads free in exchange for honest and non biased review
November 12, 2018
As others have stated, there is nothing new about this story. It proceeds and ends exactly as one would expect. Many characters are one dimensional, and their roles and backgrounds are never explained.
What surprised me is that a female author wrote a book without a single strong female character. All the women do in this book is serve tea, watch soaps, nag their husbands, go shopping, sleep around, and eventually turn into demons. All the “heroes” are men. I don’t need a woman to be the main focus of any book, but it’s jarring to read a book in 2018 in which the author can’t find anything worthwhile for any female character to do.
What surprised me is that a female author wrote a book without a single strong female character. All the women do in this book is serve tea, watch soaps, nag their husbands, go shopping, sleep around, and eventually turn into demons. All the “heroes” are men. I don’t need a woman to be the main focus of any book, but it’s jarring to read a book in 2018 in which the author can’t find anything worthwhile for any female character to do.
May 10, 2015
REVIEW: HE'LL' S GATES by Mary Masters
I really enjoyed this novel, which reminded me of the classic Horror fiction I devoured in the '50's and '60's. The story line utilizes the Satan v. Roman Catholic Church axis (remember THE EXORCIST, but not so common any more). The author sets up a logical progression tor evil [Satan] to encroach upon the earth, and adds flair with each stage. I was caught up from the first few sentences. True, it's not for the faint of heart of the queasy of stomach, but I truly enjoyed and recommend.
I really enjoyed this novel, which reminded me of the classic Horror fiction I devoured in the '50's and '60's. The story line utilizes the Satan v. Roman Catholic Church axis (remember THE EXORCIST, but not so common any more). The author sets up a logical progression tor evil [Satan] to encroach upon the earth, and adds flair with each stage. I was caught up from the first few sentences. True, it's not for the faint of heart of the queasy of stomach, but I truly enjoyed and recommend.
September 24, 2015
Quite a good horror story.
October 22, 2017
This book was excellent. I could not put it down. I hope Mary Masters writes another one.
October 29, 2018
I won this book from Goodreads I must say this is one book that I enjoyed reading. The end of each chapter would leave me hanging. I would need to read the next chapter and the chapter after that because I needed to read to find out what happened. There was suspense, danger and horror. Mary Master is of my favorite authors from now on. If you are looking for a.very good book this is it. The only thing that I did not like the book ended.
I won this book from Goodreads. I must say this is one book that I enjoyed reading. The end of each chapter would leave me hanging. I would need read the next chapter and the chapter after that.because I couldn't put the book down. There was suspense, danger and horror. Mary Master s is definitely one of my favorite authors. I am sure you will not be disappointed.
I won this book from Goodreads. I must say this is one book that I enjoyed reading. The end of each chapter would leave me hanging. I would need read the next chapter and the chapter after that.because I couldn't put the book down. There was suspense, danger and horror. Mary Master s is definitely one of my favorite authors. I am sure you will not be disappointed.
November 8, 2017
I am extremely happy to say that I've found another horror author that I thoroughly enjoy. I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway and picked it up with a bit of trepidation. The reason for that is, so often books with this subject matter, tend to become overblown and so convoluted with demonic imagery, vile rituals and an overall sense of evil and satanism, that it almost overrides what could be a good story. This is not the case with this book. I enjoyed every minute and at times, felt like I was in retro mode, as this gave me the feel of early Stephen King books. I really miss those types of books and this one has it all - small town characters with their idiosyncrasies and interrelationships, as well as a hometown feel. In amongst this, is a pervading sense of evil and doom. I haven't read anything else by this author yet, but I will certainly check out more of her work.
April 29, 2018
DNF 33%
As a fan of both Stephen King and HP Lovecraft, I found the book's blurb quite enticing. Unfortunately, the book itself was a bit of a disappointment. The text has little of Lovecraft's penchant for dense descriptors and subtextual cosmic dread, nor does it give he reader the slow descent into terror as is Mr. King's forte.
The slow pacing means that little actually happens in the first part of the book, and what does occur doesn't inspire the creeping dread that makes horror books so much fun to read. The book reads more like a simple cult horror paperback from the later half of the 20th century, but lacks the sheer mad fun of the best of that genre. In all, not the best entry into the horror genre.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
As a fan of both Stephen King and HP Lovecraft, I found the book's blurb quite enticing. Unfortunately, the book itself was a bit of a disappointment. The text has little of Lovecraft's penchant for dense descriptors and subtextual cosmic dread, nor does it give he reader the slow descent into terror as is Mr. King's forte.
The slow pacing means that little actually happens in the first part of the book, and what does occur doesn't inspire the creeping dread that makes horror books so much fun to read. The book reads more like a simple cult horror paperback from the later half of the 20th century, but lacks the sheer mad fun of the best of that genre. In all, not the best entry into the horror genre.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2018
The Mask of Satan
Anyone who possess the golden mask of Satan can open the six portals of hell. Local philanthropist Jason Torrent has the mask and uses it. He intends to become immortal with the help of the fallen angel and begins a rampage of death to please his master. The local priest, local sheriff, and other assorted locals band together to stop him. Can you ever really stop Satan? The next time I hear thunder I may wonder - is it a storm or a portal opening? I won this from Goodreads.
Anyone who possess the golden mask of Satan can open the six portals of hell. Local philanthropist Jason Torrent has the mask and uses it. He intends to become immortal with the help of the fallen angel and begins a rampage of death to please his master. The local priest, local sheriff, and other assorted locals band together to stop him. Can you ever really stop Satan? The next time I hear thunder I may wonder - is it a storm or a portal opening? I won this from Goodreads.
July 30, 2017
I entered to win this on Goodreads because I enjoy horror and possession stories in the vein of The Omen. This was a decent little story, it moved quickly. It was fairly predictable, being a typical example of the genre. It didn't have any surprises in it for veterans of this kind of story. The characterization was pretty good, though occasionally the protagonists seemed a bit flat. I enjoyed it, but it didn't blow me away.
October 22, 2017
I received this book for free from a goodreads giveaway.
I enjoyed this book for the most part at first. It definitely feels a bit like a rough draft, a few things felt like it could be flushed out a bit more. There were a few intriguing twists and turns and it was a pretty violent book. However, I didn’t feel scared. I think it didn’t quite hit its mark on that. With a little tweaking and some plot building this could be terrifying. Still not a bad read.
I enjoyed this book for the most part at first. It definitely feels a bit like a rough draft, a few things felt like it could be flushed out a bit more. There were a few intriguing twists and turns and it was a pretty violent book. However, I didn’t feel scared. I think it didn’t quite hit its mark on that. With a little tweaking and some plot building this could be terrifying. Still not a bad read.
November 20, 2017
This book, to me, was like watching a horror movie when everybody is screaming, "no, don't open the door", or " don't turn your back". I was mentally telling the good guys,"what's the matter with you, can't you see they're not who you think?" Gets real exciting in places. The ending was also like a movie, leaves an opening for a sequel. All In all a pretty darn good read. I got this book free from goodreads giveaways. Glad I did.
October 25, 2017
A great story with a great build up. I struggled a little keeping up with all the characters at first, but I think that probably has more to do with my poor memory than the book. It was definitely a creepy tale, cleverly woven and with really great imagery. I could see this making a really good film.
November 29, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway
OMG...what an Creepy read which for me is a wonderful thing. I have grown up with horror movies and horror books.
This book had me awake throughout the night. I was a bit scared to get up and go to the other room afterward which I knew made a huge impact on me.
Thank you so much Mary Masters for the fright!!!
OMG...what an Creepy read which for me is a wonderful thing. I have grown up with horror movies and horror books.
This book had me awake throughout the night. I was a bit scared to get up and go to the other room afterward which I knew made a huge impact on me.
Thank you so much Mary Masters for the fright!!!
January 10, 2019
I won this book in one of the giveaways. I appreciate receiving the book but found it to be a disappointment. Characters were difficult to remember because few were developed to any extent.
The concluding scenes were well described but I found the book somewhat boring until it got to the actual "attack".
The concluding scenes were well described but I found the book somewhat boring until it got to the actual "attack".
January 27, 2019
I received an online copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Overall, I really enjoyed the story. The beginning moved a little slowly for me and there were a lot of characters to keep track of and remember. Once the story got going, it definitely kept my attention, was spooky, and gory!
June 23, 2019
This book was pretty ridiculous. I thought many times that I should stop reading it. The character development was poor to the point where I couldn’t remember who was who. The book switched from demons and devils to more like zombies. Then things happened almost like teleportation. It really was just ridiculous, and I definitely would not recommend it.
June 12, 2017
This was a book I received through Goodreads Giveaways.
Overall the book was OK. It took me a while to get into this book. Starts off slow and builds. I couldn't keep all the different characters straight but overall the reading was easy.
Overall the book was OK. It took me a while to get into this book. Starts off slow and builds. I couldn't keep all the different characters straight but overall the reading was easy.
March 17, 2018
Old-time horror
This book reminded me of the scary horror books I read growing up! It was an entertaining read, some surprises, some twists. I have outgrown this form of horror by many years but it was good to go back and visit.
This book reminded me of the scary horror books I read growing up! It was an entertaining read, some surprises, some twists. I have outgrown this form of horror by many years but it was good to go back and visit.
March 20, 2018
The Gates of Hell Closed
What a spine tingling novel!!! Darkness is always attempting to end the good in our hearts. Mary wrote a thrilling novel, that will keep you turning the pages.
What a spine tingling novel!!! Darkness is always attempting to end the good in our hearts. Mary wrote a thrilling novel, that will keep you turning the pages.
April 7, 2018
I received this book for free through GoodReads Giveaways.
I enjoyed this book. It was a bit creepy at times, but but few important plot points happened a bit too abruptly in my opinion. Classic good vs. evil.
I enjoyed this book. It was a bit creepy at times, but but few important plot points happened a bit too abruptly in my opinion. Classic good vs. evil.
September 18, 2022
An "old time" horror novel, good vs evil, tis book has some twists and turns and is very entertaining. Ms Masters certainly wrote a page turner. The only bug-bear I had about this book was that it was a little predictable. Having said that I would recommend a visit to Hell's Gates.
April 5, 2018
I won this book on Goodreads
Hooks you from the start. Good old fashioned scare!
Hooks you from the start. Good old fashioned scare!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews