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The Eighth Day: Vol.1

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Armageddon has come and gone.

Wickedness reigns.

There is no hope here.

This is The Eighth day.



Lili walks a fine line between what's real and what's not. Her religious parents try to fix her disturbing fantasies with prayers and scriptures. But Lili isn't suffering from fantasies, and her family isn't going to be able to save her as she fights for her sanity and for her life. The whispers are real, the nightmares are more than what they seem, and The Being waiting in the shadows wants to pull her into the darkness forever.

But reality is much more sinister than any of her nightmares. Lili isn't the only one who hears whispers in the dark. Her parents pray to a god who has abandoned them. The demons do not live in the bible, nor do they hide in the shadows any longer. They are in minds of men. Whispering in their ears, a part of their very souls.

The whispers become louder, the nightmares bleed into reality, and this presence refuses to be ignored.

A twisted and disturbing journey through the dark side of humanity, The Eighth Day (Vol.1) is an epic tale of extreme horror that will terrorize your waking thoughts and haunt your dreams long after you've turned your last page.

380 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2016

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M.M. Dos Santos

1 book26 followers

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5 stars
45 (39%)
4 stars
27 (23%)
3 stars
21 (18%)
2 stars
12 (10%)
1 star
8 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
1 review
July 11, 2016
This is the most messed up thing I have ever experienced. The author did an amazing job of portraying the varied points of view and thoughts of the characters, which, in my experience is something that is rarely achieved successfully.

The book follows a teenage girl named Lili that is burdened by being the target of demons, while in the meantime is being protected by the last pure of heart angel the believes she is the only one capable of cleansing the word of its corruption. Additionally, the book follows a psychopathic couple that are the epitome of evil who demonstrate just how hopeless the world is. Honestly, reading about the adventures of the couple at one point made me so sick I had to put down the book and was too disgusted to pick it back up for three days.

I found that the demons in this book were portrayed in the believable way of just wanting to screw everything up, which was refreshing from what you see in other horror novels where so much of the novel is spent explaining the weak and plot-hole prone motivations of the spirits. Characterizing the demons in such a way made them more terrifying, in my opinion, as this means that they will infest anyone and everyone just for craps and giggles. While most other content in the horror genre makes you feel more secure after finishing the movie or novel, as the demon only attacked the protagonist because they possessed a trait that made them accessible to the demon; in this book the demons can mess with anyone and can persuade them to do anything.
5 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2016
This was one of the most disturbing books I've read!!! The imagery is so astonding I felt as if I was watching a movie instead of reading print. I'm still questioning what kind of person I am. Am I really someone that cheers on the most evil of evil? So much so that I needed more? This was so well done for the authors debut that I can't wait for more. 5 star good read for sure!!!!!
1 review1 follower
June 2, 2016
It’s hard to believe The Eighth Day Vol. 1 is M M Dos Santos debut novel. The characters and plot are so well developed, and the way he keeps you engaged from the beginning are something of an established author.
M M Dos Santos did such an amazing job developing likable, relatable characters, who I sympathized with and I found myself championing no matter what side of evil they were on. I also found myself justifying certain actions by these characters, causing me to question myself and ALL of humanity!
This book starts off with some extremely deep and dark scenes, so well written I could visualize exactly what was happening, like I was watching it rather than reading it. The descriptive throughout this novel is so graphic, at times I was literally gagging as I continued to read the scene that played out in front of me. These images have stuck with me, unable to leave my mind, as I process what I have read.
The momentum gained at the beginning of the book is carried right to the end, making this book impossible to put down.
Can’t wait for Volume 2!
Profile Image for Rena.
2 reviews
June 3, 2016
This book is intoxicating. Though complex with a multitude of characters and events and time lines to keep up with, the book flows so smoothly. It takes you on a roller coaster of emotions, at times you're ready to hide the novel in the freezer and in the next moment you're laughing at the witty sarcasm peppered into it.
I've never read another novel like this one, it encompassed all my favourite aspects of different genres- extreme horror, humour, love, demons, witchcraft, historical fiction .

I will end with a plea to the author - please put out the second instalment soon!
Profile Image for Zakk Madness.
273 reviews23 followers
October 17, 2016
Readers, fans, of the horror genre are no different that fans of any other genre in that everyone has their own "thing". The aspect to a story that makes the reader tick, help them ,hopefully, connect with a book or at least become invested in the goings-on in a particular narrative. To care about the characters whose lives you have interloped. Without some level of connection true enjoyment of a book is improbable.

My "things" are pretty simple, as I am a simple reader. I dig creatures, first and foremost. Monsters, demons, beasts, all forms of gnarly baddies, or gnarly goodies for that matter. I am also into "man/ woman is the real monster" types, because lets face the facts, this is a universal truth and will be for the foreseeable future. And lastly, as a guilty pleasure, I am into discomfort. Reads that make you agitated, make you squirm. Not so much in terms of unrelenting or outlandish gore, more so in terms of trigger warnings, narratives that stand on the razors edge between lighthearted dark fiction and malice. I enjoy feeling uncomfortable while I read.

And It's not often that a book comes along that taps into all three of my criteria for an enjoyable read. Enter The Eighth Day Volume 1, the debut novel from M. M. Dos Santos and a dark, uncomfortable ride. First and foremost, The Eighth Day contains trigger warning abound. Assault, child abuse, sexual predators, pedophilia. The Eighth Day is a dark, dangerous read and won't be for everyone.
Myself, I was caught up in the interweaving narratives rather quickly, although at times the harshness of it was nearly overpowering. There's some ugly goings-on between the covers perpetrated by some ugly individuals. Equal parts fascinating and heartbreaking.

The fascinating, Lili's path as a young girl who can see things others can't. We get some of her story but I feel there's more. The heartbreaking, Albert's path as a true "man is the real monster" and monster he is. His arc will be a test for readers. As these paths begin to cross this volume closes. Which is a bit of a blessing as it gives you a moment to breathe.

Suffice to say that I am eager for Vol. 2, as I am concerned for Lily's wellbeing and what can I say, I'm a glutton for punishment.

Overall score: 4.5/ 5

Zakk is a big dumb animal!

**Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and/ or publisher and I am reviewing it voluntarily. These are my honest, unbiased feelings. I did not receive any sort of compensation.
Profile Image for Allan Wright.
Author 1 book3 followers
October 30, 2016
First time writing a review. I actually met M. M. Dos Santos at a book signing and promised to leave a review somewhere. Incredible person too, by the way, interesting, smart, funny, and was willing to discuss numerous topics.

I read this book in about a day, just couldn't put it down. Even though some of the scenes and content are graphic and disturbing, I had to push through. As other reviewers have mentioned, it does leave you at certain times questioning your own sanity due to the intense pull you feel to keep reading. In general, I was hypnotized and enthralled. This is now one of my favourite horror novels, definitely within the top three, perhaps even right at the top. The writing style has a great flow and created very vivid imagery. However, be forewarned, this book is incredibly violent and graphic. Some people may have trouble with the subject matter, especially since the book creates such incredible imagery.

The Eighth Day deals with the concept of evil in a clever way that I haven't really come across many times in narratives, especially within the horror genre. Without spoilers, the ending also through me for a loop. I'm sure people who are more clever than I am will somehow piece it together, but I was completely surprised. All in all, if you enjoy horror and can stomach the graphic content, then do yourself a favour and pick up The Eighth Day Vol.1. Can't wait for volume 2!
2 reviews
March 6, 2017
Surreal...unlike anything I've ever read before! I found myself putting it down, only to pick it back up and read more.

This book touches on so many different things from religion to witch craft and demons to the sadistic behaviors of mankind. This book is definitely not for everyone, you must be willing to accept the ugliness and truthfulness behind the storyline of the human characters. I think the hardest part to digest and accept is that the monster in the closet or under you bed is not nearly as frightening as the real monster the lives next door or down the road. The author has a gift for description, you feel, see and hear what is happening...whether you want to or not. The twists and turns, the stark differences the characters and their lives have throughout the book seem to make no sense until they suddenly do! There are still so many unanswered questions for me that I literally cannot wait for volume 2 to be released!
Profile Image for Trevor.
54 reviews
February 15, 2019
Simply put, this novel makes the worst CSI episode look like Mr. Rogers Neighborhood by comparison.
This is one terribly twisted and graphic novel, that makes you wonder if the author is themselves a serial rapist/killer.
This book should be read with the knowledge that the warning at the beginning isn't quite harsh enough. And it reads "Content includes violence towards women and children, scenes of extreme gore and violence, profanity throughout, and scenes of a sexual nature. If you have a history of depression, mental illness, or do not wish to be shocked and offended, discretion is advised."
11 reviews
June 2, 2016
The most TERRIFYING read of my life! Disturbing. M.M. uses his words to create such horrifyingly graphic scenes - leaving you wonder what is truly most terrifying in this world - what we as humans or capable of, or something that can't be seen - something more sinister.
Profile Image for Melissa McIsaac.
34 reviews3 followers
December 10, 2016
Just scary enough and just sexy enough to worm into my brain and haunt my subconscious for years
Profile Image for Ripley.
223 reviews14 followers
August 14, 2020
Have you ever wondered what the most disturbing book you've ever read is like? Well look no further. This debut novel comes with a trigger warning. The violence in this book puts most things I've read or seen to shame. Some of the topics dealt with: rape, pedophilia, incest, murder, necrophilia and more.

Lili is a teenage girl wrapped up in the occult. Demon possession leads her through a chain of events that don't end well for any one involved.

This novel is so graphic and disturbing it took me 2 years to finish. The first half is awful. Some parts were so bad i had to close the book and just walk away. The 2nd half is less graphic and more explanatory in nature. I read this much quicker and actually really liked the reason Lili is in the situation she's in. What i didn't care for is the ending. Especially the epilogue-ish last chapter. I didn't even really understand what it meant.

Would i recommend it? Probably not. It takes a special kind of person to enjoy this kind of exploitation. BUT, i read it out of curiosity after reading a brief review on it in a disturbing books article. I kind of wished i didn't though because some of those images I'll never be able to purge from my mind. So: read at your own risk...
1 review
January 15, 2018
Written both eloquently and with a rough realism, Santos’s descriptive language is easy to identify as it’s done with language we use everyday leaving you with intense imagery and a deep emotional connection. Santos captures not only the darker side of her characters but that dark corner of yourself. The charisma of her ‘evil’ characters oozes out of the pages and leaves you wondering why you don’t hate them. You end up not only questioning what is happening in the story but questioning yourself. Like every great read you’re left with more questions than answers at the end.
Santos is brilliant and joins my list of asshole writers who I’m now waiting on to release their next installation.
1 review
October 29, 2016
This book was extremely twisted gory and down right f'd and I loved it. M.M. Dos Santos did a great job of making me feel uncomfortable with what I was reading but I was unable to put it down!

I don't know if I have ever been so disturbed and intrigued by a book. I want so badly for the good to prevail but the sick twisted evil to be painfully shredded to bits and destroyed. I just kept reading thinking something goods going to happen... it has to right? But I really don't know. Will it? Just makes me think how messed up humanity really is. Basic good vs evil and I keep on rooting for the good.

I'm looking forward to learning more about the past in the following novels. The little glimpses and tidbits already given have me so intrigued. I cant wait to see what other messed up scenarios come up next.

I blew through this book in no time and finished it in the wee hours of the morning. It left me wanting more and I can't wait for what comes next!
Profile Image for Lisa Davidson.
1 review1 follower
February 28, 2017
I love horror novels but nothing I have ever read was able to keep me interested so I move on to other genres. I met this author at a bookstore in Edmonton and the second a read the back I had to purchase it. This book is 100% the scariest and goriest book I have ever opened. There were some chapters when I had to put it down because I couldn't believe what I had just read, but that only lasted for a couple of minutes and then I had to pick it up again. I was so impressed with the plot and the way this author was able bring each scenario together to make for one hell of story, if you want to read a book that is amazingly well written and that has enough horror and gore to scare your pants off but still keep you hooked page after page, pick this book up you won't be disappointed, not for those with weak stomachs that's for sure. Well done Dos Santos, Well done !!!!
Profile Image for Tam.
3 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2017
This book is absolutely not for the faint of heart. Please head the author's warning. It is some seriously messed up stuff in the best way possible. If you love gory horror, and intriguing plots, this book is for you. I loved the way the story came together and how it freaks you out while sucking you in. It was a constant struggle between wanting to know what would happen next and needing a break from it. This is a great book for those who liked the Merciless, especially if you want something more robust and adult.
1 review
August 30, 2017
I absolutely loved this book...but I have to say that it is definitely not for everyone (I actually told my husband that he wasn't allowed to read it!). I say this only because this genre is an acquired taste and that she did such a PHENOMENAL job describing the horrific scenes, that it feels very real. So if you don't have an appreciation for splatterpunk, don't read it. But if you do, you will not want it to end.
The realism was intense, and as a Police officer who has "seen some things", the book was not far from reality.
Well written, gritty and enticing! Pick it up, IF you dare!!!
3 reviews
July 3, 2018
Y’all let me tell you something about this book.. you will think about this book weeks later getting yourself your overpriced coffee in the morning. I mean, IT HAS A WARNING (well deserved btw)! Not going to lie I did roll my eyes when I saw the warning. How bad can it be? Wrong. Wrong. Wroonnnnngggg. I was a this sweet innocent reader going in and when I came out, I came out with my tail between my legs and scars all over.

It’s not a book I would recommend but still read it if you are a fan of horror.

Profile Image for Brad N.
1 review1 follower
August 22, 2017
This book has me from the get go! It sucked me in so deep I could hear, taste, feel, experience everything as every character. The raw emotions burning inside, the pain and pleasure it brought at once... Churning the bile in my stomach while making me smile and long for more at the same time...
Such an amazing read, fantastic writing, and I want more!
Profile Image for Tiffany Martin.
2 reviews
September 15, 2017
M.M.Dos Santos is incredibly talented. The Eighth Day is horror at its finest. You really do wonder what kind of person you are for reading and enjoying such a book. The writing is so well done, I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. Horrifying, gore, terror...not for the faint of heart! Can not wait for the second volume!
Profile Image for Kathy.
5 reviews
January 24, 2023
Nope, Nope and just nope. I thought because I can read Stephen King I could read this book. After a very disturbing chapter that is still stuck in my head I had to dnf this book. I had a hard time wrapping my head around how someone could write the scene. Not my kind of book but does live up to the horror warning on the back.
1 review1 follower
January 22, 2021
I’ve never read anything quite like this. A graphic, well written nightmare. I don’t understand the one stars stating this book is graphic and violent. In the first page of the book it warns it is an extreme graphic and violent story. No room for self righteousness. Mind the warning.
Profile Image for Maddy Jacobson.
11 reviews
February 2, 2022
Horribly distasteful in a GREAT way. So gross and disturbing that I could not put it down. Do not read if you have any concerns cuz this book is 10x worse than you could ever imagine. Well written but just EXTREMELY disturbing.
142 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2026
I hated this book on so many levels. I was born and raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, and everything about this book is retarded. Why pick that religion, and do zero research on it. Anyways, ewwww, I hate this book.
Profile Image for Tracy Griffin.
27 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2018
Unbelievably dark and horrifying...the knife keeps twisting until the bitter end. Brilliant first novel!
Profile Image for Jenny.
100 reviews9 followers
April 9, 2024
The book started off good but then I got a bit bored with it, although I’m wanting to find out what happens, I don’t care enough to read the next book
Profile Image for Danny.
17 reviews
March 3, 2017
Got book because i never seen one with a disclaimer before and beautiful cover. Very descriptive. A little confusing at first but wraps up in the end. Good book
Profile Image for Alyssa.
Author 12 books73 followers
November 8, 2016
As my warning states, this book is not for everyone. It's of the horror genre, but I wouldn't quite call it horror. The Eighth Day, by M. M. Dos Santos is a book like no other. The story is really three in one, I guess. It focuses on a girl and her family's strict Jehovah's Witness practices. Lili's hearing voices and seeing things that no teenager should see, but she's not the only one. Other people about the area and things hear them too. They all play a particular part in the message that's being sent and all of it is vulgar, violent and disgusting. For example, one of the characters, Arnold is being lead by voices to play with his victims. But his idea of playing is torturing and brutally raping girls and women, then mutilating them.

All of this is supposedly taking place because Armageddon has come and gone with no appearance from God. Each occurrence is part of a plan taking root, by the demons who reside on earth.
​
This book, to me, could have been magnificent. The premise wasn't lost on me, but the way it was carried out and the things that took place, were monstrous! None of it made me squirm or fidget, it was purely disgusting. I won't say what he did, but when you think on all the cruelty in the world, then read what this guy does- it was too much for me. That's not scary. That's sickening. Very, very sickening.
I'm not going to lie, this book did nothing for me. There have been just two books that were so gross, I was unhappy with them, and one I stopped reading. It was not entertainment to me and the horror wasn't horror at all. Well, let me rephrase that: What took place was horrific but not the kind I enjoy reading about. It took me way too long to read this because I couldn't look forward to it.

I didn't like any of the characters and I couldn't care for them one bit. None were even likable. The main character, Lili was in complete denial, whether she was agnostic, a Jehovah’s Witness or whatever she’d imagined. And she knew playing with the demonic readings only invited the nightmares, but she did it anyway. As for Arnold, the character who enjoyed raping and mutilating women, he was pure evil to the core. The author tried to explain why he was the way he was, but it didn’t help to care for him either.
I'm sorry, I have nothing good to really say on this book, but the author was very creative and knew what he wanted to bring about. It simply wasn't for me.
I'm off to the next read!
*Full review: www.areneehunt.com
The Eighth Day
M. M. Dos Santos
M. M. Dos Santos, Amazon Digital Services
June 1, 2016
Profile Image for Ember.
9 reviews
October 10, 2023
I'm struggling with how to rate this book as far as writing style, form and subject it is well done! It is compelling, well written and visceral, however, I couldn't finish it due to horrific descriptive sexual violence. I understand the author wanting to show these very disgusting and horrible things to really bring home the depravity of humanity and that the world truly has been abandoned to the demons. I just could not put myself through it and don't believe that sort of brutal description is necessary to get a story accross. The book does come with a trigger warning, so guess I was warned.

There also was racism and insensitive language unnecessarily used by omniscient narrator.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews