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What Immortal Hand
Michael is called of God; just not that God.
What begins as a routine investigation of a hijacked truck turns into a desperate and personal quest for memories, faith, and meaning. The answers to these, for Michael Oswald, like the strangled cries of a thousand murdered travelers, is found in the dark heart of an ancient cult of killers.
Literary and dark, What Immortal Hand is a road trip across American wastelands and into the depths of spiritual darkness, where the Dark Mother, Kali, has set up house in the New World, and her children, the Thuggee cult of ancient India, are alive and thriving.
Well researched and imagined, in the tradition of Dan Simmons’ Song of Kali, throbbing with symbolism and epic undertones, What Immortal Hand answer’s William’s Blake famous question from The Tyger: “What immortal hand or eye, Could frame thy fearful symmetry?” It is the Goddess Kali, consort of Shiva, Lord of Destruction. Through her worshipers, the Faithful Tigers—The Thugs of old, she culls the roads of travelers and prepares the fires of renewal.
What begins as a routine investigation of a hijacked truck turns into a desperate and personal quest for memories, faith, and meaning. The answers to these, for Michael Oswald, like the strangled cries of a thousand murdered travelers, is found in the dark heart of an ancient cult of killers.
Literary and dark, What Immortal Hand is a road trip across American wastelands and into the depths of spiritual darkness, where the Dark Mother, Kali, has set up house in the New World, and her children, the Thuggee cult of ancient India, are alive and thriving.
Well researched and imagined, in the tradition of Dan Simmons’ Song of Kali, throbbing with symbolism and epic undertones, What Immortal Hand answer’s William’s Blake famous question from The Tyger: “What immortal hand or eye, Could frame thy fearful symmetry?” It is the Goddess Kali, consort of Shiva, Lord of Destruction. Through her worshipers, the Faithful Tigers—The Thugs of old, she culls the roads of travelers and prepares the fires of renewal.
- GenresHorror
318 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2017
9 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Johnny Worthen
61 books145 followersJohnny Worthen is an award-winning, best-selling author of books and stories. A Utah Writer of the Year. Trained in modern literary criticism and cultural studies, he writes upmarket multi-genre fiction, symbolized by his love of tie-dye and good words. “I write what I like to read,” he says. “This guarantees me at least one fan.”
Johnny is best known (so far) for his award winning, nationally acclaimed, best-selling young adult novel, ELEANOR, THE UNSEEN. It is a great book and if you haven’t read it, you need to. Johnny’s debut novel, the adult occult thriller, BEATRYSEL along with its companion story DR. STUART’S HEART explores the darker sides of love and Magick.
CELESTE, THE UNSEEN BOOK 2, continues Eleanor’s story as she tries to maintain a life in Jamesford, while distant events and local suspicion conspire to threaten everything. DAVID, THE UNSEEN BOOK 3, sees the powerful transformative conclusion of this awarding series as Eleanor learns her past and builds her future.
Johnny’s entry into mystery with THE BRAND DEMAND won a Silver Quill Award from the League of Utah Writers in the best novel category, while, his genre-bending comedy noire, THE FINGER TRAP, introduces Tony Flaner, a flawed slacker every-man detective who can’t throw a punch but can slay a room with sarcasm.
Johnny's short stories appear in a number of anthologies including the Dark Fiction LITTLE VISIBLE DELIGHT (The Point), Utah Horror, OLD SCRATCH AND OWL HOOTS (Keep Sweet), IT CAME FROM THE GREAT SALT LAKE (May 15th), Utah Fantasy, SECRETS & DOORS (A Thousand Secret Doors), HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT (The Lost Curse of the Witch's Nest) and the limited edition commemorate Salt Lake Comic Con anthology HEROIC: TALES OF THE EXTRAORDINARY (The Grape Whisperer).
Johnny lectures and teaches about writing and life whenever anyone will listen. He edits professionally for Omnium Gatherum, a dark fiction press. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife, sons and a cat.
Johnny is best known (so far) for his award winning, nationally acclaimed, best-selling young adult novel, ELEANOR, THE UNSEEN. It is a great book and if you haven’t read it, you need to. Johnny’s debut novel, the adult occult thriller, BEATRYSEL along with its companion story DR. STUART’S HEART explores the darker sides of love and Magick.
CELESTE, THE UNSEEN BOOK 2, continues Eleanor’s story as she tries to maintain a life in Jamesford, while distant events and local suspicion conspire to threaten everything. DAVID, THE UNSEEN BOOK 3, sees the powerful transformative conclusion of this awarding series as Eleanor learns her past and builds her future.
Johnny’s entry into mystery with THE BRAND DEMAND won a Silver Quill Award from the League of Utah Writers in the best novel category, while, his genre-bending comedy noire, THE FINGER TRAP, introduces Tony Flaner, a flawed slacker every-man detective who can’t throw a punch but can slay a room with sarcasm.
Johnny's short stories appear in a number of anthologies including the Dark Fiction LITTLE VISIBLE DELIGHT (The Point), Utah Horror, OLD SCRATCH AND OWL HOOTS (Keep Sweet), IT CAME FROM THE GREAT SALT LAKE (May 15th), Utah Fantasy, SECRETS & DOORS (A Thousand Secret Doors), HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT (The Lost Curse of the Witch's Nest) and the limited edition commemorate Salt Lake Comic Con anthology HEROIC: TALES OF THE EXTRAORDINARY (The Grape Whisperer).
Johnny lectures and teaches about writing and life whenever anyone will listen. He edits professionally for Omnium Gatherum, a dark fiction press. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife, sons and a cat.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 3, 2017
What Immortal Hand by Johnny Worthen is a brilliant novel. It’s a cross between Neil Gaiman’s American Gods and vintage Stephen King. It’s literary horror, but are the main character’s visions/fever dreams proof of his madness, or is he being shown the future and the past by Kali, the Goddess of Death?
Michael Oswald is a tough investigator going down a dark road. A mystery to find a missing person becomes a personal journey as Michael learns about his demons.
The main character is extremely well crafted, the writing is impressive and engaging. The story pulled me into the Nevada badlands at 90 miles an hour. It made me think and wonder, and want to read more. I loved it.
September 30, 2017
“What Immortal Hand.” Some embrace the light, others seek the dark. But Michael Oswald espouses whatever comes naturally. Call it good or bad, it’s simply human. This road trip through Utah, Nevada, and California detours through the depths of a man’s soul. Mile after mile, the true horror lies within, as everything is fair game, nothing is sacred; unless it is. The prose are smart, witty, and subtle. The story drives at a methodical pace, like the cement seams of the highway lulling you into a false sense of security, tha-thump-tha-thump-tha-thumping, all the while accelerating it’s engine to push you over the cliff. Many times, I stopped reading to look at the front cover to remind myself I wasn’t reading a Tony Hillerman novel. No, Detective Chee was not in this story, but What Immortal Hand could be it’s long lost cousin from Eastern lands; equally thrilling, mezmorizing, and well written. I read late into the night because I had to know. Bravo. I recommend this book and can’t wait to read more by Johnny Worthen.
August 30, 2017
I can’t say I “liked” this story the whole time, but it is a well-crafted work of art. The story begins with Michael Oswald, an insurance claim investigator, searching for a missing truck driver and his cargo. He drives all over Nevada and Utah and Northern California. I had just finished this drive myself when I started the book. (I even have family in Alturas.)
It starts off as a mystery but things are a little off. Why are all these people calling him “J” names? And why does he keep losing time? The story gradually goes into something really dark—mass murder, cults, and a forgotten past.
There’s some occasional strong language and occasional sexual content. I received a free ARC for review, so I hope the copy editing isn’t finished yet.
It starts off as a mystery but things are a little off. Why are all these people calling him “J” names? And why does he keep losing time? The story gradually goes into something really dark—mass murder, cults, and a forgotten past.
There’s some occasional strong language and occasional sexual content. I received a free ARC for review, so I hope the copy editing isn’t finished yet.
September 8, 2017
Dark, beautiful, and harrowing, Johnny Worthen takes his readers on a journey they'll never forget. Like a great mystery, there are hints sprinkled throughout the book that reveal what this story is really about: creation, preservation, and destruction. Mostly destruction.
When I started reading What Immortal Hand, I had no idea what to expect. Even now, I couldn't begin to try and put it into a category and find myself at a loss for words when describing it to others. At times it is lovely and heart-breaking and others it is terrifying and gritty. Johnny walks the line between reality and fantasy, reverence and disregard, good and evil, blurring everything together into one profound story that will haunt you for the rest of your life.
When I started reading What Immortal Hand, I had no idea what to expect. Even now, I couldn't begin to try and put it into a category and find myself at a loss for words when describing it to others. At times it is lovely and heart-breaking and others it is terrifying and gritty. Johnny walks the line between reality and fantasy, reverence and disregard, good and evil, blurring everything together into one profound story that will haunt you for the rest of your life.
July 29, 2017
I really went down the rabbit hole to write this one, beginning with a simple road thriller and ending in the depths of philosophical destruction. I consider it one of my best. It is a psychological and theological horror. Adult, literary, and haunting.
September 21, 2017
How do I negotiate rooting for a murderer? Breathlessly anticipating and then being elated by the acceptance into a family of unrelenting cruelty?
Is it like, NIMBY? I support what you're doing and why you're doing it, just leave me and mine alone? Maybe. Of course, you can't support a streak and not accept that you, too, will soon be dead. And very likely at the hands of those you condone.
And why was Craig named enemy?
There's nothing better than reading a book that takes you somewhere you aren't expecting to go. So many times, I've been let down by a story seeming to twist a different way than I do, but in the end it corkscrews back into boredom and predicability. What Immortal Hand twisted and kept twisting, snagging at the bits of my brain that need to understand and care for others. That want only the best for everyone. That hope each person succeeds in their greatest desire. Even when that desire is crushing a windpipe and squeezing out essence of kidney by hand to make a sugary paste. I loved this book. I don't want to know these people or even glimpse a dark halo. I don't want them to be betrayed either. I'm so confused. I shock myself.
How can I have such a strong bond with so little glue?
Is it like, NIMBY? I support what you're doing and why you're doing it, just leave me and mine alone? Maybe. Of course, you can't support a streak and not accept that you, too, will soon be dead. And very likely at the hands of those you condone.
And why was Craig named enemy?
There's nothing better than reading a book that takes you somewhere you aren't expecting to go. So many times, I've been let down by a story seeming to twist a different way than I do, but in the end it corkscrews back into boredom and predicability. What Immortal Hand twisted and kept twisting, snagging at the bits of my brain that need to understand and care for others. That want only the best for everyone. That hope each person succeeds in their greatest desire. Even when that desire is crushing a windpipe and squeezing out essence of kidney by hand to make a sugary paste. I loved this book. I don't want to know these people or even glimpse a dark halo. I don't want them to be betrayed either. I'm so confused. I shock myself.
How can I have such a strong bond with so little glue?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2018
Love this book!! It always keeps you guessing which side is Michael on. Will good overcome evil? I am not a fast reader, and I’ll admit that I’d rather wait for the movie sometimes, but this book had me locking myself away in my room so that I could read on! Undisturbed!!
September 6, 2017
What Immortal Hand, by Johnny Worthen is a well-paced road mystery that steps up the weirdness gradually until it’s in full flow, and the end is only the beginning, for some.
Michael Oswald is a survivor. A washed up, almost ready to cash it all in, survivor. An disreputable insurance investigator, he finds himself on the trail of a missing HGV, its medical laser cargo, and its driver, simultaneously sliding down a slippery slope to face his own past and future. People keep happening to Michael, but he’s drawn to them too, and his realisation of who he is and why, grows in the prose of Johnny Worthen’s latest masterpiece.
Intricately worked, What Immortal Hand is a masterpiece in timing. Its gradual crescendo of a number of themes brings the story to a close that feels temporary. Worthen’s writing is as calm and economical as ever, and while he never stints on the description, his writing is a pleasure to read. Every sentence is worth a re-read.
Johnny Worthen often references spirituality in his novels, but it isn’t what you might expect from someone who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. There’s a darkness and a sense of struggle to the spirituality you find in these pages, not least the acknowledgement to the god herself. The murders hold a message–or maybe just the keys to the box that holds the message–and I won’t be the one to reveal it and spoil the intrigue. This may be a book you need to read a couple of times to make sure you catch all the early references, be warned!
If you like things weird, and you’re looking for a book that’s deeper than your average ‘investigation’ novel, What Immortal Hand is worth a look. On the other hand, if you’re not looking for a dark spiritual journey in the middle of your perfectly respectable insurance investigation, you may wish to check out one of his other novels.
I received this as an ARC from the author.
Michael Oswald is a survivor. A washed up, almost ready to cash it all in, survivor. An disreputable insurance investigator, he finds himself on the trail of a missing HGV, its medical laser cargo, and its driver, simultaneously sliding down a slippery slope to face his own past and future. People keep happening to Michael, but he’s drawn to them too, and his realisation of who he is and why, grows in the prose of Johnny Worthen’s latest masterpiece.
Intricately worked, What Immortal Hand is a masterpiece in timing. Its gradual crescendo of a number of themes brings the story to a close that feels temporary. Worthen’s writing is as calm and economical as ever, and while he never stints on the description, his writing is a pleasure to read. Every sentence is worth a re-read.
Johnny Worthen often references spirituality in his novels, but it isn’t what you might expect from someone who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. There’s a darkness and a sense of struggle to the spirituality you find in these pages, not least the acknowledgement to the god herself. The murders hold a message–or maybe just the keys to the box that holds the message–and I won’t be the one to reveal it and spoil the intrigue. This may be a book you need to read a couple of times to make sure you catch all the early references, be warned!
If you like things weird, and you’re looking for a book that’s deeper than your average ‘investigation’ novel, What Immortal Hand is worth a look. On the other hand, if you’re not looking for a dark spiritual journey in the middle of your perfectly respectable insurance investigation, you may wish to check out one of his other novels.
I received this as an ARC from the author.
August 30, 2017
For me, this is the first time I have seen a story that starts in Wendover, which sits on the border of Nevada and Utah. Having lived for over 40 years in the Salt Lake valley, I have traveled to many of the locations and over the roads in Johnny Worthen's What Immortal Hand. It was a hook for me, and the story drew me in deeper.
Michael Oswald is hitting a mid-life crisis. Life has been going in the wrong direction for a while. He has gone through a divorce and his kids are living in another state with their mom and her new husband. His job is one he despises, and he despises himself for doing it. He no longer has a house, or apartment, preferring to live out of his car and the occasional motel room.
Now he's even losing it mentally, he is experiencing hallucinations and blacking out. We see Michael grasping for something to cling onto, something to help him get grounded. He starts exploring his past to find out who he really is.
Just about everyone goes through a time in their life where they feel lost, and losing. Like Michael, we look for something to ground us. Something to help us get an understanding about who we are and where we come from.
Self-discovery can be a dark path. For some it is darker than others. Science has proven that our brains block out the memories of pain. Then, when we go digging through our thoughts to find what is missing we must deal with it in some manner. Isn't that the idea of going to therapy? After we find what we are looking for, we still have to decide what to do with it. Where we take it into the future.
In What Immortal Hand, Johnny Worthen (published by Omnium Gatherum) has created a 300-page journey of discovery with dark twists and turns. A psychological horror story for adults that contemplates those losses we have, the memories we are missing. Then, the inner battle we face when we learn about ourselves.
Join Michael on his dark adventure of discovery. Find out where it leads him. Decide if digging into your past is something you want to do to find out who you are, where you are from, and where you want to go.
Originally published on Guild Master Gaming
Michael Oswald is hitting a mid-life crisis. Life has been going in the wrong direction for a while. He has gone through a divorce and his kids are living in another state with their mom and her new husband. His job is one he despises, and he despises himself for doing it. He no longer has a house, or apartment, preferring to live out of his car and the occasional motel room.
Now he's even losing it mentally, he is experiencing hallucinations and blacking out. We see Michael grasping for something to cling onto, something to help him get grounded. He starts exploring his past to find out who he really is.
Just about everyone goes through a time in their life where they feel lost, and losing. Like Michael, we look for something to ground us. Something to help us get an understanding about who we are and where we come from.
Self-discovery can be a dark path. For some it is darker than others. Science has proven that our brains block out the memories of pain. Then, when we go digging through our thoughts to find what is missing we must deal with it in some manner. Isn't that the idea of going to therapy? After we find what we are looking for, we still have to decide what to do with it. Where we take it into the future.
In What Immortal Hand, Johnny Worthen (published by Omnium Gatherum) has created a 300-page journey of discovery with dark twists and turns. A psychological horror story for adults that contemplates those losses we have, the memories we are missing. Then, the inner battle we face when we learn about ourselves.
Join Michael on his dark adventure of discovery. Find out where it leads him. Decide if digging into your past is something you want to do to find out who you are, where you are from, and where you want to go.
Originally published on Guild Master Gaming
November 30, 2017
Fast paced, fun, and unsettling in all the right ways.
August 25, 2017
I received this free as a ARC from the author for an honest review.
Now, to be transparent, I know Johnny Worthen. That said, I told him I'd be honest, and at first, I was REALLY nervous I was going to have to rate this lower. At the beginning of the book I was having a hard time connecting to the MC. I just didn't relate to him in any way. And it started out as a slow build. So a book with a slower start and a character I couldn't identify with... that's not always a good sign.
But I knew there was more to it. I trusted the moments of foreshadowing, hoping they'd pay off. And I found myself truly enjoying where the story took me. I'm not going to lie, this will likely end up being a book with fairly mixed reviews. It'll probably be a love it or hate it situation. But I felt like there was a cool theme that Worthen let ME discover. In fact, I'm not convinced what I got out of the theme was his intention at all, which I love. It didn't feel overbearing like he was trying to make some sort of statement, but rather left it at a deeper level for the reader to ponder and come to their own conclusions.
I found several typos that probably should have been caught, but I can't complain that much about those. If you want an intriguing read, check this one out.
Now, to be transparent, I know Johnny Worthen. That said, I told him I'd be honest, and at first, I was REALLY nervous I was going to have to rate this lower. At the beginning of the book I was having a hard time connecting to the MC. I just didn't relate to him in any way. And it started out as a slow build. So a book with a slower start and a character I couldn't identify with... that's not always a good sign.
But I knew there was more to it. I trusted the moments of foreshadowing, hoping they'd pay off. And I found myself truly enjoying where the story took me. I'm not going to lie, this will likely end up being a book with fairly mixed reviews. It'll probably be a love it or hate it situation. But I felt like there was a cool theme that Worthen let ME discover. In fact, I'm not convinced what I got out of the theme was his intention at all, which I love. It didn't feel overbearing like he was trying to make some sort of statement, but rather left it at a deeper level for the reader to ponder and come to their own conclusions.
I found several typos that probably should have been caught, but I can't complain that much about those. If you want an intriguing read, check this one out.
September 1, 2017
I thought it was going to be as interesting as some of Johnny’s other works. A few chapters in it was going well. Then, a few chapters before the 2nd section, everything blew up. I was shocked. I didn’t see it coming. This is a good book.
I think if you’re looking for something that is interesting, and fun, this is the one to look at.
I think if you’re looking for something that is interesting, and fun, this is the one to look at.
August 27, 2017
What Immortal Hand is at once a surreal journey into darkness, and firmly grounded in a person that I can believe. I don't always like Michael Oswald, but I always believe him as a person and want to see where his journey goes. I was intrigued from the beginning, and the story did not disappoint. It took several twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and that is always a very sweet treat. If you feel like stepping into the dark, then don't hesitate to pick up this book.
September 17, 2017
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
I love Johnny Worthen. I haven't read a book of his I didn't enjoy. This book is one that sticks with you for days, thinking of the darker side of humanity and just how darkness is normalized in a person's upbringing.
The following is an excerpt from my blog:
What Immortal Hand is a book that starts in the realm of what we think of as reality, but slowly and surely it takes us to the realm of impossibility. We learn that visions of demons and the Mother Goddess are not the result of illness or madness, but of something worse. As the story progresses, we see Michael Oswald descend from normalcy to...something more. The brilliance of Johnny Worthen's book is how it delves into the psyche of both Michael's and the readers' minds. What starts out as hardly fathomable, beyond moral sensibilities, slowly changes until evil is good and good is mundane. At the end, what happens seems perfectly normal and almost...right. And that, dear readers, is the most frightening thing of all.
To read my entire review, visit https://elliereadsblog.wordpress.com/...
I love Johnny Worthen. I haven't read a book of his I didn't enjoy. This book is one that sticks with you for days, thinking of the darker side of humanity and just how darkness is normalized in a person's upbringing.
The following is an excerpt from my blog:
What Immortal Hand is a book that starts in the realm of what we think of as reality, but slowly and surely it takes us to the realm of impossibility. We learn that visions of demons and the Mother Goddess are not the result of illness or madness, but of something worse. As the story progresses, we see Michael Oswald descend from normalcy to...something more. The brilliance of Johnny Worthen's book is how it delves into the psyche of both Michael's and the readers' minds. What starts out as hardly fathomable, beyond moral sensibilities, slowly changes until evil is good and good is mundane. At the end, what happens seems perfectly normal and almost...right. And that, dear readers, is the most frightening thing of all.
To read my entire review, visit https://elliereadsblog.wordpress.com/...
August 14, 2017
I love a book with layers and this book is like an onion....layer after layer. There is so much depth and so much to chew on in What Immortal Hand. The main character is a man with his own secrets and layers...and when he peels them back it carries him to a crossroad that many wouldn't want to face. This book explores spirituality, family tragedy and secrets, fidelity and so much more. This is a story worth reading again and again...and I know I'll be reading it a second and possibly third time. It's going to live with me for a long time and I can't say that about a lot of books.
My one complaint is it could really use another go-round with a copy editor. It truly is a masterpiece and those errors detracted from the art enough to distract me. I suspect that will be remedied before the publisher prints further copies.
My one complaint is it could really use another go-round with a copy editor. It truly is a masterpiece and those errors detracted from the art enough to distract me. I suspect that will be remedied before the publisher prints further copies.
October 10, 2017
A Fever-Dream Perfect Delve into Taboo
Johnny Worthen sneaks into our minds to choke out, if only for a moment, the faithful marriage of Christianity and the American soul. And in its place? He sets a sweet temptation against our tongues, a tale of bliss and madness well worth the read, if only we face our fear of it. In the shadows of our journey loom ash and blood as heralds of a new (old?) brand of salvation. Our ears fill with a song calling us to dance with Death herself. Worthen explores a new and distinctly American form of sainthood painted on the lonely highways of our desert desolation.
(Thriller, Literary, Adult Fiction)
Johnny Worthen sneaks into our minds to choke out, if only for a moment, the faithful marriage of Christianity and the American soul. And in its place? He sets a sweet temptation against our tongues, a tale of bliss and madness well worth the read, if only we face our fear of it. In the shadows of our journey loom ash and blood as heralds of a new (old?) brand of salvation. Our ears fill with a song calling us to dance with Death herself. Worthen explores a new and distinctly American form of sainthood painted on the lonely highways of our desert desolation.
(Thriller, Literary, Adult Fiction)
August 20, 2017
If you know Johnny Worthen, just read it. If you're like me and always looking for a new author who doesn't disappoint, he does that thing you wish all writer's you don't know would do, he gives you a reason to keep turning pages. I'm surprised he's not a bigger name than he is, and won't be surprised if he is some day. This was my second title by him and I thoroughly enjoyed both. I wonder what he'd do with a series?
May 28, 2018
This book should have a tiger on the cover. It was amazing and dark and exactly my kind of horror novel. Set in familiar locations with everyday people who harbor terrible (or are they wonderful?) secrets. I hated Michael Oswald in the beginning then I was curious and finally i cheered him on and hoped for his success. Set in a believable world with a story of underlying blackness that changed the way I view my own world, this was a masterpiece.
September 2, 2017
Hmmmm, Good twist around the 2/3 mark. Didn't really like the ending but over all I thought this was pretty solid. Full review coming.
October 17, 2024
What Immortal Hand by Johnny Worthen is a gritty, immersive thriller that grips you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. The novel follows Michael Oswald, an insurance claim investigator, whose routine case searching for a missing truck spirals into a far deeper and more sinister reality. There’s mass murder, cults, a forgotten past and more.
One of the things I loved most about this book is how seamlessly Worthen weaves together the story. Each clue Michael uncovers is like tugging at a thread that unravels an entire tapestry of dark secrets. The narrative starts off grounded, a bit mysterious, but as things progress, it turns into something much darker—both for Michael and for the reader. You can feel the weight of the unknown pressing down on him as he loses time and is called by strange names that aren’t his, and yet, somehow, they feel like they are.
Worthen’s portrayal of Michael’s journey is brilliantly done. The character’s progression from a man investigating a simple missing truck to someone questioning his very identity is captivating. You feel his confusion and fear as the truth slowly reveals itself—he’s investigating something far beyond his comprehension, yet it feels like he’s lived it before. This slow burn of realization, where the protagonist is just as lost as we are, kept me hooked the entire time.
What sets What Immortal Hand apart is the way it seamlessly blends elements of mystery, horror, and psychological thriller. The setting—isolated highways stretching across Nevada, Utah, and Northern California—adds to the sense of desolation and unease that pervades the story. It’s not just about the crimes Michael uncovers, but the eerie, almost forgotten parts of himself that resurface along the way.
The novel also touches on larger themes, such as the marriage of American culture and spirituality. There’s an underlying sense of questioning who we are and what we believe as Michael delves deeper into this strange world. It’s haunting and thought-provoking, making you wonder where the lines between sanity and madness, memory and identity, really lie.
There is some strong language and a few mature scenes, but they never feel out of place. Instead, they heighten the tension and serve the story’s darker tones.
Overall, What Immortal Hand is a riveting, chilling tale that will leave you questioning everything long after you finish. Worthen’s ability to combine a deeply personal psychological journey with a fast-paced thriller makes this a must-read for anyone who enjoys dark, intelligent fiction.
One of the things I loved most about this book is how seamlessly Worthen weaves together the story. Each clue Michael uncovers is like tugging at a thread that unravels an entire tapestry of dark secrets. The narrative starts off grounded, a bit mysterious, but as things progress, it turns into something much darker—both for Michael and for the reader. You can feel the weight of the unknown pressing down on him as he loses time and is called by strange names that aren’t his, and yet, somehow, they feel like they are.
Worthen’s portrayal of Michael’s journey is brilliantly done. The character’s progression from a man investigating a simple missing truck to someone questioning his very identity is captivating. You feel his confusion and fear as the truth slowly reveals itself—he’s investigating something far beyond his comprehension, yet it feels like he’s lived it before. This slow burn of realization, where the protagonist is just as lost as we are, kept me hooked the entire time.
What sets What Immortal Hand apart is the way it seamlessly blends elements of mystery, horror, and psychological thriller. The setting—isolated highways stretching across Nevada, Utah, and Northern California—adds to the sense of desolation and unease that pervades the story. It’s not just about the crimes Michael uncovers, but the eerie, almost forgotten parts of himself that resurface along the way.
The novel also touches on larger themes, such as the marriage of American culture and spirituality. There’s an underlying sense of questioning who we are and what we believe as Michael delves deeper into this strange world. It’s haunting and thought-provoking, making you wonder where the lines between sanity and madness, memory and identity, really lie.
There is some strong language and a few mature scenes, but they never feel out of place. Instead, they heighten the tension and serve the story’s darker tones.
Overall, What Immortal Hand is a riveting, chilling tale that will leave you questioning everything long after you finish. Worthen’s ability to combine a deeply personal psychological journey with a fast-paced thriller makes this a must-read for anyone who enjoys dark, intelligent fiction.
April 2, 2018
What Immortal Hand tells the tale of Michael Oswald and his buried past. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked this title up, but I can say that I was blown away by it. Everything from the storytelling to the character building is superb. The first fifty percent simply flew by as, much like Michael, I had no idea what was going on and was simply along for the ride as far as his journey of self-discovery played out.
Michael is one of those characters that, despite the fact he is a selfish, fairly unlikeable guy, you can’t help but root for him and want him to succeed in everything he does. Every moral choice he is offered is, to an extent, shared by the reader. I found myself really getting invested in his journey and hoping against hope that he made the right choices.
The story, as a whole, delves into the past of the ancient Muslim/Hindu cult known as the Thuggee (worshippers of Mother Kali, Goddess of Destruction). It toys with the idea of the cult still being active and plying its trade across the US and other parts of the globe. It’s a group of people I knew nothing about and this book made the history geek in me very happy at getting to learn about them.
One part of this novel that caught me off-guard at how well it was done, was Michael’s background. I won’t go too in-depth into it as that is a large part of the novel and way better if discovered when reading the actual novel. But, suffice to say, it is so well done.
I enjoyed this tale of darkness and intrigue so much and I can only hope that my review inspires other people to take a chance on it. I can say with great confidence that you’ll not find yourself disappointed.
Michael is one of those characters that, despite the fact he is a selfish, fairly unlikeable guy, you can’t help but root for him and want him to succeed in everything he does. Every moral choice he is offered is, to an extent, shared by the reader. I found myself really getting invested in his journey and hoping against hope that he made the right choices.
The story, as a whole, delves into the past of the ancient Muslim/Hindu cult known as the Thuggee (worshippers of Mother Kali, Goddess of Destruction). It toys with the idea of the cult still being active and plying its trade across the US and other parts of the globe. It’s a group of people I knew nothing about and this book made the history geek in me very happy at getting to learn about them.
One part of this novel that caught me off-guard at how well it was done, was Michael’s background. I won’t go too in-depth into it as that is a large part of the novel and way better if discovered when reading the actual novel. But, suffice to say, it is so well done.
I enjoyed this tale of darkness and intrigue so much and I can only hope that my review inspires other people to take a chance on it. I can say with great confidence that you’ll not find yourself disappointed.
August 6, 2017
Michael is at a crossroads in his life. He's questioning everything: his job, his ex-wife, his children, his past, God, religion, and life itself. Growing up he was in and out of foster care and was finally adopted. Most of his life before adoption is unknown. So, he goes about trying to find out where he came from in hopes of answering the other questions. Along the way, you may start to ask yourself some of the same questions. I wondered what drove Worthen to write this book and what questions he had while writing. The book goes very dark while searching for answers.
This is not the type of book I normally read, but I could barely put it down. I kept wanting to find out what happens next and even when it turned ugly, I was still rooting for Michael.
There are a few typos that should have been caught, but overall, they don't distract for an amazing story.
What Immortal Hand is a great read that will pull you in and engage you.
This is not the type of book I normally read, but I could barely put it down. I kept wanting to find out what happens next and even when it turned ugly, I was still rooting for Michael.
There are a few typos that should have been caught, but overall, they don't distract for an amazing story.
What Immortal Hand is a great read that will pull you in and engage you.
February 1, 2018
I enjoyed this journey of discovery. As all religions have, the dark part of Hinduism turned out to be fascinating. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys mysticism; this one is mixed with a murder mystery.
Michael is a complicated individual...as his past is slowly revealed through dreams and visions. The end, which I won't give away surprised.
As mentioned regarding the Kindle edition, I found some errors in the text of the print edition. But, then again, I found some in Stephen & Owen King's "Sleeping Beauties," too.
Michael is a complicated individual...as his past is slowly revealed through dreams and visions. The end, which I won't give away surprised.
As mentioned regarding the Kindle edition, I found some errors in the text of the print edition. But, then again, I found some in Stephen & Owen King's "Sleeping Beauties," too.
March 10, 2018
I got a e-copy of this book from the author Johnny Worthen. I am very grateful for the opportunity to read this book. Was very well written. I really like the characters in the book. I really like the twist to the book. I hope there is a second book to this book, if not still a very good book to read. In the beginning I got a little lost in details, but managed to get to the result of the details later on. I recommend to my family and friends to read.
January 12, 2018
Well constructed puzzle (perhaps over constructed?), but the characters have no depth. I really didn't find myself invested in any of them. Also, the third person/present tense combination just doesn't work. There are also A LOT of typos and errors in the Kindle edition.
May 26, 2019
I liked it. A little slow to get into at first but I enjoyed it more and more as it moved along. A twisted version of a redemption story with a mystery and even a bit of a heist story thrown in, all things that I like.
February 14, 2022
A very strange, dark book. I was upset at the ending. SPOILER ALERT: I wanted good to win out
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