What do you think?
Rate this book
What Hell May Come
The satanic panic was a moral outcry in the United States over supposed 'satanic' influence in media warping the youth of America. Claims that playing an elf in Dungeons and Dragons could lead to demonic possession, that playing heavy metal music backwards would reveal satanic messages, and that therapists could uncover repressed memories of satanic ritual abuse, were all too common. Volumes and volumes of material were produced on this fake subject. These texts leads to What Hell May Come which takes a look at what the world would actually be like if all of the claims of the satanic panic were true.
Set in 1986, Jon St. Fond’s life is a living Hell. Deliberately abused and neglected by his parents, the only joy he has in life is an escape into a fantasy land of role playing games. He discovers that his parents are part of a secret occult religion with hidden ties all across the world. Jon soon learns there is method behind the madness of his life, as his Father begins to bring him closer and closer into the ways of the cult. Ultimately, Jon must make a choice between all the pleasures of the earth and the future of his soul.
Set in 1986, Jon St. Fond’s life is a living Hell. Deliberately abused and neglected by his parents, the only joy he has in life is an escape into a fantasy land of role playing games. He discovers that his parents are part of a secret occult religion with hidden ties all across the world. Jon soon learns there is method behind the madness of his life, as his Father begins to bring him closer and closer into the ways of the cult. Ultimately, Jon must make a choice between all the pleasures of the earth and the future of his soul.
- GenresHorror
286 pages, Paperback
Published June 12, 2020
17 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Rex Hurst
22 books38 followersOriginally born in Argentina to German immigrants, Rex Hurst was kidnapped by narco-terrorists and sold to a Satanic drug cult in Matamoros, Mexico. There he was subjected to various humiliations and would have been sacrificed in a blood ritual if not for the timely intervention of the Mexican police. He was evacuated to family in Montana, where he obtained his bachelors in Fermentation Sciences and a masters in Philosophy. When not writing, he runs a small vineyard with his wife and six children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 24, 2020
This wasn't what I thought it would be.
The Satanic panic of the eighties was a movement of parents fearing devil worshippers would get their kids into heavy metal, mass orgies, human sacrifices and other over-the-top idiocies which would've been terrifying had they been real. WHAT HELL MAY COME is rather light on that and focuses more on a believable path towards evil protagonist Jon St. Fond could've followed by playing Dungeons & Dragons with his nerdy friends. It leans towards dark fantasy pretty heavily. I guess... I wanted more friendly neighborhood satanists?
WHAT HELL MAY COME is insanely well researched and detailed. Rex Hurst's descriptions of Buffalo reminded me part of my hometown and part Silent Hill. It's over-detailed at times, but if you're into occult you're going to enjoy some of the connections made here. Not quite my thing, but it'll hit home with a certain crowd.
The Satanic panic of the eighties was a movement of parents fearing devil worshippers would get their kids into heavy metal, mass orgies, human sacrifices and other over-the-top idiocies which would've been terrifying had they been real. WHAT HELL MAY COME is rather light on that and focuses more on a believable path towards evil protagonist Jon St. Fond could've followed by playing Dungeons & Dragons with his nerdy friends. It leans towards dark fantasy pretty heavily. I guess... I wanted more friendly neighborhood satanists?
WHAT HELL MAY COME is insanely well researched and detailed. Rex Hurst's descriptions of Buffalo reminded me part of my hometown and part Silent Hill. It's over-detailed at times, but if you're into occult you're going to enjoy some of the connections made here. Not quite my thing, but it'll hit home with a certain crowd.
June 3, 2020
This story managed to surprise me non-stop from its first to last sentence. I was intrigued by the concept of some RPG that could actually summon a demon. While that was only a tiny puzzle piece of the complicated structure of evil goings on in this book, it was the most interesting. for sure. I appreciated the inner struggle the author put on each of the protagonists, especially the main character Jon. It was fascinating to see how he was torn between giving in to the dark powers and resisting them, especially realizing the sicker than weird family he was living in. What started out as some suspenseful spooky coming-of-age drama soon turned into some creepy tale about demons, rituals, and ancient dark powers. Not my usual fare, but I'm glad I stepped off my paved routine to give this highly original novel a try.
(I chose to read and review this book, which was kindly provided as an ARC by the publisher)
(I chose to read and review this book, which was kindly provided as an ARC by the publisher)
June 2, 2020
I'm a GenX reader and the D&D references, the bike-riding suburban kids, even the Kool Aid references made me feel right at home here. I loved the historical context of this book and Rex Hurst does a great job of including the perfect subtle but meaningful time period clues.
Like all works of horror (so I'm told) this one takes some dark turns. Hurst does such a great job with description that the scenes pulse off the page. It's violent and filthy and I couldn't look away.
Each character is thoroughly explored with complexity and nuance. I liked how we unexpectedly hated the girl we were meant to like. How our protagonist gets what he thinks he wants and then realizes it wasn't what he wanted at all. He has a real arc that's worth watching crest.
What Hell May Come is a descent into some dirty corners of a Satanic underworld we can only hope doesn't actually exist. I was hooked. I wanted to know just how it would all work out. If it even could.
Like all works of horror (so I'm told) this one takes some dark turns. Hurst does such a great job with description that the scenes pulse off the page. It's violent and filthy and I couldn't look away.
Each character is thoroughly explored with complexity and nuance. I liked how we unexpectedly hated the girl we were meant to like. How our protagonist gets what he thinks he wants and then realizes it wasn't what he wanted at all. He has a real arc that's worth watching crest.
What Hell May Come is a descent into some dirty corners of a Satanic underworld we can only hope doesn't actually exist. I was hooked. I wanted to know just how it would all work out. If it even could.
May 28, 2020
Rex Hurst returns to once again take us on a trip to the dark corners of his imagination.
With WHAT HELL MAY COME, Hurst plants the reader into an almost parallel universe, one in which the infamous "Satanic Panic" of the 1980's was indeed as legitimate as the fanatics had claimed.
Much like in his FOOT DOCTOR LETTERS, Hurst graphically brings to life a series of horrors so vivid and foreboding we find it difficult to put down, all the while almost mocking us with a Cheshire cat grin. The mix of true horror, dark humor and poetic descriptions of utter depravity make Hurst a true standout among modern horror writers.
With WHAT HELL MAY COME, Hurst plants the reader into an almost parallel universe, one in which the infamous "Satanic Panic" of the 1980's was indeed as legitimate as the fanatics had claimed.
Much like in his FOOT DOCTOR LETTERS, Hurst graphically brings to life a series of horrors so vivid and foreboding we find it difficult to put down, all the while almost mocking us with a Cheshire cat grin. The mix of true horror, dark humor and poetic descriptions of utter depravity make Hurst a true standout among modern horror writers.
June 13, 2020
There's an author's note preceding the prologue wherein writer Rex Hurst refers to the "Satanic Panic" of the 1980's and the conspiracy theories back then of devil cults influencing youth through pop culture. He wondered what a society with Satanism secretly ruling mass media for real would look like?
That brief introduction was very encouraging and resulted in my immediately continuing through the prologue. I was very interested to see where Hurst's vision of such a world plays out on the page. I was provided a digital copy from Crystal Lake in exchange for an honest review.
The descriptions of life in a decaying city in Upstate New York, and the portrayal of misfit teenagers struggling to find an ounce of hope and support are very authentic. This helps lend credence to the later instances of cultish rituals and demonic conspiracies and gives them a sense of plausibility.
The prologue confused me a bit as to what direction the story would begin in, but it made sense once I finished Chapter 2. Each chapter has a subtitle that may serve as a framing device, and I like the addition. By Chapter 3 it becomes clear that the main character, teenager Jon St Fond, not only has a shitty life with parents that mistreat him and coddle his sisters - but his family harbors a dark secret that he finally discovers.
The novel progresses at a manic pace, introducing some odd and creepy situations and then constantly adding more layers of dread until the final outcome. Through the course of the novel, Jon becomes enmeshed in the demonic pursuits all around him, first by immersing himself in a fantasy role-playing game that summons a monstrous creature, and then uncovering a Satanic cult movement to create the arrival of the Dark Messiah through sex and blood-driven rituals that his parent seem to play a prominent role in.
Jon is a high school student in the 1986 Buffalo NY low income area of Black Rock, where he is the apparent black sheep of his family. His father ridicules and criticizes him. His mother hates and abuses him. His older sister, Michelle, is constantly haggard and stoned and trades sex for drugs.
His parents permit and often support her lifestyle, while Jon is subject to incredibly strict and unfair house rules. Catherine, his six year old sister, is antagonistic and spoiled by her mother who registers her for one child beauty/talent pageant after another. Catherine lords her favored treatment over Jon and taunts him constantly.
It stands to reason that Jon’s best friend, Michael, would have a similar difficult but different home life with parents that constantly abuse and degrade him. Jon, who is the narrator of the novel, finishes up his description of his friend with this summary: “Who knows what barnacles Michael had sticking to the bottom of his soul.” Jon and Michael escape from their wretched family life by playing Dungeons And Dragons and other role-playing games with two other friends: Louis, a newer resident and skilled football player who doesn’t mix in well and is mocked for his southern accent; and the somewhat overweight and shunned Kathy. Before the novel ends, each member of this gaming quartet is changed, and not necessarily for the better. Jon seems to be falling down the same rabbit hole his family members inhabit and is somewhat seduced by the dark promises of a better life if he joins the majority. As his involvement gets deeper and deeper, the reader is left guessing how Jon will emerge until the concluding chapter, which did not disappoint
Hurst includes a score of bizarre events and scenarios, and then ties them all neatly together before the story concludes: a hidden room in Jon’s home with cameras monitoring every area; a basement that acts as the nexus for rituals to bring forth otherworldly beings; a strange bowl with odd symbols that plays an alleged role in blood rituals; a new role-playing game introduced to the group by Michael that uses a pentagram board; strange visitors at the house; secret videos, a cemetery that coughs up visions and/or wraiths; demonology research; a woodsy meeting ground for like-minded worshippers where it’s rumored Wiccans, Druids, and Pagans once met; dead animals and mysterious disappearances; a trip to sleazy Tijuana Mexico and a kidnapping/ransom. There is much to keep readers engaged.
Rex Hurst researched the Satanic Panic of the 1980’s very well and incorporates two main elements of those unfounded conspiracy theories into the novel: the effects of role-playing games and an underground Satanic cult of ancient families carrying on a blood tradition.
In a video posted to YouTube, Hurst details his research and points to two books as his main influences: the memoir Michelle Remembers by Michelle Smith (an alleged confession of years of abuse by Satanic parents that became revealed under hypnosis therapy) and the fictional Mazes & Monsters by Rona Jaffe (which exploited the theories about the dangers of fantasy role-playing games and was made into a television movie with Tom Hanks).
Watch the video at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0wkU...
That brief introduction was very encouraging and resulted in my immediately continuing through the prologue. I was very interested to see where Hurst's vision of such a world plays out on the page. I was provided a digital copy from Crystal Lake in exchange for an honest review.
The descriptions of life in a decaying city in Upstate New York, and the portrayal of misfit teenagers struggling to find an ounce of hope and support are very authentic. This helps lend credence to the later instances of cultish rituals and demonic conspiracies and gives them a sense of plausibility.
The prologue confused me a bit as to what direction the story would begin in, but it made sense once I finished Chapter 2. Each chapter has a subtitle that may serve as a framing device, and I like the addition. By Chapter 3 it becomes clear that the main character, teenager Jon St Fond, not only has a shitty life with parents that mistreat him and coddle his sisters - but his family harbors a dark secret that he finally discovers.
The novel progresses at a manic pace, introducing some odd and creepy situations and then constantly adding more layers of dread until the final outcome. Through the course of the novel, Jon becomes enmeshed in the demonic pursuits all around him, first by immersing himself in a fantasy role-playing game that summons a monstrous creature, and then uncovering a Satanic cult movement to create the arrival of the Dark Messiah through sex and blood-driven rituals that his parent seem to play a prominent role in.
Jon is a high school student in the 1986 Buffalo NY low income area of Black Rock, where he is the apparent black sheep of his family. His father ridicules and criticizes him. His mother hates and abuses him. His older sister, Michelle, is constantly haggard and stoned and trades sex for drugs.
His parents permit and often support her lifestyle, while Jon is subject to incredibly strict and unfair house rules. Catherine, his six year old sister, is antagonistic and spoiled by her mother who registers her for one child beauty/talent pageant after another. Catherine lords her favored treatment over Jon and taunts him constantly.
It stands to reason that Jon’s best friend, Michael, would have a similar difficult but different home life with parents that constantly abuse and degrade him. Jon, who is the narrator of the novel, finishes up his description of his friend with this summary: “Who knows what barnacles Michael had sticking to the bottom of his soul.” Jon and Michael escape from their wretched family life by playing Dungeons And Dragons and other role-playing games with two other friends: Louis, a newer resident and skilled football player who doesn’t mix in well and is mocked for his southern accent; and the somewhat overweight and shunned Kathy. Before the novel ends, each member of this gaming quartet is changed, and not necessarily for the better. Jon seems to be falling down the same rabbit hole his family members inhabit and is somewhat seduced by the dark promises of a better life if he joins the majority. As his involvement gets deeper and deeper, the reader is left guessing how Jon will emerge until the concluding chapter, which did not disappoint
Hurst includes a score of bizarre events and scenarios, and then ties them all neatly together before the story concludes: a hidden room in Jon’s home with cameras monitoring every area; a basement that acts as the nexus for rituals to bring forth otherworldly beings; a strange bowl with odd symbols that plays an alleged role in blood rituals; a new role-playing game introduced to the group by Michael that uses a pentagram board; strange visitors at the house; secret videos, a cemetery that coughs up visions and/or wraiths; demonology research; a woodsy meeting ground for like-minded worshippers where it’s rumored Wiccans, Druids, and Pagans once met; dead animals and mysterious disappearances; a trip to sleazy Tijuana Mexico and a kidnapping/ransom. There is much to keep readers engaged.
Rex Hurst researched the Satanic Panic of the 1980’s very well and incorporates two main elements of those unfounded conspiracy theories into the novel: the effects of role-playing games and an underground Satanic cult of ancient families carrying on a blood tradition.
In a video posted to YouTube, Hurst details his research and points to two books as his main influences: the memoir Michelle Remembers by Michelle Smith (an alleged confession of years of abuse by Satanic parents that became revealed under hypnosis therapy) and the fictional Mazes & Monsters by Rona Jaffe (which exploited the theories about the dangers of fantasy role-playing games and was made into a television movie with Tom Hanks).
Watch the video at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0wkU...
June 12, 2020
I was kindly sent a review copy of this book by Crystal Lake Publishing.
The concept of this tale alone was intriguing to me, before I even began. What if the 'Satanic Panic' during the 1980s in America was real? This was the moral scare about Dungeons & Dragons being an entryway for impressionable young minds to discover Satanism, in case you didn't know. Not the UK panic, which was concerned with video Nasties (all of which are now widely available).
My initial thoughts about the D&D scare was based on articles I read years ago from American newspapers, while researching for my BA dissertation. Worried mothers believed that their children were somehow possessed by their player-characters, or becoming drawn into the occult. For anyone who's seen the D&D books of that time (or seen the television cartoon), this seems far-fetched, but it did happen. Blame the books that fire children's imaginations in a way that the Real World never could...
Well, that last part is present in this book, at least. But this is no comedy poking fun at Conservative Christian parents.
If this book reminded me of any roleplaying game, it was actually White Wolf's World of Darkness. This is the '80s through a lense of nihilism, suspicion and kids just trying to survive in a messed-up world that makes absolutely no sense. Reaganomics translates to 'every person for themselves'. Sexism and racism are still present, fear of The Outsider, money being the ultimate goal of life... this is darkest satire, but for those of us who remember that decade (I was one of those kids), this is an alternative universe that with just a nudge, could be our Real World.
We follow a young protagonist, Jon St Fond, and his alter-ego Crixen Runeburner, as they battle past monsters of very different types, but equal threat. Jon and his friends come from messed-up and neglectful families (each in its own unique way), and D&D brings them together for those rare times when they can be heroes instead of losers.
So far, so typical of how D&D was often portrayed. But as we delve deeper into Jon's life, we see that there's more to the 'mundane' world that he may have thought. A new roleplaying game that seems more obviously influenced by the occult, acquired by a dodgy magician in a strange part of town. His parents are acting suspiciously, apparently encouraging his sisters to dive into the worst debaucheries. And why are there cameras all over their house?
I don't want to give too much away. This is a slow burn of a novel, and occasionally difficult to read - but the 'money and drugs' image of the '80s is shown here in filthy Trainspotting-style glory. Everything has a veneer of sleaze, everyone's corrupt or on the take. The occasional innocent is food for the wolves.
I was hypnotised as Jon's journey took him ever deeper into the abyss that lay behind the everyday normality of life. More than a few times, I caught myself thinking 'this can't be happening!' - but it was. This book throws any rules or tropes of genre out of the window, and bloodily carves its own path, dragging you along with it.
My only disappointment was that after the slow click-click-click of the rollercoaster rising to the climax of the story, the ending seemed sudden, almost rushed. Everything was concluded, but somehow faster than it deserved. I wanted Jon to get more, after all he'd been through.
But hey - life is tough. By the end, our hero(es) set off into their lives very different people from that waaay back at the beginning.
And this is a story that won't leave my mind anytime soon, either.
Recommended, but be wary. Here there be monsters - and you may know some of them already.
The concept of this tale alone was intriguing to me, before I even began. What if the 'Satanic Panic' during the 1980s in America was real? This was the moral scare about Dungeons & Dragons being an entryway for impressionable young minds to discover Satanism, in case you didn't know. Not the UK panic, which was concerned with video Nasties (all of which are now widely available).
My initial thoughts about the D&D scare was based on articles I read years ago from American newspapers, while researching for my BA dissertation. Worried mothers believed that their children were somehow possessed by their player-characters, or becoming drawn into the occult. For anyone who's seen the D&D books of that time (or seen the television cartoon), this seems far-fetched, but it did happen. Blame the books that fire children's imaginations in a way that the Real World never could...
Well, that last part is present in this book, at least. But this is no comedy poking fun at Conservative Christian parents.
If this book reminded me of any roleplaying game, it was actually White Wolf's World of Darkness. This is the '80s through a lense of nihilism, suspicion and kids just trying to survive in a messed-up world that makes absolutely no sense. Reaganomics translates to 'every person for themselves'. Sexism and racism are still present, fear of The Outsider, money being the ultimate goal of life... this is darkest satire, but for those of us who remember that decade (I was one of those kids), this is an alternative universe that with just a nudge, could be our Real World.
We follow a young protagonist, Jon St Fond, and his alter-ego Crixen Runeburner, as they battle past monsters of very different types, but equal threat. Jon and his friends come from messed-up and neglectful families (each in its own unique way), and D&D brings them together for those rare times when they can be heroes instead of losers.
So far, so typical of how D&D was often portrayed. But as we delve deeper into Jon's life, we see that there's more to the 'mundane' world that he may have thought. A new roleplaying game that seems more obviously influenced by the occult, acquired by a dodgy magician in a strange part of town. His parents are acting suspiciously, apparently encouraging his sisters to dive into the worst debaucheries. And why are there cameras all over their house?
I don't want to give too much away. This is a slow burn of a novel, and occasionally difficult to read - but the 'money and drugs' image of the '80s is shown here in filthy Trainspotting-style glory. Everything has a veneer of sleaze, everyone's corrupt or on the take. The occasional innocent is food for the wolves.
I was hypnotised as Jon's journey took him ever deeper into the abyss that lay behind the everyday normality of life. More than a few times, I caught myself thinking 'this can't be happening!' - but it was. This book throws any rules or tropes of genre out of the window, and bloodily carves its own path, dragging you along with it.
My only disappointment was that after the slow click-click-click of the rollercoaster rising to the climax of the story, the ending seemed sudden, almost rushed. Everything was concluded, but somehow faster than it deserved. I wanted Jon to get more, after all he'd been through.
But hey - life is tough. By the end, our hero(es) set off into their lives very different people from that waaay back at the beginning.
And this is a story that won't leave my mind anytime soon, either.
Recommended, but be wary. Here there be monsters - and you may know some of them already.
July 8, 2020
If Bukowski wrote speculative fiction with a Curb Your Enthusiasm/Seinfeld sense of humor, they would turn out like Rex Hurst’s books. A great mixture of dark comedy with imagination, suspense, and hi-octane action.
June 3, 2020
Very thorough and imaginative take on the satanic panic era through the eyes of generation X. The author isn't shy in his visceral descriptions of the characters, their motives, and the allure of the "dark side" of life. Overall, it is a wonderful journey that imagines the perceived "Hell" of the era as if it was reality and develops it into a hellish coming of age story.
May 26, 2020
Throughly researched as well as throughly engaging. Rex Hurst brings the time period of the satanic panic alive through darkhumor and characters that are simultaneously relatable as well as surreal. This is a refreshing adult take on the horror genre seen through the eyes of an alternative take on the classic coming of age tale. If you like books that are fun but also have stories and characters that illicit visceral reactions and feelings, this is the perfect unique horror novel for you.
June 12, 2020
I get very excited every time there is a Crystal Lake Publishing release. What Hell May Come, a book about ‘Satanic Panic’ drew me in immediately.
Teenager Jon escapes his nightmarish homelife by playing fantasy role play games and camping out at friend’s houses. Jon’s parents are neglectful and harsh, but he finds that they are involved in a satanic cult. Jon can resist and die or accept his fate in the family business.
I loved the gory horror and the occult elements, the premise delivering exactly what was promised. The narrator is clearly a disturbed individual. He is unaware of his superior attitude and nasty behaviour to those around him. Nature and nurture both playing their part in Jon’s character.
Some of the scenes that revolved around women and sex were crude. Maybe it’s the prude in me, but they made me feel uncomfortable. That may be exactly what the author was trying to achieve. Horror and discomfort go hand in hand.
The reader is never sure where the story is going to go, each turn more horrific and shocking than the next. Jon’s journey is a white-knuckle, unpredictable horror ride.
Teenager Jon escapes his nightmarish homelife by playing fantasy role play games and camping out at friend’s houses. Jon’s parents are neglectful and harsh, but he finds that they are involved in a satanic cult. Jon can resist and die or accept his fate in the family business.
I loved the gory horror and the occult elements, the premise delivering exactly what was promised. The narrator is clearly a disturbed individual. He is unaware of his superior attitude and nasty behaviour to those around him. Nature and nurture both playing their part in Jon’s character.
Some of the scenes that revolved around women and sex were crude. Maybe it’s the prude in me, but they made me feel uncomfortable. That may be exactly what the author was trying to achieve. Horror and discomfort go hand in hand.
The reader is never sure where the story is going to go, each turn more horrific and shocking than the next. Jon’s journey is a white-knuckle, unpredictable horror ride.
June 20, 2020
Having grown up in the northern suburbs of Buffalo, about half a mile from the old grain elevators and very real Snakeland, I found myself plunged by Hursts prose into a familiar but terrifying alternate past. The story is gripping with just the right mix of suspense and discomfort to stumble down the dark corridor of the story even with growing nausea. Another stellar effort that surpasses his debut.
June 13, 2020
Wow
Holy hells this book was awesome! The story grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go, even after you've finished it. As with any book I've enjoyed, I was quite sad on reading the final page. I was however, glad to have finished though because I got absolutely NOTHING done today! I started reading as soon as it was available on Amazon this morning (well, ok, yesterday morning seeing as it's 4am) and only put it down when I absolutely had to get something done. If horror is a favorite genre for you read this book!
Trigger warnings for animal abuse/dying. Though the author gets through those parts fairly quickly, not lingering for shock value, which I vey much appreciated.
Holy hells this book was awesome! The story grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go, even after you've finished it. As with any book I've enjoyed, I was quite sad on reading the final page. I was however, glad to have finished though because I got absolutely NOTHING done today! I started reading as soon as it was available on Amazon this morning (well, ok, yesterday morning seeing as it's 4am) and only put it down when I absolutely had to get something done. If horror is a favorite genre for you read this book!
Trigger warnings for animal abuse/dying. Though the author gets through those parts fairly quickly, not lingering for shock value, which I vey much appreciated.
August 22, 2020
When I first read the blurb of this book and saw 80s, Satanic Panic, occult, etc, I started singing "these are a few of my favorite things," while eagerly anticipating the release. Although it took me a little while to get to it because of the on-again/off-again reading slump I've been dealing with, I did finally read it and it did not disappoint (even if it was a bit over the top at times).
I have to start by saying that Hurst did a fantastic job creating the atmosphere and setting you back in the 80s. He didn't do it through innumerable pop culture references but in the day-to-day aspects. There are black and white TVs, VCRs, both rotary and push button phones, etc. One character is even described as having a stylish mullet which made me laugh. It's hard to remember that they were actually considered stylish once. The way the author weaves these elements into the story allows you to seamlessly slip back into that era. This is not the bright neon colors that one typically associates with the 80s anymore. This is the darker, grittier underbelly of the 80s that's associated with a newly post-industrial America.
The story starts as a coming-of-age story centered on four friends who all, with the exception of one, have home lives that range from aloof to neglectful to abusive. You're quickly clued in, though, that something more is off in our main character Jon's home. These oddities rapidly escalate and eventually engulf his whole world as well as those of his friends. All of these characters (as well as Jon's immediate family- particularly Father) are fully realized on the page. They each have distinct and well-developed personalities.
I did feel that the ending was a bit abrupt. I'm hoping that the author is planning a sequel because the story doesn't feel over. What does a person do after the events that occurred. Also, just before leaving town an arrangement is made that could have serious consequences for the future plans of certain individuals - the sort of thing that won't be taken lightly. I would very much like to know what happens next. In the meantime, I'm going to be checking to see what else Hurst as written.
I have to start by saying that Hurst did a fantastic job creating the atmosphere and setting you back in the 80s. He didn't do it through innumerable pop culture references but in the day-to-day aspects. There are black and white TVs, VCRs, both rotary and push button phones, etc. One character is even described as having a stylish mullet which made me laugh. It's hard to remember that they were actually considered stylish once. The way the author weaves these elements into the story allows you to seamlessly slip back into that era. This is not the bright neon colors that one typically associates with the 80s anymore. This is the darker, grittier underbelly of the 80s that's associated with a newly post-industrial America.
The story starts as a coming-of-age story centered on four friends who all, with the exception of one, have home lives that range from aloof to neglectful to abusive. You're quickly clued in, though, that something more is off in our main character Jon's home. These oddities rapidly escalate and eventually engulf his whole world as well as those of his friends. All of these characters (as well as Jon's immediate family- particularly Father) are fully realized on the page. They each have distinct and well-developed personalities.
I did feel that the ending was a bit abrupt. I'm hoping that the author is planning a sequel because the story doesn't feel over. What does a person do after the events that occurred. Also, just before leaving town an arrangement is made that could have serious consequences for the future plans of certain individuals - the sort of thing that won't be taken lightly. I would very much like to know what happens next. In the meantime, I'm going to be checking to see what else Hurst as written.
August 16, 2020
I didn't read this expecting great literature. I read it expecting a fun horror novel about what it would be like if the "Satanic Panic" of the 1980s had actually been grounded in reality. The reality wasn't quite what I expected. While it certainly has those notes, it doesn't hit them quite as often as I thought it would, but in their place it actually hints at some deeper explorations of humanity.
For better or worse, the best phrase to characterize most of this book is "over the top." In fact, it is often impossible to maintain the suspension of disbelief while reading the novel. That would be a fatal problem for most books, but in this case, it actually manages to work, albeit somewhat intermittently. While it's true that sometimes the over the top leaps from one taboo to the next are so jarring that the reader is pulled out of the narrative, the fact of the matter is, over the top exploration of taboos is exactly what this book should be. The so-called Satanic Panic of the 1980s was characterized by over the top and unbelievable accusations, so a book purporting to bring those accusations to life absolutely must have the same characteristics.
The trouble is, sometimes the leaps from taboo to taboo simply take place too fast. The result is a book that doesn't seem to quite know what it's trying to be. Each of the individual stories is interesting enough, but the book combines a few too many of them, and the reader can easily experience some literary whiplash trying to keep track of where the tale is headed. Unfortunately, some of the stories I found more interesting were among those that fell by the wayside to make room for new ideas.
At the end of the day, the book is a fun recollection of the 1980s both as they were and as they never were, and it actually manages to have a bit more heart than I expected as the character struggles with many of the kinds of issues to be expected from a coming of age novel. Still, I don't expect most readers will find it more than a short yet enjoyable diversion.
For better or worse, the best phrase to characterize most of this book is "over the top." In fact, it is often impossible to maintain the suspension of disbelief while reading the novel. That would be a fatal problem for most books, but in this case, it actually manages to work, albeit somewhat intermittently. While it's true that sometimes the over the top leaps from one taboo to the next are so jarring that the reader is pulled out of the narrative, the fact of the matter is, over the top exploration of taboos is exactly what this book should be. The so-called Satanic Panic of the 1980s was characterized by over the top and unbelievable accusations, so a book purporting to bring those accusations to life absolutely must have the same characteristics.
The trouble is, sometimes the leaps from taboo to taboo simply take place too fast. The result is a book that doesn't seem to quite know what it's trying to be. Each of the individual stories is interesting enough, but the book combines a few too many of them, and the reader can easily experience some literary whiplash trying to keep track of where the tale is headed. Unfortunately, some of the stories I found more interesting were among those that fell by the wayside to make room for new ideas.
At the end of the day, the book is a fun recollection of the 1980s both as they were and as they never were, and it actually manages to have a bit more heart than I expected as the character struggles with many of the kinds of issues to be expected from a coming of age novel. Still, I don't expect most readers will find it more than a short yet enjoyable diversion.
July 18, 2022
I read this book on the recommendation that it was about the Satanic Panic of the 80s and 90s. It even has a prologue about said events. This story, however, has little to do with the subject. It takes place in that era but is really about one kid's deep descent into the dark secrets of his family's occult past and present, which are tied to a role-playing game that actually summons demons.
The fact that this book reads like a low-budget 80s movie works because of the setting. But so many other things took away from a story I really wanted to enjoy. The protagonist and his friends (high school kids) know way too much for their age, especially in the pre-Google era. The main character, Jon, has no motivation other than to lose his virginity (duh, he's 16). Things just happen to him and send him from one place to another. The plot goes in so many directions so quickly that you are never sure what the story is even about. All the back story that was never hinted at comes out in dialogue like in a bad kung fu movie. Somewhere around the middle of the book, it feels like a real story for a chapter or two but quickly dissolves back into a fever dream of random shock-value moments.
I never felt a sense of cohesion or "oh, that's what that meant." It just keeps getting weirder and weirder and then abruptly stops with no sense of closure other than I was glad it was done. Don't get me wrong: I love weird and experimental writing. This one just didn't pull together for me. I give What Hell May Come three stars for creativity and originality and likely would have enjoyed the idea much more in another medium like poetry or surreal vignettes rather than a disjointed novel.
The fact that this book reads like a low-budget 80s movie works because of the setting. But so many other things took away from a story I really wanted to enjoy. The protagonist and his friends (high school kids) know way too much for their age, especially in the pre-Google era. The main character, Jon, has no motivation other than to lose his virginity (duh, he's 16). Things just happen to him and send him from one place to another. The plot goes in so many directions so quickly that you are never sure what the story is even about. All the back story that was never hinted at comes out in dialogue like in a bad kung fu movie. Somewhere around the middle of the book, it feels like a real story for a chapter or two but quickly dissolves back into a fever dream of random shock-value moments.
I never felt a sense of cohesion or "oh, that's what that meant." It just keeps getting weirder and weirder and then abruptly stops with no sense of closure other than I was glad it was done. Don't get me wrong: I love weird and experimental writing. This one just didn't pull together for me. I give What Hell May Come three stars for creativity and originality and likely would have enjoyed the idea much more in another medium like poetry or surreal vignettes rather than a disjointed novel.
August 6, 2020
I loved the Omen movies, The Ninth Gate (1999), Bless the Child and Lost Souls (2000), etc. If you like those kind of movies or stories this is one you should definitely check out. I always found the "Satanic Panic" of my childhood hilarious. D&D? Heavy Metal music? Gateway drugs to handing your soul over to Satan. Jack Chick's comics and Bibleman have provided me endless hours of ironic entertainment. But what if? What if it were all real? What if there really was a war on for souls behind the scenes? That's what this book is about and the main character is the dark champion that heralds The End of All Things. Or will he? This needs a sequel. or better yet, a commitment straight to series on a premium cable or streaming service. A fun, twisted ride.
May 3, 2025
Rating 3.5 rounded up.
One minute your playing Dungeons and Dragons and the next insert a twisted satanic cult. Yes you read that correctly. I will just stress there is a lot of triggers in this read.
Animal death
Child abuse (verbal and physical)
Graphic Sexual acts and violence
Prostitution (forced)
Drug abuse
With that out of the way, this book was nothing like I expected. It was non stop action with unexpected twists right out of the gate. I enjoy gore horror but sometimes a book makes me question an authors mental stability and this is one of those books. Are you ok Rex Hurst? What’s the safe word? I enjoyed this book so much I read it in one setting. I could not go to bed without finishing it.
One minute your playing Dungeons and Dragons and the next insert a twisted satanic cult. Yes you read that correctly. I will just stress there is a lot of triggers in this read.
Animal death
Child abuse (verbal and physical)
Graphic Sexual acts and violence
Prostitution (forced)
Drug abuse
With that out of the way, this book was nothing like I expected. It was non stop action with unexpected twists right out of the gate. I enjoy gore horror but sometimes a book makes me question an authors mental stability and this is one of those books. Are you ok Rex Hurst? What’s the safe word? I enjoyed this book so much I read it in one setting. I could not go to bed without finishing it.
August 2, 2020
What starts out as a game turns into a bloody mess of fallen friends and foes, an ancient bowl with bad juju, creatures from the beyond and the future of one’s soul.
Rex Hurst spills blood over text, a ‘round the world path of hidden secrets, an occult following of family matters during The Satanic Panic era. The final path of horrors is not only a future, but the offering of a new soul to the occult religion.
I really enjoyed the 80’s memorabilia and the section about KangaRoos. I owned two pairs of these shoes and really liked them.
Hurst is an author to watch for the upcoming years.
Rex Hurst spills blood over text, a ‘round the world path of hidden secrets, an occult following of family matters during The Satanic Panic era. The final path of horrors is not only a future, but the offering of a new soul to the occult religion.
I really enjoyed the 80’s memorabilia and the section about KangaRoos. I owned two pairs of these shoes and really liked them.
Hurst is an author to watch for the upcoming years.
July 21, 2020
This was spectacular fun for me, which I don't find often enough in novels. Its horror, but its also a dark satire and having lived through the 80s, the retro elements in the narrative make the setting and plot work attention grabbing. The characters are well crafted, and the twist are great, and Hurst doesn't waste time adding a lot of padding of useless exposition of gore -- he actually keeps great pace and tightens up the suspense as we move along.
August 22, 2020
What an amazing and engaging example of literature. As a child growing up in the eighties I would often only find refuge in games like dungeons and dragons and while being inducted into a cult wasn’t exactly what I expected I made lasting friendships and eventually got used to the woolen leggings. This book showcases some of my fondest 80’s memories and is an absolute treasure.
July 18, 2024
I liked the concept, but . . . Some parts were a bit repetitive. The characters had detail but mostly felt flat after a while. Michelle's treatment was over the top. I worked through the typos, but in addition to fixing those, more editing ought to make the story sharper. After the climax (ha ha), the ending was too quick and too neat.
August 27, 2020
"What if the depraved fever dreams of Jack Chick and the other unhinged moral crusaders of the 'Satanic Panic' had been right?" Its a wild concept and one that Rex Hurst commits to aggressively in this novel, and the result is a very unique page-turner.
Read
January 25, 2023There were a number of things to admire about this text, but overall, it wasn't for me.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews