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Father of Lies Trilogy #3
Sacrament
**Nominated for a 2022 Splatterpunk Award for Best Novella!**
Following the events of COMMUNION, Professor Bianchi knows that Father is getting closer to finally completing the steps to ultimately open the doorway and ascend to the Black Heavens.
Father is bound and determined to take his place alongside the cosmic chaos Gods.
With this in mind, Bianchi must seek out the man himself and try and find a way to put a stop to Father's madness, even as Father himself begins to transform.
The stunning conclusion to the Father of Lies Trilogy will leave you filthy and finally discovering the true nature of the Black Heavens.
Following the events of COMMUNION, Professor Bianchi knows that Father is getting closer to finally completing the steps to ultimately open the doorway and ascend to the Black Heavens.
Father is bound and determined to take his place alongside the cosmic chaos Gods.
With this in mind, Bianchi must seek out the man himself and try and find a way to put a stop to Father's madness, even as Father himself begins to transform.
The stunning conclusion to the Father of Lies Trilogy will leave you filthy and finally discovering the true nature of the Black Heavens.
- GenresHorror
Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Steve Stred
88 books671 followersAn award-winning author, Steve Stred lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with his wife and son.
Known for his novels, ‘Mastodon,’ ‘Churn the Soil,’ and his series ‘Father of Lies’ where he joined a cult on the dark web for four years, his work has been described as haunting, bleak and is frequently set in the woods near where he grew up. He’s been fortunate to appear in numerous anthologies with some truly amazing authors.
His novel ‘Mastodon’ will be translated into Czech and Italian over the next few years.
His novel 'Churn the Soil' won the Best Horror Novel award in the 2024 Indieverse Awards.
His novel 'Mastodon' and his novella' Sacrament' were both nominated for Splatterpunk Awards.
He is represented by Kodie Van Dusen at The Rights Factory and Alec Frankel at Independent Artist Group.
Outside of writing, Steve received his Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology from the University of the Fraser Valley in 2008, and became a Certified Canadian Pedorthist in 2013.
Known for his novels, ‘Mastodon,’ ‘Churn the Soil,’ and his series ‘Father of Lies’ where he joined a cult on the dark web for four years, his work has been described as haunting, bleak and is frequently set in the woods near where he grew up. He’s been fortunate to appear in numerous anthologies with some truly amazing authors.
His novel ‘Mastodon’ will be translated into Czech and Italian over the next few years.
His novel 'Churn the Soil' won the Best Horror Novel award in the 2024 Indieverse Awards.
His novel 'Mastodon' and his novella' Sacrament' were both nominated for Splatterpunk Awards.
He is represented by Kodie Van Dusen at The Rights Factory and Alec Frankel at Independent Artist Group.
Outside of writing, Steve received his Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology from the University of the Fraser Valley in 2008, and became a Certified Canadian Pedorthist in 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 31, 2021
Review to Follow
January 22, 2021
When I read the first book in this trilogy, I made a comment that I wanted to see the story expanded. Shortly after hosting that review, Steve announced that there would be another two books to follow. While Ritual was structured like a “one-shot horror,” I saw the potential in a gruesome world of stories. It may have been more graphic and gratuitous than I generally prefer, but I knew putting Steve at the helm of a cult story was good business. So, I went into its sequel with nervous excitement, curious to see where Steve had gone with it all. Luckily, Communion did not disappoint in the least. I loved following the detective and seeing a new POV. At the end of my review for that entry, I asked for an omnibus to release once all three books had been delivered. Upon reading Sacrament, I can confirm that Steve is doing just that! Even better, it will include a bonus story that is part of the trilogy!
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Sacrament is the exciting finale to the Father of Lies trilogy, and it does not let up one bit. The story is quick, tight, and unsettling. The only reason it took me two days to read was because I started it late one night after finishing two other books. Like its predecessors, this novella only takes about an hour to read. However, in that short amount of time, a lot happens! Honestly, yes, Steve could take these three books and make them all larger with ease. However, they also flow well at these lengths, and work wonders as easily digestible and enjoyable shots of horror. And, again, we will be getting an omnibus with an additional story sometime in 2021. When that happens, I will be re-reading this trilogy and writing a review of it as a collective novel. It’s definitely a release I am now looking forward to!
Lastly, I would like to talk about the afterword, because it made my experience all the better. To learn all the research Steve did for this series is a bit scary. I don’t want to give too much away, but I would actually love for Steve to release a book chronicling his journey infiltrating the cult that influenced this story. In the afterword, he tells of some of the sick actions taken within the group, some in initiation and others in their ascent. Steve spent some four years doing all this, so if he journaled during that time, I now request a collective and expanded essay on all of it next.
***
Highlights: Fast-paced and exciting … horrific and chilling … well-researched, making the hell of it all even more hellish ... a satisfying finale
Shadows: Could have been longer, but also works well at this length
FFO: Cult horror … demons and summonings … violent and graphic reads
Takeaway: Sacrament may be a quick ride into hell, but it leaves an impression! I cannot wait for the omnibus to follow later this year.
Would I read this author again? Yes
***
REVIEW BY AIDEN MERCHANT
→ WWW.AIDENMERCHANT.COM
CONTACT: CONTACT@AIDENMERCHANT.COM
SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM (AIDENMERCHANT.OFFICIAL) AND TWITTER (AIDENMERCHANT89)
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Sacrament is the exciting finale to the Father of Lies trilogy, and it does not let up one bit. The story is quick, tight, and unsettling. The only reason it took me two days to read was because I started it late one night after finishing two other books. Like its predecessors, this novella only takes about an hour to read. However, in that short amount of time, a lot happens! Honestly, yes, Steve could take these three books and make them all larger with ease. However, they also flow well at these lengths, and work wonders as easily digestible and enjoyable shots of horror. And, again, we will be getting an omnibus with an additional story sometime in 2021. When that happens, I will be re-reading this trilogy and writing a review of it as a collective novel. It’s definitely a release I am now looking forward to!
Lastly, I would like to talk about the afterword, because it made my experience all the better. To learn all the research Steve did for this series is a bit scary. I don’t want to give too much away, but I would actually love for Steve to release a book chronicling his journey infiltrating the cult that influenced this story. In the afterword, he tells of some of the sick actions taken within the group, some in initiation and others in their ascent. Steve spent some four years doing all this, so if he journaled during that time, I now request a collective and expanded essay on all of it next.
***
Highlights: Fast-paced and exciting … horrific and chilling … well-researched, making the hell of it all even more hellish ... a satisfying finale
Shadows: Could have been longer, but also works well at this length
FFO: Cult horror … demons and summonings … violent and graphic reads
Takeaway: Sacrament may be a quick ride into hell, but it leaves an impression! I cannot wait for the omnibus to follow later this year.
Would I read this author again? Yes
***
REVIEW BY AIDEN MERCHANT
→ WWW.AIDENMERCHANT.COM
CONTACT: CONTACT@AIDENMERCHANT.COM
SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM (AIDENMERCHANT.OFFICIAL) AND TWITTER (AIDENMERCHANT89)
May 31, 2022
The doorway is nearly open, the Black Heavens await. Closer to his goal than ever before, Father begins to alter his physical form so that he’s able to take his place beside the cosmic gods. The only one with plans to stop him is Professor Bianchi, yet his role is uncertain as alarming revelations present themselves.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
Sacrament follows Ritual and Communion, concluding Stred’s extreme horror trilogy, where one man and his followers strive to ascend to the Black Heavens. From an inside look at the commune through one of its members (Brad), to the investigation that plunged a detective into madness (McKay), the final instalment switches it up yet again, putting Professor Bianchi in the spotlight. Bianchi is revealed to be connected to the cult in some way, yet he’s determined to thwart whatever grand plan’s at play. The thing that got me about Stred’s writing is that he did a lot with a little, especially with the characters and how they expressed themselves in specific ways. “Father” – the central villain I’ve praised before – exuded cruelty and wickedness in his every action, not to mention the nauseating quality he brought to the page. Undergoing a transformation, body horror surrounded Father; another spicy ingredient in the mixture of zealotry and sex, and another thing that drew my interest. Stred knew exactly how to keep things grim, as well as how to push boundaries with such limited space. Nowadays it’s a special thing to have short fiction so accessible, because it has the potential to hit the mark as powerfully as any lengthy novel. An example would be this trilogy – in the hands of the right reader, it’s a nasty, memorable treat.
In conclusion: Sacrament is the finale of the Father of Lies trilogy, featuring a whole lot of unpleasantness as a cult attempts to open the gates to a mythical plane of existence. With demonic entities, vile appetites, and almost nobody to root for, it was a high-speed climax that pulled no punches. I’ve been a fan since Ritual, and it was a pleasure to see how the story was expanded on with its biblical elements regarding Sheol and Abaddon. Stred has one hell of an imagination, one able to twist and disturb while still maintaining an engaging plot. I was desperate to know Father’s fate, and it didn’t disappoint.
Notable Quote:
“He’ll say what is necessary. Remember, sometimes it is ideal to be broken instead of repaired.”
© Red Lace 2022
Blog ~ Twitter
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
Sacrament follows Ritual and Communion, concluding Stred’s extreme horror trilogy, where one man and his followers strive to ascend to the Black Heavens. From an inside look at the commune through one of its members (Brad), to the investigation that plunged a detective into madness (McKay), the final instalment switches it up yet again, putting Professor Bianchi in the spotlight. Bianchi is revealed to be connected to the cult in some way, yet he’s determined to thwart whatever grand plan’s at play. The thing that got me about Stred’s writing is that he did a lot with a little, especially with the characters and how they expressed themselves in specific ways. “Father” – the central villain I’ve praised before – exuded cruelty and wickedness in his every action, not to mention the nauseating quality he brought to the page. Undergoing a transformation, body horror surrounded Father; another spicy ingredient in the mixture of zealotry and sex, and another thing that drew my interest. Stred knew exactly how to keep things grim, as well as how to push boundaries with such limited space. Nowadays it’s a special thing to have short fiction so accessible, because it has the potential to hit the mark as powerfully as any lengthy novel. An example would be this trilogy – in the hands of the right reader, it’s a nasty, memorable treat.
In conclusion: Sacrament is the finale of the Father of Lies trilogy, featuring a whole lot of unpleasantness as a cult attempts to open the gates to a mythical plane of existence. With demonic entities, vile appetites, and almost nobody to root for, it was a high-speed climax that pulled no punches. I’ve been a fan since Ritual, and it was a pleasure to see how the story was expanded on with its biblical elements regarding Sheol and Abaddon. Stred has one hell of an imagination, one able to twist and disturb while still maintaining an engaging plot. I was desperate to know Father’s fate, and it didn’t disappoint.
Notable Quote:
“He’ll say what is necessary. Remember, sometimes it is ideal to be broken instead of repaired.”
© Red Lace 2022
Blog ~ Twitter
March 3, 2021
A thrilling, bloody conclusion to the Father of Lies trilogy. Stred has created a cult I will never forget.
June 13, 2021
I did some light editing on this one, so I'll just say it's a worthy end to Stred's epic trilogy. Make sure you stick around for the eye-opening afterword.
July 5, 2021
Sacrament by Steve Stred is the third installment in the extreme horror trilogy, Father of Lies. This time, we follow the subject expert, Bianchi, who knew more about this case than he let on previously.
This is the third book in the trilogy that I had originally picked up as part of Rick’s Read Along. After getting through the first and second installments in the series, I just couldn’t walk away.
Content Warnings: Extreme body horror, sexual violence, cult content, suicide, and more.
While this story was as quick as the last two, it really packed a punch! This was such a great conclusion to what had been started here.
Fans of extreme horror that will make you sick to your stomach, this trilogy is a must read!
More here: *coming soon*
This is the third book in the trilogy that I had originally picked up as part of Rick’s Read Along. After getting through the first and second installments in the series, I just couldn’t walk away.
Content Warnings: Extreme body horror, sexual violence, cult content, suicide, and more.
While this story was as quick as the last two, it really packed a punch! This was such a great conclusion to what had been started here.
Fans of extreme horror that will make you sick to your stomach, this trilogy is a must read!
More here: *coming soon*
June 18, 2021
A fitting and fine conclusion to Stred’s Father of Lies trilogy. I thoroughly enjoyed all 3 books, and I’m looking forward to checking out more from this author
May 28, 2021
Sacrament is a very satisfying ending to the Father of Lies trilogy.
It’s hard to review this book without spoiling the other two, so please, please go read this trilogy so you can join this wild ride!
Steve joined a cult just to write this story. The least you can do is read it!
Thank you Steve for an advanced review copy!
It’s hard to review this book without spoiling the other two, so please, please go read this trilogy so you can join this wild ride!
Steve joined a cult just to write this story. The least you can do is read it!
Thank you Steve for an advanced review copy!
July 1, 2021
Stred's Father of Lies trilogy comes to an end in typically wild fashion as Professor Bianchi takes up the baton to try and halt Father before he can realise the ascension.
Stred has held nothing back in this trilogy and this instalment as we encounter more demonic imagery and rituals with Father and his followers nearing their goal of reaching the Black Heavens. Bianchi is the puzzle piece linking us to Father's past and present and at times seems to be a conflicted figure.
The afterword is almost as illuminating as the action as the author shares with us his research into the novellas and how he became part of a "dark web" faction looking to ascend in a similar way to Father.
This truly is an unforgettable trio of horror novellas that take us to the brink and more of what we can handle, but is based on dealings the author has had in reality to some degree. There are shocking acts aplenty in part three, but you just can't look away as the answers race ever closer.
Stred has held nothing back in this trilogy and this instalment as we encounter more demonic imagery and rituals with Father and his followers nearing their goal of reaching the Black Heavens. Bianchi is the puzzle piece linking us to Father's past and present and at times seems to be a conflicted figure.
The afterword is almost as illuminating as the action as the author shares with us his research into the novellas and how he became part of a "dark web" faction looking to ascend in a similar way to Father.
This truly is an unforgettable trio of horror novellas that take us to the brink and more of what we can handle, but is based on dealings the author has had in reality to some degree. There are shocking acts aplenty in part three, but you just can't look away as the answers race ever closer.
August 4, 2021
A fitting end to a great trilogy. Make sure you read the afterword and the research that went into writing these stories. Bone chilling stuff.
December 21, 2021
I think I would have raced through Steve Stred's Father of Lies trilogy in one sitting if it wasn't for annoying stuff like sleeping and work. It's that fast-paced and that good. The trilogy features a truly terrifying demonic cult, led by a sadistic figure called Father. Each of the three books follows a different protagonist as they become tangled in the cult's dark purpose. The writing is direct and evocative. Things go from zero to "oh shit" very quickly in the first book. I loved how the mundane nature of Brad's daily routine was juxtaposed with the insanity of the cult. I also liked that Father remained a mysterious figure throughout the trilogy. We get some hints as to his motivations but little in terms of background. I thought that was a smart choice on the author's part. Sometimes learning too much about what made a villain the way they are humanizes them to a point where they're no longer frightening. Father would seem way less monstrous if we found out that he was doing all this because his dad didn't hug him enough as a kid or something.
Highly recommended for fans of extreme horror. Just a warning that these books contain some graphic sexual violence and body horror.
Highly recommended for fans of extreme horror. Just a warning that these books contain some graphic sexual violence and body horror.
December 14, 2023
Good Old Fashioned Fun
Absolute joy to read. Just a fun romp through a crazy ass cult leader's jaunt to Godhood. The first portion of this trilogy gave me a nice dose of vertigo reading it, so I knew I was going to be in for a treat, and Steve Stred delivers. Bravo!
Absolute joy to read. Just a fun romp through a crazy ass cult leader's jaunt to Godhood. The first portion of this trilogy gave me a nice dose of vertigo reading it, so I knew I was going to be in for a treat, and Steve Stred delivers. Bravo!
January 2, 2025
What a whirlwind! Thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy and the lore behind it, I wish there had been more of this story to read and become absorbed in. This would make for an insane body horror movie!
July 4, 2021
This is actually more a review on the entire trilogy rather than just this one book. All five stars! It was interesting because each book is from a different main characters point of view. And when you read all three back to back the full story brings all three views together nicely. It flows very well into one continuous storyline and damn it’s a good one. Dark, bloody and full of good ol sacrifices and pure hell on earth! Great stuff from a great author!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews