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Once More with Feeling
"There are people in the house. They have the children. What should we do?"
For Kate and Simon Collier, taking a midweek trip to a local restaurant provides some much needed respite from the rigours of their stressful careers. But little do they realise that their family is being hunted by a group of religious zealots.
The couple returns home to find their three children being held captive by the Sons and Daughters of Light, a sect led by the savage King Mod; a man who proclaims himself to be the Second Coming of Christ.
As the nightmare unfolds, it becomes apparent that the attack isn't a random intrusion. And on the darkest night of their lives, one civilised family will be tested on how far they are prepared to go in order to survive.
For Kate and Simon Collier, taking a midweek trip to a local restaurant provides some much needed respite from the rigours of their stressful careers. But little do they realise that their family is being hunted by a group of religious zealots.
The couple returns home to find their three children being held captive by the Sons and Daughters of Light, a sect led by the savage King Mod; a man who proclaims himself to be the Second Coming of Christ.
As the nightmare unfolds, it becomes apparent that the attack isn't a random intrusion. And on the darkest night of their lives, one civilised family will be tested on how far they are prepared to go in order to survive.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2022
1 person is currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
David Brian
19 books382 followersOfficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/David-...
Once More with Feeling
"There are people in the house. They have the children. What should we do?"
Available October 17th, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDMCLZVQ
I was born into a world of horror... Well, not quite, but almost! To be more precise, my 'very sudden' arrival into this world came about via a broken cinema seat. It was a seat into which my heavily pregnant mother found herself wedged. Once it had collapsed beneath her bulk, the resulting chaos of attempting to free her - perhaps not surprisingly - induced a rather rapid labor.
Talk about a grand entrance.
I'm guessing it was something of a talking point among those present, and probably for many years after.
Oh, yeah, and the film that was showing? It was The Phantom Of The Opera!
I have had a fascination with all aspects of the horror genre since my childhood, and it is a major driving force in my desire to write entertaining stories.
Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria is my first novel; It's the story of Laura Bennett, who finds everything changes on the day a beautiful and mysterious stranger first enters her life...
A novel length re-imagining of J.S. Le Fanu's original novella, Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria draws on much of the original narrative, but also introduces an array of new Characters to bring a whole new level of horror, and tragedy, to the legend of Carmilla.
The novel is co-authored by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu and David Brian.
Collections of my short stories can be found in the fantasy books Dark Albion, Kaleen Rae, and The Cthulhu Child.
Once More with Feeling
"There are people in the house. They have the children. What should we do?"
Available October 17th, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDMCLZVQ
I was born into a world of horror... Well, not quite, but almost! To be more precise, my 'very sudden' arrival into this world came about via a broken cinema seat. It was a seat into which my heavily pregnant mother found herself wedged. Once it had collapsed beneath her bulk, the resulting chaos of attempting to free her - perhaps not surprisingly - induced a rather rapid labor.
Talk about a grand entrance.
I'm guessing it was something of a talking point among those present, and probably for many years after.
Oh, yeah, and the film that was showing? It was The Phantom Of The Opera!
I have had a fascination with all aspects of the horror genre since my childhood, and it is a major driving force in my desire to write entertaining stories.
Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria is my first novel; It's the story of Laura Bennett, who finds everything changes on the day a beautiful and mysterious stranger first enters her life...
A novel length re-imagining of J.S. Le Fanu's original novella, Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria draws on much of the original narrative, but also introduces an array of new Characters to bring a whole new level of horror, and tragedy, to the legend of Carmilla.
The novel is co-authored by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu and David Brian.
Collections of my short stories can be found in the fantasy books Dark Albion, Kaleen Rae, and The Cthulhu Child.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 20, 2022
A crime/mystery thriller grabber!
Small backstory:
Simon and Kate Collier are wanting to have a night out on the town so they have the next door neighbor come over to keep an eye on their three children, but things go totally awry when they come home and their children are being held hostage by a cult family called the Sons and Daughters of Light who are lead by a crazy fanatical leader named King Mod.
Simon and Kate will do whatever it takes to release their children from the hands of King Mod but what Simon doesn't know is that his wife Kate has been holding back secrets from him and she knows more about the cult than she is letting on as at one time Kate was a part of cult family and King Mod is finally exacting his revenge on her escaping the family!
Thoughts:
This is a great book and slightly different than what this author normally writes as he branched away from the horror genre and has crossed over into the crime thriller genre.
The story reminded me a lot of the Manson family even though this story is totally fiction - the craziness of King Mod to me was like the craziness of Charles Manson and the cult family calls themselves "The Family" just like the Manson cult did as well.
There was a lot of fast pacing with some twists and turns - suspense and mystery wrapped up within some graphic crime scenes where some of that horror seeps in from what the author is known for within his other books. Another great book by this author and a book I won't soon forget. Giving this book four Twisted Thriller stars!
Small backstory:
Simon and Kate Collier are wanting to have a night out on the town so they have the next door neighbor come over to keep an eye on their three children, but things go totally awry when they come home and their children are being held hostage by a cult family called the Sons and Daughters of Light who are lead by a crazy fanatical leader named King Mod.
Simon and Kate will do whatever it takes to release their children from the hands of King Mod but what Simon doesn't know is that his wife Kate has been holding back secrets from him and she knows more about the cult than she is letting on as at one time Kate was a part of cult family and King Mod is finally exacting his revenge on her escaping the family!
Thoughts:
This is a great book and slightly different than what this author normally writes as he branched away from the horror genre and has crossed over into the crime thriller genre.
The story reminded me a lot of the Manson family even though this story is totally fiction - the craziness of King Mod to me was like the craziness of Charles Manson and the cult family calls themselves "The Family" just like the Manson cult did as well.
There was a lot of fast pacing with some twists and turns - suspense and mystery wrapped up within some graphic crime scenes where some of that horror seeps in from what the author is known for within his other books. Another great book by this author and a book I won't soon forget. Giving this book four Twisted Thriller stars!
September 18, 2022
As a parent of two young children I found this absolutely terrifying. The thoughts of someone breaking into my home and holding the children hostage is a dreadful one, but when-as is the case in this book-there are several unstable intruders, the threat is magnified considerably.
I liked the way the story focused not just on the family being held prisoner but also members of the cult holding them, and also other people who were operating on the perrifery of the main story. Brutal and scary with some interesting plot twists and an ending that I didn't see coming.
I liked the way the story focused not just on the family being held prisoner but also members of the cult holding them, and also other people who were operating on the perrifery of the main story. Brutal and scary with some interesting plot twists and an ending that I didn't see coming.
October 24, 2022
This was a strange one for me. It flucuated from as high as five stars to as low as two. I've read other books by this author and liked them, and so when I saw this new release on offer for .99p I decided to give it a go.
The story follows the plight of one family when their house is broken into by a sadistic gang of religious cultists. And it's not for the faint hearted.
The story itself was enthralling, and at times I was on the edge of my seat as I feared for the family held captive. It is also well written and features some nicely developed characters and storylines that unfold on the periphery of the main action.
The problem I had was with the levels of violence on display. I'm no prude, but this book contains instances of brutal sexual assault and rape-including a male rape. It was all just a bit too much for my tender preferences.
Due to the scenes of sexual violence I'd settled on awarding this one two stars. But I changed my mind again largely due to two massive reveals that occur late on in the book. They were very clever, and so deserved a higher mark.
I will read more of David Brian's work.
The story follows the plight of one family when their house is broken into by a sadistic gang of religious cultists. And it's not for the faint hearted.
The story itself was enthralling, and at times I was on the edge of my seat as I feared for the family held captive. It is also well written and features some nicely developed characters and storylines that unfold on the periphery of the main action.
The problem I had was with the levels of violence on display. I'm no prude, but this book contains instances of brutal sexual assault and rape-including a male rape. It was all just a bit too much for my tender preferences.
Due to the scenes of sexual violence I'd settled on awarding this one two stars. But I changed my mind again largely due to two massive reveals that occur late on in the book. They were very clever, and so deserved a higher mark.
I will read more of David Brian's work.
December 5, 2022
I enjoyed this novel about a late night home invasion. Rather than being a gang or drug related break in, as is often the norm in such cases, the intruders featured in Once More with Feeling are involved with a semi-religious cult. The leader of the cult is a man known as King Mod, and he believes himself to be the Second Coming of Christ.
There were a lot of layers to this story, such as focusing on the home lives of victims to be; Simon and Kate Collier, and their children Samantha and Joe. And also showing aspects of the various cult members, plus developing a side plot that occurs parallel to the main story.
All of the various threads take time to develop, but they are done with purpose and I particularly enjoyed King Mod's backstory: this a villain who straddles the borders between delusional schizophrenic and genuine prophet, and he kept me guessing right up until the end.
After a bloody and lively first chapter the story settles to a steadier pace, but only up until the point where the break in actually occurs. Once the intruders arrive on scene things get nasty real quick. And I do mean NASTY!
There is an abundance of torture and violence and blood. But this is not just some torture porn scenerio. Everything happens with purpose, and once the family realise they are in a fight or die scenerio the gloves really do come off.
As a parent I found myself rooting out loud for the Colliers, because the situation in which they find themselves is every families worst nightmare. Truly terrifying. But this is not just an 'us against them' slugfest, because there are other things going on here that the reader is unaware of. I was biting my nails in the hope that help would arrive in time to assist the Colliers, and the abundance of action in the second half of the book kept me reading until late into the night.
As many of you will know I am a huge fan of David Brian's writing, and this latest addition to his works is right up there with the best of them. Highly recommended.
There were a lot of layers to this story, such as focusing on the home lives of victims to be; Simon and Kate Collier, and their children Samantha and Joe. And also showing aspects of the various cult members, plus developing a side plot that occurs parallel to the main story.
All of the various threads take time to develop, but they are done with purpose and I particularly enjoyed King Mod's backstory: this a villain who straddles the borders between delusional schizophrenic and genuine prophet, and he kept me guessing right up until the end.
After a bloody and lively first chapter the story settles to a steadier pace, but only up until the point where the break in actually occurs. Once the intruders arrive on scene things get nasty real quick. And I do mean NASTY!
There is an abundance of torture and violence and blood. But this is not just some torture porn scenerio. Everything happens with purpose, and once the family realise they are in a fight or die scenerio the gloves really do come off.
As a parent I found myself rooting out loud for the Colliers, because the situation in which they find themselves is every families worst nightmare. Truly terrifying. But this is not just an 'us against them' slugfest, because there are other things going on here that the reader is unaware of. I was biting my nails in the hope that help would arrive in time to assist the Colliers, and the abundance of action in the second half of the book kept me reading until late into the night.
As many of you will know I am a huge fan of David Brian's writing, and this latest addition to his works is right up there with the best of them. Highly recommended.
September 27, 2022
I'm a huge fan of this author and don't understand why his books aren't more well known, so it came as no surprise that I enjoyed this latest venture into disturbing mayhem-if "enjoyed" is the right term given the subject matter?
Kate and Simon Collier return home from a night out with friends to find several intruders in their house, and the three children bound and strapped to chairs. Their son and daughter, seven year old Tom and fifteen year old Samantha, plus Samantha's friend Maria, are naturally distraught at what is going on.
The couple at first decide to comply with the invaders demands. But when it becomes apparent that the intruders are members of a cult, driven by bizarre religious teachings, and that this is far more than a simple home invasion; Kate and Simon realise they have little choice other than to try and resist. But the cult's leader is a man named King Mod, and his actions bear the hallmarks of a wanted serial killer. What chance do they have of resisting such a man?
The story unfolds at a good pace that kept me reading late into the night, although some of the brutal acts commited had me wincing as I read.
As a parent I can honestly say I found this terrifying. To have your home invaded would be dreadful enough, but for it to happen with children in the house would be scary as hell. As is often the case with David Brian's stories, there are some clever reveals at various points in the book that help to flesh out why things are occuring as they are. I thought the ending was particularly clever.
Kate and Simon Collier return home from a night out with friends to find several intruders in their house, and the three children bound and strapped to chairs. Their son and daughter, seven year old Tom and fifteen year old Samantha, plus Samantha's friend Maria, are naturally distraught at what is going on.
The couple at first decide to comply with the invaders demands. But when it becomes apparent that the intruders are members of a cult, driven by bizarre religious teachings, and that this is far more than a simple home invasion; Kate and Simon realise they have little choice other than to try and resist. But the cult's leader is a man named King Mod, and his actions bear the hallmarks of a wanted serial killer. What chance do they have of resisting such a man?
The story unfolds at a good pace that kept me reading late into the night, although some of the brutal acts commited had me wincing as I read.
As a parent I can honestly say I found this terrifying. To have your home invaded would be dreadful enough, but for it to happen with children in the house would be scary as hell. As is often the case with David Brian's stories, there are some clever reveals at various points in the book that help to flesh out why things are occuring as they are. I thought the ending was particularly clever.
August 9, 2024
An enjoyable, cheesy, gory horror thriller that’s very reminiscent of Shaun Hutson’s work. Features a weird cult, a serial killer called the Gourmet Dentist, a home invasion and a couple of big twists.
September 13, 2022
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an unbiased review. Once More with Feeling is the third full length novel I've reviewed by David Brian and it's fair to say this one cuts close to the bone.
A young professional couple returns home after a midweek trip to a local restaurant with friends, only to find the three children in the house being held prisoner by an unhinged cult of religeous psychopaths. Surely up there with every parent's worst nightmare. Things quickly begin to unravel, and dreadful acts are inflicted upon the family as the reason behind the intrusion is revealed.
The author does well in cranking up and maintaining the tension. This was a real engrossing page turner, and there are a couple of massive twists in the tale that elevate it above most stories of this type that I've read. Some of the things that occur make for grim reading, but if you can hang with the violence you'll probably enjoy where the story takes you. I did.
A young professional couple returns home after a midweek trip to a local restaurant with friends, only to find the three children in the house being held prisoner by an unhinged cult of religeous psychopaths. Surely up there with every parent's worst nightmare. Things quickly begin to unravel, and dreadful acts are inflicted upon the family as the reason behind the intrusion is revealed.
The author does well in cranking up and maintaining the tension. This was a real engrossing page turner, and there are a couple of massive twists in the tale that elevate it above most stories of this type that I've read. Some of the things that occur make for grim reading, but if you can hang with the violence you'll probably enjoy where the story takes you. I did.
February 11, 2023
I'm a huge fan of this author, but I'm honestly not sure how I feel about this latest offering. It is certainly well written, and the premise is great (A family under threat during a home invasion by a group of religious cultists). There are also a couple of really nice twists that work well with the story.
The problem I had was with the levels of brutality inflicted on the family being held hostage. There were also incidences of sexual assault, and these were described a little too graphically for my personal tastes. To sum up, the story is an interesting one, but it takes things beyond my levels of comfort.
The problem I had was with the levels of brutality inflicted on the family being held hostage. There were also incidences of sexual assault, and these were described a little too graphically for my personal tastes. To sum up, the story is an interesting one, but it takes things beyond my levels of comfort.
October 31, 2022
This was a fairly short read that I devoured over the course of the weekend. It's a very unsettling story about a family held captive in their own home by members of a religious cult who intend on sacrificing them.
There are reasons for the cults obsession with this particular family, and there are also a number of other ongoing plots that unfold alongside the main action. This is extremely violent and all the more disturbing because the victims are parents of young children, but the plot also throws up some major curve balls that turn the story on its head in a really clever way. I enjoyed this book.
There are reasons for the cults obsession with this particular family, and there are also a number of other ongoing plots that unfold alongside the main action. This is extremely violent and all the more disturbing because the victims are parents of young children, but the plot also throws up some major curve balls that turn the story on its head in a really clever way. I enjoyed this book.
October 20, 2022
This was a fairly short novel that I burned through quickly. I've Read a few of this author's books lately, and to be fair they are of a decent standard for self-published works. The author can certainly write, and the editing is carried out to an acceptable standard.
Once More with Feeling is mostly set over the course of one day and night. It follows the plight of a family who falls under the scrutiny of a maniacal cult led by King Mod, a self-proclaimed Son of God.
There is some nice characterization that draws you closer to the various players, and also an abundance of violence. There was also a couple of fairly hefty plot twists that I didn't spot coming, and these added to what was already a good read.
Once More with Feeling is mostly set over the course of one day and night. It follows the plight of a family who falls under the scrutiny of a maniacal cult led by King Mod, a self-proclaimed Son of God.
There is some nice characterization that draws you closer to the various players, and also an abundance of violence. There was also a couple of fairly hefty plot twists that I didn't spot coming, and these added to what was already a good read.
September 12, 2022
I received an ARC of Once More With Feeling in exchange for my honest review.
The story revolves around a few different arcs, although the primary events follow the search for a missing girl, and the family lives of Simon and Kate Collier.
Simon Collier works as a solicitor in criminal law, while Kate is a bookkeeper for a large firm. The couple lead busy lives which revolve around their daughter, 15 year old Samantha, and their 7 year old son, Joe.
One night the home is invaded by a religeous cult named the Sons and Daughters of Light, and the family, along with Samantha's friend Maria, are taken hostage and brutalised. There are some pretty awful events depicted here, and for a time a suspected this was just going to be a story of senseless brutality.
But it turns out there is a lot more going on.
As the reasons behind the attack are revealed, it becomes apparent that if they don't fight back then their children's lives will be on the line. The story is well written and the author definitely has writing chops, but some of the events depicted were a little too graphically violent for my personal tastes. Hence it was heading towards a rating of 4 stars. But then came a number of reveals towards the backend of the book that turned the story completely on its head. For an ending which I just didn't see coming, it gets my 5 star vote.
The story revolves around a few different arcs, although the primary events follow the search for a missing girl, and the family lives of Simon and Kate Collier.
Simon Collier works as a solicitor in criminal law, while Kate is a bookkeeper for a large firm. The couple lead busy lives which revolve around their daughter, 15 year old Samantha, and their 7 year old son, Joe.
One night the home is invaded by a religeous cult named the Sons and Daughters of Light, and the family, along with Samantha's friend Maria, are taken hostage and brutalised. There are some pretty awful events depicted here, and for a time a suspected this was just going to be a story of senseless brutality.
But it turns out there is a lot more going on.
As the reasons behind the attack are revealed, it becomes apparent that if they don't fight back then their children's lives will be on the line. The story is well written and the author definitely has writing chops, but some of the events depicted were a little too graphically violent for my personal tastes. Hence it was heading towards a rating of 4 stars. But then came a number of reveals towards the backend of the book that turned the story completely on its head. For an ending which I just didn't see coming, it gets my 5 star vote.
October 2, 2022
I read this book in under forty-eight hours, and that is extremely quickly by my standards. As a parent of young children, the idea of my home being broken into by a gang of unstable lunatics was deeply unsettling. And that is exactly the situation faced by the adults in this book.
Well written, but with some uncomfortably graphic scenes that'll stay with you long after you finish reading.
Well written, but with some uncomfortably graphic scenes that'll stay with you long after you finish reading.
October 16, 2022
I received an ARC copy of Once More with Feeling. I enjoyed the book a lot, although I've read many of David Brian's books and enjoyed most of them; so I don't know how impartial my views are.
Anyway, here are my thoughts. Simon Collier enjoys his job working as a solicitor in criminal law, but when a late night break in leaves his family in the clutches of a gang of sociopathic intruders he assumes the intrusion is related to his work. The invaders are avid followers of a man who calls himself King Mod: a man who believes himself to be Christ reborn.
As a night of violence unfolds, it becomes clear that there is far more behind the break in than Simon had at first assumed. And with the reveal that his family is to be sacrificed as part of some bizarre religious ritual, they are left with little choice other than to attempt to fight back against their assailants.
The story is fairly violent, and includes scenes that those who are easily offended probably wouldn't enjoy. But it is a gripping tale, and I liked the fact that it doesn't just focus on the family's plight, but also shows events from the cults perspective, as well as focusing on a side story involving the search for a missing girl. I enjoyed the fact that just when I thought I knew where things were headed, the author kept throwing curve balls into the plot that kept me guessing right up until the end. And the ending was very unexpected.
Anyway, here are my thoughts. Simon Collier enjoys his job working as a solicitor in criminal law, but when a late night break in leaves his family in the clutches of a gang of sociopathic intruders he assumes the intrusion is related to his work. The invaders are avid followers of a man who calls himself King Mod: a man who believes himself to be Christ reborn.
As a night of violence unfolds, it becomes clear that there is far more behind the break in than Simon had at first assumed. And with the reveal that his family is to be sacrificed as part of some bizarre religious ritual, they are left with little choice other than to attempt to fight back against their assailants.
The story is fairly violent, and includes scenes that those who are easily offended probably wouldn't enjoy. But it is a gripping tale, and I liked the fact that it doesn't just focus on the family's plight, but also shows events from the cults perspective, as well as focusing on a side story involving the search for a missing girl. I enjoyed the fact that just when I thought I knew where things were headed, the author kept throwing curve balls into the plot that kept me guessing right up until the end. And the ending was very unexpected.
June 13, 2023
This was a grim and unpleasant story about home owners coming under siege from a cult of religious whack jobs. The family being threatened attempt a fight back, and what follows is a disturbing series of encounters between the parents and members of the cult. Once the home invasion occurs, things get very dark very quickly.
This is not a story for the easily offended, but once the reason for the cults actions is revealed, and the side-line plot begins to unfold, it becomes something of a page turner.
I didn't enjoy certain scenes (the book includes acts of extreme violence, and also rape and sexual assault) but the characters are well drawn, and the story itself is well told. And the book provided a pretty satisfying conclusion.
This is not a story for the easily offended, but once the reason for the cults actions is revealed, and the side-line plot begins to unfold, it becomes something of a page turner.
I didn't enjoy certain scenes (the book includes acts of extreme violence, and also rape and sexual assault) but the characters are well drawn, and the story itself is well told. And the book provided a pretty satisfying conclusion.
March 29, 2023
A night night home intrusion is the catalyst for some dreadful crimes and awful brutality in David Brian's Once More with Feeling. But this story of a family under threat for their lives is also a real page turner, and some neat plot twists added to the strength of what was already a page turner.
December 13, 2022
Fourth book I've reviewed by this author, and this one was pehaps closer to being a thriller rather than a outright horror. Although that's not to say there aren't some truly horrific acts carried out between these pages.
A couple find their home invaded and their children taken hostage by the foul smelling members of a weird religious order. Dreadful events ensue and it quickly becomes clear that the lives of the whole family are in peril.
The adult family members attempt to resist the intruders, and bloody carnage follows. As a reader you think you know everything that is going on here, but there is an interesting side story that adds another element to the plot and this was great. A good read, with some clever plot twists that rounded the story off nicely.
A couple find their home invaded and their children taken hostage by the foul smelling members of a weird religious order. Dreadful events ensue and it quickly becomes clear that the lives of the whole family are in peril.
The adult family members attempt to resist the intruders, and bloody carnage follows. As a reader you think you know everything that is going on here, but there is an interesting side story that adds another element to the plot and this was great. A good read, with some clever plot twists that rounded the story off nicely.
April 17, 2023
Once More with Feeling is a nasty little number. It's a home invasion tale that doesn't hold back on the gore. The novel is suspenseful and throws in a few twists to keep things interesting. This is a fast, enjoyable read.
September 24, 2022
Second novel I've reviewed by this author, and although this was very different to the last one (Feeding Grounds) about killer squirrels marauding through the British countryside, it proved equally entertaining.
A young couple find their home invaded by a gang of religious extremists. Initially they comply with the invaders wishes, but when their children's lives are placed in peril they realise they must act. This was a gripping story made all the more daunting because we live in an age when home invasion is something everyone fears.
Once More with Feeling plays out with brutal cruelty, but there are some clever twists in the novel that raise it above just being a story about bloodthirsty extremists.
A young couple find their home invaded by a gang of religious extremists. Initially they comply with the invaders wishes, but when their children's lives are placed in peril they realise they must act. This was a gripping story made all the more daunting because we live in an age when home invasion is something everyone fears.
Once More with Feeling plays out with brutal cruelty, but there are some clever twists in the novel that raise it above just being a story about bloodthirsty extremists.
September 26, 2022
This felt more like a thriller with horrific elements rather than an outright horror novel, per se. But was a gripping story that kept me hooked all the way. Kudos to the author for a clever ending.
October 11, 2023
Ok, so this was highly disturbing. I'd been warned going in that there was some fairly explicit content, and given that the story is a about the unstable members of a cult who invade a family home, well, you get the drift.
But it was also a fast and addictive read.
Two adults and three children find themselves at the mercy of a gang of cultists lead by King Mod - the self-proclaimed Second Coming of Christ. Considering that this man believes himself to be the Messiah, he indulges in some decidedly unchristian acts. Very soon the family are fighting to remain alive, and the violence which follows play out fast and furiously.
This is not a story likely to be enjoyed by those who are easily offended, though neither is it simply the sort of piled on unpleasantness that you find in books labelled as extreme horror. In fact, there is an interesting backstory accompanied the main plot, and once all the threads tie together a handful of really clever twists raise the bar to another level.
But it was also a fast and addictive read.
Two adults and three children find themselves at the mercy of a gang of cultists lead by King Mod - the self-proclaimed Second Coming of Christ. Considering that this man believes himself to be the Messiah, he indulges in some decidedly unchristian acts. Very soon the family are fighting to remain alive, and the violence which follows play out fast and furiously.
This is not a story likely to be enjoyed by those who are easily offended, though neither is it simply the sort of piled on unpleasantness that you find in books labelled as extreme horror. In fact, there is an interesting backstory accompanied the main plot, and once all the threads tie together a handful of really clever twists raise the bar to another level.
February 27, 2023
Brutal home invasion thriller where a family are forced to fight back against their captors. Strong violence and sexual content, but a couple of really neat plot twists raise this a couple of bars.
March 16, 2023
This is a disturbing book about a couple and their young family who are confronted with a home invasion. The couple are then subjected to various traumas while their children are held captive elsewhere in the house.
It is a well written, and features a family whom I quickly grew to like. But I came close to setting the book aside due to the nature of the crimes being committed. However, by the end I was glad I had persevered with things.
The story really comes alive in the latter third, and expands from being just outright brutality into something altogether different. There are a couple of major plot twists which are really well worked, and these lifted the whole story to another level.
This is an oft times brutal book but, if you can get past the initial unpleasantness it is also enormously satisfying and with a very clever ending.
It is a well written, and features a family whom I quickly grew to like. But I came close to setting the book aside due to the nature of the crimes being committed. However, by the end I was glad I had persevered with things.
The story really comes alive in the latter third, and expands from being just outright brutality into something altogether different. There are a couple of major plot twists which are really well worked, and these lifted the whole story to another level.
This is an oft times brutal book but, if you can get past the initial unpleasantness it is also enormously satisfying and with a very clever ending.
December 28, 2022
Brutal tale of a family who find themselves at the mercy of a gang of religious zealots. Simon and Kate Collier return home from a dinner date to find the three children at the house held captive by a gang of intruders, and it quickly becomes clear that all of the family's lives are in peril.
I prefer supernatural horror, but there is a lot to like here. The plot runs far deeper than is at first apparent, and the author places enough meat on the bones of the various characters to make each one interesting-even the most evil of the bunch. There are also some interesting plot twists that I thought worked really well.
Recommended for those who enjoy a good thriller. Though be warned, there are some extremely unpleasant scenes depicted here.
I prefer supernatural horror, but there is a lot to like here. The plot runs far deeper than is at first apparent, and the author places enough meat on the bones of the various characters to make each one interesting-even the most evil of the bunch. There are also some interesting plot twists that I thought worked really well.
Recommended for those who enjoy a good thriller. Though be warned, there are some extremely unpleasant scenes depicted here.
November 26, 2022
A late evening home invasion leads to a couple returning home to find their kids held hostage by the gang of intruders. Perhaps every parents worst nightmare, but made worse by the revelation that the intruders are members of the Sons and Daughters of Light, a cult of religious zealots who intend sacrificing the family members.
A fairly quick read, but still really intense and with some clever twists thrown in along the way.
A fairly quick read, but still really intense and with some clever twists thrown in along the way.
March 24, 2023
This is an exceptionally grim novel about a family whose house is broken into by a group of religious cultists. Unpleasantly violent in places, but still an engrossing story that throws up some interesting twists.
May 1, 2023
This is a shortish novel about unstable intruders breaking into a family home late one evening. It is a surprisingly savage story depicting some unpleasant scenes. It's a page turner though, and if you don't mind the violence it is a good book.
November 18, 2022
A fast read and intense story. It was good!
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