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Unholy Gods
On the furthest edge of the Outer Hebrides lies St. Budoc’s Island, a remote community steeped in centuries-old superstition.
Marine biologist John Calvary escaped the remote Scottish island he grew up on after a traumatic event. Now, thirty years later, John has been called back to St. Budoc’s to investigate something from the depths of the Scottish seas that has washed up on its shore, something that is unearthing the island’s devastating secrets and causing the islanders to quietly unravel.
The corpse of an unknown, colossal sea creature.
Marine biologist John Calvary escaped the remote Scottish island he grew up on after a traumatic event. Now, thirty years later, John has been called back to St. Budoc’s to investigate something from the depths of the Scottish seas that has washed up on its shore, something that is unearthing the island’s devastating secrets and causing the islanders to quietly unravel.
The corpse of an unknown, colossal sea creature.
171 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2022
7 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 24, 2023
Little fun fact about me-I am terrified of what lives under the water in the deep sea. Its an irrational fear I have had all my life but the fact that we don’t know EVERYTHING down there freaks me out. So when @williamlongauthor asked me if I wanted to check out his deep sea horror novel I said –Hell Yes!
Wow! This was intense and so much more then what I had expected. For it being on the shorter side it really packs a bunch and held my attention. I loved John and his character. He was so sympathetic and brave. The dread builds at such a quick pace and my questions just continued to build until the end. I loved the folklore mixed in and the creepy islander characters.
This is extremely layered, complex and freaked me out in parts BIG TIME! Clear the evening, jump in and enjoy this wonderful story. You have a new fan Mr. Long! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this fantastic story.
Wow! This was intense and so much more then what I had expected. For it being on the shorter side it really packs a bunch and held my attention. I loved John and his character. He was so sympathetic and brave. The dread builds at such a quick pace and my questions just continued to build until the end. I loved the folklore mixed in and the creepy islander characters.
This is extremely layered, complex and freaked me out in parts BIG TIME! Clear the evening, jump in and enjoy this wonderful story. You have a new fan Mr. Long! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this fantastic story.
July 12, 2023
4.5 stars, rounded up for Goodreads.
Unholy Gods is about deep sea horrors, small town secrets, past regrets, and the complex effects of religion on a community.
Our main character, John, returns to the small Scottish island he grew up on at the request of his sister. He never wanted to return, but he couldn't say no - a huge, unknown sea creature (monster?) has washed up on the shore, and no one can identify it. The creature, and John's, return set into motion a series of events that reveal both new and old horrors.
I had a great time reading this book. While there were some surprises, the story ultimately went in the direction I thought it would - and, in this case, that's a very good thing. I don't want to spoil it, but it had some of my favorite tropes, and I was exited for the reveals!
The ending is perfect, and actually had a lot more heart than I expected. Again, no spoilers.
But I definitely recommend this to anyone that likes aquatic horror!
Side note, there's nothing too graphic here. This is a book that's great for both new and veteran horror readers.
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy of your book in exchange for an honest review!
Unholy Gods is about deep sea horrors, small town secrets, past regrets, and the complex effects of religion on a community.
Our main character, John, returns to the small Scottish island he grew up on at the request of his sister. He never wanted to return, but he couldn't say no - a huge, unknown sea creature (monster?) has washed up on the shore, and no one can identify it. The creature, and John's, return set into motion a series of events that reveal both new and old horrors.
I had a great time reading this book. While there were some surprises, the story ultimately went in the direction I thought it would - and, in this case, that's a very good thing. I don't want to spoil it, but it had some of my favorite tropes, and I was exited for the reveals!
The ending is perfect, and actually had a lot more heart than I expected. Again, no spoilers.
But I definitely recommend this to anyone that likes aquatic horror!
Side note, there's nothing too graphic here. This is a book that's great for both new and veteran horror readers.
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy of your book in exchange for an honest review!
October 28, 2023
A well written story about legend and reality colliding. Felt more like a thriller than a horror to me and there was a little too much 'village politics' for my liking, but definitely a strong offering from William Long. Beautifully descriptive writing without straying into overly flowery or unnecessary prose. Most of the characters were well thought out and solidly constructed. It didn't set my world on fire but still an enjoyable read. If you like creature features or folk tales that don't stray too far into horror territory then this is the book for you. I do recommend it, just don't go in expecting scares.
March 6, 2023
This book was fantastic and I quickly DEVOURED every piece of it. There is an air of mystery that builds intrigue with wanting to know what this washed up sea creature is and what secrets the island is hiding. I had so many questions running through my head - Why are no outsiders allowed to help John identify the creature? Why does John feel unsafe amongst the residents? What traumatic event caused John to leave home many years ago? Why are people acting violently after this creature showed up? What’s with the strange weather? How is it all connected?! I was completely immersed in this world and all of its shocking and horrifying revelations. I felt for John as he was uncovering the truth, his character is portrayed with sensitivity and depth that made him feel authentic. As for the underwater scenes, I was legitimately TERRIFIED. Giant sea creatures already freak me out, so when I got to a certain scene in the book I actually got chills! It was descriptive and all too vivid, just thinking about the scene scares me all over again. But that’s exactly what you want from a horror novel, you want to feel uneasy and frightened, this book gave me all of that and more.
Horror readers, don’t pass up on this one! Peel the layers and you’ll find human monsters, grief, heartbreak and a colossal sea creature that will grip you and pull you underneath and into the depths of the unknown…
Horror readers, don’t pass up on this one! Peel the layers and you’ll find human monsters, grief, heartbreak and a colossal sea creature that will grip you and pull you underneath and into the depths of the unknown…
February 21, 2023
A really good story full of surprises. Perfect setting and creatures, some mystery and good characters. Lots of atmosphere and some strange weather things happening. Takes a while to get into what is going on, but it's a good journey getting there.
March 22, 2024
I devoured this book and felt like a kid again with my eyes in wonder as I turned page after page!
I don't know why I didn't read this sooner honestly as I knew from the premise that it was going to be good but I didn't imagine this good! I love water and having a marine background I empathised straight away with John, who's called by his sister to his childhood home, a tiny remote island at the edge of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. He hasn't been back there for 30 years, but as a marine biologist his sister Anna thought he'll be well placed to identify the monster washed ashore. But that creature is only the beginning. Unexpectedly John will have to deal with more than the present and try to make sense of what will unravel.
This book reads exactly as a film, and I could picture an older John just recounting his tale, the small island and the creature. This is a great cosmic horror with great characters and a plot that reveals itself slowly but in such a way to keep on the edge without boring the reader. The descriptions are vivid and the story is really credible, I mean I really loved reading this book! The action scenes were written so well that I could feel myself being in the character's place very easily.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author and if you want to read a great water themed cosmic horror, then this is the one!
Thanks to the author for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
I don't know why I didn't read this sooner honestly as I knew from the premise that it was going to be good but I didn't imagine this good! I love water and having a marine background I empathised straight away with John, who's called by his sister to his childhood home, a tiny remote island at the edge of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. He hasn't been back there for 30 years, but as a marine biologist his sister Anna thought he'll be well placed to identify the monster washed ashore. But that creature is only the beginning. Unexpectedly John will have to deal with more than the present and try to make sense of what will unravel.
This book reads exactly as a film, and I could picture an older John just recounting his tale, the small island and the creature. This is a great cosmic horror with great characters and a plot that reveals itself slowly but in such a way to keep on the edge without boring the reader. The descriptions are vivid and the story is really credible, I mean I really loved reading this book! The action scenes were written so well that I could feel myself being in the character's place very easily.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author and if you want to read a great water themed cosmic horror, then this is the one!
Thanks to the author for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
July 11, 2023
Ok guys you gotta read this book.
If you are at all into small town secrets, giant sea creatures, apocalyptic level of events, then this is for you. And I'm leaving a lot out here to avoid spoilers.
The book started off as a normal story of John, a marine biologist, who travels back to his birth island at the Hebrides, almost against his will - he never ever wanted to set foot on it again due to a past traumatic event that sent him running for decades.
But his sister called that something strange washed up on their shores, and they needed him to help identify it.
His arrival reunites him with his loved ones, but also sets off old grudges.
And then shit hits the fan.
From that point on the story becomes way deeper than expected. Clear your evening as you'll not want to put it down.
Richly layered storytelling, a complex story that will take you to unexpected depths, and an absolutely insane ending... Look, I still have goosebumps!!
Don't miss this.
If you are at all into small town secrets, giant sea creatures, apocalyptic level of events, then this is for you. And I'm leaving a lot out here to avoid spoilers.
The book started off as a normal story of John, a marine biologist, who travels back to his birth island at the Hebrides, almost against his will - he never ever wanted to set foot on it again due to a past traumatic event that sent him running for decades.
But his sister called that something strange washed up on their shores, and they needed him to help identify it.
His arrival reunites him with his loved ones, but also sets off old grudges.
And then shit hits the fan.
From that point on the story becomes way deeper than expected. Clear your evening as you'll not want to put it down.
Richly layered storytelling, a complex story that will take you to unexpected depths, and an absolutely insane ending... Look, I still have goosebumps!!
Don't miss this.
January 18, 2024
A few of my besties on here raved about this book so much last year, I had to grab myself a copy.
John Calvary is a marine biologist who has been called back to St. Budoc’s Island, after escaping the island 30 years ago, to investigate a horrifying creature that washed up on the island’s shore.
And that’s all you really need to know going in. I knew I would be disturbed by this story because anything involving the ocean or deep water automatically terrifies me. The number of times I felt suffocated while reading this novella was wild - it was definitely a page turner for me.
This story has a lot to offer, including:
🐟 Sea monsters
🐟 Religious cults
🐟 LGBTQIA+ rep
🐟 Isolated Island
🐟 Mysterious past
🐟 Tragedy/trauma/grief
Definitely a different kind of story that will make anyone fear the depths of the ocean and any form of religion.
𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: 😰🫧🤔
𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭? ✔️
John Calvary is a marine biologist who has been called back to St. Budoc’s Island, after escaping the island 30 years ago, to investigate a horrifying creature that washed up on the island’s shore.
And that’s all you really need to know going in. I knew I would be disturbed by this story because anything involving the ocean or deep water automatically terrifies me. The number of times I felt suffocated while reading this novella was wild - it was definitely a page turner for me.
This story has a lot to offer, including:
🐟 Sea monsters
🐟 Religious cults
🐟 LGBTQIA+ rep
🐟 Isolated Island
🐟 Mysterious past
🐟 Tragedy/trauma/grief
Definitely a different kind of story that will make anyone fear the depths of the ocean and any form of religion.
𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: 😰🫧🤔
𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭? ✔️
July 24, 2023
John is a Marine Biologist and has been called back to his isolated island home of St Budoc’s by his sister to investigate an unknown sea creature that has washed up. Once he arrives events take an apocalyptic turn and the superstitions of the islanders take him back to the day he fled in fear 30 yrs ago.
This is a really creepy aquatic horror with serous Wicker Man vibes. The portents that happen once he arrives are of biblical proportions and the whole island has an air of the uncanny about it. The reconnection with his sister is touching though and there is a lot of heart in this story. Nothing too gory just a really fantastic peeling back if the layers of a small town’s secrets.
The ending though, if you have a fear of the sea enter the water carefully but I really enjoyed this dive into a really twisted and tense tale of the deep dark ocean.
This is a really creepy aquatic horror with serous Wicker Man vibes. The portents that happen once he arrives are of biblical proportions and the whole island has an air of the uncanny about it. The reconnection with his sister is touching though and there is a lot of heart in this story. Nothing too gory just a really fantastic peeling back if the layers of a small town’s secrets.
The ending though, if you have a fear of the sea enter the water carefully but I really enjoyed this dive into a really twisted and tense tale of the deep dark ocean.
July 28, 2023
Y'all, this is a debut novel? GTFOH!!! This book is everything I needed.
Deep sea monster ✔️
Remote island ✔️
Crazy religious sect ✔️
LGBTQ rep ✔️
And we have another reason why not to go in the freaking ocean. We don't know what's down there! Just leave it be people! This book is very in-depth and I loved every minute of it it will definitely haunt me for a long time.
This book is about John Calvary. he's a marine biologist and has to go back to the remote Scottish Island he grew up on to help investigate a humongous sea creature that has lost ashore. He fled this island 30 years ago after a traumatic event and he does not want to come back. John has to uncover what this beast is in the island secrets before it's too late.
Deep sea monster ✔️
Remote island ✔️
Crazy religious sect ✔️
LGBTQ rep ✔️
And we have another reason why not to go in the freaking ocean. We don't know what's down there! Just leave it be people! This book is very in-depth and I loved every minute of it it will definitely haunt me for a long time.
This book is about John Calvary. he's a marine biologist and has to go back to the remote Scottish Island he grew up on to help investigate a humongous sea creature that has lost ashore. He fled this island 30 years ago after a traumatic event and he does not want to come back. John has to uncover what this beast is in the island secrets before it's too late.
July 16, 2023
This girl loves a sea creature!!! Any kind of water beastie is a win for me - a monster both majestic and deadly. Indeed there is certainly something monstrous in Unholy Gods. The story also includes some wonderful small town horror and, as someone who spent a large chunk of her childhood visiting wee villages ‘Up North’ , I can assure you the author does an uncannily accurate job of creating a close knit community with a strong sense of no outsiders! The intertwined mysteries in this book had me hooked. It’s visceral, it’s disturbing but there is also more to this story than meets the eye and it’s as heartbreaking as it is horrifying.
4.5 ⭐️
4.5 ⭐️
July 27, 2023
Another great deep sea thriller! Summer is the perfect time for aquatic horror and I could not put this one down. It was definitely a page turner from the beginning.
The sea is a mystifying, unknown place and the thought of creatures as big as the ones described in this book being down there is truly terrifying.
But that’s also the beauty of the sea. And why we should 100% leave it alone.
The sea is a mystifying, unknown place and the thought of creatures as big as the ones described in this book being down there is truly terrifying.
But that’s also the beauty of the sea. And why we should 100% leave it alone.
August 26, 2023
Deep as the sea!
There’s nothing like finding an author on Instagram and then getting to enjoy their book! Unholy Gods really surprised me. It’s full of cozy and uncertain vibes. Like what is going on in this town! As the story goes on everything really reveals itself and you understand how touching the story really is. Beautiful sea horror!
There’s nothing like finding an author on Instagram and then getting to enjoy their book! Unholy Gods really surprised me. It’s full of cozy and uncertain vibes. Like what is going on in this town! As the story goes on everything really reveals itself and you understand how touching the story really is. Beautiful sea horror!
August 25, 2023
Colossal sea creatures, creepy islanders harbouring secrets, and a setting so isolated, you just know that when things go bad, they go really bad!
May 15, 2024
Monsters
John Calvary is a marine biologist sent to investigate a creature that washed adore. Whatever it is it is massive. Can they figure it out? Suspense filled marine chiller.
John Calvary is a marine biologist sent to investigate a creature that washed adore. Whatever it is it is massive. Can they figure it out? Suspense filled marine chiller.
February 28, 2024
Set against the backdrop of a small, isolated Scottish island, it weaves a tale of deep-sea mysteries, small-town secrets, and the intricate dance between faith and fear. John, our protagonist, is drawn back to the very place he vowed to forget, compelled by his sister's plea to uncover the truth behind a monstrous sea creature that has mysteriously washed ashore. What follows is a gripping narrative that delves into the abyss of the unknown and the shadows of human souls.
While the book treads familiar paths with its use of beloved horror tropes, it does so in a way that feels fresh and engaging. The anticipation of the reveals is a testament to the author's skill in storytelling, making the journey as rewarding as the destination. The ending, in particular, is noteworthy for its emotional depth and unexpected warmth, offering a satisfying conclusion that resonates long after the final page is turned.
If you have a penchant for aquatic horror, you’ll love this. Its careful balance of suspense, horror, and emotional depth makes it accessible to both newcomers and veterans of the genre. The vivid underwater scenes, coupled with the eerie calm of the island, create a chilling backdrop for a story that is as much about confronting our fears as it is about the mysteries lurking beneath the waves.
While the book treads familiar paths with its use of beloved horror tropes, it does so in a way that feels fresh and engaging. The anticipation of the reveals is a testament to the author's skill in storytelling, making the journey as rewarding as the destination. The ending, in particular, is noteworthy for its emotional depth and unexpected warmth, offering a satisfying conclusion that resonates long after the final page is turned.
If you have a penchant for aquatic horror, you’ll love this. Its careful balance of suspense, horror, and emotional depth makes it accessible to both newcomers and veterans of the genre. The vivid underwater scenes, coupled with the eerie calm of the island, create a chilling backdrop for a story that is as much about confronting our fears as it is about the mysteries lurking beneath the waves.
July 23, 2023
Do you love deep sea horror? What about mysterious islanders that are cut off from the rest of civilization? Now, how do you feel about cosmic horror and cults? If any of these sound good to you then pick up a copy of Unholy Gods and immerse yourself in all that and more. Seriously, William Long did such a good job creating an air of mystery and unease throughout this book and then tying it all together in a heartbreaking finale.
Get ready to feel scared and sorrowful all at once as you follow protagonist John Cavalry back to his childhood home that he had fled from as a teenager. At first, he might seem happy to see his sister after all this time, but soon the creature that is stranded on the beach and the suspicious islanders start to feel more than just a bad omen. Could the creature be connected to the horrifying event that made him flee thirty years prior? And what is up with all the dead fish and dying vegetation? Something is surely amiss on St. Budoc's island and it might be more sinister than anyone can imagine...
Get ready to feel scared and sorrowful all at once as you follow protagonist John Cavalry back to his childhood home that he had fled from as a teenager. At first, he might seem happy to see his sister after all this time, but soon the creature that is stranded on the beach and the suspicious islanders start to feel more than just a bad omen. Could the creature be connected to the horrifying event that made him flee thirty years prior? And what is up with all the dead fish and dying vegetation? Something is surely amiss on St. Budoc's island and it might be more sinister than anyone can imagine...
February 5, 2024
A solid horror story about a cosy yet unsettling island community.
I would say that I was a bit disappointed that the story focused more on the island's secrets, rather than the sea monster itself. I liked the creepy goings on that happened after the thing washed up, but it felt more like this was a book about the .
There were some good descriptions of both the town and the gruesome events, and there was a strong folk horror vibe all through this. I was presently surprised by the framing device too, with a tragic incident that has nothing to do with anything kicking off John telling his tale. I don't think I've ever seen a hairdresser's visit set off a horror book plot before!
This is a great book to read if you're looking for a bit of a slow burn with a mix of monsters and human evils.
I would say that I was a bit disappointed that the story focused more on the island's secrets, rather than the sea monster itself. I liked the creepy goings on that happened after the thing washed up, but it felt more like this was a book about the .
There were some good descriptions of both the town and the gruesome events, and there was a strong folk horror vibe all through this. I was presently surprised by the framing device too, with a tragic incident that has nothing to do with anything kicking off John telling his tale. I don't think I've ever seen a hairdresser's visit set off a horror book plot before!
This is a great book to read if you're looking for a bit of a slow burn with a mix of monsters and human evils.
June 30, 2023
Cosmic leviathans & Hebridean mythology make this a fantastic tale of horror.
The island of St Budoc is isolated and steeped in history. The people are a mixed lot, some with no faith, modern faith, and others believing in things much, much older…
As our main character John returns there after fleeing 30 years prior, we get to see the island from his eyes. Despite being born there, he’s treated like an outsider by many. What secrets are they so desperate to keep from him?
The was a solid, well written story (look up the Scottish Islands if you need visuals of what St Budoc’s could look like), can’t wait to see more from this author!
Also, the cover is amazing and incredibly eye catching!
The island of St Budoc is isolated and steeped in history. The people are a mixed lot, some with no faith, modern faith, and others believing in things much, much older…
As our main character John returns there after fleeing 30 years prior, we get to see the island from his eyes. Despite being born there, he’s treated like an outsider by many. What secrets are they so desperate to keep from him?
The was a solid, well written story (look up the Scottish Islands if you need visuals of what St Budoc’s could look like), can’t wait to see more from this author!
Also, the cover is amazing and incredibly eye catching!
January 30, 2024
Here be monsters!
We know more about other planets than what lies beneath the waves of our oceans...
John, a marine biologist who fled his home and family years ago after a tragedy, reluctantly returns to St. Budoc's Island in the Outer Hebrides. His estranged sister has begged him to come home to try and help the locals identify a behemoth of a sea creature that had washed ashore there. But when John sees the creature, it makes him question everything he thought he knew. And the locals may know a lot more than they're letting on.
I devoured this book in one sitting! Sympathetic characters and fast paced. Highly recommend for lovers of creature features and folk horror.
Thanks to author for copy. I voluntarily left a review.
We know more about other planets than what lies beneath the waves of our oceans...
John, a marine biologist who fled his home and family years ago after a tragedy, reluctantly returns to St. Budoc's Island in the Outer Hebrides. His estranged sister has begged him to come home to try and help the locals identify a behemoth of a sea creature that had washed ashore there. But when John sees the creature, it makes him question everything he thought he knew. And the locals may know a lot more than they're letting on.
I devoured this book in one sitting! Sympathetic characters and fast paced. Highly recommend for lovers of creature features and folk horror.
Thanks to author for copy. I voluntarily left a review.
July 1, 2023
This was a 5 star read for me. Mr. Long created an incredible world with intense visuals and relatable characters. I am mesmerized by the sea, much like the community on this small island, so this well paced tale of mystery, eldritch gods of the sea, familial drama, LGBTQ+ representation, adventure, cults, and adventure was the perfect vacation read for me. I loved every page. William Long has now become an insta-purchase author for me.
Thank you for the ARC. I happily leave this review.
Thank you for the ARC. I happily leave this review.
February 13, 2024
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy.
What a great story! I loved the way the story unfolded. Horrors from the deep are always very unsettling to me, as a thalassophobic. Several scenes had me holding my breath. This was my first William Long book and I was absolutely be reading more. 4.5 stars
What a great story! I loved the way the story unfolded. Horrors from the deep are always very unsettling to me, as a thalassophobic. Several scenes had me holding my breath. This was my first William Long book and I was absolutely be reading more. 4.5 stars
March 9, 2024
I know it's only March, but this has been my top read so far this year, and it's going to take something pretty epic to knock it out of that spot. Beautifully written, I got completely lost in this atmospheric horror story. It made me both love and hate the water and kept me holding my breath throughout the entire thing.
August 23, 2024
Having never heard of this author before I have to be honest and say I was skeptical. Everything about deep water scares me. And fascinates me. I truly believe Octopus are otherworldly and we only have scratched the surface in our knowledge of them. I enjoyed the storyline and would recommend to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2024
3.75 ⭐ Well written book, though not wildly original. Great setting for the story and had a good mysterious atmosphere throughout. I would definitely recommend it to anyone like myself who enjoys aquatic horror with some weird fiction vibes, without being overtly Lovecraftian.
September 4, 2024
Really Enjoyed this!
I haven't read much books about old gods of the sea or monsters in general, but I know that this one worth reading! I was interested the whole book, and was happy how it ended. I recommend this book to anyone who likes this type of content.
I haven't read much books about old gods of the sea or monsters in general, but I know that this one worth reading! I was interested the whole book, and was happy how it ended. I recommend this book to anyone who likes this type of content.
May 10, 2023
I want more from this world. MORE!
April 11, 2024
Sea monsters and gods! The premise alone was enough to draw me in, and the story did not disappoint. Unholy Gods is a well-paced, well-written tale that slowly builds to an epic ending.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews