The cover of this book actually gives an insight into the characters within (well a small proportion of them). A lot of them are rotten at the core with a thin veneer of respectability laid over, but in some cases, even that veneer is missing! Make no bones about it, this is a horror story and you should expect nastiness. If you don't want to read that sort of thing, then don't (but you'll miss out on a really good book).
There are characters in this story that you will feel a liking for, I expect I can guess which ones. But those that you don't like, believe me, I really took against them. And every time I read more about them, I took against them even more. The people in the story are very real, even if the world that they are in is a replica of ours, 'turned inside out and upside down', for want of a better expression.
It isn't a short story, so expect to be reading a good while. And that 'good while' will take you to a world you didn't know was there. An alternative version of our earth, it looks the same and seems almost identical, but it isn't. There are things going on that most humans don't notice. Those that do, don't get to raise the matter with anyone!
The point of view switches between characters to keep the reader up to speed on events as they unfold, in different locations and with different people. This is important to enable the reader to keep up with events as they are unfolding. I don't know of any other way of writing the story than to write it in this way. It took me a bit of getting used to, but it worked really well.
"When the abyss gazes back" is a well written horror, that I enjoyed reading, even if it did disturb my sleep a time or two while I was reading it. I would recommend it to those who like their stories a bit different than the regular fantasy or horror stories. This one is just that little bit different to make it worth a look (and then keep on reading).
And you'll notice that I haven't described the content, well the official description will give you an idea of what it's about. And frankly there is so much content I couldnt do it justice and not spoil it for you. So buy it and read it.
I received a free copy of this novel from the author and I'm delighted to offer my fair and honest review.
4/5 Stars
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When the Abyss Gazes Back by Vincent Bobbe
Official description:
Once upon a time life made sense. Not any more.
Six and a half years after Manchester was levelled in fire and blood, there were a few that didn’t believe the official explanation and went looking for the truth. They didn’t find it. What they found instead killed them.
The long awaited sequel to Online Book Club's Book Of The Year 2018: 'When The Abyss Gazes Back' is another epic rollercoaster fantasy adventure for adults in to the embattled "Alternative Earth" universe. The fight for Earth's survival isn't over. There are always more monsters, more immortals, more bloodshed and more innocent people getting caught in the crossfire.
From Detroit to the UK to a parasite dimension, humans and monsters fight in uneasy alliance to halt a magical calamity that, if left unchecked, will shred their reality.
Buy "When The Abyss Gazes" Back to lose yourself in this epic fantasy adventure today!
Content Advisory: This book is a grown up fantasy intended for mature audiences and at times contains scenes of graphic violence. It tends to happen with massive battles and brutal monsters!
Read if you enjoy authors such as Glen Cook, George R.R. Martin, Michael Moorcock, Joe Abercrombie, Steven Erikson, Mark Lawrence, Scott Lynch, Richard K. Morgan, Joss Whedon etc.
Star Ratings - what they mean:
Disclosure:
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
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