In this dark dystopian horror, the United States has become the Empire, a theocracy that offers no tolerance for any offense from crimes of morality to murder. Those found guilty are sent to Necropolis, the rotting remains of Las Vegas, to be devoured by its undead inhabitants. Hank, among the most recent group of convicts sent to die, is desperate to find his way out and to his son, Toby. Hank’s offense: following an ex-hooker-turned-undercover morality agent in a frantic attempt simply to talk to her, as she holds an uncanny resemblance to his deceased wife. In his scramble to survive the night, he falls into a scandal that sheds new light on Necropolis, its inhabitants, the Empire, and its very unholy leader.
This is one of the best horror stories I’ve read in some time. The mesh of religious symbolism and political commentary tucked neatly between pure horror and suspense is superb. The characters are intriguing, the pace nearly perfect, and the story practically flawless. There was a short lag in the middle of the book, and with that a couple of character motivations that left me puzzled. I couldn’t understand why the leader of the living vampires would choose exile over death for his adversary when there was no question the backlash would be dire, then go on to put full trust in those who would obviously turn on him at the first chance. The erotic scene between Hank and Rachel felt terribly out of place, given his intense suffering at the time. These issues are minor, however, compared to the brilliance of the rest of the story. I rate SHINING IN CRIMSON a very enthusiastic 4.5 stars. I highly recommend!
This is one of the best horror stories I’ve read in some time. The mesh of religious symbolism and political commentary tucked neatly between pure horror and suspense is superb. The characters are intriguing, the pace nearly perfect, and the story practically flawless. There was a short lag in the middle of the book, and with that a couple of character motivations that left me puzzled. I couldn’t understand why the leader of the living vampires would choose exile over death for his adversary when there was no question the backlash would be dire, then go on to put full trust in those who would obviously turn on him at the first chance. The erotic scene between Hank and Rachel felt terribly out of place, given his intense suffering at the time. These issues are minor, however, compared to the brilliance of the rest of the story. I rate SHINING IN CRIMSON a very enthusiastic 4.5 stars. I highly recommend!
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