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nerdalicious9's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ericarobyn's review
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
3.0
Communion by Steve Stred is the second installment in the extreme horror trilogy, Father of Lies. This time, we follow the detective, McKay, the man that was called in at the end of book one, as he learns more about this brutal case.
I also picked this one up as part of Rick’s Read Along. After getting through the first installment in the series, Ritual, I had to see what happened next.
Content Warnings: There are MANY for this trilogy. Please see the proper section here for more information.
I loved that this one picked up right where we left off. Following Detective McKay as he tries to work the case, we get to see the darkness surround him and tug him in different directions. While he works with expert, Bianchi, to try to figure out what is going on, he believes he’s getting close. Unfortunately, someone has their eye on him…and they’re not going to let him see this through.
Content Warnings: There are MANY for this trilogy. Please see the proper section here for more information.
I loved that this one picked up right where we left off. Following Detective McKay as he tries to work the case, we get to see the darkness surround him and tug him in different directions. While he works with expert, Bianchi, to try to figure out what is going on, he believes he’s getting close. Unfortunately, someone has their eye on him…and they’re not going to let him see this through.
This one was slightly less disturbing than the last as it was a bit lighter on some of the dark content. But don’t get me wrong, Steve doesn’t shy away here! There were plenty of scenes that made me twist my face up in disgust while reading.
One of my favorite elements that Steve uses in his work here with the dark elements is the call out to different senses. It makes the dark scenes that much more heinous.
I will say, I really enjoyed that the main storyline here was with the detective and the case! I always love a good police procedural, even if the cop is a total pig.
My Favorite Passages from Communion by Steve Stred
McKay had to step out of the shower twice to look at his face, only to return and let the water rinse away more blood.
Outside a new storm move in.
The sky was dark and angry.
The clouds opened and the rain drops began slamming to the ground.
People walking along the sidewalks took cover.
At first, they thought it was just rain, but the buzzing of locusts in the distance created a fear all on its own.
The sky was dark and angry.
The clouds opened and the rain drops began slamming to the ground.
People walking along the sidewalks took cover.
At first, they thought it was just rain, but the buzzing of locusts in the distance created a fear all on its own.
My Final Thoughts on Communion
Phew, what a story. This certainly has me on the edge of my seat! I’m so antsy to see what happens next, I’m going to dive right in to the third installment as soon as I finish my notes here.
Communion is another must-read for fans of extreme horror, but make sure you start with Ritual.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Gore, Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Vomit
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