From the author of “Low” and “Ashley’s Tale” a new cosmic horror novel. We have made a grave error in vigilance, brothers. The dark comet has drawn near. The cultists have selected a vessel. He dreams of the hidden place, where the Gods Sleep, banished there by our Lord. After centuries of inactivity, Korrobbathith and his followers are attempting, once more, to open the gate.We must move with … the gate.
We must move with haste if we hope to stop them.
You know the consequences of failure. Korrobbothith and the other gods will walk this earth again, and I fear, this time, they will not remain in the shadows. None of us – man, woman, or child – will find refuge from their barbaric reign unless we submit and serve them.
God help us all if we are too late.
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Mike Duke’s most recent novel, Where The Gods Sleep, is his first foray into cosmic horror. The story details the plot of the Esoteric Order of the Abyss to assist ancient and evil gods to return to Earth. Chief among these gods and the orchestrator of the plan is Korrobbathith, Eater of the Light. Through manipulation, violence, and gifts of knowledge and power, Korrobbathith and his followers plot to open a gate from our world to another, where these ancient gods have slept for thousands of years. Leading the defense against this dark cult is the secret Catholic order, The Blessed Hunters of Darkness.
The most unique aspect of Duke’s novel is his method of framing the story. It is told in a sort of found footage method, compiling journal entries, letters, transcripts, and even emails to tell the story of the plot to open the gate for Korrobbathith. This keeps things fresh as the reader switches between several different viewpoints and styles of writing. It also helps Duke with the exposition. Rather than keeping one person’s point of view the entire novel, and having to shoehorn in ways to explain things the character couldn’t possibly know, Duke simply switches to another POV. This method does, however, lead to some over-explaining of some concepts. A number of the different pieces of “found footage” (found writings?) are written as a sort of last testament of characters who want the truth to be chronicalled before what they believe could be their death. This leads to some of them rambling a bit. Adding to the intrigue of this framing style, Duke includes a date for each entry. These dates take place in late 2020. I particularly enjoyed that decision, as it leaves the reader with an eerie sense that this isn’t just a story, but could actually happen in the next year. Of course, that eerie sense will only be valid until those dates come and go.
One aspect of Duke’s story particularly worth mentioning is his ability to portray utter brutality at a moments notice. While the overall tone of the novel is more dark, foreboding and ominous, there are some incredibly violent acts that take place in the name of Korrobbathith. What makes this notable is the balance struck. The scenes serve to jar the reader and remind him of what is at stake if Korrobbathith and his followers win, but it never seems over-the-top or gratuitous. I love bloody violent horror as much as anyone, but am not a fan of graphic disgusting violence solely for the shock value. In this story, there is some truly harrowing violence but it is never purely for shock value, and it certainly isn’t over done. This is a difficult balance to achieve.
Where The Gods Sleep tells a dark story with a very thoroughly fleshed out history and mythos. It perfectly embodies the genre of cosmic horror, and does so in quite a unique way. The found footage framework keep the reader engaged and provide for some interesting changes in perspective. The story keeps you guessing, and wondering just how the Blessed Hunters of Darkness could possibly prevail against the overwhelming might of Korrobbathith. Mike Duke has once again crafted an engrossing world filled with realistic and often flawed characters. Whether you are a long time fan of cosmic horror, or looking for a solid first step into the genre, you won’t regret checking this one out.
This is the second book I have read by this Author. He has a way of using descriptors to create a world that sucks you right into the story. Some chapters were so vivid, it was as I was there watching the occult rituals. I really liked the way the chapters were set up as journal entries. It made me feel like I was delving into a character’s deepest, darkest thoughts. It was great read that will keep you turning pages to find out what happens next!
If you like cosmic horror, then Where the Gods Sleep will be right up your alley! I really liked how the story was told through various points of view using documents, letters, journal entries, etc. Not only was there horror and gore (and gods!), but there were also quite a few very psychologically disturbing images in this book. Not for the faint of heart!