From the author of Engines of Ruin, comes a dark suspenseful novel for fans of Black Mirror, Edward Lee and cosmic horror.The internet is a scary place. Beneath Facebook and Twitter is another world. One in which anything can be obtained—for a price. A community of black markets, depraved pornography, and death. This is the dark web.Leon was just curious, he heard the stories of the secrets and … of the secrets and forbidden fetishes that the dark web offered. He was an activist, protesting against war and hate. But after a protest became violent, he felt he needed protection. Being a teenager with no way to buy a gun legally, he had no choice but to turn to the dark web.
This rash decision sends Leon spiraling down into a dark side of humanity that most don’t know, or even want to know, exists. A world of murder, torture, and cannibalism. But behind all that there is something worse, something stalking him and intent on ruining every aspect of his life. Now Leon is fighting for his life and reputation as he is being hunted by vile and arcane forces. They are…
Gods of the Dark Web
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First, I would like to note that the synopsis of this story, while intriguing, is misleading. Oh, it is accurate, but it basically describes the beginning of the book. This story goes so much farther, deeper darker than that.
Second, I would like to note that this is Extreme Horror. Not for the squeamish.
I read this in one sitting. Partly because it is a novella and I read fast. But mostly because I couldn’t stop. Gods of the Dark Web is the epitome of “a compelling read,” but in a disturbing way. Like not being able to look away from a gory scene in a horror movie kind of disturbing. You can’t want to like it, but you do, and you hate yourself a little for it. No regrets, though. That may or may not change later if it gives me nightmares. Or if it makes me fear my computer. Actually, it already makes me fear my computer.
But to continue …
In Gods of the Dark Web, Lucas Mangum has taken dark reality and horrifying urban legend and blended them together into a mind-bending terror. The characters are engaging, the pace is steady, and the captivating storyline with hold you prisoner. This extreme horror story is graphic and shocking with a climactic ending that will chill you to the bone.
Lucas Mangum has successfully managed to take us to a place that’s so dark that I feel like I need a shower to reset from his horror imagined. This novella is full of suspense and takes the reader down a path that may be hard to come back from for some readers. Be warned, this is not a typical horror story. It goes much deeper. I really enjoyed this trip down the dark side.
We’ve all heard the stories about the Black Web. Basically anything you can think of can be found there whether it’s legal or not. Leon is a teenager who manages to get sucked into the allure of being able to express himself without boundaries. Little does he know, he’s been targeted and being tracked by unknown forces that seem to know everything about him. Can he get out? Will the Gods of the Dark Web show him mercy?
Audible.
I picked this book specifically because Sean Duregger narrated and I loved his performance of Out for Blood. I wasn’t disappointed. I’m still new to the Horror genre so I can’t really comment on comparing this to other authors or specific subsets. I will say that while I was a little nervous given the reviews commenting on how gory this was, apparently my interest in Police/FBI procedurals prepared me for some of the graphic descriptions in this book.
At just over 2 hours, this is a quick and intense listen. I did find some of the conversations a little awkward, but overall the story was engaging and satisfying. There’s not much more to impart beyond the publisher’s/author’s summary without spoiling it – but the ending was definitely a surprise. I’m looking forward to checking out more by Lucas Mangum.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Audiobooks Unleashed and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
First of all, this is a very graphic horror story. There were a lot of elements that turned my stomach, and I am a regular reader of darker fiction.
Stay off the dark web, you never know who might be lurking there. Gods of the Dark Web takes the reader on an extreme version of the horrors that a person who isn’t careful can find themselves in. It came off like a creepypasta with the possibility that what happened could very much happen in real life.
Very edgy story with an interesting concept. As a horror story, it definitely does its job of eliciting chills in its readers. There were a lot of things done for shock value, and I think it played into the story pretty well, making it one that I won’t forget in a while.
Narration brought the perfect edge to the work.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.