The dead return to turn the living into monsters – or were they monsters all along?

Lee Allen Howard weaves a well-crafted, multi-layered plot, stringing together many storylines and complex topics. Oh, there are all the gripping, terrifying staples of the horror genre: secrets, curses, supernatural happenings, religion at its very worst, unexpected twists and turns, bloody retribution… 

But add to that a chilling dose of reality – violent bigotry, prejudice, issues that are plucked right from our dark history —, and you get a highly original story that merges horror with deeper themes. The LGBTQIA++ romance ties it all together, showing both what's at stake and what's worth living for.

I do wish that the author went a bit heavier on the horror and a bit lighter on the romance – but that's likely because I'm not much of a romance reader!

In my eyes, the most important characters are very well-written, showing depth and complexity. I do feel like some side characters fell a bit flat; they could've been explored further, regarding their personality and motivation. However, since they are more on the fringes of the story, it does not detract much from the overall reading experience.

Some dialogue felt a bit unnatural, especially when the story nears its resolution. But other than that, the writing style is amazing. With vivid descriptions, it orchestrates an eerie feeling of dread and isolation, building up an atmosphere that appeals to all senses.

But what I appreciated most was that it conveys deeper meaning with horror and suspense, luring the reader into a captivating, thought-provoking tale.