All Souls Day by Martin Berman-Gorvine is an alternate
history book that mixes elements of HP Lovecraft with American history. It took
me almost a year before I could finally read All Souls Day, but, when I finally
did, I read it in one sitting. While I found the story thrilling, I think this
novel might be better appreciated by YA fiction fans.
Before I get any further into my review, I would like to say
that the book cover doesn’t do the story justice. However, I think most readers
will be hooked as soon as they dive in. The sociological aspects are expressed
through the lives of the teenagers, and there are many levels at play
throughout the storyline. Convinced that their community has been saved by a
demon, the people dedicate their lives to serving Moloch, but the more that is
revealed about their way of life, the more one has to wonder if the people are
living a lie perpetuated by the demon.
As a result, a group of teenagers are reluctant to
participate in an upcoming ceremony requiring a human sacrifice. The plot
centers on their attempt to escape, while figuring out who they really are
without the labels assigned to them. This is not unlike a coming of age story
taking place in the shadow of a horrific entity who controls and destroys the
lives of the people supposedly saved from the devastation plaguing the rest of
the world.
If you’re looking for something cerebral AND action-packed,
I recommend this novel.
As always,
Astradaemon
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