THE SAMARITAN by Dave Jeffery is the third installment in a series about a meningitis mutation which causes deafness. Those born deaf (Harbingers) are blamed for the virus, and those who retain their hearing (Harks) are forced into slavery for those survivors who have become deaf after contracting the disease. Cathedral is one of the settlements which victimizes both Harbingers and Harks, while forbidding the use of sign language. Last but not least, the Samaritans patrol beyond the walls for supplies and survivors. The first two stories can be read in any order, but I recommend reading both of them before this third novella.
This one hit me harder than the others in the series. You know you're going to be a mess by the end when you're covering your own mouth to stop the screams. The experiences of the main character are a study of coercive persuasion in multiple forms. Jeffery couldn't have shocked me more if he took a crowbar to my knees. The ending absolutely floored me.
I highly recommend this series to all readers, not just horror fans...and keep in mind, the author wrote the first book BEFORE the pandemic.
As always,
AstraDaemon
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