'And By God's Hand You Shall Die' by David Sodergren is a diabolical horror novel with strong character development and vivid descriptions of carnage. Set in a burned-down church turned brothel in NYC from 1972-1981, the story follows a group of working girls facing an unknown supernatural force, including an inanimate wooden Jesus statue coming to life. The book is influenced by older horror movies like 'The Burning', 'City of the Living Dead', and 'House by the Cemetery', blending hyper violence, extreme gore, and surrealism to create a chilling and unsettling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge. Sodergren's writing style is described as fast-paced, straight to the point, and reminiscent of a slasher film from the 80s, with scenes that are uniquely gross and unpleasant, leaving lasting images that are hard to shake.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with strong female leads and dynamic relationships, each contributing to the overall horror narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is direct and cinematic, combining vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue, resulting in a fast-paced narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is a gritty horror story set in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s, revolving around a brothel haunted by a supernatural entity that terrorizes its inhabitants.

Setting:

The setting is in an unsettling NYC backdrop during the 1970s and 1980s, predominantly in a decrepit church repurposed as a brothel.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick and relentless, effectively maintaining reader engagement throughout the horror journey.

Notes:

The story is set in New York City between 1972 and 1981.

Most of the action takes place in a burned-down church that has been turned into a brothel.

There's a supernatural element involving a wooden Jesus statue that comes to life, adding to the horror.

The book is filled with gory scenes that are described as uniquely gross and unpleasant.

The writing style is compared to slasher films from the 80s, with a fast-paced, no-nonsense approach.

Readers care about the characters quickly, although some are less compelling than others.

David Sodergren's style is influenced by horror films, especially those by Lucio Fulci.

The book mixes dark humor with chilling horror, creating a unique tone.

It features strong female characters and portrays loser male characters.

Some readers find the book too over-the-top and not suitable for everyone, especially those easily offended.

The story is described as a love letter to classic gore films, particularly enjoying the blend of surrealism and hyper-violence.

Readers appreciate Sodergren's character development and scene setting.

Fans of vintage horror films will recognize many of the influences in the story.

The author is noted for his talent and care put into writing, which resonates with his audience.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains high content warnings for violence, gore, and potentially unsettling religious themes.

From The Publisher:

On holy ground it rests, a strange, windowless brothel built upon the ashes of a church. No one who works there believes in the rantings of the insane priest, Father Patrick. Not when he warns of the coming apocalypse, and certainly not when he speaks of a tidal wave of blood coming to wash away the sinners. No one believes him… except Candy.

For only Candy has experienced the grim terrors that dwell within the basement. Only Candy has glimpsed hell in a maddening vision that almost drove her mad. And only Candy can prevent the end… of everything.

Packed with his signature outrageous sex and violence, And By God's Hand You Shall Die is the latest supernatural shocker from David Sodergren, the twisted mind behind The Forgotten Island and Maggie's Grave.

This time, you haven't got a prayer!

June 2023

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282 pages

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And By God's Hand You Shall Die

David Sodergren

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