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sjgomzi's review against another edition
4.0
This viscous little page turner of a novella delivers! My first go with Steve Stred, and certainly not my last. Will be reading more of his work in the near future.
wyll's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
0.5
if the intent was purely to repulse, then it was definitely made. there's nothing enjoyable or unique; if you've ever consumed any sort of horror story based off of religious cults, then you've read this already.
nerdalicious9's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Brad is the "chosen one" but what exactly does that mean? A very dark and explicit novella. No time is wasted as seems to be Steve's style (and I love it š)
This was my second time reading Steve Stred. I was really impressed with Mastodon and thought I'd give this a read. Well, I've now purchased the second and third books (The Father of Lies trilogy is also available as a complete collection).
I've always found the idea of cults to be quite intriguing. It's not that hard to imagine people blindly following "Father" as human history shows cults have been a part of "us" since the dawn of time.
Seriously dark content, but also extremely well written.
Steve Stred, I'm loving your style šš¤š¤
This was my second time reading Steve Stred. I was really impressed with Mastodon and thought I'd give this a read. Well, I've now purchased the second and third books (The Father of Lies trilogy is also available as a complete collection).
I've always found the idea of cults to be quite intriguing. It's not that hard to imagine people blindly following "Father" as human history shows cults have been a part of "us" since the dawn of time.
Seriously dark content, but also extremely well written.
Steve Stred, I'm loving your style šš¤š¤
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Torture, and Self harm
wholewheatwhale's review against another edition
1.0
There's nothing compelling about this book. Nothing to make me care that it's part of a series. I'll have forgotten I even read this before long.
leonareads's review against another edition
4.0
Quick and disturbing read!
This was a quick one to get through! Definitely not for the faint hearted. I do find myself drawn to stories about cults and their dark worshipping - cause honestly the topic freaks me out and this one was no exception! Looking forward to the next part in the trilogy
This was a quick one to get through! Definitely not for the faint hearted. I do find myself drawn to stories about cults and their dark worshipping - cause honestly the topic freaks me out and this one was no exception! Looking forward to the next part in the trilogy
words_on_paper_official's review
4.0
This little novella starts off by following Brad. Brad is a nice guy and follows a daily routine. He reads his bible goes to church and stays to himself. Brad has also become āthe chosen oneā by Father(the leader of the church).
As the āchosen oneā Brad must perform a ritual that will supposedly allow the flock (congregation) of the church to return to the heavens.
But things are not exactly what they seem. The church is more of a cult and the being the āchosen oneā isnāt all its cracked up to be.
This novella is Book one in a trilogy entitled āFather of Liesā this story is based on the authorās time joining a cult on the Dark Web. Steve Stred really wrote an intriguing story and now I canāt wait to get the next two books in this trilogy.
As the āchosen oneā Brad must perform a ritual that will supposedly allow the flock (congregation) of the church to return to the heavens.
But things are not exactly what they seem. The church is more of a cult and the being the āchosen oneā isnāt all its cracked up to be.
This novella is Book one in a trilogy entitled āFather of Liesā this story is based on the authorās time joining a cult on the Dark Web. Steve Stred really wrote an intriguing story and now I canāt wait to get the next two books in this trilogy.
rock_n_reads's review
4.0
Ritual is a recently-released novella, and my first read from author Steve Stred. This was an intense story, best read in one sitting. Things started out rather tame, with glimpses into the main character's seemingly mundane life. It quickly ramped up, and I found myself flipping pages rather quickly to see what was coming next.
There are some truly depraved deeds and unsavory characters in this story. If you're looking for a feel-good read, this isn't it. However, if you're in the market for a fast-paced, brutal story with an unforgettable ending, then you've come to the right place. I was horrified at times, but the solid storytelling carried me through. Sometimes I enjoy just feeling freaked out after I read a story, and this one definitely put me in that place. I am curious to read more from this author, especially in full-length novel format.
There are some truly depraved deeds and unsavory characters in this story. If you're looking for a feel-good read, this isn't it. However, if you're in the market for a fast-paced, brutal story with an unforgettable ending, then you've come to the right place. I was horrified at times, but the solid storytelling carried me through. Sometimes I enjoy just feeling freaked out after I read a story, and this one definitely put me in that place. I am curious to read more from this author, especially in full-length novel format.
orangesquidbooks's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
curiosityboughtthebook's review against another edition
4.0
A truly fast paced horror ride! I really enjoyed it. Was it repulsive in some parts, as someone else mentioned? Heck yes! But not in a negative way. Will definitely check out other works!
enchantressreads's review against another edition
5.0
Let me begin with: I love cults. Reading about them, watching documentaries. Real cults, fake cults. I love it. Ritual was amazing. It has twists and turns, gore, and a nice hint of paranormal. Plus, it was short and sweet. 5 stars!