James Markert has a deft touch with plotting and characterization. The dialogue was, admittedly, choppy in places. It wasn't ever egregious enough to yank me out of the story though. What I did find heavy going was the philosophy. There is nothing very subtle about the religious aspects of the book. There are angels (literal angels), a number of religious professionals (priest, rabbi, etc, along with the angels) as well as a large cast of everymen including the protagonist Ellsworth, whose search for meaning and healing for himself and the town drives the story.
The Gothic atmosphere and creeping horror of this book were remarkable. I almost found myself dreading reading because I kept waiting for a jump-scare that never materialized. The author just kept ratcheting up the tension until it was physically uncomfortable to read. (In a good way? I guess?).
I can imagine that some more rigid religiously adherent readers might possibly take exception to the representation of the angelic and demonic characterizations in the book. There is also a feeling of 'all valid roads lead to redemption' with which some readers might take exception.
It is possible to read this book without over-examining and dissecting the religious aspects. I think it compares quite favorably with other fiction with religious overtones (The Exorcist, or Needful Things, for example) and can certainly be read for the story itself. It would make a good reading group selection (and indeed, it includes a number of questions for discussion at the end), and also for horror fans who prefer their books more atmospheric than explicit.
Three and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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