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King of the Nine Hells (Book Review)
King of the Nine Hells is a rather epic horror tale by author Dean Klein, and it’s a true gem to his collection. From the first impression provided by the dark, mysterious cover, to the structure and font used inside the pages, it feels like stepping into an entirely different world. With a very sophisticated style, which is something I’ve come to associate with Klein, the story unfolds between two-time frames. Klein uses a crisp and clear tone to paint a scenario that might leave some readers with nightmares.
In the present day Peter Ashford, a professor of Theology at Oxford University, comes across a timeworn and mysterious book. As a lover of the dark arts, he is intrigued and scared at the same time, because every inch of his intellect warns him to stay away. However, his interest can’t be deterred. Peter buys the book from the quite dishonest owner, but he fails to comprehend the amount of power it has. Unaware of the hell that awaits him, he becomes the new owner.
The origins of the book stretch back to the Dark Ages and a determined grave digger, who ultimately unleashes a power that sends shivers into heaven itself. It grants his every wish and gives him copious amounts of authority. But ultimately it has a life of its own, and it comes with an agenda of extinguishing the human race. The burden to stop the book from ending the human race falls onto Peter and his willingness to sacrifice life as he knows it.
I had the pleasure of reading the softcover version of the book, and I have to say, it does add to the atmosphere Klein intends to create. There is nothing light about the situation, and the book is perfectly structured in a way that plays well with the evil it captures. The enemy is methodical, brooding, and completely unpredictable. At the same time, it retains an intellectual quality, which is evident in the font.
I should note that this is the second book I’ve reviewed of Klein’s work and was very impressed with his first book (see: Hell’s Shadow), and now I’m a true believer. The sheer amount of research and discipline shines through from the very first few pages. The pacing of the book is spot on, thanks to the shorter chapters and the evenly balanced information the reader is exposed to at given moments, ensuring a suspenseful feeling right till the end.
Regarding the characters, I was sold on each of them. They weren’t stale or too familiar, and they never came across as unbelievable. Then, of course, there’s the fresh and original plot invented by Klein. It’s incredibly rare to be surprised by the way everything plays out in a horror story while being completely enthralled. For this, Klein has my admiration and respect.
Is it going to fall into everyone’s taste? I wouldn’t suggest it as an easy reading book because there are several sections where brain power is necessary to stay in the game so-to-speak. Klein is a very old-school type of writer, and by this, I mean that every sentence counts. It’s a story that requires your full attention at all times, and it comes with a big payoff!
Reviewed by Damnetha Jules
Damnetha is a staff writer, horror book and movie critic.
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