Strap in for some action-packed horror when you read Wicked Prayers by S. D. Moore. It’s a combination of intense thrills, dark creatures, some scattered humor and even a little erotica just for good measure. If there is one conclusion you’ll reach after reading the last page, it’s that Moore is wonderfully creative, even if the main perpetrator is the son of darkness.
In a small place called Autumntown, hell is about to unfold in the form of a baby. Elizabeth, the wife of John Holly and mother of Julia, is nearing the birth of her second child. She’d been having some emotional difficulties with this particular pregnancy, and she doesn’t anticipate that it’s going to get much worse. After being abducted by a “possessed” old man, she delivers the son of all evil. Julia is the first to realize that there is something wrong, but things spiral out of control as a nurse kidnaps the baby, and she leaves a few bodies while doing it.
Within a short amount of time the town is overrun with creatures created by Waed, Elizabeth’s rapidly growing baby. This amounts to a massive conflict between the townsfolk and the demons (leapers), which ultimately leads to the creation of a special, homemade weapon. Nothing or no one is safe as the prince of evil uses the town as his ultimate platform for worldwide destruction.
Moore doesn’t waste any time introducing the Beast, which is a good indicator of pace for the rest of the book. Don’t expect things to slow down, because the bad things just keep getting worse and more out of control. Even though it’s not the most original inception of the devil making its way onto the human plane, it’s done with great style and entertainment.
There’s simplicity in the style Moore uses and it’s no doubt done for the sake of maintaining the steady pace. The reader doesn’t have to reach for a dictionary every ten pages and Moore doesn’t spend too much time on unnecessary details. Her skills as director and producer shine brightly throughout the story because you won’t be able to associate any section with a lack of substance. Everything matters all the time.
You should also get ready to meet a lot of characters, which can be a little overwhelming at times. Many of them get introduced for the sole purpose of dying or turning into a creature, which is a nice premise for abundant bloodshed. After a while, you have to stop counting the bodies and horror fans are going to love this aspect. As for the more permanent characters, they show all the depth you’ll need to ground yourself in the situation.
Wicked Prayers is a wholesome dose of horror, given the lighthearted moments, but how exactly do you compare this small-scale demon war with goodness? What I can say is that I was thoroughly impressed with Moore’s capabilities. She has perfect execution, impeccable timing, great imagination, and I can’t compare her to anybody else. She’s a unique author with a unique talent, and chances are you’ll want to finish Wicked Prayers in one setting.
Reviewed by Damnetha Jules
Damnetha is a staff writer, horror book and movie critic.
