Review: Terminal Island

Terminal Island by Walter Greatshell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Book Info: Genre: Horror
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Those interested in ancient cults, who like their horror horrific
Trigger Warnings: killing, murder, rape, human sacrifice, cannibalism
Animal Abuse: Many horrible things are done to animals in this book, including dogs, a cat, a lamb, fish, bison, boars, etc. I can't put detail without making spoilers, so just be aware

My Thoughts: This was a really twisted story, bringing in such disparate elements as the Eleusian mysteries, the ancient cult of the Horned God, the Bacchanalia, and all the myriad ways that a person can become trapped in their own destiny no matter how hard they try to break free. Henry is the only character that is really developed—we really don't learn much about anyone else, seeing things just from Henry's perspective.

Oddly enough, this is the second book in a row that I read written I present tense, which is an unusual choice. It worked, though. There were some word choice errors in this book, though, including using the term gloaming to describe dawn (gloaming refers only to dusk/twilight) and “reign” used when “rein” was needed. Otherwise it wasn't too badly edited for a galley.

If you like your horror really horrific, and if you are interested in ancient mystery cults, definitely check out this weird little story.

Disclosure: I received an e-galley from Night Shade Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: Henry Cadmus grew up on Catalina Island, a scenic vacationland off the Southern California coast. But Henry's experiences were far from idyllic. Today, even though Henry has seen firsthand the horrors of war, the ghastly images that haunt his dreams is one he associates with his childhood... and the island: a snarling pig-man holding a cleaver; a jackal-headed woman on a high balcony, dripping blood; strange occult rituals... and worse. If it was up to Henry, he would avoid the island entirely. 

But Henry is returning to Catalina Island. At his wife Ruby's insistence, Henry, Ruby, and their infant daughter are coming to Avalon, so that Henry can face his fears, exorcise his demons, and reconcile with the one he fears most... his mother.



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