My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The presentation of this story is top-notch: inside and out. The story of a husband who chooses to leave New York City for a small town in North Carolina in order to protect his family starts us off appreciating the man’s sacrifice. That he is a book designer who thought living in NYC was a dream makes it more admirable. But he’s not perfect. You can tell right off that he and his wife have problems; she’s pregnant and they’re not sure if the baby is his or her rapist’s. The sexual tension is real (the author, James Newman, holds little back when it comes to sex’s role in this story), and the reader’s interest in husband and wife landing at a happy ending is a strong motivator to reading their story.
David and Kate’s daughter Becca is a real sweetheart, but once their other baby is born they have two little ones whom the demon in town has a real fancy for. This creates great suspense, and the demon is so powerful that you really think there’s no hope.
This demon, Moloch, is one sick mother, and the pain he causes people in town is as painful to watch as it is emotionally disturbing to realize. Mr. Newman has a real knack for evocative prose, but sometimes you feel like your eyeballs and soul need washed. Images from this book will last a lifetime, so be warned. Mr. Newman also includes some interesting research into ancient worship practices and demonology, so that as far out as this demon’s powers are, the story is told in a way that feels real.
If you are looking for an 80′s Horror romp, this book will exceed your expectations. The chapters are short and a breeze to read (except for the fact that they will scare and wrench at your soul… but you know, except for that it’s a great time 
).
Rating this book is really difficult for me. I think it is very well written, powerful in what it attempts to achieve, but it lacked in the specific areas that make a five star for me. I can’t really say without spoiling anything. A lot of people who read Horror love this book and give it five stars, so it very well could be a five star for you too. Right now Dan Simmons’s Summer of Night is my definition of five star, old school Horror, though I’ll give Mr. Newman credit for writing his tale with far fewer words.
