By Matthew J. Barbour
Currently, Brian Keen is one of the most well-known and respected writers in the horror literature world. He has written many novels, novellas, and short stories. In the process, he has touched upon almost every horror genre. Although many people associate the name with zombies, Keen has published many, if not more, stories with cosmic horror as the theme.
Earthworm GodOriginally titled The Conqueror Worm, Cosmic Terror is a novel directly inspired by the works of HP Lovecraft. The novel is based on two of Keen’s most beloved novellas: The Worm God and My Rain-Grown Garden. Earthworm God, The novel ties the two stories together and fills in additional material along the way, connecting and expanding upon the two previously published works.
exist Earthworm Godit begins to rain across the globe. The rain continues to fall with no end in sight. To believers, it is a flood, meant to cleanse humanity of its sins. With humanity’s awakening, new life awakens from an ancient slumber. These creatures include giant worms, sirens, mermaids, and White Fluff, a fungus that slowly consumes all living things.
The story focuses on two groups of survivors: one on a mountaintop in West Virginia, the other trapped in a skyscraper in Baltimore. Both groups face monsters and the fanatical humans who worship them, while doing their best to endure the rising floodwaters. Ultimately, however, will there be enough to survive the biblical apocalypse?
Keen combines the cosmic horror of Lovecraft with a modern writing sensibility. The result is a story that is both accessible to readers and yet retains the atmosphere of the horror of the 1920s and 1930s. Earthworm God In many ways, it feels similar to how Stephen King has successfully accomplished this in his novels. mist. Earthworm God But it has its own merits, because the two stories are not copied from each other, but inspired by each other.
For fans of cosmic horror, Earthworm God A must read. Is this Keane’s most successful work? Probably not. Ghoul and Rise Provide a stronger narrative. Risein particular, explores the concept of faith in depth, a theme that also explores Earthworm God. The revelation of both Rise and Earthworm God Strikingly similar, the endings of both dramas can be described as unexpected and optimistic.
However, if you’re expecting a satisfying ending where everything is explained and presented in a nice package, you’ll be disappointed. Earthworm God is a story about the end of the world. Take comfort in the hope it offers you, or if you can’t survive on faith alone, read the sequel. Earthworm God II: The Great FloodIt will crush any hope you have left.
Order yours here.
score: 4/5
