I have to admit that the first thing which tempted me to read this book was the fascinating cover, and secondly, the title. Planet of the Blood Demons (2013) sounded like something right up my alley and so I decided to give it a try.
PROS
- It’s the epitome of literature which reflects the 80s and 90s era of horror film. There is clear homage to John Carpenter’s Ghosts of Mars (2001), and also other works of dread outside the late 20th-century’s Golden Age of B-movies, such as the DOOM series of videogames.
- The introductory chapter is riveting in its prose motivating you to finish the rest of the yarn.
- The level of pacing is consistent throughout the tale.
- Harry Deckard is a well-developed, all-round protagonist.
- A few horror tropes were cleverly utilized, especially the depiction of the Sea of Blood.
CONS
- Despite being able to relay its core message to readers in novella form, the story would’ve come across much better as a screenplay.
- None of the supporting characters are memorable.
- The ending is semi-predictable yet clichéd.
CONCLUSION
Planet of the Blood Demons is an action-packed ride through space and foreign worlds—particularly owing to how the writer was able to proficiently blend the elements of horror and sci-fi. Horror enthusiasts are apt to like it but it might not appeal to non-genre fans due to its lack of originality.
Visit Jamie Evans’ website here.
