Format:
Audible.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
The internet is a scary place. Beneath Facebook and Twitter is another world. One in which anything can be obtained – for a price. A community of black markets, depraved pornography, and death. This is the dark web.
Leon was just curious. He had heard the stories of the secrets and forbidden fetishes that the dark web offered. He was an activist, protesting against war and hate. But after a protest became violent, he felt he needed protection. Being a teenager with no way to buy a gun legally, he had no choice but to turn to the dark web.
This rash decision sends Leon spiraling down into a dark side of humanity that most don’t know – or even want to know – exists. A world of murder, torture, and cannibalism. But behind all that there is something worse. Something stalking him and intent on ruining every aspect of his life.
Now, Leon is fighting for his life and reputation as he is being hunted by vile and arcane forces. They are the gods of the dark web.
Point of view:
3rd person. Multiple perspectives.
Rellim’s Thoughts:
I picked this book specifically because Sean Duregger narrated and I loved his performance of Out for Blood. I wasn’t disappointed. I’m still new to the Horror genre so I can’t really comment on comparing this to other authors or specific subsets. I will say that while I was a little nervous given the reviews commenting on how gory this was, apparently my interest in Police/FBI procedurals prepared me for some of the graphic descriptions in this book.
At just over 2 hours, this is a quick and intense listen. I did find some of the conversations a little awkward, but overall the story was engaging and satisfying. There’s not much more to impart beyond the publisher’s/author’s summary without spoiling it – but the ending was definitely a surprise. I’m looking forward to checking out more by Lucas Mangum.
Narration:
Duregger was fantastic in this book as well. Despite a fairly broad scope of characters – he gave each a unique voice and evoked a myriad of feelings with his performance.
Trigger Warnings (possible spoilers):
This is horror: there’s murder, torture, and cannibalism. Possibly the most shocking, for me, was the murder/dismemberment of a baby. There’s also some sexual internal thoughts about a minor by an adult.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Audiobooks Unleashed and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Rellim Reads 