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Erica Robyn Reads

a horror book review blog

Recent Posts

Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond - book sitting on wooden flooring. Book cover of Black Out the Stars by Christopher Bond, cover illustrated by Todd Kiesling. The design showcases a dark, atmospheric pond and sky filled with swirling fog and scattered stars. The title is prominently displayed in bold, white, pink and purple lettering, contrasting against the deep purple and black hues of the background.

Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond | Book Review

Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event

A tablet lies on dry grass and surrounded by dandelions in a natural outdoor setting. The screen displays the cover of the book Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon. The cover features a colorful, fantastical illustration of a female figure with glowing eyes and curved horns, holding something mysterious in her hands. Stars and swirling cosmic elements fill the background, giving the cover a magical and otherworldly feel. The title text is in bold, colorful letters across the top and middle, with the author's name at the bottom.

Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review

[Novella Review] Communion by Steve Stred

July 16, 2021      Erica Robyn      3 Comments

Communion by Steve Stred is the second installment in the extreme horror trilogy, Father of Lies. This time, we follow the detective, McKay, the man that was called in at the end of book one, as he learns more about this brutal case. 

I also picked this one up as part of Rick’s Read Along. After getting through the first installment in the series, Ritual, I had to see what happened next. 

Content Warnings:

Extreme body horror, sexual violence, cult content, suicide, and more.

Let’s dive into my quick review.

My Thoughts on Communion by Steve Stred

I loved that this one picked up right where we left off. Following Detective McKay as he tries to work the case, we get to see the darkness surround him and tug him in different directions. While he works with expert, Bianchi, to try to figure out what is going on, he believes he’s getting close. Unfortunately, someone has their eye on him…and they’re not going to let him see this through.

This one was slightly less disturbing than the last as it was a bit lighter on some of the dark content. But don’t get me wrong, Steve doesn’t shy away here! There were plenty of scenes that made me twist my face up in disgust while reading. 

One of my favorite elements that Steve uses in his work here with the dark elements is the call out to different senses. It makes the dark scenes that much more heinous. 

I will say, I really enjoyed that the main storyline here was with the detective and the case! I always love a good police procedural, even if the cop is a total pig.

My Favorite Passages from Communion

McKay had to step out of the shower twice to look at his face, only to return and let the water rinse away more blood. 

Outside a new storm move in.
The sky was dark and angry.
The clouds opened and the rain drops began slamming to the ground.
People walking along the sidewalks took cover.
At first, they thought it was just rain, but the buzzing of locusts in the distance created a fear all on its own. 

My Final Thoughts on Communion

Phew, what a story. This certainly has me on the edge of my seat! I’m so antsy to see what happens next, I’m going to dive right in to the third installment as soon as I finish my notes here. 

Communion is another must-read for fans of extreme horror, but make sure you start with Ritual.


Snag a copy through Bookshop to help support local indie bookshops:

Thanks for reading!
Stay tuned for my review on the conclusion of this trilogy coming up in a couple of weeks!

Related Reading:

  • Ritual by Steve Stred

Here are a few more recent posts you might like:

  • Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond | Book Review
  • Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event
  • Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review

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Welcome to Erica Robyn Reads!

Erica Robyn of Erica Robyn Reads
Hello! I’m Erica, a Mainer living in New Hampshire who runs on hot tea, good books, and loud music. Join me as I seek out amazing horror tales and help support the indie horror community!
 

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