After having read Cults Uncovered, True Stories of Mind Control and Murder, the new non-fiction written by Emily G. Thompson (published 2020, DK Books) I wanted to read more about the inner workings of these dangerous cults; but, from a fictional perspective because, let's face it, real-like is scary as hell.
Enter a Blood Cult (published 1981 by Leisure Books).
Blood Cult is a hack and slash story more akin to an episode of Walker Texas Ranger as apposed to the horrors of a real life cult such as the Peoples Temple.
The book started out well enough with an intense chase through a forest as an escapee fled the madness of the cult only to be cut down in a very brutal manner. The scene was intense and set up the story in the best way possible...only for everything to go downhill.
Despite the title, most of Blood Cult takes place outside of secret confines of the 'blood' cult overseen by religious fanatic Brother Jacob and his henchmen. The characters are cookie-cutter and the plot overly simplistic; a mission to rescue two of the cults recent converts from a life of slavery.
Just so happens that the brother of one of the converts is an army vet and martial arts expert. Naturally he proceeds to beat the living crap out of every single cult member in his way to recuse his brother and partner from Brother Jacob's evil ways. That's as deep as it gets...
Whilst enjoyable in parts, the book lacked any depth and failed to explore cults and the horrors within, rather, the author choose to focus on a flimsy action-based theme which had little impact on this reader.
I'd rated Blood Cult 2/5 stars. Look elsewhere for your cult fiction fix.
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