A History of Fear

I don’t get it. So many reviews from people saying how terrifying they found this book, and it just wasn’t. It’s the literal devil! How do you manage to make him boring?! Things that could have at least been minor jump scares were spoiled by dry descriptions and long lead-ups; the imps honestly came off as not much more awful than flocks of angry birds. And then the prolonged closing almost brushed away the possibility that it was the devil at all, and the revelation of the writer’s initials were not nearly the “ooh” moment it would have taken to turn around from that.

Literary, yes. Horror? Eh.

First, I want to thank Atria Books for the ARC! It's my first time winning a Goodreads giveaway and I was ecstatic when I found out. Thank you so much!

Alright, so I hadn't intended on finishing this book tonight as I was supposed to be asleep by 11pm, but it's now 4am and needless to say, this was not a book that I could put down. Apologies in advance for any typos in this review; I'm half asleep but I had to get my first thoughts out while they were fresh.

The style is little exhaustive at times but overall well-written and immersive, and reads a like a suspenseful mashup between The Twilight Zone and the BBC's legal drama, Accused. There are the occasional notes of (often morbid) humor sprinkled here and there which came as a pleasant show more surprise. The pacing is mostly good, the atmosphere superb, and the initial twists had me guessing save one, and it is that one that leaves me with mixed feelings. SPOILERS AHEAD!

One of the bigger twists of the story is that the main character, Grayson Hale, and likely his father, are closeted homosexuals who have been deeply repressed by their religious upbringing. This didn't surprise me, as, at least in Grayson's case, it isn't subtle in the slightest. This on its own is fine, and I found Grayson's internal homophobia compelling, but the handling of his sexuality and religion in regard to the plot doesn't sit well with me in a way I'm not sure that I can clearly articulate.

I don't think that queer characters need to be perfect, nor do I have any issues with them being anti heroes or villains, or for them to go through religious-based struggles. But I think what bothers me the most is that it seems that the Devil/DB approached Grayson and his father because they were gay, which gives this weird vibe throughout the book that queerness is something steeped in evil or demonic influence. Which is odd, because the author is gay and the main character makes at least two (somewhat hamfisted, if I'm honest) very progressive speeches that don't quite make sense with the tone of the book by the end.

I understand that Grayson is not meant to be a reliable narrator but the "being gay is a sin" theme throughout and hinging the entire resolution on him being closeted and killing the man he was in love with *because* he's repressed is an uncomfortable choice that isn't quite clicking for me. I'm also not sure how I feel about the portrayal of religion, the culty church family he was raised in feels almost cartoonish in its quiet insidiousness, but I can let it go for the most part.

Despite my complaints about that particular part of the plot, this is probably the best book I've read so far this year. I think that it will really do well, is one I can see myself re-reading, and I would love to even see a TV or film adaptation of it one day. I will definitely recommend to my horror lover friends once it's released! show less

A History of Fear by Luke Dumas is a strong debut that looks at evil in its many forms, from the religious to the secular.

This is basically a "found manuscript" story with holes in that manuscript being filled by a journalist. The story of the protagonist's life coupled with the events just prior to his crime is presented in very clear prose. Though overwritten in places, the ways in which anxiety and panic are expressed were especially effective.

I found part of the big reveal to be problematic for me. I can't go into detail without giving away the story, but I am uncomfortable with feeling like it fits into old harmful stereotypes. I think Hale's personal history is supposed to mitigate this, but I don't think it succeeded.

Recommended show more for readers who like a more subtle horror-ish story. This is one of those books that will either pull you in right away or it probably isn't your cup of tea.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Goodreads giveaway. show less

I enjoyed the premise of seeking motive and the origins of someone's behavior, but I did not love the ending and how the idea of "sin" was used. That being said, I would try another Dumas book.

I'm so sad I didn't love this one but it just did not work for me. The beginning is good. It draws you in and leaves you wondering what happened. The first 25% I was hooked and wanted to know more. But by the time I hit halfway, I felt like I had really learned anything new. It felt like it was getting overly descriptive and wordy. We were rehashing what we already knew. By 75%, I was completely withdrawn. It had bogged down on details about the fiends and the ranting and searching for D.B. that the story was no longer making any movement. And I felt like so many things were so heavily implied. it ruined what was probably supposed to be bigger reveals at the end because I felt like we already knew it all from the previous hints.

I wish show more I'd liked this one more but it was just wasn't for me.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. show less

A queer American grad student in Scotland - with Satan and nested narratives!

Top-notch psychological horror!

Cw for assault/abuse and suicide - SUPER dark read

I loved this book. From page 1 I was hooked and didn't like putting it down to participate in life. Just wow. The ending was one of the best! Highly recommended.