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The Final Gate
Something is terrifying the residents of St. Luke’s Orphanage. Gurgling moans echo through the hallways. Hulking shapes lurk in the surrounding woods. And those who wake in the morning will find one less child under their roof…
Brandon and his girlfriend, Jillian, believe his younger brother is in serious danger. Even though the caretakers at St. Luke’s told them that he’s been adopted, Brandon has his doubts. With the help of a friend and a mysterious guide, they will do whatever it takes to find out just what is happening inside the orphanage walls…and at the bottom of the basement steps…
From Splatterpunk Award-Winning author Wesley Southard and Splatterpunk Award-Nominated author Lucas Mangum comes The Final Gate, the ultimate tribute to Italian horror master Lucio Fulci. With blood, guts, and all the nightmarish madness you’d expect from the Godfather of Gore himself, Southard and Mangum present a loving homage to spaghetti splatter and the glory of 1980’s Euro horror.
Brandon and his girlfriend, Jillian, believe his younger brother is in serious danger. Even though the caretakers at St. Luke’s told them that he’s been adopted, Brandon has his doubts. With the help of a friend and a mysterious guide, they will do whatever it takes to find out just what is happening inside the orphanage walls…and at the bottom of the basement steps…
From Splatterpunk Award-Winning author Wesley Southard and Splatterpunk Award-Nominated author Lucas Mangum comes The Final Gate, the ultimate tribute to Italian horror master Lucio Fulci. With blood, guts, and all the nightmarish madness you’d expect from the Godfather of Gore himself, Southard and Mangum present a loving homage to spaghetti splatter and the glory of 1980’s Euro horror.
139 pages, ebook
Published August 3, 2021
About the author
Wesley Southard
32 books149 followersWesley Southard is the author of The Betrayed, Closing Costs, One For The Road, and Resisting Madness, and has had short stories appear in outlets such as Cover of Darkness Magazine, Eulogies II: Tales from the Cellar and Clickers Forever: A Tribute to J.F. Gonzalez. When not watching numerous hours of ice hockey, he spends his free time reading and drinking copious amounts of green soda. He is also a graduate of the Atlanta Institute of Music, and he currently lives in South Central Pennsylvania with his wife and their cavalcade of animals. Visit him online at www.wesleysouthard.wordpress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 2, 2022
I’m not familiar with Lucio Fulci, so I went into this not swayed by that narrative. But I really enjoyed this story. I’ve had good prior experiences reading both Lucas Mangum and Wesley Southard, and this was no exception. I’ve read a few books with multiple contributiong authors, that I didn’t enjoy much, so was glad to see how well this worked. The story moves at a pretty quick pace. But it doesn’t lose you in the midst of the ensuing chaos, specifically in the last act, which goes full throttle. Hordes of undead running around, tons of blood and guts, and a gutsy and resilient heroin leading the charge. Even the lesser predominant characters, ie Claudio, had their charm, and left you rooting for the good guys here. But don’t let the premise fool you, as I can speak as an outsider here a bit, and assure any potential readers that this was a really fun time that all fans of retro horror can enjoy.
August 19, 2021
What is your favourite Lucio Fulci film?
If your answer to the questions is “Who is Lucio Fulci”? then this may not be the book for you. If, however, you’ve had the pleasure of watching some of the most gloriously gory and outrageously over the top horror movies Italy had to offer in its 1980s heyday, then you are in for an absolute treat with ‘The Final Gate’.
St Lukes Orphanage is home to dozens of young children, looked after by caretakers Mr Wiser and Miss Myra. There is something else living at St Lukes though. Something that does not belong, in this world or the next.
When Brandon takes it upon himself to rescue his younger brother from the orphanage he’ll find more than he bargained for within it’s walls. The orphanage is now home to a demonic presence, called forth by a mysterious group attempting to complete a ritual to bring unspeakable evil into our world; an evil that the residents of St Lukes are falling victim to, one by one…
For a novel inspired by such a visual filmmaker, ‘The Final Gate’ is surprisingly successful at replicating the feeling of watching something like ‘The Beyond’ or ‘The House By the Cemetery’. It’s all too easy to picture what’s been described by Southard and Magnum on the page, the characters sporting big hair and mullets and delivering their dialogue with some decidedly questionable dubbing. The books biggest strength is how much the authors love of the material they are homaging shines through and how effectively it evokes that very specific mood and feeling as a result.
You can also expect everything that you’d want from an 80s horror movie. Fast pacing, big action set-pieces, creepy visuals and, perhaps most importantly, an abundance of gore so over the top, it makes ‘The Beyond’ look like a Charlie Brown Halloween special. ‘The Final Gate’ is all fun, all the time from page one right until the last blood-soaked page.
This was a tough book to rate. It is such a perfectly crafted ode to Fulci that anyone with even a passing affection to his horror output will get a big kick out of ‘The Final Gate’. It perfectly captures the grindhouse aesthetic and the mix of sleaze and surrealism that made his movies so memorable. It’s so good that you’ll practically hear the atmospheric synth heavy score as you’re reading. It is such a good reproduction of the look and feel of a Fulci film in fact, that some readers may be put off by the (purposeful) loose narrative and broad dialogue that works so well as a Fulci inspired novel, but may be jarring to the uninitiated. I’m going with four stars, with a caveat. Fulci fanatics can comfortably add another star to this rating, given it’s as good as a fourth ‘Gates of Hell’ entry 40 years in the making.
If your answer to the questions is “Who is Lucio Fulci”? then this may not be the book for you. If, however, you’ve had the pleasure of watching some of the most gloriously gory and outrageously over the top horror movies Italy had to offer in its 1980s heyday, then you are in for an absolute treat with ‘The Final Gate’.
St Lukes Orphanage is home to dozens of young children, looked after by caretakers Mr Wiser and Miss Myra. There is something else living at St Lukes though. Something that does not belong, in this world or the next.
When Brandon takes it upon himself to rescue his younger brother from the orphanage he’ll find more than he bargained for within it’s walls. The orphanage is now home to a demonic presence, called forth by a mysterious group attempting to complete a ritual to bring unspeakable evil into our world; an evil that the residents of St Lukes are falling victim to, one by one…
For a novel inspired by such a visual filmmaker, ‘The Final Gate’ is surprisingly successful at replicating the feeling of watching something like ‘The Beyond’ or ‘The House By the Cemetery’. It’s all too easy to picture what’s been described by Southard and Magnum on the page, the characters sporting big hair and mullets and delivering their dialogue with some decidedly questionable dubbing. The books biggest strength is how much the authors love of the material they are homaging shines through and how effectively it evokes that very specific mood and feeling as a result.
You can also expect everything that you’d want from an 80s horror movie. Fast pacing, big action set-pieces, creepy visuals and, perhaps most importantly, an abundance of gore so over the top, it makes ‘The Beyond’ look like a Charlie Brown Halloween special. ‘The Final Gate’ is all fun, all the time from page one right until the last blood-soaked page.
This was a tough book to rate. It is such a perfectly crafted ode to Fulci that anyone with even a passing affection to his horror output will get a big kick out of ‘The Final Gate’. It perfectly captures the grindhouse aesthetic and the mix of sleaze and surrealism that made his movies so memorable. It’s so good that you’ll practically hear the atmospheric synth heavy score as you’re reading. It is such a good reproduction of the look and feel of a Fulci film in fact, that some readers may be put off by the (purposeful) loose narrative and broad dialogue that works so well as a Fulci inspired novel, but may be jarring to the uninitiated. I’m going with four stars, with a caveat. Fulci fanatics can comfortably add another star to this rating, given it’s as good as a fourth ‘Gates of Hell’ entry 40 years in the making.
July 31, 2021
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review, and I have to say......I loved it!! It was very well written, with great characters, fast paced, action packed, creepy, gory, and horrifc. Based in a creepy orphanage, where children go missing in horrible circumstances, as the final gate to hell gets opened!! It would make a brilliant, bloodthirsty film!! 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
July 18, 2021
I received a review ebook for a review. I really enjoyed the introduction talking about Italian gore films. Started off getting know the characters and Orphanage. The gore was plenty and the writing was great. Great Homage novel to the Italian gore films.
July 1, 2022
***Adding new review because I just listened to the new audiobook narrated by Sean Duregger and it made this rule so much harder! Seriously did not know it was possible to enjoy this book anymore, but then I did a listen of the audiobook. HIGHLY recommended!
Hold on to your eyeballs! Wesley Southard and Lucas Mangum have put together a gruesome love letter and tribute to Lucio Fulci and the Gates of Hell movies with THE FINAL GATE. Encompassing so many elements of Italian horror and putting their passion for the films at the forefront, these authors tell a fun, gory, creepy story from beginning to end. Fun fact: you do not have to see these prior films or be at all familiar with Italian horror to enjoy this book. The characters are wonderful - some old, some new - and no one is safe! I had fun guessing who might die and who would make it to the end. I was wrong so many times. The setting is eerie: an orphanage with mostly a-hole kids and distance, odd adults tending to them. The kill scenes are BRUTAL and 100% in the spirit of Fulci. Brain matter, oozing blood, gouged eyes, entrails and insides on the outside, the works! You can hear the ominous winds, feel the raging fires, and smell all the bodily fluids as you make your way through this one. Is there a happy ending? Is there ever? One way to find out! Check out THE FINAL GATE and, I'll say it again: Hold. On. To. Your. Eyeballs.
Hold on to your eyeballs! Wesley Southard and Lucas Mangum have put together a gruesome love letter and tribute to Lucio Fulci and the Gates of Hell movies with THE FINAL GATE. Encompassing so many elements of Italian horror and putting their passion for the films at the forefront, these authors tell a fun, gory, creepy story from beginning to end. Fun fact: you do not have to see these prior films or be at all familiar with Italian horror to enjoy this book. The characters are wonderful - some old, some new - and no one is safe! I had fun guessing who might die and who would make it to the end. I was wrong so many times. The setting is eerie: an orphanage with mostly a-hole kids and distance, odd adults tending to them. The kill scenes are BRUTAL and 100% in the spirit of Fulci. Brain matter, oozing blood, gouged eyes, entrails and insides on the outside, the works! You can hear the ominous winds, feel the raging fires, and smell all the bodily fluids as you make your way through this one. Is there a happy ending? Is there ever? One way to find out! Check out THE FINAL GATE and, I'll say it again: Hold. On. To. Your. Eyeballs.
June 18, 2023
Something strange is going on at St Luke’s Orphanage. Weird noises, things in the woods and missing kids, just to name a few. Brandon’s younger brother was said to have been adopted from St. Luke’s, but he’s not buying it. Brandon and several others find out the hard way something sinister lurks around the orphanage.
I don’t have much experience when it comes to Italian horror, but after reading this book and the Fulci references I will definitely check it out. The Final Gate is creepy, fast paced, and full of surprising twists. Southard and Mangum really show no mercy for the characters, especially in the last act where things go full blown crazy. There is so much going on you wonder if anyone will make it out alive. The story was rather intense throughout and that ending. Did not see that coming!
I enjoyed the whole vibe of this book. I see many asking for books with creepy kids. Well, this is it. Add it to your TBR.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I don’t have much experience when it comes to Italian horror, but after reading this book and the Fulci references I will definitely check it out. The Final Gate is creepy, fast paced, and full of surprising twists. Southard and Mangum really show no mercy for the characters, especially in the last act where things go full blown crazy. There is so much going on you wonder if anyone will make it out alive. The story was rather intense throughout and that ending. Did not see that coming!
I enjoyed the whole vibe of this book. I see many asking for books with creepy kids. Well, this is it. Add it to your TBR.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 25, 2021
Horror Bookworm Reviews
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
Brandon’s younger brother, Bryce, has disappeared from St. Luke’s Orphanage. Partnered with his girlfriend, the two seek out the institute located beyond the city walls near an ominous isolated wooded area. The mystery of the missing boy instantly spirals into a vortex of horrific secrets. These obscure truths lead to a living depravity eager to be unleashed. - “Woe be unto him who opens one of the seven gates to Hell, because through that gateway, evil will invade the world.”
Let’s begin with the introduction. The Guru of Italian Gore…The Doctor of Death Metal himself…Ryan Harding sets the appropriate tone by providing the reader with a brief history of the Italian film industry and the purpose behind this anticipated collaboration of Wesley Southard & Lucas Mangum.
The inventive pair creates an atmosphere full of nightmares, nighttime shadows and creaking floorboards. These visionary offerings begin to form the foundation for what trepidations will follow. Gods and Devils subsequently convert into one, as a heinous evil beyond comprehension emerges from the murky darkness. Thus a supernatural religious entity becomes a developing manifestation within the storyline. The usage of the shambling undead, depictions of maggot infested orifices and revolting flesh-eating corpses all bind together for a nauseating Italian horror experience for the reader.
This writing duo successfully involves sights, sounds and stylistic tropes of vintage Italian horror flicks into their collaboration. I could actually hear the dense music being played by Goblin while reading their fictional creation. Both authors ceremoniously regurgitate the black bile represented by classic directors Fulci, Bava and Argento. The end result is a fictional piece of perfection entitled The Final Gate.
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
Brandon’s younger brother, Bryce, has disappeared from St. Luke’s Orphanage. Partnered with his girlfriend, the two seek out the institute located beyond the city walls near an ominous isolated wooded area. The mystery of the missing boy instantly spirals into a vortex of horrific secrets. These obscure truths lead to a living depravity eager to be unleashed. - “Woe be unto him who opens one of the seven gates to Hell, because through that gateway, evil will invade the world.”
Let’s begin with the introduction. The Guru of Italian Gore…The Doctor of Death Metal himself…Ryan Harding sets the appropriate tone by providing the reader with a brief history of the Italian film industry and the purpose behind this anticipated collaboration of Wesley Southard & Lucas Mangum.
The inventive pair creates an atmosphere full of nightmares, nighttime shadows and creaking floorboards. These visionary offerings begin to form the foundation for what trepidations will follow. Gods and Devils subsequently convert into one, as a heinous evil beyond comprehension emerges from the murky darkness. Thus a supernatural religious entity becomes a developing manifestation within the storyline. The usage of the shambling undead, depictions of maggot infested orifices and revolting flesh-eating corpses all bind together for a nauseating Italian horror experience for the reader.
This writing duo successfully involves sights, sounds and stylistic tropes of vintage Italian horror flicks into their collaboration. I could actually hear the dense music being played by Goblin while reading their fictional creation. Both authors ceremoniously regurgitate the black bile represented by classic directors Fulci, Bava and Argento. The end result is a fictional piece of perfection entitled The Final Gate.
April 16, 2023
This one was exactly what it said on the tin. An Italian splatter from the 70's/80s. Had all the awesome troupes and characters you'd expect, along with the surrealness and the urgency in the last act. Loved it. Could practically feel the grain and poor sound.
July 5, 2022
Very enjoyable. The last third really nailed the Fulci vibe.
August 1, 2022
I listened to this on audible and loved it. A creepy orphanage with a creepy premise equaled a great and creepy wild ride!
July 27, 2023
A wild, fast and gory book. This read like a Fulci script and came out of the gate swinging. The gore was spot on and didn't stop the entire time. If you're a giallo fan, definitely read this one
July 25, 2021
If Italian director Lucio Fulci were alive today, creating movies at 94-years-old like those he'd filmed four decades ago, this novella could be the novelization of his newest masterpiece. Southard and Mangum display a sincere and passionate love for the atmosphere, over-the-top gore, and idiosyncratically disjointed flow of Fulci's oeuvre. That deep and abiding adoration is necessary to so accurately capture the feel of a Fulci movie with The Final Gate.
The more dedicated fans will perhaps experience a sort of wavering, rippling effect in their imaginations, seeing the face of Bob from House By the Cemetery transitioning into the much older face of Robert, the caretaker of St. Luke's Orphanage. As pleased as we are to make his acquaintance again--and to see that he's grown into a man who found a way to help children who were orphaned just as he was--it would seem that Bob's encounters with supernatural horrors aren't over. After racing into the orphanage in response to a young boy's desperate cries for help, Robert's story comes to an end when he enters Bryce's darkened bedroom.
The rest of the book follows Brandon, Bryce's older brother, and various other characters as Brandon desperately tries to make up for the mistakes of his earlier years. He hopes that by locating his younger brother and rescuing him from an orphanage that seems increasingly sinister, the deeper he digs into it, he'll find a sense of fulfillment and redemption.
With the assistance of Jillian, his girlfriend, and Jillian's ex-boyfriend, Dan, Brandon faces something far more mysterious and awful than he could have anticipated.
In true homage to Fulci, the authors leave you wondering who--if anyone--will survive and whether there's any chance of a happy ending when the gates of hell are involved.
Any fans of Lucio Fulci, Dario Argento, Mario and Lamberto Bava, Ruggero Deodato, Umberto Lenzi, Bruno Mattei, and the other Italian greats should immediately pick up a copy of this book in August when it releases. No other book I've read has so perfectly demonstrated the Italian exploitation cinema tone the way this one has.
The more dedicated fans will perhaps experience a sort of wavering, rippling effect in their imaginations, seeing the face of Bob from House By the Cemetery transitioning into the much older face of Robert, the caretaker of St. Luke's Orphanage. As pleased as we are to make his acquaintance again--and to see that he's grown into a man who found a way to help children who were orphaned just as he was--it would seem that Bob's encounters with supernatural horrors aren't over. After racing into the orphanage in response to a young boy's desperate cries for help, Robert's story comes to an end when he enters Bryce's darkened bedroom.
The rest of the book follows Brandon, Bryce's older brother, and various other characters as Brandon desperately tries to make up for the mistakes of his earlier years. He hopes that by locating his younger brother and rescuing him from an orphanage that seems increasingly sinister, the deeper he digs into it, he'll find a sense of fulfillment and redemption.
With the assistance of Jillian, his girlfriend, and Jillian's ex-boyfriend, Dan, Brandon faces something far more mysterious and awful than he could have anticipated.
In true homage to Fulci, the authors leave you wondering who--if anyone--will survive and whether there's any chance of a happy ending when the gates of hell are involved.
Any fans of Lucio Fulci, Dario Argento, Mario and Lamberto Bava, Ruggero Deodato, Umberto Lenzi, Bruno Mattei, and the other Italian greats should immediately pick up a copy of this book in August when it releases. No other book I've read has so perfectly demonstrated the Italian exploitation cinema tone the way this one has.
October 18, 2021
I swear I love Wesley Southard’s work so much, don’t be surprised if I wind up outside his house with a boom box playing Peter Gabriel. Add co-author Lucas Mangum to the mix and you got one kick-ass novella to read.
The Final Gate is everything a horror fan needs to keep them in a house and away from the filthy diseased humans that consist of our “New Normal”. There are creepy children, a strong female lead, and a nice nod to the underrated director, Lucio Fulci.
You can read Jennifer's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
The Final Gate is everything a horror fan needs to keep them in a house and away from the filthy diseased humans that consist of our “New Normal”. There are creepy children, a strong female lead, and a nice nod to the underrated director, Lucio Fulci.
You can read Jennifer's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
August 17, 2021
Wow, that was a hell of a lot of fun! More thoughts to come.
September 22, 2022
I was given a free code to listen to this book in return for a review. This is a fantastic, gore drenched, blood curdling tribute to Lucio Fulci and the 70’s Italian zombie era. What evil lurks in the basement of the local orphanage, and can anyone stop it?
June 23, 2023
I read a couple of reviews for this book and kept hearing the Lucio Fulci references. I started to read, and the intro was a long history of Lucio Fulci. I got to the story, and I couldn't really see it except for the name dropping at the beginning. Halfway through, though, the gates of hell open and the dead walk the earth. "They will make cemeteries their cathedrals and the cities will be your tombs." Sorry, that was Lamberto Bava. Any way, you get the idea. Bloody gory mayhem in the Italian 80's tradition.
June 13, 2023
I’m not familiar with Lucio Fulci or Dardano Sacchetti, but can see how their film work influenced the authors of this book. Through their dedication, foreward by Ryan Harding, and gruesome scenes among the pages, they pay tribute to Italian horror icons.
The story itself is frightening and I felt for the poor children and their literally Hellish experiences at the orphanage, the lies perpetrated by caretakers that were supposed to looks after them. Carnage ensues as the Gate to Hell begins to open… Can anyone stop it?
This was an homage to campy horror of the 70s/80s. I wasn’t particularly keen on the characters and the adults’ dialogue (why do all the women repeatedly say “hon”?).
Annie was by far my favourite and I liked the ending for her. Sad about Smoke 😭
Thank you to the authors & BookSirens for a copy.
The story itself is frightening and I felt for the poor children and their literally Hellish experiences at the orphanage, the lies perpetrated by caretakers that were supposed to looks after them. Carnage ensues as the Gate to Hell begins to open… Can anyone stop it?
This was an homage to campy horror of the 70s/80s. I wasn’t particularly keen on the characters and the adults’ dialogue (why do all the women repeatedly say “hon”?).
Annie was by far my favourite and I liked the ending for her. Sad about Smoke 😭
Thank you to the authors & BookSirens for a copy.
April 19, 2023
Una fantastica storia dell'orrore! The Final Gate is hands down THE BEST horror I've read so far this year, and I've read some pretty damn good horror this year. An orphanage from hell, mindless undead freaks, missing locals, and a heroic trio consisting of a bad ass old man, a brave little girl, and a woman in search of her missing boyfriend, fight to save the small town of Chadds Ford from evil erupting from the pits of hell. Creepy, addicting, and a twisty ending, The Final Gate is one hell of a ride!
*I was given an ARC copy for an honest review.
*I was given an ARC copy for an honest review.
March 15, 2023
Great story
This was an great read that had you immersed from the first page. Helping you entertained with all the characters and amazing storyline. The characters, of which there are quite a few, ranges from evil staff at an orphanage to mind hearted children and loving siblings. All of which have their own story to tell. Thoroughly enjoyed.
This was an great read that had you immersed from the first page. Helping you entertained with all the characters and amazing storyline. The characters, of which there are quite a few, ranges from evil staff at an orphanage to mind hearted children and loving siblings. All of which have their own story to tell. Thoroughly enjoyed.
April 20, 2023
Happy Thursday ✨✨
St. lukes orphanage is home to many young children. Mr. Wiser and Miss Myra look after these kids. Or do they? Brandon’s brother, Bryce, is in the orphanage. He gets more than he has bargained for when he decides to save him.
Firstly, a horror story set in an orphanage. Kids can get pretty creepy. This novella had my full attention. At 140 pages, there is not a moment wasted. The authors created a dark gritty eerie atmosphere is indoor and outdoor settings. The descriptions of the characters and settings were vivid. It was almost like watching a movie.
It is well paced and continuously builds tension with gore sprinkled throughout. There were cringe worthy moments and audible gasps as the storyline unfolded.
“The Final Gate” had it all: sunken faces, missing eyeballs, blood and dark surroundings. A must read for fans of cosmic horror or Fulci movies.
St. lukes orphanage is home to many young children. Mr. Wiser and Miss Myra look after these kids. Or do they? Brandon’s brother, Bryce, is in the orphanage. He gets more than he has bargained for when he decides to save him.
Firstly, a horror story set in an orphanage. Kids can get pretty creepy. This novella had my full attention. At 140 pages, there is not a moment wasted. The authors created a dark gritty eerie atmosphere is indoor and outdoor settings. The descriptions of the characters and settings were vivid. It was almost like watching a movie.
It is well paced and continuously builds tension with gore sprinkled throughout. There were cringe worthy moments and audible gasps as the storyline unfolded.
“The Final Gate” had it all: sunken faces, missing eyeballs, blood and dark surroundings. A must read for fans of cosmic horror or Fulci movies.
August 2, 2021
The Final Gate by Wesley Southard and Lucas Mangum is, as the synopsis states, the authors’ tribute to Italian horror master Lucio Fulci and an homage to 80s Euro horror. But I’m here to tell you, you don’t need to be familiar with either of those to love and appreciate this masterful work of literary horror.
First, the introduction is written by Ryan Harding and gives you relevant background on Fulci and 80s Euro horror as only Ryan Harding can. He also writes a bit about the authors and how they and this book connect with the aforementioned Fulci and 80s Euro horror. It is definitely worth a read all on its own. Second, and more importantly, the story here is so good, so well done, so dark and engrossing in and of itself that it stands on its own. And I can definitively say that because I was not familiar with Fulci or 80s Euro horror going in.
The vividness of the characters makes the story all the more horrifying. You feel both for them and with them. The Final Gate is an evocative and gruesome tale, equal parts human evil and cosmic/occult horror. And if the synopsis has not made it clear to you already, you need to understand there is a lot of disturbing content in this story, the type of irreverence one could expect from any type of 80s horror. However, there is also the underlying complexity one expects from both Southard and Mangum. They speak to the atrocities humans inflict on one another and evoke the fundamental what-if fears residing in our minds. But most importantly, The Final Gate is a good story that will captivate and entertain that dark part of your mind that loves good horror.
I want to read it again.
First, the introduction is written by Ryan Harding and gives you relevant background on Fulci and 80s Euro horror as only Ryan Harding can. He also writes a bit about the authors and how they and this book connect with the aforementioned Fulci and 80s Euro horror. It is definitely worth a read all on its own. Second, and more importantly, the story here is so good, so well done, so dark and engrossing in and of itself that it stands on its own. And I can definitively say that because I was not familiar with Fulci or 80s Euro horror going in.
The vividness of the characters makes the story all the more horrifying. You feel both for them and with them. The Final Gate is an evocative and gruesome tale, equal parts human evil and cosmic/occult horror. And if the synopsis has not made it clear to you already, you need to understand there is a lot of disturbing content in this story, the type of irreverence one could expect from any type of 80s horror. However, there is also the underlying complexity one expects from both Southard and Mangum. They speak to the atrocities humans inflict on one another and evoke the fundamental what-if fears residing in our minds. But most importantly, The Final Gate is a good story that will captivate and entertain that dark part of your mind that loves good horror.
I want to read it again.
July 17, 2021
A perfect tribute to the Italian horror master Lucio Fulci and the genre he helped to create. I loved the introduction by Ryan Harding that totally fanboys allover giallo horror. I also love that Harding mentioned the shark vs zombie scene because NOBODY gets what that's referencing ever. Fulci fans will appreciate the mentions towards the master's Gate series and all the blood and guts they can handle.
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July 20, 2021
I received a copy of this book for free in return for an honest review. I loved this novel! It was a great tribute to Italian horror and I could very easily picture it as a movie in my mind. Some of the kills in this story will stick with me forever! I had the music from goblin running through my mind as I read as well. So if you have access to those songs, or any music used in this type of movie, it will make a perfect soundtrack and make the reading that much more enjoyable.
July 11, 2021
I thought this was an awesome read. I've always been a Lucio Fulci fan and I think other Fulci fans will dig it. It adds another depth to the Gates Of Hell trilogy films and it easily gives the vibes of it as well. Definitely a must read for fans of the Italian Godfather Of Gore!
August 26, 2021
If you love the films of gore master Lucio Fulci, then this is for you. Hyper violent, unrelentingly gory and a hell of a lot of fun, this tribute to Fulci’s Gates of Hell films will have you smiling the whole way through to the gory end.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
January 19, 2022
This might have worked better as a movie.
May 31, 2023
"Violence is Italian art!" Lucio Fulci
I'm admittedly not as well versed in Italian horror as I should be. I've seen some of the more well known films, but I have more viewing to do. That being said you don't have to watch any of them to enjoy the hell out of this story.
From the onset of this book you realize that there isn't anyone safe...nobody. Characters that are well crafted fall by the wayside. Children and adults alike are torn apart with equal abandon. This is fast paced edge of your seat horror.
I've seen this book rebranded with new cover art to get more eyes on it. It's shocking to me more people haven't given this one a chance. Do it! You won't be disappointed. By the way I love the original cover art!
#booksfromthedoomsaloon
I'm admittedly not as well versed in Italian horror as I should be. I've seen some of the more well known films, but I have more viewing to do. That being said you don't have to watch any of them to enjoy the hell out of this story.
From the onset of this book you realize that there isn't anyone safe...nobody. Characters that are well crafted fall by the wayside. Children and adults alike are torn apart with equal abandon. This is fast paced edge of your seat horror.
I've seen this book rebranded with new cover art to get more eyes on it. It's shocking to me more people haven't given this one a chance. Do it! You won't be disappointed. By the way I love the original cover art!
#booksfromthedoomsaloon
August 29, 2022
Here's my review for this kick tail Lucio Fulci inspired book!
https://youtu.be/Y51MRUjxLrY
https://youtu.be/Y51MRUjxLrY
July 20, 2022
I listens to this book on audio, which was a real treat. The extra polish that Encyclopocalypse puts on their audio books is next level. With custom music and everything! The story was a blast, written by Wesley Southard and Lucas Mangum. They crafted a quick, fun, love letter to Italian horror. Their love for Fulci shines through. The story builds and builds until the wild ending that was very satisfying. Sean Duregger added another dimension with his narrating. In my humble opinion, he does some of the best character work out there. He seamlessly switches from one voice to the next with ease, and it really brought even more life to the story.
January 31, 2022
As soon as I discovered this existed I had to read it. A love letter to Lucio Fulci and his many collaborators, this is an unofficial sequel to his Gates of Hell films. You know by that description if you need to read this or not. I did. And absolutely loved every page. Now I'm off to dig out and watch my copy of the Blue Underground City of the Living Dead dvd.
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