Modern Rituals

Disclaimer: I received a eARC from netgalley.com in exchange for a review.

If you can get past the similarities to “Cabin in the Woods,” you'll find that J.S. Leonard's Modern Rituals has the ability to become more than just a one off story. In a world where Gods made deals with people, and ritual killings (ala Cabin in the Woods) happen to prevent apocalypses, Modern Rituals introduces us to three unlikely heroes who have what it takes to change fate. Most of the book centers around how the rituals work, what goes on in them on the inside and on the “watchers” side, and what happens when an unknown party changes the score.

I liked the world that Leonard has created here. The tech, the paranormal, even the idea of “the old gods.” I expected this book to be a bit more horror-ish but I'm pleasantly surprised that it's more urban fantasy with a dash of Lovecraftian mythos. The cast of characters in this book seems to be a bit over the top but as the story progresses, we're treated to the main players' points of view, until it all comes down to everyone in the same line.

Bottom Line: Curious as to what would happen if Cabin in the Woods ended differently and gave humanity a fighting chance? Then you'll enjoy Modern RItuals.