I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Discover the origins of the Dark Index Universe in author Billy Caldwell’s “PERSISTENT: An Origin Story of the Hum.”

The Synopsis

What if the world you experience isn’t the world that exists? What if death isn’t an ending, but maintenance? What if someone has been feeding on human fear for centuries, and the only thing standing between them and forever is a handful of people who can’t stop hearing a sound no one else can detect? PERSISTENT is the origin document of the Dark Index Universe. Assembled from recovered materials of unknown origin, it traces the arrival of an ancient cosmic entity called Sog Ruth’, the construction of a perceptual overlay over human reality, and the first humans who refused to reset cleanly. From the witch who became a node in the simulation, to the government program that discovered children could see through the seam, to the operatives who move through the system without belonging to it, PERSISTENT is cosmic horror meets government conspiracy meets simulation theory. For readers of House of Leaves, the SCP Foundation archives, and anyone who has ever felt like they remembered something they were never supposed to know. Part of the Dark Index Universe. Connected to the HUM series, nominated for Best Sci-Fi Short at the LA Fantasy Film Festival.

The Review

This was such a compelling and captivating cosmic horror read. The powerful imagery and poetic writing style blended well with the world-building and mythos the author brought to life on the page. The way the author told these stories through found documents within this Dark Index Universe, and the natural way the stories felt like readers could step right into the world they inhabited, was remarkably well crafted. 

The dynamics these characters exhibit, and the exemplary world the author has brought to life, will be driven by extraordinary themes that unfold in this book. The rich new direction the author takes cosmic horror and sci-fi as genres, and the way that they are able to incorporate paranormal elements of the story through a scientific end, as well as a moral and philosophical one, speaks to an understanding of Cthulhu-like, Elder God meets cosmic horror storytelling that is on brand and much needed in the horror space.

The Verdict

Captivating, entertaining, and a whirlwind narrative, author Billy Caldwell’s “Persistent” is a must read of cosmic horror story. The way this book acts as a guide to the larger universe. The author has created through other mediums, and the rich world-building in mythology that brings these philosophical themes to life on the page will keep the reader in suspense and on the edge of their seat in this very quick yet profound horror novel. If you have it yet, please be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GQ78WL88