Horror is not really a genre that I normally read but after my other-half recommended David Moody’s Hater series I thought I would give it a go and to my surprise greatly enjoyed Hater.
Dog Blood is the follow on from the first book in the series and picks up from where the last book left us. Hater set up the tale where a third of the population has been changed into Haters, with a uncontrollable desire to wipe those that are not like them off the face of the Earth by killing. Usually in a violent and horrific manner.
Those that are Unchanged are now all living in cities, huddled together trying to avoid the killing machines that the Hate has created, who are collecting together to try and infiltrate these strongholds to wipe out the residents.
The main story follows Danny McCoyne as he starts to realise the impact the war is having on society and himself. Before mainly sticking to himself to ensure his survival, he becomes involved with a group intent on wiping out the Unchanged no matter the cost, while also trying to find his daughter Ellis, who when we last saw her was with her mother, but had transformed into one of the Haters.
New to this instalment in the series is a second perspective from one of the Unchanged living within the city. This narrative adds another dimension to the book as it allows the reader to consider the impact on each of the unchanged individuals, as well as the Haters, and the fear the epidemic has caused when you are unable to determine if the person you spent years loving is going to turn around and rip out your throat.
The story is not as strong as the first novel in the series but was still enjoyable and I found myself wanting to read more to find out what was happening. I was a little unsure why the source of the Hate was never discussed or revealed, and just seem to be swept away by characters saying that the cause didn’t really matter only the outcome. The dual perspectives within the story allow the reader to follow the war between the Unchanged and the Haters from both sides and enable each faction to show how life is for them. The violence and horror within the novel remains, but Moody’s writing maintains it focus on the individual characters within his world and how the situation effects them.
Overall this was a great read and I am looking forwarded to picking up the final instalment in this series, Them or Us, which must be a sign that I have enjoyed David Moody’s horror writing. And this is a big compliment for this book, as like I said earlier it’s not really a genre that I read.
4 out of 5 Stars
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