Review: Mad Gods: Predatory Ethics by Athanasios

I admit I've put off reading this book for way too long and it's a shame because this was one awesome trip that I could have taken already and by now moved on to the sequels. Predatory Ethics by Athanasios is the well written, thought-provoking story of Kosta and Adam. 

Upon first meeting Kosta we find that there is much more to him than meets the eye. He's The Truth and he helps guide spirits to their final resting place. He returns their memories and sets them free... although some unwillingly. He eventually pursues a new task of locating the antichrist to bring him back to his handlers. Instead Kosta decides to hide the child from all opposing sides. The Catholic Church and the Luciferian Church. That old Nature vs. Nurture debate... yes! Kosta knows the Truth and he's convinced that his way of bringing up Adam will prove his thesis.

Adam is the antichrist. He's seemingly like any other child. Anxious for knowledge, comfort, and love. He's also aware that there is something very different about him. The Seekers pursuing them does not do much to assuage this assumption. With a love of TV and radio, Athanasios develops Adam into a character that is fresh besides the antichrist we all picture in our minds. 

Predatory Ethics is a great blend of stories most have come to know through either the Bible, myth, or at least pop-culture (The Omen). Kosta and Adam's story is a unique look in the way we view the antichrist or any other religious icons. Essentially giving these entities the power they possess over us instead of realizing they are human all the same. Humans composed of things good and bad. 

The mixture of historic text to support the characters in this novel was essential and helps to bring structure. Although at times it slows the novel down, it's easy to breeze through because finding out the fate of our protagonists is of the highest priority. The tensity and suspense is held at such a level that makes every page worthwhile and adds another layer to the world Athanasios has created. 

Ultimately, I am so happy that I've been given the opportunity to read Mad Gods:Predatory Ethics (that's a mouthful). There's more to the series and I'm thankful that Athanasios did not leave lover's of this novel hanging. I recommend this novel to fans of... well a few genres and authors, really. Horror, historical thrillers, supernatural, and Clive Barker (courtesy Albert Robbins III from book cover) fans should take a look at this one.  ****