Hell FIghters by Bil Richardson (1000 Nightmares, More Than Evil) is an intellectually clever take on Lovecraft that is engaging on several different levels. Max Heller, a university professor at Arkham University, is searching for some diversion and takes a trip into the swampy head lands outside of the city. Accompanied by a friend, what starts out as a pleasant outdoor excursion soon becomes a nightmare. Heller will come face to face with the death of several friends, alternative realities, cosmic entities of immense power, fanatical cults and, ultimately, himself. Going from crisis to crisis this book is a journey of discovery for Heller as he learns about his own inner strength while reevaluating the world he lives in and the strengths/weaknesses of those he comes in contact with. Ultimately, the mild mannered professor becomes a reluctant hero who will save our reality from a fate worse than death.
Richardson writing style is straight forward and direct, presenting the story as it presents itself instead of shoehorning it into overly complicated sub-plots supported by flimsy pillars of overwrought prose. The dialogue is very good but can seem somewhat leaden and formal at times. I found myself debating whether it was the writing style of the author or the formality of the characters themselves. Either way, those moments are few and far between and it is one of the few critiques I have of the book.
The story is engaging on a number of levels - intellectual, suspenseful and action packed - there is something here for everyone. Those who want impactful moments of dramatic action will find it here in spades, especially in the final third of the book. There are also moments of genuine suspense and horror as Heller and his companions research and ultimately confront the lurking horror that inhabits this book. Finally, there are genuine intellectual underpinnings in this book as Richardson builds his story on theoretical physics - playing with the idea of string theory and E8 while combining it with the Cthulhu mythos made famous by Lovecraft. Taken all together, these disparate elements coalesce into a thoroughly enjoyable book that had me late into the night when I knew I should be going to sleep.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of horror, Lovecraft or suspense. It's a book that deserves several reads and one I will enjoy for years to come.
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