We Sold Our Souls

Kris Pulaski was once the lead guitarist of rising metal band Dürt Würk in the 1990s. Now she works the night shift at a Best Western, watching her former bandmate Terry Hunt achieve massive success as a solo artist while she fades into obscurity. After discovering Terry sold her soul for his meteoric rise to fame, Kris embarks on a cross-country journey to Las Vegas to confront him. Her quest pits her against dark forces, rabid fans, and the haunting echoes of her past in the metal scene. The novel merges heavy metal culture with supernatural horror, building tension through its exploration of fame, betrayal, and the music industry. It examines the true cost of success and the prices people pay - both metaphorical and literal - in pursuit of their dreams.

Readers describe this as a dark heavy metal horror story that combines supernatural elements with music industry commentary. Many reviewers note the fast pacing and intensity, particularly in the first half. Readers appreciated: - The music references and metal culture authenticity - Strong female protagonist in her 40s - Commentary on selling out vs artistic integrity - Blend of cosmic horror with realistic themes Common criticisms: - Plot becomes confusing in final third - Some found the ending unsatisfying - Metal references can be overwhelming for non-fans - Violence and gore level too extreme for some Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (17,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (1,000+ ratings) Multiple readers compared it favorably to Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill. Several metal musicians praised its accuracy, with one calling it "the American Gods of metal." Critics noted it works better for readers familiar with metal music culture and references.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman A former convict discovers gods walk among humans and must choose sides in a battle between ancient deities and modern American concepts that have taken divine form.

The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix The sole survivors of different slasher-movie-style massacres form a support group and face a new threat targeting them decades after their original traumas.

Kill Creek by Scott Thomas Four horror authors spend Halloween night in a haunted house for a publicity stunt that awakens supernatural forces that follow them home.

My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix Two teenage best friends navigate high school in the 1980s while dealing with a demonic possession that tests their relationship and survival skills.

Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill An aging rock star purchases a ghost through an online auction site and becomes entangled in a deadly supernatural revenge plot connected to his past.

🤘 The novel's title is a reference to the controversial claim that heavy metal bands hide satanic messages in their music through backmasking. 🎸 Grady Hendrix spent extensive time researching metal culture and interviewed numerous musicians to capture authentic details about touring life and band dynamics. 🌟 Many character and band names in the book pay homage to real metal bands and musicians, creating an intricate web of references that metal fans can discover. 🎼 The book's chapter titles are all named after famous metal songs, including works from Black Sabbath, Slayer, and Metallica. 🏆 "We Sold Our Souls" won the 2019 Locus Award for Best Horror Novel and helped establish Hendrix as a leading voice in contemporary horror fiction.