Lost Gods

A young man named Chet Moran finds himself in a dark purgatory known as Panter's Paw after his death. He must navigate this brutal underworld while searching for his wife and unborn child. The story combines elements of Southern Gothic fiction with mythology from multiple cultures. Ancient gods, forgotten deities, and twisted creatures populate the harsh landscape that Chet must traverse. This horror-fantasy narrative explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the bonds between parents and children. The mythological elements serve as a backdrop for examining human nature and the prices people will pay for those they love.

Readers describe Lost Gods as a dark, violent journey through a unique version of the underworld. The book maintains a 4.3/5 rating on Goodreads (3,800+ ratings) and 4.5/5 on Amazon (800+ ratings). Readers highlighted: - Detailed worldbuilding and mythology - Distinctive art/illustrations by the author - Fresh take on religious/mythological themes - Fast-paced action sequences - Complex character relationships Common criticisms: - Slow start in first 50-100 pages - Graphic violence and gore - Some found the protagonist difficult to connect with - Religious themes uncomfortable for some readers Multiple reviews noted the book defies genre classification, blending horror, fantasy and mythology. Several readers compared the tone to Neil Gaiman's American Gods but "darker and more visceral." Some praised Brom's ability to make Hell feel "terrifyingly real" while others found the descriptions of torture and suffering excessive. Many reviewers recommended the hardcover edition specifically to better appreciate the artwork.

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🌟 Author Brom originally gained fame as a fantasy artist, creating iconic artwork for Dungeons & Dragons, World of Warcraft, and Magic: The Gathering 🌟 The novel blends elements of Southern Gothic folklore with ancient mythology, drawing heavily on both Christian and pagan underworld concepts 🌟 The book's depiction of purgatory as "Purgatory Road" was inspired by old American highways and forgotten towns along Route 66 🌟 Many of the demons and creatures in the book are based on actual folklore from various cultures, particularly Celtic and Native American traditions 🌟 Brom created several original paintings specifically for Lost Gods, which were included in special edition versions of the book to help readers visualize his unique interpretation of the underworld