CROMM

by Kenneth C. Flint ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 28, 1990

Bland contemporary/historical horror from a veteran of paperback Celtic fantasies. Young American artist Colin McMahon has nightmares about a secret fifth-century Irish cult that performs horrid child sacrifices to nourish and strengthen its evil god, Cromm. Soon, however, one of Cromm's monstrous emissaries shows up in the here-and-now, seeking Colin's death! Luckily, Colin receives a warning from a mysterious white-haired Irishman, Gilla, who says that Colin's dreams are actual visions of the past where Colin's namesake helped vanguish Cromm--who has now reawakened. So, pursued by monsters yet still reluctant to get involved, Colin travels to Ireland, where Cromm has already enslaved whole villages. Here, Colin meets Gilla again, as enigmatic as ever, and also the beautiful Megan, whose ancient counterpart helped the fifth-century warrior-Colin. But retired soldier Dudley, apparently so friendly and encouraging, turns out to be a reanimation of Cromm's evil and powerful druid, and almost betrays Colin and Megan into Cromm's clutches. With help from Saint Patrick (in the past), Colin learns that Cromm cannot be defeated while he lurks within the great stone that is carved into his likeness--so Colin and Megan must force Cromm to come out where he is vulnerable. Jumbled plotting and Batmanesque doings, along with an often ludicrously false Irish backdrop: some tense moments, but a long way from major-league scary.

Pub Date: March 28, 1990

ISBN: 0385267509

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1990

Categories: FICTION