The 6 stories collected in this book represent Patrick Kill’s signature irreverence in his shorter works. These dark and humorous fictional stabs at organized religion, particularly Christianity, are one of the reasons he remains a major force as an underground writer. His bold and blunt views permeate through the stories collected here.
Stories in this collection include: “Bethlehem: 9 Months B.C.” | “Fallen” | “Raise the Lord” | “Potty Mouth” | “Shady Acres Church of God” | “Blessed Is He Who Trusts in the Lard”.
He has tackled fairy tales and legends, Christmas and the Covid-19 pandemic and, with Patrick Kill’s latest collection of shorts, he has his sights firmly set on faith and religion. Joining the proud ranks of Bryan Smith’s Some Crazy F**king S**t that Happened One Day and Carlton Mellick III’s Cannibals of Candyland and other books that do exactly what they say on the tin, Pure Sacrilege is a satirical takedown of religion, Patrick Kill style, with stories featuring;
This was my third time reading a Patrick Kill book and while I have enjoyed all three, I have tended to prefer the more fantastical stories more than those that aim to lambast society in the vein of shows like South Park. His twisted sense of humor and ‘anything goes’ mentality feels better suited to more adult takes on fairy tales or twisted stories for children. The stories with a more topical or political bent are always humorous, but some land better than others.
“Blessed Is He Who Trusts In The Lard,” one of the stronger stories and by far the longest of the collection, reads like a bizarro take on The Blob. “Fallen” combined a farcical set-up with social critique with aplomb. “Raise the Lord” was perhaps the best of the bunch, with a wild, Rick and Morty-esque concept, and some particularly memorable imagery (a zombified Easter Bunny who moans ‘eggs’ instead of ‘brains’ was especially snort-laugh worthy).
Other stories vary depending on your mileage. Both “Bethlehem: 9 Months BC” and “Shady Acres Church of God” are quick and amusing reads, but not standouts and “Potty Mouth” feels a little underdeveloped, but all six stories are entertaining on the surface, with an undercurrent of satire for those who want their humor elevated above shock value and sex jokes.
A short and fun read, ideal for someone with an hour to spare and in the mood for something easy-going and amusing. If you like your humor dark and sardonic and aren’t too easily offended, then you can’t go far wrong with a Patrick Kill book and while the subject matter may not have made this my favorite of his works, I will happily read anything he cares to write.
Richard started reading horror books at a young age, starting with R L Stine’s ‘Goosebumps’ and ‘Point Horror’ series. He traumatised himself at the age of twelve when he read Stephen King’s ‘IT’, and never looked back. He is currently based in the UK, where he lives with his partner, and an inappropriate amount of books.
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Bonny Irwin –
I love strong characters and the storyline was exciting and intriguing. I loved it and love this author.
Anglea Mcdole –
Very much enjoyed it. Great flow and I could not put the book down!