Horror Book Review Blood Covenant by Alan Baxter

Blood Covenant by Alan Baxter

When it comes to intelligent, fast-paced action horror books, Alan Baxter stands out as one of the finest exponents of this horror subgenre. His latest novel, Blood Covenant from Cemetery Dance Publications, ramps up everything he has written before well past 11!

Blood Covenant by Alan Baxter is a gripping horror-thriller beginning with what should have been a simple robbery, goes the way of all things and goes tits up. However, as things quickly spiral out of control, and blood is spilled, James Glenn and his crew make a violent and desperate escape. to a secluded lodge in the middle of nowhere. All fine and dandy until they realise the Moore family is already there. Taking the Moore family as hostages would seem like the obvious and logical move, but when blood is spilt, something evil awakens. something that will take no prisoners. Only the youngest member of the Moore family, the teenager Rueben, who remains outside and unseen, will be the family’s only hope for survival.

One of the strengths of the novel is the characters in Blood Covenant. Alan Baxter ensures that they are strongly defined and that their actions are critically intertwined into the narrative of the novel. These aren’t just character cyphers to hand the plot on; they all make believable choices throughout the novel. Even if some of them are silly, this wouldn’t be a horror novel if there wasn’t questionable decision-making. In particular, James Glenn, the leader of the criminal gang, is a compelling character whose desperation to get the job done and get in with his life propels much of the plot. And despite being the “villain” of the novel, he is nevertheless a highly relatable character.

However, the inter-relationship dynamics of the Moore family, in particular Rueben and his relationship with the rest of their family, lie at the heart of this story. I loved how the family dynamics played off against the dynamics of the gang, and Baxter uses these two points of view masterfully to look at the premise that Is blood thicker than water? You can’t choose your family, but you can choose who you hang out with. Even if that leads you into a bank robbery and a hellish nightmare when it goes wrong.

Blood Covenant delves into several dark and compelling themes, the most prominent of which is survival in the face of overwhelming horror. Baxter never lets up, there is a palpable tension from the first page, and Baxter never once the reader pause for breath. He taps into and fully mines the primal fear of home invasion, intensified by the presence of supernatural forces, which never feel as though they are tagged on to make this a horror novel.

Alan Baxter is well-known for his talent in blending horror with emotional depth, and Blood Covenant is a prime example of this. His writing style moves quickly and vividly, with detailed descriptions that bring the characters and their terrifying situation to life. Be warned, this is, at times, a graphic read, but Bxter thankfully never falls into the trap of going for the sake of gore. Baxter skillfully utilizes tension and atmosphere, and his ability to evoke fear and empathy makes the story engaging and impactful. Blood Covenant’s mix of supernatural elements with gritty realism showcases Baxter’s versatility as a horror writer.

Blood Covenant by Alan Baxter

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cemetery Dance Publications

Blood Covenant by Alan Baxter horror book review
Blood Covenant by Alan Baxter

What should have been a breeze of a bank heist for James Glenn and his crew goes violently wrong, forcing them to flee, blood-stained and angry. They stumble onto a remote lodge that doesn’t open for another month—a perfect place to lie low until the heat’s off.
Except it’s occupied.


The Moore family, just arrived to prepare for the season, are taken hostage by the criminals, but not without bloodshed. And when blood gets spilled, something ancient notices. Something malevolent. Something ravenous.


Their only hope is the youngest Moore, teenager Rueben, outside and unseen when James and his gang arrive. It’s up to Rueben to get help and save his family, but the influence of the ancient evil is taking a toll on him as well…

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  • Jim Mcleod

    Jim "The Don" Mcleod has been reading horror for over 35 years, and reviewing horror for over 16 years. When he is not spending his time promoting the horror genre, he is either annoying his family or mucking about with his two dogs Casper and Molly.

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