Cover Image: The Deciding Hour

The Deciding Hour

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this book ahead of time in exchange for a review. It didn't disappoint! Must read!!

Was this review helpful?

an intense thriller with interesting characters lots of twists and turns and unpredictable events. A real page turner and a must read

Was this review helpful?

Brilliant read that kept me hooked. I was terrified but enthralled at the events of this book, a real page turner that had me wanting to keep going!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you so much NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

This book is hard to review. Mainly for these reasons: the idea was there, the elements were there, the lesson was there. But it just was executed poorly. The writing style made it hard to get into the story. The dialogue was too formal, especially for college age characters. As a Christian, I appreciated the message behind the story, as it is an important message. If the writing style was switched up, the dialogue loosened up a bit to reflect actual conversation, and it went through editing again, I think Mr. Fasan would have a great book on his hands.

Was this review helpful?

I picked up an ARC of this because I found the synopsis intriguing. It has a great premise: six friends in a mysterious hotel face unexpected horrors and their friendship is tested. I knew it was a Christian thriller, and having recently read (and reviewed) an awesome Christian horror novel (Thomas Smith’s ‘Something Stirs’) I had my hopes up this would follow in the same direction: no preaching, no Christian deus ex machina. Well, I was pretty much right in that, but, still, the emphasis started to feel off very soon, as the plot revolves too much around sin, redemption, and salvation. This is the point of the story, and the point is made repeatedly, both explicitly and implicitly. Putting (the serious) editing issues aside, there were a lot of problems with the book: the story is given to the reader very confusingly, it’s too wordy, the characters are not differentiated enough, and the situations are not always clearly described. Although I didn’t give up reading the book, I don’t feel that I’ll read anything else by this author.

Was this review helpful?

This was a very intense and dark game playing with the lives of the friends and exposing their secrets and lies.

Was this review helpful?

Six friends seek refuge in a strange hotel during a storm and find themselves trapped in a house of horrors. They play a game that forces them to share their deepest secrets, testing their friendships and beliefs. Unexpected surprises make the story even more gripping, as it explores the consequences of our choices and how far we are willing to go for those we love.

Was this review helpful?

Personally this wasn't for me. I found the writing to be 'clunky' however I enjoyed the premise of the novel. I also wasn't aware this is the genre of 'Christian thriller' and I'm an atheist but totally respect those with a belief, but I think if I was a Christian I would've enjoyed the novel more.

Was this review helpful?

Jerrod Fasan delivers a heart-pounding thriller with "The Deciding Hour," a gripping tale of survival and suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Set against the backdrop of an unexpected storm and a sinister hotel, this novel plunges six friends into a nightmare from which there may be no escape.

The premise is deceptively simple: seeking shelter from the storm, the friends find themselves trapped in a hotel room that holds unimaginable horrors. As they navigate the twisted game set before them, each must confront their darkest secrets if they hope to survive. For some, these secrets offer a path to freedom, while for others, they spell certain doom.

Fasan's writing is atmospheric and immersive, drawing readers into a world of suspense and terror where every moment is fraught with danger. As the friends' truths are exposed and their loyalties tested, tensions mount and alliances shift, leading to a thrilling climax where life and death hang in the balance.

What sets "The Deciding Hour" apart is its exploration of the depths of human nature in the face of extreme adversity. As the friends grapple with their own inner demons and the chilling reality of their situation, they must confront the choices they've made and the consequences of their actions.

In conclusion, "The Deciding Hour" is a pulse-pounding thriller that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Jerrod Fasan has crafted a masterful tale of suspense and survival that will leave readers breathless with anticipation. Prepare to be swept away by this adrenaline-fueled ride into the heart of darkness.

Was this review helpful?

Couldn't wait to read this. It had great potential with such a strong plot.Unfortunately UT fell flat. The writing was super at best and impossible to get into.

Was this review helpful?

"The Deciding Hour" is a fantastic thriller with great narration and plot. The characters and dialogue are well-written and really bring the story together. It's a fresh take on the genre that I highly recommend. I honestly am looking forward to see what more this author has to offer.

Was this review helpful?

"The Deciding Hour" is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves a good thriller. This book is a masterpiece, and it's easy to see why. The story follows six friends who find themselves trapped in a terrifying hotel, where the only way out is to reveal their deepest, darkest secrets. The characters are so well-written, and the way they interact with each other is simply brilliant. It's a truly immersive experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The addition of religion as a theme adds even more depth to the already gripping plot. If you're looking for a book that will give you a good scare while also delivering a fantastic read, then "The Deciding Hour" is the perfect choice. Don't miss out on this amazing thriller!

Was this review helpful?

The Deciding Hour
Jerrod O. Fasan, Jerrod Fasan
This is a difficult book to read, review and rate.
In this tale a six young men in their twenties are on their way home from a trip. When it begins to storm they take shelter in an unusual hotel. Their rooms were a lot nicer than they expected. What begins as a surprisingly enjoyable stay quickly turns into a terrifying experience. The men are forced to play a game if they are going to ever check out of the hotel. The game knows the secrets of each young man. This tale forces the reader to consider redemption and repentance, punishment, and judgement.
The plot had great possibilities, but it fell short of my expectation. The writing doesn’t flow smoothly, the dialogue doesn’t feel comfortable, and the characters are not well fleshed out. There is an interesting lesson taught in this tale but it is painful to learn it.

Was this review helpful?

This thriller is an absolute page-turner that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. The author's writing style is immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story and even feel apart of it. Haha, due to just how scary it was at times, I can't say that was always a good thing. The characters are complex and well-crafted, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. The plot twists are expertly woven into the narrative, leaving you guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and captivating read.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely devoured this novel in almost no time at all, that is just how amazing it was. “The Deciding Hour” is a uniquely thrilling, slow descent into madness thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat! Horror fans will LOVE this.

Was this review helpful?

The Deciding Hour was atmospheric from start to finish. This debut thriller from this author is a must read. "The Deciding Hour" will take you on an emotional journey that you won't forget anytime soon with its eclectic cast of characters and bone chilling descriptions and environments. The characters in the book had great chemistry, and their interactions were pivotal in moving the story forward. The author did an exceptional job of bringing the characters to life, making them feel like real people with relatable struggles. Overall, the dynamic between the characters was well-crafted, adding depth and richness to the story. With its powerful themes of sadness, fear, grief, and redemption. With confidence, I can say it's almost certain to capture the hearts and minds of its readers.. If you love a good page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then look no further. This is the book for you!

Was this review helpful?

The Deciding Hour is a truly remarkable Christian thriller. It's rare to find a book that combines faith and suspense so seamlessly, but this one does it beautifully. The story is both gripping and thought-provoking, with themes of redemption and forgiveness woven throughout. The characters are relatable and well-developed, making it easy to become invested in their journey. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good thriller with a powerful message.

Was this review helpful?

I do love this cover and was one of the factors for deciding to request this book!

I feel that this really should have been read over again before even submitted because the grammatical errors was very put off and makes you not want to move forward with the book and just DNF the book! I pushed through because i do not like to DNF books but it did not get better as you read it and it is awkward trying to focus on the preface of the book.

The guys in the book are not likeable and they do a lot of things for dumb reasons. There are flashbacks as to why they do things and was just not even interesting. It was just not a good read and not sure i would read more from the author.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

Was this review helpful?

Six friends seek shelter to evade a torrential storm and decide to hunker down in a hotel. Unfortunately for them, this would turn out to be a big mistake as they run into a situation of nightmarish proportions. This is a book that kept me hooked from the very beginning. The 10% or so weaves in an inspiring message to bring everything together. This a captivating read that once finished, it would have the reader questioning their own life decisions. I honestly have not read a book that kept me this engaged for a long, long time. Definitely look forward to seeing more from this author, he definitely posses great talent within this genre.

Was this review helpful?

The first half of this book was gripping. Watching the characters face life and questions. It then slowed down and was almost as if the author was trying to put too much into the story ending., sadly. The message throughout is good and encouraging.

Was this review helpful?