"Terrifying! A wild read!"

Justin Gustainis' first novel, THE HADES PROJECT, is an explosive horror/thriller. There is no questioning that Gustainis is an amazingly talented storyteller. The author knows how to create three-dimensional characters, intensely plotted scenes, and then maintains a constant, gut- wrenching pace throughout.

Michael Pacilio was a military SEAL, trained to handle the toughest missions in Viet Nam. Years after the war ended, Pacilio's career is working as a federal agent in charge of investigations for the government. But when he is called to Fairfax, Virginia to look into the brutal massacre of ten scientists, everything in Pacilio's life is so badly knocked out of whack, that nothing from the war or his specialized training could ever have prepared him for all the horrors awaiting him. Though the evidence suggests that the one scientist who had not been murdered and appears to be on the run could be responsible for the murders, it is the easy-to-follow trail of bodies who suffered similar, tortured fates as the unfortunate souls in Fairfax that keeps Pacilio on the right path.

When Pacilio learns that the scientists were working on a special, secret project he decides to visit with an old friend for help. Father Eugene Grady was Pacilio's college professor, and he may know a thing or two about demonic possession. Together he and Pacilio believe a serious and deadly evil has been unleashed on earth. Teaming up with ER Doctor, Muriel Rojas, the three think they understand what is about to happen. And it is possible that if they fail in their mission, the entire world will be sucked into the horrible living nightmares of Armageddon.

Dark and disturbing, THE HADES PROJECT demands the attention of the reader. You can set the book down, but it will be near impossible to walk away from. There are not many novels that I would call frightening. However, this is one of them. It will keep you up nights, afraid to shut out the lights and fall asleep. It is that grippingly real. If you like Stephen King, or Dean Koontz, you'll love Justin Gustainis—and may end up preferring him. This debut novel will captivate readers and leave them anxious for a second novel.

Reviewed by Phillip Tomasso
Posted September 27, 2003

Summary

Dr. Jake Prescott is a young ER doctor who unearths a deadly secret that has one of the most powerful companies in the United States desperate to silence him. During their initial attack, Jake's wife is critically injured and his daughter is kidnapped. Their efforts soon result in murder, but the evidence points to Jake as the prime suspect. He must now elude the police as he battles to save his daughter and clear his name. Hopelessly outgunned, Jake turns to a former patient, a retired PI, for help. Together they match wits with the cold-blooded assassin hired to eliminate Jake and his family.