The Spear

Title: The Spear

Author: James Herbert

Published in: 1978

Date read: 2nd August 2005

Score: 4/5

Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Thriller

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"The Spear" by James Herbert, published in 1978, is a chilling occult thriller that delves into themes of Nazi occultism, ancient evils, and the insidious nature of secret societies. It combines supernatural horror with a fast-paced espionage plot.

The story begins with the brutal murder of a respected archaeologist, seemingly by an unknown assailant wielding an antique spear. This seemingly isolated incident is quickly linked to a far more sinister plot when Thom Marriner, a British intelligence agent, is assigned to investigate. Marriner is a former SAS operative, tough and cynical, but soon finds himself entangled in a world beyond his military training.

His investigation leads him to a powerful and secretive neo-Nazi cult, operating in present-day Britain (1970s). This cult is not merely a political organization; it is steeped in ancient occult practices and believes in harnessing dark, supernatural forces. Their ultimate goal is to resurrect the Third Reich and establish a new fascist world order, empowered by unholy rituals.

The titular Spear is no ordinary weapon. It is believed to be the Spear of Longinus, also known as the Holy Lance, the very spear that pierced the side of Jesus Christ during the crucifixion. According to legend, whoever possesses the Spear holds the destiny of the world in their hands, for good or ill. In Herbert's narrative, it is implied to be a conduit for immense, dark power that the cult intends to wield.

As Marriner delves deeper, he uncovers the cult's terrifying plan: they are systematically tracking down and murdering individuals with certain bloodlines or mystical connections, performing dark rituals, and manipulating events to bring about a cataclysmic "Fourth Reich." They are attempting to tap into demonic energies and ancient evils to achieve their aims.

Marriner finds an unexpected ally in Sara Culver, a woman with psychic abilities who has also stumbled upon the cult's horrific activities. Together, they race against time, facing increasingly brutal and supernatural opposition from the cult's fanatical members, led by their charismatic and utterly ruthless leader.

The novel is characterized by Herbert's signature blend of suspense, violence, and the visceral depiction of horror. It builds an atmosphere of creeping dread and paranoia as Marriner realizes the true extent of the cult's influence and the terrifying power they seek to unleash.

The climax is a desperate and bloody confrontation as Marriner and Sara attempt to thwart the cult's ultimate ritual, prevent them from fully harnessing the Spear's dark power, and avert a global catastrophe. It's a fight not just against human zealots, but against the ancient, malevolent forces they seek to control.

Comments:
Bold and brilliant. I was not expecting the turn it took and it made it so that I just could not put this one down.

Books that we've read by James Herbert (20):
The Rats (Rats, #1) (1974), The Fog (1975), The Survivor (1976), Fluke (1977), The Spear (1978), Lair (Rats, #2) (1979), The Dark (1980), Jonah (1981), Shrine (1983), Domain (Rats, #3) (1983), Moon (1985), Magic Cottage (1986), Sepulchre (1987), Haunted (David Ash, #1) (1988), The Ghosts Of Sleath (David Ash, #2) (1994), Others (1999), Once... (2001), Nobody True (2003), The Secret of Crickley Hall (2006), Ash (David Ash, #3) (2012)