Rating: 
Summary: Self is the only good part of the book...
Review: This is by far not the worst book I had ever read, but it just didn't do anything for me. No entertainment. No life. No soul.It is the story of an unnamed protagonist who is called the "Master Summoner", or the "Necromancer" and a little demon type companion called Self who are lured back to the grounds of his old coven by Jebediah DeLancre. Nercromancer has not been back since his love, Danielle was killed, and has been told that if he helps Jebediah out, the old coven master will raise the young woman from the dead. So the Necromancer travels around with Self; encountering Death, the Angel Uriel, the Angel Michael, and a host of other vaguely described demons on a quest that I personally felt was not well plotted out. Because of its lack of direction, I found it to be rather boring. Even with this, it could have been muddled through if Piccirilli's writing style wasn't so flat and one-dimensional. Short sentences that do not flow together, and a "monotone" you can actually hear while you are reading is what caused me to loose interest very quickly. None of the characters ever fleshed out or came alive, the description and dialogue were extremely unanimated, causing me to neither love nor hate any character in the book. The dialogue is stilted except for the Necromancer's conversations in his head with Self, those turned out to be pretty decent and believable, adding a humorous twist. And lastly, the entire length of the novel felt like a sermon on practicing Witchcraft. Piccirilli goes into great detail on which square fits which circle during what type of moon causing this particular hex to shape into a widget. Yawn. On top of that is the tone implying that these are details that we should already know; so the result is like sitting through a lecture in college with a hangover and Ben Stein as the lecturer. Want to visit hell for awhile? Pick up Edward Lee's "City Infernal" instead. Want something with a subtle demon? Pick up Robert R. McCammon's "Swan Song" instead. Jack Ketchum, Brian Lumley, John Shirley, Edward Lee; all are far better writers and more worthy of your money. I did give this book two stars instead of one simply because I liked Self. It seemed Piccirilli focused most of his better description on the little demon, and Self captures all of the good dialogue, like a good demon should.
Rating: 
Summary: A great horror novel. I loved it!
Review: This is one of those rare books you will find that has the ability to completely immerse you in the world the writer has created. Its the story of a necromancer and his familiar Self who are trying to prevent the Apocalypse. It takes you through the wild and frightening world of the occult in a way few novels have been able to accomplish. Its frightening but fun as well. A rare writer can balance humour with horror but this writer does it excellently. Images in this book stay with you long after as you begin to become involved in the necromancers's battle against the evil coven leader, Jebediah. This book covers everything from Christianity to satanism and there are all manner of evil beings from demons to zombies dressed like jester's to disembodied souls. The last line in this book is hilarious yet very sad too. You will travel from Montana all the way to the Middle East in this powder keg of a horror novel. Its got plenty of gore, plenty of laughs and images so powerful you will not forget it. Mr. Piccirilli can write unique horror that is rather poetic and interesting on each and every page. If you like good horror that will always entertain, this is the book for you. I sure hope there will be more books written about these characters. A fantastic read!
Rating:
Summary: Skillfull weaving of research and imagination
Review: This novel shows just how skillfully the author, Tom Piccirilli, fuses together elements of paganism, mythology, witchcraft (not wicca) and the Christian religion. He capably combines rituals, symbolism, and prophecies to turn out a novel the likes of which I've never quite seen before. The Necromancer and his quipping demon sidekick are more one being than two, like a man struggling with his own conscience and desires. A Lower Deep is a fascinating horror novel, and Piccirilli writes a story that deals much more with mankind's issues of faith and redemption than you might expect. Although there's plenty of horrific and fantastical scenes, this is a unique book as far off from the typical horror fare as can be. Do yourself a favor and try it out.
Rating:
Summary: Piccirilli is the best
Review: Tom Piccirilli is one of horror's true treasures. A highly imaginative, poetic, and daring writer who goes to great length's in order to provide the genre with the kind of writing that is true literature. A LOWER DEEP packs so many fantastical situations and creatures into it that you know right off that you're in for a unique experience. The plot line concerns a modern day warlock and his demonic sidekick named "Self" as they struggle with one another as much as with their old coven master who has started a series of supernatural events that will bring about Armageddon and raise the messiah before God wills it. The nameless Necromancer must battle members of the new coven, fight a gigantic half-angelic mutant child hidden deep within a mountain beneath a haunted monestary, and travel the Middle East trying to stop biblical prophecies from being fulfilled. Along the way you'll find yourself enticed by other devils, demons, djinn, evil monks, ghosts, possessed beings, witches and their familiars, and a reanimated harlequin. Piccirilli's writing is enticing and engaging, and his imagination apparently knows no boundaries. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: WOW, This is great!!! 4 and 1/2 STARS
Review: Tom Piccirilli proves once again that how truly unique he is. There are painters that you can instantly notice even if you were to only see a portion of the picture. The same with brilliant filmmakers. You see thirty seconds of a Martin Scorsese film and you know it's his. Well, the same goes for Tom Piccirilli. I had permanent smile on my face for the entire book, completely engrossed and fascinated with his authentic world of the occult. A was confused a few time with what was going on, but even still, it is near perfect. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if you want something different.
Rating:
Summary: WOW, This is great!!! 4 and 1/2 STARS
Review: Tom Piccirilli proves once again that how truly unique he is. There are painters that you can instantly notice even if you were to only see a portion of the picture. The same with brilliant filmmakers. You see thirty seconds of a Martin Scorsese film and you know it's his. Well, the same goes for Tom Piccirilli. I had permanent smile on my face for the entire book, completely engrossed and fascinated with his authentic world of the occult. A was confused a few time with what was going on, but even still, it is near perfect. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if you want something different.
Rating: 
Summary: 'Any pre-requisite for this book?'
Review: What is 'self'? Are we supose to read all books by Rice/Barker or other authors? Are we suppose to know religion? Are we suppose to know occult? What else are requirement? Pro at reading confuing books? If this is the case then I would rather pass on this book. If not then why all the references I dont understand? I read and enjoy 'Shadowland'by Straub. I like Ramsey Campbell. They are not confusing, needs more attention but worth it.
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