One day, it starts raining-and never stops. Global super-storms decimate the planet, eradicating most of mankind. Pockets of survivors gather on mountaintops, watching as the waters climb higher and higher. But as the tides rise, something else is rising, too.
Now, in the midst of an ecological nightmare, the remnants of humanity face a new menace, in a battle that stretches from the rooftops of submerged cities to the mountaintop islands jutting from the sea. What hope does an already-devastated mankind have against this new supernatural adversary.
The old gods are dead. Now is the time of the Earthworm Gods…
Deadite Press is proud to present this Author’s Preferred Edition of Earthworm Gods, including an all-new, lengthy afterword by the author recounting the novel’s inspiration, creation, and history.
Earthworm Gods by Brian Keene. Published by Deadite Press, 2012. Original copyright is 2005, under the title The Conqueror Worms. 272 pages.
Possible triggers: Animal death, kid death.
Have you ever wondered what would come up to the surface if it just wouldn’t stop raining? Well this book has the perfect answer to that! Earthworm Gods starts off with a nice slow build as you get to know the main character, Teddy. Just your average joe waiting out the rain. Then things begin to escalate… FAST! Man, once the worms show up, it is pure craziness the rest of the ride.
There are no real answers for what is going on. This is more like just a slice of life view into what the main characters are going through during this horrible global event. You get a few guesses here and there, but these are just normal every day people speculating.
There is a second story in the middle of the main story. It sounds a little odd, but it actually works really well. This story tells us about the two new characters that are introduced. The way it was written, it felt really natural and not out of place at all. It was even kind of a nice, interesting break away from the main setting.
Oh! On an important note, make sure you read the Earthworm Gods edition, and not The Conqueror Worms edition. The authors talks a lot about how Earthworm Gods is his preferred copy and has added information, fixed typos and a cover that makes sense. It’s basically like a director’s cut of a movie, but with a book.
This story has great character depth. Everyone feels so very real! Normal, real people. There are some great human connections that give you all the feels. The author really does a great job making us care when someone gets injured or killed.
I love the whole Lovecraft / evil fairy tale vibe. This story features some nasty earthworms as the main creatures, but there are more nasties out there waiting for you. I don’t want to spoil anything but the creatures are pretty epic. And very, very creepy. Yay!
Earthworm Gods is such a fun, quick read. You can’t help but get sucked into this story. The ending made me quickly snatch up a copy of Earthworm Gods II: Deluge! Can’t wait to read that one! No complaints with this one. Just solid fun all the way.
Creature From The Book Lagoon 
I absolutely love the cover art for this book. That worm reminds me of Stephen Kings langoliers… but with long bodies… or something. Sounds like a good read, I will have to check it out.
Reblogged this on Buried Under Books and commented:
When our bookstore was open, Brian Keene was a top favorite visiting author and I came to think of him as a book friend. I’ve had only limited contact with him in recent years but I still think nobody does creepy better than Brian. I loved Conqueror Worms but never got around to reading Earthworm Gods—thanks for the reminder, Ami 😉
Thank you for the reblog! 🙂
The cover art is amazing!