The Destroyer of Worlds

A Return to Lovecraft Country

By: Matt Ruff

Narrated by: Kevin Kenerly

“Another virtuoso blend of horror, action, and humor. . . . Fans will find this a worthy sequel.”—Publishers Weekly

In this thrilling adventure, a blend of enthralling historical fiction and fantastical horror, Matt Ruff returns to the world of Lovecraft Country and explores the meaning of death, the hold of the past on the present, and the power of hope in the face of uncertainty.

Summer, 1957. Atticus Turner and his father, Montrose, travel to North Carolina to mark the centennial of their ancestor’s escape from slavery, but an encounter with an old nemesis leads to a life-and-death pursuit.

Back in Chicago, George Berry is diagnosed with cancer and strikes a devil’s bargain with the ghost of Hiram Winthrop, who promises a miracle cure—but only if George brings Winthrop back from the dead.

Fifteen-year-old Horace Berry, reeling from the killing of a close friend, joins his mother, Hippolyta, and her friend Letitia Dandridge on a trip to Nevada for The Safe Negro Travel Guide. But Hippolyta has a secret—and far more dangerous—agenda that will take her and Horace to the far end of the universe and bring a new threat home to Letitia’s doorstep.

Hippolyta isn’t the only one keeping secrets. Letitia’s sister, Ruby, has been leading a double life as her white alter ego, Hillary Hyde. Now, the supply of magic potion she needs to transform herself is nearly gone, and a surprise visitor throws her already tenuous situation into complete chaos.

Yet these troubles are soon eclipsed by the return of Caleb Braithwhite. Stripped of his magic and banished from Chicago at the end of Lovecraft Country, he’s found a way back into power and is ready to pick up where he left off. But first he has a score to settle . . .

©2023 Matt Ruff (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

A strong sequel, but not quite as good

Though I loved revisiting the world and characters of Lovecraft Country, which is one of my all-time favorite horror novels, this book didn't quite capture my imagination as well, probably largely because it had so much less horror.

Better Than the original Lovecraft Country Series

I wondered if there would ever be the sequel to the HBO series and found this story line even MORE engrossing than the series.

Kept me totally entertained and involved wondering what to expect next.

FINE WORK Matt Ruff!

Matt Ruff!!!

This story was as good as Lovecraft Country! I loved revisiting my favorite characters. HBO messed up when they got rid of this show.

Long Awaited Return

I loved Lovecraft Country and I loved this return. Hopefully more to come one day.

A Great Return!

I had no idea we were getting a follow up book, returning to Lovecraft Country. I heard nothing about it until the day it was published. So great to spend more time with these much loved characters. I look forward to further adventures. I love this one just as much as the first book in what I hope to be a long running series.

Loved it

I loved this only slightly less than Lovecraft, I was really looking forward to a continuation of the story and I was not disappointed.

Even Better than the first

Lovecraft Country did a superb job of blending Lovecraftian horror, European black magic, science fiction and Jim Crow racism in 1950's America. Different though they are, the author blended these themes seamlessly into a highly readable adventure story with believable characters and settings. The second book in the series is even better. In addition to the original book's themes, now we have the lost colony of Roanoke, Maroon colonies in the Great Dismal Swamp, and an escape from slavery! A terrific read (or listen – excellent narration) and I got a better understanding of the microaggressions that African Americans have to experience (then and now) than from any of the antiracist books I have read.

Updated Pronunciation

The story was great, as could be expected after Lovecraft Country, but the reader did alter the pronunciation of a few names, which can take a bit to get used to. Overall, a fun listen with a quality performance.

Loved it

A worthy sequel! Great mix of fact, sci-fi, pulp and horror. What I really enjoy the most are the characters.

Just as good as the first book!

This book was filled with so many wild twists and turns! I couldn’t stop listening. Every time I thought I knew what was coming next, I was always shocked because it was never what I expected. I hope there’s another book after this. It’s a shame they discontinued the show.