Humbaba


Fiction - Horror
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 09/10/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Humbaba by Christos Stavropoulos follows Dr. Alexander Sterling’s life, unraveling after discovering his wife, Olga, in an affair with his colleague, Ethan. Ostracized by family and work, he spirals into despair and becomes obsessed with the Mesopotamian deity Humbaba, whose visions demand sacrificial acts. Sterling obeys, killing animals and later a dog, each time uncovering cryptic coordinates that lead him to hidden treasures and archaeological discoveries, including the Temple of Humbaba. Exploiting these finds brings him wealth, fame, and international acclaim, yet also fuels moral corruption, hedonism, and estrangement from his son Jason. Sterling oscillates between spiritual aspiration, pursuit of glory, and indulgence, performing extreme rituals to appease Humbaba, and we see his descent from scholar and husband to a morally compromised man driven by obsession, power, and the pursuit of supernatural and material rewards.

Christos Stavropoulos’s Humbaba is a thrilling odyssey that sweeps readers into a world where ancient deities, historical legacies, and human ambition collide with electrifying energy. Following Dr. Alexander Sterling’s extraordinary journey, the story combines ritual, discovery, and extraordinary adventures, transporting audiences from the eerie confines of a basement to remote archaeological sites filled with hidden treasures and mysterious structures. Each turn of the plot reveals astonishing artifacts, unexpected discoveries, and morally charged decisions, highlighting Sterling’s encounters with Humbaba and the temptations of wealth, fame, and power. The book skillfully balances suspenseful action with philosophical provocation, presenting historical, cultural, and supernatural elements that keep the imagination fully engaged. With relentless inventiveness, intricate puzzles, and monumental revelations, Humbaba offers an unforgettable read that exhilarates, surprises, and leaves one marveling at the audacity of its vision and scope.