“It felt like the end of something ugly, but I didn't realize it was only the start of something far darker.” Darkness and the ugly side of human nature abound in the novel In His Image by Ashen Warren and Ethan Nikkel. The story is set in New Orleans during the mid-nineties, where Dr. Louis Fontenot works as a criminal profiler for the police. Fascinated by serial killers and wanting to understand them fully, Louis performs a dangerous and illegal experiment fueled by his obsession with the criminal mind. Needless to say, that experiment doesn't go as planned, and Louis discovers the price of meddling in a domain best left untouched. To make matters worse, Louis never realizes that the evil he seeks to study is within himself.

Disturbing yet fascinating, In His Image by Ashen Warren and Ethan Nikkel is a classic thriller with noir vibes. The initial plot focuses on the quest to find a serial killer before he strikes again, before quickly morphing into a more modern, ultra-violent, re-imagining of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. While themes of good versus evil are present, it is the danger of hubris and ego that receives the most focus. Character development is strong, and the cast includes the likes of the misguided doctor, the soulless Cain, as well as the wacky but delightful Collette. The pace is fast for the most part, but it is the authors' ability to recreate the Cajun flavor of New Orleans on paper that truly shines, making the novel more immersive. For fans of horror and slasher tales, this one is for you.

In His Image by Asher Warren and Ethan Nikkel explores morality, creation, and the consequences of human ambition. The story follows Dr. Louis Fontenot, a criminal profiler who undertakes a groundbreaking experiment to understand the minds of serial killers. By combining his DNA with that of three infamous murderers, he creates Cain, a man designed to be the “perfect killer.” What begins as a scientific endeavor quickly spirals into a nightmare as Cain escapes and embarks on a killing spree, leaving Louis to grapple with the devastating consequences of his creation. The authors skillfully build tension, creating dread as the story unfolds. The narrative covers themes of guilt, responsibility, and the ethical boundaries of scientific exploration.

The characters are well-developed, each contributing to the story's complexity. Cain, embodying Louis's ambition and hubris, is an enigmatic figure. His interactions with Louis are charged with intensity, revealing the dark consequences of playing God. The pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to fully absorb the gravity of the events while maintaining a sense of urgency. The dialogue is sharp and realistic. In His Image is a haunting novel that challenges readers to consider the ethical implications of scientific experimentation and the nature of evil. Asher Warren and Ethan Nikkel have crafted a chilling, deeply moving story, making In His Image a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and dark, introspective fiction. The content may be disturbing to some readers, and the authors note that the book is intended for adults. Each graphic scene is necessary for the story to unfold, and is handled with care.