Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The 9th Fortress

Rate this book
Detective Daniel Fox has just met with a grizzly end. The dawn of his afterlife is where our story begins. To redeem his soul and earn a place in Heaven, Daniel must first venture to the 9th Lucifer’s primary prison in the heart of hell-fire. There the worst of the worst are contained, and Daniel’s mission is to save one particular soul from its dungeon. To help him achieve that almighty feat, the detective was given a defender--a samurai warrior called Kat--the most dangerous man who ever lived and the only one qualified, and capable of leading this perilous expedition. Together, the Kat and Fox encounter the unnatural and supernatural on their decent to the pit, and all of it trying to stop them...

536 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 18, 2011

30 people are currently reading
170 people want to read

About the author

J.P. Jackson

3 books10 followers
JP Jackson was born in 1981 in the shipbuilding town of Greenock, Scotland. He wrote his 1st novel "The 9th Fortress" whilst working as a nightwatchman.
Emigrating to Canada at the age of 30, he currently lives in the province of British Columbia.
His is favourite drink is Irn Bru, and his cat's name's are Al and Iza.
My next novel will be a sequel to my first, "The 9th Fortress." It's called "The King of Oblivion" and it's shaping up to be something special.
Feel free to email me any questions, or if you just want to say hi:

jpjacksn@googlemail.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
63 (31%)
4 stars
61 (30%)
3 stars
52 (25%)
2 stars
16 (7%)
1 star
11 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Dawn Peers.
Author 24 books41 followers
March 21, 2013
I have absolutely no idea why the author needs to have this book on a free promotion, or why it is only 77p. (sic - the book is now 66p, unexplicably!) The 9th Fortress is an amazing piece of fiction, and is a full-length novel of spectacular quality (especially considering the price!)

The only criticism I can pull on this book is, similar to other reviewers, the book could do with some editing as it has some issues with grammar and typos. However I can't really allow that to detract from this work overall.

Jackson's characters, whilst not original in name (a lot of characters and cast members are well-known historic and mythological figures) the strength in this is how Jackson arranges his cast. The characterisation is powerful and I was gripped from the first page to the last. The twists and turns at the end were perhaps mildly predictable given the plausible outcomes for the novel, however considering the novel is based in and around the afterlife, the fact that the author completely avoids a "deus ex machina" ending is to be applauded!

I thoroughly enjoyed the 9th Fortress, and any fan of fantasy or alternative fiction should try this. And hey, if you don't agree with my review, it's either been free or only cost you 77p. You can't get a litre of fuel for that these days :)
3 reviews
January 26, 2021
When is part two coming out? Please can someone let me know.

Just finished this for the third time. Think this has to be my favourite book to date!

Was a free book on kindle so thought it would be a bit rubbish!

I was so wrong!

I could not put it down!

Loved it from start to finish!

Just need part 2 now!
Profile Image for Amy Craig.
3 reviews
November 9, 2016
Loved it. Absolutely loved it, read it at least 25 times since I got it and haven't gotten bored of it, it has easily become one of my favourite stories. Pace is great and always stays interesting, enough description without being overbearing. I really enjoyed the different characters, from Bludgeon's theatrical ways to Kat's miserable attitude and how awesome he was with a katana. Godwin was probably my favourite, boisterous, funny yet utterly charming at the same time. Makes me wish I knew someone like that. The crazy things that happened to them and the twists and disappointments they continually faced were causing me to gasp, hold my breath while reading waiting for the outcome (one scene with Godwin I wanted to cover my eyes - or in this case skip it I felt so nervous for him!) with the occasional 'ewww that's nasty' and 'wow what a *******' being uttered and I did feel sorry for Dan throughout it and without giving spoilers I loved the end and looking forward to the next instalment.
Profile Image for Phil.
5 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2013
This was a free kindle book, so I didn't really have any high expectations. However, I was pleasantly surprised!

I found that the book did seem rather cliche, with very typical characters you'd find in a myriad of different genres. Luckily, the writer does a very good job at developing the characters to a high level and joining them together in the story.

I found the plot took several unexpected twists and turns and the whole concept seemed very good. I liked the adventure format and the creativeness the writer has used within this book. I really would love to read a sequel to this book, especially as I cannot foresee the outcome with any ease.

The only downside was the odd grammatical error or spelling mistake, but as I'm assuming this is self edited/published I am more than happy to overlook the odd error as the writing still flowed well and I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
Profile Image for Edward.
Author 19 books26 followers
September 8, 2013
This one was tough to reviews. In some ways, it's a five star read - the concept is fantastic and at times the writing is brilliant. The editing was not great, though, and in places the writing wasn't as good.

Well worth the read if those negatives don't bother you too much, so I'm giving it four stars.
Profile Image for Aviar Savijon.
1,220 reviews19 followers
March 1, 2023
The 9th Fortress

This book is very much like the thoughts and travels in the book by Dante, Dante's Infererno: The 9 circles of hell, but with a more Asian centric viewpoint. The journey is definitely one of a kind. For the situations that lead to the 9th Fortress is not just terror for terror's sake but an anvenue to gain and grasp what comes next. I loved ever page of this book. An adventure I wasn't expecting but totally grasped and thankful for. JP Jackson is brilliant and his talent shines in The 9th Fortress. Get it now.
Profile Image for Barbara.
127 reviews
August 26, 2020
Brilliant

This story is about Daniel, who having died has a mission from God to go to the darkest depths of hell to rescue prisoner 2020. He is accompanied by a samurai called Kat and they pick up a couple of strays along the way. This odd group forge friendships and have to trust each other every step of the way to be able to complete their mission.

A great story, even if it is very long. Would highly recommend.
1,847 reviews16 followers
November 5, 2020
Daniel Fox has died. He meet Sir Isaac Newton who sends him on a task; go to the 9th fortress, a the devil's stronghold in hell , and bring back prisoner 2020. He has help, a samurai, who wants to somehow redeem himself so he can be with his wife in Heaven. The meet a fallen angel and a brash soldier along the way.
118 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2019
Amazing

What powerful Christian tale with every soul you could imagine and lentils evil and adventure in store for you in this powerful book
Profile Image for Neil.
543 reviews57 followers
July 3, 2013
Detective Daniel Fox has just met with a grizzly end. The dawn of his afterlife is where our story begins.
To redeem his soul and earn a place in Heaven, Daniel must first venture to the 9th Fortress: Lucifer’s primary prison in the heart of hell-fire. There the worst of the worst are contained, and Daniel’s mission is to save one particular soul from its dungeon.
To help him achieve that almighty feat, the detective was given a defender--a samurai warrior called Kat--the most dangerous man who ever lived and the only one qualified, and capable of leading this perilous expedition.
Together, the Kat and Fox encounter the unnatural and supernatural on their decent to the pit, and all of it trying to stop them...

As books go I quite liked this. Well I did once I stopped trying to discern what message the author was trying to convey, and just read it for entertainment. At times it did seem a little confused, but it seemed to work out in the end. So for entertainment value I would recommend this as a good summer read, and I shall be on the lookout for the sequel.
Profile Image for Iamthez.
175 reviews7 followers
September 3, 2013
Wow.

I had completely forgotten I had this novel in my kindle, and the other day, I decided to try it. I had no clue what it was about, had no recollection of ever downloading it so I had no guide going into this thing.

I am so glad I read this novel. For two days, I could not put it down. I read it whenever I had a chance, as I was absolutely taken in by the characters and the storyline.

This book is probably one of the more entertaining novels I've read in a really long time. It has everything: angels, knights, pirates, bad guys, good guys, samurais, true love, redemption...I could go on and on.

An amazing novel, and one I will absolutely be re-reading. Heck, even the occasional grammatical errors didn't sway me, and usually, I can't handle seeing the wrong 'their/there/they're'

Five stars, all the way.
Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 72 books324 followers
March 22, 2015
This was an amazing well written fantasy tale, filled to overflowing with adventure steeped within a glorious imagination...I loved it!

Daniel has a mission, one so surprising, intriguing and unusual that the reader is swept at once into a tale of profound energy and fantastical adventure.

The stretch of the imagination is wondrous as we follow this astonishing and arduous journey, where distinctive characters are embroiled in beautifully described situations set within strange and alien lands.

I won't give spoilers so it's not easy to say much more, however, for those who love unusual fantasy stories with themes such as loss, love, murder and redemption, this is definitely for you.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Linda.
113 reviews
October 20, 2011
Remember the things we were told about dying and hell.
What happens in the 9TH Fortress is more frightening.
"Hell is endless and timeless so any fear you have is here.
Of course there are promises of new fears.
Horrible experiences of creatures,that are beyond description.
Never fear the author will help you to see it all. I personally will try to be a better person.

Yes it is a long book but at least it ends.
Hell Doesn't

A friend of mine recently suggested I put myself into the book Be one of the characters. So I went along as an extra. Usually, I an an observer. So I tried it!
Definitely going back to being an observer.
Profile Image for Peri.
120 reviews11 followers
March 10, 2012
This was a free download on my Kindle so I started it with some trepidation. I like fantasy style literature and I quite like the quest format but I wasn't holding my breath. Turns out to be a pretty good read actually. Good characters, interesting twists and plot development (though the outcome of who prisoner 2020 is was really obvious)but that didn't detract from the overall story and with enough humour and gore to keep the pages turning - it was also good length!I hope the author pens a follow they certainly left it open to that happening - I would read it and pay for it happily.
Profile Image for Fee (Ebook Addicts).
1,471 reviews45 followers
May 4, 2012
for all this was a long book, I was amazed ay how well I enjoyed it! all the thoughts and images you could possible have about what hell could be like take them and multiply them by 10! seriously was almost sick at imagery that portrayed I'm my head but blame that on being pregnant lol
1 review6 followers
June 28, 2013
I really loved this book, great fantasy horror that i could not put down. Was really routing for the characters on there trek through all the different areas of hell. Can not wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Mark Heath.
375 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2013
Really enjoyed this book. Was not sure at first as I forgot why I brought it, but I was glad I did. A great story which kept me on the edge of my seat. When you think it is all over, the Sh&% hits the fan for our heroes again, right to the end. Well worth a read. A good 5 out of 5 read.
Profile Image for Kathy.
221 reviews5 followers
February 14, 2014
Story line promised to be fairly interesting. A deceased man in the Waiting Room of Heaven has to go to Hell and break a prisoner out of a tower. Quit halfway through though. Needs editing - improper word usage, spelling errors, inconsistencies in the story and characterization.
Profile Image for Faith Jarrett.
8 reviews
September 9, 2012


Started off brilliantly, but a little too much nothing in the middle. It's taken me ages to read it and usually if they're good you can't put them down. So not a page turner folks!
Profile Image for BattyKat.
121 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2012
The really bad editing really turned me off. I powered through the book, because I hate not finishing a book, but it was painful!
9 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2013
Really enjoyed this book. The story moves at a constant pace and has some unexpected twists and turns. Thank you Mr JP Jackson.
Profile Image for Scott Coleman.
45 reviews3 followers
March 19, 2013
Vividly imagined and well crafted tale hindered only by aggregious spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. Author clearly has talent. Hope the follow-up gets an editor.
Profile Image for Karin.
91 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2015
What a brilliant story and concept - truly an amazing story for a first published book. Cannot wait to read more stories by this author.
Profile Image for donna goodwin.
1 review
August 11, 2022
BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT

Gripped from beginning to end, what an absolute gem of an author, fabulous awesome read, highly recommend to absolutely everyone, Thank you
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.