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Nether by Jason Beymer
One suburban night. One stubborn corpse. One golden opportunity.Burklin had it a spacious two-story house, a shapeshifting wife, a wide open future. That is, until his father ripped out his soul and trapped it inside an opinionated dachshund. Now he's lost everything, leaving him a slave on mop-up duty for a homicidal teenage demon. His father is sleeping with his ex, the possessed dachshund won't stop talking, and the cleanup jobs keep getting messier. Burklin would give anything to have his life back--even if it means turning against his manipulative father and destroying their chance of winning the Nether's Demon Lord Sweepstakes.Opportunity knocks with a dead woman's hand. When the demon's latest victim won't stay dead, the rules of life and death change. Freedom lies within Burklin's reach, but to get it he'll have to defy his father, the ex-wife he still loves, and the Nether itself.Just how far is he willing to go? This title contains sex, violence, human cuisine, a smart-ass dachshund, teenage demons, and fun with corpses.
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First published May 15, 2011
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1273 people want to read
About the author
Jason Beymer
3 books112 followersA permanent fixture at his local coffeehouse, Jason Beymer hunches over his laptop in a caffeine-induced frenzy, jowls slick with muse. He writes fantasy and horror laced with inappropriate humor. Jason worships at the feet of Ray Bradbury, and blogs at TomesandTV.com, where books and TV come together to make sweet, sweet love.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 5, 2011
Crude, rude, and basically screwed is how I'd describe the all-star cast of Nether. This lovable bunch is as entertaining as a Walmart during Christmas. If you're like me, you can't stop watching or in this case, reading. Fans of bizarro and dark comedy will likely dig this roller coaster from Hell. This strange, comedic adventure is a surreal journey that tests the absurdity of humanity while also questioning the after-life. What is beyond? What if we don't like it and want to come back? And best of all, how do I win the after-life sweepstakes?! Burklin isn't sure he even wants to anymore, especially after a string of ordeals, his crappy boss and the shitty job he has to do. All of this has him questioning whether any of it is really worth it. Also, he has one other small problem-- his soul is trapped inside his pet dachshund, Pearl. If he wants to live he better be a good owner at take care of her. Pearl is my favorite character in the book and had me laughing. I am a sucker for animal humor. Besides, I have my own Pearl who goes by the name, Ruby. Ironically, even though my dog doesn't talk, (well, not to anyone but me) I've often imagined her acting and saying similar stuff. Nether does contain sexual content but it is more humorous than sensual. It's like picturing the patrons of a Waffle House getting it on. Yeah, you might laugh until you gag---it's grossly funny. Like many satirical writers, Beymer makes use of stereotypes and at times, takes them to extremes. The use of this technique is for social criticism purposes. It's meant to illuminate shortcomings through ridicule and hopefully by doing so, demand reflection for improvement, whether it is societal or individual.
June 5, 2011
Most authors will choose to deal with only one subject for a book. Not Jason.
We have Demon Lords, a very stubborn zombie, politicians, cannibalism, soul theft, betrayal, theft, murder, death, destruction, sweepstakes, baseball, jealousy, abandonment issues, serial killers, car theft, car accidents, why you should wear a seat belt, very bad parents, divorce, dismemberment and (of all the surprises) in the end, love. And a few I haven’t listed here, but you will find them. All I can say is “surprise!”
Because there is so much going on, it is a little tricky (at first) to keep track and make sense of the story line, but it is worth the effort. It doesn’t seem possible, but Jason manages to take all the disparate themes and tie them together into a cohesive picture of the world as it could possibly be (especially if you like conspiracy theories).
This is a book that I will definitely keep on my bookshelf. Not sure what category it belongs in, so I might just have to file this one alphabetically.
Good job Jason! You managed to surprise me, while keeping the internal logic of the story intact.
We have Demon Lords, a very stubborn zombie, politicians, cannibalism, soul theft, betrayal, theft, murder, death, destruction, sweepstakes, baseball, jealousy, abandonment issues, serial killers, car theft, car accidents, why you should wear a seat belt, very bad parents, divorce, dismemberment and (of all the surprises) in the end, love. And a few I haven’t listed here, but you will find them. All I can say is “surprise!”
Because there is so much going on, it is a little tricky (at first) to keep track and make sense of the story line, but it is worth the effort. It doesn’t seem possible, but Jason manages to take all the disparate themes and tie them together into a cohesive picture of the world as it could possibly be (especially if you like conspiracy theories).
This is a book that I will definitely keep on my bookshelf. Not sure what category it belongs in, so I might just have to file this one alphabetically.
Good job Jason! You managed to surprise me, while keeping the internal logic of the story intact.
July 26, 2011
This is a crazy mix of a story. It has a unique plotline with very interesting characters. It is meant to be a dark humour story. That said, I didn't really enjoy it, because I didn't find it funny. There were a few scenes that had me smiling, but overall, it was a little too much for me.
I did enjoy some aspects of Pearl. The lighter, snarkier side of her with her condescending attitude toward Burklin were amusing. Her constant bodily functions and desire to eat human flesh? Not so much.
I felt sorry for Burklin. Not his before side; that Burklin was a jerk. But the new Burklin is at the mercy of his dog's actions, and his father's demands. He`s a sad character, and deserves some sympathy, even if his previous actions are the cause of his current circumstance.
There is a lot of violence, crude humour and foul language in the story. It won`t appeal to everyone, but will definitely amuse a certain type of dark humour-loving reader.
I did enjoy some aspects of Pearl. The lighter, snarkier side of her with her condescending attitude toward Burklin were amusing. Her constant bodily functions and desire to eat human flesh? Not so much.
I felt sorry for Burklin. Not his before side; that Burklin was a jerk. But the new Burklin is at the mercy of his dog's actions, and his father's demands. He`s a sad character, and deserves some sympathy, even if his previous actions are the cause of his current circumstance.
There is a lot of violence, crude humour and foul language in the story. It won`t appeal to everyone, but will definitely amuse a certain type of dark humour-loving reader.
March 4, 2018
This book was recommended to me and so I picked it up - although this is not the typical genre of books I enjoy. Nether has a very strange and dark plot, and most of it is senseless. The gore is excessive and appears forced in several places - and, to me, it came across as an attempt to make up for a rather weak story line. If this book were made into a movie, I will have, most likely, watched it in fast-forward mode. The writing style is easy, which helped me to finish reading the book.
February 22, 2019
Good
That was interesting, very different. Will be interesting to see how this unfolds in the next book. If you're looking for something different this is it!
That was interesting, very different. Will be interesting to see how this unfolds in the next book. If you're looking for something different this is it!
September 6, 2011
Some books are just not meant for certain people and, for this reader, Jason Beymer’s Nether was that book. However, I will not trash this book because there were redeeming qualities, as well as, the fact that I know there are readers out there who would LOVE Nether. It just was too far fetched for this reviewer.
The characters in Nether are well thought out, if not a bit over the top, but that is what the author was going for, I believe. Our main human character Burklin was definitely not your typical hero figure…he was a bit of a wuss. While there were times when this characteristic would annoy me a bit, I also found it to be a bit refreshing. It was something different. Pearl is Burklin’s dachshund who is in possession of Burklin’s soul thanks to his father, Garrick. I loved Pearl and she reminded me quite a bit of my dachshund, Daisy, who is a bit of a smart ass like Pearl. However, my girl does not have the taste for flesh…thankfully.
The plot of Nether initially started out reminding me of the TV show REAPER, but then, for my tastes went just a bit too far into bizarro land. I know a lot of readers who enjoy the bizarre out there type of story and if you are that person this book is definitely for you. It just happens to not be my cup of tea.
The characters in Nether are well thought out, if not a bit over the top, but that is what the author was going for, I believe. Our main human character Burklin was definitely not your typical hero figure…he was a bit of a wuss. While there were times when this characteristic would annoy me a bit, I also found it to be a bit refreshing. It was something different. Pearl is Burklin’s dachshund who is in possession of Burklin’s soul thanks to his father, Garrick. I loved Pearl and she reminded me quite a bit of my dachshund, Daisy, who is a bit of a smart ass like Pearl. However, my girl does not have the taste for flesh…thankfully.
The plot of Nether initially started out reminding me of the TV show REAPER, but then, for my tastes went just a bit too far into bizarro land. I know a lot of readers who enjoy the bizarre out there type of story and if you are that person this book is definitely for you. It just happens to not be my cup of tea.
March 15, 2015
What a weird book. I mean that in a good way. The characters in Nether, by Jason Beymer are really messed up. You know how in most books there is a good guy and a bad guy? Well, in Nether, there’s not. None of the characters are particularly good. They are all just varying degrees of bad. So I was never really sure who I should pull for. Who was the lesser of the evils?
Nether is a very unique and funny book. This author has caught my attention with his wit and storytelling. His characters are extremely unique, and even though they are bad, they are almost likeable in a weird way.
Jason Beymer is a new to me author but I will absolutely be looking forward to reading his other books as soon as possible. He kept me guessing throughout Nether. At no point did I feel like I knew how things were going to turn out and that was a very nice change for me! His concepts of the afterlife are different from the common elements and give something unique and fun to the underworld.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something new to read with a fun storyline and a bit of disgustingness. There is some pretty extreme violence but Beymer presents it in a way that makes it less horrific.
Nether is a very unique and funny book. This author has caught my attention with his wit and storytelling. His characters are extremely unique, and even though they are bad, they are almost likeable in a weird way.
Jason Beymer is a new to me author but I will absolutely be looking forward to reading his other books as soon as possible. He kept me guessing throughout Nether. At no point did I feel like I knew how things were going to turn out and that was a very nice change for me! His concepts of the afterlife are different from the common elements and give something unique and fun to the underworld.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something new to read with a fun storyline and a bit of disgustingness. There is some pretty extreme violence but Beymer presents it in a way that makes it less horrific.
June 8, 2011
Burklin’s first instinct was to hide, his second to run. Fighting was a distant third. If the demon had returned, things were about to get ugly.
***************************************
After entering Burklin’s world, you may think twice before you complain about your day.
Burklin can’t rely on his instincts; they have been taken over by so many others. Others who are intent on using Burklin to carry out the most demonic of deeds. Sure Burklin has the option to back out. But if he dares to go against his boss, will Burklin be able to live with his choice, both literally and figuratively?
Jason Beymer’s latest book Nether takes a few spins on the good vs. evil plots featured in Urban Fantasy. Robust writing that is not for the faint of heart flings readers into a world of demonic shapeshifters and a family that gives the term ‘dysfunction’ a whole new meaning. Written with a solid plot that starts off with a bang and keeps moving at a steady pace. Caught up in a test of wills, the protagonist Burklin uses sardonic humor to effect as he carries out the grisly task of trying to stay alive.
***************************************
After entering Burklin’s world, you may think twice before you complain about your day.
Burklin can’t rely on his instincts; they have been taken over by so many others. Others who are intent on using Burklin to carry out the most demonic of deeds. Sure Burklin has the option to back out. But if he dares to go against his boss, will Burklin be able to live with his choice, both literally and figuratively?
Jason Beymer’s latest book Nether takes a few spins on the good vs. evil plots featured in Urban Fantasy. Robust writing that is not for the faint of heart flings readers into a world of demonic shapeshifters and a family that gives the term ‘dysfunction’ a whole new meaning. Written with a solid plot that starts off with a bang and keeps moving at a steady pace. Caught up in a test of wills, the protagonist Burklin uses sardonic humor to effect as he carries out the grisly task of trying to stay alive.
July 27, 2011
This book was definitely different than I have been reading, To be honest when I first started to read this book I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not. The characters were a lot different than I am used too. I hate to admit I am used to the strong hottie bad boy or even good boy hero and with this guy he was weak( I know due to his father ripping out his soul) but still I kept wondering if he was ever gonna grow a backbone. I also knew there was more than meets the eye so to speak when it came to his 'father' and ex-wife. What I did like was imperfections of the characters, far more than any other book I have read lately. I also loved Pearl, the smart assed dachshund added humor to other wise a very dark story. I can honestly say I really couldn't tell who was bad and good in this book other than Burklin, which is why I found this book intriguing.
There was times in the story I was bit confused and found it hard to keep up with the many plot points but overall this book was a good read. Would I recommend? If you like the deep dark world of demons with an interesting twist for how Demon Lords come to be. This book is for you.
Actually gave it a 3 and half stars
There was times in the story I was bit confused and found it hard to keep up with the many plot points but overall this book was a good read. Would I recommend? If you like the deep dark world of demons with an interesting twist for how Demon Lords come to be. This book is for you.
Actually gave it a 3 and half stars
July 27, 2015
Berklin is a cleaner. It is his job to clean the bodies left by Max, a demon. He gets calls from Garrick, a man he can't stand- the protector of the demon, and told where to go and what to do. He must listen to Garrick because Garrick put Berklin's soul in Pearl, Berklin's own 8 lb dachshund.
Up until the whole soul in the dog thing two years ago, Berklin had a decent life. He didn't really like his mother, but he had a good job and a wife that he loved, a shape-shifting wife, Lorianne. After the soul removal his whole life changed. He became scared. He was afraid to stand up for himself. He began to see a psychiatrist. His wife left him and began having sex with the man he hated most- Garrick.
Garrick sends Berklin to clean up a body at Max's house and Lorraine to watch him and make sure he gets the job done. Thinks spiral out of control from there. The body is there, but isn't dead? It was dead, but isn't now? Berklin begins down a road he can't turn from.
Great book, lots of action. LOVE it!
Up until the whole soul in the dog thing two years ago, Berklin had a decent life. He didn't really like his mother, but he had a good job and a wife that he loved, a shape-shifting wife, Lorianne. After the soul removal his whole life changed. He became scared. He was afraid to stand up for himself. He began to see a psychiatrist. His wife left him and began having sex with the man he hated most- Garrick.
Garrick sends Berklin to clean up a body at Max's house and Lorraine to watch him and make sure he gets the job done. Thinks spiral out of control from there. The body is there, but isn't dead? It was dead, but isn't now? Berklin begins down a road he can't turn from.
Great book, lots of action. LOVE it!
July 24, 2011
I have to say that for a light summer read this was just the ticket – to fun, laughs, yes even suspense. This book had a little bit of everything and in this case that wasn’t a bad thing!
Burklin is a man who is tasked with the duty of protecting a demon, with the help of his father and his ex-wife Lorraine. He’s not exactly happy with his status, as he has to go around and clean up after the demon when he decides to go on his killing sprees. The point being to “protect” the demon until he reaches adulthood – so far no demon has. This is where the Nether’s Demon Lord Sweepstakes comes in. Garrick, Burklin’s father (oh how is he loathe to admit that!) wants desperately to win – at any and all costs. Which is why in order for him to convince Burklin to get on board, he decides to steal Burklin’s soul and put it into his pet dachshund.
To continue reading please visit: My Shelf Confessions
Burklin is a man who is tasked with the duty of protecting a demon, with the help of his father and his ex-wife Lorraine. He’s not exactly happy with his status, as he has to go around and clean up after the demon when he decides to go on his killing sprees. The point being to “protect” the demon until he reaches adulthood – so far no demon has. This is where the Nether’s Demon Lord Sweepstakes comes in. Garrick, Burklin’s father (oh how is he loathe to admit that!) wants desperately to win – at any and all costs. Which is why in order for him to convince Burklin to get on board, he decides to steal Burklin’s soul and put it into his pet dachshund.
To continue reading please visit: My Shelf Confessions
July 11, 2011
Wow is about the only word I can use to describe this book. The plot is a bunch of crazy fun. The characters are a rag tag bunch, with my favorite actually being Pearl the dachshund. I keep thinking what if my dog surfed the internet for doggie porn when I wasn't around!!
OK, then that made me think, "Is there really doggie porn?"
For the most part you have to feel sorry for Burklin. Nothing really seems to go his way, but that's ok, cos the bad stuff is kind of funny.
I think the best way to describe the book might be...a man's paranormal version of Stephanie Plum.
I was really surprised at how much I liked this book in the end. For me the first part of the story seemed to be a bit slow, because there was a lot going on, but in the end everything came together in a good way.
I can't wait to see what Jason will give us next!
OK, then that made me think, "Is there really doggie porn?"
For the most part you have to feel sorry for Burklin. Nothing really seems to go his way, but that's ok, cos the bad stuff is kind of funny.
I think the best way to describe the book might be...a man's paranormal version of Stephanie Plum.
I was really surprised at how much I liked this book in the end. For me the first part of the story seemed to be a bit slow, because there was a lot going on, but in the end everything came together in a good way.
I can't wait to see what Jason will give us next!
October 7, 2015
Well, here we go! This may be the most difficult tale that I have ever endeavored to review. Jason Beymer reached out with ink on paper and twisted my minds eye until it was dangling sloppily on my smiling face. Irreverent and darkly humorous, he kept me guessing and thoroughly interested in what happens next in a whirlwind of nefarious netherworld transgressions. The very best part of which is when the soul of our delightfully imperfect Berklin gets stuffed into an adorably smart-a**ed doggy named Pearl - I loved Pearl! I think everyone will find that they have (or have had) a Pearl of their own - I sure do. To sum up... I read to step away from reality and this book did just that. With a bit of disgusting and gross to deal with, it was a very enjoyable and laugh out loud ride far, far away from the usual.
Thank you for the opportunity, Goodreads!
Thank you for the opportunity, Goodreads!
May 21, 2011
I really enjoy Beymer's writing. I find his stories hilariously crude and interesting, and his characters never cease to amaze me. Beymer’s characters tend to be the extreme—overweight, whiney, witty, horny—and I love them all. The extreme that these character represent adds to the off kilter humor within the novel, and it makes me giggle aloud as I read.
Yes, there is sex, and yes, a lot of the aspects are crude, but it’s no different than watching a new comedy in the theater, and to be able to transfer that same wit and hilarity from the big screen to a novel is rare—or at least, I rarely laugh when I read books, but Beymer gets me every time.
To read my full review (6/12):
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
Yes, there is sex, and yes, a lot of the aspects are crude, but it’s no different than watching a new comedy in the theater, and to be able to transfer that same wit and hilarity from the big screen to a novel is rare—or at least, I rarely laugh when I read books, but Beymer gets me every time.
To read my full review (6/12):
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
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August 8, 2015Loved this different book!
Absolutely loved this book! I can't remember ever reading anything like it. The characters were funny and believable in a heartbreaking kind of way. I absolutely love Pearl. This book has a lot of different elements it is funny, there is some romance (in a broken kind of unhealthy way), some gross stuff, light horror... it's worth the read. I look forward to reading more from this author
Absolutely loved this book! I can't remember ever reading anything like it. The characters were funny and believable in a heartbreaking kind of way. I absolutely love Pearl. This book has a lot of different elements it is funny, there is some romance (in a broken kind of unhealthy way), some gross stuff, light horror... it's worth the read. I look forward to reading more from this author
October 26, 2015
I won this book through the sweepstakes here on goodreads! This book was hard to get into. I was questioning what was going in because I couldn't understand. Although it did get better towards the middle this book wasn't really for me. I did like the dark humor and all but couldn't fully get lost into the books world.
August 11, 2015
Jason Beymer is one sick ****
And I LOVE It! This is the funniest craziest book I've read since "John Dies At The End"... and in whatever lunatic world either of these books exists I find the characters in this book even more believable. Definitely looking forward to more from this author.
And I LOVE It! This is the funniest craziest book I've read since "John Dies At The End"... and in whatever lunatic world either of these books exists I find the characters in this book even more believable. Definitely looking forward to more from this author.
August 5, 2015
Dark and hilarious, fans of Reapers Inc. and Christopher Moore will enjoy Nether. TRying to protect a demon rather than hunt it is a nice change of pace in the paranormal genre. I hope there's a sequel!
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August 5, 2015Twisted
Twisted and hilarious. Protecting demons instead of hunting them is a nice change of pace. I can't wait to see if there will be a sequel.
Twisted and hilarious. Protecting demons instead of hunting them is a nice change of pace. I can't wait to see if there will be a sequel.
November 6, 2016
I laughed and snickered at the characters in Nether. It's a wonderful, unique plotline with interesting characters. Especially the dog.
November 9, 2016
A bit too much gore for my taste. With that said, it was well written.
February 21, 2015
This was a fast,easy read for me. Dark humor that sometimes I got and sometimes I didn't.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews