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Samuel Roberts #2
Ruler of Demons (Samuel Roberts Thriller) by Scott A. Lerner
Only eleven shopping days till Christmas. And less than a week to save the world.Three nuns—in Chicago, Paris, and Jerusalem—have been killed in a religious ritual. The choice of victims and the macabre details of their deaths indicate that someone is following a recipe provided on an ancient text—a recipe to unleash the forces of hell on earth. The final sacrifice must occur on the Winter Solstice.Samuel Roberts, a small-town attorney in Urbana, Illinois, knows a bit about the supernatural, having triumphed at least once over the forces of evil. Thanks to a friend who is aware of Sam’s little known previous efforts on behalf of mankind, Sam is hired by a big Chicago law firm to take on a sensitive case. His mission? Nothing less than halting the impending apocalypse.Sam and his good buddy Bob travel first to Jerusalem then Paris in a desperate race to save mankind.
- GenresSuspense
Paperback
First published December 5, 2013
47 people want to read
About the author
Scott A. Lerner
5 books57 followersAuthor and attorney Scott A. Lerner resides in Champaign, Illinois. He obtained his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and went on to obtain his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign. He is currently a sole practitioner in Champaign, Illinois. The majority of his law practice focuses on the fields of criminal law and family law. Mr. Lerner lives with his wife, their two children, and their cat Fern. Lerner collects unusual antiques and enjoys gardening, traveling, reading fiction, and going to the movies. His first novel, Cocaine Zombies, won a bronze medal in the mystery/cozy/noir category of the 2013 Independent Publisher (IPPY) Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 30, 2017
An awesome thriller. Good versus evil. The main character, Sam,is pulled into a situation he wants nothing to do with. He brings his friend, Bob, along. There is a serial killer on the loose. What starts out as a black and white mystery turns into a back stabbing fight to achieve control over all eternity. The characters are all well developed. Fast passed book. This is the second book. I am looking forward to reading the first one Cocaine Zombies.
September 21, 2015
Reviewed by Marissa
Book provided by Tribute Books for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Ruler of Demons is a little hard to peg into one category. It’s part thrill-ride, part mystery, part buddy comedy and even a bit noir. While there are many references to the first book in the series, Cocaine Zombies, I wasn’t lost by not having read it. In fact, there was just enough past information to make me curious and want to go back and catch up.
The author’s descriptive text was outstanding. I loved when Sam was in Jerusalem or Paris, and even in Mr. Smart’s office or a taxi cab going to the hotel. Detail can often be overdone but Lerner seemed to find that just-right spot between too sparse and TMI (too much information). I was particularly intrigued by the bee chair – a chair upholstered in blue fabric that was embroidered with bees. (Looking this up, I found that the fabric is Napoleonic Bee fabric, the bee being the symbol of Napoleon, and is absolutely gorgeous. Silks and velvets abound in a variety of a colors with little golden bees woven into the fabric. I want something upholstered with this fabric.)
The characters all seemed more or less like someone you would meet in everyday life (except for that one…). Sam is sensible (as I suppose any respectable lawyer should be) but has a good sense of sarcasm to carry him through, especially when times get tough. Bob had a great sense of humor and self-awareness, and Susan was just downright practical. I mean, her boyfriend finds a severed tongue so she brings donuts for the police. I hope to see a lot more of her in the next book.
The only thing that nagged at me was the dialogue. I really don’t understand authors that use proper English in contemporary speech. For me, reading “he is” or “I have” is just not natural. It stops the story dead in its tracks when I have to think about what the character is saying. It’s even worse when writing styles are mixed – “Why don’t you come in and I will show it to you?”
But the story is intriguing and hooked me from the moment Kari O’Neill showed up in her 1970’s pantsuit.
Book provided by Tribute Books for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Ruler of Demons is a little hard to peg into one category. It’s part thrill-ride, part mystery, part buddy comedy and even a bit noir. While there are many references to the first book in the series, Cocaine Zombies, I wasn’t lost by not having read it. In fact, there was just enough past information to make me curious and want to go back and catch up.
The author’s descriptive text was outstanding. I loved when Sam was in Jerusalem or Paris, and even in Mr. Smart’s office or a taxi cab going to the hotel. Detail can often be overdone but Lerner seemed to find that just-right spot between too sparse and TMI (too much information). I was particularly intrigued by the bee chair – a chair upholstered in blue fabric that was embroidered with bees. (Looking this up, I found that the fabric is Napoleonic Bee fabric, the bee being the symbol of Napoleon, and is absolutely gorgeous. Silks and velvets abound in a variety of a colors with little golden bees woven into the fabric. I want something upholstered with this fabric.)
The characters all seemed more or less like someone you would meet in everyday life (except for that one…). Sam is sensible (as I suppose any respectable lawyer should be) but has a good sense of sarcasm to carry him through, especially when times get tough. Bob had a great sense of humor and self-awareness, and Susan was just downright practical. I mean, her boyfriend finds a severed tongue so she brings donuts for the police. I hope to see a lot more of her in the next book.
The only thing that nagged at me was the dialogue. I really don’t understand authors that use proper English in contemporary speech. For me, reading “he is” or “I have” is just not natural. It stops the story dead in its tracks when I have to think about what the character is saying. It’s even worse when writing styles are mixed – “Why don’t you come in and I will show it to you?”
But the story is intriguing and hooked me from the moment Kari O’Neill showed up in her 1970’s pantsuit.
November 30, 2013
Book review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
I had no idea what to expect when I began reading Ruler of Demons, but the book turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Sam is a small-town attorney who has been having more and more trouble from the side of supernatural as of late, since he defeated evil once before. However, Sam is still traumatized by finding a chopped-off head in his fridge, and he wants nothing more than to stay away from the supernatural. Unfortunately, his reputation proceeds him and a wealthy Chicago law firm hires him on a sensitive case.
Three nuns have been murdered – one in Paris, one in Chicago, and one in Jerusalem – in terrible circumstances. The law firm suspects that whoever is behind it, wants to unleash the apocalypse on earth. They have an ancient scroll ready to prove it, and they fear the only man capable of doing the job might be Sam. Sam isn’t so convinced about that – until he finds a cut off tongue in his fridge, another traumatizing event. He decides he’s in, and invites his best friend Bob along, mostly because Bob has proven his worth before.
Sam and Bob go to Jerusalem first, where they visit an ancient site, where the nun was murdered in search for clues. They’re visited by an evil entity with sinister intentions, and narrowly escape the city to head to Paris. As the plot thickens, the two of them may be the only ones capable of saving the world from the impending apocalypse.
What pulled me in about this novel, were the characters. Sam and Bob have a great friendship. I loved how Bob always started about food, and how Sam managed to stay calm, no matter what. Their inside jokes made me feel connected to them. Sam was a bit of an average Joe, which made him all the more intriguing when he’s thrown in the world of the supernatural. He’s just a regular guy, and now he’s dealing with all this stuff he knows next to nothing about, all because of that one time he fought evil and won. The way they manage to keep being lighthearted, even in the face of danger, made this book unique.
When the author described Jerusalem and Paris, I felt like I was really there. I liked the added touch of how Sam and Bob travel across the world to unravel clues. The descriptions and wording were great, and the book was edited well.
If I had to say one pet peeve (and the reason why it’s a four stars and not a five stars), then it would be the “telling” instead of “showing” in the narrative. The author will tell us Sam or Bob is concerned, worried, hungry, scared, etc. instead of show us. It doesn’t happen all the time, but it happened often enough to stand out for me.
All in all, a great, enjoyable read. I’d love to read the first book, and I’ll keep an eye out for any follow-ups by this author.
I had no idea what to expect when I began reading Ruler of Demons, but the book turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Sam is a small-town attorney who has been having more and more trouble from the side of supernatural as of late, since he defeated evil once before. However, Sam is still traumatized by finding a chopped-off head in his fridge, and he wants nothing more than to stay away from the supernatural. Unfortunately, his reputation proceeds him and a wealthy Chicago law firm hires him on a sensitive case.
Three nuns have been murdered – one in Paris, one in Chicago, and one in Jerusalem – in terrible circumstances. The law firm suspects that whoever is behind it, wants to unleash the apocalypse on earth. They have an ancient scroll ready to prove it, and they fear the only man capable of doing the job might be Sam. Sam isn’t so convinced about that – until he finds a cut off tongue in his fridge, another traumatizing event. He decides he’s in, and invites his best friend Bob along, mostly because Bob has proven his worth before.
Sam and Bob go to Jerusalem first, where they visit an ancient site, where the nun was murdered in search for clues. They’re visited by an evil entity with sinister intentions, and narrowly escape the city to head to Paris. As the plot thickens, the two of them may be the only ones capable of saving the world from the impending apocalypse.
What pulled me in about this novel, were the characters. Sam and Bob have a great friendship. I loved how Bob always started about food, and how Sam managed to stay calm, no matter what. Their inside jokes made me feel connected to them. Sam was a bit of an average Joe, which made him all the more intriguing when he’s thrown in the world of the supernatural. He’s just a regular guy, and now he’s dealing with all this stuff he knows next to nothing about, all because of that one time he fought evil and won. The way they manage to keep being lighthearted, even in the face of danger, made this book unique.
When the author described Jerusalem and Paris, I felt like I was really there. I liked the added touch of how Sam and Bob travel across the world to unravel clues. The descriptions and wording were great, and the book was edited well.
If I had to say one pet peeve (and the reason why it’s a four stars and not a five stars), then it would be the “telling” instead of “showing” in the narrative. The author will tell us Sam or Bob is concerned, worried, hungry, scared, etc. instead of show us. It doesn’t happen all the time, but it happened often enough to stand out for me.
All in all, a great, enjoyable read. I’d love to read the first book, and I’ll keep an eye out for any follow-ups by this author.
January 16, 2014
Samuel Roberts has lived an eventful life. He's a successful small-town attorney, intent on making his mark on the world. His line of work has led him to different and unique avenues in life. For the most part, he doesn't mind. He's got an open mind when it comes to all things supernatural. Yet all that changes when a surprising case lands on his desk.
Tasked with investigating the deaths of three nuns, he's not sure what to make of things. All three have been used in religious rituals. Rituals, he realizes, may bring upon the coming Apocalypse. Though Sam doesn't like the thought of considering such a notion, he knows it's quite possible. The Devil does exist, and he's eager to achieve his pointy reckoning.
Determined to put together the pieces of the ensuing puzzle, Sam sets off on a wild goose chase that takes him to Paris, Jerusalem, and Chicago itself. The things he's begun to see soon make him question his sanity, but he refuses to fall prey to what the enemy wants. There's a mystery afoot, and he'll do everything he can to uncover those dark secrets. He'll just need to stay alive long enough to do it.
Ruler of Demons is certainly fast-paced action thriller that's sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. We're immersed in Sam's hectic lifestyle as he strives to make the most of what's he got. He's definitely made a name for himself, although there are some who begrudge him what he's got. Faced with a multitude of adversities, he certainly has his hands full.
I think Scott did a great job in setting the stage for this thriller. I would have loved to know more about Susan, though. She seems like a very intriguing character. Overall, I truly enjoyed the story.
Tasked with investigating the deaths of three nuns, he's not sure what to make of things. All three have been used in religious rituals. Rituals, he realizes, may bring upon the coming Apocalypse. Though Sam doesn't like the thought of considering such a notion, he knows it's quite possible. The Devil does exist, and he's eager to achieve his pointy reckoning.
Determined to put together the pieces of the ensuing puzzle, Sam sets off on a wild goose chase that takes him to Paris, Jerusalem, and Chicago itself. The things he's begun to see soon make him question his sanity, but he refuses to fall prey to what the enemy wants. There's a mystery afoot, and he'll do everything he can to uncover those dark secrets. He'll just need to stay alive long enough to do it.
Ruler of Demons is certainly fast-paced action thriller that's sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. We're immersed in Sam's hectic lifestyle as he strives to make the most of what's he got. He's definitely made a name for himself, although there are some who begrudge him what he's got. Faced with a multitude of adversities, he certainly has his hands full.
I think Scott did a great job in setting the stage for this thriller. I would have loved to know more about Susan, though. She seems like a very intriguing character. Overall, I truly enjoyed the story.
December 16, 2013
I'm going to be honest about this book - it wasn't exactly my cup of tea!
First of all, it is a sequel to the author's previous book, Cocaine Zombies, and this book dumps you right into the story previously told, so unless you have read the first, you going to be a bit lost at first.
And second, I wasn't crazy about the subject matter - demons at Christmastime and supernatural stuff - shudder! I like my Christmas tales to be cozy and sweet, not dark and evil!
That being said, once you get into this story, it becomes a fascinating and fast past adventure that will keep readers on their toes from one scene to the next. And there are those folks out there who like the mystery of the unknown in their reading picks, and there is plenty of that here!
"Ruler of Demons" is well written, with plenty of humor and plenty of adventure and Lerner's cast of characters are intriguing and intelligent. Readers who like a bit of weirdness and darkness in their reading (kind of like my oldest son!) will adore this.
First of all, it is a sequel to the author's previous book, Cocaine Zombies, and this book dumps you right into the story previously told, so unless you have read the first, you going to be a bit lost at first.
And second, I wasn't crazy about the subject matter - demons at Christmastime and supernatural stuff - shudder! I like my Christmas tales to be cozy and sweet, not dark and evil!
That being said, once you get into this story, it becomes a fascinating and fast past adventure that will keep readers on their toes from one scene to the next. And there are those folks out there who like the mystery of the unknown in their reading picks, and there is plenty of that here!
"Ruler of Demons" is well written, with plenty of humor and plenty of adventure and Lerner's cast of characters are intriguing and intelligent. Readers who like a bit of weirdness and darkness in their reading (kind of like my oldest son!) will adore this.
February 2, 2014
NOTE: I received a free copy for review as part of a blog tour.
I went into this book completely blind, not even looking at the synopsis before I read it so I had no idea what to expect going in. This is part of a series of books detailing the adventures of a lawyer named Sam who gets drawn into strange cases involving the supernatural.
This time, he is hired by a mysterious and powerful firm to look into a series of ritual murders. While it took me a little bit to get into the flow of the book, I was glad I stuck around for the ride. Sam's a fun character who inhabits a world full of them. Their interactions are natural and entertaining and the tension builds nicely as the book progresses. I found myself anxious to see how it all turned out and ended up reading it in a day. I recommend this for anyone who likes a good mystery with religious overtones.
I went into this book completely blind, not even looking at the synopsis before I read it so I had no idea what to expect going in. This is part of a series of books detailing the adventures of a lawyer named Sam who gets drawn into strange cases involving the supernatural.
This time, he is hired by a mysterious and powerful firm to look into a series of ritual murders. While it took me a little bit to get into the flow of the book, I was glad I stuck around for the ride. Sam's a fun character who inhabits a world full of them. Their interactions are natural and entertaining and the tension builds nicely as the book progresses. I found myself anxious to see how it all turned out and ended up reading it in a day. I recommend this for anyone who likes a good mystery with religious overtones.
December 14, 2013
This was a fun read. Sam is an unassuming hero who handles the bizarre with aplomb and wry humor. I am very much looking forward to his next adventure. I know that Sam and his compatriots will make it an enjoyable journey.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews