What do you think?
Rate this book
Son of the Endless Night
In a peaceful Vermont courtroom, humanity will be called to trial by endless evil. Ancient and implacable -- armed with sensuality, delusion and horrible death -- it will join itself to human weakness in an unholy alliance.
509 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
33 people are currently reading
989 people want to read
About the author
John Farris
85 books164 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
American writer and screenwriter of both adaptations of his own books (e.g. 'The Fury'), of the works of others (such as Alfred Bester's 'The Demolished Man') and original scripts. In 1973 he wrote and directed the film 'Dear Dead Delilah'. He has had several plays produced off-Broadway, and also paints and writes poetry. At various times he has made his home in New York, Southern California and Puerto Rico; he currently resides near Atlanta, Georgia. Early in his career he also wrote under the name Steve Brackeen.
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
American writer and screenwriter of both adaptations of his own books (e.g. 'The Fury'), of the works of others (such as Alfred Bester's 'The Demolished Man') and original scripts. In 1973 he wrote and directed the film 'Dear Dead Delilah'. He has had several plays produced off-Broadway, and also paints and writes poetry. At various times he has made his home in New York, Southern California and Puerto Rico; he currently resides near Atlanta, Georgia. Early in his career he also wrote under the name Steve Brackeen.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 1, 2014
I just finished a buddy read with my fellow 80's horror lovers over at Goodreads. I'm so glad I participated because this book was just plain FUN!
This was a unique tale that successfully blended demonic possession with courtroom drama. I know it sounds like a crazy mix, and it is, but believe me when I say that this book (mostly)delivered.
This story had a unique structure. It is told in 3 parts, the first telling the story of Rich and what happened to him. The second is told from the point of view of Rich's brother, Conor. The third part is focused first on a strange trip, then the court case. The denouement takes place in the courtroom and what a blast it was!
So why only 4 stars and not 5? I felt that at a few places the pacing began to drag a little bit; it was never long between action sequences, but I felt that Mr. Farris ran on a bit here and there. If the story hadn't been told in such a unique way, it might have been more of a problem for me.
All in all, this book was a good time. With all of the horror awesome-ness that comes with a demonic possession set in the 80's, this tale will sweep you up and carry you kicking and screaming right to the end. Recommended to fans of 80's horror!
This was a unique tale that successfully blended demonic possession with courtroom drama. I know it sounds like a crazy mix, and it is, but believe me when I say that this book (mostly)delivered.
This story had a unique structure. It is told in 3 parts, the first telling the story of Rich and what happened to him. The second is told from the point of view of Rich's brother, Conor. The third part is focused first on a strange trip, then the court case. The denouement takes place in the courtroom and what a blast it was!
So why only 4 stars and not 5? I felt that at a few places the pacing began to drag a little bit; it was never long between action sequences, but I felt that Mr. Farris ran on a bit here and there. If the story hadn't been told in such a unique way, it might have been more of a problem for me.
All in all, this book was a good time. With all of the horror awesome-ness that comes with a demonic possession set in the 80's, this tale will sweep you up and carry you kicking and screaming right to the end. Recommended to fans of 80's horror!
August 31, 2023
4.5 stars
May 9, 2024
For whatever reason, Farris and I have never really clicked, and Son of the Endless Night did not do much to change that. The cover blurb deems this the 'most powerful novel of demonic possession since The Exorcist' but I think that belittles The Exorcist a bit. The Exorcist still has shocking power today and established demonic possession as a horror trope, but I have yet to be impressed by the many knockoffs of it.
This starts off a bit slowly, introducing a wide array of characters, but featuring Rich Devon, a Yale student taking his girlfriend to a ski trip in Vermont. Why? Well, the previous summer, Rich met and befriended the daughter of the inn keeper where he stayed in Vermont. She was only 12 or so, but her father deemed her incorrigible and disturbed. Well, one day he gets a phone message from her, where she claims he is hurting her badly, and that inspired the trip in January. Long story short, in trying to find little Polly, Rich runs into some rather odd people and ends up possessed. Returning to the inn, he promptly kills his girlfriend with a tire iron, then gets tossed in jail.
The news shocks Rich's brother Conor, an ex-priest now professional wrestler, and visiting Rich shocks him even more. I will give Farris some kudos for the demon foo in the jail and elsewhere! Conor slowly becomes convinced Rich is possessed, and even gets the Catholic church to agree. Unfortunately, they cannot exorcise Rich in jail, and it sure looks like he is going to be convicted of murder one. Maybe the demon wants a trial?
Farris had me going pretty well up until the last third of the novel. The story with Polly, her strange 'guardians', the bizarre deaths of all the witnesses to Rich's deed-- good stuff! Then we get the slow build up to the trial, and finally, a rushed ending. I think my biggest problem with Farris relates to his inconsistent pacing and how he switches gears in a story. Unlike The Exorcist, there is no exorcism here to focus the story, but rather a trial where Rich's lawyers try to prove demonic possession (rather than temporary insanity) being behind the murder. For all the build up to the trial, in the end, it felt rushed and anticlimactic. We are regaled with the old 'good versus' evil behind humanity for all time and I never really responded to that trope. Maybe because I was raised catholic. Anyway, this went from a strong four stars to maybe two at the end, so I will go with 3 demonic stars!!
This starts off a bit slowly, introducing a wide array of characters, but featuring Rich Devon, a Yale student taking his girlfriend to a ski trip in Vermont. Why? Well, the previous summer, Rich met and befriended the daughter of the inn keeper where he stayed in Vermont. She was only 12 or so, but her father deemed her incorrigible and disturbed. Well, one day he gets a phone message from her, where she claims he is hurting her badly, and that inspired the trip in January. Long story short, in trying to find little Polly, Rich runs into some rather odd people and ends up possessed. Returning to the inn, he promptly kills his girlfriend with a tire iron, then gets tossed in jail.
The news shocks Rich's brother Conor, an ex-priest now professional wrestler, and visiting Rich shocks him even more. I will give Farris some kudos for the demon foo in the jail and elsewhere! Conor slowly becomes convinced Rich is possessed, and even gets the Catholic church to agree. Unfortunately, they cannot exorcise Rich in jail, and it sure looks like he is going to be convicted of murder one. Maybe the demon wants a trial?
Farris had me going pretty well up until the last third of the novel. The story with Polly, her strange 'guardians', the bizarre deaths of all the witnesses to Rich's deed-- good stuff! Then we get the slow build up to the trial, and finally, a rushed ending. I think my biggest problem with Farris relates to his inconsistent pacing and how he switches gears in a story. Unlike The Exorcist, there is no exorcism here to focus the story, but rather a trial where Rich's lawyers try to prove demonic possession (rather than temporary insanity) being behind the murder. For all the build up to the trial, in the end, it felt rushed and anticlimactic. We are regaled with the old 'good versus' evil behind humanity for all time and I never really responded to that trope. Maybe because I was raised catholic. Anyway, this went from a strong four stars to maybe two at the end, so I will go with 3 demonic stars!!
January 20, 2023
"Hay dos cosas de las que estoy seguro: si yo combatiera en una guerra, sabría muy bien cuando me han herido. Y si estuviera en el infierno reconocería al diablo nada más verlo."
Una relectura que he disfrutado muchísimo.
Todo comienza con una extraña llamada de ayuda a Rich Devon, en la que una niña de 12 años, llamada Polly, afirma que la tienen encerrada y está siendo torturada, él llega dónde ella y la ve sin poder sacarla de ahí. Llama a la policia, van dónde el padre de la niña, quien afirma que Polly está en casa de su hermana, pero Rich está seguro que está mintiendo. Esto lleva a Rich a seguir buscando, lo que lo lleva a un lugar y unas personas que desatarán el infierno en la vida de todos.
Un brutal asesinato, múltiples muertes, culto demoníaco, posesión, sonidos guturales, escenas violentas llenas de crueldad, terroríficas e inquietantes, un juicio, fuerzas, sucesos inexplicables y gran variedad de personajes, son solo algunos de los muchos aspectos que caracterizan esta novela.
Una historia muy oscura e inquietante en la que recorreremos un siniestro camino hasta un juicio por asesinato en el que las fuerzas del mal acechan cada momento y a cada uno de los involucrados, con fuertes y macabras escenas de terror que nos harán disfrutar de sus páginas.
Tengo un pero con la historia, y es que hay algunas cosas que no fueron explicadas, pero que no entorpecen en absoluto con la historia y puesta en escena que nos está relatando Farris, pero que hubiesen sumado mucho a la historia de haberlas desarrollado.
Una relectura que he disfrutado muchísimo.
Todo comienza con una extraña llamada de ayuda a Rich Devon, en la que una niña de 12 años, llamada Polly, afirma que la tienen encerrada y está siendo torturada, él llega dónde ella y la ve sin poder sacarla de ahí. Llama a la policia, van dónde el padre de la niña, quien afirma que Polly está en casa de su hermana, pero Rich está seguro que está mintiendo. Esto lleva a Rich a seguir buscando, lo que lo lleva a un lugar y unas personas que desatarán el infierno en la vida de todos.
Un brutal asesinato, múltiples muertes, culto demoníaco, posesión, sonidos guturales, escenas violentas llenas de crueldad, terroríficas e inquietantes, un juicio, fuerzas, sucesos inexplicables y gran variedad de personajes, son solo algunos de los muchos aspectos que caracterizan esta novela.
Una historia muy oscura e inquietante en la que recorreremos un siniestro camino hasta un juicio por asesinato en el que las fuerzas del mal acechan cada momento y a cada uno de los involucrados, con fuertes y macabras escenas de terror que nos harán disfrutar de sus páginas.
Tengo un pero con la historia, y es que hay algunas cosas que no fueron explicadas, pero que no entorpecen en absoluto con la historia y puesta en escena que nos está relatando Farris, pero que hubiesen sumado mucho a la historia de haberlas desarrollado.
February 28, 2021
4.8 stars!
Horror strewn, demonic, court room drama.
Farris writes some of the most realistic, naturalistic dialog in the horror genre. My husband and I had a blast reenacting the opening verbal row between Rich and Karyn. The other reviews provide enough plot, so I won't belabor plot, setting, or narrative.
What I can I offer up? I am a horror aficionado (having read over 1000 horror novels). Son of the Endless Night is now snugly ensconced in my top 10 demonic possession novels alongside William Peter Blatty's "The Exorcist" and "Legion". "Son of the Endless Night" has a high creepiness factor, but is low on the gore score.
A devilicious treat for terror devotees. Each frightening, Farris creamed, action, crescendo pudding is spiced with humor, and a sprinkle of poignancy. As for the chaser? Full bodied and rich with a satisfying finish! That's right! John Farris finishes the novel strong! "A rarity in the horror genre."
Why not a perfect score? Several moments within the first 150 pages drag. Some horror fans could be offended by attractive, demon possessed, preadolescence girls. If that sort of thing didn't bother you in "The Exorcist" , then it shouldn't bother you with this 80's classic horror story.
Compulsory for serious horror collections.
Horror strewn, demonic, court room drama.
Farris writes some of the most realistic, naturalistic dialog in the horror genre. My husband and I had a blast reenacting the opening verbal row between Rich and Karyn. The other reviews provide enough plot, so I won't belabor plot, setting, or narrative.
What I can I offer up? I am a horror aficionado (having read over 1000 horror novels). Son of the Endless Night is now snugly ensconced in my top 10 demonic possession novels alongside William Peter Blatty's "The Exorcist" and "Legion". "Son of the Endless Night" has a high creepiness factor, but is low on the gore score.
A devilicious treat for terror devotees. Each frightening, Farris creamed, action, crescendo pudding is spiced with humor, and a sprinkle of poignancy. As for the chaser? Full bodied and rich with a satisfying finish! That's right! John Farris finishes the novel strong! "A rarity in the horror genre."
Why not a perfect score? Several moments within the first 150 pages drag. Some horror fans could be offended by attractive, demon possessed, preadolescence girls. If that sort of thing didn't bother you in "The Exorcist" , then it shouldn't bother you with this 80's classic horror story.
Compulsory for serious horror collections.
November 16, 2016
-Horror surrealista.-
Género. Narrativa Fantástica.
Lo que nos cuenta. Richard Devon es un estudiante universitario y periodista aficionado que, junto a su novia Karyn, vuelve a la pequeña localidad de Chadbury tras escuchar en su contestador un mensaje preocupante de Polly, una niña a la que conoció unos meses antes en el pueblecito, que parece estar retenida y sufrir maltratos. Rich y Karyn irán descubriendo cosas inquietantes que terminarán en tragedia y en los tribunales, pero lo sobrenatural estará presente en todo ello.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Narrativa Fantástica.
Lo que nos cuenta. Richard Devon es un estudiante universitario y periodista aficionado que, junto a su novia Karyn, vuelve a la pequeña localidad de Chadbury tras escuchar en su contestador un mensaje preocupante de Polly, una niña a la que conoció unos meses antes en el pueblecito, que parece estar retenida y sufrir maltratos. Rich y Karyn irán descubriendo cosas inquietantes que terminarán en tragedia y en los tribunales, pero lo sobrenatural estará presente en todo ello.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
November 15, 2013
What a lovely slab of eighties horror! John Farris deftly combines two genres, horror and courtroom drama in this 1985 novel, and coats it all with some lovely, inch-thick demonic cheese. And man, the result is tasty. It's tasty as hell!
The story gets off to a slow start; there's Richard Devon and his girlfriend Karyn, a missing girl and a coven apparently led by an apparently long-dead woman. Rich goes on a search for the missing girl and finds her, as well as the demon who possesses her. Promptly the demon possesses him instead, and soon he's bludgeoning Karyn to death with a tire iron.
The authorities lock him up, and send for his brother Conor, a former priest who has become a professional wrestler (as you do) with the brilliant nom de plume Irish Bob O'Hooligan. Along with a pair of eager lawyers Conor soon figures out that Rich done the deed while possessed. So, they go for a plea of not guilty by reason of demonic possession.
It's a sweet premise, and Farris executes it with writing to match, with the occasional epic phrase here and there that might make even longtime horror readers swoon a little. The action is constant; even from behind the bars, the demon and his accomplices manage to stir up a lot of trouble. The main storyline is excellent, constantly pedal to the metal, with a hearty helping of all things satanic, almost over the top but not quite.
But there may be a question of too much of a good thing; the long sideplot late in the novel about Conor's wife Gina and her adventures with a pair of broadly caricatured Southern bible thumpers (in their amazingly pimped Christian truck) does go wildly over the top. It's ridiculously fun, of course, but it's also just ridiculous. Neither does the novel's whimper of an ending quite pack the punch one has begun to expect.
But those a minor complaints. Son of the Endless Night is a juicy one, full of tickly good moments. It doesn't necessarily contain any great wisdom, nor is not the subtlest of novels – but it's a hell of a lot of fun, and despite its 500-page length it's a breeze of a read. Classic eighties horror.
Read all my reviews at mikareadshorrorfiction.com
April 1, 2019
3 stars--I liked the book. Though I feel like I should give it a fourth star for one of the craziest, over-the-top deaths that I've ever read! (The police officer.) Trigger warnings for child sexual assault, general demon evilness, and a smidge of racism.
Man. This is a demon possession novel, one of so many written after The Exorcist, but this one isn't afraid to go all the way into crazytown. The book is divided into three parts--the story of Rich, who becomes possessed, the story of his brother trying to help him, and then a court trial. It's an unusual formula for a horror novel, and it made the book feel more blockbuster-y rather than true horror.
I'm not sure the book worked entirely for me--I would prefer less of a popcorn feel--but I admire that Farris was committed to his plot and was not afraid to go BIG with it. Plagues of locusts, demonic backflips, backwoods pastors blasting demons with hymns--Farris really went all the way.
Man. This is a demon possession novel, one of so many written after The Exorcist, but this one isn't afraid to go all the way into crazytown. The book is divided into three parts--the story of Rich, who becomes possessed, the story of his brother trying to help him, and then a court trial. It's an unusual formula for a horror novel, and it made the book feel more blockbuster-y rather than true horror.
I'm not sure the book worked entirely for me--I would prefer less of a popcorn feel--but I admire that Farris was committed to his plot and was not afraid to go BIG with it. Plagues of locusts, demonic backflips, backwoods pastors blasting demons with hymns--Farris really went all the way.
June 14, 2023
"El demonio lo sabe y de hecho ya te está utilizando. La situación podría hacerse extraordinariamente peligrosa. Por favor, cree lo que te estoy diciendo. Es mejor que vuelvas a casa enseguida."
La mayor parte de nuestras estanterías están llenas de libros magníficos y divertidos que nunca leemos. Seguro que la pole position se la lleva Cervantes y su Quijote un libro mucho más divertido, ameno y fácil de leer de lo que piensa todo el que no lo ha abierto (o lo hizo obligado en el momento menos adecuado). Lo de que Cervantes fue el inventor del grimdark, y no Abercrombie, lo dejamos para otra ocasión para no crear más polémica.
En las estanterías de los amante del terror también hay libros malditos que están muy presentes en nuestras colecciones y que en muchos casos queda en eterno pendiente. Quizás por su extensión, quizás por lo pretensioso de su contraportada ¿Quién sabe por qué? Pero este volumen de John Farris es una excelente novela que deberíamos recuperar.
Con un arranque poco prometedor debido a que la ambientación y los personajes crean bastantes dudas en el lector, pronto la novela entra en derroteros fantásticos en una excelente historia sobre posesiones aderezada con ingredientes típicos de otros géneros literarios que no quiero desvelar.
La novela es totalmente deudora de la época en la que fue escrita. El ambiente ochentero en el desarrollo, los giros locos y algunas opiniones políticamente incorrectas (que hoy día no habrían visto la luz) hacen que nos sumerjamos en la que es, al menos para los que la vivimos, la mejor época para el terror tanto en la literatura como en el cine. Quizás a un lector más acostumbrado a ritmos narrativos actuales le cueste un poco entrar ya que el autor toma decisiones y nos introduce en tramas que de primeras poco parece que tengan que ver con lo que nos está contando pero si le damos el debido tiempo vemos que todo acaba encajando.
Las descripciones del autor son espectaculares y las escenas sangrientas adquieren una dimensión sublime. Sólo por la lectura de esos pasajes ya es recomendable meterse entre pecho y espalda las más de cuatrocientas páginas a las que nos enfrentamos.
En definitiva. Una novela muy entretenida. Indispensable para los amantes de las historias sobre posesiones y el terror ochentero.
¿Qué os parece?¿Lo habéis leído?
La mayor parte de nuestras estanterías están llenas de libros magníficos y divertidos que nunca leemos. Seguro que la pole position se la lleva Cervantes y su Quijote un libro mucho más divertido, ameno y fácil de leer de lo que piensa todo el que no lo ha abierto (o lo hizo obligado en el momento menos adecuado). Lo de que Cervantes fue el inventor del grimdark, y no Abercrombie, lo dejamos para otra ocasión para no crear más polémica.
En las estanterías de los amante del terror también hay libros malditos que están muy presentes en nuestras colecciones y que en muchos casos queda en eterno pendiente. Quizás por su extensión, quizás por lo pretensioso de su contraportada ¿Quién sabe por qué? Pero este volumen de John Farris es una excelente novela que deberíamos recuperar.
Con un arranque poco prometedor debido a que la ambientación y los personajes crean bastantes dudas en el lector, pronto la novela entra en derroteros fantásticos en una excelente historia sobre posesiones aderezada con ingredientes típicos de otros géneros literarios que no quiero desvelar.
La novela es totalmente deudora de la época en la que fue escrita. El ambiente ochentero en el desarrollo, los giros locos y algunas opiniones políticamente incorrectas (que hoy día no habrían visto la luz) hacen que nos sumerjamos en la que es, al menos para los que la vivimos, la mejor época para el terror tanto en la literatura como en el cine. Quizás a un lector más acostumbrado a ritmos narrativos actuales le cueste un poco entrar ya que el autor toma decisiones y nos introduce en tramas que de primeras poco parece que tengan que ver con lo que nos está contando pero si le damos el debido tiempo vemos que todo acaba encajando.
Las descripciones del autor son espectaculares y las escenas sangrientas adquieren una dimensión sublime. Sólo por la lectura de esos pasajes ya es recomendable meterse entre pecho y espalda las más de cuatrocientas páginas a las que nos enfrentamos.
En definitiva. Una novela muy entretenida. Indispensable para los amantes de las historias sobre posesiones y el terror ochentero.
¿Qué os parece?¿Lo habéis leído?
September 22, 2019
Това е сигурно най-добрата книга, която ми е попадала до тук за годината. Джон Фарис борави перфектно с всички инструменти на хорър жанра, като хвърля читателя в погнуса, страх, ужас, страхопочитание, неспокойствие и напрежение. На всичкото отгоре историята за обсебване е комбинирана с най-добрите традиции на адвокатския трилър, като показва дълбоко познаване на системата и развива реалистично хипотетичния казус за обсебване от демон в съда на щата Върмонт. Делото е разгледано на всички нива, от обвинение и защита, през съдия и жури, та чак до общодържавния отглас, който би донесло на система работеща на основата на прецедентното право.
Сюжета търпи няколко обрата, които захвърлят читателя в абсолютно неподозирани посоки и не оставят дори за момент да му доскучае. Това разбираемо оставя няколко малки неясности, но тя целта на спекулативната литература и без това е да задава въпроси (най-вече какво ако?), а не да дава готови отговори. Тъй че има храна за мозъка около тази наглед невъзможна ситуация.
Историята започва с едно телефонно обаждане. Ричард Девон е почивал с приятелката си лятото в много приятен семеен хотел. Зимата получава молба за помощ от стеснителната непълнолетна дъщеря на собственика. Това го хвърля в плашеща мистерия, подкрепена със семеен скандал и завършваща с убийството на приятелката му под демонично влияние.
Конър Девон е брат на Ричард, бивш католически свещеник и настоящ спортист в кеча. Той ще използва всичките си връзки, сили и възможности, за да оправдае брат си, изгони демона и разплете мистерията около обсебването. Проблемът е, че силите действащи зад кулисите искат дело и няма да се спрат пред нищо да попречат на Конър, като дори ще поставят в опасност живота и семейството му.
Адам е млад адвокат, който иска да се докаже. Делото, което приема преминава от пледиране на невменяемост към много по-абсурден казус – демонично обсебване. Случаят може да промени историята на цялата щатска правна система и да провали кариерата му.
Такива работи. Има още герои, история и изненади, които смятам да ви спестя. Въпреки сцените от които ти се изправя косата, мога да препоръчам тази книга дори на незапалени любители на хорър жанра. Мога да я препоръчам и на хардкор феновете му. Дори да ви накефи колкото мен, пак си заслужава четенето.
Сюжета търпи няколко обрата, които захвърлят читателя в абсолютно неподозирани посоки и не оставят дори за момент да му доскучае. Това разбираемо оставя няколко малки неясности, но тя целта на спекулативната литература и без това е да задава въпроси (най-вече какво ако?), а не да дава готови отговори. Тъй че има храна за мозъка около тази наглед невъзможна ситуация.
Историята започва с едно телефонно обаждане. Ричард Девон е почивал с приятелката си лятото в много приятен семеен хотел. Зимата получава молба за помощ от стеснителната непълнолетна дъщеря на собственика. Това го хвърля в плашеща мистерия, подкрепена със семеен скандал и завършваща с убийството на приятелката му под демонично влияние.
Конър Девон е брат на Ричард, бивш католически свещеник и настоящ спортист в кеча. Той ще използва всичките си връзки, сили и възможности, за да оправдае брат си, изгони демона и разплете мистерията около обсебването. Проблемът е, че силите действащи зад кулисите искат дело и няма да се спрат пред нищо да попречат на Конър, като дори ще поставят в опасност живота и семейството му.
Адам е млад адвокат, който иска да се докаже. Делото, което приема преминава от пледиране на невменяемост към много по-абсурден казус – демонично обсебване. Случаят може да промени историята на цялата щатска правна система и да провали кариерата му.
Такива работи. Има още герои, история и изненади, които смятам да ви спестя. Въпреки сцените от които ти се изправя косата, мога да препоръчам тази книга дори на незапалени любители на хорър жанра. Мога да я препоръчам и на хардкор феновете му. Дори да ви накефи колкото мен, пак си заслужава четенето.
September 2, 2023
4.5 stars!
December 5, 2017
Another book that I can't actually remember buying, it just dropped through my letterbox a few weeks ago, I'm guessing I hit the 'buy now with 1 click' button without realising, not bad for £0.40 (plus P+P)
I thought this was a great book, a real throwback to the old school 80's horror that I used to love when I was younger.
The dynamic of an exorcism/demonic possession/courtroom drama worked brilliantly, it wasn't without its flaws but I thought it worked really well.
Its quite a big book for what it is, 550 pages when these types of books usually get everything wrapped up neatly within 300/350, I have just took a look at some of the other reviews on here and some have complained about the pacing and certain things being dragged out unnecessarily, I disagree, I loved the way the book was broken into 3 separate sections and it gave the story a real chance to develop.
Anyway, onto the actual story, as I mentioned its broken into 3 sections, it starts with Richard Devon and his girlfriend Karyn going on a kind of vacation, Richard though has an ulterior motive, he had befriended a strange young girl a while back and he gets a mysterious message from her saying that she is in trouble so he goes to help (the actual basis of the friendship and circumstances surrounding it are not really explained in too great a detail if I remember correctly) any way Richard ends up managing to get himself possessed and kills his beloved Karyn, there is no question that he did it, it was a shockingly brutal murder (no spoilers there, that is the premise of the entire book).
The second section of the book is mainly based on Richards brother Conor, a former priest turned professional wrestler (yeah I thought that was a bit strange as well, it kind of works though and doesn't actually seem as silly as it sounds when you are reading it)
This section shows Richards descent into possession as the demon really gets to grips with him and Conor trying to find a solution to this problem, an exorcism is obviously out of the question as Richard is incarcerated, after finding the necessary help it is decided...take the case to trial and plead Not guilty by Demonic Possession.
The finale takes place in the actual courtroom, I'll not go into detail about this as this is where things really kick off.
The best parts of this book were where Richard was being all...creepy and weird, there were quite a few sinister moments in the book, I always prefer the slow, foreboding creeping frights rather than the quick over the top gore fests that we get so often these days.
There were a few parts which had the classic over the top 80's nonsense, a cop gets sucked into a toilet whilst taking a shit for example, these parts just felt out of place and completely out of context with the rest of the book.
I'd also like to give a special shout out to Buddy Buck and Gods Big Green Machine....his little appearance was quite frankly ridiculous but I have to admit, in a strange sort of way, it was probably one of my favourite and definitely most memorable parts.
All in all a great read for the fans of the old fashioned horror, its left me wanting to delve back into this genre now.
I thought this was a great book, a real throwback to the old school 80's horror that I used to love when I was younger.
The dynamic of an exorcism/demonic possession/courtroom drama worked brilliantly, it wasn't without its flaws but I thought it worked really well.
Its quite a big book for what it is, 550 pages when these types of books usually get everything wrapped up neatly within 300/350, I have just took a look at some of the other reviews on here and some have complained about the pacing and certain things being dragged out unnecessarily, I disagree, I loved the way the book was broken into 3 separate sections and it gave the story a real chance to develop.
Anyway, onto the actual story, as I mentioned its broken into 3 sections, it starts with Richard Devon and his girlfriend Karyn going on a kind of vacation, Richard though has an ulterior motive, he had befriended a strange young girl a while back and he gets a mysterious message from her saying that she is in trouble so he goes to help (the actual basis of the friendship and circumstances surrounding it are not really explained in too great a detail if I remember correctly) any way Richard ends up managing to get himself possessed and kills his beloved Karyn, there is no question that he did it, it was a shockingly brutal murder (no spoilers there, that is the premise of the entire book).
The second section of the book is mainly based on Richards brother Conor, a former priest turned professional wrestler (yeah I thought that was a bit strange as well, it kind of works though and doesn't actually seem as silly as it sounds when you are reading it)
This section shows Richards descent into possession as the demon really gets to grips with him and Conor trying to find a solution to this problem, an exorcism is obviously out of the question as Richard is incarcerated, after finding the necessary help it is decided...take the case to trial and plead Not guilty by Demonic Possession.
The finale takes place in the actual courtroom, I'll not go into detail about this as this is where things really kick off.
The best parts of this book were where Richard was being all...creepy and weird, there were quite a few sinister moments in the book, I always prefer the slow, foreboding creeping frights rather than the quick over the top gore fests that we get so often these days.
There were a few parts which had the classic over the top 80's nonsense, a cop gets sucked into a toilet whilst taking a shit for example, these parts just felt out of place and completely out of context with the rest of the book.
I'd also like to give a special shout out to Buddy Buck and Gods Big Green Machine....his little appearance was quite frankly ridiculous but I have to admit, in a strange sort of way, it was probably one of my favourite and definitely most memorable parts.
All in all a great read for the fans of the old fashioned horror, its left me wanting to delve back into this genre now.
November 25, 2022
This would have broken my brain if I'd read it in my youth. Quite gruesome & disturbing (unsavory!) even for this ol' Constant Horrorreader - and then again also *quite* silly at times. My first Farris. Not exactly what I was expecting, but I did blaze through it (after deciding not to finish it, & then reversing that decision almost capriciously). All I can say is A LOT happens in this one. A LOT.
"Rich talked about the glorious possibilities of a career in journalism ('You can write about anything. No subject is trivial. It isn't eloquence that matters as much as precision--the right thought, the right word at the right time'), […} his almost scalding desire to be respected for his craft."
"She wasn't diminished by her choices, they just made her more interesting in a haphazard way."
"Rich talked about the glorious possibilities of a career in journalism ('You can write about anything. No subject is trivial. It isn't eloquence that matters as much as precision--the right thought, the right word at the right time'), […} his almost scalding desire to be respected for his craft."
"She wasn't diminished by her choices, they just made her more interesting in a haphazard way."
May 13, 2021
I read this book for shits and giggles, but damn if it wasn't pretty frickin' amazing. This author comes up with some of the most outlandish, unimaginable descriptions and similes/metaphors that will have you shaking your head and cracking up uncontrollably. Full of some pretty gory scenes, but nothing scary (in my opinion). Let's just say I'll never get the toilet scene with the police officer out of my head. If you think demon possession, multiple murders caused by a demon, and the climactic confrontation of good vs. evil in a courtroom battle for the ages sounds like your cup of tea, well drink up. You are in for a wild ride.
September 4, 2009
This book tries really hard to be disturbing, even including an eyeball-destroying bludgeon-fest and a child-rape scene.. but shocktacular antics don't make up for a downright stupid story. By the way, my friend Mike was permanently traumatized by the eyeball-destroying head trauma scene. Such things are not necessary.
September 27, 2018
Son of the Endless Night is one of my favorite horror novels by one of my favorite writers. It is high on my list of books that I reread many times. I highly recommend it to all mature horror fans. Very likable characters in terrifying situations, definitely for adults only.
September 28, 2025
Another pickup from my local Tesco, which has a shelf full of used books that charitable persons bring in for other customers to take out. You're meant to drop a few coins into the charity box if you want a book, but such is the cashless nature of society these days that there have been a few occasions when I've just had to mime dropping money into the box. Of course I do always come back the next time with a bit of spare change...lest you should think I'm a total git. On this occasion though I did come prepared with a bit of change, so was able to leave with both this book and a clear conscious.
Horror fiction sure began putting on weight during the 1980s, Son of the Endless Night is a big ol' 550 pages and thus the size of a brick. In that sense it epitomises the decade with it's firm belief that bigger is better, amble references to cocaine use and a few morally questionable decisions. Still you have to hand it to John Farris for the way he manages to here gate crash every popular horror trend of the time. We get bits of The Amityville Horror, as Richard Devon goes on trial for murder, with his council making the headline grabbing decision to cite satanic possession as their main defence. We get The Exorcist, with various priests trying to free Richard of the spirit of Zarach Bal-Tagh (Lucifer's brother, don't ya know) during the trial, and parts of The Omen as Zarach's followers take witness tampering to new extremes by killing off various witnesses to the murder in order to prejudice the outcome of the trial. As there is space for this the book to be the horror fiction equivalent of a supergroup and even more, Son of the Endless Night also doubles as a drama about a second string wrestler (and failed catholic priest) struggling with injuries and trying to support his brood. That's not to say there isn't humour here too, including a legitimately funny moment that sees the wrestler and his priest buddy discuss their young and wild days as seminarians in NYC where a drinking session lead to a shlong measuring competition that left the wrestler with the nickname Mousy and the priest the nickname The Kingsnake "rather wasteful extravagance on God's part, considering my vocation". However I do wonder if this book could have done with a bit of trimming. If books were journeys, Son of the Endless Night would be a two week bus trip, you'll see some spectacular sights along the way (a woman giving birth to cannibalistic rats) but there's also lots of staring out of the windows at samey motorways as well. There's so much minutiae about the Catholic church in Son of the Endless Night as well as the legal profession (oh yeah, it also has a stab at being a courtroom drama) that you feel like you're halfway qualified to practice law and take up the priesthood by the finish. Still with a book this epic in length, there is a sense of achievement to get to the end of it, I think I now know how Brian Blessed must feel at the top of a mountain "ZARACH BAL-TAGH'S ALIVE!!!".
Tonally the book tries to be as deadly earnest as The Exorcist, but occasionally veers wildly off the tracks, which is when the book tends to be at its most entertaining. There is an incredible set piece where the wrestler's wife goes all Sarah Connor and starts blowing holes out of a seemingly indestructible servant of evil (as this book and The Terminator came out at roughly the same time I'm inclined to chalk this up as a coincidence) only to then work in some vehicular carnage and a comic relief evangelical couple who seem to have strayed in from a Burt Reynolds movie. Farris might be commenting on the book itself when he has a character at one point express concerns that the trial is at risk of degenerating into "a bizarre comedy indulged in by retardates and sexually repressed zealots". Son of the Endless Night does run the risk indulging some unhealthy tastes as well, especially in its depiction of children. Of a twelve year old girl, Farris writes "she wore white cotton underpants. They seemed not to have been changed for a while. He was not prepared for the rounding maturity, the fullness of her buttocks". I suspect Farris didn't get asked to do a great deal of babysitting after this book came out. As such, I doubt this one would play well to the 'Paperbacks from Hell' crowd. Given how chunky this book is though, was anyone to throw it out of the window in moral indignation they'd likely find themselves on a murder charge if it hit someone on the head..of course they could always claim that Zarach Bal-Tagh made them do it.
Horror fiction sure began putting on weight during the 1980s, Son of the Endless Night is a big ol' 550 pages and thus the size of a brick. In that sense it epitomises the decade with it's firm belief that bigger is better, amble references to cocaine use and a few morally questionable decisions. Still you have to hand it to John Farris for the way he manages to here gate crash every popular horror trend of the time. We get bits of The Amityville Horror, as Richard Devon goes on trial for murder, with his council making the headline grabbing decision to cite satanic possession as their main defence. We get The Exorcist, with various priests trying to free Richard of the spirit of Zarach Bal-Tagh (Lucifer's brother, don't ya know) during the trial, and parts of The Omen as Zarach's followers take witness tampering to new extremes by killing off various witnesses to the murder in order to prejudice the outcome of the trial. As there is space for this the book to be the horror fiction equivalent of a supergroup and even more, Son of the Endless Night also doubles as a drama about a second string wrestler (and failed catholic priest) struggling with injuries and trying to support his brood. That's not to say there isn't humour here too, including a legitimately funny moment that sees the wrestler and his priest buddy discuss their young and wild days as seminarians in NYC where a drinking session lead to a shlong measuring competition that left the wrestler with the nickname Mousy and the priest the nickname The Kingsnake "rather wasteful extravagance on God's part, considering my vocation". However I do wonder if this book could have done with a bit of trimming. If books were journeys, Son of the Endless Night would be a two week bus trip, you'll see some spectacular sights along the way (a woman giving birth to cannibalistic rats) but there's also lots of staring out of the windows at samey motorways as well. There's so much minutiae about the Catholic church in Son of the Endless Night as well as the legal profession (oh yeah, it also has a stab at being a courtroom drama) that you feel like you're halfway qualified to practice law and take up the priesthood by the finish. Still with a book this epic in length, there is a sense of achievement to get to the end of it, I think I now know how Brian Blessed must feel at the top of a mountain "ZARACH BAL-TAGH'S ALIVE!!!".
Tonally the book tries to be as deadly earnest as The Exorcist, but occasionally veers wildly off the tracks, which is when the book tends to be at its most entertaining. There is an incredible set piece where the wrestler's wife goes all Sarah Connor and starts blowing holes out of a seemingly indestructible servant of evil (as this book and The Terminator came out at roughly the same time I'm inclined to chalk this up as a coincidence) only to then work in some vehicular carnage and a comic relief evangelical couple who seem to have strayed in from a Burt Reynolds movie. Farris might be commenting on the book itself when he has a character at one point express concerns that the trial is at risk of degenerating into "a bizarre comedy indulged in by retardates and sexually repressed zealots". Son of the Endless Night does run the risk indulging some unhealthy tastes as well, especially in its depiction of children. Of a twelve year old girl, Farris writes "she wore white cotton underpants. They seemed not to have been changed for a while. He was not prepared for the rounding maturity, the fullness of her buttocks". I suspect Farris didn't get asked to do a great deal of babysitting after this book came out. As such, I doubt this one would play well to the 'Paperbacks from Hell' crowd. Given how chunky this book is though, was anyone to throw it out of the window in moral indignation they'd likely find themselves on a murder charge if it hit someone on the head..of course they could always claim that Zarach Bal-Tagh made them do it.
May 8, 2016
I don't remember ever having read a book I so intensely both loved and hated.
I loved the idea of a legal case being built around the plea "not guilty by reason of demonic possession." I mean, how would one go about proving demonic possession in a court of law? And, if successful, what would it mean for the future of our legal system?
Unfortunately, author John Farris doesn't even come close to taking full advantage of this intriguing premise, and, at times, the book descends into pure 80's schlock. For example, in one scene, a demonically manifested flock of birds carries a young girl off to their lair. And there's a stereotypical, phony-baloney televangelist type, who is first introduced in the story while boffing his buxom female assistant. (In a puzzling twist, though, this televangelist guy happens to be right on the money when it comes to fighting off demons. This may be the only novel in which an oily televangelist actually saves the day. See what I mean about loving it and hating it at the same time?)
SON OF THE ENDLESS NIGHT poses a more-or-less Christian point-of-view, though in a decidedly NC-17 sort of way. Buckle up for loads of graphic violence, language, and sex--including the rape of a pre-adolescent girl (yuck). The biggest problem with the novel, though, is Farris' constant need to try to impress readers with his extensive vocabulary and gift of metaphor. At times, the writing is self-indulgent to the point of becoming a word soup that many readers will (understandably) not have patience enough to wade through. Why the book's editor didn't do something about it, I'll never know. SON OF THE ENDLESS NIGHT is about twice as long as it ought to be, and the cover for the new Kindle version makes it look like self-published gay porn with a supernatural bent. Recommending it to someone might be a tough sell, indeed.
But, at it's heart, this is a very powerful story. And despite being rather clumsily told, I admired it for its originality and unpredictability. I'm a sucker for 80's horror, as well as novels with religious themes, and SON OF THE ENDLESS NIGHT succeeds for me as an interesting example of both.
I loved the idea of a legal case being built around the plea "not guilty by reason of demonic possession." I mean, how would one go about proving demonic possession in a court of law? And, if successful, what would it mean for the future of our legal system?
Unfortunately, author John Farris doesn't even come close to taking full advantage of this intriguing premise, and, at times, the book descends into pure 80's schlock. For example, in one scene, a demonically manifested flock of birds carries a young girl off to their lair. And there's a stereotypical, phony-baloney televangelist type, who is first introduced in the story while boffing his buxom female assistant. (In a puzzling twist, though, this televangelist guy happens to be right on the money when it comes to fighting off demons. This may be the only novel in which an oily televangelist actually saves the day. See what I mean about loving it and hating it at the same time?)
SON OF THE ENDLESS NIGHT poses a more-or-less Christian point-of-view, though in a decidedly NC-17 sort of way. Buckle up for loads of graphic violence, language, and sex--including the rape of a pre-adolescent girl (yuck). The biggest problem with the novel, though, is Farris' constant need to try to impress readers with his extensive vocabulary and gift of metaphor. At times, the writing is self-indulgent to the point of becoming a word soup that many readers will (understandably) not have patience enough to wade through. Why the book's editor didn't do something about it, I'll never know. SON OF THE ENDLESS NIGHT is about twice as long as it ought to be, and the cover for the new Kindle version makes it look like self-published gay porn with a supernatural bent. Recommending it to someone might be a tough sell, indeed.
But, at it's heart, this is a very powerful story. And despite being rather clumsily told, I admired it for its originality and unpredictability. I'm a sucker for 80's horror, as well as novels with religious themes, and SON OF THE ENDLESS NIGHT succeeds for me as an interesting example of both.
January 20, 2013
I first read this 20+ years ago... it was interesting to reread it again and see how my perceptions have changed. Still a great book.
August 8, 2012
One of the best horror novels I have ever read.
August 26, 2020
I enjoy 80s slashers and this one is actually well written with decent character development instead of just talking heads dropped in the middle of destruction. The only thing that annoyed me about it was the author's tendency to way over-describe every single character that's introduced. Also, every single woman is seen through a one track sexualized lens. But I'm not going to rate this for literary merit and parts of it were genuinely creepy, particularly anything to do with the character of Inez.
April 20, 2016
Decepcionante. Tenía puestas todas las esperanzas en esta novela, pero no me ha gustado. No sé si es la forma de escribir, la falta de coherencia del argumento o simplemente una mala traducción. Lástima.
September 17, 2019
As always, another outstanding horror novel by John Farris! The beginning was a little confusing, causing me to wonder if I'd missed some previous book, but before long I couldn't put it down! Now THIS is what a horror novel reads like!
August 27, 2012
Very well written book, but poorly structured. It could be half shorter if the author didn´t write a lot of unuseful chapters.
October 25, 2022
EL HIJO DE LA NOCHE INFINITA
Rich un joven periodista aficionado recibe una patética llamada telefónica de una niña a la que están torturando. Cuándo acude a ayudarla su personalidad se ve totalmente alterada y asesina a su amante delante de varios testigos, ¿posesión diabólica?
El juicio de Rich empieza para demostrar lo indemostrable. Se aproxima el juicio final, las fuerzas externas del mal ponen a prueba la humanidad en una apacible sala de audiencias de Vermont.
Una historia de terror y horror sobrenatural, con una carga densa y oscura que incómoda cuando estás en su lectura, que hace que desees leer solo de día, logrando que el lector se sienta inquieto al pasar de la páginas.
Muy al estilo de libros como AQUI VIVE EL HORROR (Amityville), logra penetrar en tu psiqué durante el desarrollo de la trama, pues contiene pasajes bastante tétricos, crudos y bestiales.
El autor no se tienes el corazón al describir escenas cargadas de erotismo y sexualidad, (típicas de los libros de Farris), pero que para nada se ven fuera de lugar o que sean adicionadas al azar, o más aún, forzadas en su narrativa.
Ni que decir de las descripciones macabras de los eventos de posesión satánica, magníficamente logradas, y que a o largo de los acontecimientos se vuelven cada ves más grotescas y malévolas.
Con un estilo ágil en su pluma el auto nos lleva por los derroteros del la vida del pobre Rich, quién con la intención de ayudar a una niña, sin saberlo, se ve envuelto en una especie de culto que liberará del infierno y traerá a la tierra a uno de los peores demonios, el cuál le inducirá a cometer un crimen atroz: Matar a su propia novia y amor de su vida.
Siendo a partir de ese hecho que una serie de eventos se suceden en una espiral descendente, del cual será casi imposible salir.
Rich no estará solo en esta lucha contra el mal, su familia estará con el, un sacerdote exorcista y una abogada enigmática harán hasta lo imposible para ayudarlo, dejando su vida si es necesario, en aras de demostrar que el mal existe y que Rich fue poseído en el momento mismo de la muerte de su amada.
Sus personajes largamente construidos, tanto los principales como los secundarios, permiten al lector dar cuenta de como es cada uno de ellos y formarse un juicio adecuado de cada uno de ellos, pues dada la extensión de la historia, se permitió el escritor tomarse en tiempo necesario para desarrollarlos, permitiendonos conocerlos a fondo, en su psiqué, valores, miedos y debilidades.
El único punto "débil" de la historia, se encuentra en su propio inicio, pues el personaje de aquella niña que pretende ayudar nuestro protagonista nunca se desarrolla, en lo absoluto, impidiendo con ello, conocer el génesis del porqué se involucra en los eventos de esta historia; del mismo modo no se sabe el origen del culto pagano que envuelve y atrapa a Rich, quedando el lector con un dejo de incertidumbre, que erróneamente piensa descubrir durante la lectura, pero nunca sucede.
Una novela larga, (más larga de lo que dicen sus 443 página) cuenta con letra pequeña y renglón seguido en esta edición de Martínez Roca Gran Super Terror, pero que lejos de ser una lectura monótona o pesada, se vuelve ágil conforme se sigue la trama.
Una historia perfecta para tomarla en época de Halloween o como dicen los lectores asiduos, para el booktubre del terror.
Definitivamente una lectura recomendable para aquellos amantes de lo oscuro y malévolo.
Título: El hijo de la noche Infinita
Autor: John Farris
Ed. Martínez Roca
Gran Super Terror
Primera Ed. 1984
Título Original: Son of The Endless Night
Tapa Flexible
#elhijodelanocheinfinita
#johnfarris
#editorialmartinezroca
#martinezroca
#gransuperterror
Rich un joven periodista aficionado recibe una patética llamada telefónica de una niña a la que están torturando. Cuándo acude a ayudarla su personalidad se ve totalmente alterada y asesina a su amante delante de varios testigos, ¿posesión diabólica?
El juicio de Rich empieza para demostrar lo indemostrable. Se aproxima el juicio final, las fuerzas externas del mal ponen a prueba la humanidad en una apacible sala de audiencias de Vermont.
Una historia de terror y horror sobrenatural, con una carga densa y oscura que incómoda cuando estás en su lectura, que hace que desees leer solo de día, logrando que el lector se sienta inquieto al pasar de la páginas.
Muy al estilo de libros como AQUI VIVE EL HORROR (Amityville), logra penetrar en tu psiqué durante el desarrollo de la trama, pues contiene pasajes bastante tétricos, crudos y bestiales.
El autor no se tienes el corazón al describir escenas cargadas de erotismo y sexualidad, (típicas de los libros de Farris), pero que para nada se ven fuera de lugar o que sean adicionadas al azar, o más aún, forzadas en su narrativa.
Ni que decir de las descripciones macabras de los eventos de posesión satánica, magníficamente logradas, y que a o largo de los acontecimientos se vuelven cada ves más grotescas y malévolas.
Con un estilo ágil en su pluma el auto nos lleva por los derroteros del la vida del pobre Rich, quién con la intención de ayudar a una niña, sin saberlo, se ve envuelto en una especie de culto que liberará del infierno y traerá a la tierra a uno de los peores demonios, el cuál le inducirá a cometer un crimen atroz: Matar a su propia novia y amor de su vida.
Siendo a partir de ese hecho que una serie de eventos se suceden en una espiral descendente, del cual será casi imposible salir.
Rich no estará solo en esta lucha contra el mal, su familia estará con el, un sacerdote exorcista y una abogada enigmática harán hasta lo imposible para ayudarlo, dejando su vida si es necesario, en aras de demostrar que el mal existe y que Rich fue poseído en el momento mismo de la muerte de su amada.
Sus personajes largamente construidos, tanto los principales como los secundarios, permiten al lector dar cuenta de como es cada uno de ellos y formarse un juicio adecuado de cada uno de ellos, pues dada la extensión de la historia, se permitió el escritor tomarse en tiempo necesario para desarrollarlos, permitiendonos conocerlos a fondo, en su psiqué, valores, miedos y debilidades.
El único punto "débil" de la historia, se encuentra en su propio inicio, pues el personaje de aquella niña que pretende ayudar nuestro protagonista nunca se desarrolla, en lo absoluto, impidiendo con ello, conocer el génesis del porqué se involucra en los eventos de esta historia; del mismo modo no se sabe el origen del culto pagano que envuelve y atrapa a Rich, quedando el lector con un dejo de incertidumbre, que erróneamente piensa descubrir durante la lectura, pero nunca sucede.
Una novela larga, (más larga de lo que dicen sus 443 página) cuenta con letra pequeña y renglón seguido en esta edición de Martínez Roca Gran Super Terror, pero que lejos de ser una lectura monótona o pesada, se vuelve ágil conforme se sigue la trama.
Una historia perfecta para tomarla en época de Halloween o como dicen los lectores asiduos, para el booktubre del terror.
Definitivamente una lectura recomendable para aquellos amantes de lo oscuro y malévolo.
Título: El hijo de la noche Infinita
Autor: John Farris
Ed. Martínez Roca
Gran Super Terror
Primera Ed. 1984
Título Original: Son of The Endless Night
Tapa Flexible
#elhijodelanocheinfinita
#johnfarris
#editorialmartinezroca
#martinezroca
#gransuperterror
October 18, 2023
It turns out I don't want my Exorcism novel to become a Legal Thriller. The whole "taking the possessed person to court" thing - thus, taking the demon into court - ended up falling flat for me.
The Polly situation that I was invested in just seemed to vaporize. The shift to lawyers, and witnesses mysteriously dying, just seemed to obliterate what had built up to make the book interesting by the halfway point. The assembly line of inventive deaths was somewhat compelling to read - but again, there's this weird thing where genre hybrid stuff is diluting the Horror aspect; witnesses in jeopardy fits right in with a Legal Thriller dealing with organized crime and fixing a trial...so, what I'm saying is, there comes a point where anything demonic and phantasmagoric is chained to this odd courtroom drama thing going on (although in this case, a string of bizarre deaths shutting down courtroom testimony doesn't seem to cause concern or investigation; it's just remarked on, once, late in the proceedings!). The possessed person seems to become a supporting character...although his antics when the demon is in control are certainly highlights. Meanwhile, another extraneous supporting character flies thousands of miles for what turns out to be no good reason, and then goes away again. You don't usually see that in a novel, why bring her over just to abort her purpose in the story? But then, she was gorgeous - which brings us to the fact that this a 1980s genre novel, meaning that no matter how bad things are getting - in this case, no matter how close we get to hell on Earth - a man will always be preoccupied with how hot the new woman in the room is.
It's not a hopeless book. I guess I'm at odds with the very foundation of the novel, the reason Farris believed in it: take a possessed person needing an exorcism through the legal process after he and his spiritual demon hijacker have committed an unspeakable crime, and see what happens. Well, what happened at the finale seemed easy to foresee, which didn't help.
Lots of great scenes in here, but I didn't really take to the book as a whole. It also seems the demon had an agenda - so a lot of times all the legal shenanigans seemed to be exactly what he wanted - but I end up not quite understanding what his plan was. Very strange book.
The Polly situation that I was invested in just seemed to vaporize. The shift to lawyers, and witnesses mysteriously dying, just seemed to obliterate what had built up to make the book interesting by the halfway point. The assembly line of inventive deaths was somewhat compelling to read - but again, there's this weird thing where genre hybrid stuff is diluting the Horror aspect; witnesses in jeopardy fits right in with a Legal Thriller dealing with organized crime and fixing a trial...so, what I'm saying is, there comes a point where anything demonic and phantasmagoric is chained to this odd courtroom drama thing going on (although in this case, a string of bizarre deaths shutting down courtroom testimony doesn't seem to cause concern or investigation; it's just remarked on, once, late in the proceedings!). The possessed person seems to become a supporting character...although his antics when the demon is in control are certainly highlights. Meanwhile, another extraneous supporting character flies thousands of miles for what turns out to be no good reason, and then goes away again. You don't usually see that in a novel, why bring her over just to abort her purpose in the story? But then, she was gorgeous - which brings us to the fact that this a 1980s genre novel, meaning that no matter how bad things are getting - in this case, no matter how close we get to hell on Earth - a man will always be preoccupied with how hot the new woman in the room is.
It's not a hopeless book. I guess I'm at odds with the very foundation of the novel, the reason Farris believed in it: take a possessed person needing an exorcism through the legal process after he and his spiritual demon hijacker have committed an unspeakable crime, and see what happens. Well, what happened at the finale seemed easy to foresee, which didn't help.
Lots of great scenes in here, but I didn't really take to the book as a whole. It also seems the demon had an agenda - so a lot of times all the legal shenanigans seemed to be exactly what he wanted - but I end up not quite understanding what his plan was. Very strange book.
October 8, 2022
Can't even remember the last time I completely read a book I disliked so much. This story has great characters, gruesome deaths, great writing, and really good atmosphere. So why is it so bad?
Well it's bad because it's not one story, but about three novels crammed together into one. It has chapters that introduce new characters practically up until close to the end, side plots, back stories, and chapter after chapter of boring courtroom drama. It's just too damn much.
It starts out with one character trying to find and help a little girl going through some tough times. And spoilers: he does not help her. Instead he gets possessed by demons and then has a very detailed sexual encounter with this little girl. And the antagonists that initiate this whole thing just disappear, along with the girl.
Farris wrote half of one good book and then jammed two or three other books to it. That doesn't make this an epic. It makes it a mess.
Well it's bad because it's not one story, but about three novels crammed together into one. It has chapters that introduce new characters practically up until close to the end, side plots, back stories, and chapter after chapter of boring courtroom drama. It's just too damn much.
It starts out with one character trying to find and help a little girl going through some tough times. And spoilers: he does not help her. Instead he gets possessed by demons and then has a very detailed sexual encounter with this little girl. And the antagonists that initiate this whole thing just disappear, along with the girl.
Farris wrote half of one good book and then jammed two or three other books to it. That doesn't make this an epic. It makes it a mess.
October 1, 2025
Se comienza con la desaparición de una niña, el intento de una buena acción y la casi ruptura de una pareja, para después pasar a una epopeya pesadillezca de +500 páginas que te sumerge en algunas disyuntivas morales, que puede atraparte tan rápido como casi perderte a la misma velocidad. Siendo un libro tan largo, supongo era de esperarse que algunos capítulos se sintieran como relleno y que después de un comienzo tan deslumbrante, el final se sintiera espantoso.
Su lucha para llegar a un alegato sensato sobre los demonios es pobre, al igual para demostrar lo contrario, su idea se basa más en la tensión que la mera existencia de esto pudiera ocasionar y siento que logra eso, me mantuvo muy pegado a sus páginas tantas veces.
No me arrepiento, al final es un buen libro de terror cuyo único despropósito fue extender la historia demasiado.
¿Mi opinión tan dividida te hace feliz, señorita Cordway?
Su lucha para llegar a un alegato sensato sobre los demonios es pobre, al igual para demostrar lo contrario, su idea se basa más en la tensión que la mera existencia de esto pudiera ocasionar y siento que logra eso, me mantuvo muy pegado a sus páginas tantas veces.
No me arrepiento, al final es un buen libro de terror cuyo único despropósito fue extender la historia demasiado.
¿Mi opinión tan dividida te hace feliz, señorita Cordway?
June 19, 2021
Not very good book about possession-induced crime. There was a true crime case like that one, and the true crime one is more interesting than this one. More confusion due to the author's tendency of using similar names for different characters. Karyn, Caitlin, Crystal, and so on and so on. Leaves too many threads hanging but honestly what was worse was the creepy descriptions of barely pubescent girls. Characters are flat and their motivations are opaque. I have never read this author before so it's my introduction.
December 22, 2023
4.5/5. Absolutely loved this book, even though I was a little lukewarm about the courtroom aspect in the beginning. The pacing is so quick, and it doesn't get lost in a lot of legal jargon which kept the whole story moving along nicely. The overall possession story and how it effects all the characters we meet throughout is definitely the most interesting part of the novel and thankfully makes up majority of the book. Take all that and add in just a touch of sleaze, tons of gory insane kills, and really great dialog to get a really great elevated pulp horror masterpiece.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews