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The Demon in Business Class by Anthony Dobranski

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She can speak all languages. He can smell evil intent.They're enemies. They crave each other.With international settings, a conspiracy plot, star-crossed lovers, and sharp writing, The Demon in Business Class is a stunning debut novel spanning continents and genres.Zarabeth travels the world for a shady executive, laying the groundwork for global war.Gabriel offers a second chance to the criminals that a visionary leader sees in dreams.One rainy night in Scotland, they meet...Now, it's complicated.There's also the investigator, the witch, the playboy, the gangster, the cultist, the pre-school teacher, the two angels…And, the demon.The Demon in Business Class is an tense, stylish, international story of fantasy, intrigue, and love, on the uneasy ground where the human meets the divine.YOUR NEXT READ IS NOW BOARDING

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About the author

Anthony Dobranski

1 book6 followers
Anthony Dobranski is from Washington DC. He studied English at Yale and made his first career at AOL. He wrote the novel The Demon in Business Class, a cross-genre literary fantasy, and designed the game Business Class Tarot, a modern Tarot deck. He is a member of Science Fiction Writers of America, and a board member of the Washington live-reading series The Inner Loop. He loves to ski.

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5 stars
34 (56%)
4 stars
11 (18%)
3 stars
6 (10%)
2 stars
4 (6%)
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5 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for K.S. Marsden.
Author 20 books741 followers
November 1, 2020
Zarabeth and Gabriel are both part of the paranormal world, but find themselves on opposite sides.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. (I was given an ARC copy, so there may be some differences from the published version)

Zarabeth has a subtle form of magic that she doesn't really control. She's very good at reading people, and manipulating them, so she gets what she wants. This includes a high-flying corporate job, despite having no qualifications.
Her magical skills come to the attention of Magda, who hires her for some potentially-shady work with international companies.

Gabriel can literally smell people's intentions. His demand for justice has driven him to make mistakes in the past, but he's finally onto the right track, after finding people with similar skills.

I liked the various magics that appeared in this book. It has recognisable spells and witches, that feel familiar. It also has its own spin on magic, with Zarabeth's chaos and Gabriel's sense-driven skills.
I also liked the way they were woven into the real world, almost like a secret society.

The not-so-good.
I could not get into this book at all. The writing made no sense. The words were all English, but I have absolutely no clue what is going on.
You know when you have those lucid dreams, where everyone talks nonsense, and you're the only one who doesn't understand, but you have to complete a serious mission anyway...

An example, when a couple of the characters go out for dinner, and witch Missy is explaining her education to a non-witch guy:

"Cultural anthropology," Missy said. "Celtic and Pagan religious traditions." Her stock answer but tonight it sounded embarrassingly weak. Ridiculous. To tell her truth to a man she'd known for an hour was crazy, a wetness not lube but nervous pee.
He had no idea...


I have no idea. The whole text is like this, just a random assortment of words, where I often couldn't even guess at the author's meaning.

I don't know what the missions were for Zarabeth and Gabriel. They were both given no information, asked to do ridiculous, unassociated stuff, and we're supposed to be on the edge of our seats?

From what I gathered, Zarabeth's first mission was to give a gay guy a blow job, to uncover some very dull data-driven stuff?
I'm not entirely sure, as they were on drugs at the time, teamed with unclear narrative.

I gave this a few goes, and tried to skim read further ahead, but found no improvement.
It gave me a headache, and I have no interest in reading any more of the author's work.
Profile Image for Kirsty Stanley.
919 reviews77 followers
October 23, 2020
3.75 stars

Who doesn't enjoy reading about witches, demons and the ages old good verus evil -  though it's never that simple is it? This is an urban supernatural fantasy with adult romance and international buisness travel. Some of the descriptions will give you the urge to hop on a plane - you know if there wasn't a global pandemic stopping us!


I enjoyed the audiobook narration, and all the accents that Laura used to bring the characters to life. In fact the characterisation was a strength of both the book and its narration with the latter adding to my enjoyment. It's freaky how another book I just read has a character that can speak all languages like Zarabeth - the zeitgeist is well and truly in force. I also can't get over the amount of plagues in my recent reads - even this one mentions epidemiology and cholera! Stop it 2020.

With the business scenes I'm afraid I couldn't stop my mind occasionally wondering to Belinda Blinked (from My Dad Wrote a Porno infamy), though I am glad to report this was not that! It is much more polished, makes sense, and the business aspect is there to further the plot.

Occasionally there were slight pacing issues and I would have liked to get to the meeting between the two main characters a bit quicker but the investment in the characters was strong enough to get over the slight turbulence.


After reading the playlist above I'm definitely going to take a listen to see if I can "hear" the book through it.


I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Anthony Dobranski. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Profile Image for Wayland Smith.
Author 26 books60 followers
July 25, 2022
I guess I'd call this gritty urban fantasy. There's violence, sex, magic, angels, demons, drugs, and a big struggle of good versus evil. The world is really well-built, and the powers take on some very unique and interesting characteristics.

Gabriel's extra-sensory abilities manifest in his sense of smell, giving him a wide range of information he doesn't know how to handle at first. Eventually, this leads to him getting a very unique job at a very strange company.

Zarabeth works for a shady but powerful executive, traveling the world on a series of murky missions. The two meet in Scotland and a passionate love affair begins that will change both their lives. There's international intrigue, some very creative uses and manifestations of magic, and a series of strong relationships that lead characters to risk a lot for love.

This is a very adult book. There is drug use, and they do not fade to black at the sex scenes. Know that going in. Personally, I found this a griping and compelling story and very much enjoyed it.
Profile Image for CR.
4,171 reviews40 followers
May 15, 2020
This story wasn't what I thought it was going to be and that is not a bad thing!! I could not put this down and although I do think it was just a tad longer then what it needed to be. It was still a full on hit with this reader. I think for a debut novel that this one did very well. It was gripping and entertaining and well I have an addiction to anything dealing with the occult. I also loved that there was a set of tarot cards with these that I am like addicted to!! This is an author to look out for if you love dark and steamy reads!!
Profile Image for Virginia.
20 reviews
May 13, 2020
It was fun to read and the story was very unique, but I think it was drawn out to much to get the point across. But honestly that’s just my opinion about something that will have lags that make me want to put it down. But all n all I really loved the story line and I want to read more from this writer. So I will be keeping my eye out for more books
1 review
May 15, 2020
This was a very good book. I got lost in it. Could Anthony Dobranski perhaps be the next Nicholas Sparks?
Profile Image for Michael Allen.
Author 33 books208 followers
September 21, 2020
Dobranski’s writing interweaves rich imagery, exquisite details and dynamic characters. Each scene plunges the reader into a world so vivid you can’t help but feel like you’re traipsing around the globe with his characters. Political intrigue, corporate espionage and paranormal suspense meet between the sheets in a lurid and steamy affair sure to leave you bruised and breathless.
11 reviews
June 22, 2020
The book title and description is what hooked me in to reading it!

This began a little bit confusing for me, however, it quickly began to come together, and with very creative detailed writing that allowed me to picture the awesome visuals during this read. Extremely action packed and fast paced. Each chapter kept me intrigued to continue! There aren't many dull moments while reading which is generally necessary for me as a reader, as I can get bored easily.

The different characters, fantasy aspect, good and evil really brought this book alive. Being that I'm not someone who usually will read "fantasy" I can honestly say this was a pretty fun and good read.
1 review
May 1, 2021
The Devil in Business Class

The characters are exceptional.
It's somehow an intriguing dream novel where dream and fantasy components intertwine.
Corporate life plays a main role as does travel, which makes it very interesting as the places change constantly.

This book is not easily fitting into just one category and therefore a classical book review may not honour it properly.

A convolution of great individuals who play together, some devilish, some even angelic and all with very visible emotional challenges.
The travel part is wonderful on its own because it brings these characters into various nations and countries, which adds a great layer on top of the already awesome story.

What I love most is that you are able throughout the book to understand all these character, good or bad, because you learn their whole life story. So psychology plays in here as well. Why do these characters act like they do is completely logical once you know their background.

An inspiring book, which starts for me in surrounding of corporate life I know and that’s one of the reasons I got hooked from page one.

Great recommendation!
1 review
May 27, 2020
What a great fantasy novel. When I received this book for a honest review I thought it was something completely different. Now I'm not saying this is a bad thing I just thought it was going to be different. While reading this I got sucked into this book. I would read chapters at a time and would want to keep reading.

I absolutely fell in love with the book and the characters. I liked how there was different characters like witches and demons. It definitely keeps you on your toes with the thrill. I also liked the different locations it took place.

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone that loves fantasy novels.
1 review1 follower
May 23, 2020
Not usually a fan of fantasy or science fiction, I read The Demon in Business Class on a recommendation. Wow. I was pleasantly surprised at the superb literary quality of this novel. Beautifully written with vivid imagery, Demon draws you into a world of demons and witches who intermingle with the corporate suits. The protagonists, good and evil, get under your skin as quickly as they get under each other’s. The fantastical elements are so artfully drawn that I started to think they could be real (not to give anything away, but I looked for one of the devices on Amazon)! And you can actually order the deck of original, modern Tarot cards that are illustrated throughout – so cool! I wish all the devices could jump off the page into my hands. I highly recommend going for a virtual ride with the Demon.
3 reviews
March 4, 2021
What an amazing book.
I was intrigued from the moment I saw the cover of this book. Demon in Business Class drew me in and had me on pins and needles the entire time.

When ZaraBeth and Gabriel find themselves drawn to each other, their worlds will never be the same. Will they make each other better or will they tear each other apart? With everything on the line, they must face the demons in their own lives before they can discuss a future together.

The book is beautifully written. The author’s use of imagery had me wanting more. I fell in love with the characters and can only hope that Mr. Dobranski will indulge us with another story.

A great narrator can really make or break a book. Laura Peterson created a tone that was very appealing and complementary. The inflections and emotions that she used really pulled at my heartstrings.

Overall this book would easily fall into one of my favorite reads. It’s well written, well developed plot, with a very pleasant narration.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08F...

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7 reviews
May 24, 2020
I received a free copy of this book because I agreed to leave an honest review. Well here it is:
Bring on summer! This is the perfect book for reading at the pool or at the beach. WItches and demons in the 21st century! You can tell by my bookshelf that I read mostly sci-fi and horror. This book fits me perfectly. I didn't have to think, I just went with the flow. I'm not going to give anything away other than to say it was worth my time and I really enjoyed it. Pick up a copy to read this summer! #demonbizclass
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087...
#demonbizclass
10 reviews
June 5, 2020
The cover and title were appealing to me. My first impression was the inside was lengthy, and when I was done I was happy it was. The Russian-Style Author Name with a twist of Simply Written Description of the book reminded me of Passionate Love and a distortion to not complete the love. An artistic detailed drama of fashion, friends, and playmates with Mystery and a day-to-day schedule of Zarabeth and Gabriel’s busy, sophisticated, highly classy, and highly fashionable lifes. Once the setting, style, and lifestyles were set interactions between the characters started to get more life-like, interesting, hilarious, and inquisitive. Exactly, what I was expecting from the cool cover and fun, dangerous, and exciting events. A well-written lustful, detailed, and worldly love story that I look forward to keeping in my library for a rainy day.
9 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2020
I've never heard of Anthony Dobranski but he wrote a really good book! I may have to look for more by this author. The supernatural aspect is what I wanted to read this book for and didn't realize it was also romance lol. I often don't pay attention. Anyways, it was a really good book and I would advise you to try it if you like supernatural romance action in a book. Is a good read! Thank you.
3 reviews
September 10, 2020
Excellent book. By the title it really wasn't what I was expecting, but I appreciate the way the story was written and the twist that it had. I recommend this book.
17 reviews
March 3, 2021
What a wonderful fantasy novel. I listened from start to finish in my free time, but I wanted to listen even more. It sucks you in and the narration by Laura Petersen was perfect.
1 review
September 27, 2020
Let me start out by saying I am not a huge fan of reading books, however with that being said I was gifted this book and when I say I was hooked I mean, I read this book cover to cover in under 6 days and when you have 3 kids under 9 that’s a big deal. I would 100% recommend this book
3 reviews
Read
January 24, 2021
This book was amazing I enjoyedeverybit of it, I could not put it down. I fell deeply in love with the story the more i read . I have read over 3 times already and i am not even tired of reading, It's full of so much humour its like as you read you reading and i could visualizer as the characters says things.This is a fantastic new take on fantasy novels
16 reviews
April 15, 2021
Who doesn't enjoy reading about witches, demons and the ages old good verus evil - though it's never that simple is it? This is an urban supernatural fantasy with adult romance and international buisness travel. Great characters with great plots and twists and turns it's one of my top ten books to read this spring
Profile Image for Kiki Lemons.
19 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2021
Whatever your flavor of book this one has all of it. Thriller, romance, mystery, supernatural, and more. The book is well written and easy to follow. It also keeps you wanting to read. There were no lulls. I love it. This author is new to me but I followed him!


1 review
February 6, 2021
Povestea sa are un complot de thriller corporativ, setări internaționale din lumea reală și puteri supranaturale, amestecate cu o poveste de dragoste încrucișată de stele.Sunt Foarte Multumit Recomand cu Incredere!!!
Profile Image for Bree.
11 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2020
Non-spoiler Review so you know what you are getting into without losing interest.

This book was a doozie. I can say that I listened from start to finish in my free time, but
I craved listening to it even when I WAS busy. I didn't know what I had expected from this novel going in as it was gifted to me, but I refuse to give any opinion that isn't my 100% honesty.
I reccommend this book for anyone who enjoys something that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I enjoyed how well written the whole book was and how well I could imagine everything that happened throughout the entire thing. Elequeant, the person reading as well as the writer who wrote the book itself.
It was incredibly fast pased and filled with drama as well as just action.
I'd say if that is your genre and interest then give this a read or a listen depending on which you get.
The only draw back was at times I could say that things were stall, but they picked up again after a chapter or so.
Profile Image for Dawn Reynolds.
10 reviews9 followers
April 1, 2021
I enjoyed this audiobook very much. The characters quickly draw you in. The narration is excellent and adds to the story.
3 reviews
September 14, 2020
Best book ever! If you think you aren’t interested, read it! The entire book is captivating to all readers, and Anthony Sobranski did such a good job writing it! It inspired me to write a sequel just for fun. READ IT!!
1 review2 followers
August 27, 2020
This is one of the most enjoyable audio books I've ever listened to. The author has written a unique, fast-paced story with characters that are incredibly real. The read by Laura Peterson is a delightful and impressive performance. Peterson voices over a dozen characters. As the story skips around the globe, she handles accents ranging from Lower Kentucky to Mandarin Chinese.

One of the most unique aspects of the book is how the author speaks directly to the visceral senses to establish a scene and make it real. Descriptions of places and experiences include sight, sound, taste and smell that stimulate the imagination making the universe deeper and more authentic.

Something else that I loved about this book is that it isn't a morality play at any level. There isn't a message, this isn't a fable. It's a smart, engaging story designed to run in the theater of your mind, that's all.

There's sex and romance, casual drug use, sweet revenge, horror and humor. The story is unpredictable, but satisfying at the end. Still the characters are so likable and robust that I found myself longing to know more about what happens to each of them.

Over 18 hours in total of pure storytelling pleasure. Perfect for the international traveler with a long flight ahead of them. I highly recommend this book, it's terrific!

2 reviews
December 29, 2020
This book was amazing , I could not put it down. I fell deeply in love with the story the more i read . It's full of so much humour its like as you read you are sitting next to the character as she says things.This is a fantastic new take on fantasy novels
Profile Image for Zoe L..
389 reviews14 followers
Read
October 25, 2020
This book gave me everything I wanted from it and so much more! I went into it excited because it has such a unique premise and I left feeling content with everything I found within. BUT, I do have to warn you that it is a thicc one and if you’re listening to the audiobook, like I did, be prepared to spend some time on this one! But also be prepared to pout and get upset when you have to pause it.

Because of how detailed and descriptive Dobranski is with his writing I think that this book worked exceptionally well as an audiobook. The words would come off the pages on their own, but adding that additional step of having a narration gives that much more depth to the story. And the entire action packed politically driven plot just helped to keep the story fresh as you go through the audiobook. Like I said, this one is on the thicker side, so having excellent writing is a must when transitioning it over to an audiobook.

Outside of the plot and the wonderful narration I really loved the characters, like I expected I would. As soon as I read the synopsis I knew that I would connect with this cast and become extremely invested in the story. And it definitely lived up to that! And I can also easily say that I just really loved this one.

You can view my full review on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!

Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/
11 reviews
Read
September 29, 2020
The book title and description is what hooked me in to reading it!

This began a little bit confusing for me, however, it quickly began to come together, and with very creative detailed writing that allowed me to picture the awesome visuals during this read. Extremely action packed and fast paced. Each chapter kept me intrigued to continue! There aren't many dull moments while reading which is generally necessary for me as a reader, as I can get bored easily.

The different characters, fantasy aspect, good and evil really brought this book alive. Being that I'm not someone who usually will read "fantasy" I can honestly say this was a pretty fun and good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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