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Fireproof
Equal parts crime fiction, dark urban fantasy and black comedy.
Hell hath no fury for Mike Rocks. He's fireproof; an anomaly caused by a slip-up in afterlife bureaucracy. Lucifer bundles him off as an embarrassing problem with a mission to introduce Satanism to Northern Ireland. And while he's at it, Mike can exact revenge on the men who took his life.
Hell hath no fury for Mike Rocks. He's fireproof; an anomaly caused by a slip-up in afterlife bureaucracy. Lucifer bundles him off as an embarrassing problem with a mission to introduce Satanism to Northern Ireland. And while he's at it, Mike can exact revenge on the men who took his life.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2012
11 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Gerard Brennan
36 books43 followersGerard Brennan's latest novel is Disorder, Published by No Alibis Press. His short stories have appeared in a number of anthologies; including three volumes of The Mammoth Book of Best British Crime and Belfast Noir. He co-edited Requiems for the Departed, a collection of crime fiction based on Irish myths which won the 2011 Spinetingler Award for best anthology. His novella, The Point, was published by Pulp Press in October 2011 and won the 2012 Spinetingler Award for best novella. His novels, Wee Rockets and Fireproof, were published as ebooks by Blasted Heath in 2012. He graduated from the MA in creative writing at Queen's University Belfast in 2012 and is currently working on a PhD.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 1, 2015
Similar yet distant enough to be a unique take on the occult brand of Satanism. Switching up the fallen angel angle to have a more human feel, Brennan's 'Fireproof' is more than a story of Hell and it's dark angels. Aside from the main plot lies a love story, albeit misguided (and partially built on a common interest in murdering people); the allure of the unnatural combined with a fatal attraction of sorts (fatal by means of the mortal bodies Mike occupies) adds another element to the reincarnated hit man.
The opening stanza is funny, horrifying, disgusting, overly violent and graphic yet down right entertaining. It really sets the tone for the novel.
I love the way Brennan regenerates the lead character, Mike, by pulling the reader in through the bowels of hell to ashy mist to present day Earth. The hazy fog like realization of reincarnation Mike feels is conveyed to the reader in startling realistic fashion - it doesn't read as over-to-top, yet unnervingly believable.
The characters are vivid, unique and well rounded. From the hell-ish concocted residents of the Price of Darkness' abode in Lucifer himself, the Imp, and Cerberus, to Mike Rocks "the charismatic, reincarnate rebel", Cathy (a murderous vixen intent on exercising her blood lust), Cadbury (a mysterious homeless man), to the band of Hoods and Goths that make up the religious followers, each bring a new perspective and dynamic to the story.
Adding to the core plot elements which consist of the formation of a new religion to worship His Darkness, hit man vengeance, and a romantic coupling, is a pressing message stating the divide between right and wrong and the resulting consequences, 'Fireproof' is a true multi-layered story. Readers will also be treated to the familiar, in that Brennan institutes the same feel to his brand of hoods in 'Fireproof' as he does those in 'Wee Rockets'.
I really enjoyed 'Fireproof'. It's humours, dark, violent and something a little left of centre. 5 stars.
View more on my blog: http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
The opening stanza is funny, horrifying, disgusting, overly violent and graphic yet down right entertaining. It really sets the tone for the novel.
I love the way Brennan regenerates the lead character, Mike, by pulling the reader in through the bowels of hell to ashy mist to present day Earth. The hazy fog like realization of reincarnation Mike feels is conveyed to the reader in startling realistic fashion - it doesn't read as over-to-top, yet unnervingly believable.
The characters are vivid, unique and well rounded. From the hell-ish concocted residents of the Price of Darkness' abode in Lucifer himself, the Imp, and Cerberus, to Mike Rocks "the charismatic, reincarnate rebel", Cathy (a murderous vixen intent on exercising her blood lust), Cadbury (a mysterious homeless man), to the band of Hoods and Goths that make up the religious followers, each bring a new perspective and dynamic to the story.
Adding to the core plot elements which consist of the formation of a new religion to worship His Darkness, hit man vengeance, and a romantic coupling, is a pressing message stating the divide between right and wrong and the resulting consequences, 'Fireproof' is a true multi-layered story. Readers will also be treated to the familiar, in that Brennan institutes the same feel to his brand of hoods in 'Fireproof' as he does those in 'Wee Rockets'.
I really enjoyed 'Fireproof'. It's humours, dark, violent and something a little left of centre. 5 stars.
View more on my blog: http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
July 22, 2016
The story opens with Mike in Hell. Literally. Mike's bored. He has a very high pain threshold & his Personal Tormentor, or as Mike likes to call him/it, his roomie, Astheiziachial (Mike likes to call him “Wriggly Worm”) just doesn't terrorize him any more, if he ever did. Mike suggests WW ask the Boss for a transfer. WW sulks. But concedes it's the only course of action. After all WW has his rep as a vicious tormentor of damned souls to consider.
I'm paraphrasing;
In due course Lucifer summons Mike & makes him an “offer he can't refuse”.
“What if I refuse the assignment?”
“I will make you my personal pet project. Astheiziachial's efforts will seem like affectionate foreplay & of course, I have eternity to refine & perfect my technique.
“What's the assignment?”
“We give you a new body, send you back to Earth with unlimited funds & all you have to do is establish a religion founded on Satanism.”
“Hmmm… where do I sign?”
Mike picks up various side-kicks in his new life & one of his side projects is tracking down the 4 characters who tortured & beat him to death & the fellow who ordered the hit on him.
Cerberus (a 3-headed hell dog) & an obnoxious imp are 2 of Lucifer's messengers (to Mike). Mike rarely misses an opportunity to wind them up, in his own inimical way.
Mike pulled the nunchaku from his waistband. He twirled it in a slow circle. Six doggie eyes watched its lazy spin.
“What are you going to do with that, Mike?” the middle head asked. “You want to try & attack us again?”
“Oh no. I'm not THAT slow. I've something else in mind.”
“What are you smirking at?” said the head on the right.
“Fetch.”
“You bastard.”
Mike tossed the weapon over the dog['s heads. It sailed through an open window into the car park. Cerberus couldn't resist. It chased the numchaku through the window, taking the frame & a fair amount of brickwork with it.
This is a really fun read & will like appeal to fans of Joe Lansdale & Adam Howe.
It's an easy 4 out of 5 stars from me.
I'm paraphrasing;
In due course Lucifer summons Mike & makes him an “offer he can't refuse”.
“What if I refuse the assignment?”
“I will make you my personal pet project. Astheiziachial's efforts will seem like affectionate foreplay & of course, I have eternity to refine & perfect my technique.
“What's the assignment?”
“We give you a new body, send you back to Earth with unlimited funds & all you have to do is establish a religion founded on Satanism.”
“Hmmm… where do I sign?”
Mike picks up various side-kicks in his new life & one of his side projects is tracking down the 4 characters who tortured & beat him to death & the fellow who ordered the hit on him.
Cerberus (a 3-headed hell dog) & an obnoxious imp are 2 of Lucifer's messengers (to Mike). Mike rarely misses an opportunity to wind them up, in his own inimical way.
Mike pulled the nunchaku from his waistband. He twirled it in a slow circle. Six doggie eyes watched its lazy spin.
“What are you going to do with that, Mike?” the middle head asked. “You want to try & attack us again?”
“Oh no. I'm not THAT slow. I've something else in mind.”
“What are you smirking at?” said the head on the right.
“Fetch.”
“You bastard.”
Mike tossed the weapon over the dog['s heads. It sailed through an open window into the car park. Cerberus couldn't resist. It chased the numchaku through the window, taking the frame & a fair amount of brickwork with it.
This is a really fun read & will like appeal to fans of Joe Lansdale & Adam Howe.
It's an easy 4 out of 5 stars from me.
April 4, 2013
I liked FIREPROOF. Can't say I loved it, but I liked it and can definitively get behind its ideas. It's the form that bothered me. Like for WEE ROCKETS, Brennan took a starting point and developed from there instead of having a complete story bottled. While it worked wonders and fit WEE ROCKETS perfectly (WEE ROCKETS being a social novel), but here it hampers the satirical potential of the novel, or at least I thought it did.
But it would be unfair to severely punish FIREPROOF for that since it's a novel of ideas and not prose-party. It's a courageous 180 degrees turn from crime fiction from Gerard Brennan and quite the bold pick to go bizarro on religion. It could've been more bizarro, you can feel sometimes that Brennan puts the breaks on the spectacular stuff in order for story development and I could've used stranger stuff. But as long as the novel stays on the ideas it vehicles, it makes a strong statement on religion without dismissing spirituality and that kind of nuanced and textured argument won me over. Brennan used a wacky, over-the-top approach to make a serious point and he did it with style.
Bottom line, read it.
But it would be unfair to severely punish FIREPROOF for that since it's a novel of ideas and not prose-party. It's a courageous 180 degrees turn from crime fiction from Gerard Brennan and quite the bold pick to go bizarro on religion. It could've been more bizarro, you can feel sometimes that Brennan puts the breaks on the spectacular stuff in order for story development and I could've used stranger stuff. But as long as the novel stays on the ideas it vehicles, it makes a strong statement on religion without dismissing spirituality and that kind of nuanced and textured argument won me over. Brennan used a wacky, over-the-top approach to make a serious point and he did it with style.
Bottom line, read it.
October 26, 2016
I started reading this with a flourish thinking blurb sounded really interesting,
Woah, I was really quite disappointed as 25% through I am thinking that I am just not feeling this and wondering where it is going to go.
The premise sounded really good and I was so looking forward to it. But It got really slow and I hate to say quite boring and I could go no further.
I don't know if it was just the writing style or whether the author was just trying too hard to be funny;dark and unsettling. But to have a dead guy come back from Hell and get revenge and also set up a Satanist Cult was way too silly for me, I could not take it any longer.
I really am disappointed with this.
Woah, I was really quite disappointed as 25% through I am thinking that I am just not feeling this and wondering where it is going to go.
The premise sounded really good and I was so looking forward to it. But It got really slow and I hate to say quite boring and I could go no further.
I don't know if it was just the writing style or whether the author was just trying too hard to be funny;dark and unsettling. But to have a dead guy come back from Hell and get revenge and also set up a Satanist Cult was way too silly for me, I could not take it any longer.
I really am disappointed with this.
January 8, 2013
Mike Rocks is, literally, in Hell. He’s given a choice by Lucifer himself – stay in the nether region for the rest of eternity or return to earth and set up a Satanic religion in Belfast. Mike takes the latter path, in part because he has his own unfinished business, getting revenge on the people that sent him to Hell in the first place. Before long, Mike’s mission is well underway, but then Cathy Maguire, wannabe contract killer, crosses his path and things start to get complicated.
This is a unique story, I don’t think I’ve read anything like it previously. At first I was asking myself, what’s this all about? The opening scenes of Fireproof are of Mike in Hell being tortured by a strange creature before receiving his mission and getting on with his own. Then Cathy appears, she seems quite a normal girl besides her desire to murder people, starting with her boss.
However, once I was in a few chapters I found it to be a good read, very well written, entertaining (if you can put aside the ‘religious’ elements) and in places funny. There is a good sense of place and the dialogue is sharp. The characters can be distinctly peculiar, for example, there is Cadbury, a tramp who appears and squats in Mike’s flat whilst he’s on a brief respite in Hell. He has a number of very unusual qualities including the ability to read minds. Sounds odd? Yes, but it does fit well in the story.
Towards the latter part of the book, the tone changed somewhat as Mike builds the religion and follows his own plan, but primarily because he grows much closer to Cathy. Fireproof becomes more a story of redemption and relationships.
Overall, I enjoyed Fireproof. It’s a very good read if you enjoy something a bit different.
**Originally reviewed for Books & Pals blog. May have received a review copy.**
This is a unique story, I don’t think I’ve read anything like it previously. At first I was asking myself, what’s this all about? The opening scenes of Fireproof are of Mike in Hell being tortured by a strange creature before receiving his mission and getting on with his own. Then Cathy appears, she seems quite a normal girl besides her desire to murder people, starting with her boss.
However, once I was in a few chapters I found it to be a good read, very well written, entertaining (if you can put aside the ‘religious’ elements) and in places funny. There is a good sense of place and the dialogue is sharp. The characters can be distinctly peculiar, for example, there is Cadbury, a tramp who appears and squats in Mike’s flat whilst he’s on a brief respite in Hell. He has a number of very unusual qualities including the ability to read minds. Sounds odd? Yes, but it does fit well in the story.
Towards the latter part of the book, the tone changed somewhat as Mike builds the religion and follows his own plan, but primarily because he grows much closer to Cathy. Fireproof becomes more a story of redemption and relationships.
Overall, I enjoyed Fireproof. It’s a very good read if you enjoy something a bit different.
**Originally reviewed for Books & Pals blog. May have received a review copy.**
April 25, 2015
This is a wonderful piece of modern day fantasy. Gerard Brennan writes with dark humour reflecting on the blackest aspects of violence in Northern Ireland. He doesn't marginalise the troubles, deaths or senseless violence he brings fresh eyes and subverts it with comedic situations.
This is a challenge to the many words used to justify a position and in allegorical symbolism and almost parable like narrative he helps the reader take a fresh perspective.
The result is a novel that will help you smile and think in equal measure.
The premise is absurd but it is written so well you are enfolded into the story and enjoy its outworking as the fantasy plays out.
Our hero Mike Rocks is brutally killed and ends up in hell by error; sufficient that he cannot be suitably tortured and perpetually punished. In effect he is as the title suggests Fireproof.
The novel is based on the premise that he returns to Belfast on an evangelical mission to promote Satanic cult worship at the Devil's bidding. He is motivated to comply as he has his own scores to settle with those who brought about his untimely death.
His recruitment drives, mistakes that cause Lucifer to loose patience with him and the values he learns makes this a great book that examines religion, sectarianism, love and commitment amongst other ideas. Loved it, as it does not devalue but informs.
This is a challenge to the many words used to justify a position and in allegorical symbolism and almost parable like narrative he helps the reader take a fresh perspective.
The result is a novel that will help you smile and think in equal measure.
The premise is absurd but it is written so well you are enfolded into the story and enjoy its outworking as the fantasy plays out.
Our hero Mike Rocks is brutally killed and ends up in hell by error; sufficient that he cannot be suitably tortured and perpetually punished. In effect he is as the title suggests Fireproof.
The novel is based on the premise that he returns to Belfast on an evangelical mission to promote Satanic cult worship at the Devil's bidding. He is motivated to comply as he has his own scores to settle with those who brought about his untimely death.
His recruitment drives, mistakes that cause Lucifer to loose patience with him and the values he learns makes this a great book that examines religion, sectarianism, love and commitment amongst other ideas. Loved it, as it does not devalue but informs.
August 16, 2012
A book for fans of US TV show Reaper
Fireproof marks a departure for Gerard Brennan. It's not about the mean streets of Belfast, although they do feature as the backdrop.
The main character is murderer Mike, dead and in hell. But Mike doesn't scare easy. He uses his scything wit to keep himself sane, in between sewing his limbs back on when the demon he rooms with rips them off.
When he has a chance to leave hell by Lucifer, by 'becoming a civil servant for Satan' in exchange for a mortal body, that's when the real fun starts.
Brennan favours strong female characters and Fireproof is no different. Step forth, Cathy who wants to be a hired killer. You don't get much more kick ass than that. It’s because of characters like Cathy that Brennan’s books will appeal to women as well as men.
Fireproof isn't as bleak as Brennan's Wee Rockets or The Point, and is written in a light hearted way that makes you like both Mike and Cathy, despite their violence.
It’s an enjoyable romp, with authentic dialogue and is the ideal read to have on your Kindle when you’re travelling and fancy some escapist fiction.
I won't give away the ending, but it leaves you satisfied.
Fireproof marks a departure for Gerard Brennan. It's not about the mean streets of Belfast, although they do feature as the backdrop.
The main character is murderer Mike, dead and in hell. But Mike doesn't scare easy. He uses his scything wit to keep himself sane, in between sewing his limbs back on when the demon he rooms with rips them off.
When he has a chance to leave hell by Lucifer, by 'becoming a civil servant for Satan' in exchange for a mortal body, that's when the real fun starts.
Brennan favours strong female characters and Fireproof is no different. Step forth, Cathy who wants to be a hired killer. You don't get much more kick ass than that. It’s because of characters like Cathy that Brennan’s books will appeal to women as well as men.
Fireproof isn't as bleak as Brennan's Wee Rockets or The Point, and is written in a light hearted way that makes you like both Mike and Cathy, despite their violence.
It’s an enjoyable romp, with authentic dialogue and is the ideal read to have on your Kindle when you’re travelling and fancy some escapist fiction.
I won't give away the ending, but it leaves you satisfied.
January 3, 2013
At first I thought this was just your basic mucking about with heaven and hell. Then the writing style started growing on me, almost a grittier PG Wodehouse. Gradually I realized that this funny sort of fantasy novel had a bigger point to make about Northern Ireland. The morality in the novel is not black and white (or good and evil) any more than the political situation there is. Brennan's light touch will make this an enjoyable read, whether you agree with my interpretation or not. If you enjoy funny crime novels or maybe JR Ward's Fallen Angels series, you might enjoy Fireproof.
August 20, 2016
Part Irish crime, part keyhole into the afterlife. A fun romp through hell and Belfast from the ever-reliable Brennan.
October 23, 2016
Very different, funny but not in a laugh out loud kind of way.
Well written.
Will look out for another from Gerard, thats for sure
Well written.
Will look out for another from Gerard, thats for sure
June 4, 2018
Heavenly and Hellish in equal measure.
Lots of laugh out loud moments but also times when I nearly out the book down unfinished. It will not go on my list of books to read again but glad I persevered with it.
Lots of laugh out loud moments but also times when I nearly out the book down unfinished. It will not go on my list of books to read again but glad I persevered with it.
April 23, 2018
A great new story
Fun innovative as a great read. Meet Mike Rocks a man who returns from Hell again and again, all to set up The new church of Lucifer. Excellent. Hope there's a sequel.
Fun innovative as a great read. Meet Mike Rocks a man who returns from Hell again and again, all to set up The new church of Lucifer. Excellent. Hope there's a sequel.
June 14, 2018
Fun bit of chewing gum for the eyes. Nothing to dislike about this story, nice twist on the whole heaven and hell subject.
February 27, 2020
Five star story, zero star editing. Full of illiterate mistakes.
July 25, 2023
This book was a joy to behold, good craic as they say and just a wee bit cynical.
October 3, 2012
Gerard Brennan is one of those names in the circles I have come to know that oozes quality. Having read his WEE ROCKETS a short while back I was keen to have a look at his next outing - FIREPROOF - as quick as I could.
I was not disappointed.
Mmm . . . 'equal parts crime fiction, dark urban fantasy, and black comedy' - well there's a thing, eh. And I'd have to say it's a pretty accurate description.
FIREPROOF begins with Mike, a former Belfast bad boy, in Hell, being swallowed by his room-mate - a demon of horrific proportions, and somewhat unpleasant odours. Mike is no ordinary denzien of Hell, however. He has . . . powers. A bargain is struck twixt Mike and Lucifer, and Mike returns to life charged with spreading the word of Satansim, as only he can.
Let me say this first. I did not know what to expect from this book. I suppose I expected it to be similar to Wee Rockets, set as it is in Belfast, written by Gerard Brennan, noted for his Crime Fiction. But FIREPROOF is like nothing I've ever read before. Sure, it has it's crime-fiction elements. A vicious torturing gang, revenge killings, bank jobs, and numerous odious characters. But it is also a story of redemption, of hope, of the nature of religion, and of the spirit of man. And any story that includes Cerberus the three-headed dog of Greek mythology, a foul-mouthed imp, and a clairvoyant tramp called Cadbury, has my vote.
FIREPROOF is, like WEE ROCKETS, set in modern day Belfast. Brennan writes Belfast like his heart beats and bleeds for the place in equal measure. FIREPROOF is as much a social statement as anything else; a chilling indictment of the modern day world we live in - a tale of the lost and the dispossessed, the broken and the weary.
But like I said, it is also surreal and hilarious. Amongst the hilarity, however, and the darkness, there is a gentleness that shines through in Brennan's writing. Every character has feelings. Every character is vulnerable - even the imp. The central character, Mike, is brilliantly written, and the way he changes throughout the book, the way his vulnerability is exposed, is so subtle as to be almost imperceptible - until the end.
Just little touches, you know.And little touches make a great writer.
And through it all, beneath the surface, and above it, there is the constant dialogue regarding the very nature of belief itself.
FIREPROOF has many levels. It will make you laugh, it will make you shudder, and it will make you think.
A brilliant, stunningly original, book by a very talented author.
Top stuff, sir.
I was not disappointed.
Mmm . . . 'equal parts crime fiction, dark urban fantasy, and black comedy' - well there's a thing, eh. And I'd have to say it's a pretty accurate description.
FIREPROOF begins with Mike, a former Belfast bad boy, in Hell, being swallowed by his room-mate - a demon of horrific proportions, and somewhat unpleasant odours. Mike is no ordinary denzien of Hell, however. He has . . . powers. A bargain is struck twixt Mike and Lucifer, and Mike returns to life charged with spreading the word of Satansim, as only he can.
Let me say this first. I did not know what to expect from this book. I suppose I expected it to be similar to Wee Rockets, set as it is in Belfast, written by Gerard Brennan, noted for his Crime Fiction. But FIREPROOF is like nothing I've ever read before. Sure, it has it's crime-fiction elements. A vicious torturing gang, revenge killings, bank jobs, and numerous odious characters. But it is also a story of redemption, of hope, of the nature of religion, and of the spirit of man. And any story that includes Cerberus the three-headed dog of Greek mythology, a foul-mouthed imp, and a clairvoyant tramp called Cadbury, has my vote.
FIREPROOF is, like WEE ROCKETS, set in modern day Belfast. Brennan writes Belfast like his heart beats and bleeds for the place in equal measure. FIREPROOF is as much a social statement as anything else; a chilling indictment of the modern day world we live in - a tale of the lost and the dispossessed, the broken and the weary.
But like I said, it is also surreal and hilarious. Amongst the hilarity, however, and the darkness, there is a gentleness that shines through in Brennan's writing. Every character has feelings. Every character is vulnerable - even the imp. The central character, Mike, is brilliantly written, and the way he changes throughout the book, the way his vulnerability is exposed, is so subtle as to be almost imperceptible - until the end.
Just little touches, you know.And little touches make a great writer.
And through it all, beneath the surface, and above it, there is the constant dialogue regarding the very nature of belief itself.
FIREPROOF has many levels. It will make you laugh, it will make you shudder, and it will make you think.
A brilliant, stunningly original, book by a very talented author.
Top stuff, sir.
February 27, 2017
I liked this book and most fantasy these days bores me
I thought the ending was a little too lovey dovey for the nature of the book
I thought the ending was a little too lovey dovey for the nature of the book
November 3, 2014
Well, fuck me sideways! What a bloody excellent book! Really. It’s brilliant!
*some slight hint-y-type spoilers below*
It's packed brim(stone)ful with dark, violent humour and gittish little demons that fully deserve to be stuffed inside hand dryers and electrocuted. I loved this book and found myself giggling aloud through most of it.
There’s some great characterisation and storytelling. The plot is fairly fluid and fast-moving, never lingering on one scene for too long. It’s very intelligently written.
Only a couple of errors that I spotted – e.g. an effected instead of affected and a comma or two out of place (not exactly enough to complain about!). The writing wasn’t high English, but it was good, solid prose.
However, the part where everyone inexplicably fancies the pants off seppuku Mike was a bit jarring. Sure, he’s supposed to be charismatic and BIG, but I thought that section was born of a touch of male ego overgrowth.
I was a touch annoyed that Cathy seems to use her attractiveness to seduce and then take advantage of people repeatedly. She seemed intelligent enough to be far more cunning and wily than that.
That said, I’m pretty much nit-picking. At one point I was doubtful that Brennan could wrap this up in any way that justified the main body of the book, but he did. The ending was perfect.
This book definitely deserves its five stars.
*some slight hint-y-type spoilers below*
It's packed brim(stone)ful with dark, violent humour and gittish little demons that fully deserve to be stuffed inside hand dryers and electrocuted. I loved this book and found myself giggling aloud through most of it.
There’s some great characterisation and storytelling. The plot is fairly fluid and fast-moving, never lingering on one scene for too long. It’s very intelligently written.
Only a couple of errors that I spotted – e.g. an effected instead of affected and a comma or two out of place (not exactly enough to complain about!). The writing wasn’t high English, but it was good, solid prose.
However, the part where everyone inexplicably fancies the pants off seppuku Mike was a bit jarring. Sure, he’s supposed to be charismatic and BIG, but I thought that section was born of a touch of male ego overgrowth.
I was a touch annoyed that Cathy seems to use her attractiveness to seduce and then take advantage of people repeatedly. She seemed intelligent enough to be far more cunning and wily than that.
That said, I’m pretty much nit-picking. At one point I was doubtful that Brennan could wrap this up in any way that justified the main body of the book, but he did. The ending was perfect.
This book definitely deserves its five stars.
October 29, 2012
I had always heard that Gerard Brennan was a crime writer. So imagine my surprise when reading the first chapter of Fireproof. It came off a lot more like Bizarro (a genre of humorous, weird and absurd fiction) than traditional crime fare. The rest of the book doesn't stay as crazy as this first chapter but still continues to be weird. In a good way.
Mike Rocks is a guy sent from hell by Lucifer to start the True Church Of Satanism. Then he dies. He's sent back again and, well, dies again. He finally keeps a body and gets the ball rolling along with his murderous girlfriend, a homeless man turned assistant with strange powers and his High Priest. Not only does he have a job to do for Lucifer, but has his own plans of revenge. Revenge against the men that killed him in the first place.
Fireproof is full of dark humor and bizarre creatures like The Imp and Cerberus and a worm-like thing who's name I can't pronounce. It's a unique novel without a cliche in sight and plenty of believable characters. Although I was a little disappointed in the ending (I would have liked to see where the Church Of Satanism plot could lead to) it's a twisted book that horror and crime fans would both enjoy.
Mike Rocks is a guy sent from hell by Lucifer to start the True Church Of Satanism. Then he dies. He's sent back again and, well, dies again. He finally keeps a body and gets the ball rolling along with his murderous girlfriend, a homeless man turned assistant with strange powers and his High Priest. Not only does he have a job to do for Lucifer, but has his own plans of revenge. Revenge against the men that killed him in the first place.
Fireproof is full of dark humor and bizarre creatures like The Imp and Cerberus and a worm-like thing who's name I can't pronounce. It's a unique novel without a cliche in sight and plenty of believable characters. Although I was a little disappointed in the ending (I would have liked to see where the Church Of Satanism plot could lead to) it's a twisted book that horror and crime fans would both enjoy.
March 7, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, which rightly or wrongly, set me in mind of a better version of Little Nicky. Perhaps in other hands, the story of a murdered man being sent back to Earth from Hell to wreak havoc by punting satanism to the disillusioned masses would have resulted in a macabre horror-fest filled to the brim with things I'm not bothered about. However, the way Gerard Brennan injects a fantastic sense of humour, three dimensional characters, and dialogue that a lot of other writers would literally kill for, totally sets this apart.
Mike Rocks is the charismatic, witty protagonist who we all wish we were, Cathy is his smart talking, sexy, sassy perfect woman, and his increasingly paranormal sidekick Cadbury is brilliant.
Refreshing and different, and for all of the religious undertones, really funny. Top read.
Mike Rocks is the charismatic, witty protagonist who we all wish we were, Cathy is his smart talking, sexy, sassy perfect woman, and his increasingly paranormal sidekick Cadbury is brilliant.
Refreshing and different, and for all of the religious undertones, really funny. Top read.
September 29, 2012
The publisher's notes on the book peaked my interest. I love urban fantasy, dark humor and stories about Belfast. I watch the BBC America series "Being Human" and loved "Of Blood and Honey (A Book of the Fey and the Fallen") by Stina Leicht. The newsletter from the publisher said they were looking for early readers so I sent them a note telling them I read a lot of urban fantasy and science fiction but not horror. Don't send me any horror.
I didn't find any humor in this book. To me, putting someone in a bathtub and hammering their arms to the walls is just gruesome. The book might be for people who enjoyed "Kill Bill" and other bloody, gory movies. I found it repulsive.
I didn't find any humor in this book. To me, putting someone in a bathtub and hammering their arms to the walls is just gruesome. The book might be for people who enjoyed "Kill Bill" and other bloody, gory movies. I found it repulsive.
August 19, 2012
Meet Mike Rocks. Mike is a regular guy living in Belfast, or so it seems. As it turns out, Mike is the very charismatic leader of the True Church of Satan on Earth, and as such, has some very unique co-stars, including an imp that appears on his shoulder to give advice, and a three-headed dog that doles out punishment.
FIREPROOF is a lighthearted romp through Hell (and in some cases, Hell on Earth) that reminds me of the works of Sam Raimi. If you like irreverent books that deal with larger-than-life issues, this book's for you.
FIREPROOF is a lighthearted romp through Hell (and in some cases, Hell on Earth) that reminds me of the works of Sam Raimi. If you like irreverent books that deal with larger-than-life issues, this book's for you.
October 5, 2012
Wow. What a story. I have never read anything like this before. A new direction for Brennan. I wasn't sure that I was going to like this because I love Brennan's crime novels. This is a must read for someone who wants a change in their usual reading material. Loved it from start to finish!
May 11, 2013
Moment to moment, Fireproof is moderately entertaining. It just never really winds up going anywhere or gelling as a whole experience. Still, despite the deeply questionable cover, you could do worse for devil-related shenanigans.
November 26, 2012
Very entertaining and quite a departure from Brennan's previous crime novel Wee Rockets. Really enjoyed it.
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