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Billy Purgatory and the Curse of the Satanic Five
Billy Purgatory is a man plagued by questions - about his mother's disappearance, his love-hate relationship with vampire fatale Anastasia, and why the Time Zombie keeps stealing his girlfriends. The search for answers frequently leads him into danger and the darker corners of the world, corners he would prefer not to see. In his quest for answers, Billy begins using the Zombie's powers for his own designs, hurtling into the past in a time-bending attempt to create an ideal present. No one can predict the outcome of such a plan - especially not Billy. This time, his adventures take him high above the African plains, through the sleek, marbled halls of a mysterious mansion brimming with sinister science, and across the U.S. on a heated road trip with none other than Anastasia at his side. Vampires, demons, and an evil cabal known simply as the Satanic Five are all hot on his trail. Some answers don't come easily...but that's never stopped Billy Purgatory.
390 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2012
13 people want to read
About the author
Jesse James Freeman
5 books47 followersHi. I write books because my therapist said that I need to express myself in a positive way. Thus, after sniffing too much Carpet Fresh, Billy Purgatory: I am the Devil Bird & Billy Purgatory and the Curse of the Satanic Five were born into the world as the gypsy lady predicted long ago.
They're about skateboards, Greek mythology monster stuff, Jimmy Hoffa, emotionally-unavailable vampire girlfriends, LBJ's UFO, and tentacles.
I don't think either of those books were what my therapist had in mind because she started charging me more after they were published.
I also contributed to: Write for the Fight by Tess Thompson and Tracey Frazier, Nightfalls: Notes from the end of the world, and the Orange Karen Anthology.
I'm at war with: cobras, yetis, lasers, tequila, and leprechaun-robots.
I'm also the Director of Community Management for Booktrope.
They're about skateboards, Greek mythology monster stuff, Jimmy Hoffa, emotionally-unavailable vampire girlfriends, LBJ's UFO, and tentacles.
I don't think either of those books were what my therapist had in mind because she started charging me more after they were published.
I also contributed to: Write for the Fight by Tess Thompson and Tracey Frazier, Nightfalls: Notes from the end of the world, and the Orange Karen Anthology.
I'm at war with: cobras, yetis, lasers, tequila, and leprechaun-robots.
I'm also the Director of Community Management for Booktrope.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 16, 2013
More Billy more Billy!!! Huzzah! He's back! Can't wait for the next installment. If you haven't met Billy Purgatory yet, you need to check him out. These books are rude, crude and filled to the brim with awesomesauce!
April 23, 2014
When we left off in Billy Purgatory: I Am the Devil Bird, the skateboarding namesake had hitched a ride with the Time Zombie that haunted Billy throughout the first book. In Billy Purgatory and the Curse of the Satanic Five, we initially follow a 10-year-old Billy, who is also holding on tightly to the Time Zombie. Although this may be disconcerting as it was an adult Billy we were following at the end of the first book, all is soon revealed. Well not all. In fact, author Jesse James Freeman continues to enthrall me with the complexity of the story he has woven about a skateboarding punk and his on again, off again relationship with the imperfectly evil vampire Anastasia.
Billy seems to have a humanizing effect on the green-eyed vampire, who in no way leaves behind her sarcasm and dark impulses. Her evolution from evil to only slightly evil with a side of ornery made me start to love her. Their growing relationship is complete with barbs, quick quips and a genuine love for one another, adding a well-executed offbeat romance to a story that is wholly unique. Meanwhile, the resident gypsy has hooked up with one of the members of the Satanic Five, allowing the reader to meet Moon, who also became one of my favorite characters. And I usually don’t like evil.
Undertones of Greek Mythology continue in book two with both Artemis and Medusa making appearances once again. At the end, the reader is left with a cliffhanger. And I still have so many questions, like what is going on? There’s nothing predictable here folks, so if you like to be kept guessing, these books may appeal to you. I’m sure I will not be able to resist reading the third installment, not only for the story but for the title of the book itself: Billy Purgatory: Tacos Before Armageddon. I think I might dial-up Freeman’s services to title my books and name my characters. He’s got a gift for storytelling. I just love the pictures he can paint with words, excluding his ability to create scenes so graphic they can make you shudder. Which I did. Read it!
Billy seems to have a humanizing effect on the green-eyed vampire, who in no way leaves behind her sarcasm and dark impulses. Her evolution from evil to only slightly evil with a side of ornery made me start to love her. Their growing relationship is complete with barbs, quick quips and a genuine love for one another, adding a well-executed offbeat romance to a story that is wholly unique. Meanwhile, the resident gypsy has hooked up with one of the members of the Satanic Five, allowing the reader to meet Moon, who also became one of my favorite characters. And I usually don’t like evil.
Undertones of Greek Mythology continue in book two with both Artemis and Medusa making appearances once again. At the end, the reader is left with a cliffhanger. And I still have so many questions, like what is going on? There’s nothing predictable here folks, so if you like to be kept guessing, these books may appeal to you. I’m sure I will not be able to resist reading the third installment, not only for the story but for the title of the book itself: Billy Purgatory: Tacos Before Armageddon. I think I might dial-up Freeman’s services to title my books and name my characters. He’s got a gift for storytelling. I just love the pictures he can paint with words, excluding his ability to create scenes so graphic they can make you shudder. Which I did. Read it!
October 7, 2012
I was fortunate enough to have received an advanced copy of Billy two. I really enjoyed Billy one and was anxiously awaiting the release of the sequel. The Curse of the Satanic Five sort of picks up where the first book left off. The story is full of action and non-stop adventure. The plot is deep and twisting. The author did not let me down. The sequel revolves around the consequences of Billy’s actions in the first book. Without giving away spoilers, the Satanic Five are after Billy and Anastasia. They are unleashing all, in their attempts for revenge.
The story is well written and fast paced. The characters are rich, full of life and enjoyable. I had a few minor issues with the story. I found the beginning confusing; it took me several pages of reading before I realized where I was at in the story. There are also a few chapters in the book that breaks away from the story line to introduce new information, I found these breaks distracting. The distractions lessened slightly my enjoyment of the story. Lastly, what happens to Billy at the end of this book made me raise my eyebrows. I won’t go into detail, read for yourself.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it and the first book, to everyone I meet. The storyline is unique, refreshing and entertaining. If you’ve read the first, the second is a must. I for one cannot wait for the third installment.
The story is well written and fast paced. The characters are rich, full of life and enjoyable. I had a few minor issues with the story. I found the beginning confusing; it took me several pages of reading before I realized where I was at in the story. There are also a few chapters in the book that breaks away from the story line to introduce new information, I found these breaks distracting. The distractions lessened slightly my enjoyment of the story. Lastly, what happens to Billy at the end of this book made me raise my eyebrows. I won’t go into detail, read for yourself.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it and the first book, to everyone I meet. The storyline is unique, refreshing and entertaining. If you’ve read the first, the second is a must. I for one cannot wait for the third installment.
October 8, 2012
Billy Purgatory 1 was hilarious, action-packed, wacky, and wonderful. It was hard to imagine that Book 2 could take the saga to a whole new level, but it sure did. Last we saw, Billy and Anastasia were hurtling through time with the Time Zombie: now we get to find out where they end up. And it's not exactly the time--or continent--you might have expected. Then there are the new tragi-comic figures, like Anastasia's not-protegee Margot, the cute but insecure lab worker Mira, and the Dominatrix-style badass Moon. And with the return of other haunts from his life like Lissandra, Uncle Priest, and even the Devil Bird, Billy Purgatory is in for one hell of a skateboard ride.
October 29, 2012
I absolutely loved this book and the first one as well.
I only had one serious complaint about the book... It was written in October 2012, which means I'm going to have to wait a while for the follow up book. :)
Definitely a fun book to read.
I only had one serious complaint about the book... It was written in October 2012, which means I'm going to have to wait a while for the follow up book. :)
Definitely a fun book to read.
January 26, 2015
Billy Purgatory, Meet Billy Pilgrim
As the High Elder says, "It is good that you are insane, Billy Purgatory. It might be just the edge you need." With that, Billy will drop his wheels to the ramp, put his foot on the deck, push off, and take us flying to yet more crazy worlds of wonder, adventure and despair. Always with a smart mouth and a badass attitude, and never with a plan.
This book is a sustained headlong rush. The writing is breathless, full of bravado and the staccato sounds and rhythms of a man on the move. The skateboard is a token of that just-under-control forward progress, and Billy has everything any hero or anti-hero ever had, just moreso.
The first Billy Purgatory book had the feel of a jazzy, beat combo. This is more restrained and structured, and the Billy Purgatory story starts to come together and patterns and connections begin to emerge. It rewards readers of Book One and promises greater rewards for those waiting for Book Three.
But here's the best part. All of the standards, (plot, character development, suspense and resolution), don't matter. Jumble is as jumble does. Here, there are phrases, lines and whole paragraphs that just grab you and impress you. This author can create a memorable character, he can set a scene, he can call up a mood, and he can involve the reader in the story, even if its all a bit hazy or manic around the edges.
So, it's strange, in places it's drop-dead funny, it's loaded with slightly off-kilter hard boiled narration and patter, and it takes big swipes at big topics. It's decadent and yet behind the gonzo it is carefully crafted and very knowing. This is a grabber and a keeper. Give this to the hippest teen you know, keep one for yourself, and wait for Book Three.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
As the High Elder says, "It is good that you are insane, Billy Purgatory. It might be just the edge you need." With that, Billy will drop his wheels to the ramp, put his foot on the deck, push off, and take us flying to yet more crazy worlds of wonder, adventure and despair. Always with a smart mouth and a badass attitude, and never with a plan.
This book is a sustained headlong rush. The writing is breathless, full of bravado and the staccato sounds and rhythms of a man on the move. The skateboard is a token of that just-under-control forward progress, and Billy has everything any hero or anti-hero ever had, just moreso.
The first Billy Purgatory book had the feel of a jazzy, beat combo. This is more restrained and structured, and the Billy Purgatory story starts to come together and patterns and connections begin to emerge. It rewards readers of Book One and promises greater rewards for those waiting for Book Three.
But here's the best part. All of the standards, (plot, character development, suspense and resolution), don't matter. Jumble is as jumble does. Here, there are phrases, lines and whole paragraphs that just grab you and impress you. This author can create a memorable character, he can set a scene, he can call up a mood, and he can involve the reader in the story, even if its all a bit hazy or manic around the edges.
So, it's strange, in places it's drop-dead funny, it's loaded with slightly off-kilter hard boiled narration and patter, and it takes big swipes at big topics. It's decadent and yet behind the gonzo it is carefully crafted and very knowing. This is a grabber and a keeper. Give this to the hippest teen you know, keep one for yourself, and wait for Book Three.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
June 14, 2015
Disclaimer: Whilst I bought this book out of my own money, Jesse is published and represented by Booktrope, the same publisher which is releasing my debut novella, No Rest for the Wicked.
If you’ve read Billy Purgatory: I am the Devil Bird then this is basically that book, but on acid, and I’m pretty sure the first book was stoned to begin with. Oh man, where do I start?
Basically, Billy Purgatory is a skateboard-wielding badass, who by the end of this book is pretty much whatever age you want him to be. In fact, by the time that you’ve ended up with multiple versions of him in the same room, and they’re talking about alternate realities, your brain is pretty much fried. For that sole reason, I had to give this an eight when I gave the first book a nine – it took me longer to get into it, but once I was there, I was hooked.
And because of the complexities of the story line in the second book, I honestly can’t figure out whether it matters if you read the books in order or not – I usually have pretty strong opinions on this, when I read a book that’s part of a series, but for the first time since I launched SocialBookshelves.com, I just can’t figure it out!
Still, I was super happy to learn Billy’s middle name and to watch his relationship with Anastacia develop. And then there’s the other big positive to reading something that Jesse has written, which is the fact that you get to read something that he’s written. He writes with colloquialisms, but not so many that they get annoying, and his dialogue is razor sharp – I’m not saying that he isn’t good at writing descriptively, but dialogue is definitely his strength.
Overall, if you read and enjoyed the first Billy Purgatory book, then you should definitely think about reading this one too. If you haven’t read the first book, go and read that, see what you think, and follow it up with this one if you get hooked into the series, like I did. Now that’s badass.
If you’ve read Billy Purgatory: I am the Devil Bird then this is basically that book, but on acid, and I’m pretty sure the first book was stoned to begin with. Oh man, where do I start?
Basically, Billy Purgatory is a skateboard-wielding badass, who by the end of this book is pretty much whatever age you want him to be. In fact, by the time that you’ve ended up with multiple versions of him in the same room, and they’re talking about alternate realities, your brain is pretty much fried. For that sole reason, I had to give this an eight when I gave the first book a nine – it took me longer to get into it, but once I was there, I was hooked.
And because of the complexities of the story line in the second book, I honestly can’t figure out whether it matters if you read the books in order or not – I usually have pretty strong opinions on this, when I read a book that’s part of a series, but for the first time since I launched SocialBookshelves.com, I just can’t figure it out!
Still, I was super happy to learn Billy’s middle name and to watch his relationship with Anastacia develop. And then there’s the other big positive to reading something that Jesse has written, which is the fact that you get to read something that he’s written. He writes with colloquialisms, but not so many that they get annoying, and his dialogue is razor sharp – I’m not saying that he isn’t good at writing descriptively, but dialogue is definitely his strength.
Overall, if you read and enjoyed the first Billy Purgatory book, then you should definitely think about reading this one too. If you haven’t read the first book, go and read that, see what you think, and follow it up with this one if you get hooked into the series, like I did. Now that’s badass.
July 20, 2016
This second book picks up right where the first one, Billy Purgatory: I Am the Devil Bird, left off. There’s a Time Zombie falling through the sky … and he’s got a black-haired skateboarder clinging tightly to him. This tale, much like Billy’s ride through the air alongside his time traveling companion, twists, turns and flies … then lands with a surprising—and delightfully clever—cliff hanger you will never see coming.
Billy assumes that he’s returned to somewhere familiar, but it becomes obvious very quickly that this is not the case. He finds that he’s not only on a different continent, but in an alternate dimension … and that he’s not the adult we left at the end of book one, but a child. Once both grown up Billy and ten-year old Billy get themselves back to their normal dimension, we learn that all of the time traveling they’ve done has served up some unexpected consequences. The adventures that ensue are non-stop and wildly entertaining.
I won’t go into any more detail about story line—only to say that Freeman is an absolute genius when it comes to building and executing an intricate and complex plot. All of the characters I loved (and some I didn’t) made a return visit … and I was treated once more to the multifaceted, offbeat, difficult and ultimately romantic relationship between Billy and Anastasia. There are a few new characters added to the mix, and this second book holds just as many surprises and fast paced story telling as the first.
Jesse James Freeman’s writing is extraordinary. His imagination knows no bounds. Luckily for his readers, neither does his skill for building and shaping words into the most creative and crazy-wonderful tales. Billy Purgatory: And the Curse of the Satanic Five is delightful and dark, breathtaking and hilarious. I don’t know how Freeman does it … I’m just thrilled that he does, and I can’t wait to jump into the next installment of Billy’s fantastic adventures.
Billy assumes that he’s returned to somewhere familiar, but it becomes obvious very quickly that this is not the case. He finds that he’s not only on a different continent, but in an alternate dimension … and that he’s not the adult we left at the end of book one, but a child. Once both grown up Billy and ten-year old Billy get themselves back to their normal dimension, we learn that all of the time traveling they’ve done has served up some unexpected consequences. The adventures that ensue are non-stop and wildly entertaining.
I won’t go into any more detail about story line—only to say that Freeman is an absolute genius when it comes to building and executing an intricate and complex plot. All of the characters I loved (and some I didn’t) made a return visit … and I was treated once more to the multifaceted, offbeat, difficult and ultimately romantic relationship between Billy and Anastasia. There are a few new characters added to the mix, and this second book holds just as many surprises and fast paced story telling as the first.
Jesse James Freeman’s writing is extraordinary. His imagination knows no bounds. Luckily for his readers, neither does his skill for building and shaping words into the most creative and crazy-wonderful tales. Billy Purgatory: And the Curse of the Satanic Five is delightful and dark, breathtaking and hilarious. I don’t know how Freeman does it … I’m just thrilled that he does, and I can’t wait to jump into the next installment of Billy’s fantastic adventures.
October 8, 2012
Jesse James Freeman has done it again, folks! Billy Purgatory and the Curse of the Satanic Five is out for your eyes...and your heart!
The second installment in the Billy Purgatory Series starts off right where the first one (Billy Purgatory: I am the Devil Bird...go get it if you haven't read it!) left off...Billy and the Time Zombie!
This book has a lot more of the same awesome-ness as the first book...only bigger...and more badass!!! We see the return of some of our favorites (Billy, Anastasia, Lissandra, the Time Zombie and so on), but it also adds some new names to the mix...yay!!! I love being able to connect with the characters in a book and this series is a great one to have that happen. Even if what happens to them might not be what you want...or expect. ;-)
As with the first Billy Purgatory book, I’m blown away by Mr. Freeman’s descriptions. He seriously has a way with the words...so much so that I was up until 3:30am ( yes...AM!!! ) so that I could get to the end of the book and find out what happens next. And It was so worth it...so, so worth it! Even though I bawled like a baby during one scene...ok, maybe two...or three. Shut up...I’m an emotional soul!
So...here is what you need to do...like, right now...ready? Write it down...
Step 1: Make sure you’ve read “Billy Purgatory: I am the Devil Bird” (Book 1).
Step 2: Buy this book.
Step 3: Read this book.
Step 4: Share it’s awesome-ness with everyone you come in contact with.
Step 5: Wait for Billy 3...and repeat steps 1, 3 and 4 while you patiently wait.
I’m on Step 5...how about you???
The second installment in the Billy Purgatory Series starts off right where the first one (Billy Purgatory: I am the Devil Bird...go get it if you haven't read it!) left off...Billy and the Time Zombie!
This book has a lot more of the same awesome-ness as the first book...only bigger...and more badass!!! We see the return of some of our favorites (Billy, Anastasia, Lissandra, the Time Zombie and so on), but it also adds some new names to the mix...yay!!! I love being able to connect with the characters in a book and this series is a great one to have that happen. Even if what happens to them might not be what you want...or expect. ;-)
As with the first Billy Purgatory book, I’m blown away by Mr. Freeman’s descriptions. He seriously has a way with the words...so much so that I was up until 3:30am ( yes...AM!!! ) so that I could get to the end of the book and find out what happens next. And It was so worth it...so, so worth it! Even though I bawled like a baby during one scene...ok, maybe two...or three. Shut up...I’m an emotional soul!
So...here is what you need to do...like, right now...ready? Write it down...
Step 1: Make sure you’ve read “Billy Purgatory: I am the Devil Bird” (Book 1).
Step 2: Buy this book.
Step 3: Read this book.
Step 4: Share it’s awesome-ness with everyone you come in contact with.
Step 5: Wait for Billy 3...and repeat steps 1, 3 and 4 while you patiently wait.
I’m on Step 5...how about you???
September 28, 2013
Oh my gosh, this series has pulled me in by the neck. I just love it. I keep thinking of the terms the author uses in my real life LOL. I find myself seeing a skateboarder or a shirt on some kid and thinking of Billy Purgatory. Jesse James Freeman is a gifted author. And he weaves such great tales. I highly recommend to anyone who loves adrenaline, adventure sports, fantasy, ok pretty much everyone.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews