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Demons in the Big Easy
Adventurous in her youth, Cassandra built gateways between Domhan and its parallel realm of Earth. Now she’s too old for that kind of thing. But something is making it easier for demons to pass into Domhan. Not only that, but their behavior becomes inexplicable: whenever Cassandra banishes one, it laughs at her rather than resists, and it promises it will soon devour her essence and that of every resident of her small village. Cassandra is certain such a thing is impossible, for strong wards protect her village.
But then Cassandra’s granddaughter Aine falls through an unstable gateway. Cassandra is the only one within a hundred miles capable of creating a gateway and bringing Aine back. Despite her aching joints, Cassandra goes after her, and the gateway lands her in New Orleans. But something goes wrong with her tracking spell, which indicates Aine exists in four different places at once. As Cassandra struggles to find the true location of her granddaughter in the Big Easy, she discovers the source of the demons’ confidence. Now, with an unlikely pair of allies—her timid granddaughter and a homeless man who may or may not be crazy—she has to not only save her granddaughter but also prevent both Domhan and Earth from being overrun by demons.
But then Cassandra’s granddaughter Aine falls through an unstable gateway. Cassandra is the only one within a hundred miles capable of creating a gateway and bringing Aine back. Despite her aching joints, Cassandra goes after her, and the gateway lands her in New Orleans. But something goes wrong with her tracking spell, which indicates Aine exists in four different places at once. As Cassandra struggles to find the true location of her granddaughter in the Big Easy, she discovers the source of the demons’ confidence. Now, with an unlikely pair of allies—her timid granddaughter and a homeless man who may or may not be crazy—she has to not only save her granddaughter but also prevent both Domhan and Earth from being overrun by demons.
74 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Marchant
12 books354 followersJamie began writing stories about the man from Mars when she was six, and she never remembers wanting to be anything other than a writer. Everyone told her she needed a back up plan, so she pursued a Ph.D. in American literature, which she received in 1998. She started teaching writing and literature at Auburn University. One day in the midst of writing a piece of literary criticism, she realized she’d put her true passion on the backburner and neglected her muse. The literary article went in the trash, and she began the book that was to become The Goddess’s Choice, which was published in April 2012. Her other novels include The Soul Stone and The Ghost in Exile. In addition, she has published a novella, Demons in the Big Easy, and a collection of short stories, Blood Cursed and Other Tales of the Fantastic. Her short fiction has also appeared in the anthologies--Urban Fantasy and Of Dragons & Magic: Tales of the Lost Worlds—and in Bards & Sages, The World of Myth, A Writer’s Haven, and Short-story.me. She claims she writes about the fantastic . . . and the tortured soul. Her poor characters have hard lives. She lives in Auburn, Alabama, with her husband and four cats, which (or so she’s been told) officially makes her a cat lady. She still teaches writing and literature at Auburn University. She is the mother of a grown son.
Contact me: jamie-marchant@jamie-marchant.com
Contact me: jamie-marchant@jamie-marchant.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 10, 2013
I was given a copy of Demons in the Big Easy in exchange for an honest review.
Demons in the Big Easy turned out to be an entertaining read, and it can easily be enjoyed in one sitting. The main character is elderly witch Cassandra, and I find that an interesting twist in itself. When Cassandra’s granddaughter falls through a portal into another dimension, Cassandra must do all she can to rescue her. There was a bit of confusion at first, since it wasn’t clear where Cassandra lived (if on Earth or in a completely different fantasy world), but that was quickly cleared up when describing the portal: it leads straight to New Orleans.
Here I was really excited because I thought that maybe we would see New Orleans in the heyday of the jazz era. Alas, my hopes were crushed, and the story barely breathes in the New Orleans atmosphere. References are made to the destruction caused by Katrina, but even so we can’t really manage to get a taste of the city. To me it felt like a missed opportunity.
As far as the action goes, it kept moving along at a great pace. There’s no room for boredom! It’s refreshing to see a witch such as Cassandra: full of compassion, but also old and downright tired. The magic Cassandra uses is interesting, although I admit I would have liked to know a bit more. More description of her magic in order to understand it would have benefited the story and made it come more to life, in my opinion.
Several flashbacks were woven into the story. These were short and sweet, and I believe they were nicely placed and helped build up to the finale.
Regarding characterization, I believe this is where the novella needs most work. Cassandra was the point of view character, and her characterization was quite defined. The other characters, however, felt somewhat underdeveloped, especially Cassandra’s other granddaughter Caronwyn. To me it seemed that Caronwyn served the sole purpose of impulsive, oblivious troublemaker, and that became quite annoying. There was no more depth to her.
All in all, Demons in the Big Easy is an entertaining read that will make you smile. My general feeling after having read it is that there should be more. I believe Cassandra has the potential to star in several more novellas and short stories.
Demons in the Big Easy turned out to be an entertaining read, and it can easily be enjoyed in one sitting. The main character is elderly witch Cassandra, and I find that an interesting twist in itself. When Cassandra’s granddaughter falls through a portal into another dimension, Cassandra must do all she can to rescue her. There was a bit of confusion at first, since it wasn’t clear where Cassandra lived (if on Earth or in a completely different fantasy world), but that was quickly cleared up when describing the portal: it leads straight to New Orleans.
Here I was really excited because I thought that maybe we would see New Orleans in the heyday of the jazz era. Alas, my hopes were crushed, and the story barely breathes in the New Orleans atmosphere. References are made to the destruction caused by Katrina, but even so we can’t really manage to get a taste of the city. To me it felt like a missed opportunity.
As far as the action goes, it kept moving along at a great pace. There’s no room for boredom! It’s refreshing to see a witch such as Cassandra: full of compassion, but also old and downright tired. The magic Cassandra uses is interesting, although I admit I would have liked to know a bit more. More description of her magic in order to understand it would have benefited the story and made it come more to life, in my opinion.
Several flashbacks were woven into the story. These were short and sweet, and I believe they were nicely placed and helped build up to the finale.
Regarding characterization, I believe this is where the novella needs most work. Cassandra was the point of view character, and her characterization was quite defined. The other characters, however, felt somewhat underdeveloped, especially Cassandra’s other granddaughter Caronwyn. To me it seemed that Caronwyn served the sole purpose of impulsive, oblivious troublemaker, and that became quite annoying. There was no more depth to her.
All in all, Demons in the Big Easy is an entertaining read that will make you smile. My general feeling after having read it is that there should be more. I believe Cassandra has the potential to star in several more novellas and short stories.
April 4, 2013
Demons in the Big Easy is a short urban fantasy novella following an elderly witch Cassandra as she searches for her lost granddaughter across dimensions from her home world, a fantasy setting where magic is prevalent, to the streets of New Orleans. Along the way she is joined by her other niece, and a homeless guy, as their search leads them into the middle of a major demon plot.
The book was well-written, and flowed easily, with well-developed characters. There is plenty of potential for further development with the characters that could lead into future books. The homeless man, Jake, possesses the potential to learn at least some magic, and there is a hint of romantic interest between him and and another character.
Would I'd like to see more of if this book is made into a series is further development of the fantasy world. This book shows fantasy characters in our world, but we could see the reverse with the other character, Jake, plucking him out of New Orleans. I wouldn't mind seeing more development of the demons either.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It's a sold addition to any urban fantasy library.
The book was well-written, and flowed easily, with well-developed characters. There is plenty of potential for further development with the characters that could lead into future books. The homeless man, Jake, possesses the potential to learn at least some magic, and there is a hint of romantic interest between him and and another character.
Would I'd like to see more of if this book is made into a series is further development of the fantasy world. This book shows fantasy characters in our world, but we could see the reverse with the other character, Jake, plucking him out of New Orleans. I wouldn't mind seeing more development of the demons either.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It's a sold addition to any urban fantasy library.
August 27, 2013
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Cassandra spends her life banishing demons from her world, and wishing she could retire and leave it to someone younger. When her granddaughter Aine falls through a portal to Earth, Cassandra must go to the rescue. Helped by her terrified granddaughter Carronwyn and a homeless man called Jake, Cassandra must locate Aine and get everyone safely home.
This was an interesting and entertaining novella which I read in one sitting. I liked wise Cassandra and thought she showed amazing restraint with the stupidity of Carronwyn, who was irritating in an amusing way. I liked Jake and would have liked a little more about him. I also loved his interfering mother from Hell! She was good fun. The plot moved along at a good rate and there were lots of demons and zombie worshippers.
My one complaint was the sudden abrupt ending which left you not knowing what happened to the characters. How do they get home? Was everybody ok? What did Jake decide to do? I guess I wanted it wrapped up neatly instead of being left hanging a bit as they rest after the big battle.
Decent paranormal fun read.
Cassandra spends her life banishing demons from her world, and wishing she could retire and leave it to someone younger. When her granddaughter Aine falls through a portal to Earth, Cassandra must go to the rescue. Helped by her terrified granddaughter Carronwyn and a homeless man called Jake, Cassandra must locate Aine and get everyone safely home.
This was an interesting and entertaining novella which I read in one sitting. I liked wise Cassandra and thought she showed amazing restraint with the stupidity of Carronwyn, who was irritating in an amusing way. I liked Jake and would have liked a little more about him. I also loved his interfering mother from Hell! She was good fun. The plot moved along at a good rate and there were lots of demons and zombie worshippers.
My one complaint was the sudden abrupt ending which left you not knowing what happened to the characters. How do they get home? Was everybody ok? What did Jake decide to do? I guess I wanted it wrapped up neatly instead of being left hanging a bit as they rest after the big battle.
Decent paranormal fun read.
March 2, 2013
I will say this is a solid 3 star book. It is a good read but has a few technical issues. The flow on story stutters at places and there were a few misses in the editing. Nothing major but another pass through would help to catch a few typos.
This story great bones with this story and a strong character in the grandmother. I like her quite a bit actually. Strong and determined. She is well written. As is the friendly (okay maybe a little too friendly) homeless guy. I liked him though, much more than the granddaughter. She drove me nuts but that is actually the sign of an interesting character. Don't expect a classic but do expect to be surprised and an enjoyable effort from a writer who has potential.
This story great bones with this story and a strong character in the grandmother. I like her quite a bit actually. Strong and determined. She is well written. As is the friendly (okay maybe a little too friendly) homeless guy. I liked him though, much more than the granddaughter. She drove me nuts but that is actually the sign of an interesting character. Don't expect a classic but do expect to be surprised and an enjoyable effort from a writer who has potential.
April 4, 2013
This is a fantastic short read about a dimension hopping witch (Cassandra) searching for her missing granddaughter. She must leave her world, where magic is prevalent, and travel to earth (specifically New Orleans) to find her. What she encounters in New Orleans tests her magic and recalls old memories.
I really enjoyed this book. I think this story has more to tell and would be first in line if the author decided to expand on it. All in all, great read.
I really enjoyed this book. I think this story has more to tell and would be first in line if the author decided to expand on it. All in all, great read.
April 14, 2019
Adventurous in her youth, Cassandra built gateways between Domhan and its parallel realm of Earth. Now she’s too old for that kind of thing. But something is making it easier for demons to pass into Domhan. Not only that, but their behavior becomes inexplicable: whenever Cassandra banishes one, it laughs at her rather than resists, and it promises it will soon devour her essence and that of every resident of her small village. Cassandra is certain such a thing is impossible, for strong wards protect her village.
But then Cassandra’s granddaughter Aine falls through an unstable gateway. Cassandra is the only one within a hundred miles capable of creating a gateway and bringing Aine back. Despite her aching joints, Cassandra goes after her, and the gateway lands her in New Orleans. But something goes wrong with her tracking spell, which indicates Aine exists in four different places at once. As Cassandra struggles to find the true location of her granddaughter in the Big Easy, she discovers the source of the demons’ confidence. Now, with an unlikely pair of allies—her timid granddaughter and a homeless man who may or may not be crazy—she has to not only save her granddaughter but also prevent both Domhan and Earth from being overrun by demons.
I really enjoyed this novella.
Demons in the Big Easy is a short urban fantasy novella following an elderly witch Cassandra as she searches for her lost granddaughter across dimensions.
I think this story has more to tell and would be first in line if the author decided to expand on it.
This story had a perfect mix of mystery, bad guys and horror. I could not believe the end, I never would have thought who the head demon was.
I am hoping for a sequel!
But then Cassandra’s granddaughter Aine falls through an unstable gateway. Cassandra is the only one within a hundred miles capable of creating a gateway and bringing Aine back. Despite her aching joints, Cassandra goes after her, and the gateway lands her in New Orleans. But something goes wrong with her tracking spell, which indicates Aine exists in four different places at once. As Cassandra struggles to find the true location of her granddaughter in the Big Easy, she discovers the source of the demons’ confidence. Now, with an unlikely pair of allies—her timid granddaughter and a homeless man who may or may not be crazy—she has to not only save her granddaughter but also prevent both Domhan and Earth from being overrun by demons.
I really enjoyed this novella.
Demons in the Big Easy is a short urban fantasy novella following an elderly witch Cassandra as she searches for her lost granddaughter across dimensions.
I think this story has more to tell and would be first in line if the author decided to expand on it.
This story had a perfect mix of mystery, bad guys and horror. I could not believe the end, I never would have thought who the head demon was.
I am hoping for a sequel!
March 13, 2018
Unusual story, not my usual read but still held my attention. A woman from another plane, trying to rescue her granddaughter with the help of her other granddaughter and a homeless man. In my opinion the ending could have used a couple more pages, but that's because I like clean cut endings. Still an enjoyable book and worth checking out.
March 31, 2018
Loved the book Cassandra has had a long life destroying demons with her magic
and has buried four of five of her kids. Now she has to save her granddaughter in a different realm.,,
and has buried four of five of her kids. Now she has to save her granddaughter in a different realm.,,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2020
It was a quick read. I would love to know about the characters in a fuller story of Cassandra's past.
May 6, 2013
This is a novella. Personally, I generally wish novellas were longer, not only to prolong the reading experience, but also so that the characters and the setting have time to gain more depth. This novella is no exception. With that said, I did enjoy it.
There are some minor editing issues which I'll be addressing with the author directly, so I won't mention them here. Otherwise, the language is competently used, plain and unadorned. It's jeans and T-shirt language, not tuxedo language, which is fine for the purpose.
I liked the fact that the main character is an elderly woman. That's a nice departure for fantasy, and something I could stand to see more of. Her granddaughter I found irritating, especially the fourth time that her response to a crisis was to sit over someone who was knocked out repeating "Please don't be dead". Three times is the traditional number that you can pull this kind of thing out. After the fourth, it gets old. I also find characters annoying when they are highly anxious but cause trouble for other people by occasionally doing something rash from which they have to be rescued, and such is the granddaughter.
As I mentioned, not a lot of space in a novella for character development, but there was some (not by the annoying granddaughter, though). The main character, in particular, had an important change of perspective in the course of the story. One character functioned purely as a McGuffin or plot motivator, without taking any action or even having any lines, and in general I don't love that, but if it's not overdone I can live with it.
The plot is straightforward enough, as you'd expect in such a short work, with some nice foreshadowing of a twist which still took me by surprise.
The setting, I realize, was probably explored much more thoroughly in the longer book that comes before this one. This is a reverse portal fantasy (someone from another world coming to ours), and most of it was in our world's New Orleans, but what we saw of the other world seemed fairly generic medieval-ish fantasy. I wasn't sure how the naming and language worked; some of the names seemed Celtic, others more Anglo-Saxon, and the main character's name was Greek, but they all apparently spoke modern English which was understood in New Orleans without any locals commenting on their accents. Again, that may be justified in the earlier book. There was a somewhat simplistic moralising moment contrasting the other world's superior understanding of the balance of nature with our world's, a point probably better made by showing than telling, and which was made, I thought, adequately by showing later in the book.
Overall, I'm not quite excited enough by this to give it four stars, but it's a competent story well told.
I received a free copy of the book via the Kindle Book Review site in exchange for an honest review.
There are some minor editing issues which I'll be addressing with the author directly, so I won't mention them here. Otherwise, the language is competently used, plain and unadorned. It's jeans and T-shirt language, not tuxedo language, which is fine for the purpose.
I liked the fact that the main character is an elderly woman. That's a nice departure for fantasy, and something I could stand to see more of. Her granddaughter I found irritating, especially the fourth time that her response to a crisis was to sit over someone who was knocked out repeating "Please don't be dead". Three times is the traditional number that you can pull this kind of thing out. After the fourth, it gets old. I also find characters annoying when they are highly anxious but cause trouble for other people by occasionally doing something rash from which they have to be rescued, and such is the granddaughter.
As I mentioned, not a lot of space in a novella for character development, but there was some (not by the annoying granddaughter, though). The main character, in particular, had an important change of perspective in the course of the story. One character functioned purely as a McGuffin or plot motivator, without taking any action or even having any lines, and in general I don't love that, but if it's not overdone I can live with it.
The plot is straightforward enough, as you'd expect in such a short work, with some nice foreshadowing of a twist which still took me by surprise.
The setting, I realize, was probably explored much more thoroughly in the longer book that comes before this one. This is a reverse portal fantasy (someone from another world coming to ours), and most of it was in our world's New Orleans, but what we saw of the other world seemed fairly generic medieval-ish fantasy. I wasn't sure how the naming and language worked; some of the names seemed Celtic, others more Anglo-Saxon, and the main character's name was Greek, but they all apparently spoke modern English which was understood in New Orleans without any locals commenting on their accents. Again, that may be justified in the earlier book. There was a somewhat simplistic moralising moment contrasting the other world's superior understanding of the balance of nature with our world's, a point probably better made by showing than telling, and which was made, I thought, adequately by showing later in the book.
Overall, I'm not quite excited enough by this to give it four stars, but it's a competent story well told.
I received a free copy of the book via the Kindle Book Review site in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2013
3 Paws - A Diamond In The Rough!
The lovely author of this book, Jamie Marchant, asked me to read and review this book and after reading the blur I was intrigued and figured it was worth a go. It’s sounded a little different and I liked that!
I suppose I should tell you little about this book, basically it’s a fantasy fiction, with demons, witchcraft and adventure. It’s about a woman named Cassandra, who is a witch – yes really – and she lives in a small village in a parcelled world to Earth. Most of her family have died and all she has left is her two granddaughters Aine and Caronwyn, who haven’t inherited her magical ability. She protects her small village by magic but when Aine ‘Falls Through’ (they say this when they mean someone has passed through an unstable portal) her and Caronwyn go after her. It’s and adventure of sorts, they meet and defeat demons that threaten their lives, all the time trying to find Aine. They meet and interesting person called Jake – who’s a bum in New Orleans, who some how possess’s magic and can see demons!?
Lets start by talking about the characters – they are portrayed really well, except for the fact there is no depth to them. Their personality seriously needed padding out and shown more in the book. There was so much more that I was expecting from these characters but it never appeared. They were interestingly dull, if that makes sense.
Please read the rest of my review on the link below!!
Foxys Rambling Book Reviews - Demons In The Big Easy by Jamie Marchant
June 13, 2013
Copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Demons in the Big Easy by Jamie Marchant was quite the delightful read. Fast and easy to read but also very well written it captured my attention right away with the idea of the magical Domhan and the demons that threaten the people there.
In my opinion this book could easily be turned into a full novel. Sure, it needs some work on the characters. I would like to know more about them and their back stories. Also I'd like to know more about the demons. Always interesting to read about.
As for the characters, yes, they need some more character building but since this was a short story there isn't much time for it. Other than that I think Jamie Marchant did a pretty good job of this story.
I really liked Cassandra. Even though she's quite old, she's very strong and would do everything to save her granddauchters. I felt so bad for her at the ending with what happened to her son. Poor woman.
My favorite character, though, was Jake. A homeless guy has got to be one of the most surprising characters I've read about in a while. I really like that there was a love connection with Caronwyn.
So overall this was a very likable and most importantly quick book. It has its flaws but the good writing, original plot and of course let's not forget the setting in New Orleans make up for it. Very nicely done!
Demons in the Big Easy by Jamie Marchant was quite the delightful read. Fast and easy to read but also very well written it captured my attention right away with the idea of the magical Domhan and the demons that threaten the people there.
In my opinion this book could easily be turned into a full novel. Sure, it needs some work on the characters. I would like to know more about them and their back stories. Also I'd like to know more about the demons. Always interesting to read about.
As for the characters, yes, they need some more character building but since this was a short story there isn't much time for it. Other than that I think Jamie Marchant did a pretty good job of this story.
I really liked Cassandra. Even though she's quite old, she's very strong and would do everything to save her granddauchters. I felt so bad for her at the ending with what happened to her son. Poor woman.
My favorite character, though, was Jake. A homeless guy has got to be one of the most surprising characters I've read about in a while. I really like that there was a love connection with Caronwyn.
So overall this was a very likable and most importantly quick book. It has its flaws but the good writing, original plot and of course let's not forget the setting in New Orleans make up for it. Very nicely done!
April 26, 2013
This review is for the Kindle edition ebook.
A grandmother, grandchildren that are twins, a homeless man, and enough love to survive the magic that threatens them.
This is the story of a grandmother who knows magic, her twin grandchildren, and the struggle to survive when the odds are against them. It is also the story of sharing and caring for each other and others.
I was hooked on this story from the beginning. It is a forceful story of love and care even when the odds stack the deck against you. It is a story of an elderly grandmother that is capable of working magic. It is the story of demons, attempting to take over the world.
Jamie Marchant has created a wonderful world of magic and describes in such a way that the reader is drawn into it easily. Much of the story takes place in New Orleans, making the fantasy seem real at times. The story ends with room for a sequel. If you find yourself deep in the story, the ending may come as a surprise, and you too will find yourself thinking "Oh, no, it can't be yet!".
I can recommend to those who enjoy fantasy. The premise of the story is magic to be used to stop demons. It is a wonderful way to make magic become real, even if it is for a very short time. I like the style this author uses, and will be watching for more from her.
February 26, 2013
As the opening of the book, a silver haired woman stood in a graveyard over her long past husband and four of her five children. She was the only woman in the village that was able to block portals and vanquish a demon without flinching.
Cassandra stood firm and only had her twin granddaughters in her life after the loss of the children and her husband. Her world revolved around them.
Soon she would be going through a portal to go and rescue one of her granddaughters that fell through to Earth from their on world.
She would soon find herself and her other granddaughter on Earth and tracking the twin that had fallen through. Only the spell, seemed to have gone all wrong. The tracking spell has her in four different places at one time: North, East, South and West of where she stood. A homeless man lay nearby and they thought he had been asleep. The town thought that he was a crazy man; he could see demons. Cassandra informed him that he wasn't crazy, he was seeing them just the way that they were. Even some of the doctors his mother drug him to were demons.
What will come of the homeless man? Was he really seeing demons? Will they find the lost granddaughter that fell through the gateway?
Buy the book and find out.
Cassandra stood firm and only had her twin granddaughters in her life after the loss of the children and her husband. Her world revolved around them.
Soon she would be going through a portal to go and rescue one of her granddaughters that fell through to Earth from their on world.
She would soon find herself and her other granddaughter on Earth and tracking the twin that had fallen through. Only the spell, seemed to have gone all wrong. The tracking spell has her in four different places at one time: North, East, South and West of where she stood. A homeless man lay nearby and they thought he had been asleep. The town thought that he was a crazy man; he could see demons. Cassandra informed him that he wasn't crazy, he was seeing them just the way that they were. Even some of the doctors his mother drug him to were demons.
What will come of the homeless man? Was he really seeing demons? Will they find the lost granddaughter that fell through the gateway?
Buy the book and find out.
March 10, 2013
Demons in the Big Easy is a novella about a grandmother named Cassandra trying to protect her family and world from demons.
The thing I liked most about this book was Cassandra. In her, you have both a loving grandmother, but also a kick butt witch. Focusing a story like this around someone like her was both unique and enjoyable.
The first half of the novella was excellent. It really drew me in and made me want to read more. The first parts of the plot flowed smoothly, and Cassandra's emotions were expressed very well.
The things I didn't enjoy so much were the character Jake and the further parts of the plot. Jake seemed to come from no where into the story, and I was surprised that Cassandra let him join them. When we meet his mother, I was even more shocked. He talked about his rough past with her, but then he tells her about Cassandra and that world anyway.
The ending didn't give much closure, but what it did seemed too much for a sequel possibly. It would make more sense if there is a sequel, though. The ending with this left a lot of questions.
Overall, I would give it 3 stars. I liked it and I enjoyed reading it, but some parts of it just didn't seem logical to me.
The thing I liked most about this book was Cassandra. In her, you have both a loving grandmother, but also a kick butt witch. Focusing a story like this around someone like her was both unique and enjoyable.
The first half of the novella was excellent. It really drew me in and made me want to read more. The first parts of the plot flowed smoothly, and Cassandra's emotions were expressed very well.
The things I didn't enjoy so much were the character Jake and the further parts of the plot. Jake seemed to come from no where into the story, and I was surprised that Cassandra let him join them. When we meet his mother, I was even more shocked. He talked about his rough past with her, but then he tells her about Cassandra and that world anyway.
The ending didn't give much closure, but what it did seemed too much for a sequel possibly. It would make more sense if there is a sequel, though. The ending with this left a lot of questions.
Overall, I would give it 3 stars. I liked it and I enjoyed reading it, but some parts of it just didn't seem logical to me.
December 21, 2015
http://fallenoverbookreviews.blogspot...
I received this book to give an honest review.
For being such a short read it was actually pretty good.
Though I wanted more of the world Domhan that just seems like a magical place.
Cassandra takes care of all those in Domhan and protects them from demons that pass though from Earth so when her granddaughter falls though a gateway she embarks on an adventure to get her back. They end up in New Orleans (which I love) with the help of her other granddaughter they end up meeting a man named Jack who can see demons which I thought was pretty cool. They try to save Aine before it is too late but who is behind it all?
I do have to say the names bothered me a bit and I guess because two characters had an A name and the other two had C names.
I think that this whole fantasy world could be turned into more novellas. I really liked the flash backs that Cassandra was having because when the big reveal came it was like oh my.
Overall good story. The characters were well developed, the story line was interesting, the only thing needed was more of the world of Domhan.
I received this book to give an honest review.
For being such a short read it was actually pretty good.
Though I wanted more of the world Domhan that just seems like a magical place.
Cassandra takes care of all those in Domhan and protects them from demons that pass though from Earth so when her granddaughter falls though a gateway she embarks on an adventure to get her back. They end up in New Orleans (which I love) with the help of her other granddaughter they end up meeting a man named Jack who can see demons which I thought was pretty cool. They try to save Aine before it is too late but who is behind it all?
I do have to say the names bothered me a bit and I guess because two characters had an A name and the other two had C names.
I think that this whole fantasy world could be turned into more novellas. I really liked the flash backs that Cassandra was having because when the big reveal came it was like oh my.
Overall good story. The characters were well developed, the story line was interesting, the only thing needed was more of the world of Domhan.
August 29, 2013
Demons in the Big Easy is a quick read. I was impressed with the amount of world building and character development Ms. Marchant packed into such a short story.
Cassandra is a witch and resides in Domhan, a realm connected to Earth. Travel between realms is done through gateways - either magically created ones or randomly occurring ones. Cassandra has always stood as sentry for her village, protecting it from demons who might cross the veil.
Cassandra's granddaughter, Aine, feel through a random gateway. To get her back, Cassandra and Caronwyn, Aine's twin sister, travel through a gateway to the city of New Orleans. There they meet Jake, a homeless man who believes he's crazy because he can see demons.
The story revolves around Cassandra, Caronwyn, and Jake's search for Aine. Their search entails dealing with zombies, demons, voodoo, a cruel mother and one very power hungry man. Sound about right for New Orleans? :)
Demons in the Big Easy managed to pack in some action, build some suspense, and keep me entertained. My only complaint is that I wanted more! :)
Cassandra is a witch and resides in Domhan, a realm connected to Earth. Travel between realms is done through gateways - either magically created ones or randomly occurring ones. Cassandra has always stood as sentry for her village, protecting it from demons who might cross the veil.
Cassandra's granddaughter, Aine, feel through a random gateway. To get her back, Cassandra and Caronwyn, Aine's twin sister, travel through a gateway to the city of New Orleans. There they meet Jake, a homeless man who believes he's crazy because he can see demons.
The story revolves around Cassandra, Caronwyn, and Jake's search for Aine. Their search entails dealing with zombies, demons, voodoo, a cruel mother and one very power hungry man. Sound about right for New Orleans? :)
Demons in the Big Easy managed to pack in some action, build some suspense, and keep me entertained. My only complaint is that I wanted more! :)
April 14, 2013
Review first posted on my blog http://beanieboo78.wordpress.com/
This may be a short story of only 74 pages but this book is not lacking in any way shape or form.
I obviously mis-read the books synopsis because at first I thought Cassandra’s world was Earth and that she could open gateways to Domhan, and the book was actually set in the past. I was wrong.
Marchant has created a world very similar to what life on Earth would have been like a few 100 years ago and mixed it with modern-day New Orleans to give you this great mix between our reality and magic. I ask myself what would Earth be like if we had magic and Demons and the answer would probably be something like this.
An enjoyable read that allowed the story to flow freely, but leaving the reader wanting that little bit more.
This may be a short story of only 74 pages but this book is not lacking in any way shape or form.
I obviously mis-read the books synopsis because at first I thought Cassandra’s world was Earth and that she could open gateways to Domhan, and the book was actually set in the past. I was wrong.
Marchant has created a world very similar to what life on Earth would have been like a few 100 years ago and mixed it with modern-day New Orleans to give you this great mix between our reality and magic. I ask myself what would Earth be like if we had magic and Demons and the answer would probably be something like this.
An enjoyable read that allowed the story to flow freely, but leaving the reader wanting that little bit more.
April 26, 2013
My Review:
This was a great short story. It had a perfect mix of mystery, bad guys and horror. I could not believe the end, I never would have thought who the head demon was. I finished the last page and turned to the next, not even realizing that the story was over. I was so involved in it, I thought that there had to be more. I didn't want it to end. I am hoping for a sequel! I liked that there are "witches" (and other beings) in both worlds. The way the author went from world to world was seamless. I really loved Cassandra, her love for her family was apparent and she was pretty mean for her age. I am giving this book a 5/5 and I will definitely be adding the author's page to my bookmarks!
This was a great short story. It had a perfect mix of mystery, bad guys and horror. I could not believe the end, I never would have thought who the head demon was. I finished the last page and turned to the next, not even realizing that the story was over. I was so involved in it, I thought that there had to be more. I didn't want it to end. I am hoping for a sequel! I liked that there are "witches" (and other beings) in both worlds. The way the author went from world to world was seamless. I really loved Cassandra, her love for her family was apparent and she was pretty mean for her age. I am giving this book a 5/5 and I will definitely be adding the author's page to my bookmarks!
March 19, 2013
Demons in the Big Easy by Jamie Marchant is a wonderful story filled with excitement, drama and adventure. This is a wonderful story about a witch, Cassandra, from another world who is looking for her granddaughter in New Orleans. However, she makes an unexpected discovery; not only are demons in New Orleans but the one who has summoned them totally takes Cassandra by surprise. Cassandra has the help of her other granddaughter and an unlikely ally. The characters are wonderfully crafted and seem so real. This fascinating story is an amazing read that I highly recommend. I look forward to reading more from Jamie Marchant.
May 17, 2013
I thought this was alright. I liked having a grandmother as a heroine for a change. I also thought Marchant did a good job of world-building in such a short piece. I did think that the ladies' language, which was generally somewhat medieval, slipped into the modern vernacular fairly regularly and that Jake came out with his equivalent of "I see dead people" a little too easily. I also would have really liked to know the approximate ages and physical descriptions of the other characters. Cassandra is the only one I remember being described. All in all, a little predictable but an enjoyable read.
February 5, 2017
Fast paced and full of magic and heart! Cassandra is tired, she has been protecting her village for a long time, but when her granddaughter falls through a portal to earth, she has no choice but to go get her. But the adventure she is about to have is more than she could have expected. A great story that is a non stop page turner that leaves you wanting more.
January 8, 2013
This appealing short tale has a lot going for it. Looking for her lost granddaughter, a witch from another world brings her magic to New Orleans. Where else could be a better setting? The city of fake voodoo is the scene of REAL magic ('real' in the fantasy sense, of course). Well-written with a good story line, interesting characters, and a subtle sense of humor. Not as long or as detailed as the author's first book (the marvelous "The Goddess's Choice"), at $0.99, this novella is well worth more than it costs.
February 23, 2013
I received this as a free book from a Goodreads giveaway, and I loved this book! The idea was a good one, and Jamie Marchant did it to a turn. The story is told partially in flashback and goes back and forth between the past and the present seamlessly, telling portions of the story in each section. I enjoyed the writing and also enjoyed the portion of the next book that was provided as an excerpt in the back, and can't wait to read it. This is a fresh new story, unlike any that I had read before, and I really enjoyed it.
October 25, 2013
My Review: This is a novella and that is main problem with it. I really enjoyed the whole idea of the book. Because it is so sort however the world and the characters did not get developed as well as I would have liked. I really enjoyed Cassandra as the heroine of the story. Jake as a modern day helper is great.The ending was a little abrupt even for a novella I think it could be finished better. I would love to see this fleshed out into a full novel. I did enjoy it and would recommend it to friends who like a light fantasy read. I give this 3 stars.
January 20, 2013
a fun and fast read,the concept of a protagonist who is a magician that travels from another world to ours is quite interesting, it actually took me by surprise, a pleasant surprise.
I wish it was longer, for it felt rushed at places, I'd love to see more of the characters especially Cassandra, would Ms. Marchant decide to write more of those stories with the same theme? I'd look forward to them.
I wish it was longer, for it felt rushed at places, I'd love to see more of the characters especially Cassandra, would Ms. Marchant decide to write more of those stories with the same theme? I'd look forward to them.
February 25, 2013
Jamie Marchant delivers a great story all in the span of 76 pages. Earth and its sister parallel world are in danger from a demon onslaught and all that stands in their way is an old witch, her granddaughter and a homeless man. A search for a missing girl turns into a race against time to save both worlds. This is a shining example of what a Novella should be. It hooks you from page one and does not let go until the last page. For 99 cents you can't go wrong.
March 9, 2013
I received a free copy from the author in return for an honest review.
Demolished and enjoyed completely in one sitting like a coffee-choux. A delightfully delicious novella that made me whizz through to the end. Superbly written with just enough characters and a lively and exciting plot. I don't normally read demons and zombies but this was great.
Read it in your tea break: with or without a coffee-choux.
Demolished and enjoyed completely in one sitting like a coffee-choux. A delightfully delicious novella that made me whizz through to the end. Superbly written with just enough characters and a lively and exciting plot. I don't normally read demons and zombies but this was great.
Read it in your tea break: with or without a coffee-choux.
September 2, 2016
This was a short story I won in a giveaway. I enjoyed the story idea,but I found the characters annoying (Caronwyn, especially), and the story ended abruptly at 80% or so, without a real conclusion. It may be a novella, but it read like a few middle chapters from a book- so I never gained any empathy for the protagonists, and while I watched the story play out, I was never drawn into it. It was fine for a free book, but not one I'd pay for at this length or lack of development.
October 20, 2013
Demons in the Big Easy is a nice short story. We follow Cassandra, an aging witch who has spent her life protecting her town from demons, as she goes through a portal to our world to rescue her granddaughter. With her other granddaughter and a charming young man in tow, Cassandra races to rescue her granddaughter while trying to stop the demons that are threatening both worlds.
A great, fast paced read that ends a little abruptly for my liking. Thoroughly enjoyed the read.
A great, fast paced read that ends a little abruptly for my liking. Thoroughly enjoyed the read.
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