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Demon Squad #0.5
From Hell
A rash of brutal murders set God and the Devil at odds, and it’s up to Frank to prove Hell’s innocence. With his angelic cousin watching his every move, he quickly learns there’s more to the mission when he comes face to face with the legend of Jack the Ripper. Time running out, Frank and Scarlett must stop the killings and restore the balance of peace before it spirals out of control.
In a battle of wits to determine the fate of Heaven and Hell, it’s a good thing Frank brought a gun.
In a battle of wits to determine the fate of Heaven and Hell, it’s a good thing Frank brought a gun.
- GenresUrban Fantasy
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Tim Marquitz
106 books214 followersTim Marquitz is the author of the Demon Squad series, The Enemy of My Enemy series (Kurtherian Gambit) along with Michael Anderle, the Blood War Trilogy, co-author of the Dead West series, as well as several standalone books, and numerous anthology appearances alongside the biggest names in fantasy and horror. Tim also collaborated on Memoirs of a MACHINE, the story of MMA pioneer John Machine Lober.
"Horror becomes art when it flows from the pen of Tim Marquitz." ~ Bobby D. Whitney - BookWenches
"Witty, sarcastic and hilarious." Michelle - Publishers Weekly
"Horror becomes art when it flows from the pen of Tim Marquitz." ~ Bobby D. Whitney - BookWenches
"Witty, sarcastic and hilarious." Michelle - Publishers Weekly
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 15, 2013
Full review originally at Fantasy Book Critic
ANALYSIS: Some series have such a hold on you that you *have* to read every bit that the author writes about them. A few examples of such series for me are A Song Of Ice And Fire by George R.R. Martin, The Kate Daniels Series by Ilona Andrews, the Drenai series by David Gemmell and lastly The Demon Squad series by Tim Marquitz. With Demon Squad we were introduced to lovable rogue Frank Trigg who would leer at your girlfriend while regaling you with salacious banter. He’s the kind of character that usually gets an early gruesome death courtesy of the protagonist in most fantasy stories. In Tim Marquitz’s universe, we get to see how the world seems to be from such a person’s point of view.
Since I met Frank in Armageddon Bound, I’ve counted myself as a Frankophile and have eagerly devoured each and every story (both long and short) that featured him or was set in the world featuring him. Last time around in Beyond The Veil, certain events and a huge amount of unveiled secrets have left Frank and the reader with a lot to ponder. However with this prequel standalone novella, Tim gives us a chance to view Frank in his good old days when he was the Anti-Christ in training. Cue Frank in hell and having a good time or as much as a good time as can be expected in Lucifer’s domain.
When the story opens, Baalth is training Frank for a fight that he has no control over and after the umpteenth disappointing finish, gets tasked by his uncle to go to Earth to resolve a situation. Frank’s initial joy turns a bit sour when finds himself in London, circa 1888 and is forced to resolve the Jack the Ripper murders. He finds that Hell isn’t the only party interested in unmasking Jack as his cousin Scarlett is sent as the angelic counterpart to his investigations. Backed into a corner, Frank will have to rein his perverted thoughts and focus on finding who is behind the infamous letter which begins by saying “From hell…”
As is the case with previous books, From Hell while focusing on a dark subject, takes a rather dark comedic path as Frank narrates the story. We get his usual banter on the state of things, uncle Lucifer, Scarlett and her vivacious ways and lastly how he stumbles from the fire into the frying pan. Readers acquainted with the previous books will find a delicious mix of the same but with a tiny difference, Frank isn’t the hardened wiseass we have met in the previous Demon Squad books and that’s because he still has his powers with Lucifer’s backing. While that might save him from bigger hurdles, watching him trip over smaller stuff is still hilarious. With this novella, the author explores the demon squad universe in a different time period and I enjoyed this past romp of Frank a lot.
Beginning with the humor, as usual we get a nice stream of thoughts and one-liners that would keep you in splits but also we get a tightly paced plot that moves towards a conclusion rather strongly. There aren’t too many plot twists in this story but the main one if you don’t guess it, will liven up your read. I enjoyed Tim’s take on the Ripper’s identity and his reasoning for the stoppage of the murders. Lastly there’s even a small thread left open for Frank’s further adventures out in the old west that frankly sounds like a bunch of fun.
Drawbacks to this novella are simply that if you didn’t like the previous books then this novella might not change your stance. Also if you are easily offended by salacious humor then I would pray you never venture into the demon squad universe. Besides the afore-mentioned reasons I couldn’t find any other thing to nitpick about this story.
CONCLUSION: Frank returns in a prequel story and it is a gory yet fun one. You will want to read this novella if you have been on the fence for trying out a new, unknown series. From Hell is a great introduction to the Frank and his world. Be prepared though it’s unlike any other urban fantasy that you have read so far. Frank Trigg isn’t a Harry Dresden or Atticus Sullivan clone, he’s his own man and the rest of the world needs to find that out.
December 1, 2013
My review site here.
From Hell is a prequel novella featuring our favorite demon Frank "Trigg" Triggaltheron. In Frank's latest adventure he is in London chasing down the infamous Jack the Ripper. In this novella we get a glimpse of the old Frank that we first encountered in Demon Squad Resurrection. Frank really hasn't learned from his escapades yet and is still a little new at being Lucifer's right hand man. Uncle Lu sends Frank on his first solo job to track down Jack before Heaven takes an interest in the case and bring down God's wrath on the Lord of Lies.
Frank is joined by his angelic cousin, Scarlett in tracking down the murderer through the London's streets. While their methods are vastly different they must find a way to work together or they will not succeed in apprehending the killer. Scarlett has made a lot of cameos in the Demon Squad series and it was a treat to have a story that had her partnered up with Frank. There are a lot of references to Frank and Scarlett working together in the series but you really didn't see it up until now and I was a lot of fun to finally see them working together. I hope that Tim enjoyed writing this novella featuring the two and that he plans to bring these two back together in new adventures because the fact that they are polar opposites made for some dynamic scenes.
As with all of Marquitz's work, it is hard to put down. He does an excellent job of bringing his tales to light and writes very compelling characters. He is one of those authors that you have to devour his stories as quickly as possible and has you craving for more. Marquitz has yet to fail in his endeavor to entertain. Once you start reading his books you can't help but want to see what comes next. From Hell is no different. While it is short and has no bearing on the overall story arcs contained in the Demon Squad series, it keeps fans wanting more and for those who wish to give Frank Trigg a shot, is an excellent way to jump into the series without missing anything. From Hell is a top notch supernatural story with Marquitz's flair for telling a story filled with action, adrenaline, and some bullets thrown in for good measure. Highly recommended.
From Hell is a prequel novella featuring our favorite demon Frank "Trigg" Triggaltheron. In Frank's latest adventure he is in London chasing down the infamous Jack the Ripper. In this novella we get a glimpse of the old Frank that we first encountered in Demon Squad Resurrection. Frank really hasn't learned from his escapades yet and is still a little new at being Lucifer's right hand man. Uncle Lu sends Frank on his first solo job to track down Jack before Heaven takes an interest in the case and bring down God's wrath on the Lord of Lies.
Frank is joined by his angelic cousin, Scarlett in tracking down the murderer through the London's streets. While their methods are vastly different they must find a way to work together or they will not succeed in apprehending the killer. Scarlett has made a lot of cameos in the Demon Squad series and it was a treat to have a story that had her partnered up with Frank. There are a lot of references to Frank and Scarlett working together in the series but you really didn't see it up until now and I was a lot of fun to finally see them working together. I hope that Tim enjoyed writing this novella featuring the two and that he plans to bring these two back together in new adventures because the fact that they are polar opposites made for some dynamic scenes.
As with all of Marquitz's work, it is hard to put down. He does an excellent job of bringing his tales to light and writes very compelling characters. He is one of those authors that you have to devour his stories as quickly as possible and has you craving for more. Marquitz has yet to fail in his endeavor to entertain. Once you start reading his books you can't help but want to see what comes next. From Hell is no different. While it is short and has no bearing on the overall story arcs contained in the Demon Squad series, it keeps fans wanting more and for those who wish to give Frank Trigg a shot, is an excellent way to jump into the series without missing anything. From Hell is a top notch supernatural story with Marquitz's flair for telling a story filled with action, adrenaline, and some bullets thrown in for good measure. Highly recommended.
August 29, 2013
I still remember clearly the first time that I had picked up and read the Demon Squad series. It had made me laugh like no other book before while still letting me enjoy a good fast paced story. It was one of those books which can make you think "What if" and pray that the author explores a particular PoV or elaborates more on the "Why" in a separate book / novella.
From Hell is one such book for me and it is precisely for that reason that I feel that this deserves a 5 star rating. It explores the what-ifs and the whys that I wondered about while reading the first book while still maintaining a strong world building.
Although this is novella is a back-story, I would still recommend reading
if you are just starting out. Of course, if you are skeptical of reading a full length book then this book definitely provides the right flavor. Strongly recommended!!
From Hell is one such book for me and it is precisely for that reason that I feel that this deserves a 5 star rating. It explores the what-ifs and the whys that I wondered about while reading the first book while still maintaining a strong world building.
Although this is novella is a back-story, I would still recommend reading
if you are just starting out. Of course, if you are skeptical of reading a full length book then this book definitely provides the right flavor. Strongly recommended!!
August 20, 2013
From Hell is a Demon Squad novella, a standalone prequel that can be read independently from the main series. It is from the perspective of main series protagonist Frank 'Triggaltheron' Trigg, but set in London during the late 1800's rather than modern day.
So for fans of the series, this is Frank and Scarlett vs Jack the Ripper, and it is awesome. It goes back to a time when Frank was much more primal, a time when Frank was in training to do Lucifer's bidding, and it's great.
Like the main series, this novella moves along at a fast pace, with some cheeky action scenes full of all that bloody detail that Marquitz loves to include. It is great to have Scarlett back too, she is one of my favourite characters from the main series and I always her interactions with Frank.
One thing that readers of the main series will notice is that the Frank we get in From Hell is closer to Frank as we see him in Demon Squad #3 - At The Gates, not Demon Squad #1 - Armageddon Bound. It is an interesting dilemma because I really liked how raw Frank was in Armageddon Bound, but I am fonder of the Frank we get from At The Gates and onwards. I think Marquitz has made the right choice, but for readers who pick up the series after reading this novella first, just note that Frank will be a little different at least for one book.
So yeah, if you love the Demon Squad series then this will provide a great fix while we wait for book six.
So for fans of the series, this is Frank and Scarlett vs Jack the Ripper, and it is awesome. It goes back to a time when Frank was much more primal, a time when Frank was in training to do Lucifer's bidding, and it's great.
Like the main series, this novella moves along at a fast pace, with some cheeky action scenes full of all that bloody detail that Marquitz loves to include. It is great to have Scarlett back too, she is one of my favourite characters from the main series and I always her interactions with Frank.
One thing that readers of the main series will notice is that the Frank we get in From Hell is closer to Frank as we see him in Demon Squad #3 - At The Gates, not Demon Squad #1 - Armageddon Bound. It is an interesting dilemma because I really liked how raw Frank was in Armageddon Bound, but I am fonder of the Frank we get from At The Gates and onwards. I think Marquitz has made the right choice, but for readers who pick up the series after reading this novella first, just note that Frank will be a little different at least for one book.
So yeah, if you love the Demon Squad series then this will provide a great fix while we wait for book six.
April 20, 2014
Jack the Ripper; a man only the devil could love, right? Wrong! In fact, Lucifer does not appreciate that dear Jack signs his gruesome letters "from Hell", as it is not a good idea to draw the Almighty's attention when you live south of the border. And so, to stop the heavenly accusations, Lucifer sends his nephew, the half demon, half human, Frank to apprehend the unknown culprit. He is quickly joined by Scarlet, his angelic cousin, in the hunt for the Ripper.
The author did a good job describing old England, its people, customs and buildings. Frank is a believable demon, not the juvenile sort you'll find in far too many novels these days. No, this one has wet dreams about his cousin, is trigger happy, fights dirty, yet still carries loving memories of his presumably, late mother, that makes me want to know his background story better.
The identity of Jack the Ripper was a nice touch as well. The only reason why I am not rating this book higher is that I sometimes felt a little lost. This may be a prequel/standalone novella, but I have a feeling that readers who are already acquainted with Frank from the Demon Squad novels will appreciate this story more than I, as a new to the series reader, did. I have no doubt Frank is a character who grows on you.
3+ stars.
The author did a good job describing old England, its people, customs and buildings. Frank is a believable demon, not the juvenile sort you'll find in far too many novels these days. No, this one has wet dreams about his cousin, is trigger happy, fights dirty, yet still carries loving memories of his presumably, late mother, that makes me want to know his background story better.
The identity of Jack the Ripper was a nice touch as well. The only reason why I am not rating this book higher is that I sometimes felt a little lost. This may be a prequel/standalone novella, but I have a feeling that readers who are already acquainted with Frank from the Demon Squad novels will appreciate this story more than I, as a new to the series reader, did. I have no doubt Frank is a character who grows on you.
3+ stars.
March 2, 2016
5 Stars
From Hell a prequel novella to the Demon Squad series by Tim Marquitz is a non stop awesome edition to the story of Frank, but is also a great way to start your adventures with our awesome anti hero. From Hell starts just at that location when Trigg was a young old boy and Anti-Christ in training. All the major players show up at one point or another. Lucifer and Baalth are doing their best to make Frank into the best Demon that he could be.
Like all books of this series this one is filled with Dark comedy, witty banter, and of course kick ass action. It really is a good launching point to the series. From Hell is a story about Frank being sent into action to try and solve the problem that is Jack the Ripper. I loved the edition if his Angelic cousin Scarlett. We need more of her. She is freaking sweet. The action and story is fast paced and filled with humor.
If you enjoy guns, demons, angels, vampires, gratuitous actions, killings, magic, mayhem, warding, Lucifer, God, angry women, more killings, a monster for a hero, Heaven, Hell, talking Corpses, even more killings, potty mouth cursing, and more, than you will surely love Frank and the Demon Squad series.
Go get it...
From Hell a prequel novella to the Demon Squad series by Tim Marquitz is a non stop awesome edition to the story of Frank, but is also a great way to start your adventures with our awesome anti hero. From Hell starts just at that location when Trigg was a young old boy and Anti-Christ in training. All the major players show up at one point or another. Lucifer and Baalth are doing their best to make Frank into the best Demon that he could be.
Like all books of this series this one is filled with Dark comedy, witty banter, and of course kick ass action. It really is a good launching point to the series. From Hell is a story about Frank being sent into action to try and solve the problem that is Jack the Ripper. I loved the edition if his Angelic cousin Scarlett. We need more of her. She is freaking sweet. The action and story is fast paced and filled with humor.
If you enjoy guns, demons, angels, vampires, gratuitous actions, killings, magic, mayhem, warding, Lucifer, God, angry women, more killings, a monster for a hero, Heaven, Hell, talking Corpses, even more killings, potty mouth cursing, and more, than you will surely love Frank and the Demon Squad series.
Go get it...
September 5, 2013
This was an interesting departure, and one I hope that Tim continues, the back story to the Frank we encounter in the first novel. So this one finds Frank in Jack the Rippers London on a mission from Lucifer himself to find and stop Jack. Of course its Frank you know this aint gonna go to plan!
One of my favourite things in these books is Franks cousin the angel so I really enjoyed the dynamic that Scarlet being sent on the same mission as Frank but from Heaven created, they always seem to be a ying and yang and often its the angel that carries out the biggest atrocities (just like in the good book).
So no spoilers but this is a good wee background glimpse into Franks early days I hope Tim continues this back story development and dare I suggest it a prequel to the first novel focussing on Franks journey to align if not with good at least with some form of neutrality - come on Tim you know you want to!
Read the series before you read this of course would be my suggestion but actually this may work quite well as a short introduction to the world of Demon Squad (less of a squad now maybe that changes in Book 6?)
One of my favourite things in these books is Franks cousin the angel so I really enjoyed the dynamic that Scarlet being sent on the same mission as Frank but from Heaven created, they always seem to be a ying and yang and often its the angel that carries out the biggest atrocities (just like in the good book).
So no spoilers but this is a good wee background glimpse into Franks early days I hope Tim continues this back story development and dare I suggest it a prequel to the first novel focussing on Franks journey to align if not with good at least with some form of neutrality - come on Tim you know you want to!
Read the series before you read this of course would be my suggestion but actually this may work quite well as a short introduction to the world of Demon Squad (less of a squad now maybe that changes in Book 6?)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews