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The Sundancer Mysteries #1
Demon Dance
You can run all you want, but the game's in your blood. And blood never forgets…
Nick St. James was born different. His extraordinary gifts have saved him time and time again, but they couldn't save the one thing he loved most: his wife.
Now he just wants to forget his old life, but more importantly, he wants to forget the magical underworld that lives beneath the "real" world. A place where a man's faith can determine the very fabric of reality. Where ancient forgotten gods walk hidden among us, and angels and demons fight for our very souls.
But nothing stays hidden forever. Nick's peaceful world is ripped apart when a demon slaughters his ex-partner and marks him for death. Now he must use all his gifts to find the one who summoned the nightmarish creature, but more importantly, he needs to find the one thing he lost long ago.
Himself.
Nick St. James was born different. His extraordinary gifts have saved him time and time again, but they couldn't save the one thing he loved most: his wife.
Now he just wants to forget his old life, but more importantly, he wants to forget the magical underworld that lives beneath the "real" world. A place where a man's faith can determine the very fabric of reality. Where ancient forgotten gods walk hidden among us, and angels and demons fight for our very souls.
But nothing stays hidden forever. Nick's peaceful world is ripped apart when a demon slaughters his ex-partner and marks him for death. Now he must use all his gifts to find the one who summoned the nightmarish creature, but more importantly, he needs to find the one thing he lost long ago.
Himself.
334 pages, ebook
First published April 8, 2013
14 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
Brian Freyermuth
5 books15 followersBrian Freyermuth is the design director and VO director at Steel Wool Studios and author of the Sundancer Mysteries. His recent game Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach won the Playstation Player’s Choice Award in December 2021.
He wants two things for his characters: hope and meaning. It doesn't matter if they're trying to survive after an apocalypse in the video game, "Fallout", learning how to fly the Starship Enterprise in "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy" or saving Wasteland in "Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two", Brian wants hope for his characters and wants their lives and actions to mean something.
"Demon Dance" and "Mind of the Beast" are no exception. He and his wife, Juliet, created the world where the supernatural is dependent on popular belief. Every character has hopes, dreams and purpose, whether it's a coffee barista who is learning Voodoo from her brother or a Norse Goddess who spends her days as a librarian.
Brian is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and Horror Writer Association. His other game credits include "Run Like Hell", "WWE All Stars", "Tales from the Borderlands" and "Minecraft: Story Mode".
Brian and Juliet live in Folsom, California with their dog, Layla (who is immortalized in Ozaria as “Mouse”). They enjoy strolling around Lake Folsom, driving to Lake Tahoe, and playing Dice Forge online with their friends.
Find Brian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianFreyermuth
He wants two things for his characters: hope and meaning. It doesn't matter if they're trying to survive after an apocalypse in the video game, "Fallout", learning how to fly the Starship Enterprise in "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy" or saving Wasteland in "Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two", Brian wants hope for his characters and wants their lives and actions to mean something.
"Demon Dance" and "Mind of the Beast" are no exception. He and his wife, Juliet, created the world where the supernatural is dependent on popular belief. Every character has hopes, dreams and purpose, whether it's a coffee barista who is learning Voodoo from her brother or a Norse Goddess who spends her days as a librarian.
Brian is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and Horror Writer Association. His other game credits include "Run Like Hell", "WWE All Stars", "Tales from the Borderlands" and "Minecraft: Story Mode".
Brian and Juliet live in Folsom, California with their dog, Layla (who is immortalized in Ozaria as “Mouse”). They enjoy strolling around Lake Folsom, driving to Lake Tahoe, and playing Dice Forge online with their friends.
Find Brian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianFreyermuth
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 30, 2015
Note: I was provided with a copy of this book from the author for review.
From an exciting beginning to an extraordinary conclusion, this is a novel that will astound you and keep you on your toes. The mixture of the supernatural world with our own is not uncommon, but Freyermuth’s approach is one that adds that little something extra to make it stand out.
Nick is an amazing character, I fell in love with him instantly. He has the ‘just want to live a quiet life’ thing going for him but it doesn’t come across as cliché or annoying. This desire is interrupted by his past catching up to him and his nature to do the right thing and it soon turns into something much bigger then it first appears. Nick is special but how special we have to wait and find out, Freyermuth giving off snippets of detail here and there. I loved that we aren’t told, and all references are included naturally and casually, never once feeling like a point of explanation for the reader.
As with Nick, the rest of this magical world is introduced to us slowly and in well-timed moments. What I loved was that we are actually told very little. Hints are dropped, and references are made but nothing is stated outright, and when answers are given it only adds to the story. This made reading it that much better because you can see how easy it would have been to sit us down and give us a long explanation, but instead it is woven brilliantly throughout.
The mix of characters are wonderful, and Freyermuth’s great writing captures banter, friendship, all the perks, quirks, and problems of having friends both in the supernatural world and out. There is depth and history given to these characters, both their history with Nick and their own lives, and with offhanded comments and throwaway lines histories and pasts can be conjured up quite excellently making the characters well rounded and more real.
The narration is wonderful, it is intense and fun and enthralling from the early pages and lasts until the very end. The mixture and balance and creativity of the real world and supernatural is sublime and there is never a dull moment and always something to marvel at and pique your interest. There are mysteries and not just for the reader but for Nick as well, and working them out as you read, creating theories and just generally being captivated by the story is where so much enjoyment lies. Freyermuth has written a brilliant story, it’s messy and complicated, has secrets and the supernatural, and is a truly amazing read.
This review was posted on my blog https://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2...
From an exciting beginning to an extraordinary conclusion, this is a novel that will astound you and keep you on your toes. The mixture of the supernatural world with our own is not uncommon, but Freyermuth’s approach is one that adds that little something extra to make it stand out.
Nick is an amazing character, I fell in love with him instantly. He has the ‘just want to live a quiet life’ thing going for him but it doesn’t come across as cliché or annoying. This desire is interrupted by his past catching up to him and his nature to do the right thing and it soon turns into something much bigger then it first appears. Nick is special but how special we have to wait and find out, Freyermuth giving off snippets of detail here and there. I loved that we aren’t told, and all references are included naturally and casually, never once feeling like a point of explanation for the reader.
As with Nick, the rest of this magical world is introduced to us slowly and in well-timed moments. What I loved was that we are actually told very little. Hints are dropped, and references are made but nothing is stated outright, and when answers are given it only adds to the story. This made reading it that much better because you can see how easy it would have been to sit us down and give us a long explanation, but instead it is woven brilliantly throughout.
The mix of characters are wonderful, and Freyermuth’s great writing captures banter, friendship, all the perks, quirks, and problems of having friends both in the supernatural world and out. There is depth and history given to these characters, both their history with Nick and their own lives, and with offhanded comments and throwaway lines histories and pasts can be conjured up quite excellently making the characters well rounded and more real.
The narration is wonderful, it is intense and fun and enthralling from the early pages and lasts until the very end. The mixture and balance and creativity of the real world and supernatural is sublime and there is never a dull moment and always something to marvel at and pique your interest. There are mysteries and not just for the reader but for Nick as well, and working them out as you read, creating theories and just generally being captivated by the story is where so much enjoyment lies. Freyermuth has written a brilliant story, it’s messy and complicated, has secrets and the supernatural, and is a truly amazing read.
This review was posted on my blog https://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2...
September 14, 2015
What lives beyond our sense of reality? Is it possible that the world of fantasy really exists? Friendly dragons, demons, angels, the fey, magic and intrigue all color the world for Nick St. James, former Private Investigator extraordinaire. His own special secrets? Speed, agility, and healing, all of the “supernatural” nature, but that life is behind him, or so he hopes…Nope, not a chance, when a close friend and vampire is killed, he is on it, seeking to avenge her death. Nick is then given a directive; find the fallen angel, Azazel by the Marshall’s Service, a collection of both heavenly and demonic beings. Looks like his days as a writer may be on hold as our snarky hero undertakes both the hunt for the fallen angel and the killer of his friend.
Demon Dance by Brian Freyermuth has attitude, intrigue, humor and a blend of the paranormal that adds up to an engaging read with a hero follow. Mr. Freyermuth doesn’t ease us into his tale, we parachute into the action from page one. He does leave us wondering how Nick St. James came to be the man we meet. Will his history be shared at a later date? Nick is colorful, energetic and the kind of hero who feels larger than life to us mere mortals. I enjoyed Brian Freyermuth’s style, his ability to create each scene and dialogue that has bite! I say, read it!
I received this copy from Brian Freyermuth in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Sundancer - Book 1
Publication Date: November 17, 2013
Publisher: Middark Press
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Print Length: 345 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Demon Dance by Brian Freyermuth has attitude, intrigue, humor and a blend of the paranormal that adds up to an engaging read with a hero follow. Mr. Freyermuth doesn’t ease us into his tale, we parachute into the action from page one. He does leave us wondering how Nick St. James came to be the man we meet. Will his history be shared at a later date? Nick is colorful, energetic and the kind of hero who feels larger than life to us mere mortals. I enjoyed Brian Freyermuth’s style, his ability to create each scene and dialogue that has bite! I say, read it!
I received this copy from Brian Freyermuth in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Sundancer - Book 1
Publication Date: November 17, 2013
Publisher: Middark Press
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Print Length: 345 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 6, 2015
These are great times to be a book reviewer, because (along with astonishing amounts of crap), authors regularly send me 5-star books to review. But every now and then, I get something more. A book I literally can’t put down, one that I know will have me stalking the writer for my next fix. I get to meet characters who follow me around in my head and have me worrying about whether they’re going to be okay. Do they have enough to eat? A safe place to sleep? Will they ever be happy?
And that’s where I run into rating issues. The problem with rating scales is that as soon as you establish them, you want to step outside those oh-so-useful-limits. For example, my criteria for a 5-star book is “Author goes straight to my auto-buy list, books I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone, books I would buy hard copies of and not lend out.” But what if I have one that I want to rate “Would trade last chocolate bar for and might even replace coffee?”
Take Brian Freyermuth’s urban fantasy, Demon Dance. While it’s true that he had me right from the terrific first line—“Leave it to an ancient god to ruin a perfectly good afternoon.”—Freyermuth proceeded to stack the deck where I’m concerned with three of the things that define me: Seattle, coffee, and writing. Please consider the following:
* When we meet protagonist Nick St. James, he’s sitting in one of my favorite places on the face of the earth: the hand of the troll eating the (actual) VW Bug under Seattle’s Aurora Bridge. [Okay, technically it’s the George Washington Bridge, but the only people who call it that are the tourists who actually read the road signs. You can tell who the tourists are—the ones with umbrellas. Everyone else just calls it the Aurora Bridge, and gets wet when it rains.] That kind of thing makes Seattle perfect for an urban fantasy.
* But in case you still have any doubts about the Seattle setting, Nick’s friend Thelma is a magic-wielding barista. Of course.
* Nick himself used to be a private detective, but after his wife’s death he became a romance writer. Apparently, he’s very good at a genre with only one real requirement: creating characters who get the happily-ever-after that Nick will never achieve for himself.
Nick St. James is a cross between Sam Spade and Harry Dresden—with, maybe, a Native American grandmother, his dead wife, and the ghost of Raymond Chandler as his spirit guides. Narrated in a wonderful first-person detective internal monologue, Nick’s constant refrain “I’m just a writer” doesn’t sell with anybody but his publishers. To ancient gods, to his dead wife’s sister Caitlin (a vampire), and to the dragons and demons and other nightmares who come after him, Nick St. James will always be a detective, always be in ‘the game’. When he finds the decapitated body of Caitlin—his former business partner and sister-in-law—Nick gives up the pretense and starts looking for an explanation. While he’s obsessed with the two women he couldn’t save from death—wife Ann and her sister Cait— we see Nick get regularly beat to a pulp as he rescues a growing list of people, from innocent bystanders, to a mother and daughter, to an assortment of paranormal creatures spanning a universe of pantheons and supernatural belief systems.
Nick’s monologue rushes us from one disaster to the next, usually resulting in him getting beaten up by various demons, vampires, and no-eye things. There’s a lot we don’t know about Nick, from why he’s always wearing one of his seeming endless collection of baseball caps, to why he’s called the Sundancer, or even to what he is. But whatever that might be, it helps him heal quickly, a lucky thing since his frequent doses of pain (lower case) threaten to set free the Pain (upper case, presumably loss of his wife) and the Hunger (also uppercase, although not really explained except that when it gets out, there are bodies. Lots…). He manages to keep a lid on The Pain through sheer willpower, but the Hunger requires massive doses of meat. We see Nick’s other special abilities come into play, but are left to guess what those abilities add up to.
As I said, this story pulled me in from the first line and I literally sat up all night to finish it at one go. The pace will leave you breathless, a rollercoaster ride of emotion and snark and nonstop action. When I came to the end, the only thing that kept me from screaming for more is that there IS more. The first chapters of Mind of the Beast are not only included, but (thank you urban fantasy gods!) it is also now available online.
Obviously, I’d give Demon Dance five stars. And (for Seattle, for the troll, and for getting the coffee part right), I’d also give it a latte. Venti. This is a fantastic, confident, and completely entertaining book. I’d say more, but that sequel—Mind of the Beast—is calling my name. I just have to grab my coffee first.
**I received this book for free from the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
And that’s where I run into rating issues. The problem with rating scales is that as soon as you establish them, you want to step outside those oh-so-useful-limits. For example, my criteria for a 5-star book is “Author goes straight to my auto-buy list, books I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone, books I would buy hard copies of and not lend out.” But what if I have one that I want to rate “Would trade last chocolate bar for and might even replace coffee?”
Take Brian Freyermuth’s urban fantasy, Demon Dance. While it’s true that he had me right from the terrific first line—“Leave it to an ancient god to ruin a perfectly good afternoon.”—Freyermuth proceeded to stack the deck where I’m concerned with three of the things that define me: Seattle, coffee, and writing. Please consider the following:
* When we meet protagonist Nick St. James, he’s sitting in one of my favorite places on the face of the earth: the hand of the troll eating the (actual) VW Bug under Seattle’s Aurora Bridge. [Okay, technically it’s the George Washington Bridge, but the only people who call it that are the tourists who actually read the road signs. You can tell who the tourists are—the ones with umbrellas. Everyone else just calls it the Aurora Bridge, and gets wet when it rains.] That kind of thing makes Seattle perfect for an urban fantasy.
* But in case you still have any doubts about the Seattle setting, Nick’s friend Thelma is a magic-wielding barista. Of course.
* Nick himself used to be a private detective, but after his wife’s death he became a romance writer. Apparently, he’s very good at a genre with only one real requirement: creating characters who get the happily-ever-after that Nick will never achieve for himself.
Nick St. James is a cross between Sam Spade and Harry Dresden—with, maybe, a Native American grandmother, his dead wife, and the ghost of Raymond Chandler as his spirit guides. Narrated in a wonderful first-person detective internal monologue, Nick’s constant refrain “I’m just a writer” doesn’t sell with anybody but his publishers. To ancient gods, to his dead wife’s sister Caitlin (a vampire), and to the dragons and demons and other nightmares who come after him, Nick St. James will always be a detective, always be in ‘the game’. When he finds the decapitated body of Caitlin—his former business partner and sister-in-law—Nick gives up the pretense and starts looking for an explanation. While he’s obsessed with the two women he couldn’t save from death—wife Ann and her sister Cait— we see Nick get regularly beat to a pulp as he rescues a growing list of people, from innocent bystanders, to a mother and daughter, to an assortment of paranormal creatures spanning a universe of pantheons and supernatural belief systems.
Nick’s monologue rushes us from one disaster to the next, usually resulting in him getting beaten up by various demons, vampires, and no-eye things. There’s a lot we don’t know about Nick, from why he’s always wearing one of his seeming endless collection of baseball caps, to why he’s called the Sundancer, or even to what he is. But whatever that might be, it helps him heal quickly, a lucky thing since his frequent doses of pain (lower case) threaten to set free the Pain (upper case, presumably loss of his wife) and the Hunger (also uppercase, although not really explained except that when it gets out, there are bodies. Lots…). He manages to keep a lid on The Pain through sheer willpower, but the Hunger requires massive doses of meat. We see Nick’s other special abilities come into play, but are left to guess what those abilities add up to.
As I said, this story pulled me in from the first line and I literally sat up all night to finish it at one go. The pace will leave you breathless, a rollercoaster ride of emotion and snark and nonstop action. When I came to the end, the only thing that kept me from screaming for more is that there IS more. The first chapters of Mind of the Beast are not only included, but (thank you urban fantasy gods!) it is also now available online.
Obviously, I’d give Demon Dance five stars. And (for Seattle, for the troll, and for getting the coffee part right), I’d also give it a latte. Venti. This is a fantastic, confident, and completely entertaining book. I’d say more, but that sequel—Mind of the Beast—is calling my name. I just have to grab my coffee first.
**I received this book for free from the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
August 5, 2015
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review
Plot/Story:
After the death of Nick’s wife and her sister, nick start to plan and start to realize that he can no longer hide from what he is. This story is one big ups and down and tons of action, with lots of emotions. This book has everything you might want from a book in this genre and much more.
Characters:
Nick is a wonderful and surprising main character. All he really wants is normal life, after all “he’s just a writer” but life always seems to interrupt with his plans. Soon he learns that he can no longer hide from his paranormal world, but he also learns how he fits in the normal world. I loved the inner battles Nick faces and see how he faces them.
Romance/Kills:
The constant battle against demons is not pretty, lol, but the author details of these violent battles are not too revolting (for my taste) but they are not pretty ;)
From bizarre friendships and surprising characters along the way, I loved that this book ends with the best happy ending that can be for Nick, at least for the first book.
Writing:
This is a first person told story and it’s full of sarcastic humor and emotions. The author truly has a great writing style that keeps you flipping those pages fast and wanting to know more. I love how took this wonderful and harsh world of the paranormal and yet still kept our normal world and the humanity more dominant and more important to the story.
There are big, big names in this book that you might already know and Nick and his friends battle them all.
Beginning:
The beginning of the book was very fast pace, exciting to read and the author’s writing of the paranormal really grabs your attention from the start. For the first few lines you get to know the author’s humor and writing style and you are hooked ;)
Ending:
There were a few things, that remained unexplained, but I guess the author leaves some for next book. With that being said, the ending was still very satisfying and I am sure to read the next book.
Cover Art:
I loved the cover art a lot. It’s simple yet very pretty and hints nicely of the book’s plot.
Blurb:
The blurb on Goodreads was really intriguing and I am happy it didn’t disappoint me, as sometime this happens. It’s a short blurb, written with hints and clues and overall very interesting.
You can also read this review at Goodreads and Amazon.
Other Stuff
Opening Line: “Leave it to an ancient god to ruin a perfectly good afternoon.”
Highlights: Everything! I love the characters, the paranormal world and I love Brian’s writing style a lot.
Lowlights: None!
Memorable Quotes:
Leave it to an ancient god to ruin a perfectly good afternoon.
Ann used to say that life is a constant battle between faith and chance. That by giving us free will, the creator also gave us chance.
It will never be you, Nick. The game is in your blood. It’s what made you…you. It’s what Ann fell in love with.
Oh, and Nick?” “Yeah?” “Don’t be so dumb either. You really do have a hard time staying in one piece.
Final Thoughts: This is a bizarre, entertaining and fantastic book to read, I truly enjoyed reading it.
Read the original review at: The Reading Bud
Review
Plot/Story:
After the death of Nick’s wife and her sister, nick start to plan and start to realize that he can no longer hide from what he is. This story is one big ups and down and tons of action, with lots of emotions. This book has everything you might want from a book in this genre and much more.
Characters:
Nick is a wonderful and surprising main character. All he really wants is normal life, after all “he’s just a writer” but life always seems to interrupt with his plans. Soon he learns that he can no longer hide from his paranormal world, but he also learns how he fits in the normal world. I loved the inner battles Nick faces and see how he faces them.
Romance/Kills:
The constant battle against demons is not pretty, lol, but the author details of these violent battles are not too revolting (for my taste) but they are not pretty ;)
From bizarre friendships and surprising characters along the way, I loved that this book ends with the best happy ending that can be for Nick, at least for the first book.
Writing:
This is a first person told story and it’s full of sarcastic humor and emotions. The author truly has a great writing style that keeps you flipping those pages fast and wanting to know more. I love how took this wonderful and harsh world of the paranormal and yet still kept our normal world and the humanity more dominant and more important to the story.
There are big, big names in this book that you might already know and Nick and his friends battle them all.
Beginning:
The beginning of the book was very fast pace, exciting to read and the author’s writing of the paranormal really grabs your attention from the start. For the first few lines you get to know the author’s humor and writing style and you are hooked ;)
Ending:
There were a few things, that remained unexplained, but I guess the author leaves some for next book. With that being said, the ending was still very satisfying and I am sure to read the next book.
Cover Art:
I loved the cover art a lot. It’s simple yet very pretty and hints nicely of the book’s plot.
Blurb:
The blurb on Goodreads was really intriguing and I am happy it didn’t disappoint me, as sometime this happens. It’s a short blurb, written with hints and clues and overall very interesting.
You can also read this review at Goodreads and Amazon.
Other Stuff
Opening Line: “Leave it to an ancient god to ruin a perfectly good afternoon.”
Highlights: Everything! I love the characters, the paranormal world and I love Brian’s writing style a lot.
Lowlights: None!
Memorable Quotes:
Leave it to an ancient god to ruin a perfectly good afternoon.
Ann used to say that life is a constant battle between faith and chance. That by giving us free will, the creator also gave us chance.
It will never be you, Nick. The game is in your blood. It’s what made you…you. It’s what Ann fell in love with.
Oh, and Nick?” “Yeah?” “Don’t be so dumb either. You really do have a hard time staying in one piece.
Final Thoughts: This is a bizarre, entertaining and fantastic book to read, I truly enjoyed reading it.
Read the original review at: The Reading Bud
October 9, 2013
Holy cow.
This one is a page turner from the very start.
This is actually my favorite genre of book. I know, you thought it was romance, that’s a very close second, but I love anything to do with the paranormal. I love books that bring in angels, demons, the gods of old, witches, etc. I want to read battles between good and evil and I love turning the pages, hoping that good triumphs.
Brian Freyermuth completely delivered on everything I like in a novel.
Nick has been in hiding from his past, from his abilities, he just wants to be a normal writer. Tragedy struck and he lost his wife. When that happened, he took off, settled down in new place where no one from his past could find him. He took great pains with wards and spells and all that jazz to make sure that he would stay hidden from those who knew of him.
That didn’t work out so well.
Suddenly people/creatures start showing up needing his help, something happens that makes him realize he has to fight this fight, and the battle is on.
An angel.
Very well written, exciting, has some gore, a bit of freakiness, and some of my favorite names from the show Supernatural. Ok. Technically they are not “from” the show, but you know what I mean. Seriously that show has expanded my knowledge of all things mythical and religious: Michael, Odin, Azazel, Baal, and more. :) And they say TV rots your brain.
It’s Azazel.
Bonus – there’s a character from Iowa that is briefly talked about. You all know how excited I am when someone is from my state in a book, especially if they aren’t portrayed as a farmer.
One of my favorite lines from the book:
“Ann used to say that life is a constant battle between faith and chance. That by giving us free will, the creator also gave us chance…”
How true is that? If we didn’t have free will, everything would be planned out for us and nothing would be left up to chance.
I can’t wait to read the next in this series. Awesome book.
Sorry about the animated gifs Brian. I couldn’t help myself when some of the names made me think of my favorite show. :)
I received an ARC of Demon Dance in exchange for an honest review.
This one is a page turner from the very start.
This is actually my favorite genre of book. I know, you thought it was romance, that’s a very close second, but I love anything to do with the paranormal. I love books that bring in angels, demons, the gods of old, witches, etc. I want to read battles between good and evil and I love turning the pages, hoping that good triumphs.
Brian Freyermuth completely delivered on everything I like in a novel.
Nick has been in hiding from his past, from his abilities, he just wants to be a normal writer. Tragedy struck and he lost his wife. When that happened, he took off, settled down in new place where no one from his past could find him. He took great pains with wards and spells and all that jazz to make sure that he would stay hidden from those who knew of him.
That didn’t work out so well.
Suddenly people/creatures start showing up needing his help, something happens that makes him realize he has to fight this fight, and the battle is on.
An angel.
Very well written, exciting, has some gore, a bit of freakiness, and some of my favorite names from the show Supernatural. Ok. Technically they are not “from” the show, but you know what I mean. Seriously that show has expanded my knowledge of all things mythical and religious: Michael, Odin, Azazel, Baal, and more. :) And they say TV rots your brain.
It’s Azazel.
Bonus – there’s a character from Iowa that is briefly talked about. You all know how excited I am when someone is from my state in a book, especially if they aren’t portrayed as a farmer.
One of my favorite lines from the book:
“Ann used to say that life is a constant battle between faith and chance. That by giving us free will, the creator also gave us chance…”
How true is that? If we didn’t have free will, everything would be planned out for us and nothing would be left up to chance.
I can’t wait to read the next in this series. Awesome book.
Sorry about the animated gifs Brian. I couldn’t help myself when some of the names made me think of my favorite show. :)
I received an ARC of Demon Dance in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2013
Demon Dance (A Sundancer Novel)
Brian Freyermuth
Arc supplied by publisher.
This is certainly an action packed novel, we jump straight into a scene where Nick is accosted by Coyote, who I know from fiction as a Native American spirit shape-shifter, and assume that Brian is using the same character. Coyote plays about with Nick, forcing him into a rescue and giving him a scale from a dragon...all very curious and that's one of the problems I had with the book, the way everything just happens without any kind of background. I love this sort of book, where parallel worlds exist with gods and demons, spirits, vampires and shape-shifters, and a few select people with special abilities. The action was perfect, tightly written and riveting, but – and its a big but – I felt I was reading a later book in an existing series. I really struggled with all the different demons, angels, vampires and with Nick's mysterious powers. None of it was explained and it meant I was constantly wondering how – why- when...I love this sort of fiction and Brain can clearly write it well but I just wish I understood more of the characters abilities and motivations. As it was I felt I was bumbling along finding out as the story unfolded. I don't mean I need to know everything upfront, or be spoon fed each detail, but a bit more about Nick and the past incidents with his wife and sister in law would have made the story flow much better for me.
Its difficult to review in a way; as I said the writing style is great, full of action and scenes that are believable – or would be if I understood where the characters were coming from. Sadly I was lost – to the extent that I just couldn't relate to the story as a whole. If I was reviewing on potential and quality it would be a resounding five, but the story itself had me lost and so I struggled to keep interested :(
Priced at £2.68 for 334 pages/524kb is certainly excellent value if you can work out where the story goes better than I could :) maybe your mind will work differently to mine. If Brian was to write a prequel explaining the events of the past then I’m sure this book would work far better for fantasy lovers, certainly it would for me! Sort of Sundancer 0.5 …..
Stars: 3
Brian Freyermuth
Arc supplied by publisher.
This is certainly an action packed novel, we jump straight into a scene where Nick is accosted by Coyote, who I know from fiction as a Native American spirit shape-shifter, and assume that Brian is using the same character. Coyote plays about with Nick, forcing him into a rescue and giving him a scale from a dragon...all very curious and that's one of the problems I had with the book, the way everything just happens without any kind of background. I love this sort of book, where parallel worlds exist with gods and demons, spirits, vampires and shape-shifters, and a few select people with special abilities. The action was perfect, tightly written and riveting, but – and its a big but – I felt I was reading a later book in an existing series. I really struggled with all the different demons, angels, vampires and with Nick's mysterious powers. None of it was explained and it meant I was constantly wondering how – why- when...I love this sort of fiction and Brain can clearly write it well but I just wish I understood more of the characters abilities and motivations. As it was I felt I was bumbling along finding out as the story unfolded. I don't mean I need to know everything upfront, or be spoon fed each detail, but a bit more about Nick and the past incidents with his wife and sister in law would have made the story flow much better for me.
Its difficult to review in a way; as I said the writing style is great, full of action and scenes that are believable – or would be if I understood where the characters were coming from. Sadly I was lost – to the extent that I just couldn't relate to the story as a whole. If I was reviewing on potential and quality it would be a resounding five, but the story itself had me lost and so I struggled to keep interested :(
Priced at £2.68 for 334 pages/524kb is certainly excellent value if you can work out where the story goes better than I could :) maybe your mind will work differently to mine. If Brian was to write a prequel explaining the events of the past then I’m sure this book would work far better for fantasy lovers, certainly it would for me! Sort of Sundancer 0.5 …..
Stars: 3
October 18, 2013
It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Urban Fantasy as a genre. I've fallen in love with the blend of the real world and mythological one. Being able to have one foot in reality, and another on an entirely different plane, makes for a read that I can't get enough of. Needless to say, I was eager to meet Nick St. James and see what wild events his story would drag me into. I wasn't disappointed my friends. Oh no, not at all.
First off let me gush about Nick St. James. Before I even knew anything about his pain filled past, I knew I adored him. He's just vulnerable enough, just kind enough, to make you feel the human part of him. Put someone he wants to protect in danger though, and all hell breaks loose. Nick is a character who channels into the deepest parts of himself, past the darkness, past the pain, to whatever it takes to keep the people he cares about safe. In my book, that absolutely makes him worth following. I ate it up, and went back for seconds.
Lucky for Nick, he's not alone. The cast of characters who come along with him are all just as strong and as vivid as he is. From his vampire sister-in-law, to his possible fling (who has her own secrets hidden away), each of them keeps him, and the story, moving right along. Not to worry, I won't spoil anything for you. I'll just say that there are some big players in this book. Some you'll recognize right away, others you might learn about while reading, but Nick is playing with the big leagues. The amount of action packed into Demon Dance is staggering, and wholly immersing.
The absolute only reason I gave this a four-star rating, rather than a five, is that it did take me a while to catch up with Nick. For the first few chapters, this book reads a bit like a second novel. It unapologetically throws you right into the action. Keep reading on though, trust me. Nick's life is slowly unraveled throughout the story, and by the end you'll have a lot better insight into the man who kicks so much ass on these pages. I still have questions, but I'm hoping they'll be answered in the next book.
Long story short, this is a read that you need to get your hands on! If you're a fan of Urban Fantasy, Demon Dance is sure to easily soar to the top of your favorites list. I know I'm a fan. Bring it on.
First off let me gush about Nick St. James. Before I even knew anything about his pain filled past, I knew I adored him. He's just vulnerable enough, just kind enough, to make you feel the human part of him. Put someone he wants to protect in danger though, and all hell breaks loose. Nick is a character who channels into the deepest parts of himself, past the darkness, past the pain, to whatever it takes to keep the people he cares about safe. In my book, that absolutely makes him worth following. I ate it up, and went back for seconds.
Lucky for Nick, he's not alone. The cast of characters who come along with him are all just as strong and as vivid as he is. From his vampire sister-in-law, to his possible fling (who has her own secrets hidden away), each of them keeps him, and the story, moving right along. Not to worry, I won't spoil anything for you. I'll just say that there are some big players in this book. Some you'll recognize right away, others you might learn about while reading, but Nick is playing with the big leagues. The amount of action packed into Demon Dance is staggering, and wholly immersing.
The absolute only reason I gave this a four-star rating, rather than a five, is that it did take me a while to catch up with Nick. For the first few chapters, this book reads a bit like a second novel. It unapologetically throws you right into the action. Keep reading on though, trust me. Nick's life is slowly unraveled throughout the story, and by the end you'll have a lot better insight into the man who kicks so much ass on these pages. I still have questions, but I'm hoping they'll be answered in the next book.
Long story short, this is a read that you need to get your hands on! If you're a fan of Urban Fantasy, Demon Dance is sure to easily soar to the top of your favorites list. I know I'm a fan. Bring it on.
November 11, 2013
This is a new favorite Urban Fantasy. Oh my. It was a whirlwind ride of goodness. I love the main character, I loved the secondary characters, and even better, I loved the action and the fast paced, well written flow of this whole story. When his sister in law needs some help, all his hiding from his past is thrown into his present, and he’s in trouble. There’s a big bad demon, and things are about to get real, real fast. I also need to say that the blurb for this book doesn’t do it justice. I read this book with only a little interest from that, and then when I finished, I decided it was GREAT!
Nick is a little broken. He’s almost human, and he makes you relate to him. However, when someone he cares about is in trouble, you will realize that maybe his humanity isn’t all there, all the time. I loved this about him! He’s so loyal and devoted to those around him. And though he’s so amazing, there’s some excellent side kick characters. I mean he has vampers for in-laws.
There’s a wonderful, awesome amount of action. I love love me some good action in a book. And I really love when it’s done really well too. It doesn’t start out with the slow informational background. It starts with crazy. You are thrown into tornado winds and you better hold on. Now don’t worry, the backgrounds come, but it was so perfectly put in that you forget you don’t need to take self defense lessons LOL. I seriously loved this about the book! And they leave you with just enough to question for those to come.
There are so many cool supernatural beings. There’s an excellent leading character. OOOOh, I know he’s not “the same” as my favorite Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden, but it’s pretty damn close. He has that same dirty, gritty, vulnerable, self martyring feel. I think I am totally hooked… PLEASE don’t make me wait like Harry does for more :) The writing is flawless and I am so glad I took a chance on reading this one! GIMME GIMME GIMME some more RIGHT NOW…. Pretty please :) a WONDERFUL ACTION PACKED FAVORITE 5 PAWS!!!
Nick is a little broken. He’s almost human, and he makes you relate to him. However, when someone he cares about is in trouble, you will realize that maybe his humanity isn’t all there, all the time. I loved this about him! He’s so loyal and devoted to those around him. And though he’s so amazing, there’s some excellent side kick characters. I mean he has vampers for in-laws.
There’s a wonderful, awesome amount of action. I love love me some good action in a book. And I really love when it’s done really well too. It doesn’t start out with the slow informational background. It starts with crazy. You are thrown into tornado winds and you better hold on. Now don’t worry, the backgrounds come, but it was so perfectly put in that you forget you don’t need to take self defense lessons LOL. I seriously loved this about the book! And they leave you with just enough to question for those to come.
There are so many cool supernatural beings. There’s an excellent leading character. OOOOh, I know he’s not “the same” as my favorite Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden, but it’s pretty damn close. He has that same dirty, gritty, vulnerable, self martyring feel. I think I am totally hooked… PLEASE don’t make me wait like Harry does for more :) The writing is flawless and I am so glad I took a chance on reading this one! GIMME GIMME GIMME some more RIGHT NOW…. Pretty please :) a WONDERFUL ACTION PACKED FAVORITE 5 PAWS!!!
May 5, 2014
Widowed Nick St. James is a retired private investigator who now writes for a living in Seattle. He was born with special, extraordinary powers and gifts but remains vulnerable. However, despite his efforts to leave these and his painful past behind, hiding from everyone following the death of his wife for which he feels guilt, he finds himself trying to save a mother and child from a nightmarish demon and being hunted himself in a world where supernatural, mystical, demonic beings, creatures of legend from different eras of mythology and ancient gods exist amongst us. This loyal character receives assistance in his quest from a limited but motley bunch of friends or, rather, associates, such as a voodoo priest, a vampire who works in a mortuary, a librarian who was (is?) a Norse goddess, and a woman who runs a coffee-shop.
As a ‘vamp virgin’ this book, from the urban fantasy genre, sent to me by Goodreads for review, was a departure from my usual, if eclectic, reading matter. Accordingly, I put my initial confusion and struggle to get to grips with the book as a result of my lack of familiarity with the whole notion of a split reality with a ‘hidden’ world of magic enveloping us in the modern world. However, after a while I realised that this is not intended to be a standalone book (published by the author’s wife’s specially created publishing company) and that the author plans this to be one of a series. Accordingly, some of the many unanswered questions that I have (e.g. from where do Nick’s special powers come? Why is he called ‘sundancer’? what is it with his need for red meat?) may be answered in a subsequent book. Certainly ‘Demon Dance’ is full of action, with the reader being thrown into what felt like a scene from one of my husband’s somewhat violent role-playing computer games right from page 1. The descriptions, metaphors and similes used throughout were excellent and I got the impression that this was an author who has strength in his story-telling ability. It proved to be a good introduction to this genre for me.
As a ‘vamp virgin’ this book, from the urban fantasy genre, sent to me by Goodreads for review, was a departure from my usual, if eclectic, reading matter. Accordingly, I put my initial confusion and struggle to get to grips with the book as a result of my lack of familiarity with the whole notion of a split reality with a ‘hidden’ world of magic enveloping us in the modern world. However, after a while I realised that this is not intended to be a standalone book (published by the author’s wife’s specially created publishing company) and that the author plans this to be one of a series. Accordingly, some of the many unanswered questions that I have (e.g. from where do Nick’s special powers come? Why is he called ‘sundancer’? what is it with his need for red meat?) may be answered in a subsequent book. Certainly ‘Demon Dance’ is full of action, with the reader being thrown into what felt like a scene from one of my husband’s somewhat violent role-playing computer games right from page 1. The descriptions, metaphors and similes used throughout were excellent and I got the impression that this was an author who has strength in his story-telling ability. It proved to be a good introduction to this genre for me.
February 9, 2015
The first thing you notice about this novel is the narrator’s voice. There is a specific attitude for this sub-genre of novel: insouciant, irreverent, sarcastic in a self-deprecating way, like a rebellious teenager just beginning to realize how he sounds to everyone else. Freyermuth has it nailed, and it makes the hero, Nicolas, approachable and human. Add to this a deft turn of phrase and a constant barrage of zany imagery and the writing keeps you entertained all on its own. The setting descriptions are likewise quirky and detailed: just look up Seattle’s Freemont Troll. (Or is he a character?) Of course, denizens of the Pacific Northwest might complain about the constant darkness and rain, but they do that anyway through force of habit. And it is a dark tale, a human struggle set against the battles of the angels, fallen and otherwise.
Another asset is the emotion: strong and believable. The trick with paranormal fantasy is to balance the metaphysical battle with the human, emotional conflict. What many writers don’t get is the fact that the human part has to dominate. We may find the antics of Baal, Azazel, and the Archangel Michael fascinating, but we don’t really care what happens to them. What we care about is whether Nicholas St. James, former private eye-turned-author, manages to return to the world of humanity after his life-shattering bereavement.
If I had anything to complain about in this story, it’s the level of pain we have to endure. St. James exits Chapter 4 suffering the debilitating results of a battle with a demon. He pretty well stays on that theme, with a few variations, until the very end. I will not use the word “boring” in reference to this book, but I will allow that the continuous pain becomes rather predictable after a while. I mean, debilitating pain is supposed to…well…debilitate you, isn’t it?
A well-written story with empathetic characters (even one of the bad guys) and great action sequences. As happy an ending as could be managed in the circumstances. Highly recommended for paranormal fans, and everyone else as well.
Another asset is the emotion: strong and believable. The trick with paranormal fantasy is to balance the metaphysical battle with the human, emotional conflict. What many writers don’t get is the fact that the human part has to dominate. We may find the antics of Baal, Azazel, and the Archangel Michael fascinating, but we don’t really care what happens to them. What we care about is whether Nicholas St. James, former private eye-turned-author, manages to return to the world of humanity after his life-shattering bereavement.
If I had anything to complain about in this story, it’s the level of pain we have to endure. St. James exits Chapter 4 suffering the debilitating results of a battle with a demon. He pretty well stays on that theme, with a few variations, until the very end. I will not use the word “boring” in reference to this book, but I will allow that the continuous pain becomes rather predictable after a while. I mean, debilitating pain is supposed to…well…debilitate you, isn’t it?
A well-written story with empathetic characters (even one of the bad guys) and great action sequences. As happy an ending as could be managed in the circumstances. Highly recommended for paranormal fans, and everyone else as well.
October 30, 2013
Nick is trying to hide from his past and his pain. He has done so for a while but a visit from someone from his past shows him that is about to change. His sister in law needs help and he doesn't want to help her he is out of the game and wants to stay that way. When a demon is hell bent on killing him and those around him he knows he has to come out of his hiding and do the right things. Thinking of what his late wife would say to him helps him through some of those situations. Even knowing about the magical world he is still unprepared for what he finds when he begins looking. It goes higher than even he knows and he will have to walk a thin line between the good and evil.
Reading the blurb for this book it had my interest. What I wasn't prepared for was how great this book was. It has so much going on. You have demons, angels, trolls, vampires and so so much more. I liked Nick right away. He seemed to be lost in his memories of the past and really just wanted to hide away not just from his past but the whole world. He isn't an ordinary guy as you soon see. Even when he doesn't want to get involved he is still ready to do the right thing. He has a few friends but soon finds just how good of friends he has as he dives into trying to solve the mystery of who is sending the demon after him and others and what they really want. You really get to see Nick come out of his shell and fight for the good of things. He has to face some hard twist in this. It is loaded with action that has you asking what next. The only thing I would have liked to see more of is his past before this but I am hoping we get to see more of that in the next book. While I love a good paranormal romance this book is a refreshing take on paranormal beings. It is very intriguing and while it has a great ending you still want more in a good way. The author has created a wonderful world with this book and I eagerly look forward to the next one.
Reading the blurb for this book it had my interest. What I wasn't prepared for was how great this book was. It has so much going on. You have demons, angels, trolls, vampires and so so much more. I liked Nick right away. He seemed to be lost in his memories of the past and really just wanted to hide away not just from his past but the whole world. He isn't an ordinary guy as you soon see. Even when he doesn't want to get involved he is still ready to do the right thing. He has a few friends but soon finds just how good of friends he has as he dives into trying to solve the mystery of who is sending the demon after him and others and what they really want. You really get to see Nick come out of his shell and fight for the good of things. He has to face some hard twist in this. It is loaded with action that has you asking what next. The only thing I would have liked to see more of is his past before this but I am hoping we get to see more of that in the next book. While I love a good paranormal romance this book is a refreshing take on paranormal beings. It is very intriguing and while it has a great ending you still want more in a good way. The author has created a wonderful world with this book and I eagerly look forward to the next one.
November 20, 2016
Demon Dance is the first novel in what I assume is a planned series by author Brian Freyermuth. This "Sundancer" series appears to be modeled on Jim Butcher's Dresden Files urban fantasy style. It's a first person narrated story where the protagonist - one Nick St. James - has some special abilities, a quirky cast of supporting characters and a penchant for getting in big trouble with supernatural forces.
In Demon Dance, St. James is called on by a ghost from his troubled past to look into a series of strange killings that appears to be the work of a powerful demon. It doesn't take long before St. James, who is also known as the Sundancer for reasons yet unexplained, is up to his neck in demons, angels, angry spirits, trolls and vampires.
This was an entertaining read, but it's about as "by the numbers" an urban fantasy as it gets. Freyermuth shares Butcher's tendency to write at length about what his characters are wearing and eating, and that's the least of the similarities to the Dresden Files books. Our boy Harry - I mean Nick - cracks some jokes, mouths off to authority figures and generally gets the crap kicked out of him by the time the (very) predictable ending rolls around.
As first novels go, it's not bad. The author just doesn't have his own voice or style yet. He also left way too much unexplained, namely how Nick got his name and what his powers are and where they come from. He does get points for releasing a book that appears to have been professionally copy edited, which sadly isn't always a given with self-published books. Demon Dance may stick to the urban fantasy formula, but it's a fairly enjoyable read if you're looking for something to pass the time until the next Dresden Files book comes out.
In Demon Dance, St. James is called on by a ghost from his troubled past to look into a series of strange killings that appears to be the work of a powerful demon. It doesn't take long before St. James, who is also known as the Sundancer for reasons yet unexplained, is up to his neck in demons, angels, angry spirits, trolls and vampires.
This was an entertaining read, but it's about as "by the numbers" an urban fantasy as it gets. Freyermuth shares Butcher's tendency to write at length about what his characters are wearing and eating, and that's the least of the similarities to the Dresden Files books. Our boy Harry - I mean Nick - cracks some jokes, mouths off to authority figures and generally gets the crap kicked out of him by the time the (very) predictable ending rolls around.
As first novels go, it's not bad. The author just doesn't have his own voice or style yet. He also left way too much unexplained, namely how Nick got his name and what his powers are and where they come from. He does get points for releasing a book that appears to have been professionally copy edited, which sadly isn't always a given with self-published books. Demon Dance may stick to the urban fantasy formula, but it's a fairly enjoyable read if you're looking for something to pass the time until the next Dresden Files book comes out.
October 1, 2015
original review @ JC's Book Haven.
“I wish. Spending my hard-earned cash on dancers and cheesy shows sounds like paradise compared to the mess I’m in.” The minivan swerved to miss a slow-moving Honda, and my ribs began a riotous argument with my stomach. I gasped.
“Compared to the crap you’re always in,” Jake grumbled. “I thought you retired.”
“I keep trying to tell the monsters that. They won’t listen.”
The Good
Nick St. James is my type of hero. He’s far from perfect, isn’t all powerful yet he knows how to win. He’s the guy you root for just wanting something to go right and not blow up in his face. I personally really enjoy the detective style books involving the super natural. Plus there is plenty of action to go along with an entertaining story.
The Bad
The bad for me would be lots of interesting characters popping up throughout the book that I would love to get to know better. But if this leads to follow up books where I get to learn more about them count me in.
The Romance
While the romantic overtones are there between our hero and a young woman named Thelma, Nick is still haunted by the death of his true love Ann.
Conclusion
If you enjoy action and supernatural with an imperfect hero, then you will love this book. The main demon Nick fights with is new and interesting. I had little problem breezing through this one. It’s really a hard book to put down
“I wish. Spending my hard-earned cash on dancers and cheesy shows sounds like paradise compared to the mess I’m in.” The minivan swerved to miss a slow-moving Honda, and my ribs began a riotous argument with my stomach. I gasped.
“Compared to the crap you’re always in,” Jake grumbled. “I thought you retired.”
“I keep trying to tell the monsters that. They won’t listen.”
The Good
Nick St. James is my type of hero. He’s far from perfect, isn’t all powerful yet he knows how to win. He’s the guy you root for just wanting something to go right and not blow up in his face. I personally really enjoy the detective style books involving the super natural. Plus there is plenty of action to go along with an entertaining story.
The Bad
The bad for me would be lots of interesting characters popping up throughout the book that I would love to get to know better. But if this leads to follow up books where I get to learn more about them count me in.
The Romance
While the romantic overtones are there between our hero and a young woman named Thelma, Nick is still haunted by the death of his true love Ann.
Conclusion
If you enjoy action and supernatural with an imperfect hero, then you will love this book. The main demon Nick fights with is new and interesting. I had little problem breezing through this one. It’s really a hard book to put down
August 25, 2014
Forgot to post this from November so here it is!:
So from following along my little blog, you must know by now that I am a total and complete urban fantasy / paranormal fantasy junkie right? So you won't be shocked the fact that I absolutely jumped at the chance to read this book and subsequently fell for it? *nods* Yeah, I knew you were smart. :)
So, another thing that suckers me in? The protagonist who is in emotional pain and yet still kind, vulnerable yet tough. The one who makes you sympathize as well as cheer when he/she turns into Supreme Bad-Ass. Nick St James is totally one of those characters. Before you even get a chance to delve into what made him so, he was already appealing in his approach to his day, to what he encounters, etc.
I have to admit to being a little surprised. I wasn't expecting such a mix of characters that work seamlessly together: the trickster coyote, angels, demons, trolls, vampires, old gods...it was intense and yet so wonderfully woven that I couldn't stop reading. I am hoping that the next book has more history or that Mr Freyermuth writes a prequel of sorts and really...that's only to satisfy my morbid curiosity.
Well-written, well-paced, great action scenes, and, at times, gory, I couldn't turn away, I wanted it to continue, and I enjoyed my time watching Nick come out of his shell, master his Pain, and BE. I'm happy there's a #1 after this as I'd happily read some more!
So from following along my little blog, you must know by now that I am a total and complete urban fantasy / paranormal fantasy junkie right? So you won't be shocked the fact that I absolutely jumped at the chance to read this book and subsequently fell for it? *nods* Yeah, I knew you were smart. :)
So, another thing that suckers me in? The protagonist who is in emotional pain and yet still kind, vulnerable yet tough. The one who makes you sympathize as well as cheer when he/she turns into Supreme Bad-Ass. Nick St James is totally one of those characters. Before you even get a chance to delve into what made him so, he was already appealing in his approach to his day, to what he encounters, etc.
I have to admit to being a little surprised. I wasn't expecting such a mix of characters that work seamlessly together: the trickster coyote, angels, demons, trolls, vampires, old gods...it was intense and yet so wonderfully woven that I couldn't stop reading. I am hoping that the next book has more history or that Mr Freyermuth writes a prequel of sorts and really...that's only to satisfy my morbid curiosity.
Well-written, well-paced, great action scenes, and, at times, gory, I couldn't turn away, I wanted it to continue, and I enjoyed my time watching Nick come out of his shell, master his Pain, and BE. I'm happy there's a #1 after this as I'd happily read some more!
Read
October 31, 2013I really enjoyed this book.
This story is interesting. The characters hold you and won’t let you go. The hero is mysterious and yet relatable.
Nick was born with strange and strong powers. What he is and what he does is never fully explained, but for me, it just played more to his mysteriousness. The back story left many opportunities for other stories, which I would definitely be interested in reading.
This was a strong book compared to some other books I have read recently.
I was impressed and recommended it immediately to family and friends.
This story is interesting. The characters hold you and won’t let you go. The hero is mysterious and yet relatable.
Nick was born with strange and strong powers. What he is and what he does is never fully explained, but for me, it just played more to his mysteriousness. The back story left many opportunities for other stories, which I would definitely be interested in reading.
This was a strong book compared to some other books I have read recently.
I was impressed and recommended it immediately to family and friends.
February 2, 2016
I loved "Demon Dance". The story was a fun read, well paced, with a great set of characters and creatures. I loved the combination of all of the different kind of supernatural beings and their interactions. The ending was not one that I had foreseen, and it definitely is not a cookie-cutter type fantasy story. I highly recommend it.
If you want to check out my full review you can do so at: awkwardreview.com
If you want to check out my full review you can do so at: awkwardreview.com
November 24, 2014
Very enjoyable read here. The closest way to describe Nick St. James is a cross between an investigator and a shaman. How do demon attacks tie in with a senator and the tragedy Nick experienced in Boston years ago? Highly recommended.
May 24, 2013
Close to being a four... more later.
November 6, 2014
Very well written, with some great twists and surprises that I really didn't expect. I loved the main character as well as the supporting characters.
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