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Demon Jack
Simple choice:
Stay dead and go to Hell,
Or sell your soul to a demon and keep breathing.
Fifteen years ago, Jack died and chose the latter. Now, a few years out of prison and living on the streets of Boston, Jack is perfectly content to keep a low profile and avoid his turbulent past.
Being a faceless “nobody” suits Jack just fine.
It’s working out until the only person he considers a friend turns on him, possessed by something far worse than the demon holding the contract to Jack's soul. Now, he's been recruited (some might say blackmailed) by an ancient order with roots in the Inquisition to hunt down whatever malevolent force is responsible for turning Boston's homeless into ravenous killers. At the same time, someone from his past with a massive vendetta and nothing in the way of conscience, is looking for Jack, hoping to issue a little payback of his own.
Paired with a centuries old witch and the only person to survive the rampage thus far, Jack is in a race to track down whatever’s responsible for killing his people, all while staying one step ahead of the skeletons in his closet.
Stay dead and go to Hell,
Or sell your soul to a demon and keep breathing.
Fifteen years ago, Jack died and chose the latter. Now, a few years out of prison and living on the streets of Boston, Jack is perfectly content to keep a low profile and avoid his turbulent past.
Being a faceless “nobody” suits Jack just fine.
It’s working out until the only person he considers a friend turns on him, possessed by something far worse than the demon holding the contract to Jack's soul. Now, he's been recruited (some might say blackmailed) by an ancient order with roots in the Inquisition to hunt down whatever malevolent force is responsible for turning Boston's homeless into ravenous killers. At the same time, someone from his past with a massive vendetta and nothing in the way of conscience, is looking for Jack, hoping to issue a little payback of his own.
Paired with a centuries old witch and the only person to survive the rampage thus far, Jack is in a race to track down whatever’s responsible for killing his people, all while staying one step ahead of the skeletons in his closet.
328 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2013
8 people are currently reading
888 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Donovan
17 books21 followersPatrick Donovan is the author of the Demon Jack Urban Fantasy series and the upcoming Jonah Heywood Urban Fantasy Series. He currently lives in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina, where he divides his time between teaching, writing, and pretending to act like a responsible adult.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 20, 2013
Great book by a brand new author. I expect great things from him in the future. Certainly worth your time to check out.
September 30, 2014
Initial thoughts (see below for review):
*gulp* That didn't turn out how I thought it would. I need to think on this one. Review to come.
Review:
Actual rating: 2 stars. 1 whole star is given for the simple fact that I didn't DNF this book. No story spoilers.
The description of this story had me intrigued. I was excited to pick this one up, and even struggled holding off as long as I did to read it. I was thinking how exciting it'd be to get hooked into a new storyline, by a new author. I always love finding new and upcoming authors that I can start to follow. At first...I was quite into the story...
But then typo after typo would pop it's ugly head up at me. There was lots of "to" being used in the way "too" should be. Some punctual errors. I kept getting hung up on these mistakes, and it would jerk me out of the story. I can't glaze over typos. My brain makes me stop, analyze it, fix what's wrong with it, then continue. By that point, I can't even remember what was happening in the story, so I have to reread it. This book was in terrible need of an editor.
It got to the point where I was finding multiple mistakes on each page. I'd let out a frustrated sigh, or smack my hand on my forehead, or toss my iPad to the side. My husband looks at me and asks what's wrong. So I read him a few sentences. "Why are you still reading that?" he says. Well, I wanted so badly to enjoy it. I got far enough into the story that I felt I owed the book the justice of finishing it. It wasn't that I needed to know what happened in the story, because by that point I was out of f*cks to give.
It's been a couple weeks since I read this book, and I barely remember the storyline. What I can tell you is that the concept was good, but the execution was not. Yes this is a paranormal book, and yes I realize that it's not factual nor could these events ever truly happen. However, with that being said, I didn't believe the story at all. Every blink of an eye Jack was on the verge of death. "OMG this is it! I'm totally going to die!!" Then, by some miracle, the next chapter would find Jack still living. Then it's, "OMG I'm REALLY going to die this time!!" Oops, nope, he's alive still. On and on that went.
While it pains me to give this such a bad review, I owe it to myself and everyone here to be honest. I walked in this expecting to be surprised and wowed, like I was with Slow Boat to Purgatory. But alas, this wasn't Vernon Baker, and I was not wowed. Moving on.
*gulp* That didn't turn out how I thought it would. I need to think on this one. Review to come.
Review:
Actual rating: 2 stars. 1 whole star is given for the simple fact that I didn't DNF this book. No story spoilers.
The description of this story had me intrigued. I was excited to pick this one up, and even struggled holding off as long as I did to read it. I was thinking how exciting it'd be to get hooked into a new storyline, by a new author. I always love finding new and upcoming authors that I can start to follow. At first...I was quite into the story...
But then typo after typo would pop it's ugly head up at me. There was lots of "to" being used in the way "too" should be. Some punctual errors. I kept getting hung up on these mistakes, and it would jerk me out of the story. I can't glaze over typos. My brain makes me stop, analyze it, fix what's wrong with it, then continue. By that point, I can't even remember what was happening in the story, so I have to reread it. This book was in terrible need of an editor.
It got to the point where I was finding multiple mistakes on each page. I'd let out a frustrated sigh, or smack my hand on my forehead, or toss my iPad to the side. My husband looks at me and asks what's wrong. So I read him a few sentences. "Why are you still reading that?" he says. Well, I wanted so badly to enjoy it. I got far enough into the story that I felt I owed the book the justice of finishing it. It wasn't that I needed to know what happened in the story, because by that point I was out of f*cks to give.
It's been a couple weeks since I read this book, and I barely remember the storyline. What I can tell you is that the concept was good, but the execution was not. Yes this is a paranormal book, and yes I realize that it's not factual nor could these events ever truly happen. However, with that being said, I didn't believe the story at all. Every blink of an eye Jack was on the verge of death. "OMG this is it! I'm totally going to die!!" Then, by some miracle, the next chapter would find Jack still living. Then it's, "OMG I'm REALLY going to die this time!!" Oops, nope, he's alive still. On and on that went.
While it pains me to give this such a bad review, I owe it to myself and everyone here to be honest. I walked in this expecting to be surprised and wowed, like I was with Slow Boat to Purgatory. But alas, this wasn't Vernon Baker, and I was not wowed. Moving on.
August 3, 2015
"Demon Jack" is a super fast paced genre blending read. Very exciting and enjoyable. Mr. Donovan's writing style is quick and entertaining. From the first page events steam roll with hardly a moment to catch up, for reader or character. But with a baddie of biblical proportions, what else should you expect.
The world he creates is rich with interesting takes on classic creatures and with supporting characters that are awesome. Every one fleshed out well, they all have a purpose here and help move the story along.
The climax of the novel is also pretty fantastic.
This novel screams series and there are a number of ways that it could branch off including/ but not limited to an outright sequel. However Mr. Donovan chooses to proceed, I'm in. I am invested in this world and the characters and I can hardly wait to learn more about them.
*4.5/5
The Mouths of Madness
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The world he creates is rich with interesting takes on classic creatures and with supporting characters that are awesome. Every one fleshed out well, they all have a purpose here and help move the story along.
The climax of the novel is also pretty fantastic.
This novel screams series and there are a number of ways that it could branch off including/ but not limited to an outright sequel. However Mr. Donovan chooses to proceed, I'm in. I am invested in this world and the characters and I can hardly wait to learn more about them.
*4.5/5
The Mouths of Madness
my link text
July 1, 2019
I have to stop reading this author. His plots sound so promising, but this is now the second time I've read one of his books and been disappointed and unable to finish. The main character is so shallow, he feels like a side character in his own story. He talks like a tough, rogue ruffian, and in his thoughts he tells us over and over again how much it doesn't bother him, how he's only looking out for number one, but his actions are always heroic. None of the characters' characterizations match their actions. Just like the setting is completely anonymous except for Donovan saying it's Boston over and over again.
February 11, 2019
A very good, fast paced novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2022
Good read
Disappointed that the series didn’t continue. Familiar world to others in the genre but interesting characters. Would of been nice to see where it led.
Disappointed that the series didn’t continue. Familiar world to others in the genre but interesting characters. Would of been nice to see where it led.
December 18, 2013
I've known how Patrick Donovan writes for years, now, after taking part in many a writing drill together. I've known he's got a knack for description and a keen eye for entertaining readers. When he told me he'd signed a book deal, I was pretty happy for him! I'm happier, still, that Demon Jack isn't some boiler-plate urban fantasy work - it's solid entertainment, and it's definitely worth a read.
Let's start with the great strength of this work, that being the characterization of our titular hobo, Jack. Jack is a jovial name; he is not a jovial fellow. It isn't a big shock that Jack signed a contract with a demon named Alice - we learn this pretty early on, in fact. Jack ends up "recruited" to a clique of characters who resemble a multi-faith, grim-faced Scooby Gang worth of demon-fighters. Of these, a powerful witch named Maggie serves as Jack's main point of contact, and she does a good job of not becoming that gorgeous and powerful female sidekick who loses every scrap of dignity after falling in love with the weird goth kid; the one with vicious scars all over his face who talks to demons, but really, deep-down just needs a bit of love. So, Jack and Maggie go on adventures, right? That's how these stories go, yeah? Well, Jack and Maggie live in a pretty dark world, and they have to deal with Jack's particularly unfortunate past. He's got vampire-boss gunning for him, and he ends up in a show-down against a literally biblical force of evil, so "adventures" is a pretty romantic term for it all. Jack doesn't have many good days, and even his good hours end up turning dour as his past sins kick his new friends - a young girl named Lucy, in particular - in the teeth quite regularly. Summed up, readers will find themselves loving to hate Jack, even if they don't exactly love him as a person (fictional). He's selfish, he makes bad decisions, and he's kind of a jerk; but he tries to earn a little redemption in between attempts to drown his sorrows, and one gets the impression that there's hope for him, yet.
The prose itself is strong. There are occasional editorial gaffes, but no editor is perfect. There's mountains of metaphor and the description of combat scenes are particularly well done; suitably gruesome for the tone of the world Jack inhabits, but not over-the-top, either. Dialogue exchanges are satisfying and to the point. Donovan went to fair lengths in researching biblical information to put his work together, but he doesn't limit the mysticism in his world - or the "righteousness" of faith - to the Judeo-Christian heritage. While there could perhaps be a bit more structure to the work, with regards to framing what is going on for the reader's understanding, we are ultimately restricted to Jack's point of view (good 'ol first-person-narration), so there's less opportunity for exposition. Overall, it works - and, as it leaves room for a sequel without bashing a reader over the head with the promise of one, chances are we'll find out more about Jack's world in due time; it does, after all, resonate with certain other worlds-which-are-dark, but it stands out all the same.
If I had to find a weakness (and, from a critical standpoint, I believe I have to), it's probably that Demon Jack doesn't directly attack larger literary themes on a regular basis. It is without question a great, fun book. You will read it in under a week because it is easily processed and incredibly entertaining! But, for example, Jack doesn't spend much time musing over the mysteries of the divine. For a man who sees demons on a regular basis, Jack certainly doesn't devote energy towards considering the "good" side of "good and evil," or the implications of solid evidence for religious faith. This certainly fits with Jack's character, and it fits with the world he lives in. He has too many things trying to kill him to worry about whether his soul is corrupt, or whether or not he can and will be redeemed. His mind is already made up on the first, anyway, and maybe that's okay. While an opportunity to explore morality may have been passed up on, the fact is that a great book doesn't have to address those things.
Sometimes, a great book just needs to be a great story, and that's what you'll get from Demon Jack.
Let's start with the great strength of this work, that being the characterization of our titular hobo, Jack. Jack is a jovial name; he is not a jovial fellow. It isn't a big shock that Jack signed a contract with a demon named Alice - we learn this pretty early on, in fact. Jack ends up "recruited" to a clique of characters who resemble a multi-faith, grim-faced Scooby Gang worth of demon-fighters. Of these, a powerful witch named Maggie serves as Jack's main point of contact, and she does a good job of not becoming that gorgeous and powerful female sidekick who loses every scrap of dignity after falling in love with the weird goth kid; the one with vicious scars all over his face who talks to demons, but really, deep-down just needs a bit of love. So, Jack and Maggie go on adventures, right? That's how these stories go, yeah? Well, Jack and Maggie live in a pretty dark world, and they have to deal with Jack's particularly unfortunate past. He's got vampire-boss gunning for him, and he ends up in a show-down against a literally biblical force of evil, so "adventures" is a pretty romantic term for it all. Jack doesn't have many good days, and even his good hours end up turning dour as his past sins kick his new friends - a young girl named Lucy, in particular - in the teeth quite regularly. Summed up, readers will find themselves loving to hate Jack, even if they don't exactly love him as a person (fictional). He's selfish, he makes bad decisions, and he's kind of a jerk; but he tries to earn a little redemption in between attempts to drown his sorrows, and one gets the impression that there's hope for him, yet.
The prose itself is strong. There are occasional editorial gaffes, but no editor is perfect. There's mountains of metaphor and the description of combat scenes are particularly well done; suitably gruesome for the tone of the world Jack inhabits, but not over-the-top, either. Dialogue exchanges are satisfying and to the point. Donovan went to fair lengths in researching biblical information to put his work together, but he doesn't limit the mysticism in his world - or the "righteousness" of faith - to the Judeo-Christian heritage. While there could perhaps be a bit more structure to the work, with regards to framing what is going on for the reader's understanding, we are ultimately restricted to Jack's point of view (good 'ol first-person-narration), so there's less opportunity for exposition. Overall, it works - and, as it leaves room for a sequel without bashing a reader over the head with the promise of one, chances are we'll find out more about Jack's world in due time; it does, after all, resonate with certain other worlds-which-are-dark, but it stands out all the same.
If I had to find a weakness (and, from a critical standpoint, I believe I have to), it's probably that Demon Jack doesn't directly attack larger literary themes on a regular basis. It is without question a great, fun book. You will read it in under a week because it is easily processed and incredibly entertaining! But, for example, Jack doesn't spend much time musing over the mysteries of the divine. For a man who sees demons on a regular basis, Jack certainly doesn't devote energy towards considering the "good" side of "good and evil," or the implications of solid evidence for religious faith. This certainly fits with Jack's character, and it fits with the world he lives in. He has too many things trying to kill him to worry about whether his soul is corrupt, or whether or not he can and will be redeemed. His mind is already made up on the first, anyway, and maybe that's okay. While an opportunity to explore morality may have been passed up on, the fact is that a great book doesn't have to address those things.
Sometimes, a great book just needs to be a great story, and that's what you'll get from Demon Jack.
April 22, 2019
When is the next one?
Damn. I love being surprised by a book, and absolutely hate waiting for the next one. Hope you like it as much as I did
Damn. I love being surprised by a book, and absolutely hate waiting for the next one. Hope you like it as much as I did
December 3, 2013
Ever since I signed on with Fable Press for my first novel, I've wanted to check out some of the works by my fellow authors in the "Fable Stable." The first book on that list for me ended up being Patrick Donovan's Demon Jack, and it made for a damn good read.
Jack made a deal with a demon-like creature to come back to life and escape Hell, at least until he dies again and then goes to Hell for good. The good news is that the creature he's playing host to named Alice imbues him with extra strength and a fast-healing ability that spares him from the horrors of his previous life’s drug withdrawals. The bad news is that he's the definition of down on his luck in about every other way. His contract with Alice is literally burned into his flesh (so no supermodel jobs for him), he's living homeless on the streets of Boston, and a local vampire with a serious hate on for Jack is determined to get what he's owed.
The story takes off fast with one of Jack's best friends getting possessed by a demon, going on a murderous rampage and forcing Jack to kill her. Turns out what happened to his friend isn't an isolated incident. Several similar episodes have been happening, leading a spiritual order with ties to the ancient Inquisition to recruit/blackmail him into working for them in order to find out what's behind these random possessions and put a stop it. Jack doesn't go it alone. He gets partnered with a bad ass witch named Maggie, who's so cool that she could easily play the lead in her own series.
The entire cast of characters is dynamite. One of the previously possessed victims who survived the experience, a beautiful girl named Lucy, ends up along for the ride with Jack and pays for it in all sorts of nasty ways. Then there's Jack's "demon" Alice. Alice is a wonderfully intriguing character. She can only be seen by Jack (with a notable exception within the book), and seems a bit like a devil on Jack's shoulder with an agenda of her own which she never really reveals. If I had any complaint there, it's the fact you can tell we're barely getting any of what her full story is. My favorite moment in the book is when Alice chides Jack for not researching his situation by reading the Bible, about the last thing you'd expect from a creature that hijacked its way out of Hell by way of a human soul. The rest of the book is very indicative of that, taking what you expect and then going the other direction.
If you love your urban fantasy with a lot of grit and without the romance that pervades so much of the genre, then Demon Jack is the book for you.
Jack made a deal with a demon-like creature to come back to life and escape Hell, at least until he dies again and then goes to Hell for good. The good news is that the creature he's playing host to named Alice imbues him with extra strength and a fast-healing ability that spares him from the horrors of his previous life’s drug withdrawals. The bad news is that he's the definition of down on his luck in about every other way. His contract with Alice is literally burned into his flesh (so no supermodel jobs for him), he's living homeless on the streets of Boston, and a local vampire with a serious hate on for Jack is determined to get what he's owed.
The story takes off fast with one of Jack's best friends getting possessed by a demon, going on a murderous rampage and forcing Jack to kill her. Turns out what happened to his friend isn't an isolated incident. Several similar episodes have been happening, leading a spiritual order with ties to the ancient Inquisition to recruit/blackmail him into working for them in order to find out what's behind these random possessions and put a stop it. Jack doesn't go it alone. He gets partnered with a bad ass witch named Maggie, who's so cool that she could easily play the lead in her own series.
The entire cast of characters is dynamite. One of the previously possessed victims who survived the experience, a beautiful girl named Lucy, ends up along for the ride with Jack and pays for it in all sorts of nasty ways. Then there's Jack's "demon" Alice. Alice is a wonderfully intriguing character. She can only be seen by Jack (with a notable exception within the book), and seems a bit like a devil on Jack's shoulder with an agenda of her own which she never really reveals. If I had any complaint there, it's the fact you can tell we're barely getting any of what her full story is. My favorite moment in the book is when Alice chides Jack for not researching his situation by reading the Bible, about the last thing you'd expect from a creature that hijacked its way out of Hell by way of a human soul. The rest of the book is very indicative of that, taking what you expect and then going the other direction.
If you love your urban fantasy with a lot of grit and without the romance that pervades so much of the genre, then Demon Jack is the book for you.
October 7, 2013
Stay dead and go to Hell,
Or sell your soul to a demon and keep breathing.
Fifteen years ago, Jack died and chose the latter. Now, a few years out of prison and living on the streets of Boston, Jack is perfectly content to keep a low profile and avoid his turbulent past.
Paired with a centuries old witch and the only person to survive the rampage thus far, Jack is in a race to track down whatever’s responsible for killing his people, all while staying one step ahead of the skeletons in his closet.
Demon Jack is a fast-paced, action packed ride! From the beginning, the reader is taken on a thrill ride as Jack comes up against something he's never seen before. Jack gets pulled into a fight that's not his own, and yet it's a fight he becomes invested in. The secondary characters in this book are great - Maggie, a powerful witch and Lucy, a troubled girl with an exceptional gift. I really liked the female representation in this book! It's not often I see a male lead and strong female secondary characters without there being a lot of sexist put downs. This was a real treat. Maggie and Lucy are their own women and don't exist purely to push Jack's storyline along. As a hero, Jack is very intriguing. He's flawed and dark, - yet, I rooted for him. He's also got a wicked [no pun intended!] sense of humour. I'm very intrigued by Jack's past. I would love to know more! I'm really looking forward to more books in the series!
July 19, 2014
Jack, the protagonist, is a nice change of pace from the 6-foot-and-above lean-framed, muscle-bound hunky fighting machines that usually figure in urban fantasies (and paranormal romances, for that matter). It’s nice to have an urban fantasy protagonist that’s not just the same police officer/law enforcement official with conflicts between their work life and the supernatural life they lead. So, if you’re sick of those kinds of urban fantasies, then Demon Jack is a sign you’ve come to the right place.
Although the Big Bad turns out to be one we’ve seen very often in recent years in urban fantasy and horror stories, author Patrick Donovan’s interpretation makes the demonic foe function in much the way it’s supposed to, and so that it serves its purpose.
I would say if you’ve enjoyed the Dresden Files novels from Jim Butcher, you should pick up Demon Jack and see if it’s up your alley.
Read my full review here: http://thedarkeva.com/2014/07/19/book...
Although the Big Bad turns out to be one we’ve seen very often in recent years in urban fantasy and horror stories, author Patrick Donovan’s interpretation makes the demonic foe function in much the way it’s supposed to, and so that it serves its purpose.
I would say if you’ve enjoyed the Dresden Files novels from Jim Butcher, you should pick up Demon Jack and see if it’s up your alley.
Read my full review here: http://thedarkeva.com/2014/07/19/book...
December 6, 2013
Best urban fantasy book I've read in a while!
All I have to say is, at one point there is a medium, a witch, a demon and a vampire in a room together as they fight it out! Bam! That's it. That's all you need to know because this story is a great ride and told from the point of view of Demon Jack, a loner, who doesn't let you in on anything and you have to figure him, and this world, out as you go. That's my kind of read. I hate when everything is just put on a plate for you and you already know where the story will go and what everyone will do. THIS IS NOT that kind of story. You will never get the ending and you will have many questions right up until the end.
All I have to say is, at one point there is a medium, a witch, a demon and a vampire in a room together as they fight it out! Bam! That's it. That's all you need to know because this story is a great ride and told from the point of view of Demon Jack, a loner, who doesn't let you in on anything and you have to figure him, and this world, out as you go. That's my kind of read. I hate when everything is just put on a plate for you and you already know where the story will go and what everyone will do. THIS IS NOT that kind of story. You will never get the ending and you will have many questions right up until the end.
February 9, 2015
*sigh* And I thought this book had such... promise. Really, I did.
You know what this book that I only got a quarter of the way through reminded me of?
It reminded me of a poor re-write of The Exorcist, in a sad, strange way. But where as The Exorcist by Blatty was well-written and engrossing, this was just every which where. I didn't know what was up, down, or side ways.
More, I couldn't even get a handle on what the plot was. And that, for me at least, is bad.
So for now I say farewell to Demon Jack. Maybe I'll go back to it, maybe I won't.
You know what this book that I only got a quarter of the way through reminded me of?
It reminded me of a poor re-write of The Exorcist, in a sad, strange way. But where as The Exorcist by Blatty was well-written and engrossing, this was just every which where. I didn't know what was up, down, or side ways.
More, I couldn't even get a handle on what the plot was. And that, for me at least, is bad.
So for now I say farewell to Demon Jack. Maybe I'll go back to it, maybe I won't.
Read
May 28, 2016Awesome
Really enjoyed this novel. It was fast paced, exciting, and original. A gritty urban fantasy that doesn't pull the punches. I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down. I'd give it five stars but there were some spelling and grammatical errors that I found a bit distracting.
Really enjoyed this novel. It was fast paced, exciting, and original. A gritty urban fantasy that doesn't pull the punches. I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down. I'd give it five stars but there were some spelling and grammatical errors that I found a bit distracting.
November 11, 2013
Modern, fast paced, wickedly entertaining, left me wanting more. Witches and demons walk amongst us! Stick to hallowed ground, if you dare.
April 3, 2014
Gritty fast paced thrill-ride from start to finish. Donovan is an author to watch.
July 27, 2014
enjoyed this very much
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews