My Friend Asmodeus

by Nathan Barnes

Ever wonder what you would do if you were suddenly granted ultimate power? Would you control people you don't know? Or would you alter the known world with this divine might? Here's the catch... what if this power wasn't exactly 'good' in nature?

William is a bitter, unexciting guy transformed into a mindless drone by years of retail work... that is, until he begins hearing an otherworldly voice in his brain. Join him on a twisted tale of raunchy fun as this demonic voice commands William to embrace his dark side and work towards something greater than he'd ever imagined.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories

68 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2011

About the author

Nathan lives in Richmond, Virginia with his two kids and lovely wife. Whenever he can he is exploring creative hobbies of writing, photography and some graphic design. Nathan is a long time reptile enthusiast that enjoys dabbling in the many outlets of doomsday preparation. His first novel, THE REAPER VIRUS, came from the ongoing blog by the same title that is periodically posted at reapervirus.com. This story uses many real life people and places set against an apocalyptic turn of events. Its sequel, THE REAPER VIRUS: WHAT REMAINS will be released by Permuted Press in January of 2015. He also wrote the darkly humorous novella, MY FRIEND ASMODEUS, and has stories featured in several horror anthologies.

Reviews

[Nathan Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this so I'm allowed to give it five stars. Seriously though, it's a twisted fun book. Go read it!

[Michael Flanagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all have that little voice in your head urging to say what’s on your mine regardless of what it is. Well what would you do if that voice in your head was actually a demon that gave you the power to control others and promises you world? Would you go sign yourself into the nearest looney bin or would you embrace it and see where it takes you? Nathan Barnes takes us on rollicking tale of anarchy be it only a short one.

This is my second sampling of this author’s works and I continue to be impressed. This book is the perfect length to read in one go and at the end I was wanting more. I would love to see this novella evolve into a full length novel. But at the moment all I can do is sample another one of this authors offerings.

[Nikki "The Crazie Betty" V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't really know how to review this book. It was exceptionally twisted and disturbing with a lot of graphic and violent images. And now I must admit, I loved it! There was nothing positive about the story. The MC is inhabited by a Demon who gives him a lot of crazy abilities and powers with the intention of taking over the world. There is a lot of sexually explicit content including a prison rape scene so do not read this if you are squeamish or can't deal with unbelievable violent scenarios (with characters who enjoy the debauchery and and evil they are participating in). This does have a happy ending but not for the good guys. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is freaking HILARIOUS! I kept seeing this book pop up in my suggestions and so after reading the summary, I said, sure, why not? From the very first pages, the book seemed to cater to my rather dark sense of humor. I seriously hope that there is a second part to this book or that there will be because I will most definitely get it! If you don't appreciate sick, twisted humor, then this book is certainly not for you. But, if you gravitate a bit towards the darker side like myself, you'll LOVE it!

[Jeremy Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Friend Asmodeus was a quick and twisted ride that will grab your attention from the first page to the last. A classic tale of good versus evil that has you rooting for the bad guy, while it shows us just how much fun it can be being bad. The author leaves you wanting more as it is a very fast read, but that is about the only negative thing I can think to say about My Friend Asmodeus.
If you're easily offended, read it anyway!

[Bandit · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun humorous novella about a sort of possession. At times it did read like a one punch joke stretched out to a novella length, but the humor and the fast paced dialogue balanced it out.Works as a social satire too, after all customer service can be just as if not more dehumanizing as a demon possession. Wacky, crude and offensive (for the impressionable) and pretty entertaining quick read.

[Jon · Rating 2 out of 5]

If a demon infected your mind granting awe-inspiring abilities, what would you do?

This novella tells the tale of William, a fairly regular guy, and Asmodeus, a demon that decided to reside in his body bestowing a plethora of supernatural abilities while encouraging Evil's embrace. I'm sure many will enjoy the story much more than I did. It has a cool premise, humor, and it speaks to the notion of wanting to fulfill your potential instead of being bogged down by society. For some reason, I simply wasn't a fan. The relatively offensive nature of the tale didn't perturb me; I suppose I just can't condone and actively cheer for evil to win.

[Shadow Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished, and usually wait a bit before posting a review, to get my thoughts in orI know there is nothing original I can say without ruining the story!
The first reviewer here, Joy Killar, recommended this book to me over a year ago. I'm sad to say that it got lost in my Kindle until I was reminded of it yesterday in a blog post.
Check your libraries, don't make the same mistake I did!!
I'll post a full review on BBB soon! ;)

[Sherry Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun little story that got me through a couple of days. I needed something mindless and not involving a post-apocalyptic world. Asmodeus is a devious little creature that brings out the world-domination ambitions of a guy with a dead end job and too much time on his hands. It was quick and dirty!

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

A demon possess a normal guy, forces him to do crazy stuff, and the guy gets kind of attached to him. The author can write well and I enjoyed a few of the clever lines. This book is probably only going to appeal to a certain type of person, and I don't fit that profile. I understand it's supposed to fit into a comedy/horror genre, but I ultimately found it to be mean spirited.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this idea had a lot of potential. I really wanted to see more happen with it. I think there were parts that just weren't really all that well thought out (like later in the book when the main character is reflecting it's a little too sappy for the rest of the story and the fact that everything that transpired originally to get him there had taken place over two days).

[Ken B · Rating 4 out of 5]

William is an average twenty-something with little to show for anything, trapped in a retail world and dealing daily with people he can barely tolerate. Then, a voice in his head convinces him that with his help he could be so much more.

The story is a fast-paced 68 pages and Barnes leaves plenty of room for a follow-up story. Here's to hoping one is on the horizon.

4 STARS

[Shay Kwiat · Rating 4 out of 5]

keeps you on edge to find out how it ends.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good, and quick read, although I feel guilty about wanting the book to end the way it did. I'm a little torn. I don't know what else to say. :-/

[Mudpig · Rating 4 out of 5]

A devilish good read!!!!!!

[Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read. With a friend like Asmodeus, who needs anyone else! So wrong that it's so funny, yet you see how easy ( and fun) being bad can be.

[Keith Schincke]

A fun story to read.