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Callahan Chronicles #1
Mammon
This edition is no longer being published.
After the savage, tragic deaths of their parents, Grace and Joe Callahan learn that they are descendants of the sarsareh - an ancient order of mercenaries who hunt very special prey. Grace and Joe take their place in the Order, but are treated with hostility and fear by other recruits. For the Callahan siblings have powers that fascinate and terrify. Joe is a Ferryman, capable of opening dimensional rifts, while Grace's telepathic abilities surpass anything the Order has ever seen. To complicate matters, Grace falls for her older, more experienced squad leader, Ivan. Meanwhile, the sarsareh elders have their own plans for Joe. But none of that will matter if the powerful demon Mammon manages to convince Joe to open a gateway to his demon world and overrun Earth with his armies. If he succeeds: game over.
After the savage, tragic deaths of their parents, Grace and Joe Callahan learn that they are descendants of the sarsareh - an ancient order of mercenaries who hunt very special prey. Grace and Joe take their place in the Order, but are treated with hostility and fear by other recruits. For the Callahan siblings have powers that fascinate and terrify. Joe is a Ferryman, capable of opening dimensional rifts, while Grace's telepathic abilities surpass anything the Order has ever seen. To complicate matters, Grace falls for her older, more experienced squad leader, Ivan. Meanwhile, the sarsareh elders have their own plans for Joe. But none of that will matter if the powerful demon Mammon manages to convince Joe to open a gateway to his demon world and overrun Earth with his armies. If he succeeds: game over.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2011
2 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Thomas
6 books24 followersI was born in Perth in 1971. I'm a longtime fan of Great Danes and have owned two - Henry and George. I also have two cats who have chosen to live with me - former stray Alex and her baby cat Leo. When I'm not writing or reading, I watch films, cook plant-based foods and on occasion can be found getting my butt kicked on Playstation.
NOTE: There are various versions of Mammon (Books 1 and 2) on Goodreads. However, The Ferryman Chronicles series with the best cover can be purchased here:
https://www.amazon.com/Mammon-Dark-Ri...
NOTE: There are various versions of Mammon (Books 1 and 2) on Goodreads. However, The Ferryman Chronicles series with the best cover can be purchased here:
https://www.amazon.com/Mammon-Dark-Ri...
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 19, 2011
Mammon is one of those books where the cover speaks for what’s inside. The cover gives you a view of what to expect without actually reading it. With its strong colours and great-looking design, I wanted to read this, and because the book involves demons. . .even better! I was pleasantly surprised when I finished Mammon as J.B. Thomas introduced us to another form of demon – and mythology that surrounds them – that most of us have no idea about, and the way it was used was great.
Grace and her brother Joe discover they have special abilities. Grace is telepathic while Joe is a Ferryman capable of opening dimensional rifts which has been unseen for a while. When their parents are killed, they are taken to an institution called the Order where they discover that their parents were sarsareh and are trying to lower the amount of demons that walk amongst the public. However, these demons are just individuals who after doing criminal activities such as dealing, murdering, etc., degenerate; their souls and humanistic qualities are suppressed.
While I did enjoy Mammon and basically everything about it, I found myself comparing it to many other books: Harry Potter because Mammon, the enemy, reminded me of Voldemort and his evil doings, and the relationship between Grace and Ivan reminded me of that in Vampire Academy 1. But either way, what’s there to not like? But one thing I’d like to point out, is that the romance which shoots out at you at one point, is actually not very large compared to everything else that happens. So I don’t know why it is given its own space within the synopsis. Most likely to attract the female readers, as does the ‘J.B.’ to not deter male readers.
The way of which Joe’s cockiness and teenage-boy-hormonal qualities, and also really that of another character, is portrayed in this book, and to me personally, very cliche. Attracted to and falling for girls because of their eye appealing sexual and physical attributes just made me laugh. Not all teenage boys are like that *cough cough*. . .me *cough* and really are all other readers of the male gender. This seems to be a different way of stereotyping the bad-ass boy we have been seeing in YA and towards the end, I did get sick of Joe’s attitude. Although it did drive the plot forwards at times. Another issue was that the third-person narrative seemed to have been caught in its own trap when J.B. Thomas wanted to explain what other characters were doing while still in another’s perspective. This book has different perspectives and when a lot more happens, it is hard to forget whose perspective we’re actually trying to understand. For instance, at one point we’re following Grace and then she leaves the room and we see these other two characters discussing something partially about Grace. It’s hard to explain but I know this was something I had difficulties in comprehending while reading the book. I try not to be too critical on minor things but it’s hard when it’s the only thing you seem to want to be critical about and want to point out.
All in all, Mammon is a compelling, original take on a demon lore that none have heard about before, giving us a type of demon and bad guy that could may as well be relatable to many people who have committed crimes and have a lost apart of their innocence who may be trying to discover it back. Mammon teaches us a lot about being human and what it takes to not lose ourselves within a material world.
Book sent from Random House Australia for review.
Grace and her brother Joe discover they have special abilities. Grace is telepathic while Joe is a Ferryman capable of opening dimensional rifts which has been unseen for a while. When their parents are killed, they are taken to an institution called the Order where they discover that their parents were sarsareh and are trying to lower the amount of demons that walk amongst the public. However, these demons are just individuals who after doing criminal activities such as dealing, murdering, etc., degenerate; their souls and humanistic qualities are suppressed.
While I did enjoy Mammon and basically everything about it, I found myself comparing it to many other books: Harry Potter because Mammon, the enemy, reminded me of Voldemort and his evil doings, and the relationship between Grace and Ivan reminded me of that in Vampire Academy 1. But either way, what’s there to not like? But one thing I’d like to point out, is that the romance which shoots out at you at one point, is actually not very large compared to everything else that happens. So I don’t know why it is given its own space within the synopsis. Most likely to attract the female readers, as does the ‘J.B.’ to not deter male readers.
The way of which Joe’s cockiness and teenage-boy-hormonal qualities, and also really that of another character, is portrayed in this book, and to me personally, very cliche. Attracted to and falling for girls because of their eye appealing sexual and physical attributes just made me laugh. Not all teenage boys are like that *cough cough*. . .me *cough* and really are all other readers of the male gender. This seems to be a different way of stereotyping the bad-ass boy we have been seeing in YA and towards the end, I did get sick of Joe’s attitude. Although it did drive the plot forwards at times. Another issue was that the third-person narrative seemed to have been caught in its own trap when J.B. Thomas wanted to explain what other characters were doing while still in another’s perspective. This book has different perspectives and when a lot more happens, it is hard to forget whose perspective we’re actually trying to understand. For instance, at one point we’re following Grace and then she leaves the room and we see these other two characters discussing something partially about Grace. It’s hard to explain but I know this was something I had difficulties in comprehending while reading the book. I try not to be too critical on minor things but it’s hard when it’s the only thing you seem to want to be critical about and want to point out.
All in all, Mammon is a compelling, original take on a demon lore that none have heard about before, giving us a type of demon and bad guy that could may as well be relatable to many people who have committed crimes and have a lost apart of their innocence who may be trying to discover it back. Mammon teaches us a lot about being human and what it takes to not lose ourselves within a material world.
Book sent from Random House Australia for review.
August 24, 2011
I’ll start by saying that Mammon is now up there on my list of all-time favourites and is worthy enough to rival some of my favourite series (The Mortal Instruments, Divergent… you get the picture.) The entire book, from start to finish was action-packed, thrilling and just plain remarkable.
Just so I can dedicate the rest of my review to just how marvellous the novel was, I’ll first mention the not-so-good parts of the book, although truthfully, there’s not much. The only problem for me was the beginning. While it was written brilliantly, the start was rather slow, and just wasn’t strong enough to leave an immediate impression on me. Several times I did stop reading it to do other things (yes, my attention wavered), but the rest of the book more than compensated for the beginning.
Now, on to the good part. What did I like about the story? Everything. The characters, plot, writing style and pace; everything was perfect. After the first 20 pages or so, I was utterly hooked; my attention never wavered again and I stopped reading halfway through another book just so I could finish this one. The whole demons and sarsareh concept completely enraptured me. Since I haven’t read many books that focused mainly on demons, Mammon was a fresh and unique read for me.
The plot was compelling and I liked how all the events that occurred happened for a reason. It all developed and built up to the intense and riveting climax near the end of the book. I loved how Mammon never strayed from the main plotline, and there were subplots that enticed me they but never overrode the main storyline. The relationship between Grace, our main character and Ivan, her team leader was a nice complement to the main plot. I also liked how there was no unnecessary love triangle – finally!
The characters were all incredible! But one particular character totally won my heart. Ivan. Sexy, charming and strong.
“And boy, was he ripped. Not obscenely, his muscles weren’t bursting through his sleeves, but just enough to create an impression of lithe, gymnast-like strength.”
Oh, why don’t you exist in real life? Ivan did remind me of Four from Divergent, (whom I love) but Ivan is still Ivan. I’m certainly looking forward to learning more about Ivan in the next instalment. Grace was also likable. She wasn’t whiny or immature and I really liked how she stood her ground and never allowed anyone to take advantage of her, thereby earning my respect. As for Joe, he was impulsive, and much in need of anger management. At times, I really wanted to just smack him and shake some sense into him. But then again, he was an essential character and the catalyst for some of the major events that occurred. Without Joe, Mammon would just not be complete.
Overall, Mammon is an exciting and character-driven novel packed with endless action and unpredictable twists. It will leave you aching for more, especially the heart-pounding fighting scenes and the deliciously sweet relationship between Grace and Ivan. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll pick up a copy of this book and read it immediately. I don’t know how I’m going to survive until the second instalment comes out!
Just so I can dedicate the rest of my review to just how marvellous the novel was, I’ll first mention the not-so-good parts of the book, although truthfully, there’s not much. The only problem for me was the beginning. While it was written brilliantly, the start was rather slow, and just wasn’t strong enough to leave an immediate impression on me. Several times I did stop reading it to do other things (yes, my attention wavered), but the rest of the book more than compensated for the beginning.
Now, on to the good part. What did I like about the story? Everything. The characters, plot, writing style and pace; everything was perfect. After the first 20 pages or so, I was utterly hooked; my attention never wavered again and I stopped reading halfway through another book just so I could finish this one. The whole demons and sarsareh concept completely enraptured me. Since I haven’t read many books that focused mainly on demons, Mammon was a fresh and unique read for me.
The plot was compelling and I liked how all the events that occurred happened for a reason. It all developed and built up to the intense and riveting climax near the end of the book. I loved how Mammon never strayed from the main plotline, and there were subplots that enticed me they but never overrode the main storyline. The relationship between Grace, our main character and Ivan, her team leader was a nice complement to the main plot. I also liked how there was no unnecessary love triangle – finally!
The characters were all incredible! But one particular character totally won my heart. Ivan. Sexy, charming and strong.
“And boy, was he ripped. Not obscenely, his muscles weren’t bursting through his sleeves, but just enough to create an impression of lithe, gymnast-like strength.”
Oh, why don’t you exist in real life? Ivan did remind me of Four from Divergent, (whom I love) but Ivan is still Ivan. I’m certainly looking forward to learning more about Ivan in the next instalment. Grace was also likable. She wasn’t whiny or immature and I really liked how she stood her ground and never allowed anyone to take advantage of her, thereby earning my respect. As for Joe, he was impulsive, and much in need of anger management. At times, I really wanted to just smack him and shake some sense into him. But then again, he was an essential character and the catalyst for some of the major events that occurred. Without Joe, Mammon would just not be complete.
Overall, Mammon is an exciting and character-driven novel packed with endless action and unpredictable twists. It will leave you aching for more, especially the heart-pounding fighting scenes and the deliciously sweet relationship between Grace and Ivan. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll pick up a copy of this book and read it immediately. I don’t know how I’m going to survive until the second instalment comes out!
August 31, 2011
Mammon kicks off right away with siblings, Grace and Joe, quickly discovering that they're not quite the normal teenagers they always considered themselves to be. Grace has telepathic abilities and Joe has the incredibly powerful gift of being able to open rifts into other dimensions - a Ferryman. They learn they're descendants of highly skilled mercenaries known as sarsareh and after their parents are brutally murdered, their Auntie Diana takes them to Renfield - a training centre for the sarsareh. Joe is holding onto the rage of his parents murder, desperate for vengeance, playing right into their hands of the extraordinarily powerful and calculating demon known as Mammon, who has been seeking those with Joe's talent for years, for it will allow him access to the darkest pits of Hell and with it, an army of unstoppable demons. Can Joe stop himself from going over the edge before it's too late and he literally brings forth Hell on Earth?
Grace was easy to empathise with and I liked that she makes mistakes. I mean, coming into these powers, you're bound to get over-confident or make the wrong calls of judgement and she does exactly that, which I think makes her more human, more relatable. Joe, on the other hand, I struggled to connect with. Toward the end I grew a little more favourable to him, but I suppose it was a combination of his attitude and general personality that just didn't click with me. But he's a necessary character, the catalyst which sparked the whirlwind journey the Callahan siblings were forced into.
There is a hint of romance throughout the novel between Grace and Ivan, which has a Vampire Academy feel due to the fact that he's her slightly older team leader. And did I mention he's Russian? We sure do like our Russian men! I think it's the accent and the general air of I'm-deadly-as-hell-and-can-kill-you-with-my-left-toe. I'm convinced now that all the hot Russian guys hunt supernatural monsters in their spare time. Definitely need to take a vacation to Russia someday soon.
Mammon is told from multiple perspectives, both villains and heroes, which adds more depth to the story, since we're gaining intel from every direction. We know what the enemy is planning, we can see when our heroes are falling right into their web and you can only curse in frustration (but in a good way!) and wonder what's going to happen, how they'll get themselves out of this situation.
While I did find myself a little detached from the characters in the first few chapters of this book, I'm glad I went back for a second bite because as soon as I dove back into this story, I realised that J.B Thomas is clearly a female Ferryman. Because when opening this book you'll find a rift hidden inside, it's magnetic force pulling the reader deeper and deeper into it's world of cunning, ruthless demons and the highly skilled mercenaries who risk their life to fight back. Mammon paces itself well, full of action and an incredibly compelling, unique take on the demon mythology. It's Supernatural meets Vampire Academy and yet another fantastic novel from an Aussie!
Also: How cool is the cover? And totally fitting for the story! That looks like one scary powerful rift hanging above the city.
Grace was easy to empathise with and I liked that she makes mistakes. I mean, coming into these powers, you're bound to get over-confident or make the wrong calls of judgement and she does exactly that, which I think makes her more human, more relatable. Joe, on the other hand, I struggled to connect with. Toward the end I grew a little more favourable to him, but I suppose it was a combination of his attitude and general personality that just didn't click with me. But he's a necessary character, the catalyst which sparked the whirlwind journey the Callahan siblings were forced into.
There is a hint of romance throughout the novel between Grace and Ivan, which has a Vampire Academy feel due to the fact that he's her slightly older team leader. And did I mention he's Russian? We sure do like our Russian men! I think it's the accent and the general air of I'm-deadly-as-hell-and-can-kill-you-with-my-left-toe. I'm convinced now that all the hot Russian guys hunt supernatural monsters in their spare time. Definitely need to take a vacation to Russia someday soon.
Mammon is told from multiple perspectives, both villains and heroes, which adds more depth to the story, since we're gaining intel from every direction. We know what the enemy is planning, we can see when our heroes are falling right into their web and you can only curse in frustration (but in a good way!) and wonder what's going to happen, how they'll get themselves out of this situation.
While I did find myself a little detached from the characters in the first few chapters of this book, I'm glad I went back for a second bite because as soon as I dove back into this story, I realised that J.B Thomas is clearly a female Ferryman. Because when opening this book you'll find a rift hidden inside, it's magnetic force pulling the reader deeper and deeper into it's world of cunning, ruthless demons and the highly skilled mercenaries who risk their life to fight back. Mammon paces itself well, full of action and an incredibly compelling, unique take on the demon mythology. It's Supernatural meets Vampire Academy and yet another fantastic novel from an Aussie!
Also: How cool is the cover? And totally fitting for the story! That looks like one scary powerful rift hanging above the city.
August 22, 2011
*Firstly, thanks to Random House Australia, who sent me this book for review*
Mammon by J.B Thomas turned out to be a great entertaining read. It took me a little while to really get into this book. In the very beginning when Grace and Joe were first discovering powers, things seemed to move really fast and I felt disconnected from the characters. However as the book progressed the more I seemed to enjoy it. This is a bit different from the other demon books out there that I’ve read. The idea of it, the overall way that demons form and what they actually are, is unique and I really liked that about it. As I mentioned before, the story seemed to move really fast in the beginning; it seemed to me like the characters accepted things so easily and it in turn made it hard for me to accept what was happening, but once Grace and Joe end up in training and learning more about the world; then I really got sucked in. This book was action packed and tended to be fast paced the majority of the way through, with plenty of romance to keep me entertained and swooning.
I had mixed emotions about the characters in this book. There seem to be so many of them, that at times I kept forgetting names and who they were supposed to be as well as their place within the story. I liked the majority of them, although I found I didn’t like Joe. I found I didn’t care for him and his attitude; he didn’t draw any empathy from me and he grated on my nerves over some of the selfish and annoying choices he made. I know he’s one of the lead roles, but I just didn’t like him.
Grace on the other hand, I did like. I enjoyed begin inside her head and following her the most during this book. She herself has made her fair share of mistakes and she’s got a lot to learn, but she’s brave and feisty and has a good heart. She was generally good to read about and I can’t wait to see how her abilities develop in the rest of the series.
And Ivan. Oh.....I liked Ivan, I liked Ivan a lot! He has to be the highlight of the book for me. He’s so brave and tough and sexy and fierce. I’m a sucker for any kind of soldier or military man, so he had my heart the moment he appeared in the book. He and Grace were so sweet and I loved seeing their relationship change and alter and I was soooo happy to see them together. They obviously care deeply about one another and I love them as a couple. Theirs is the kind of romance I love to read about.
I liked the way this book progress and I feel like it was a really great, easy read. You can relax while you read it and get sucked into the characters and tale. The ending was exciting and left me wanting more. I’m wondering what’s next in store for Grace, Joe and Ivan and can’t wait to read the rest of The Ferryman Chronicles.
Mammon by J.B Thomas turned out to be a great entertaining read. It took me a little while to really get into this book. In the very beginning when Grace and Joe were first discovering powers, things seemed to move really fast and I felt disconnected from the characters. However as the book progressed the more I seemed to enjoy it. This is a bit different from the other demon books out there that I’ve read. The idea of it, the overall way that demons form and what they actually are, is unique and I really liked that about it. As I mentioned before, the story seemed to move really fast in the beginning; it seemed to me like the characters accepted things so easily and it in turn made it hard for me to accept what was happening, but once Grace and Joe end up in training and learning more about the world; then I really got sucked in. This book was action packed and tended to be fast paced the majority of the way through, with plenty of romance to keep me entertained and swooning.
I had mixed emotions about the characters in this book. There seem to be so many of them, that at times I kept forgetting names and who they were supposed to be as well as their place within the story. I liked the majority of them, although I found I didn’t like Joe. I found I didn’t care for him and his attitude; he didn’t draw any empathy from me and he grated on my nerves over some of the selfish and annoying choices he made. I know he’s one of the lead roles, but I just didn’t like him.
Grace on the other hand, I did like. I enjoyed begin inside her head and following her the most during this book. She herself has made her fair share of mistakes and she’s got a lot to learn, but she’s brave and feisty and has a good heart. She was generally good to read about and I can’t wait to see how her abilities develop in the rest of the series.
And Ivan. Oh.....I liked Ivan, I liked Ivan a lot! He has to be the highlight of the book for me. He’s so brave and tough and sexy and fierce. I’m a sucker for any kind of soldier or military man, so he had my heart the moment he appeared in the book. He and Grace were so sweet and I loved seeing their relationship change and alter and I was soooo happy to see them together. They obviously care deeply about one another and I love them as a couple. Theirs is the kind of romance I love to read about.
I liked the way this book progress and I feel like it was a really great, easy read. You can relax while you read it and get sucked into the characters and tale. The ending was exciting and left me wanting more. I’m wondering what’s next in store for Grace, Joe and Ivan and can’t wait to read the rest of The Ferryman Chronicles.
March 27, 2013
2.5 STARS
Joe and Grace have to quickly adapt when their world is rocked by their parents' deaths. It turns out that the family is part of a group of demon hunters called sarsareh, and Joe just happens to have a very rare skill that the powerful demon Mammon is willing to kill for--in fact, he's killed many previous boys like Joe, in addition to Joe's parents.
Joe and Grace are taken into the fold of the sarsareh and taught to manage their skills. But if Joe doesn't get his temper under control, he may not be able to use his gift the way it is intended to be used. Grace is also an integral part of the team, with her telepathic powers, if she can get out of her own way. Joe and Grace must prepare to take on Mammon, who is stronger than they could have imagined.
While I felt that this novel started off well, I ultimately thought that it had a lot of potential that it just failed to reach.
Events start out moving rather swiftly, and we are given a small window where Joe and Grace learn about their powers. Then the kids' parents are killed, and they aren't really given time to grieve. They get to the training facility, and enemies and friends are made without much rhyme or reason. While I appreciate a fast-moving plot, I don't like it when the relationships between people are rushed. I felt this was the case with nearly every one in the book.
The main characters, Grace and Joe, are close in age but don't seem to be very close to each other. They are quite different; while Joe is hot-tempered and often acts without thinking first, Grace is more introverted and even a little insecure. Grace is involved in a romance, but it felt kind of forced to me...another one of those relationships that didn't develop in the pages.
The most interesting character is actually the villain, Mammon. He's cunning, suave, and skilled in getting people to do things they don't want to do. I liked watching the way he worked people, even if his intentions were purely evil. He gave the most lively scenes in the novel.
This book ended up being somewhat of a disappointment in my eyes. There were so many things and events that I wish would have been explained better. A lot of major plot points came out of left field. I liked that Joe and Grace had unique supernatural powers, but I would have liked to see them do more with those powers. I know this is the first book in a series, and perhaps the author will improve upon things in forthcoming novels.
Joe and Grace have to quickly adapt when their world is rocked by their parents' deaths. It turns out that the family is part of a group of demon hunters called sarsareh, and Joe just happens to have a very rare skill that the powerful demon Mammon is willing to kill for--in fact, he's killed many previous boys like Joe, in addition to Joe's parents.
Joe and Grace are taken into the fold of the sarsareh and taught to manage their skills. But if Joe doesn't get his temper under control, he may not be able to use his gift the way it is intended to be used. Grace is also an integral part of the team, with her telepathic powers, if she can get out of her own way. Joe and Grace must prepare to take on Mammon, who is stronger than they could have imagined.
While I felt that this novel started off well, I ultimately thought that it had a lot of potential that it just failed to reach.
Events start out moving rather swiftly, and we are given a small window where Joe and Grace learn about their powers. Then the kids' parents are killed, and they aren't really given time to grieve. They get to the training facility, and enemies and friends are made without much rhyme or reason. While I appreciate a fast-moving plot, I don't like it when the relationships between people are rushed. I felt this was the case with nearly every one in the book.
The main characters, Grace and Joe, are close in age but don't seem to be very close to each other. They are quite different; while Joe is hot-tempered and often acts without thinking first, Grace is more introverted and even a little insecure. Grace is involved in a romance, but it felt kind of forced to me...another one of those relationships that didn't develop in the pages.
The most interesting character is actually the villain, Mammon. He's cunning, suave, and skilled in getting people to do things they don't want to do. I liked watching the way he worked people, even if his intentions were purely evil. He gave the most lively scenes in the novel.
This book ended up being somewhat of a disappointment in my eyes. There were so many things and events that I wish would have been explained better. A lot of major plot points came out of left field. I liked that Joe and Grace had unique supernatural powers, but I would have liked to see them do more with those powers. I know this is the first book in a series, and perhaps the author will improve upon things in forthcoming novels.
December 13, 2011
Mammon is an AWESOME first novel for J.B Thomas. It is also the first part of the Ferryman Chronicles.
There is action, love and demons throughout.
It’s on of the best books I have read this year.
Mammon is divided into three parts. Part one being where we first met Joe, who is a ferryman and his sister Grace who is telepathic. This part is all about Joe and Grace and about them learning of their abilities. Their parents really concerned for their safety and in protecting their children they are brutally killed.
In part two the children’s aunt Dianna takes her niece and nephew to Renfield where they are given time grieve for their parents. Joe and Grace are shown around Renfield and are told that their parents were once part of the Sarsareh. After their tour of the place they begin their training as mercenaries, but not without some distrust from the other mercenaries.
Joe wants to seek revenge for the death of his parents and in doing so seeks out another way to get his revenge.
The final part of Mammon is where the training is finished and they set out to bring down Mammon. There is much action throughout this part and both Joe and Grace have to use their newly trained skills to stop Mammon from opening a rift to bring his demon army into the world.
My relationship throughout was that of Grace and Ivan. Their relationship seemed to start on shaky grounds and every time Grace seemed to do something wrong it seemed as though Ivan didn’t really like her.
From the very beginning, when Grace meets Ivan I could tell she was head over heals for him. Ivan on the other hand was very focused on training his people and he showed little emotion. Eventually Ivan showed his true feelings for Grace and their relationship started to change.
For me the best part about this relationship was once they had established a love relationship when working together Ivan didn’t give Grace any special attention. He kept things focused and on the mission and not on his feelings for Grace. I found this a very important thing as he is Grace’s leader and if he let his feelings get in the way their working relationship would have to be separated.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to be able to review this amazing book. I would like to thank Dorothy Tonkin from Random House Australia for giving me opportunity.
There is action, love and demons throughout.
It’s on of the best books I have read this year.
Mammon is divided into three parts. Part one being where we first met Joe, who is a ferryman and his sister Grace who is telepathic. This part is all about Joe and Grace and about them learning of their abilities. Their parents really concerned for their safety and in protecting their children they are brutally killed.
In part two the children’s aunt Dianna takes her niece and nephew to Renfield where they are given time grieve for their parents. Joe and Grace are shown around Renfield and are told that their parents were once part of the Sarsareh. After their tour of the place they begin their training as mercenaries, but not without some distrust from the other mercenaries.
Joe wants to seek revenge for the death of his parents and in doing so seeks out another way to get his revenge.
The final part of Mammon is where the training is finished and they set out to bring down Mammon. There is much action throughout this part and both Joe and Grace have to use their newly trained skills to stop Mammon from opening a rift to bring his demon army into the world.
My relationship throughout was that of Grace and Ivan. Their relationship seemed to start on shaky grounds and every time Grace seemed to do something wrong it seemed as though Ivan didn’t really like her.
From the very beginning, when Grace meets Ivan I could tell she was head over heals for him. Ivan on the other hand was very focused on training his people and he showed little emotion. Eventually Ivan showed his true feelings for Grace and their relationship started to change.
For me the best part about this relationship was once they had established a love relationship when working together Ivan didn’t give Grace any special attention. He kept things focused and on the mission and not on his feelings for Grace. I found this a very important thing as he is Grace’s leader and if he let his feelings get in the way their working relationship would have to be separated.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to be able to review this amazing book. I would like to thank Dorothy Tonkin from Random House Australia for giving me opportunity.
September 14, 2011
{Thanks to J.B Thomas for hosting a Giveaway via Goodreads, from which I Won my Signed Copy}
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!!!
First in an absolutely brilliant New series,
Teenage Siblings Joe & Grace Callahan are unknowingly living in a world filled with Demons, one day Grace stumbles across a person who doesn't seem quite "right" and who seems to be followed by a shadowy creature, whilst Joe accidentally opens a rift into another dimension, not long after that they are suddenly being hunted by the "Bad Guys" (A Creature by the name of Mammon Jones & his devoted demon followers) as it turns out Joe is a Ferryman, someone who can travel through Dimensions, his Sister Grace as you'll find out as well is a Telepath (a very strong one) and in due course Daniel & Suse Callahan are Murdered. They were Rescued by Aunt Diana, who turns out to be part of the Sarsareh an Order of Demon Hunters. They are sent to live with her on the Renfield Branch, They we're given the option to either Train with them to become Mercenaries or go into "Witness Protection" both are wanting to Avenge the Death of their Parents & Choose to Take up with the Order. [Intrigued!! then Obtain a copy and discover for yourself the rest of the book. Which Won't disappoint!
Finally something unique!
Throw in a Love interest or Two (depending on which POV). some Evil Demon Guys and you have yourself a Wonderful debut Novel!
Also Kudos to the BookCover Artwork, simplistic yet Fitting.
Now the anticipated wait begins for Book 2!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!!!
First in an absolutely brilliant New series,
Teenage Siblings Joe & Grace Callahan are unknowingly living in a world filled with Demons, one day Grace stumbles across a person who doesn't seem quite "right" and who seems to be followed by a shadowy creature, whilst Joe accidentally opens a rift into another dimension, not long after that they are suddenly being hunted by the "Bad Guys" (A Creature by the name of Mammon Jones & his devoted demon followers) as it turns out Joe is a Ferryman, someone who can travel through Dimensions, his Sister Grace as you'll find out as well is a Telepath (a very strong one) and in due course Daniel & Suse Callahan are Murdered. They were Rescued by Aunt Diana, who turns out to be part of the Sarsareh an Order of Demon Hunters. They are sent to live with her on the Renfield Branch, They we're given the option to either Train with them to become Mercenaries or go into "Witness Protection" both are wanting to Avenge the Death of their Parents & Choose to Take up with the Order. [Intrigued!! then Obtain a copy and discover for yourself the rest of the book. Which Won't disappoint!
Finally something unique!
Throw in a Love interest or Two (depending on which POV). some Evil Demon Guys and you have yourself a Wonderful debut Novel!
Also Kudos to the BookCover Artwork, simplistic yet Fitting.
Now the anticipated wait begins for Book 2!!!
August 25, 2011
At last, a book that has as much romance as a boy who would have Edward and Bella blown up, brought back and blown up again can handle. I love Ivan's almost Conan-esque (the Conan of the Howard books, not the recent film) nature: strong, loving, protective and mature. I love the use of weaponry in Mammon, and like the way that Joe as a typical, hot-blooded teenage male is slowly adapting to his enormous power and responsibility. Looking forward to seeing how JB Thomas will evolve this character. As for Mammon: what a concept. That it is us as humans who can slowly darken our own souls and become demons. How many times have we heard someone say, 'It wasn't me. It was like somebody else was doing the crime.' How many times have we heard evil-doers say they enjoyed what they did! What other word is there for that, but demon!
This is an enjoyable book, well balanced with action, romance and a brand new mythology on evil kind. Plus, I love the way there are little mentions of things from popular culture, e.g. Joe's reference to Scarface....you'll have to reaf it to find out what I mean.
Nice one, JB Thomas. I want more.
This is an enjoyable book, well balanced with action, romance and a brand new mythology on evil kind. Plus, I love the way there are little mentions of things from popular culture, e.g. Joe's reference to Scarface....you'll have to reaf it to find out what I mean.
Nice one, JB Thomas. I want more.
October 16, 2011
Mammon, by JB Thomas was fabulous! A great read. I was impressed by the overall quality of the prose and by the new demonology concept introduced by JB - that humans can degenerate into demons. This was original by far. The characters were well thought out, and I enjoyed the flow and steady pace. I found myself buried in the story and turned each page with anticipation. The High Demon Mammon, is not to be messed with. I liked the way his character was portrayed to the reader that at times it was creepy. On another note, I really enjoyed Joe's character. It was nice to see for once, a normal, strong male - unlike the Harry Potter's of the world! I envied the relationship that Joe had with his sister Grace and admired that he so desperately wanted to take on the protector role in the family, after the tragic death of their parents. BUT...... how could I forget the incredible Ivan! How lovely is he? I would have him sweep me up in his arms any day! JB sure does know how to drag you in :) I am desperate to find out what happens in the next instalment as the ending is a sure to die for cliff hanger!! Can't wait.
June 24, 2012
I love this book.... I read the blurb and I loved it. I started reading within the first couple of pages and I absolutely loved the book. It starts off when Grace sees a SHADOW coming towards her and calls out too Joe in her mind. Joe and Grace soon find out that their part of a speciallised group called the Sarserah- Mecenaries which hunt demons. Demons are basically formed in humans by making bad choices. Grace has the power of telepathic influence which is were she can put thoughts into other peoples minds, as her power surprises most Sarserah in Renfield. As Joes power is to open dimensional rifts as his power is serious to the Sarserah. A powerful demon called Mammon wants to get his hands on Joe so Joe can open a rift so that his army in the underworld will rise and take over Earth but its up to Grace and Joes fate. Their is also a mecenary that Grace has her eye on. I don't want to be a spoiler alert but i find it such a tragedy that Grace gets a wound from a specific blade but its a great way to finish the story and hoping theirs a sequal.
I think I'm J.B Thomas biggest fan in New Zealand. I hope their is another book to Mammon.
I think I'm J.B Thomas biggest fan in New Zealand. I hope their is another book to Mammon.
December 24, 2022
Grace and Joe lost their parents at the savage incident. They also learn that they are not normal people but people who has the ability. People who they called sarsareh.
Their task is to hunt the demon. But with Joe special ability, the higher demon take interest in him and try to convince him to join them without Joe learn what exactly the real face of the Demon.
Finally, I managed to finished this book. After few long days. Fuhh 😪😪. First few pages bored me to the death. It force me to stop reading for two whole days. The starting is really slow.
Luckily the pace pick up the speed in the middle of the story. If not I'm not sure how long it will take for me to finish the whole book.
From the middle of the story the plot is good, the storyline is also smooth. And I also got to enjoyed the story. There are some parts that I also feel the emotions such as rage, hurt, deception etc. All mix to create whole new emotions. The author manage to portrayed all the emotions well.
One more thing I don't like is the ending. This book has more in sequel? I don't know. If yes I will wait.
Their task is to hunt the demon. But with Joe special ability, the higher demon take interest in him and try to convince him to join them without Joe learn what exactly the real face of the Demon.
Finally, I managed to finished this book. After few long days. Fuhh 😪😪. First few pages bored me to the death. It force me to stop reading for two whole days. The starting is really slow.
Luckily the pace pick up the speed in the middle of the story. If not I'm not sure how long it will take for me to finish the whole book.
From the middle of the story the plot is good, the storyline is also smooth. And I also got to enjoyed the story. There are some parts that I also feel the emotions such as rage, hurt, deception etc. All mix to create whole new emotions. The author manage to portrayed all the emotions well.
One more thing I don't like is the ending. This book has more in sequel? I don't know. If yes I will wait.
October 18, 2011
I enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down because I just had to find out what was going to happen to Joe and Grace next. I thought the characters were well written but I found I had a much stronger connection with Grace rather than Joe. One of the strongest features of the book was that the baddie(Mammon) was so deliciously creepy and frightening :) A good baddie is essential in this type of book and this one has it in spades.
An enjoyable read oh and Ivan is a honey I wanted to take him home :D
An enjoyable read oh and Ivan is a honey I wanted to take him home :D
August 16, 2011
I recommend this book to Cassandra Clare, Richelle Mead, Lili St. Crow fans out there! You'll love this gripping, action-packed read and you won't be able to put it down. MAMMON is the first book in The Ferryman Chronicles and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel!
Full review: http://talesoftheinnerbookfanatic.blo...
Full review: http://talesoftheinnerbookfanatic.blo...
October 16, 2011
Have just read Mammon and enjoyed it. Loved Ivan. Joe needs developing and I feel that Grace has a lot of potential. The book was a little slow to start with but once it got going it was a great read.
Waiting for the next book.
Waiting for the next book.
February 14, 2014
I am not sure if it was because I have just finished a book series I love, or if it was the book itself, but something is just off with this book. I straight away felt rushed, but I try not to give up too soon. At page 40 I was downright bored, by page 100 I was worried. It simply wasn't getting through! Normally I can read and have background noise, such as music or tv/dvds playing at expand my focus to both. I couldn't do that with this book, it required all my focus to keep up.
There is a serious lack of connection between reader and character. The parentals are killed off in the first part of the book, yet neitherhad featured enough for me to care about their loss or get into the whole training to kill their murderers straight away. Why insta lust? Why do fictional girls meet someone and instantly wet up? Sorry for the imagery there, but it annoys me. Soon after they start training, the pair sneak out and go to a gig. Grace's first thought is that she wants to see Ivan, feel his hands on her waist, his chest against her back and warm voice in her ear. Gag.
This Mammon seems great as the scary bell hop strangler, but he couldn't keep me enthralled. I gave up at page 200 and something, when I realized there were still 100 pages left. Not my cup of tea, but mine is the only negative review here on Goodreads so far, so you might enjoy it. Give it a go anyway
There is a serious lack of connection between reader and character. The parentals are killed off in the first part of the book, yet neitherhad featured enough for me to care about their loss or get into the whole training to kill their murderers straight away. Why insta lust? Why do fictional girls meet someone and instantly wet up? Sorry for the imagery there, but it annoys me. Soon after they start training, the pair sneak out and go to a gig. Grace's first thought is that she wants to see Ivan, feel his hands on her waist, his chest against her back and warm voice in her ear. Gag.
This Mammon seems great as the scary bell hop strangler, but he couldn't keep me enthralled. I gave up at page 200 and something, when I realized there were still 100 pages left. Not my cup of tea, but mine is the only negative review here on Goodreads so far, so you might enjoy it. Give it a go anyway
October 13, 2011
Based on the Biblical concept of ‘Mammon’ – the greed which enslaves you - the convincing premise of this book is a promising start to this Ferryman Chronicles series.
It is essentially a thriller about 'The Devil' attenmpting to take control of the world through his greedy minions. In the first few chapters Joe and Grace Callahan’s parents are killed and they discover that their parents (in a past life) have been part of an ancient group called Sarsareh, who are mercenaries who hunt for Mammon's demons on earth. Joe discovers he is a 'Ferryman' - who has power to open portals into hell - a skill that Mammon wants desperately so that he can open the gates of hell and let more of his followers through.
Joe has to choose whether he will use his power for good or evil. Grace has to help keep him safe and convince him of making the right choices.
I don't normally like this genre, but I really enjoyed this book. Have to say that I thought Grace's romance came on a little quickly and so didn't seem as believable and robust as it will obviously need to be if it's to survive the series, but maybe I'm too old and cynical.
It is essentially a thriller about 'The Devil' attenmpting to take control of the world through his greedy minions. In the first few chapters Joe and Grace Callahan’s parents are killed and they discover that their parents (in a past life) have been part of an ancient group called Sarsareh, who are mercenaries who hunt for Mammon's demons on earth. Joe discovers he is a 'Ferryman' - who has power to open portals into hell - a skill that Mammon wants desperately so that he can open the gates of hell and let more of his followers through.
Joe has to choose whether he will use his power for good or evil. Grace has to help keep him safe and convince him of making the right choices.
I don't normally like this genre, but I really enjoyed this book. Have to say that I thought Grace's romance came on a little quickly and so didn't seem as believable and robust as it will obviously need to be if it's to survive the series, but maybe I'm too old and cynical.
October 13, 2011
I had problems with this book. The story was great, the writing flowed. There was something about it that annoyed me. I really enjoyed the end of the book and thought the whole premise was something different. I think it was the characters that frustrated me. They could have been given a little more depth. They only seem to feel the basic emotions like anger and lust.
All in all a great read, I would like to see where the author takes the story and feel that she will give her characters a little more room to grow.
All in all a great read, I would like to see where the author takes the story and feel that she will give her characters a little more room to grow.
June 19, 2015
I didn't enjoy this as much as I expected. The plot was good but some things annoyed me. Firstly, it seems strange to kill/treat humans because they've degenerated in 'Demons'(what is the role of the law?), the number of demons must be huge in consequence.Second, I felt things were rushed though that may have been deliberate to maintain a state of urgency of the problem. Also didn't expect the romance from the summary, which again felt like it went too fast. The ending seems promising so maybe some problems will be further explored in the future books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2011
In A Nutshell:
An urban fantasy story with a spy/action type feel to it where demons are fought, rifts to the underworld are opened, good guys turn bad, powerful abilities are developed and people die.
For my full review please visit my blog:
http://www.thetalescompendium.com/201...
An urban fantasy story with a spy/action type feel to it where demons are fought, rifts to the underworld are opened, good guys turn bad, powerful abilities are developed and people die.
For my full review please visit my blog:
http://www.thetalescompendium.com/201...
November 9, 2011
fantastic book cannot wait for next edition got to the bit where grace got hurt turned the page end of book dame.cannpt wait for the next book please dont let grace die.great read.
May 24, 2015
SO GOOD! The last sentence made me want to read the next book instantly!
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