The Bazaar

Devany Miller #1

by Jen Ponce

A dark fantasy about loyalty and betrayal, monsters and their prey. Devany Miller is a wife, a mother, and an advocate for victims of domestic violence. The most magical things in her life are uninterrupted bubble baths and chocolate bars she doesn’t have to share with her kids. Then she stumbles into another world where humans are bought and sold like meat and she’s the next item up for sale. A dying witch saves her, but Devany goes from one fire to she ends up bound to a demon who wants to use her to do his dirty work, but she doesn’t let anyone push her around—not even soul-eating nightmares. Staying alive, avenging the witch’s death, all that pales when the danger rolls right up to her front door and she’s forced to do whatever it takes to protect her kids.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Magic, Horror

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 25, 2013

About the author

Hello! I'm a writer from Nebraska who enjoys fantasy of all kinds. Stories don't always seem quite as much fun without some element of magic.

I started out writing romances because that's what my best friend and I loved to read. (My other best friend and I wrote about our science teacher being an alien and hard boiled detectives.) I have a varied and exciting inner fantasy life, you might say.

My first full length novel was a fun private detective, contemporary, crazy love story. I'm working on rewrites so that I can get it out into the world. The first book I've published is an urban fantasy about a mother who doesn't know how to be a hero, but luckily she's a quick study.

I studied fiction writing at the University of Nebraska at Omaha but didn't truly appreciate the experience. Now that I've written millions of words, I think it might be fun to go back and take some more classes. (It might be fun...or it might be annoying, who knows?)

I love to read and I adore talking to people about writing and reading. And crochet!

Thank you for dropping by and thank you for reading my book. It honors me that you would spend some time in my imaginary world.

Reviews

[M.A. Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters and a pace that doesn't quit. Some of the settings were sketched very lightly, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. Very slick, very scary, deeply felt, with a protagonist flawed and human, but still lovable. Frightening creatures, too! This one will stick to you.
A fast and fun read. Recommend highly to fans of T.A. Pratt, Ilona Andrews, and Kim Harrison. Lovers of Laurell K. Hamilton will quite likely also enjoy.

[Fiona Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to believe that this is Jen Ponce's debut novel. The characters are well-written, engaging, and very real. The plot is interesting and hooked me immediately. As a matter of fact, the first night I began reading this, I couldn't stop and ended up staying awake until 2:00 am because I couldn't put it down.

If you're a fan of Simon R. Green's "Nightside" series, I think you'd really enjoy this. There are many similar elements, but Ms. Ponce's world-within-a-world is different enough to stand out; she's made the concept her own.

I cannot wait to read the rest of the Devany Miller series, so Ms. Ponce had better finish the next book ASAP!

[Denisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much better than I expected!


Soooo...
I started this series with very low expectations. Yes, the blurb sounds awesome, but very few people read it. It must mean it's bad, right?


This book, this series, was so much fun! Fast-paced and with a really great world builder, it's definitely a series I'd recommend to any UF lovers.

Does it have its minuses? Well, of course if does. There are some gaps and some questions, but it was really easy to get over them. A really fun series, way better than I initially expected.

[Lex Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devany Miller has earned the distinction of becoming my most favorite, fictional female character. She’s the epitome of real life, modern woman. She’s a mother of two and wife with an unfaithful husband; whom she’s tossing out the door. She’s smart, tough and in certain situations she’s prone to cursing. She also has something that the toughest, smartest, most modern woman alive doesn’t have; Delany inadvertently picked up a magic heart that made her a half-witch, and she has the soul of murdered full-witch, as well as a very deadly, giant spider living inside of her. Oh, and let’s not forget that during the event that made her a half-witch, she also became slave to a lascivious demon. Is that a set up for a thrilling read or what?

It is. Ms. Ponce not only has a truly boundless imagination, she has the ability to translate that imagery into words that immediately resound within the reader. You can’t mistake what’s going on regardless of the complexity of the situation. Her writing is vivid, urgent and concise so that even the most out of the box situation is perfectly clear and jig-saw puzzle perfect in design. The story is fast paced with snappy dialogue, and a real surprise and treat that awaits the reader – all, yes, every single one of the characters in this book are equally as complete and real, in their own way, as Devany.

I can’t conclude this review without mentioning the humor. It’s pervasive, it’s smart and the proverbial icing on the cake that caused me to lose my socks, a requirement for getting a five star review. If you’re a fan of magic, witches, fantastic imaginative stories and lots of funny lines, you’ll love this book – guaranteed. I can’t wait for the sequel!

[Elle Boca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked Devany Miller's spunk and determination even in the face of impossible odds. The spider, witch human, magical artifact combo that allowed her to cross dimensions was especially creative. And, I liked the kind solution to Lucy's, and later Arsinua's, situation. Most of all, I liked that she took back her life. Great read Jen, thanks! I look forward to the sequel.

[Nikki Yager · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous story. I loved how Dev grew with the story but still stood true to her wishes. She was strong, determined, and bad ass! The story was definitely a page turner with some fun, action, romamce, and a dash of horror making a perfect combo. Will definitely be buying any future Jen Ponce novels!

[Sarah Avory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorry, I don't write long reviews. All I can say is I really enjoyed reading The Bazaar, so I'm certainly looking forward to book 2.

[Mark Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so looking forward to the next book in the series! :-)

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and look forward to reading more from Jen.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this Jen Ponce! What a fun inventive clever action, thriller, horror story with a butt-kicking mom as the heroine. Fast paced with funny dialogue.

[Shahd · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the protagonist's character, and thought it was realistic and well written. Forty something year old mother of two who embarks on an adventure in a magical world with demons, witches, and all kinds of creatures. The story definitely did not lack imagination or fantasy. My issue was how fast paced the story and dialogue was; that it didn't leave time for the reader to digest what was going on. I also felt that the story arc was generic, following all the basic points of how a heroine embarks on a journey to save her loved ones, and that there's something "special" about her, which makes her the only one capable of taking on the task etc. etc. Another issue I had was with the relationship between the protagonist and her love interest in the magical world. They somehow had developed feelings for one another at the end of the book, when the reader wasn't given any indication that they liked each other to begin with. There wasn't enough dialogue between them in the story, or even a build up in their relationship to feel like it was warranted for them to have feelings for each other. I do like the wide variety of characters the story offered, and the fantasy element, so all in all it was not so bad. If you want to pass the time and have nothing better to do, then read this.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Rating 4.5/5 stars (Kindle version)

This is the story of Devany Miller, a mom and wife who works at a domestic violence shelter, who becomes a bad-ass magical being through a freak accident that implants her with the souls of a witch and a Great Spider (I'm thinking Hobbit here, but this spider has a personality), as well as a magical heart that amplifies any powers she uses. And, as if that's not interesting enough, she becomes the slave of a demon who constantly pushes her lust button just to mess with her and forces her to help him with some unseemly tasks.

Devany, however, is bent on freeing herself from slavery and her unfaithful husband, but in the process, she manages to befriend a vampire's head and its spouse, rescue her children from becoming fodder for magic, and tick off one head-honcho mother of demons. And that's just the highlights.

This is a fast-paced story with well-conceived dialogue. In some ways, it felt a little like the adventures of a more competent and self-confident, though reluctant, female version of Harry Dresden.

1. Creativity 4.5/5
There are some very amusing and creative elements of urban fantasy here. Gruesome creatures emerge from every shadow, and an undercurrent of violence and danger lurks in every encounter. In this alternate reality where witches and demons and magic exist, there are all kinds of forces and rules Devany does not understand. Throughout the book, she breaks these rules over and over again without knowing it, and this naiveté interjected both humor and dramatic tension. And, Devany herself is a unique character, but she still thinks she just a mom and soon-to-be divorcee. Her ignorance is enticing, and she uses it to her advantage.

2. Craft 5/5 stars
Ponce knows how to write dialogue so that you don't even realize you're reading dialogue. There's nothing stilted about it. And Devany's internal monologues were likewise as natural feeling. This is not literary fiction. It's pulp fiction for girls (or should I say grrls), and it unabashedly pulls no punches, offering a well crafted, action-driven and wild ride through Devany's world.

3. Characters 4.5/5 stars
Ponce has a skill for characterization. Devany is strong-willed, self-directed and decisive. From the very start of the book, we are thrown into the midst of the chaotic forces she contends with, and we experience her desires, disgust, confusion, disappointments and desperation right along with her. The souls within her, Neutria the spider and Arsinua the witch, each have their own distinct personalities that are completely different than Devany even though they are part of her. The banter between the three occasionally deserve a loud guffaw from the reader as their conversations are some of the best parts of this book.

The demon who enslaves Devany, Tytan, is one evil guy, but Ponce manages to create some sympathy for him later in the book as Devany's power grows. And Devany's arch-enemy, Ravana, is nothing short of pure, unadulterated, delightful wickedness.

Most of the minor characters are all very distinct from each other. They aren't quite stock characters, which was nice to see. I did think it funny, though, that Devany's philandering husband, Tom, has perhaps some of the weakest character development. But Devany was so over him by the end of the book that this didn't really matter and easily could have been intentional.

4. Plot 4/5 stars
The overall story arc has a couple of threads: Devany's new three-souled self and the "what the hell is she going to do now" thread, Devany's deteriorating relationship with Tom, her tumultuous relationship with Tytan, and her feud with Ravana. Devany does have an overall goal, although a simple one, but how she achieves it involves many twists and turns and fun encounters with magical powers and enticing creatures.

5. Organization 4.5/5
This book is pretty linear, though there's a wealth of action. Most of the twists were easy enough to follow, but here and there I did get a little lost, like when there was mention of being on an alien planet. I couldn't quite figure out if that was for real of figurative since Devany was traveling between different realms throughout the book.

6. Technicalities 4.5/5
This is a pretty well-edited book. I did take issue with a number of compound sentences joined with "but" that lacked commas, but sometimes I had to wonder if that was a stylistic choice since it did not detract much from the overall quality. Technically, though, there probably should have been commas before those "buts" says the soul of the Grammar Nazi in me.

As a final note, as a domestic violence survivor myself, I see this story perhaps a little differently than a non-survivor might. The whole idea of being put unwittingly into a situation, as Devany is, in which you have to do things you really don't want to, a situation where you don't know what the rules are that you keep breaking, functions as an analogy for being the victim of domestic violence. There is a system in place you don't get, that isn't your fault, but that you are stuck within, and Ponce gets this on a level that those who are not familiar with domestic violence don't.

Devany is caught up in a web that she has no choice but to be caught up in, a web of things were not about her but that seemed like they were, and she does her darndest to escape these entanglements. She maintains an internal dialogue of strength the entire time, plotting her escape and not sharing all of her plans. This is exactly what you have to do to get out of domestic violence, sometimes for years.

Those of us who do get out successfully share with Devany the same resolve and the same one-track minded determination to be free, and, like Devany, once free, we realize how strong and powerful we really are because that's who we were all along.

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[Jennasis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost DNF'ed it at 73% because of how Ty and the MC's relationship was handled. Every interaction between them was Devany fighting what ever Ty wanted, then they would threaten each other, and Devany would refuse to do what Ty wanted until he threatened her, her kids or her husband enough. then all of the sudden when Dev is in trouble Ty is sacrificing himself, letting himself be tortured in Dev's place. There were literally NO kind or gentle or lighthearted/fun interactions between them before this. So what made Ty so loyal and self sacrificing? Literally nothing. That pissed me off and I really wanted to stop reading all together, but I wanted to see it through seeing as I enjoyed the story ok thus far and I was so close to finishing the book.

I'll be giving book 2 another chance, hopefully the relationship building will feel more real in that one?

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Taken by a sugary treat, betrayed by the one who holds her heart, almost becoming chow, gaining two sidekicks, a torturous claim, mistakes and magic. A new world opens with horrors beyond words yet, survival has power all it's own. Fantastic world building, characters that make you want to scream, and a fascinating storyline that grips you all the way through! You've got to read this one.

[Laurie Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Great Read

Just finished this book, I couldn't put it down. Wonderfully written and the plot was so intertwined with the characters. Bought the next book and can't wait to read it

[Sonia]

Gave up 75% through... just couldn't be bothered reading the rest - felt like it wasn't going anywhere

[Deborah Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling

I couldn't put these books down. It started a bit strange but the author soon made the world and characters so amazingly well. I read all 5 books in 4 days

[K.M. Herkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s take a detailed look at what kind of delights you’ll find on a visit to The Bazaar

A gentle but determined woman facing hard choices everywhere she turns. Devany Miller is thrown into a violent, initially-incomprehensible world, but unlike most unflappable, indestructible fantasy heroes, she does not take it all in stride. She struggles.

A family. It isn’t often that a woman involved in complex personal relationships takes center stage in contemporary fantasy. It should happen more often. Devany does not turn her back on her old life without a second glance. She is a mother, and a wife, and a professional. She fights for her loves and honors her obligations. She has principles, and she clings to them.

Emotional drama that neither overshadows nor undercuts the fantasy. Devany’s fight to juggle existing family and job responsibilities in the midst of a personal crisis is presented with brutal emotional honesty. The crisis happens to involve magic, but the agonizing decisions are moral ones, not magical. Devany’s universe gets bigger, and her problems get bigger, but even in the depths of the insanity and , she still worries about the things that matter to ordinary people. Realism in fantasy? Fantastic!

A refreshing lack of angst. There’s anguish, there are traumas, and the conflicts have depth and a solid grounding in emotion, but there’s no endless wishy-washy indecisiveness or inexplicable, inappropriate attractions. If anything, I thought some of the development seemed rushed, and some reactions a little too blasé.

Magic, mystery and mayhem aplenty. Explanations of all the fantasy systems and creatures carried enough detail to satisfy, without dwelling on description. Important facts were laced into dialogue rather than dumped in narrative, and the conversations never sounded like infomercials.

A supporting cast of characters whose purpose in the story extends well beyond being plot devices. Each one has a past, an agenda, and flaws that drive their decisions. Their actions arise from their personal needs and those actions drive the story. Even the villains—with one exception--act out of self-interest, not malicious caprice.

It was a fun read, and I’m looking forward to the next installment of Devany Miller’s adventures. All the ingredients are here for a great story, and it’s a good one. It didn’t move me to tell everyone I know to read it immediately, and I did feel the urge to shake a box of commas over the text more than once, but I give it a solid thumbs-up. I'd say 3.5, and that rounds to 4.

[M.L. John · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Bazaar’ by Jen Ponce is an indie book about a suburbanite named Devany Miller. She’s a wife, mother, and social worker at a domestic violence shelter. But all that changes when she steps into a tent at the local fair. The gorgeous proprietor says he’s selling “magic sugar,” but Devany never expects the tent to contain real magic. Even if she did, how would she know magic could be so dark…or so dangerous?
It isn’t long before Devany finds herself inexorably changed. She’s soon sharing a body with a dead spider, a ghostly witch, and a powerful magic battery that every demon in the world would love to get his hands on. But those aren’t the worst of her problems. Her husband, Tom, has more secrets than he’s let on, and Devany finds herself sorting out her new powers while her marriage crumbles around her.
This was a great book. It was a mixture of urban fantasy and horror, entirely peopled by fleshy characters so realistic you could shake their hands. The best part about this book, in my opinion, was the way Devany’s magic and reality seem to slide over each other. Watching her interact with her kids while a disembodied spider commands her to kill is quite the kick. There were some spots where the setting was drawn a little thin for a fantasy world, but the characters were rich enough to make up for it. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and can’t wait to read the sequel (it’s already out, by the way, and called Slip Song.)
If you like a little grit to your fantasy, take a look!

[S.M. Lowry · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Disclaimer: I won a free copy of The Bazaar. It was not in exchange for a review.

The Bazaar is full of twists and turns. Every time poor Devany turns around some new awful thing is happening. This story had so much going on that I didn't want to put it down. The characters were fantastic. Devany is a caring mother and has a fierce protective side. She’s constantly doing things she should not do because she’s running blind in this world of magic since no one has told her any rules. Jennifer Ponce has created exciting and intriguing worlds and a whole host of great creatures. My favorite is definitely Neutria, the bloodthirsty assassin spider. She is a badass even if she is a little crazy. A close second is definitely Tytan though. Although he is a demon, he has a sweet side. And a sexy one, which he loves to torment Devany with. The worlds are well explained, and I could easily imagine they were real. This book is a great start to the Devany Miller Series, and I absolutely recommend reading all of them.

[S.L. Perrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, this book scared the bejesus outta me to begin with, then as I went along I really started to get into it. It was a refreshing mix of magic...the good, the bad, and ugh...definitely ugly.
Devany, while trying to deal with the everyday life as a wife and mother is able to deal with a magical world and become a kick ass ... Hmm, the author never really defines what she becomes...a mutt of magic I guess, but in a very good way.
I recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy, but is looking for something a bit different than the usual vampire, werewolf, zombie storylines.
Will be jumping on Amazon momentarily to purchase the next in the series.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book ten stars, I would. I don't even remember how the sample ended up on my Kindle but once I started reading, I was completely hooked and had to buy it. The plot description is already on Goodreads and Amazon so I won't rehash that. What I can add is that it's been a really long time since I've read such an original book with such a fully realized female protagonist. Every reaction to what was thrown at her felt believable to me. And, man, did she have to deal with a lot of s**t. I read this book in one sitting and can't wait to read the next one.

[Christy King · Rating 4 out of 5]

A creatively woven tale of betrayal and power. Character development was well done and masterful. The story arc was well rounded with only a few rough spots.

My favorite character was actually a head. Just a head with entrails dripping. Such a funny guy!

I would recommend this fun book to anyone who doesn't mind some gross horror mixed with their magical fantasy. Great job!

[Beth ~Book Loving Is My Superpower~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

~~~~4.5 Stars~~~~
REALLY good book filled with witches, demons, magic bazaars, giant assassin spiders, fleshcrawlers and oh SO much more! The character and world building are phenomenal! The storyline is unique and very well told. The heroine is completely believable, likeable and relatable. This book was trippy and gross and twisty turny and not predictable at all. Great read!!

[Brian S. Shipe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poor

This book was way to crazy for me.don't like reading a poorly construted stry like this.If you want to be a good author and write horror,you have to have some sensible and believe able story content to keep your interest going.stopped reading at chapter 9.Shows you how much I lost interest..

[Denielle Gongaware · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I loved this book so much I immediately wanted to purchase part 2 and 3 and then got upset because I wasn't at home and my Kindle wouldn't connect so I then immediately went on my cellphone and bought them then.

[Lola Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a crazy book but, I loved everything about it.

When you first start to read you're not sure what to think.
Then things pick up fast. From beginning to end you are tied up in every word. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more by
Jen Ponce.

[Kym Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite an adventure

Loved this book, kept me on edge until the very end. a must read, can't wait to get second book!