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The Boy Who Killed Demons
“My name’s Henry Dudlow. I’m fifteen and a half. And I’m cursed. Or damned. Take your pick. The reason? I see demons.”
So begins the latest novel by horror master Dave Zeltserman. The setting is quiet Newton, Massachussetts, where nothing ever happens. Nothing, that is, until two months after Henry Dudlow’s 13th birthday, when his neighbor, Mr. Hanley, suddenly starts to look . . . different. While everyone else sees a balding man with a beer belly, Henry suddenly sees a nasty, bilious, rage-filled demon.
Once Henry catches onto the real Mr. Hanley, he starts to see demons all around him, and his boring, adolescent life is transformed. There’s no more time for friends or sports or the lovely Sally Freeman—instead Henry must work his way through ancient texts and hunt down the demons before they steal any more innocent children. And if hunting demons is hard at any age, it’s borderline impossible when your parents are on your case, and your grades are getting worse, and you can’t tell anyone about your chosen mission.
A very scary novel written with verve and flashes of great humor, The Boy Who Killed Demons is Dave Zeltserman’s most accomplished and entertaining horror novel yet.
So begins the latest novel by horror master Dave Zeltserman. The setting is quiet Newton, Massachussetts, where nothing ever happens. Nothing, that is, until two months after Henry Dudlow’s 13th birthday, when his neighbor, Mr. Hanley, suddenly starts to look . . . different. While everyone else sees a balding man with a beer belly, Henry suddenly sees a nasty, bilious, rage-filled demon.
Once Henry catches onto the real Mr. Hanley, he starts to see demons all around him, and his boring, adolescent life is transformed. There’s no more time for friends or sports or the lovely Sally Freeman—instead Henry must work his way through ancient texts and hunt down the demons before they steal any more innocent children. And if hunting demons is hard at any age, it’s borderline impossible when your parents are on your case, and your grades are getting worse, and you can’t tell anyone about your chosen mission.
A very scary novel written with verve and flashes of great humor, The Boy Who Killed Demons is Dave Zeltserman’s most accomplished and entertaining horror novel yet.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2014
9 people are currently reading
1081 people want to read
About the author
Dave Zeltserman
102 books172 followersAuthor of the crime noir novel SMALL CRIMES named by NPR as the best crime and mystery novel of 2008, and by the Washington Post as one of the best novels of 2008, and made into a major film (to be released in 2017) starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Molly Parker, Gary Cole, Robert Forster, and Jacki Weaver.
Shamus Award winner for JULIUS KATZ. Ellery Queen's Readers Choice Award winner for ARCHIE'S BEEN FRAMED and ARCHIE SOLVES THE CASE.
PARIAH named by the Washington Post as one of the best books of 2009. THE CARETAKER OF LORNE FIELD (2010) shortlisted by American Library Association for best horror novel of the year and named a horror gem by Library Journal. MONSTER selected by Booklist Magazine for their 2013 list of top 10 horror novels and WBUR for one of the best novels of the year.
OUTSOURCED (2011) and THE CARETAKER OF LORNE FIELD are also currently being developed for film.
Shamus Award winner for JULIUS KATZ. Ellery Queen's Readers Choice Award winner for ARCHIE'S BEEN FRAMED and ARCHIE SOLVES THE CASE.
PARIAH named by the Washington Post as one of the best books of 2009. THE CARETAKER OF LORNE FIELD (2010) shortlisted by American Library Association for best horror novel of the year and named a horror gem by Library Journal. MONSTER selected by Booklist Magazine for their 2013 list of top 10 horror novels and WBUR for one of the best novels of the year.
OUTSOURCED (2011) and THE CARETAKER OF LORNE FIELD are also currently being developed for film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
October 11, 2014
As is often the case I acquired this book because of the grace of a Goodreads giveaway. Despite that kindness I give my honest opinion below.
The basic idea here is fairly standard and simple. Our protagonist is the only one who can see the demons in our world for what they are. Despite only being 15, he's absolutely determined that he needs to go forth into the world expunge this terrible evil all on his own.
To the positive side, the writing is readable and easy to follow. Written in a first person style in the form of a journal, the narrator does a fairly good job of building what tension he can. The point of view of a teenage boy is honestly rendered and isn't afraid to talk about the typical sexual desires of that age group from masturbation to unwanted erections. The voice of our protagonist is honest and authentic.
Unfortunately, his various adventures are appallingly unrealistic and broke any attempt at suspense almost before it could begin. Whatever good was derived from the writing style was dissipated quickly by the ludicrousness of the story. By the end he's successfully managed to murder a couple of dozen people, commit grand theft, bicycle hundreds miles and poison someone without falling under any serious scrutiny from the authorities. Meanwhile he's learned two new languages in the span of two months. Lastly, and perhaps obviously, despite the fact that the protagonist is a teenage boy and the story is rather childish, this is in NO way a book for teenagers. Sex, violence and drugs run rampant and I would feel very uncomfortable giving this to any non-adult child of mine.
In summary, this book is a combination of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and an entire season of the TV show '24'. However skilled a textual craftsman Mr. Zeltserman may be, he has woven a narrative that would be viewed as outlandish even if it were a graphic novel. Based on the accolades on the back of the book I expected so much more. An exceptional disappointment.
The basic idea here is fairly standard and simple. Our protagonist is the only one who can see the demons in our world for what they are. Despite only being 15, he's absolutely determined that he needs to go forth into the world expunge this terrible evil all on his own.
To the positive side, the writing is readable and easy to follow. Written in a first person style in the form of a journal, the narrator does a fairly good job of building what tension he can. The point of view of a teenage boy is honestly rendered and isn't afraid to talk about the typical sexual desires of that age group from masturbation to unwanted erections. The voice of our protagonist is honest and authentic.
Unfortunately, his various adventures are appallingly unrealistic and broke any attempt at suspense almost before it could begin. Whatever good was derived from the writing style was dissipated quickly by the ludicrousness of the story. By the end he's successfully managed to murder a couple of dozen people, commit grand theft, bicycle hundreds miles and poison someone without falling under any serious scrutiny from the authorities. Meanwhile he's learned two new languages in the span of two months. Lastly, and perhaps obviously, despite the fact that the protagonist is a teenage boy and the story is rather childish, this is in NO way a book for teenagers. Sex, violence and drugs run rampant and I would feel very uncomfortable giving this to any non-adult child of mine.
In summary, this book is a combination of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and an entire season of the TV show '24'. However skilled a textual craftsman Mr. Zeltserman may be, he has woven a narrative that would be viewed as outlandish even if it were a graphic novel. Based on the accolades on the back of the book I expected so much more. An exceptional disappointment.
December 25, 2014
3.5; so far, I've enjoyed this one the most of Zelterserman's horror novels.
March 26, 2016
This was a very entertaining read. It was also the first REAL book, not an eBook, that I have read in a while, so that increased my enjoyment of the process of reading it. When a scary scene popped up, I skipped a little ahead, then went back to where I had left off when my heart started to beat normally again.
I enjoyed how Henry dealt with the bully and how he was determined to stop the demons. He taught himself other languages so he could read the texts he needed to read to learn about the demons, which I kind of loved, because books. And who doesn't like a scene where a bully gets beat up instead of his intended victim? Very well written. I enjoyed those parts.
3.5 stars, rounded down, because while I enjoyed it, I was kind of looking for God in the mix. I read this for Lent, because I saw "demons" in the title and assumed that an equally supernatural good would be present. There didn't really seem to be, which disappointed me. To me, if one acknowledges supernatural evil or supernatural good, then the converse has to be true as well. That was not the case here.
This seems to be the first of a series perhaps, as the ending is left open for further growth by the MC. He certainly seemed to have a plan to continue with his demon killing spree at least.
If there is a second book, I will definitely read it. I do want to see where the author goes with it. Does Henry find others like him? Will he find out why he is chosen to bear this burden and responsibility? Will he continue to be successful with his self-appointed task? Will heavenly supernatural beings reveal themselves?
Lots of unanswered questions, but not in a cliff-hanger way. In a way that makes the reader, or this one at any rate, want to pick up the next book to see if the questions are answered.
Engagingly written, to me. It's in a diary style format, so it may not be for everyone, but it wasn't static for me. It moved and I really liked seeing the reasoning in what Henry did.
Warning, there is violence in this book (the title kind of gives it away), gruesome things the demons do are described and there is teenage usage of drugs (though not for recreation) and teenage sexual behaviors, so I would not recommend it for anyone under high school, maybe older.
3.5 stars, rounded down, conditionally. I want to see what the next book is like before setting my rating in stone. If no next book, 3 stars stands. If there is a next book and it starts answering some questions and heavenly beings show up, it'll go up. But a 3 means "I liked it" and I did.
This ARC was provided to me via the FirstReads GoodReads program. My thanks.
I enjoyed how Henry dealt with the bully and how he was determined to stop the demons. He taught himself other languages so he could read the texts he needed to read to learn about the demons, which I kind of loved, because books. And who doesn't like a scene where a bully gets beat up instead of his intended victim? Very well written. I enjoyed those parts.
3.5 stars, rounded down, because while I enjoyed it, I was kind of looking for God in the mix. I read this for Lent, because I saw "demons" in the title and assumed that an equally supernatural good would be present. There didn't really seem to be, which disappointed me. To me, if one acknowledges supernatural evil or supernatural good, then the converse has to be true as well. That was not the case here.
This seems to be the first of a series perhaps, as the ending is left open for further growth by the MC. He certainly seemed to have a plan to continue with his demon killing spree at least.
If there is a second book, I will definitely read it. I do want to see where the author goes with it. Does Henry find others like him? Will he find out why he is chosen to bear this burden and responsibility? Will he continue to be successful with his self-appointed task? Will heavenly supernatural beings reveal themselves?
Lots of unanswered questions, but not in a cliff-hanger way. In a way that makes the reader, or this one at any rate, want to pick up the next book to see if the questions are answered.
Engagingly written, to me. It's in a diary style format, so it may not be for everyone, but it wasn't static for me. It moved and I really liked seeing the reasoning in what Henry did.
Warning, there is violence in this book (the title kind of gives it away), gruesome things the demons do are described and there is teenage usage of drugs (though not for recreation) and teenage sexual behaviors, so I would not recommend it for anyone under high school, maybe older.
3.5 stars, rounded down, conditionally. I want to see what the next book is like before setting my rating in stone. If no next book, 3 stars stands. If there is a next book and it starts answering some questions and heavenly beings show up, it'll go up. But a 3 means "I liked it" and I did.
This ARC was provided to me via the FirstReads GoodReads program. My thanks.
May 29, 2016
Henry Dudlow is a thirteen ordinary boy who is normal like the rest, but he sees demons. Imagining things was his first thought, but he cannot help but notice that his visions are actually his reality. While his family wants him to stop being a loner and do things like other teens do, he becomes fascinated with knowing the history of the origin of demons, their behavior and language. Obsessed to find out that about demons, he does not have any room for anything else. To his middle aged family who graciously gives him allowance are out of options to do with him. Yet he knows that they are going to not believe anything he has to say, thus he keeps things to himself.
Losing friends in the process is something that he has to deal with. Accepting the fact that he will never confide in anyone of what he says, besides the journey that he writes in. Told in a very sentimental and haunting voice, this is a very creepy novel that grabs you from the first page and fills each page with hope intrigue and mystery.
This is a horrifying book, just the title alone is what grabbed me. Henry reminded me of Cole from The Sixth Sense. If only people relate to what he was seeing, they would understand his personality. Some scenes scared the hell out of me, do not read this at night!
Very impressed with the novel, I rounded it up to a five, but the original rating was a 4.5.
Best book I read in awhile, very creepy!
Losing friends in the process is something that he has to deal with. Accepting the fact that he will never confide in anyone of what he says, besides the journey that he writes in. Told in a very sentimental and haunting voice, this is a very creepy novel that grabs you from the first page and fills each page with hope intrigue and mystery.
This is a horrifying book, just the title alone is what grabbed me. Henry reminded me of Cole from The Sixth Sense. If only people relate to what he was seeing, they would understand his personality. Some scenes scared the hell out of me, do not read this at night!
Very impressed with the novel, I rounded it up to a five, but the original rating was a 4.5.
Best book I read in awhile, very creepy!
November 24, 2014
Dave writes these modern pulps with attitude and jet propulsion, and has this new-school-old-school nasty streak that–forget getting under your skin–gets under your fingernails. BOY is no different. It’s an epistolary novel from the POV of Henry, a fifteen-year-old who discovers one day that he can see demons hiding among us. Or maybe he’s just a teen having a psychotic break. Like in Dave’s masterpiece The Caretaker of Lorne Field, Dave slowly builds a case for both supernatural and psychological explanations throughout the novel. His brilliant twist here is how closely Henry’s story is a nightmarish, twisted, even satirized homage/version of Peter Parker/Spider-man’s origin story. Instead of the aw shucks Peter, though, we get teens who are as dark and dangerous as the whole wide world, and none of us are ever safe with Dave.
February 8, 2025
This book is definitely influenced by the movie, They Live. The author even mentions the movie in the book. Similarities are obvious. I enjoy the movie and this book.
This is more than a standard horror. It's also a coming of age story, as our protagonist navigates high school and all the dramas that entails. We have bullies, we have first love, we have jealousies, teen angst and drama, pushing boundaries, schoolyard rumours. This book takes a realistic look at what it is to be a teen and throws demons into the mix. It's also a fast-paced and compelling read. I was drawn in from the first page and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book.
Written with a perfect narrative voice, this book blends humour and satire seamlessly with the darker elements of the story. Reading about Henry as he struggles to balance his normal teenage life with his demon-hunting responsibilities makes him a compelling protagonist. The book feels both tongue-in-cheek and serious, sometimes at the same time. This made it even more captivating.
I recommend this to people who enjoy horror, or possibly even dark fantasy.
This is more than a standard horror. It's also a coming of age story, as our protagonist navigates high school and all the dramas that entails. We have bullies, we have first love, we have jealousies, teen angst and drama, pushing boundaries, schoolyard rumours. This book takes a realistic look at what it is to be a teen and throws demons into the mix. It's also a fast-paced and compelling read. I was drawn in from the first page and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book.
Written with a perfect narrative voice, this book blends humour and satire seamlessly with the darker elements of the story. Reading about Henry as he struggles to balance his normal teenage life with his demon-hunting responsibilities makes him a compelling protagonist. The book feels both tongue-in-cheek and serious, sometimes at the same time. This made it even more captivating.
I recommend this to people who enjoy horror, or possibly even dark fantasy.
January 15, 2021
Imagine being able to see demons.
Imagine being 15 and being able to see demons....this is the story of Henry Dudlow...who suddenly acquires the ability to see demons around him. How he learns to handle this - and what he does..are the crux of this book.
Not quite YA, and yet full fledged horror...but something in between. Something a little different.
Jeff Mc
Imagine being 15 and being able to see demons....this is the story of Henry Dudlow...who suddenly acquires the ability to see demons around him. How he learns to handle this - and what he does..are the crux of this book.
Not quite YA, and yet full fledged horror...but something in between. Something a little different.
Jeff Mc
March 23, 2015
Despite a provocative cover and intriguing plot blurb, I found this effort by Zeltserman a frustrating read.
It felt like no one ever told the author to SHOW instead of TELL his story. It's the difference between writing 'I'm depressed.' and writing 'I went home, crawled into bed and pulled the covers over my head, my coccoon insulated and warm. I wanted nothing to do with the world.' There was so much TELLING. The whole BOOK was TELLING.
I realize it was written in a diary style, and, by definition, people usually tell in diaries and journals. Still, many books have been successfully and skillfully written using this element, and managed to show the action instead of telling what's going to happen.
Which was a real shame, because the premise, as an urban horror novel, is pretty fascinating.
Henry can see demons. He's always been able to, and it's up to him to keep tabls on them and hunt them down 'lest they manage to complete the ritual of the end times. Lying, cheating, stealing, and fighting, Henry manages to get a girlfriend in the midst of his demon hunting, but she is in danger when a demon at Henry's high school sets his sights on her as a way to expose Henry's weakness.
The most engaging thing I found while reading is that the reader is never fully sure that Henry is not simply insane instead of chosen as one of the people that sees demons. There's just enough ambiguity to cast doubt, while makign no secret that Henry himself wholly believes he has this burdensome ability.
The end left me utterly, completely flat, like a balloon that had been ready to burst with tension, and instead emmitted air sowly and quietly.
From reviews on Amazon I understand my opinion is in the minority. Mr. Zeltserman seems to have a large following and achieved quite a bit of acclaim. I do categorically disagree, as at least one one person states, that this book belongs in the YA section. The energy, pitch, and tone are all wrong for a YA novel.
Mr.Zeltersman seems to be an acquired taste, and if one has already acquired this taste. and found his writing satisfactory, surely this will be an enjoyable read. Otherwise, for the reader who prefers being shown plot and characterization, instead of told, it might be a hard sell.
It felt like no one ever told the author to SHOW instead of TELL his story. It's the difference between writing 'I'm depressed.' and writing 'I went home, crawled into bed and pulled the covers over my head, my coccoon insulated and warm. I wanted nothing to do with the world.' There was so much TELLING. The whole BOOK was TELLING.
I realize it was written in a diary style, and, by definition, people usually tell in diaries and journals. Still, many books have been successfully and skillfully written using this element, and managed to show the action instead of telling what's going to happen.
Which was a real shame, because the premise, as an urban horror novel, is pretty fascinating.
Henry can see demons. He's always been able to, and it's up to him to keep tabls on them and hunt them down 'lest they manage to complete the ritual of the end times. Lying, cheating, stealing, and fighting, Henry manages to get a girlfriend in the midst of his demon hunting, but she is in danger when a demon at Henry's high school sets his sights on her as a way to expose Henry's weakness.
The most engaging thing I found while reading is that the reader is never fully sure that Henry is not simply insane instead of chosen as one of the people that sees demons. There's just enough ambiguity to cast doubt, while makign no secret that Henry himself wholly believes he has this burdensome ability.
The end left me utterly, completely flat, like a balloon that had been ready to burst with tension, and instead emmitted air sowly and quietly.
From reviews on Amazon I understand my opinion is in the minority. Mr. Zeltserman seems to have a large following and achieved quite a bit of acclaim. I do categorically disagree, as at least one one person states, that this book belongs in the YA section. The energy, pitch, and tone are all wrong for a YA novel.
Mr.Zeltersman seems to be an acquired taste, and if one has already acquired this taste. and found his writing satisfactory, surely this will be an enjoyable read. Otherwise, for the reader who prefers being shown plot and characterization, instead of told, it might be a hard sell.
September 27, 2014
I won this book in a GOODREADS GIVEAWAY! It was different than any book I have read yet.
This boy at 13 starts seeing demons. He goes through the normal, am I crazy, is something wrong with my brain, etc.
At 15 he's still seeing demons but trying to find a way to get rid of them. He finally gets to do this buy getting a book. It sounds simple, but there is so much involved in getting the book and learning what to do. The things he has to go through trying to figure out what to do. The bad things he has to do to start killing demons. I don't want to give anything away so that is all I can say.
It was a good book. They author set it up for more books. It would be nice as a series, but is great as a stand alone book.
This boy at 13 starts seeing demons. He goes through the normal, am I crazy, is something wrong with my brain, etc.
At 15 he's still seeing demons but trying to find a way to get rid of them. He finally gets to do this buy getting a book. It sounds simple, but there is so much involved in getting the book and learning what to do. The things he has to go through trying to figure out what to do. The bad things he has to do to start killing demons. I don't want to give anything away so that is all I can say.
It was a good book. They author set it up for more books. It would be nice as a series, but is great as a stand alone book.
March 9, 2015
I think the writing style (a journal of sorts) killed this for me. That and the convenient plot points - oh look what showed up here, and here and here. I'm not sure why I finished reading it to be honest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2015
Hmm so really didn't know what to expect with this one, and for starters its not classified correctly as this should definitely be a Young Adult selection not scattered in Adult Non-Fiction where a reader like me would pick it up and assume its for the mature, okay so there is nothing wrong with a Young Adult book and I may have still picked it up but here it was just false advertising and I was thrown off by the inner thoughts, plots and plans of a fifteen year old boy writing in his journal..So I finished despite being privy to the budding sexual thoughts, the ramblings of a person thinking they are going crazy as they see demons in ordinary people and the tons of foreshadowing that make you think this book is going somewhere great--in like every chapter he promises to tell you more about something but ultimately drags it out for another entry, another chapter and you really don't get the details on anything..So Henry is a normal boy until one day he sees demons in people around town, red stinking dangerous evil demons he finds out through translating two old foreign documents are converging to kidnap children and open the gates of Hell to all demons to roam the earth..Even after finding out what the plot was and how Henry was to try and stop them I still wanted more, I just felt that the book was more a character study on an adolescent boy then a play by play of demons and how they want to enter the world, I would have appreciated this novel more as a novel told with maybe differing viewpoints, maybe more insight into the demons and just not an epistolary tale from a boys journal about growing up, becoming an insensitive mean kid and having his first romance, there was too much demon talk for a simple coming of age tale, bring on the horror LOL..Okay yea so not really a true one star as it wasn't unreadable or stupid just misleading and vague on what you really wanted to read about, I don't know if I can recommend this for anyone over the age of eighteen LOL but its not a truly bad read just not memorable or a favorite of mine for the reasons described, I may try another book by him if it gives me more of what I want and less of a TV sitcom young boy's life account...hmmm on to the next what am I picking up to read-three one star books already is not a promising start to my intended 60 book a year goal but there is a lot of time left..come through for me soon libraries!!
September 7, 2018
Yeah so I'm not finishing this. Prostitutes are diseased and dirty. This kid thinks his parents are neglectful, when I honestly just see two very devoted career-oriented folks (whether that's good parenting or not, it's certainly not neglectful). While I can appreciate that the writing is solid in its execution, the overall story is unrealistic to the point of pulling me out of it every other paragraph. I also just don't care for all the implied sexism and homophobia. That's better ways of including that sort of talk in a book, and Zeltserman missed that mark.
March 4, 2015
book tw: violence, implied sexual violence to women
Yes, I get it. This is a story about a 15 year old boy written like journal entries. The biggest issue is this book is written like the average 15 year old would write. That is to say, really shitty. The author will repeat unnecessary information 3 times in 3 pages and I got through more than half the book and NOTHING HAD HAPPENED. I could not stand reading the choppy, annoying as fuck prose anymore.
Yes, I get it. This is a story about a 15 year old boy written like journal entries. The biggest issue is this book is written like the average 15 year old would write. That is to say, really shitty. The author will repeat unnecessary information 3 times in 3 pages and I got through more than half the book and NOTHING HAD HAPPENED. I could not stand reading the choppy, annoying as fuck prose anymore.
March 1, 2015
won via goodreads giveaway and I am so glad I entered. I started reading the book around 10am and didn't stop till I finished around midnight. the author spins a story like I haven't read in a long time. I would love to give a full review but know from experience if I start I wont stop till I tell you the ending. So I will just say this GO OUT AND READ THIS BOOK!
April 4, 2015
I was very pleased to have won this on Goodreads. The description and cover really caught my attention. It is the first book I have read by this author. I particularly liked the latter half of the book, and found the tale enjoyable.
July 22, 2019
Would I recommend? Yes .
Things I liked:
Throughout the book we have seen Henry’s growth and the symbols of ‘BSD’ and ‘ASD’ they mean; “BSD I probably acted the exact same way even if I was only a pampered and somewhat spoiled kid who didn’t know any better, but ASD my perspective on things changed dramatically. I now see the bigger picture.” I really liked how this would pop up after a sentence and help you understand that he had either changed his sight on that idea or had kept it the same. .
Things I didn’t like: This book is meant to be a journal entry of Henry’s life while find out out about this demons. It would have been amazing if there were pictures, newspapers cut outs, personal notes/reminders. Little this like this would have help us to imagine the demons as well get to get pulled in even more. .
Overall: This is the first Dave Zeltserman book I’ve read, but after reading this I will definitely buy another of his. Any recommendations?? I have to admit I did start reading this book early last year and just couldn’t get into it. I’m glad I gave it another shot. It was thrilling, exciting and I just loved it.
Things I liked:
Throughout the book we have seen Henry’s growth and the symbols of ‘BSD’ and ‘ASD’ they mean; “BSD I probably acted the exact same way even if I was only a pampered and somewhat spoiled kid who didn’t know any better, but ASD my perspective on things changed dramatically. I now see the bigger picture.” I really liked how this would pop up after a sentence and help you understand that he had either changed his sight on that idea or had kept it the same. .
Things I didn’t like: This book is meant to be a journal entry of Henry’s life while find out out about this demons. It would have been amazing if there were pictures, newspapers cut outs, personal notes/reminders. Little this like this would have help us to imagine the demons as well get to get pulled in even more. .
Overall: This is the first Dave Zeltserman book I’ve read, but after reading this I will definitely buy another of his. Any recommendations?? I have to admit I did start reading this book early last year and just couldn’t get into it. I’m glad I gave it another shot. It was thrilling, exciting and I just loved it.
August 27, 2018
A very engaging read. Its immediately easy to feel sympathy for the main character, and first person account -- written in the form of journal entries -- is a great way of conveying the tale.
A couple of concerns. The first being that the journal entries don't appear to be journal entries. They're well written and I appreciate that. But, the little things. Like, adding the date and time notation at the beginning of each entry, personal notes, newspaper clippings, even a few basic sketches or something, etc. would've gone a long way.
Secondly, the demons seemed a bit off the shelf in their appearance. The red-skinned, horned demon is bit blase'.
I realize that I'm adding elements that are things that may lift this book out of the YA genre, and that's why I'm still OK with it. Great book, well worth the time to read and re-read at your leisure.
A couple of concerns. The first being that the journal entries don't appear to be journal entries. They're well written and I appreciate that. But, the little things. Like, adding the date and time notation at the beginning of each entry, personal notes, newspaper clippings, even a few basic sketches or something, etc. would've gone a long way.
Secondly, the demons seemed a bit off the shelf in their appearance. The red-skinned, horned demon is bit blase'.
I realize that I'm adding elements that are things that may lift this book out of the YA genre, and that's why I'm still OK with it. Great book, well worth the time to read and re-read at your leisure.
December 28, 2018
This book explores the trope of one who sees monsters that the average person cannot. If you're a teenage boy, what do you do about it, when no one else sees or believes? It's hard enough dealing with high school, demanding parents, and growing up, without having to save the world. Our protagonist is no superhero, so he's got to work out how to take on demons intent on destruction. It's a struggle, and we're never sure how he'll do as he dances on the edge of having it all fall down. But he's persistent, and knows the price of failure. That tension is maintained throughout the book. Like They Live (name-checked in the book) and other works, an unlikely hero has to face impossible odds in a fight to the death.
July 25, 2017
The book was slow to start, although it was undeniably riveting in its concept. As the first book that I've read by Dave Zeltserman, I can honestly say that I was impressed. The way he writes some of the scenes had me squirming in my seat from apprehension and fear for Henry, the main character. As the book progressed, it became all the more riveting, from fist fights between students to extremely questionable choices made by Henry in his attempt to accomplish his goals.
All in all, this book was one of the better ones I've read this year, and I look forward to reading more of Mr. Zeltserman's work.
All in all, this book was one of the better ones I've read this year, and I look forward to reading more of Mr. Zeltserman's work.
August 31, 2017
Puberty just got worse and even more complicated for Henry: when he is 13, he starts seeing demons that pose as humans to prepare the opening of the gates of hell. Since two years now, he has been studying and hunting them, and as the ritual get's closer, the stakes get higher.
This is a fun urban fantasy / Supernatural sort of book, which gets really scary and creepy at times. In the center of it all is a badass hero who also gets to be a realistic teenager and realistically struggles with juggling all of these things. He shows weakness at times, which is great. In general, the book is not too action-packed, as there is plenty of research and clever thinking involving, as well. There are some freedoms the plot took that are okay for a YA book but would not make do for more adult readers. For example, Henry is supposed to know enough self-taught German to be able to read an ancient text after just two years of studying? Doubtful. But you should not let minuscule details like this deter you from the main plot, which is awesome. I want a sequel with Henry fighting demons in other cities, or just see other demons hunters in other parts of the world.
This is a fun urban fantasy / Supernatural sort of book, which gets really scary and creepy at times. In the center of it all is a badass hero who also gets to be a realistic teenager and realistically struggles with juggling all of these things. He shows weakness at times, which is great. In general, the book is not too action-packed, as there is plenty of research and clever thinking involving, as well. There are some freedoms the plot took that are okay for a YA book but would not make do for more adult readers. For example, Henry is supposed to know enough self-taught German to be able to read an ancient text after just two years of studying? Doubtful. But you should not let minuscule details like this deter you from the main plot, which is awesome. I want a sequel with Henry fighting demons in other cities, or just see other demons hunters in other parts of the world.
April 22, 2022
My streak of finding fun, random horror books at Dollar Stores in Ottawa continues! Dollar Stores have been quite good to me and this is the 5th or 6th novel I’ve purchased - and loved.
This was a really good story told through the journal entries of a 15-year-old. It is creative, humorous, intense, and the author really pieced together an enthralling main character. I would be quite excited if the author published another story written from Henry’s perspective!
Thanks Dollar Tree for a great read!
This was a really good story told through the journal entries of a 15-year-old. It is creative, humorous, intense, and the author really pieced together an enthralling main character. I would be quite excited if the author published another story written from Henry’s perspective!
Thanks Dollar Tree for a great read!
May 8, 2021
I loved the concept of having a book out of a journal. The first few chapters of the book got me really intrigued. But then I felt like the book moved in a very slow phase until it reached the last few chapters. Besides that, the book was amazing. It was very easy to read and definitely enjoyable.
March 30, 2021
The boy Henry took his sweet time getting this done but he finally stepped up. It was a study of middle school dynamic with teenager love, that sidetracked, Henrys' actions. That was boring but his actions, finally, was quick and over too soon. Next one, hopefully, rocks from the start and has a flurry of action! Write another, Dave. Later. Keep Reading.
May 1, 2023
While I found some of the scenes repetitive and cringy, it did fit the voice of the teen lead & there were times I wondered if the story was going to veer away from the supernatural and open up more into an exploration of Henry’s psychosis. A quick read - I’d pick up another book by Zeltserman.
August 6, 2017
So disappointed - I enjoyed the clear simple writing - but, oh for all the opportunities missed ...
May 22, 2018
Loved this fast pacing book!! Hoping there is a sequel!!
October 26, 2018
Really fun, thrilling, not as scary as I expected though.
August 28, 2020
I'm stuck between 1.5 and 2 stars. Since I can't stand the main character, 1.5 stars it is.
December 13, 2020
An enjoyable, easy and quick read. I'd classify this as Young Adult fiction/horror.
May 30, 2021
Another character with a heavy burden (see The Caretaker of Lorne Field). If the focus had been more on the demons rather than Henry’s high school escapades I would have enjoyed this more.
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