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For the Better
Everyone has demons…
…but for Josef, evil has a name. After confronting an old enemy, Josef is left with a particular gift, granting him untold opportunities. But, as with everything, this comes at a hefty price. Each time he’s confronted with using his new found gift, Josef has to convince himself it’s for the better. As his life spirals out of control, Josef must decide whether he can reign in the new power or be consumed by it.
In the Splatterpunk Award-nominated novel, Left to You, 70 years of Josef’s story goes untold. For the Better sheds light on that tale, giving an in-depth look into one man’s struggle with Hell on Earth.
Could you kill innocence if you thought it was for the better?
…but for Josef, evil has a name. After confronting an old enemy, Josef is left with a particular gift, granting him untold opportunities. But, as with everything, this comes at a hefty price. Each time he’s confronted with using his new found gift, Josef has to convince himself it’s for the better. As his life spirals out of control, Josef must decide whether he can reign in the new power or be consumed by it.
In the Splatterpunk Award-nominated novel, Left to You, 70 years of Josef’s story goes untold. For the Better sheds light on that tale, giving an in-depth look into one man’s struggle with Hell on Earth.
Could you kill innocence if you thought it was for the better?
- GenresHorror
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2024
18 people are currently reading
1230 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 7, 2024
"FOR THE "FOR THE BETTER" [2024] By Daniel J. Volpe
My Review 5.0 Stars
I have referred to this novel as a “Prequel” to the author’s classic “Left to You” (2021). In the opening pages of this outstanding addition to his prior novel “Left to You” Volpe states that it is not a “Prequel” but “More Like a Mid-Quel”. The author elaborates that he always felt that there was one part missing from the first book. Specifically, how did Josef live for decades with the demon, Belphegor, in captivity? What did Josef do to keep himself younger so that in “Left to You” he is nearing 120 years old?
So, Volpe explains, “For the Better” is in fact a midquel which picks up right after Josef kills Kollmer and is left with Belphegor in his control. Thus, it covers Josef’s life with the demon, how he coped with loss and grief, and what were the lengths he went through to survive in this chunk of time that is omitted from the outstanding novel “Left to You”?
In keeping with the author’s explanation and motivation the reader picks Josep up in the year 1952. The Splatterpunk Book Club has read “Left to You” so the readers are presently expounding upon how terrific and memorable “Left to You” happens to be. I loved it. That said it actually did trouble me when I thought about the period of time that Josef had Belphegor in captivity. It is widely believed and bandied about that “Left to You” may be Volpe’s crowning achievement and an absolute classic.
I agree totally, but I will say that “For the Better” is simply “out of this world” good. Volpe has earned considerable literary gravitas with these two exceptional works. I would implore you to read “For the Better” the minute you finish “Left to You”. It fits the other masterpiece like a key in a lock.
As the description for the novel illuminates, in his Splatterpunk Award-nominated novel “Left to You”, 70 years of Josef’s story goes untold. In “For the Better” Volpe unlocks the door and lets you glimpse and try to absorb what it was like for the tortured Josef, and how he waged his personal struggles with Hell on Earth. It advances the question of to what extent would you go if you thought it was “for the better”?
“Left to You” was originally self-published by Volpe in 2021, because I read that version. My review in 2023 (when I read it) clearly indicates the date published. I mention this only because I purchased it, and it was later published in 2024 (this year) and my copy of the original self-published release is in the ether somewhere. It certainly is not in my library.
I am not going to include occurrences in “For the Better”, let alone “spoilers” because I want your reading experience to be as rewarding and gut-wrenching as mine. Josef wondered:
“When death finally came for him, how would he be judged? As a monster or an angel?”
I must admit that I would not have what it takes to make all of the decisions that Josef made, but one must consider that he had suffered great losses, been imprisoned in the Death Camp of Auschwitz, and been forged by fire into the figure of a survivor with a will to match. How would I judge him? That is the million-dollar question.
EVERYONE HAS DEMONS…BUT NOT A HIGH-RANKING DEMON FROM THE FIRES OF HELL
My Review 5.0 Stars
I have referred to this novel as a “Prequel” to the author’s classic “Left to You” (2021). In the opening pages of this outstanding addition to his prior novel “Left to You” Volpe states that it is not a “Prequel” but “More Like a Mid-Quel”. The author elaborates that he always felt that there was one part missing from the first book. Specifically, how did Josef live for decades with the demon, Belphegor, in captivity? What did Josef do to keep himself younger so that in “Left to You” he is nearing 120 years old?
So, Volpe explains, “For the Better” is in fact a midquel which picks up right after Josef kills Kollmer and is left with Belphegor in his control. Thus, it covers Josef’s life with the demon, how he coped with loss and grief, and what were the lengths he went through to survive in this chunk of time that is omitted from the outstanding novel “Left to You”?
In keeping with the author’s explanation and motivation the reader picks Josep up in the year 1952. The Splatterpunk Book Club has read “Left to You” so the readers are presently expounding upon how terrific and memorable “Left to You” happens to be. I loved it. That said it actually did trouble me when I thought about the period of time that Josef had Belphegor in captivity. It is widely believed and bandied about that “Left to You” may be Volpe’s crowning achievement and an absolute classic.
I agree totally, but I will say that “For the Better” is simply “out of this world” good. Volpe has earned considerable literary gravitas with these two exceptional works. I would implore you to read “For the Better” the minute you finish “Left to You”. It fits the other masterpiece like a key in a lock.
As the description for the novel illuminates, in his Splatterpunk Award-nominated novel “Left to You”, 70 years of Josef’s story goes untold. In “For the Better” Volpe unlocks the door and lets you glimpse and try to absorb what it was like for the tortured Josef, and how he waged his personal struggles with Hell on Earth. It advances the question of to what extent would you go if you thought it was “for the better”?
“Left to You” was originally self-published by Volpe in 2021, because I read that version. My review in 2023 (when I read it) clearly indicates the date published. I mention this only because I purchased it, and it was later published in 2024 (this year) and my copy of the original self-published release is in the ether somewhere. It certainly is not in my library.
I am not going to include occurrences in “For the Better”, let alone “spoilers” because I want your reading experience to be as rewarding and gut-wrenching as mine. Josef wondered:
“When death finally came for him, how would he be judged? As a monster or an angel?”
I must admit that I would not have what it takes to make all of the decisions that Josef made, but one must consider that he had suffered great losses, been imprisoned in the Death Camp of Auschwitz, and been forged by fire into the figure of a survivor with a will to match. How would I judge him? That is the million-dollar question.
EVERYONE HAS DEMONS…BUT NOT A HIGH-RANKING DEMON FROM THE FIRES OF HELL
October 23, 2024
Volpe’s “For the Better”, adds to his other story “Left to You”; giving more depth and insight into Josef’s character and life.
This was a hard read: brutal and disgusting, and it also made me angry at a character I previously had empathy and sympathy for.
“Belphegor sat nude in Kollmer's chair.
Twisted horns rose from his head. Black eyes were sunken deeply into his face. His mouth was a nightmare, bristling with sharp teeth. Bugs crawled over him, seeking pus-weeping holes littered amongst his flesh.”
I had wondered how Josef had managed the demon for years, and now readers will get more answers, while also being thoroughly grossed out with this splattery, demonic tale.
“I know the nightmares will come, as I've expected them to. And with them will be hope, dashed away in the worst ways possible. And screams will float on a breeze smelling like almonds and death.
God, I wish I'd died with them.”
This was a hard read: brutal and disgusting, and it also made me angry at a character I previously had empathy and sympathy for.
“Belphegor sat nude in Kollmer's chair.
Twisted horns rose from his head. Black eyes were sunken deeply into his face. His mouth was a nightmare, bristling with sharp teeth. Bugs crawled over him, seeking pus-weeping holes littered amongst his flesh.”
I had wondered how Josef had managed the demon for years, and now readers will get more answers, while also being thoroughly grossed out with this splattery, demonic tale.
“I know the nightmares will come, as I've expected them to. And with them will be hope, dashed away in the worst ways possible. And screams will float on a breeze smelling like almonds and death.
God, I wish I'd died with them.”
April 25, 2024
I quite honestly, did not want this book to end and now that I’m done, I feel like I’m mourning the loss of the characters and the story. ‘Left To You’ holds a special place in my heart as it’s one of my first that I read in the extreme horror genre and along with a couple other titles, it ignited my love for reading again. When I saw a Prequel was coming out, I was SO excited and of course had to pick up a copy at AuthorCon.
Joseph’s experience with the demon was really the missing piece of the story we didn’t really get from the first book and thankfully, that’s exactly what you get in ‘For The Better’. The intricacies of Joseph, who he is as a man is probably one of the better characters I’ve read in a long time. Volpe really nailed this one. Similar to the first book, this one ripped my heart of its chest multiple times. This was an emotional rollercoaster from front to back, the whole time you’re switching back and forth between supporting Joseph and knowing he’s going too far.
What this story as a whole really en captures is the reality of human existence. That we all believe we
are good people, but when faced with our mortality of the mortality of those we love, how far are we willing to go? Most of the time, the answers will shock us. But just look around at the world we live in. Full of war, genocide and hate. It’s almost like it’s human nature. Volpe does a terrific job at telling the story of a man plagued from the genocide he experienced. A man whose will is broken down, bit by bit, yet the will to live ever as strong. The question really is, what would you do in the name of life or death, right vs wrong, or in the name of justice?
Joseph’s experience with the demon was really the missing piece of the story we didn’t really get from the first book and thankfully, that’s exactly what you get in ‘For The Better’. The intricacies of Joseph, who he is as a man is probably one of the better characters I’ve read in a long time. Volpe really nailed this one. Similar to the first book, this one ripped my heart of its chest multiple times. This was an emotional rollercoaster from front to back, the whole time you’re switching back and forth between supporting Joseph and knowing he’s going too far.
What this story as a whole really en captures is the reality of human existence. That we all believe we
are good people, but when faced with our mortality of the mortality of those we love, how far are we willing to go? Most of the time, the answers will shock us. But just look around at the world we live in. Full of war, genocide and hate. It’s almost like it’s human nature. Volpe does a terrific job at telling the story of a man plagued from the genocide he experienced. A man whose will is broken down, bit by bit, yet the will to live ever as strong. The question really is, what would you do in the name of life or death, right vs wrong, or in the name of justice?
May 7, 2024
My heart hurts. A bittersweet book of vengeance, the weight of good and evil, and innocence. This made me feel every emotion. A brutal read in the best way.
August 2, 2025
4 stars.
Very good, but so sad.
sadly not as good as the first but still pretty amazing.
Very good, but so sad.
sadly not as good as the first but still pretty amazing.
October 28, 2025
Read this immediately after “Left To You”. Honestly, “For The Better” wasn’t needed and offered nothing unique.
Left To You was the following:
- Daniel Volpe’s masterpiece
- A horror epic
- Many twists and turns
- Great historical fiction elements
- High suspense and dread
For The Better was none of that and was rather predictable. Maybe I just had too high of hopes. While Left To You had many layers this prequel was basically just “oh yeah, Josef sacrificed more people while he lived in New York.
Similarly to how Talia 2 was a step down from the original, For The Better was a step down from Left To You.
Left To You was the following:
- Daniel Volpe’s masterpiece
- A horror epic
- Many twists and turns
- Great historical fiction elements
- High suspense and dread
For The Better was none of that and was rather predictable. Maybe I just had too high of hopes. While Left To You had many layers this prequel was basically just “oh yeah, Josef sacrificed more people while he lived in New York.
Similarly to how Talia 2 was a step down from the original, For The Better was a step down from Left To You.
December 7, 2025
Once again, Volpe has managed to break my heart. I thought Left To You hurt me, but this one pulverized my emotions and left me emotionally drained.
Josef is one of the most heartbreaking characters I've read. The trauma of Auschwitz and losing his family and dealing with a demon.
Belphegor is just vile. Yes he's a demon so that should be expected. But the descriptions of him that Volpe wrote made be want to vomit.
Filling the gaps between 1952 and 2019, I loved learning more about Josef's life. His struggles and strengths. His yearning to be with his family.
You'll want to read Left To You before reading this, it's not necessarily a prequel or a sequel.
Guard your heart!
Josef is one of the most heartbreaking characters I've read. The trauma of Auschwitz and losing his family and dealing with a demon.
Belphegor is just vile. Yes he's a demon so that should be expected. But the descriptions of him that Volpe wrote made be want to vomit.
Filling the gaps between 1952 and 2019, I loved learning more about Josef's life. His struggles and strengths. His yearning to be with his family.
You'll want to read Left To You before reading this, it's not necessarily a prequel or a sequel.
Guard your heart!
April 14, 2024
Wow.
WOW. Okay so without trying to spoil anything, 99% of those people deserved the fate they received. I’m so glad Daniel went back to tell us Joseph’s story. It was much better than I had expected.
You absolutely do need to read the first book prior to reading this one. 10/10 Daniel. TEN OUT OF TEN
WOW. Okay so without trying to spoil anything, 99% of those people deserved the fate they received. I’m so glad Daniel went back to tell us Joseph’s story. It was much better than I had expected.
You absolutely do need to read the first book prior to reading this one. 10/10 Daniel. TEN OUT OF TEN
April 20, 2025
Josef has been liberated from Auschwitz and made a life for himself in America. But a run-in with a familiar evil face from camp makes Josef lose his cool. Afterwards, he is left with a big problem disguising itself as a gift. Promises of fame, fortune and good health, Josef battles for over 70 years with the monster in his basement and the one within his mind.
How far are you willing to go to get revenge on the select few who you feel deserve it most? How far are you willing to go to save YOURSELF?
Josef is such a solid character. He was a scholar, turned Auschwitz prisoner, turned holocaust survivor, turned regular citizen, turned murderer, turned keeper of Belphegor. He was a decent man left with an impossible burden that brings his core morals into question. Struggling with right from wrong and trying to live with himself after his decisions is a constant battle for Josef. Are his actions for the better?
Greed trumps all. Greed for health. Greed for love. Greed for long life. Greed for the wheel to just keep turning. That greed has to be fed. In this case, it’s in the form of fresh meat.
More gore and more death at the hands of Belphegor. A great story as we dive into the life of Josef and his relationship with his prisoner roommate demon Belphegor. I feel like Josef could have been a bit more creative with how he handled certain situations, but he was still somebody I felt for the entire book and was oddly still rooting for no matter what. A solid read, that the author called a midquel, to paint a bigger overall picture.
How far are you willing to go to get revenge on the select few who you feel deserve it most? How far are you willing to go to save YOURSELF?
Josef is such a solid character. He was a scholar, turned Auschwitz prisoner, turned holocaust survivor, turned regular citizen, turned murderer, turned keeper of Belphegor. He was a decent man left with an impossible burden that brings his core morals into question. Struggling with right from wrong and trying to live with himself after his decisions is a constant battle for Josef. Are his actions for the better?
Greed trumps all. Greed for health. Greed for love. Greed for long life. Greed for the wheel to just keep turning. That greed has to be fed. In this case, it’s in the form of fresh meat.
More gore and more death at the hands of Belphegor. A great story as we dive into the life of Josef and his relationship with his prisoner roommate demon Belphegor. I feel like Josef could have been a bit more creative with how he handled certain situations, but he was still somebody I felt for the entire book and was oddly still rooting for no matter what. A solid read, that the author called a midquel, to paint a bigger overall picture.
September 24, 2024
3.5 Stars
I'm not certain this book was necessary, but when I saw Left To You had a prequel, you bet I ran to Amazon and bought the eBook immediately.
This covers Josef's life before we meet Robert, and it was not nearly as gruesome as I'd anticipated. I expected there to be a lot more gore, a lot more lives lost.
It did make me feel like Josef was a good man who made some bad choices. He does it best to make sure those who suffer are ones that deserve it the most, but sometimes, the lines are blurred.
Nothing will compare to the sheer shock and revulsion the first book's plot twist gave me, but I don't fault Volpe for trying.
He's an author I'm eager to read more of.
I'm not certain this book was necessary, but when I saw Left To You had a prequel, you bet I ran to Amazon and bought the eBook immediately.
This covers Josef's life before we meet Robert, and it was not nearly as gruesome as I'd anticipated. I expected there to be a lot more gore, a lot more lives lost.
It did make me feel like Josef was a good man who made some bad choices. He does it best to make sure those who suffer are ones that deserve it the most, but sometimes, the lines are blurred.
Nothing will compare to the sheer shock and revulsion the first book's plot twist gave me, but I don't fault Volpe for trying.
He's an author I'm eager to read more of.
June 29, 2024
As a huge fan of Left To You, I knew I had to read this prequel immediately. We pick up with Josef after he escapes the camp and continue on until that fateful night when he invites Robert to dinner to tell him his awful secret.
Over the years, we watch Josef struggle with his decisions to feed the demon and, in return, reap the benefits. His internal struggle and the guilt he feels about the lives he takes is palpable, as he feels responsible for the demon ever since it came into his possession. I was yelling at him in my head for that last one, though.
As always, the gory descriptions of Belphegor and his "meals" were perfectly disgusting, especially the nightmares he inflicts upon Josef as he tries to resist the call of the demon.
This was a solid read but didn't quite hold up to Left To You, in my opinion. It was still a captivating and great story, and I hope there will be at least one more book in this series.
Over the years, we watch Josef struggle with his decisions to feed the demon and, in return, reap the benefits. His internal struggle and the guilt he feels about the lives he takes is palpable, as he feels responsible for the demon ever since it came into his possession. I was yelling at him in my head for that last one, though.
As always, the gory descriptions of Belphegor and his "meals" were perfectly disgusting, especially the nightmares he inflicts upon Josef as he tries to resist the call of the demon.
This was a solid read but didn't quite hold up to Left To You, in my opinion. It was still a captivating and great story, and I hope there will be at least one more book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2024
I knew I would have to read this as soon as I heard about it. This is the prequel (or as the author calls it, “mid-quel”) to LEFT TO YOU. I read the first book for the BoH Brawl earlier this year and it was instantly one of my top faves.
Have you ever read a book and wanted to know more about certain characters or their past! This is exactly what this book gives you! Is the book necessary to the first book? Absolutely not, however, it’s great!
Have you ever read a book and wanted to know more about certain characters or their past! This is exactly what this book gives you! Is the book necessary to the first book? Absolutely not, however, it’s great!
May 24, 2024
Great prequel! Another 5 stars. That creepy demon voice, ugh! So Gross, I feel so dirty. Waiting for the Sequel :-)
April 19, 2025
4.5⭐️
April 1, 2024
𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫.
LEFT TO YOU was one of my very first forays into extreme horror, and that book will forever be special to me. When I found out a prequel was coming that would center around Josef, I was ecstatic, but I also wondered how anything could come close to the first book.
Volpe pulled it off effortlessly.
First, it is 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 that you read LEFT TO YOU first. After surviving the horror of the Nazi camps, much of Josef's life is unaccounted for. The reader will be intimately familiar with the 'gift' that Josef was given in book one and the moral dilemma he grapples with daily. Every time he uses the gift, it gives him pause, but he tells himself it's for the better.
I wrote in my first review that the book read like a parable, and this one does as well. Stripped of all its horror, it is a classic tale with the themes of good vs. evil and the needs of the many vs. the needs of the one. The prose is devoid is any optimism or hope; it's bleak, stark, yet strangely beautiful. What would it be like to say yes to something so powerful yet so horrific? Do we rationalize all of the poor decisions we make in this life to escape the damnation that we know is coming?
If you shy away from horror because you don't like all of the lurid descriptions of violence and gore, please trust me when I say that you will be safe with this book. There is nothing overly graphic or gratuitous, and I think you will be forever changed after reading these two masterpieces. FOR THE BETTER is coming May 10, so get those pre-orders in and read the first book while you wait. Thank you to the author for granting his Patreon members early access.
LEFT TO YOU was one of my very first forays into extreme horror, and that book will forever be special to me. When I found out a prequel was coming that would center around Josef, I was ecstatic, but I also wondered how anything could come close to the first book.
Volpe pulled it off effortlessly.
First, it is 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 that you read LEFT TO YOU first. After surviving the horror of the Nazi camps, much of Josef's life is unaccounted for. The reader will be intimately familiar with the 'gift' that Josef was given in book one and the moral dilemma he grapples with daily. Every time he uses the gift, it gives him pause, but he tells himself it's for the better.
I wrote in my first review that the book read like a parable, and this one does as well. Stripped of all its horror, it is a classic tale with the themes of good vs. evil and the needs of the many vs. the needs of the one. The prose is devoid is any optimism or hope; it's bleak, stark, yet strangely beautiful. What would it be like to say yes to something so powerful yet so horrific? Do we rationalize all of the poor decisions we make in this life to escape the damnation that we know is coming?
If you shy away from horror because you don't like all of the lurid descriptions of violence and gore, please trust me when I say that you will be safe with this book. There is nothing overly graphic or gratuitous, and I think you will be forever changed after reading these two masterpieces. FOR THE BETTER is coming May 10, so get those pre-orders in and read the first book while you wait. Thank you to the author for granting his Patreon members early access.
May 3, 2025
Josef knows of evil due to his time in Auschwitz. After being freed from the camps, he finds Kollmer, the lieutenant in charge of all his pain, and ends his life. Just when Josef thinks he's free from him, he finds Kollmers' secret hidden in the basement. A demon. One of the seven kings of hell. Belphegor.
In Left To You, we hear about Robert's story, but we're left with unanswered questions about Josefs life after killing Kollmer and being the new master to the demon. 70 years of Josefs life unanswered, until now. For The Better takes us back to Josefs' life and the sacrifices he had to make in order to continue living. All the pain and suffering he endured was all for the better. Right?
This is a midquel, and Volpe didn't miss! Just when you think Left To You was heartbreaking, in comes For The Better. Reading diary entries from Josef and his time with Belphegor was painful and ruthless. Every soul given to the demon was for the better, but it didn't feel great for Josef. The demon is vicious, taunting, and Josefs worst nightmare. Belphegor is disgusting and just what you would picture a demon to look like. The last diary entry was a sad one, and you can see Josef finally giving up. An excellent read and extension of this world! I absolutely loved it!
In Left To You, we hear about Robert's story, but we're left with unanswered questions about Josefs life after killing Kollmer and being the new master to the demon. 70 years of Josefs life unanswered, until now. For The Better takes us back to Josefs' life and the sacrifices he had to make in order to continue living. All the pain and suffering he endured was all for the better. Right?
This is a midquel, and Volpe didn't miss! Just when you think Left To You was heartbreaking, in comes For The Better. Reading diary entries from Josef and his time with Belphegor was painful and ruthless. Every soul given to the demon was for the better, but it didn't feel great for Josef. The demon is vicious, taunting, and Josefs worst nightmare. Belphegor is disgusting and just what you would picture a demon to look like. The last diary entry was a sad one, and you can see Josef finally giving up. An excellent read and extension of this world! I absolutely loved it!
June 30, 2024
After finishing Left to You, by Daniel J. Volpe, the other day, I figured I’d read the prequel, For the Better, while the story was still fresh in my mind. While it was an enjoyable read, afterwards I ended up asking myself, “Was this book even necessary?” For me, it was not. I know the author felt a prequel was needed in order to expand upon some elements that were part of the first book, but I can’t help feeling it was less of an explanation of how Josef used the demon to his benefit, and more like an opportunity to describe further sacrifices to the demon simply for the sake of shocking the readers.
That said, the story did offer some explanation to events that took place in Left to You, and was somewhat interesting, but I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as Left to You. I give this book a 3 out of 5.
That said, the story did offer some explanation to events that took place in Left to You, and was somewhat interesting, but I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as Left to You. I give this book a 3 out of 5.
May 18, 2024
After being blown away by Left to You I was looking forward to reading this but also nervous, how can this live up to its predecessor?
This is a Midquel, taking place in the middle of the two timelines in Left to You. If you were left wondering what happened to Josef over the years then this scratches that itch. Beautifully crafted to fill in the gap and get to know more about Josef's life. There are some graphic descriptions, these are well placed in the story highlighting the inner turmoil of Josef around his choices.
If you have read Left to You you need to read this. If you haven't read Left to You you need to read that first then this book.
I'm not sure if I want a sequel to Left to You, what Daniel Volpe has given readers is perfection already.
This is a Midquel, taking place in the middle of the two timelines in Left to You. If you were left wondering what happened to Josef over the years then this scratches that itch. Beautifully crafted to fill in the gap and get to know more about Josef's life. There are some graphic descriptions, these are well placed in the story highlighting the inner turmoil of Josef around his choices.
If you have read Left to You you need to read this. If you haven't read Left to You you need to read that first then this book.
I'm not sure if I want a sequel to Left to You, what Daniel Volpe has given readers is perfection already.
June 11, 2024
Wow this prequel slapped! 🔥🔥
I’m not going to lie, I was a bit cautious going in as ‘Left to You’ is one of my fave extreme horrors, but this added so much to the story. Josef was already a solid character but this allowed him to have even more depth and allowed the reader to understand the true reasons for his actions. I was so invested in his story, and it really tugged at my heart strings. Not only that, the gore was next level and some of the descriptions about the demons pee pee had me HOWLING. (Yes I said pee pee).
I don’t know what else to say other than this is the prequel I didn’t know I needed. Just check it out you won’t be disappointed.
I’m not going to lie, I was a bit cautious going in as ‘Left to You’ is one of my fave extreme horrors, but this added so much to the story. Josef was already a solid character but this allowed him to have even more depth and allowed the reader to understand the true reasons for his actions. I was so invested in his story, and it really tugged at my heart strings. Not only that, the gore was next level and some of the descriptions about the demons pee pee had me HOWLING. (Yes I said pee pee).
I don’t know what else to say other than this is the prequel I didn’t know I needed. Just check it out you won’t be disappointed.
June 14, 2024
If you were heavily invested in Left to You, then this book is a must read. We get Josef's mid story and all the hellish details that led to him passing a monstrous responsibility onto Robert.
I honestly put myself into Josef's shoe's and I couldn't be more torn than he was, what seemingly was For the Better is what ended up as Left to You. This man is the epitome of human suffering, a man who struggles with his conscience, every decision he makes peels years off his life while at the same time adding to it. His whole life was just one miserable existence, no matter what he did to try and better it. A solid 4 stars.
I honestly put myself into Josef's shoe's and I couldn't be more torn than he was, what seemingly was For the Better is what ended up as Left to You. This man is the epitome of human suffering, a man who struggles with his conscience, every decision he makes peels years off his life while at the same time adding to it. His whole life was just one miserable existence, no matter what he did to try and better it. A solid 4 stars.
December 26, 2024
The prequel/midquel to Left to You was quite a wild ride!
This story bridges the gap between what happens after Josef obtains the demon and how it leads him to finding Robert. If you found Left to You to be fairly "tame" as a Splatterpunk novel, you'll be pleased to find that Belphegor is a lot more active in this story, and he is just as vile as ever.
I liked the writing in this story, Daniel does a great job at getting into your emotions as he writes this terrible tale. I do like the original book more for the overall story but this definitely bridged the gap between the camp and Robert very nicely!
This story bridges the gap between what happens after Josef obtains the demon and how it leads him to finding Robert. If you found Left to You to be fairly "tame" as a Splatterpunk novel, you'll be pleased to find that Belphegor is a lot more active in this story, and he is just as vile as ever.
I liked the writing in this story, Daniel does a great job at getting into your emotions as he writes this terrible tale. I do like the original book more for the overall story but this definitely bridged the gap between the camp and Robert very nicely!
April 24, 2024
For The Better looks further into Josef's life after he is burdened with the demon prince of hell known as Belphegor and the sacrifices he's made to the vile creature. I loved the "behind the scenes" feel of this "midquel" to Left For You, and how much Josef's burden really took a toll on him. Even the most violent and evil men took a part of him as he dispatched them to the demon. The innocent ones made him hate himself more so than he could have imagined. Could using a prince of hell possibly hold any unanswered consequences?
May 25, 2024
In "For the Better" we get the gaps filled in from the time jumps and works as a "mid-quel" for Left to You.
There are some time jumps in the first book from that we really kind of let our imagination fill in the gaps, and this one fills in those gaps for us. It shows us how the older gentleman in the first book has handled the gift he was given and what he's done with it. It really dives into what he has to do morally to come to grips with it and while he is using it.
If you loved, "Left to You" you will want to pick this one up.
There are some time jumps in the first book from that we really kind of let our imagination fill in the gaps, and this one fills in those gaps for us. It shows us how the older gentleman in the first book has handled the gift he was given and what he's done with it. It really dives into what he has to do morally to come to grips with it and while he is using it.
If you loved, "Left to You" you will want to pick this one up.
October 29, 2024
I enjoyed this just as much as I did Left To You. In this prequel, well it’s actually more of a midquel… because it picks up on where we left off during Josef’s time in Auschwitz in Left To You. We finally get more insight and answers to why Josef did what he did and also learn more about the demon, Belphegor.
For the Better is much shorter length wise but delivered in every way possible and answered my questions I had after finishing Left To You. I definitely recommend picking this one up after finishing book one! It’ll help fill in those missing pieces.
For the Better is much shorter length wise but delivered in every way possible and answered my questions I had after finishing Left To You. I definitely recommend picking this one up after finishing book one! It’ll help fill in those missing pieces.
May 16, 2024
I finished For the Better by Daniel Volpe last night, the prequel (or midquel as he coined it) to 'Left to You,' and loved it! The detail he goes into for Belphegor, the demon, is amazing! Probably the best depiction of a demon I've ever laid eyes on, just stunningly despicable, I loved it! If you haven't read Left to You yet definitely read it before this one. Highly recommend this new novel by Daniel!
December 28, 2024
Superb midquel. If you've read left to you then this is a no brainer. It fills in some blanks and is a top roaring ride of grotesque proportions.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing is articulate and easy to read, the horror is expertly gruesome and keeps the pace moving brilliantly. I highly recommend this. But you must read left to you first!
I thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing is articulate and easy to read, the horror is expertly gruesome and keeps the pace moving brilliantly. I highly recommend this. But you must read left to you first!
January 23, 2025
I usually hate prequels so when I find a good one it's GOOD! Just like left to you, I could not put this down even if I wanted to. I love Josef and was thrilled to know that this book fills in the gap between him finding belphegor to when he passed him to Robert in left to you and I am absolutely all for it!
July 14, 2024
A great follow-up to Left To You. This novel fills in some of the gaps in the story told in the first novel, becoming a sort of "mid-quel" to the prior book. If you liked Left To You, then this is a must read
May 25, 2024
Loved it , it was nice to get to know Josef’s story Highly recommend!!
August 13, 2024
A great add on to “left to you”. Josef has one of the most unique story’s to tell. I love how Volpe writes and this was the icing on the cake to go along with one of my favorite books.
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